Battery pole processing apparatus and method, storage medium

Abstract

The application provides a battery pole processing equipment and method and a storage medium. The processing equipment comprises an air pump, an upper computer and a stamping module. After the battery pole with a skirt is stamped out by the stamping module, an annular notch is cut in the skirt by an annular cutter at a third station. A cylindrical ring with a hollow ring body and a side surface communicated with the air pump is arranged on a fourth stamping table at a fourth station. The number of through holes on the upper surface of the cylindrical ring is different. After the excess part of the skirt is broken along the annular notch by a top block of a fourth stamping head, the battery pole falls into a discharging device to complete discharging. After the upper computer controls the stamping module to perform a stamping operation and the rising duration of the stamping module reaches a target duration, the air pump is started to inject air into the cylindrical ring. The number of the through holes makes the air pressure of the feeding side of the waste material left on the surface of the cylindrical ring greater than the air pressure of the discharging side, so that a parabola is formed towards the discharging side to remove the waste material from the stamping module. The stamping, cutting and waste material removal of the battery pole are realized integrally, and the production efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automated manufacturing technology, and in particular to a processing device and method for battery terminals, as well as a storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] In the production of battery terminals, cylindrical workpieces are placed in stamping equipment to form the front and back sides. Since each stamping operation only completes one shaping step, and battery terminals require multiple shaping processes, several different stamping processes are necessary. Some stamping equipment already offers multiple stamping stations, achieving different shaping effects by setting different stamping tables at each station. Furthermore, robotic arms enable cross-station workpiece transport, achieving intelligent processing of battery terminals.

[0003] The raw material dimensions of battery terminals typically have some redundancy, and the material squeezed during stamping also diffuses towards the skirt. Therefore, an additional cutting station is set at the end of the stamping equipment, with a ring cutter on the stamping head to cut the skirt. However, after cutting, the battery terminals detach from the scrap. The robotic arm's unloading operation can only remove the battery terminals, leaving the scrap in the stamping station. If the scrap is removed manually, the stamping equipment needs to be stopped, or a long standby time needs to be set between stamping operations, which seriously affects production efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes a processing equipment and method for battery terminals, as well as a storage medium, which can automatically remove waste material while completing the unloading at the unloading station, thereby improving production efficiency.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a processing device for battery terminals, including an air pump, a host computer, and a stamping module. The host computer is communicatively connected to the air pump and the stamping module. The stamping module includes a first station, a second station, a third station, and a fourth station arranged in sequence.

[0006] The first station is used to stamp the electrode raw material into an intermediate workpiece consisting of a front electrode, a skirt, and a back protrusion;

[0007] The second station is used to stamp the back protrusion into a back electrode post to obtain a battery electrode post;

[0008] The third stamping head of the third station is equipped with a ring cutter aligned with the skirt edge, and the ring cutter is used to cut a ring notch in the skirt edge;

[0009] The fourth station includes a fourth stamping head, a fourth stamping table, and a feeding device. The fourth stamping table is provided with a hollow cylindrical ring, which is used to abut against the skirt. The bottom of the cylindrical ring is connected to the feeding device. The inner diameter of the cylindrical ring is equal to the diameter of the annular blade. The side of the cylindrical ring is connected to the air pump through an air supply pipe. The upper surface of the cylindrical ring is provided with multiple through holes, with the number of through holes on the feeding side being greater than the number of through holes on the discharging side. The fourth stamping head is provided with a top block, which is used to stamp the battery terminal so that the battery terminal breaks off along the annular notch on the skirt and falls into the feeding device.

[0010] The host computer is used to control the stamping module to perform the stamping operation, and is also used to start the air pump to perform the air blowing action on the cylindrical ring after the rising time of the stamping module reaches the target time.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, it further includes:

[0012] A feeding device is located on the feeding side of the stamping module. The feeding device includes a conveyor belt for feeding the electrode raw materials one by one. The feeding device, the first station, the second station, the third station, and the fourth station are distributed at equal distances.

[0013] The material transfer device includes a first robotic arm, a second robotic arm, a third robotic arm, and a fourth robotic arm with suction cups on their lower sides. The first robotic arm is used to transport the electrode raw material from the conveyor belt to the first station. The second robotic arm is used to transport the intermediate workpiece from the first station to the second station. The third robotic arm is used to transport the battery electrode from the second station to the third station. The fourth robotic arm is used to transport the battery electrode from the third station to the fourth station.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first station includes a first stamping head and a first stamping table, and the second station includes a second stamping head and a second stamping table. Both the first stamping head and the second stamping head are provided with a first mold. The first mold is used to stamp out the front electrode post. The first stamping table is provided with a second mold. The second mold is used to stamp out the back protrusion. The second stamping table is provided with a third mold. The third mold is used to stamp the back protrusion into the back electrode post.

[0015] The third station also includes a third stamping table, which is equipped with a fourth mold. When the battery terminal is placed in the fourth mold, the upper surface of the skirt is flush with the upper surface of the fourth mold. The longitudinal length of the ring cutter is greater than half the thickness of the skirt and less than the thickness of the skirt. The third stamping head is embedded with a pressure sensor, which is connected to the ring cutter and is communicatively connected to the host computer.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a feeding channel is provided in the middle of the fourth stamping table, the feeding channel is connected between the cylindrical ring and the feeding device, and the inner diameter of the feeding channel is larger than the inner diameter of the cylindrical ring and smaller than the outer diameter of the skirt.

[0017] A photoelectric sensor is embedded in the side wall of the feeding channel, and the photoelectric sensor is communicatively connected to the host computer.

[0018] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention also provide a method for processing battery terminals, applied to a host computer of a battery terminal processing equipment as described in the first aspect, the method comprising:

[0019] The control stamping module performs a stamping operation, wherein the electrode raw material is stamped into an intermediate workpiece consisting of a front electrode, a skirt, and a back protrusion at the first station, the intermediate workpiece is stamped into a battery electrode at the second station, the skirt of the battery electrode is cut into an annular notch by an annular cutter at the third station, and the skirt of the battery electrode is broken along the annular notch under the pressing action of the top block at the fourth station and the abutment action of the cylindrical ring, and falls into the unloading device;

[0020] When the upward reset time of the stamping module is detected to reach the preset target time, a blowing start signal is sent to the air pump so that the air pump performs a blowing action on the cylindrical ring.

[0021] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the processing equipment for battery terminals further includes a feeding device located on the feeding side of the stamping module, the feeding device including a conveyor belt, and the feeding device, the first station, the second station, the third station and the fourth station being distributed at equal distances; a material transfer device, provided with a first robotic arm, a second robotic arm, a third robotic arm and a fourth robotic arm with suction cups on their lower sides;

[0022] Before controlling the stamping module to perform the stamping operation, the method further includes:

[0023] The distance between the conveyor belt and the first workstation is defined as the first distance, and half of the first distance is defined as the second distance.

[0024] The material transfer device is controlled to move laterally to the feed side based on the second distance and then pick up the target object. The target object of the first robotic arm is the electrode raw material of the conveyor belt, the target object of the second robotic arm is the intermediate workpiece of the first station, the target object of the third robotic arm is the battery electrode of the second station, and the target object of the fourth robotic arm is the battery electrode of the third station.

[0025] After controlling the material transfer device to move laterally towards the discharge side based on the first distance, it performs the material feeding operation;

[0026] After the material transfer device is controlled to move laterally to the feed side based on the second distance, it enters a standby state.

[0027] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the third stamping head is embedded with a pressure sensor, the pressure sensor is connected to the annular cutter, and the pressure sensor is communicatively connected to the host computer;

[0028] Controlling the stamping module to perform stamping operations includes:

[0029] Real-time detection of the target sensing value of the pressure sensor;

[0030] When the target sensing value remains unchanged during the stamping process, a first prompt message is generated, wherein the first prompt message is used to indicate that the ring cutter is abnormal;

[0031] Alternatively, when the target sensing value first increases and then remains constant during the stamping process, a second prompt message is generated, wherein the second prompt message is used to indicate that the skirt is cut off.

[0032] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a feeding channel is provided in the middle of the fourth stamping table, the feeding channel is connected between the cylindrical ring and the feeding device, the inner diameter of the feeding channel is larger than the inner diameter of the cylindrical ring and smaller than the outer diameter of the skirt; a photoelectric sensor is embedded in the side wall of the feeding channel, and the photoelectric sensor is communicatively connected to the host computer.

[0033] After real-time detection of the target sensing value of the pressure sensor, the method further includes:

[0034] The moment when the stamping module completes the stamping operation is defined as the first moment, and the target sensing value at the first moment is recorded as the reference sensing value.

[0035] The moment when the photoelectric sensor acquires the photoelectric sensing signal is determined as the second moment, and the difference between the second moment and the first moment is recorded as the target duration;

[0036] When the target duration exceeds the preset reference duration, the reference sensing value is obtained from multiple consecutive records in the historical record.

[0037] As the values ​​of the multiple reference sensor values ​​gradually increase, the first prompt message is generated.

[0038] Alternatively, when multiple reference sensor values ​​are equal, a third prompt message is generated, wherein the third prompt message is used to indicate an abnormality at the fourth workstation.

[0039] According to some embodiments of the present invention, sending a blowing start signal to the air pump includes:

[0040] Obtain the model information of the battery terminal, and determine the target air pressure from a preset mapping table based on the model information, wherein the preset mapping table records the mapping relationship between the terminal model and the blowing air pressure;

[0041] The blowing start signal is generated based on the target air pressure.

[0042] Thirdly, embodiments of the present invention provide a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions for performing the battery terminal processing method as described in the first aspect above.

[0043] The battery terminal processing equipment according to embodiments of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: an air pump, a host computer, and a stamping module, wherein the host computer is communicatively connected to the air pump and the stamping module, and the stamping module includes a first station, a second station, a third station, and a fourth station arranged sequentially; the first station is used to stamp the terminal raw material into an intermediate workpiece composed of a front terminal, a skirt, and a back protrusion; the second station is used to stamp the back protrusion into a back terminal to obtain a battery terminal; the third station has a third stamping head provided with an annular cutter aligned with the skirt, the annular cutter being used to cut an annular notch in the skirt; the fourth station includes a fourth stamping head, a fourth stamping table, and a blanking device, the fourth stamping table being provided with... A hollow cylindrical ring is used to abut against the skirt. The bottom of the cylindrical ring is connected to the feeding device. The inner diameter of the cylindrical ring is equal to the diameter of the annular blade. The side of the cylindrical ring is connected to the air pump through an air supply pipe. The upper surface of the cylindrical ring is provided with multiple through holes, with more through holes on the inlet side than on the outlet side. The fourth stamping head is provided with a top block, which is used to stamp the battery terminal so that the battery terminal breaks off along the annular notch on the skirt and falls into the feeding device. The host computer is used to control the stamping module to perform the stamping operation and also to start the air pump to blow air onto the cylindrical ring after the stamping module has reached the target rising time. According to the technical solution of the present invention, after the stamping and shaping of the battery terminal is completed, an annular notch is cut out for the excess part of the skirt, and then the top block is used to break it along the annular notch to obtain a battery terminal that meets the specifications. After falling into the unloading device, the unloading is completed. The remaining waste is left on the surface of the cylindrical ring. The number of through holes makes the air pressure on the infeed side of the waste greater than the air pressure on the discharge side. When it is blown up, the movement trajectory points to the discharge side, thereby removing the waste from the stamping module. The stamping, cutting and waste removal of the battery terminal are realized in one integrated manner, improving production efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0044] Figure 1 This is a front view of a processing device provided in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a processing device provided in another embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the shape of the battery terminal at each workstation according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a cylindrical ring provided in another embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a battery terminal processing method provided in another embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of a battery terminal processing apparatus provided in another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0050] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0051] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0052] In the description of this invention, "several" means one or more, "more than" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. The use of "first" and "second" in the description is merely for distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0053] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "setting," "installing," and "connecting" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0054] This invention provides a battery terminal processing device and method, and a storage medium. The battery terminal processing device includes an air pump, a host computer, and a stamping module. The host computer is communicatively connected to the air pump and the stamping module. The stamping module includes a first station, a second station, a third station, and a fourth station arranged sequentially. The first station is used to stamp the terminal raw material into an intermediate workpiece composed of a front terminal, a skirt, and a back protrusion. The second station is used to stamp the back protrusion into a back terminal to obtain the battery terminal. The third station has a third stamping head equipped with an annular cutter aligned with the skirt, which is used to cut an annular notch in the skirt. The fourth station includes a fourth stamping head, a fourth stamping table, and a feeding device. The fourth stamping station is equipped with a hollow cylindrical ring, which abuts against the skirt. The bottom of the cylindrical ring is connected to the feeding device. The inner diameter of the cylindrical ring is equal to the diameter of the annular blade. The side of the cylindrical ring is connected to the air pump through an air supply pipe. The upper surface of the cylindrical ring is provided with multiple through holes, with the number of through holes on the feeding side being greater than the number of through holes on the discharging side. The fourth stamping head is equipped with a top block, which is used to stamp the battery terminal so that the battery terminal breaks off along the annular notch on the skirt and falls into the feeding device. The host computer is used to control the stamping module to perform the stamping operation and also to start the air pump to blow air onto the cylindrical ring after the stamping module's rising time reaches the target time. According to the technical solution of the present invention, after the stamping and shaping of the battery terminal is completed, an annular notch is cut out for the excess part of the skirt, and then the top block is used to break it along the annular notch to obtain a battery terminal that meets the specifications. After falling into the unloading device, the unloading is completed. The remaining waste is left on the surface of the cylindrical ring. The number of through holes makes the air pressure on the infeed side of the waste greater than the air pressure on the discharge side. When it is blown up, the movement trajectory points to the discharge side, thereby removing the waste from the stamping module. The stamping, cutting and waste removal of the battery terminal are realized in one integrated manner, improving production efficiency.

[0055] First, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 This is a front view of the equipment used for processing battery terminals 33. Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the processing equipment. The processing equipment for the battery terminal 33 in this embodiment includes:

[0056] The system includes an air pump, a host computer, and a stamping module. The host computer is connected to the air pump and the stamping module. The stamping module includes a first station 11, a second station 12, a third station 13, and a fourth station 14 arranged in sequence.

[0057] The first station 11 is used to stamp the electrode raw material 31 into an intermediate workpiece 32 consisting of a front electrode 34, a skirt 35 and a back protrusion 36.

[0058] The second station 12 is used to stamp the back protrusion 36 into a back electrode post to obtain the battery electrode post 33.

[0059] The third stamping head 131 of the third station 13 is equipped with a ring cutter, which is used to cut a ring notch 37 on the skirt 35.

[0060] The fourth station 14 includes a fourth stamping head 141, a fourth stamping table 142, and a feeding device 40. The fourth stamping table 142 is provided with a hollow cylindrical ring 145, which is used to abut against the skirt 35. The bottom of the cylindrical ring 145 is connected to the feeding device 40. The inner diameter of the cylindrical ring 145 is equal to the diameter of the annular blade. The side of the cylindrical ring 145 is connected to the air pump through the air supply pipe 144. The upper surface of the cylindrical ring 145 is provided with multiple through holes 146. The number of through holes 146 on the feeding side is greater than the number of through holes 146 on the discharging side. The fourth stamping head 141 is provided with a top block 143, which is used to stamp the battery terminal 33 so that the battery terminal 33 falls into the feeding device 40 after breaking off along the annular notch 37 at the skirt 35.

[0061] The host computer is used to control the stamping module to perform stamping operations, and also to start the air pump to blow air into the cylindrical ring 145 after the stamping module's rising time reaches the target time.

[0062] It should be noted that, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the stamping module includes a first station 11, a second station 12, a third station 13, and a fourth station 14 in sequence from the material feeding direction. The spacing between each station is the same. Each station is equipped with a corresponding stamping table and stamping head. The specific installation method can be set according to actual needs. Various types of mounting tables and mounting brackets can be set. Each stamping head can be installed on the same lifting platform to achieve simultaneous lifting and lowering, so that the four stations can complete the stamping synchronously. The specific structure of the stamping control device and the transportation structure between the stations are technologies well known to those skilled in the art, and will not be limited here.

[0063] It should be noted that, as Figure 2 As shown, an air supply pipe 144 is provided on the side of the fourth stamping station 142. The other end of the air supply pipe 144 is connected to an air pump (not shown in the figure). The air pump can be installed on the rear side or the discharge side of the fourth station 14, as long as there is sufficient installation space. Similarly, the host computer can be installed on the feeding side of the stamping module to facilitate the control of the stamping module and the feeding device 50. This embodiment does not limit the specific installation method of the air pump and the host computer.

[0064] It should be noted that the first station 11 and the second station 12 are used to stamp out the battery terminals 33 in two steps, such as... Figure 3As shown, the electrode material 31 of the battery electrode 33 is a cylindrical structure and is a metal structure. In this embodiment, the front electrode 34, the skirt 35 and the back protrusion 36 are first stamped out at the first station 11. At the second station 12, the back protrusion 36 is stamped a second time to form the back electrode from the cylindrical structure. A suitable mold can be set according to the specific shape requirements of the battery electrode 33. This embodiment does not impose many restrictions on the stamping process.

[0065] It should be noted that, as Figure 1 As shown, the bottom of the third stamping head 131 of the third station 13 is provided with a ring cutter. The inner side of the ring cutter is hollow, thus avoiding the front terminal post 34 during the cutting of the notch. The diameter of the ring cutter is determined according to the outer diameter of the skirt 35 of the battery terminal post 33. After the stamping is completed at the second station 12, since there is a certain redundancy in the terminal post material 31, this embodiment does not cut the skirt 35 with the ring cutter. Instead, it cuts an annular notch 37 according to the specifications of the skirt 35. For example, the specifications of the battery terminal post 33 require the width of the skirt 35 to be 1mm. After the stamping is completed at the second station 12, the width of the skirt 35 is 3mm. The annular notch 37 cut by the ring cutter is 1mm away from the lateral distance of the front terminal post 34. The 2mm outside the annular notch 37 is waste material 38. If the skirt 35 is cut at the third station 13, a blanking operation must be introduced. After the stamping is completed, the blanking and scrap removal operations need to be completed, which will inevitably lead to a long waiting time between the two stamping operations. In this embodiment, only the annular notch 37 is cut at the third station 13, so that the battery terminal 33 that meets the specifications can be obtained by breaking the annular notch 37 when it is transported to the fourth station 14, and the blanking and scrap removal operations are completed at the same time, which effectively reduces the waiting time between the two stamping operations and improves production efficiency.

[0066] It is worth noting that the annular notch 37 is used for breaking at the fourth station 14, so it is necessary to ensure that the annular notch 37 is easy to break. In this embodiment, the length of the annular blade is controlled so that the skirt 35 is not cut off but is cut in as much as possible. For example, the cutting depth of the annular blade is controlled to be greater than half the thickness of the skirt 35, but less than the thickness of the skirt 35. The specific cutting depth can be determined according to the model of the battery terminal 33 actually produced. After determining the cutting depth, a suitable annular blade is replaced at the third stamping head 131.

[0067] It should be noted that, as Figure 1As shown, the bottom of the fourth stamping head 141 of the fourth station 14 is provided with a top block 143, and the fourth stamping table 142 is provided with a cylindrical ring 145. The cylindrical ring 145 abuts against the skirt 35. Since the inner diameter of the cylindrical ring 145 is equal to the inner diameter of the annular blade, the cylindrical ring 145 actually abuts against the outer side of the annular notch 37. The inner part of the annular notch 37 is the skirt 35 of the battery terminal 33 that is actually required. Therefore, it is only necessary to break along the annular notch 37 to obtain the battery terminal 33 that meets the specifications. In this embodiment, the inner edge of the cylindrical ring 145 is aligned with the annular notch 37. The size of the top block 143 is usually not too large. When the top block 143 is released from the front terminal post 34, the battery terminal post 33 is folded down along the annular notch 37. Then, the fourth stamping head 141 and the cylindrical ring 145 cooperate to clamp the outer side of the annular notch 37, so that the battery terminal post 33 is broken along the annular notch 37. Since the cylindrical ring 145 is connected to the feeding device 40, the battery terminal post 33 falls into the feeding device 40 under the action of gravity.

[0068] For example, such as Figure 3 As shown, the electrode raw material 31 entering the first station 11 is a cylinder. After being stamped in the first station 11, the intermediate workpiece 32 is obtained, which includes a front electrode 34, a larger skirt 35 and a back protrusion 36 from top to bottom. After being stamped in the second station 12, the back protrusion 36 is processed into a back electrode. An annular notch 37 is cut in the skirt 35 through the third station 13. After being broken along the annular notch 37 in the fourth station 14, the outer diameter of the skirt 35 is reduced to the required specification, so that the electrode raw material 31 is processed into a battery electrode 33 after passing through four stations in sequence.

[0069] It should be noted that in this embodiment, during the stamping and descent process, the battery terminal 33 is unloaded at the fourth station 14, and the remaining scrap 38 is left on the upper side of the cylindrical ring 145. Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, multiple through holes 146 are provided on the upper side of the cylindrical ring 145. Since the ring body of the cylindrical ring 145 is a hollow structure, the air injected by the air pump will be output from the through holes 146. As long as the air pump outputs sufficient air pressure, the waste material 38 can be blown up. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the number of through holes 146 on the feed side is greater than that on the discharge side. For example... Figure 4 The number of through holes 146 on the left side is greater than that on the right side, which makes the waste 38 have more stress points on the feeding side. Thus, when the air pressure is fixed, the feeding side is subjected to more force. After the waste 38 is blown up, it forms a parabola that flips towards the discharge side. When the air pressure is sufficient, it can fly out of the stamping module from the discharge direction. A waste 38 recycling device can be set at the position corresponding to the landing point.

[0070] It is worth noting that the timing of the air pump's blowing action is obtained by setting a target duration on the host computer. This ensures that the stamping module rises to a sufficient height so that the scrap 38 will not hit the fourth stamping head 141 after being blown up. The specific target duration can be obtained through multiple experiments based on different materials of scrap 38 and the air pressure control of the air pump. No specific value is specified here.

[0071] Additionally, in one embodiment, reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The processing equipment also includes:

[0072] The feeding device 50 is located on the feeding side of the stamping module. The feeding device 50 includes a conveyor belt for feeding the electrode raw material 31 one by one. The feeding device 50, the first station 11, the second station 12, the third station 13 and the fourth station 14 are distributed at equal distances.

[0073] The material transfer device 20 includes a first robotic arm 21, a second robotic arm 22, a third robotic arm 23, and a fourth robotic arm 24, with suction cups on the lower side. The first robotic arm 21 is used to transport the electrode raw material 31 from the conveyor belt to the first station 11. The second robotic arm 22 is used to transport the intermediate workpiece 32 from the first station 11 to the second station 12. The third robotic arm 23 is used to transport the battery electrode 33 from the second station 12 to the third station 13. The fourth robotic arm 24 is used to transport the battery electrode 33 from the third station 13 to the fourth station 14.

[0074] It should be noted that the feeding device 50 is located on the feeding side of the stamping module, and feeds the electrode raw materials 31 one by one via a conveyor belt. The transfer device 20 spans the feeding device 50 and the rear side of the stamping module. The transfer device 20 includes a track, in which a first robotic arm 21, a second robotic arm 22, a third robotic arm 23, and a fourth robotic arm 24 driven by a motor are set. Since the feeding device 50, the first station 11, the second station 12, the third station 13, and the fourth station 14 are equally distributed, the first robotic arm 21, the second robotic arm 22, the third robotic arm 23, and the fourth robotic arm 24 are also equally distributed, so that the motor drives each robotic arm with the same step value to pick up the corresponding target object from the corresponding station through the suction cup and move it to the next station.

[0075] Additionally, in one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3The first station 11 includes a first stamping head 111 and a first stamping table 112, and the second station 12 includes a second stamping head 121 and a second stamping table 122. The first stamping head 111 and the second stamping head 121 are each provided with a first mold. The first mold is used to stamp out the front electrode post 34. The first stamping table 112 is provided with a second mold. The second mold is used to stamp out the back protrusion 36. The second stamping table 122 is provided with a third mold. The third mold is used to stamp the back protrusion 36 into a back electrode post.

[0076] The third station 13 also includes a third stamping table 132, which is equipped with a fourth mold. When the battery terminal 33 is placed in the fourth mold, the upper surface of the skirt 35 is flush with the upper surface of the fourth mold. The longitudinal length of the ring cutter is greater than half the thickness of the skirt 35 and less than the thickness of the skirt 35. The third stamping head 131 is embedded with a pressure sensor, which is connected to the ring cutter and communicates with the host computer.

[0077] It should be noted that, as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the first stamping head 111 is used to stamp out the front terminal post 34. The first mold can be set according to the shape of the front terminal post 34. The first station 11 also needs to stamp out the back protrusion 36 and the skirt 35. Therefore, the first stamping table 112 is set with a second mold of the corresponding shape. The specific structure of the first mold and the second mold can be set according to the requirements of the battery terminal post 33.

[0078] It should be noted that the second stamping head 121 is only used to punch the back protrusion 36 out of the back terminal post. The upper part of the battery terminal post 33 does not need to be shaped. Therefore, the same first mold is set on the second stamping head 121 to provide a contact surface with a fitting shape for the front terminal post 34 and the skirt 35 on the upper side, so as to avoid deformation of the front side during stamping at the second station 12. The second stamping table 122 is equipped with a third mold, so that the back protrusion 36 of the intermediate workpiece 32 is punched out into a concave shape under the action of force to form the back terminal post. The third mold can be adjusted according to the actual shape of the back terminal post.

[0079] It should be noted that the third station 13 needs to cut an annular notch 37 in the skirt 35. In order to avoid affecting the front terminal post 34, this embodiment sets a fourth mold in the third stamping table 132, so that after the battery terminal post 33 is placed in the fourth mold, the upper surface of the skirt 35 is flush with the upper surface of the fourth mold. Furthermore, the third stamping head 131 is equipped with a downward-protruding annular blade, which is aligned with the skirt 35. Therefore, the front terminal post 34 must be located in the hollow area inside the annular blade, thereby avoiding the annular blade from making incorrect cuts to the front terminal post 34.

[0080] It should be noted that in this embodiment, different annular cutters are determined according to the thickness of the skirt 35. During the stamping process, the third stamping head 131 will be in contact with the third stamping table 132. Therefore, the longitudinal length of the annular cutter is actually the cutting depth. In this embodiment, the longitudinal depth of the annular cutter is controlled between the thickness of the skirt 35 and half of its value, so that the cutting depth of the annular notch 37 is greater than half of the skirt 35, but it is not completely cut off. When the battery terminal 33 is transported to the fourth station 14 by the fourth robotic arm 24, the waste material 38 will not fall off.

[0081] It should be noted that in this example, a pressure sensor is embedded in the third stamping head 131, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the third punch head 131 is composed of multiple assembly blocks. Therefore, a detachable pressure sensor can be installed on the lowest assembly block. The pressure on the ring cutter can be transmitted to this assembly block, thereby realizing pressure detection.

[0082] Additionally, in one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 1 The fourth stamping table 142 is provided with a feeding channel in the middle. The feeding channel is connected between the cylindrical ring 145 and the feeding device 40. The inner diameter of the feeding channel is larger than the inner diameter of the cylindrical ring 145 and smaller than the outer diameter of the skirt 35.

[0083] Photoelectric sensors are embedded in the side wall of the feeding channel, and the photoelectric sensors are connected to the host computer for communication.

[0084] It should be noted that the cylindrical ring 145 is an annular structure, therefore its middle part is hollow. In this embodiment, a feeding channel is set in the middle of the fourth stamping table 142, so that the cylindrical ring 145 is fixed on the upper side of the feeding channel. The lower side of the cylindrical ring 145 is connected to the feeding device 40 through the feeding channel. The inner diameter of the feeding channel is larger than the inner diameter of the cylindrical ring 145 but smaller than the outer diameter of the skirt 35, to prevent the battery terminal 33 from being stuck in the feeding channel after breaking along the annular notch 37, and to ensure that the battery terminal 33 falls into the feeding device 40 without lateral resistance. Of course, the cylindrical ring 145 has a certain width to ensure that the cylindrical ring 145 partially contacts the upper side of the feeding channel to provide a support point.

[0085] It should be noted that in this embodiment, a photoelectric sensor is embedded in the feeding channel. When the battery terminal 33 falls, it will pass through the photoelectric sensor, thereby sending a photoelectric sensing signal to the host computer to confirm that the battery terminal 33 has successfully broken and fallen into the feeding device 40.

[0086] In addition, this embodiment of the invention also provides a method for processing battery terminals, applied to the host computer of the battery terminal processing equipment described above, referring to... Figure 3 The processing method includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0087] S10, control the stamping module to perform stamping operation, wherein the electrode raw material is stamped into an intermediate workpiece consisting of a front electrode, a skirt and a back protrusion at the first station, the intermediate workpiece is stamped into a battery electrode at the second station, the skirt of the battery electrode is cut into an annular notch by an annular cutter at the third station, and the skirt of the battery electrode is broken along the annular notch under the pressing action of the top block at the fourth station and the abutment action of the cylindrical ring, and falls into the feeding device.

[0088] S20: When the rising time of the stamping module's upward reset is detected to reach the preset target time, a blowing start signal is sent to the air pump so that the air pump can perform a blowing action on the cylindrical ring.

[0089] It should be noted that the stamping principle of each station can be referred to the description of the above processing equipment embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0090] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the host computer is configured with stamping operation parameters, such as stamping pressure and stamping frequency. After startup, the host computer controls the stamping module according to these parameters. Those skilled in the art are familiar with how to control the stamping module to perform the stamping operation. Since the host computer knows the stamping frequency and the four stations operate synchronously, it can determine the moment when the stamping module begins its upward reset and start timing the ascent duration. Once the ascent duration reaches the target duration, the air pump operation is triggered.

[0091] In another embodiment, before performing step S10, the following steps are included, but are not limited to:

[0092] S01, the distance between the conveyor belt and the first workstation is defined as the first distance, and half of the first distance is defined as the second distance;

[0093] S02, control the material transfer device to move laterally to the feeding side based on the second distance and pick up the target object, wherein the target object of the first robotic arm is the electrode raw material of the conveyor belt, the target object of the second robotic arm is the intermediate workpiece of the first station, the target object of the third robotic arm is the battery electrode of the second station, and the target object of the fourth robotic arm is the battery electrode of the third station.

[0094] S03, control the material transfer device to move laterally to the discharge side based on the first distance and then perform the material feeding operation;

[0095] S04, the control transfer device moves laterally to the feed side based on the second distance and then enters the standby state.

[0096] It should be noted that, as Figure 1As shown, the feeding device 50 and each workstation are equidistantly distributed. In this embodiment, the distance between two workstations is taken as the first distance. Taking the first workstation 11 as an example, the second distance is the distance from the center of the first workstation 11 to the left side of the first workstation 11. The first distance is actually the distance between the center of the second workstation 12 and the center of the third workstation 13, and the distance between the center of the third workstation 13 and the center of the fourth workstation 14. A certain gap is left between each workstation. When each robotic arm is in standby mode, it is located in the corresponding gap. When the first robotic arm 21 is in standby mode, it is located to the left of the first stamping head 111. When the second robotic arm 22 is in standby mode, it is located between the first stamping head 111 and the second stamping head 121, and so on, so that each robotic arm avoids each stamping head during the stamping process.

[0097] It should be noted that the distance between the standby position of each robotic arm of the transfer device and the previous workstation is the second distance. Therefore, after the transfer device moves towards the feeding side according to the second distance, it can pick up the target object from the previous workstation. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the first robotic arm 21 removes the pole piece raw material from the feeding device 50, the second robotic arm 22 removes the intermediate workpiece from the first stamping table 112, and so on. After picking up the target object, it can move laterally to the discharge side according to the first distance to reach the next station. After completing the unloading operation, it resets to the standby position according to the second distance, thereby realizing the cross-station movement of the target object.

[0098] In another embodiment, step S10 specifically includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0099] S111, real-time detection of the target sensing value of the pressure sensor;

[0100] S112, when the target sensing value remains unchanged during the stamping process, a first prompt message is generated, wherein the first prompt message is used to indicate an abnormality in the ring cutter;

[0101] S113, when the target sensing value first increases and then remains constant during the stamping process, a second prompt message is generated, wherein the second prompt message is used to indicate that the skirt has been cut off.

[0102] It should be noted that, according to the description of the above processing equipment embodiment, the ring cutter is connected to a pressure sensor. The target sensing value of the pressure sensor is the pressure value generated when the ring cutter cuts into the skirt. When cutting in, it is subjected to the reaction force of the skirt. During the process of the punch head applying pressure, the target sensing value should continuously increase, and the target sensing value with the largest value is obtained when the third punch head reaches the maximum stroke.

[0103] It should be noted that if the target sensing value remains constant throughout the stamping process, the ring cutter may malfunction. For example, the ring cutter may be unsuitable or of incorrect length, leading to cutting failure. In such cases, the ring cutter needs to be adjusted, and an initial warning message should be generated to alert the operator.

[0104] It should be noted that when the target sensor value first increases and then remains unchanged, it can be determined that the skirt has been cut off. Since the third station does not have the function of removing waste, a second prompt message is generated to prompt troubleshooting, such as checking whether an excessively long ring cutter has been selected, or whether the position of the third punch head has not been adjusted correctly.

[0105] In another embodiment, after step S111 is performed, the following steps are included, but are not limited to:

[0106] S121, the moment when the stamping module completes the stamping operation is determined as the first moment, and the target sensing value at the first moment is recorded as the reference sensing value;

[0107] S122, the moment when the photoelectric sensor acquires the photoelectric sensing signal is determined as the second moment, and the difference between the second moment and the first moment is recorded as the target duration;

[0108] S123, when the target duration is longer than the preset reference duration, obtain reference sensor values ​​obtained from multiple consecutive records in the historical record;

[0109] S124, as the values ​​of multiple reference sensor values ​​gradually increase, the first prompt message is generated;

[0110] S125, when the values ​​of multiple reference sensor values ​​are equal, a third prompt message is generated, wherein the third prompt message is used to indicate an abnormality in the fourth station.

[0111] It should be noted that the first moment is the moment when the ring cutter completes its cutting. When the battery terminals are standard parts, the thickness of the skirt of each battery terminal should be within a certain error range. Therefore, the reference sensing value of the first moment corresponding to each stamping should be within a certain range. The time it takes for each battery terminal to pass through the photoelectric sensing signal after it is broken is also within a certain range. In this embodiment, the moment when the photoelectric sensing signal is obtained is determined as the second moment, and the difference between the second moment and the first moment is determined as the target duration. The value of the target duration will also be within a certain range. Therefore, in this embodiment, the reference duration is set as the upper limit of the target duration. When the target duration is greater than the reference duration, an anomaly occurs at the fourth station.

[0112] It should be noted that, in order to eliminate intermittent phenomena, this embodiment acquires multiple reference sensor values ​​for comparison. If the reference sensor values ​​gradually increase, it can be determined that the ring cutter is malfunctioning. For example, the sharpness of the ring cutter may be insufficient after repeated use, resulting in insufficient cutting depth of the skirt edge, making it difficult to break at the fourth station. The fault at the third station is eliminated by detecting the abnormal signal at the fourth station.

[0113] It should be noted that when the reference sensor values ​​are equal or within a certain error range, it can be determined that there is no abnormality in the third station. If there is an abnormality in the fourth station, such as an unreasonable top block setting causing the battery terminal to break due to delay, this will result in the front terminal being subjected to pressure for a longer time and being easily damaged. A third prompt message will be generated to remind the operator to perform maintenance.

[0114] In another embodiment, in step S20, a blowing start signal is sent to the air pump, which specifically includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0115] S21, Obtain the model information of the battery terminal, and determine the target air pressure from the preset mapping table based on the model information. The preset mapping table records the mapping relationship between the terminal model and the blowing air pressure.

[0116] S22 generates a blowing start signal based on the target air pressure.

[0117] It should be noted that different battery terminals have different materials and specifications, and different molds can be used to complete the stamping. Different cylindrical rings can also be set to remove the waste. However, the air pressure required to blow up waste of different materials and specifications is different. Therefore, in this embodiment, the model information of the battery terminal is input into the feeding machine, different blowing air pressures are recorded in the preset mapping table, the target air pressure is determined by looking up the table, and the air pump blowing start signal is generated according to the target air pressure, so that the air pump can input air into the cylindrical ring at the target air pressure to ensure that the waste is blown out of the stamping module.

[0118] like Figure 6 As shown, Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of a battery terminal processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. The present invention also provides a battery terminal processing apparatus, comprising:

[0119] The processor 401 can be implemented using a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), microprocessor, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits, and is used to execute relevant programs to implement the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0120] The memory 402 can be implemented as a read-only memory (ROM), static storage device, dynamic storage device, or random access memory (RAM). The memory 402 can store the operating system and other application programs. When the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this specification are implemented through software or firmware, the relevant program code is stored in the memory 402 and is called and executed by the processor 401 to execute the battery terminal processing method of the embodiments of this application.

[0121] Input / output interface 403 is used to implement information input and output;

[0122] The communication interface 404 is used to enable communication and interaction between this device and other devices. Communication can be achieved through wired means (such as USB, Ethernet cable, etc.) or wireless means (such as mobile network, WIFI, Bluetooth, etc.).

[0123] Bus 405 transmits information between various components of the device (e.g., processor 401, memory 402, input / output interface 403, and communication interface 404);

[0124] The processor 401, memory 402, input / output interface 403 and communication interface 404 are connected to each other within the device via bus 405.

[0125] This application embodiment also provides a storage medium, which is a computer-readable storage medium, storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the above-described battery terminal processing method.

[0126] Memory, as a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, can be used to store non-transitory software programs and non-transitory computer-executable programs. Furthermore, memory may include high-speed random access memory, and may also include non-transitory memory, such as at least one disk storage device, flash memory device, or other non-transitory solid-state storage device. In some embodiments, memory may optionally include memory remotely located relative to the processor, and these remote memories can be connected to the processor via a network. Examples of such networks include, but are not limited to, the Internet, intranets, local area networks, mobile communication networks, and combinations thereof. The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative, and the units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0127] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that all or some of the steps and systems in the methods disclosed above can be implemented as software, firmware, hardware, and suitable combinations thereof. Some or all of the physical components can be implemented as software executed by a processor, such as a central processing unit, digital signal processor, or microprocessor, or as hardware, or as an integrated circuit, such as an application-specific integrated circuit. Such software can be distributed on a computer-readable medium, which can include computer storage media (or non-transitory media) and communication media (or transient media). As is known to those skilled in the art, the term computer storage media includes volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storing information (such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data). Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD) or other optical disc storage, magnetic cartridges, magnetic tape, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store desired information and is accessible to a computer. Furthermore, as is known to those skilled in the art, communication media typically include computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in modulated data signals such as carrier waves or other transmission mechanisms, and may include any information delivery medium.

[0128] The above provides a detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Those skilled in the art can make various equivalent modifications or substitutions without departing from the spirit of the present invention. All such equivalent modifications or substitutions are included within the scope defined by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for processing battery terminals, characterized in that, A host computer is used in a processing equipment for battery terminals. The processing equipment also includes an air pump and a stamping module. The host computer is communicatively connected to the air pump and the stamping module. The stamping module includes a first station, a second station, a third station, and a fourth station arranged in sequence. The first station is used to stamp the terminal raw material into an intermediate workpiece consisting of a front terminal, a skirt, and a back protrusion. The second station is used to stamp the back protrusion into a back terminal to obtain a battery terminal. The third station has a third stamping head equipped with a ring cutter, which is used to cut a ring notch in the skirt. The fourth station includes a fourth stamping head, a fourth stamping table, and a feeding device. The fourth stamping table is equipped with a hollow cylindrical ring, which abuts against the skirt. The bottom of the cylindrical ring is connected to the feeding device. The inner diameter of the cylindrical ring is equal to the diameter of the ring cutter. The side of the cylindrical ring is connected to the air pump through an air supply pipe. The upper surface of the ring is provided with multiple through holes, with the number of through holes on the inlet side exceeding the number on the outlet side. The fourth stamping head is provided with a top block, which is used to stamp the battery terminal so that the battery terminal breaks off along the annular notch on the skirt and falls into the unloading device. The host computer is used to control the stamping module to perform the stamping operation, and also to start the air pump to blow air onto the cylindrical ring after the stamping module's rising time reaches the target time. The third stamping head is embedded with a pressure sensor, which is connected to the annular cutter and is communicatively connected to the host computer. The fourth stamping table is provided with a unloading channel in the middle, which connects the cylindrical ring and the unloading device. The inner diameter of the unloading channel is larger than the inner diameter of the cylindrical ring and smaller than the outer diameter of the skirt. A photoelectric sensor is embedded in the side wall of the unloading channel and is communicatively connected to the host computer. The method includes: The control stamping module performs a stamping operation, wherein the electrode raw material is stamped into an intermediate workpiece consisting of a front electrode, a skirt, and a back protrusion at the first station, the intermediate workpiece is stamped into a battery electrode at the second station, the skirt of the battery electrode is cut into an annular notch by an annular cutter at the third station, and the skirt of the battery electrode is broken along the annular notch under the pressing action of the top block at the fourth station and the abutment action of the cylindrical ring, and falls into the unloading device; When the upward reset time of the stamping module is detected to reach the preset target time, a blowing start signal is sent to the air pump so that the air pump performs a blowing action on the cylindrical ring. Controlling the stamping module to perform stamping operations includes: Real-time detection of the target sensing value of the pressure sensor; When the target sensing value remains unchanged during the stamping process, a first prompt message is generated, wherein the first prompt message is used to indicate that the ring cutter is abnormal; Alternatively, when the target sensing value first increases and then remains constant during the stamping process, a second prompt message is generated, wherein the second prompt message is used to indicate that the skirt is cut off; After real-time detection of the target sensing value of the pressure sensor, the method further includes: The moment when the stamping module completes the stamping operation is defined as the first moment, and the target sensing value at the first moment is recorded as the reference sensing value. The moment when the photoelectric sensor acquires the photoelectric sensing signal is determined as the second moment, and the difference between the second moment and the first moment is recorded as the target duration; When the target duration exceeds the preset reference duration, the reference sensing value is obtained from multiple consecutive records in the historical record. As the values ​​of the multiple reference sensor values ​​gradually increase, the first prompt message is generated. Alternatively, when multiple reference sensor values ​​are equal, a third prompt message is generated, wherein the third prompt message is used to indicate an abnormality at the fourth workstation.

2. The method for processing battery terminals according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery terminal processing equipment also includes a feeding device located on the feeding side of the stamping module. The feeding device includes a conveyor belt. The feeding device, the first station, the second station, the third station, and the fourth station are distributed at equal distances. The material transfer device includes a first robotic arm, a second robotic arm, a third robotic arm, and a fourth robotic arm with suction cups on their lower sides. Before controlling the stamping module to perform the stamping operation, the method further includes: The distance between the conveyor belt and the first workstation is defined as the first distance, and half of the first distance is defined as the second distance. The material transfer device is controlled to move laterally to the feed side based on the second distance and then pick up the target object. The target object of the first robotic arm is the electrode raw material of the conveyor belt, the target object of the second robotic arm is the intermediate workpiece of the first station, the target object of the third robotic arm is the battery electrode of the second station, and the target object of the fourth robotic arm is the battery electrode of the third station. After controlling the material transfer device to move laterally towards the discharge side based on the first distance, it performs the material feeding operation; After the material transfer device is controlled to move laterally to the feed side based on the second distance, it enters a standby state.

3. The method for processing battery terminals according to claim 2, characterized in that, Sending a blow-start signal to the air pump, including: Obtain the model information of the battery terminal, and determine the target air pressure from a preset mapping table based on the model information, wherein the preset mapping table records the mapping relationship between the terminal model and the blowing air pressure; The blowing start signal is generated based on the target air pressure.

4. The method for processing battery terminals according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first station includes a first stamping head and a first stamping table, and the second station includes a second stamping head and a second stamping table. Both the first stamping head and the second stamping head are provided with a first mold. The first mold is used to stamp out the front electrode post. The first stamping table is provided with a second mold. The second mold is used to stamp out the back protrusion. The second stamping table is provided with a third mold. The third mold is used to stamp the back protrusion into the back electrode post. The third station also includes a third stamping table, which is equipped with a fourth mold. When the battery terminal is placed in the fourth mold, the upper surface of the skirt is flush with the upper surface of the fourth mold. The longitudinal length of the ring cutter is greater than half the thickness of the skirt and less than the thickness of the skirt.

5. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions for causing a computer to perform the method for processing battery terminals as described in any one of claims 1 to 4.

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