Printing apparatus

Abstract

Printing equipment comprises a transmission module, the transmission module comprises a first track, a second track parallel to the first track and opposite to the first track in transmission direction, and at least one butt joint track located on the same side of the first track and the second track in the transmission direction, and a first driving assembly drives the butt joint track to select one to be in butt joint with the first track or the second track; the first track, the butt joint track and the second track form a circulating track; the plurality of printing carrying tables are distributed on the transmission module, and the printing carrying tables are used for carrying battery pieces; the positioning and deviation rectifying module is used for positioning and deviation rectifying the battery piece on the printing carrying table so as to adjust and place the battery piece at a preset position; and the printing module is located at the downstream of the positioning deviation correction module and used for printing all the battery pieces on the printing carrying table at the same time. According to the printing equipment, circulating transportation is combined with parallel, and a high-precision positioning and deviation rectifying system is adopted, so that the inherent defect that a printing platform deck in traditional printing equipment needs to return on an original path without load is overcome.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery cell printing technology, and in particular to a printing device. Background Technology

[0002] The transmission module is a commonly used component in solar cell printing equipment. Its transmission efficiency and utilization rate greatly restrict the working efficiency of the printing equipment and are one of the key factors determining the production capacity.

[0003] Traditional transport methods, such as linear conveyor belts or unidirectional track systems, have an inherent drawback: after the printing platform transports the solar cells from the loading position to the unloading position, it needs to return empty to the loading position before it can transport them again. This empty journey results in a huge waste of time, energy, and transport capacity, reducing overall efficiency.

[0004] To address the issue of unloaded loads, existing technologies typically employ circular tracks. However, simple planar circular tracks require a large footprint and are difficult to deploy in space-constrained factory buildings.

[0005] In view of this, it is necessary to provide a printing device to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a printing apparatus comprising a transmission module, including a first track, a second track parallel to the first track and in the opposite transmission direction, at least one docking track located on the same side of the first track and the second track in the transmission direction, a first driving component for driving the docking track to move, wherein the first driving component drives the docking track to selectively dock with either the first track or the second track; the first track, the docking track, and the second track constitute a circulating track; a plurality of printing platforms distributed on the transmission module, the printing platforms being used to carry battery cells; a positioning and correction module for positioning and correcting the battery cells on the printing platforms to adjust and place the battery cells in a preset position; and a printing module located downstream of the positioning and correction module for printing the battery cells on the printing platforms.

[0007] As a further improvement of the present invention, the transmission module further includes a fixed base and a pair of movable bases located on both sides of the fixed base in the transmission direction, the first track and the second track being located on different surfaces of the fixed base; the docking track is disposed on the movable base, and the first driving component drives the movable base to move or rotate relative to the fixed base, so that the docking track may selectively dock with the first track or the second track.

[0008] As a further improvement of the present invention, the fixed base has a first surface and a second surface parallel to the transmission direction, the first surface and the second surface are arranged in a circumferential direction perpendicular to the transmission direction, the first track and the second track are respectively located on the first surface and the second surface, and the movable base rotates about the central axis of the fixed base extending along the transmission direction.

[0009] As a further improvement of the present invention, the first track and the second track are arranged along a third direction that intersects the transmission direction, and the transmission module further includes an auxiliary track extending along the third direction, and the first driving component drives the movable base to move along the auxiliary track.

[0010] As a further improvement of the present invention, the printing stage has at least two placement areas for placing battery cells; Multiple positioning and correction stations are spaced apart along the transmission direction of the transmission module. Each positioning and correction station is equipped with a positioning and correction module. The positioning and correction module includes several groups of positioning and correction work groups. The total number of the positioning and correction work groups in all positioning and correction stations is greater than or equal to the number of placement areas on the printing platform.

[0011] As a further improvement of the present invention, the positioning and correction module includes a positioning mechanism and a correction mechanism located downstream of the positioning mechanism. The positioning mechanism is used to photograph and position the battery cell on the printing stage, and the correction mechanism is used to adjust the battery cell to a preset position according to the positioning result of the positioning mechanism.

[0012] As a further improvement of the present invention, the positioning mechanism includes a base plate, an image acquisition component movably mounted on the base plate, and a driving component for driving the image acquisition component to move along a second direction. The image acquisition component includes a frame and a plurality of imaging groups mounted on the frame. The imaging group includes two imaging units arranged along the transmission direction. The correction mechanism includes an adjustment component and a plurality of suction cup components fixed on the adjustment component. The adjustment component is used to drive the suction cup components to adjust the position of the battery cell. A group of the imaging group and a suction cup assembly constitute a positioning and correction working group, wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the transmission direction.

[0013] As a further improvement of the present invention, the number of positioning and correction work groups in the positioning and correction station may be the same or different.

[0014] As a further improvement of the present invention, the number of positioning and correction stations is M1, and the number of printing stages is N1, wherein N1≥2*M1+4; And / or, the number of positioning correction stations is M1, the number of positioning correction work groups in each positioning correction station is M2, and the number of placement areas is N2, wherein M1≤N2≤M1*M2; or N2 is an integer multiple of M2, and N2≤M1*M2.

[0015] As a further improvement of the present invention, the printing stage includes an adsorption platform, a table paper disposed on the adsorption platform, and a transmission component for moving the table paper. The transmission component has a first docking portion. The two ends of the transmission module along its transmission direction are a loading area and a unloading area, respectively. The loading area and the unloading area are provided with a second driving component. The driving component has a second docking portion, which is used to cooperate with the first docking portion and transmit the driving force of the driving component to the transmission component.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: The printing equipment cyclic transport combined with a parallel, high-precision positioning and correction system in this application solves the inherent defect of traditional printing equipment where the printing platform must "return empty along the original path". This ensures that the printing platform is always in a carrying state or ready to carry state. The throughput capacity of the system can be flexibly configured by increasing or decreasing the number of printing platforms and positioning and correction modules in the cyclic loop to adapt to different production batches and cycle requirements, and ensures that extremely high printing accuracy can still be achieved under high-speed production cycle. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and form part of this invention, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and are used to explain the invention, but do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the printing equipment of the present invention from one perspective; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the printing equipment of the present invention from another perspective; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the printing equipment of the present invention from another perspective; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the transmission module in one embodiment of this application is shown; Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A diagram from another angle; Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A diagram from another angle; Figure 7 yes Figure 4 A diagram from another angle; Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the transmission module in another embodiment of this application is shown; Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A diagram from another angle; Figure 10 yes Figure 8 A diagram from another angle; Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the transmission module in another embodiment of this application is shown; Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A diagram from another angle; Figure 13 yes Figure 11 A diagram from another angle; Figure 14 yes Figure 11 Schematic diagram of the fixed base in the middle; Figure 15 yes Figure 14 A diagram from another angle; Figure 16 yes Figure 14 A schematic diagram showing the coordination between the movable base and the auxiliary track; Figure 17 yes Figure 16 A diagram from another angle; Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the positioning mechanism of the present invention from one perspective; Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the positioning mechanism of the present invention from another perspective; Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the positioning mechanism of the present invention from another perspective; Figure 21 This is an exploded view of the positioning mechanism of the present invention; Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram of the image acquisition component of the present invention; Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram of the image acquisition component of the present invention after the protective plate has been removed; Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram of the first mounting plate of the present invention with an imaging unit; Figure 25 This is a schematic diagram of the second mounting plate of the present invention with an imaging unit; Figure 26 This is a schematic diagram of the correction mechanism of the present invention from one perspective; Figure 27 This is a schematic diagram of the correction mechanism of the present invention from another perspective; Figure 28 This is a schematic diagram of the correction mechanism of the present invention from another perspective; Figure 29 This is an exploded view of the correction mechanism of the present invention; Figure 30This is a connection diagram of the lifting drive device, the rotary drive device, and the suction cup assembly. Figure 31 This is a connection diagram of the lifting drive device, the rotary drive device, and the suction cup assembly. Figure 32 for Figure 31 A schematic diagram of the decomposition process; Figure 33 This is a schematic diagram of the connection of the printing stage-drive assembly of the present invention; Figure 34 This is a schematic diagram of the printing stage-drive assembly of the present invention via gear engagement; Figure 35 for Figure 34 A diagram from another perspective; Figure 36 for Figure 34 Connection diagram of the drive component and the push component; Figure 37 for Figure 34 A schematic diagram of the printing platform; Figure 38 This is a schematic diagram of the printing stage-drive assembly of the present invention, which is engaged by a gear plate. Figure 39 for Figure 38 A diagram from another perspective; Figure 40 for Figure 38 Connection diagram of the drive component and the push component; Figure 41 for Figure 38 A schematic diagram of one embodiment of the printing platform; Figure 42 for Figure 38 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the printing platform. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with specific embodiments and corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this invention, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0019] 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.

[0020] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship 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 limitations on this invention.

[0021] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise specified and limited, it should be noted that the terms "installation", "connection" and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to mechanical or electrical connections, or internal connections between two components. They can be direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms according to the specific circumstances.

[0022] like Figures 1 to 42 As shown, the printing equipment provided by the present invention includes a transmission module 10, a plurality of printing stages 20, a positioning and correction module 30, a printing module 40, and a base 70. This printing equipment can print on single battery cells, or on half battery cells; of course, it can also print on multiple single battery cells or multiple half battery cells simultaneously.

[0023] The transmission module 10, positioning and correction module 30, and printing module 40 are all mounted on the base 70. The transmission module 10 is used to transmit the printing stage 20; the printing stage 20 is used to carry the solar cells, and multiple solar cells can be placed on the printing stage 20 simultaneously. The positioning and correction module 30 and the printing module 40 are spaced apart along the transmission direction of the transmission module 10, with the positioning and correction module 30 located upstream of the printing module 40. The positioning and correction module 30 is used to position and adjust the solar cells on the printing stage 20, so that the position of each solar cell on the printing stage 20 matches the printing position on the printing module 40. The printing module 40 prints on all the solar cells on the printing stage 20 simultaneously.

[0024] Along the transmission direction of the transmission module 10, the transmission module 10 consists of a loading area, a positioning and correction area, a printing area, and a unloading area. The loading area is equipped with a loading device (not shown in the figure), the positioning and correction module 30 is located within the positioning and correction area, the printing module 40 is located within the printing area, and the unloading area is equipped with an unloading device (not shown in the figure). The printing stage 20 is transported to the loading area, and the battery cells to be printed are placed on the printing stage 20 by the loading device. The printing stage 20 is transported to the positioning and correction area, where the positioning and correction module 30 acquires image information of the battery cells to obtain precise position coordinate information. Based on the acquired position coordinate information, the battery cells are adjusted and corrected so that the corrected position of the battery cells matches the printing position on the printing module 40. The printing stage 20 is transported to the printing area, where the printing module 40 prints the battery cells on the printing stage 20. After printing, the printing stage 20 is transported to the unloading area, where the unloading device unloads the printed battery cells from the printing stage 20.

[0025] Compared to existing technologies that adjust the position and orientation of the printing module 40 to print on the printing stage 20, this application uses a positioning and correction module 30 to position and adjust the battery cells on the printing stage 20, ensuring that the placement and orientation of the battery cells correspond to the printing positions on the printing module 40. This eliminates the need to adjust the position and orientation of the printing module 40. Consequently, multiple battery cells can be printed simultaneously, significantly improving printing efficiency.

[0026] In this document, for ease of description, the arrangement direction of the correction module 30 and the printing module 40 is defined as the first direction, and the transmission module 10 transmits the printing stage 20 along the first direction.

[0027] To achieve cyclic transport of the printing stage 20 and thus improve the printing efficiency of the printing equipment, the transport module 10 includes a first track 11, a second track 12 parallel to the first track 11 and in the opposite transport direction, at least one docking track 13 located on the same side of the first track 11 and the second track 12 in the transport direction, and a first drive component 14 for driving the docking track 13 to move. The first drive component 14 drives the docking track 13 to selectively dock with either the first track 11 or the second track 12. Those skilled in the art will understand that the first track 11 and the second track 12, arranged in parallel and in opposite transport directions, constitute the "main line" for cyclic transport. The first track 11 and the second track 12 each have at least one docking track 13 on both sides of the transport direction. The docking track 13 acts like a "smart switch" or "transfer bridge," selectively docking with either the first track 11 or the second track 12, allowing the printing stage 20 to move smoothly between the first track 11 and the second track 12, achieving cyclic transport.

[0028] The first track 11, the docking track 13, and the second track 12 constitute a circular track. That is, the first track 11, the docking track 13 at one end of the transmission direction, the second track 12, and the docking track 13 at the other end of the transmission direction together form a complete, unidirectional flow circular track. Several printing platforms 20 are distributed on the circular track, and the printing platforms 20 run cyclically along the circular track to achieve continuous transportation, maximizing the amount of goods transported per unit time, which is particularly suitable for high-frequency, uninterrupted material transportation scenarios. The printing platforms 20 transport the solar cells to different workstations for corresponding processing. When the printing platform 20 moves to the unloading station, after the solar cells are removed by the unloading device, the printing platform 20 cyclically moves to the loading station to receive solar cells to be printed.

[0029] This invention solves the inherent defect of the printing platform 20 in the traditional unidirectional transmission system that must "return empty" by constructing a circular track, so that the printing platform 20 is always in a carrying state or ready to carry state. This solves the problems of empty waste, space occupation and lack of flexibility in automated logistics, and finally achieves a modern transportation device that is efficient, compact, flexible and intelligent.

[0030] The transmission module 10 also includes a fixed base 15 and a pair of movable bases 16 located on opposite sides of the fixed base 15 in the transmission direction. The first track 11 and the second track 12 are located on different surfaces of the fixed base 15. A docking track 13 is disposed on the movable base 16, and the first drive assembly 14 drives the movable base 16 to move or rotate relative to the fixed base 15, so that the docking track 13 may selectively dock with either the first track 11 or the second track 12.

[0031] A fixed base 15 is located in the middle and integrates a first track 11 and a second track 12 with opposite transmission directions. The first track 11 is used for forward transmission of the printing stage 20, that is, the printing stage 20 moves along the first track 11 from the loading end to the unloading end. The second track 12 is used for reverse transmission of the printing stage 20, that is, the printing stage 20 returns along the second track 12 from the unloading end to the loading end. By moving or rotating the movable base 16, the docking track 13 can selectively dock with the first track 11 or the second track 12, allowing the printing stage 20 to slide smoothly between the first track 11 and the second track 12.

[0032] In addition, the first track 11 and the second track 12 are located on different surfaces of the fixed base 15, achieving spatial separation and preventing interference between them. By arranging the reciprocating tracks on different planes, the space can be reused in three dimensions. The function of a circular track is achieved with minimal footprint, making it particularly suitable for factories with limited space and reducing the space costs for enterprises.

[0033] Specifically, the first track 11 and the second track 12 are located on the fixed base 15 on a surface parallel to the transmission direction, and the first track 11 and the second track 12 extend along the transmission direction.

[0034] In some embodiments, the fixed base 15 has a first surface S1 and a second surface S2. The first surface S1 and the second surface S2 are parallel to the transmission direction. The first surface S1 and the second surface S2 are arranged in a circumferential direction perpendicular to the transmission direction. The first track 11 and the second track 12 are located on the first surface S1 and the second surface S2, respectively. The movable base 16 rotates about the central axis L extending along the transmission direction of the fixed base 15, which allows the docking track 13 to dock with the first track 11 or the second track 12.

[0035] On the one hand, by arranging the first surface S1 of the first track 11 and the second surface S2 of the second track 12 circumferentially, the volume of the fixed base 15 can be minimized. On the other hand, the rotational movement of the movable base 16 allows for the switching of the docking track 13 within a very small space at the end of the fixed base 15. This layout is more compact than linear translation and other methods, greatly reducing the space occupied by the equipment in the transmission direction and in the direction perpendicular to the transmission direction. Furthermore, the design of the movable base 16 rotating around the central axis L of the fixed base 15 ensures smooth operation and low vibration; and helps to ensure the alignment accuracy of the docking track 13 when docking with the first track 11 or the second track 12, reducing jamming or wear caused by structural shaking or misalignment.

[0036] The first surface S1 and the second surface S2 are arranged adjacent to each other or spaced apart along the circumference. In actual design and production, the first track 11 and the second track 12 can be set on the corresponding surfaces according to the items to be transported and their efficiency requirements.

[0037] The angle between the first surface S1 and the second surface S2 determines the relative positions of the first track 11 and the second track 12, and the movement mode of the movable base 16 also changes accordingly.

[0038] Please refer to Figures 4 to 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the angle between the first surface S1 and the second surface S2 is less than 180°. The spatial proximity of the first track 11 and the second track 12 reduces the envelope size of the cross-section (the section cut perpendicular to the transmission direction) of the fixed base 15, making the entire transmission module 10 more compact. Furthermore, the single rotation angle of the movable base 16 can be reduced, eliminating the need for a half-turn (180°) rotation to switch the position of the docking track 13, significantly reducing the time and angle required for rotational movement, thereby improving the efficiency and response speed of track switching.

[0039] The single rotation angle refers to the angle travel of the movable base 16 in a single rotation after receiving the rotation command, which is the minimum necessary rotation angle.

[0040] In one embodiment, the movable base 16 is provided with a docking track 13. The single docking track 13 greatly simplifies the structural complexity and manufacturing cost of the movable base 16 itself; and its control logic is also simplified.

[0041] Correspondingly, the movable base 16 can rotate in one or both directions compared to the fixed base 15, allowing the docking track 13 to dock with either the first track 11 or the second track 12.

[0042] Unidirectional rotation can be clockwise or counterclockwise. After docking with the first track 11, docking track 13 switches to docking with the second track 12, and then continues to rotate in the same direction until docking track 13 contacts the first track 11. Unidirectional rotation is simple, reliable, and effectively avoids system failures caused by path confusion or logical errors.

[0043] Bidirectional rotation includes clockwise and counterclockwise rotation, and the order of the two can be interchanged. After docking with the first track 11, docking with the second track 12 is initiated, the docking track 13 rotates in the opposite direction until it contacts the first track 11. Bidirectional rotation allows the system to select the shortest path back according to real-time requirements, which can reduce the waiting time of the printing stage 20 and improve system response speed in some scenarios. For example, when the included angle between the two surfaces is small, the rotation time of the movable base 16 can be reduced, improving efficiency.

[0044] In one embodiment, the angle between the first surface S1 and the second surface S2 is α°, and the single rotation angle of the movable base 16 is 180°-α°. With one rotation, the docking track 13 can be switched from a state of contact with the first track 11 (or the second track 12) to a state of contact with the second track 12 (or the first track 11).

[0045] In another embodiment, the fixed base 15 has a regular N-gon cross-section perpendicular to the transmission direction, and the movable base 16 rotates at a single angle of 360° / N. The regular N-gon cross-section design provides symmetry and a balanced force distribution, making the fixed base 15 more stable under load and exhibiting better dynamic balance during rotation, thus contributing to the long-term stable operation of the system. This design is also easier to implement and manufacture, facilitating the development of a series of standard models and reducing production costs and time.

[0046] Where N is an integer between 3 and 6. This range of values ​​provides a variety of optimization options for different space constraints and application scenarios, while also balancing the compactness and stability of the fixed base 15. The smaller the value of N, the more compact the structure; the larger the value of N, the higher the stability of the fixed base 15. For example, a regular triangle (equilateral triangular cross-section) may provide extreme compactness; while a regular square or regular hexagon achieves a better balance between compactness and structural stability.

[0047] In other embodiments, the fixed base 15 has a regular N-gon cross section perpendicular to the transmission direction, where N ≥ 3, and each face of the movable base 16 has a docking track 13. The single rotation angle of the movable base 16 is 360° / N.

[0048] Multiple docking tracks 13 are matched with the first track 11 and the second track 12, ensuring that there is always a docking track 13 to be matched with the first track 11 and the second track 12 after any number of rotations, thus improving the compatibility rate. Furthermore, if some docking tracks 13 malfunction, other docking tracks 13 can be used as substitutes without affecting transportation efficiency.

[0049] Multiple docking tracks 13 are set on the movable base 16, so that in a single rotation angle, there is always one docking track 13 precisely aligned with the first track 11 and another docking track 13 aligned with the second track 12. This enables parallel operation of "loading and unloading at the same time", further breaking through the bottleneck of system efficiency and providing a physical basis for achieving uninterrupted continuous operation.

[0050] A "hard positioning" mechanism with a fixed rotation angle of 360° / N per rotation reduces reliance on high-precision sensors and improves the reliability and repeatability of docking. Furthermore, the short-stroke, fixed-angle rotation generates less inertial force compared to large-range rotation or complex motion, resulting in less impact and wear on the mechanical structure, thus helping to extend the service life of the first drive assembly 14 and the entire device.

[0051] In one embodiment, N=3, the number of docking tracks 13=3, and the single rotation angle is 120°.

[0052] In another embodiment, N=4, the number of docking tracks 13=4, and the single rotation angle is 90°.

[0053] In another embodiment, N=5, the number of docking tracks 13=5, and the single rotation angle is 72°.

[0054] In another embodiment, N=6, the number of docking tracks 13=6, and the single rotation angle is 60°.

[0055] Please refer to Figures 8 to 10As shown, in other embodiments, the first surface S1 and the second surface S2 are arranged opposite to each other. That is, the first surface S1 and the first track 11 are rotated 180° around the central axis L of the transmission direction and then coincide with the second surface S2 and the second track 12. The two tracks are located on two opposite surfaces, forming the most stable and symmetrical structure in terms of mechanics.

[0056] This layout maximizes the spatial separation of the two tracks. This fundamentally eliminates any potential interference that might occur when the printing platform 20 operates on the two tracks, ensuring the absolute reliability and safety of the loop operation. Loads and forces from the two tracks can be balanced and transmitted within the fixed base 15 via the shortest and most direct path, greatly enhancing the overall structural rigidity and stability of the fixed base 15, thus providing a solid foundation for high-load, high-precision transportation. The two opposing planes provide a clear and symmetrical reference position for the rotational movement of the movable base 16. This makes it simpler and more precise for the movable base 16 to find and position the docking point, reducing the complexity of the control system and improving the repeatability of the docking.

[0057] In one embodiment, a docking track 13 is provided on the movable base 16. Compared to the fixed base 15, which can rotate unidirectionally or bidirectionally, the movable base 16 rotates 180° in a single rotation, allowing the docking track 13 to dock with either the first track 11 or the second track 12. By using only one docking track 13 and rotating 180° to serve two opposing tracks, the "two-choice" switching function necessary for the loop is achieved with the simplest mechanical structure, combining low cost and high reliability.

[0058] In one embodiment, the movable base 16 has two opposing docking tracks 13, and the movable base 16 rotates 180° in a single rotation. At any given time, one docking track 13 is docked with the first track 11, and the other docking track 13 is docked with the second track 12. When the movable base 16 rotates 180°, the roles of the two docking tracks 13 are instantly reversed. This achieves true "seamless switching," allowing the printing stage 20 to be continuously fed out and returned with almost no waiting time, maximizing transport efficiency to its theoretical maximum. Furthermore, the two perfectly symmetrical docking tracks 13 ensure that the mass distribution and moment of inertia of the movable base 16 are also symmetrical. During the 180° rotation, the dynamic balance performance is excellent, the operation is very smooth, and vibration and noise are minimal. This not only enhances the high-end feel of the equipment but also further reduces the impact on the drive components and improves mechanical lifespan.

[0059] In one embodiment, the fixed base 15 has a regular N-gon cross section perpendicular to the transmission direction, where N is an even number greater than 4. Each surface of the movable base 16 has a docking track 13, and the single rotation angle of the movable base 16 is 360° / N or 180°.

[0060] The symmetrical structure provides stable rotation, and all the docking tracks 13 appear in pairs. Rotating 360° / N or 180° can always ensure that there is a docking track 13 docking with the first track 11 and the second track 12.

[0061] Please refer to Figures 11 to 17 As shown, in other embodiments, the first track 11 and the second track 12 are arranged along a third direction intersecting the transmission direction. The transmission module 10 also includes an auxiliary track 17 extending along the third direction, and the first drive assembly 14 drives the movable base 16 to move along the auxiliary track 17.

[0062] The movable base 16 uses a linear one-dimensional movement method to achieve docking of the docking track 13 with the first track 11 and the second track 12. The control is simple and has high reliability and stability when facing industrial scenarios with large loads and high precision requirements.

[0063] In one embodiment, the third direction is perpendicular to the transmission direction, and the third direction is the height direction, which makes the layout of the entire transmission module 10 simple and the component design simple. The movable base 16 moves one dimension along the slide rail, which allows the docking track 13 to dock with one of the first track 11 and the second track 12; thus improving the repeatability and reliability of docking.

[0064] In one embodiment, the fixed base 15 has a first base 18 and a second base 19 spaced apart along a third direction, and a first track 11 and a second track 12 are located on the same side of the first base 18 and the second base 19 along the third direction, respectively. Deconstructing the fixed base 15 from a single unit into two independent, spaced-apart first bases 18 and second bases 19 allows for independent manufacturing, debugging, and installation of the two bases, reducing production and assembly difficulties, and enabling independent maintenance of a single base without affecting the other.

[0065] The distance between the first base 18 and the second base 19 is greater than the dimension of the printing platform 20 in the third direction. The reserved distance between the first base 18 and the second base 19 naturally forms an open and unobstructed passage, eliminating the possibility of any collision or interference between the printing platform 20 and the other base on the return path, ensuring absolutely smooth and safe cyclic transportation.

[0066] The transmission assembly 10 is equipped with multiple printing stages 20, which circulate and transfer between the loading area, positioning and correction area, printing area, and unloading area to maximize the printing efficiency of the printing equipment. The multiple printing stages 20 can be independently controlled for transmission and movement.

[0067] Specifically, the transmission module 10 uses a linear motor, with a stator on the transmission module 10 and a mover on the printing stage 20. The mover is driven by electromagnetic force, and the linear motor provides stable and high-precision movement. To achieve independent control of the transmission movement of multiple printing stages 20, current is applied to the mover on each printing stage 20 to generate driving force; alternatively, the stator is designed as multiple independent segments, such as four segments corresponding to the loading area, positioning and correction area, printing area, and unloading area. Each segment is individually energized to drive the printing stage 20 located within that segment to move.

[0068] The printing stage 20 has multiple placement areas, each holding one solar cell. The positioning and correction component 30 positions and corrects the solar cells on the printing stage 20, allowing the printing component 40 to print all the solar cells on the printing stage 20 simultaneously. The placement areas are arranged along a second direction, meaning the solar cells on the printing stage 20 are arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, facilitating the positioning and correction component 30's positioning and correction of the solar cells on the printing stage 20.

[0069] The printing equipment also includes second drive components 50 located at both ends of the transmission component 10 along its transmission direction, i.e., second drive components 50 are provided at corresponding positions in the loading area and the unloading area. The second drive components 50 are mounted on the base 70 and are used to cooperate with the printing stage 20 to transfer the battery cells to be printed on the loading device to the printing stage 20, and to transfer the printed battery cells from the printing stage 20 to the unloading device.

[0070] When the printing stage 20 is transferred to the loading area, the second drive assembly 50 located in the loading area cooperates with the printing stage 20 to transfer the solar cells to be printed on the loading device onto the printing stage 20. When the printing stage 20 is transferred to the unloading area, the second drive assembly 50 located in the unloading area cooperates with the printing stage 20 to transfer the printed solar cells on the printing stage 20 to the unloading device.

[0071] By placing the second drive assembly 50 at both ends of the transmission assembly 10 along its transmission direction, all printing stages 20 can share the second drive assembly 50 for loading and unloading, eliminating the need to separately install the second drive assembly 50 on each printing stage 20. This reduces the manufacturing cost of the printing stage 20 and also reduces its weight, thereby reducing the transmission load on the transmission assembly 10.

[0072] Understandably, by reducing the weight of the printing stage 20, it is easier for the movable base 16 to drive the printing stage 20 to rotate, thus improving stability during rotation; at the same time, it can also improve the safety of the printing stage 20 during transmission along the second track 12, preventing the printing stage 20 from tipping over.

[0073] The printing stage 20 includes an adsorption platform 21, a table paper 22 disposed on the adsorption platform 21, and a transmission assembly 23 for moving the table paper 22. The transmission assembly 23 has a first docking part, and the second drive assembly 50 has a second docking part. The second docking part is used to cooperate with the first docking part and transmit the driving force of the second drive assembly 50 to the transmission assembly 23.

[0074] When the printing stage 20 is transported to the loading area, the second docking part of the second drive component 50 located in the loading area is connected to the first docking part of the transmission component 23, the second drive component 50 is activated and the driving force of the second drive component 50 is transmitted to the transmission component 23, and the table paper 22 is moved by the transmission component 23, thereby receiving the battery cell to be printed from the loading device (using a conveyor belt) and transferring the battery cell to the adsorption platform 21.

[0075] When the printing stage 20 is transferred to the unloading area, the second docking part of the second drive component 50 located in the unloading area is connected to the first docking part of the transmission component 23, the second drive component 50 is activated and the driving force of the second drive component 50 is transmitted to the transmission component 23, and the table paper 22 is moved by the transmission component 23, thereby transferring the printed battery cells on the adsorption platform 21 to the unloading device (using a conveyor belt).

[0076] The transmission assembly 23 includes a first rotating shaft 23a and a second rotating shaft 23b, with a first mating portion disposed on the first rotating shaft 23a and / or the second rotating shaft 23b. Through the cooperation of the first and second mating portions, the driving force of the second drive assembly 50 is transmitted to the first rotating shaft 23a and / or the second rotating shaft 23b, thereby causing the first rotating shaft 23a and the second rotating shaft 23b to rotate, which in turn moves the table paper 22 to achieve loading and unloading.

[0077] First mating portions can be simultaneously provided on the first rotating shaft 23a and the second rotating shaft 23b. Correspondingly, the first rotating shaft 23a and the second rotating shaft 23b are driven to rotate by two second driving components 50 respectively. Alternatively, the first mating portion can be provided only on the first rotating shaft 23a, and a transmission belt can be provided between the first rotating shaft 23a and the second rotating shaft 23b. The first rotating shaft 23a is driven to rotate by the second driving component 50, and the second rotating shaft 23b is driven to rotate by the first rotating shaft 23a.

[0078] The tabletop paper 22 can be set in the following ways, but is not limited to: One end of the table paper 22 is wound and connected to the first rotating shaft 23a, and the other end of the table paper 22 is wound and connected to the second rotating shaft 23b. It can be understood that at this time, one of the first rotating shaft 23a and the second rotating shaft 23b is a take-up shaft and the other is a unwind shaft, and the movement of the table paper 22 is achieved by taking up and unwinding the table paper 22.

[0079] Alternatively, the tabletop paper 22 is ring-shaped and positioned between the first rotating shaft 23a and the second rotating shaft 23b. The tabletop paper 22 rotates as the first rotating shaft 23a and the second rotating shaft 23b rotate.

[0080] The second drive assembly 50 includes a drive motor 51, and a second docking portion is disposed on the output shaft of the drive motor 51. The drive motor 51 drives the second docking portion to rotate, thereby driving the first docking portion that cooperates with the second docking portion to rotate, so as to transmit the driving force of the drive motor 51 to the transmission assembly 23.

[0081] The first rotating shaft 23a and the second rotating shaft 23b are arranged along the transmission direction of the transmission assembly 10. The drive motor 51 is located on one side of the printing stage 20 along the axial direction of the first rotating shaft 23a. The printing equipment also includes a pushing assembly 60 that drives the drive motor 51 to move away from or towards the printing stage 20. It is understood that the first docking part and the second docking part have a first state of being in contact and a second state of being separated.

[0082] When the first docking part and the second docking part are in the first state, the second drive assembly 50 can transmit the driving force to the transmission assembly 23. When the first docking part and the second docking part are in the second state, the second drive assembly 50 and the transmission assembly 23 are separated, and the printing stage 20 can continue to transport without obstruction.

[0083] The driving component 60 includes a fixed plate 61 fixed on the base 70, a movable plate 62 movably mounted on the fixed plate 61, a rack 63 disposed on the movable plate 62, a driving component 64 mounted on the fixed plate 61, and a fourth gear 65 disposed at the output end of the driving component 64. The fourth gear 65 meshes with the rack 63, and the drive motor 51 is fixed on the movable plate 62.

[0084] The movable plate 62 can move relative to the fixed plate 61 towards or away from the printing stage 20. The fixed plate 61 and the movable plate 62 can be connected by a slide rail and a slider. The driving member 64 drives the fourth gear 65 to rotate, thereby driving the rack 63 meshing with the fourth gear 65 to move, which in turn drives the movable plate 62 to move. The movement of the movable plate 62 drives the drive motor 51 on it to move towards or away from the printing stage 20, so that the first docking part and the second docking part can be engaged or disengaged.

[0085] When the printing stage 20 is transferred to the loading area, the push assembly 60 moves the drive motor 51 toward the printing stage 20, so that the first docking part and the second docking part come into contact. The drive motor 51 is started to realize loading. Then, the push assembly 60 moves the drive motor 51 away from the printing stage 20, so that the first docking part and the second docking part separate. The printing stage 20 can continue to be transferred without obstruction, while making way for the rotation of the movable base 16 and the printing stage 20 on it.

[0086] When the printing stage 20 is transferred to the unloading area, the push assembly 60 moves the drive motor 51 toward the printing stage 20, so that the first docking part and the second docking part come into contact, and the drive motor 51 is started to unload the material. Then, the push assembly 60 moves the drive motor 51 away from the printing stage 20, so that the first docking part and the second docking part separate, making way for the rotation of the movable base 16 and the printing stage 20 thereon.

[0087] In one embodiment, the first mating part is a first gear 23c connected to the end of the first rotating shaft 23a and / or the second rotating shaft 23b, and the second mating part is a second gear 52 that meshes with the first gear 23c.

[0088] When the first gear 23c engages with the second gear 52, the first gear 23c meshes with the second gear 52, thereby transmitting the driving force of the second drive assembly 50 to the transmission assembly 23, that is, the second drive assembly 50 drives the transmission assembly 23 to rotate.

[0089] To achieve the alignment and meshing of the first gear 23c and the second gear 52, the second gear 52 is movably mounted on the output shaft along the axial direction of the output shaft, and a second elastic element 54 is provided on the outer side of the output shaft, which abuts against the second gear 52.

[0090] When the drive motor 51 moves the push assembly 60 toward the printing stage 20, the second gear 52 gradually approaches the first gear 23c. The drive motor 51 synchronously drives the second gear 52 to rotate slowly. When the first gear 23c and the second gear 52 make misaligned contact, the second gear 52 experiences resistance from the first gear 23c, causing it to move axially along the output shaft. The second elastic element 54 is compressed. When the second gear 52 rotates to a position opposite the first gear 23c, the resistance to the second gear 52 disappears, the second elastic element 54 returns to its original position, and pushes the second gear 52 to move, causing the first gear 23c and the second gear 52 to mesh.

[0091] It should be noted that, in order to simultaneously enable the output shaft to drive the second gear 52 to rotate and to allow the second gear 52 to move along the axial direction of the output shaft, the output shaft and the second gear 52 are connected by a keyway, or the output shaft is a non-circular shaft.

[0092] Of course, in other embodiments, the first gear 23c can be movably mounted on the first rotating shaft 23a along the axial direction of the first rotating shaft 23a, and a first elastic member 23e can be provided on the outside of the first rotating shaft 23a. The first elastic member 23e abuts against the first gear 23c, which can also achieve the alignment and meshing of the first gear 23c and the second gear 52.

[0093] The transmission assembly 23 also includes a damping gear 23f, which meshes with the first gear 23c. By setting the damping gear 23f, the transmission assembly 23 is prevented from rotating during the transmission of the printing table 20. This maintains the tension of the table paper 22 and prevents the table paper 22 from moving.

[0094] In another embodiment, the first mating part is a first geared disk 23d connected to the end of the first rotating shaft 23a and / or the second rotating shaft 23b, and the second mating part is a second geared disk 53 that mates with the first geared disk 23d.

[0095] When the first toothed disc 23d is in contact with the second toothed disc 53, the first toothed disc 23d and the second toothed disc 53 mesh together, thereby transmitting the driving force of the second drive assembly 50 to the transmission assembly 23, that is, the second drive assembly 50 drives the transmission assembly 23 to rotate.

[0096] To achieve the alignment and meshing of the first toothed disc 23d and the second toothed disc 53, the first toothed disc 23d is movably disposed on the first rotating shaft 23a along the axial direction of the first rotating shaft 23a. A first elastic element 23e is disposed on the outer side of the first rotating shaft 23a, and the first elastic element 23e abuts against the first toothed disc 23d.

[0097] When the drive motor 51 moves the push assembly 60 toward the printing stage 20, the second gear disk 53 gradually approaches the first gear disk 23d. Simultaneously, the drive motor 51 drives the second gear disk 53 to rotate slowly. When the first gear disk 23d and the second gear disk 53 make misaligned contact, the second gear disk 53 experiences resistance from the first gear disk 23d, pushing the first gear disk 23d to move axially along the first rotating shaft 23a, and the first elastic element 23e is compressed. When the second gear disk 53 rotates to a position opposite the first gear disk 23d, the pressure on the first gear disk 23d disappears, the first elastic element 23e returns to its original position and pushes the first gear disk 23d to move, and the first gear disk 23d meshes with the second gear disk 53.

[0098] It should be noted that, in order to simultaneously enable the first gear disk 23d to drive the first rotating shaft 23a to rotate and enable the first gear disk 23d to move along the axial direction of the first rotating shaft 23a, the first rotating shaft 23a and the first gear disk 23d are connected by a keyway, or the first rotating shaft 23a is a non-circular shaft.

[0099] Of course, in other embodiments, the second toothed disc 53 can be movably mounted on the output shaft along the axial direction of the output shaft, and a second elastic member 54 can be provided on the outside of the output shaft. The second elastic member 54 abuts against the second toothed disc 53, which can also achieve the alignment and meshing of the first toothed disc 23d and the second toothed disc 53.

[0100] The transmission assembly 23 also includes a third gear 23g disposed on the first rotating shaft 23a and / or the second rotating shaft 23b, and a damping gear 23f meshing with the third gear 23g. A first elastic element 23e is located between the third gear 23g and the first gear disc 23d. By providing the third gear 23g and the damping gear 23f, rotation of the transmission assembly 23 is prevented during the transmission of the printing platform 20, thus maintaining the tension of the printing plate 22 and preventing movement of the printing plate 22.

[0101] In some embodiments, the transmission assembly 23 further includes a fifth gear 23h, which meshes with a third gear 23g. The third gear 23g is located between the fifth gear 23h and the damping gear 23f. A first gear disk 23d is coaxially connected to the fifth gear 23h, and a first elastic element 23e is located between the fifth gear 23h and the first gear disk 23d. Thus, the first gear disk 23d, the fifth gear 23h, and the first elastic element 23e are arranged independently of the first rotating shaft 23a.

[0102] Multiple positioning and correction stations are spaced apart within the positioning and correction zone, and each positioning and correction station is equipped with a positioning and correction module 30. The positioning and correction module 30 includes several groups of positioning and correction work groups, and the total number of positioning and correction work groups in all positioning and correction stations is greater than or equal to the number of placement areas on the printing stage 20.

[0103] Each positioning and correction module 30 positions and corrects a portion of the battery cells to be printed on the printing stage 20. Different positioning and correction modules 30 position and correct different battery cells to be printed on the same printing stage 20. All positioning and correction modules 30 work together to complete the positioning and correction of all battery cells to be printed on the printing stage 20.

[0104] By setting up multiple positioning and correction stations, the printing stage 20 sequentially passes through all the positioning and correction stations, thereby completing the positioning and correction of all the battery cells on the printing stage 20. This avoids setting up too many positioning and correction work groups in the same positioning and correction station, which would result in the positioning and correction module 30 being too heavy and bulky; it also avoids mutual interference between the positioning and correction work groups. Each positioning and correction work group positions and corrects one battery cell, thereby improving the positioning and correction efficiency, matching the printing cycle of the printing module, and improving the printing efficiency of the printing equipment.

[0105] The number of positioning and correction stations is M1, the number of positioning and correction work groups in each positioning and correction module 30 is M2, and the number of placement areas is N2. M1*M2 is the total number of battery cells to be printed that all positioning and correction modules 30 can process simultaneously.

[0106] In one embodiment, M1≤N2≤M1*M2 ensures that all the cells to be printed are positioned and corrected before reaching the printing station, and printing can be achieved without adjusting the position of the printing module 40.

[0107] In another embodiment, N2 is an integer multiple of M2, and each positioning and correction module 30 can handle the printed battery cells at full capacity without being idle. Of course, under special operating conditions, when the number of printing stages 20 is small, one or more positioning and correction modules 30 can be turned off.

[0108] In one specific embodiment, each positioning and correction module 30 can simultaneously process one battery cell to be printed, and the number of positioning and correction modules 30 is four. The loading device loads four battery cells to be printed onto the printing stage 20. Each positioning and correction module 30 processes only one battery cell to be printed, and the printing stage 20 sequentially passes through four positioning and correction modules 30, with each of the four positioning and correction modules 30 processing four battery cells to be printed respectively.

[0109] In another specific embodiment, each positioning and correction module 30 can simultaneously process 2 cells to be printed, and there are 2 positioning and correction modules 30 in total. The loading device loads 4 cells to be printed onto the printing stage 20. Each positioning and correction module 30 processes only 2 cells to be printed, while the other positioning and correction module 30 processes the other 2 cells. After passing through the two positioning and correction modules 30, all cells to be printed have completed the positioning and correction process.

[0110] In another specific embodiment, each positioning and correction module 30 can process 3 cells to be printed simultaneously, the number of positioning and correction modules 30 is 2, and the number of cells to be printed loaded onto the printing stage 20 by the loading device is 5. In this case, one of the positioning and correction modules 30 processes only two cells to be printed.

[0111] In another specific embodiment, each positioning and correction module 30 can simultaneously process 4 solar cells to be printed, and there are 2 positioning and correction modules 30 in total. The loading device loads 4 solar cells to be printed onto the printing stage 20. In this case, one positioning and correction module 30 can process all the solar cells to be printed while the other positioning and correction module 30 can be paused. Alternatively, the two positioning and correction modules 30 can process all the solar cells to be printed on the two printing stages 20 respectively.

[0112] The positioning and correction module 30 includes a positioning mechanism 31 and a correction mechanism 32 located downstream of the positioning mechanism 31. The positioning mechanism 31 is used to take pictures and position the battery cells in the placement area. The correction mechanism 32 is used to adjust the battery cells to a preset position according to the positioning result of the positioning mechanism 31. The preset position is the projection position of the printing position on the printing module 40 along the height direction onto the printing stage 20 when the printing stage 20 moves to the printing area.

[0113] The number of positioning and correction stations is M1, and the number of printing tables 20 is N1, where N1 ≥ 2 * M1 + 4. The loading area has one printing table 20, the unloading area has one printing table 20, and the printing area has one printing table 20. Each positioning and correction station has two printing tables 20. One of the two printing tables 20 at the positioning and correction station is located in the area of ​​the positioning mechanism 31, and the other is located in the area of ​​the correction mechanism 32. Another printing table 20 is in a state of being transferred from the unloading area to the loading area. This maximizes the printing efficiency of the printing equipment and enables assembly line printing operations.

[0114] Specifically, the positioning mechanism 31 includes a base plate 311, an image acquisition component 312 movably mounted on the base plate 311, and a driving component 313 fixedly mounted on the base plate 311. The positioning mechanism 31 is mounted on the base 70 via the base plate 311. The driving component 313 is used to drive the image acquisition component 312 to move along a second direction to acquire image information of the battery cell, thereby obtaining precise position coordinate information of the battery cell. Based on the position coordinate information of the battery cell, the position and orientation of the battery cell can be adjusted and corrected so that the position of the battery cell matches the preset position.

[0115] A first guide rail 311a is provided on the substrate 311, and the image acquisition component 312 is slidably mounted on the first guide rail 311a. By setting the first guide rail 311a to guide the movement of the image acquisition component 312, the stability of the image acquisition component 312 during the movement driven by the drive component 313 is improved.

[0116] Two first guide rails 311a are provided on the substrate 311, and the driving component 313 is located between the two first guide rails 311a, thereby further improving the stability of the driving component 313 in driving the image acquisition component 312 to move.

[0117] The image acquisition component 312 is slidably mounted on the substrate 311 via the first guide rail 311a. The image acquisition component 312 includes a frame 312a and a plurality of imaging groups 312b mounted on the frame 312a. The imaging group 312b includes two imaging units 312b-1 arranged along a first direction. The driving component 313 is used to drive the image acquisition component 312 to move along a second direction.

[0118] The driving component 313 drives the image acquisition component 312 to move in the same direction as the arrangement of the solar cells on the printing stage 20. When acquiring image information of the solar cells through the imaging group 312b, the driving component 313 first moves the imaging group 312b to the first side of the solar cell along the second direction, and the two imaging units 312b-1 acquire image information of two calibration points on the first side of the solar cell. Then, the driving component 313 moves the imaging group 312b to the second side of the solar cell along the second direction, and the two imaging units 312b-1 acquire image information of two calibration points on the second side of the solar cell, thereby completing the acquisition of image information of four calibration points of the solar cell.

[0119] Compared to acquiring image information of four calibration points of the battery cell at the same time through four imaging units 312b-1, the number of imaging units 312b-1 can be reduced by half, thereby reducing the cost of the image acquisition component 312.

[0120] When the positioning mechanism 31 needs to acquire image information from multiple battery cells, after the imaging group 312b acquires image information from the four calibration points of the first battery cell, it continues to move along the second direction to acquire image information from the four calibration points of the second battery cell, and so on, until image information acquisition from all battery cells is completed. Of course, the number of imaging groups 312b can also be increased to improve the efficiency of acquiring image information from the battery cells.

[0121] In one specific embodiment, at least two imaging groups 312b are mounted on the frame 312a. The two imaging groups 312b are arranged along the second direction. One imaging group 312b is used to acquire image information of one battery cell, thereby improving the efficiency of the positioning mechanism 31 in acquiring image information of multiple battery cells.

[0122] By arranging the imaging group 312b along the second direction, consistent with the arrangement direction of the solar cells on the printing stage 20, image information of two solar cells can be acquired simultaneously through the two imaging groups 312b. This arrangement also makes the structure of the image acquisition component 312 more compact, and allows the image acquisition component 312 to move stably along the second direction under the driving action of the driving component 313.

[0123] The frame 312a includes a top plate 312a-1, a side plate 312a-2 fixed to the top plate 312a-1 on the side facing the substrate 311, a first mounting plate 312a-3 slidably mounted on the top plate 312a-1, and an imaging unit 312b-1 mounted on the first mounting plate 312a-3.

[0124] The frame 312a has a frame structure. The top plate 312a-1 is shaped like a grid, which facilitates the installation of the first mounting plate 312a-3 with imaging units 312b-1 and reduces the weight of the top plate 312a-1. The side plates 312a-2 are used to connect to the base plate 311 and the drive assembly 313. The imaging units 312b-1 are mounted on the first mounting plate 312a-3. By moving the first mounting plate 312a-3, the spacing between two adjacent imaging groups 312b or the spacing between two imaging units 312b-1 within the same imaging group 312b can be adjusted.

[0125] The top plate 312a-1 is provided with a sliding groove, and the first mounting plate 312a-3 is slidably installed in the sliding groove. Several screw holes are spaced apart along the extension direction of the sliding groove. The first mounting plate 312a-3 is provided with an elongated hole, the extension direction of which is the same as the extension direction of the sliding groove. The first mounting plate 312a-3 is fixed by fixing bolts, which pass through the elongated hole and are connected to the screw holes. The side of the sliding groove is provided with graduations for precise adjustment of the position of the first mounting plate 312a-3.

[0126] The following example uses a frame 312a with two imaging groups 312b, namely imaging group A and imaging group B.

[0127] In one embodiment, two first mounting plates 312a-3 are slidably mounted on the top plate 312a-1. The two first mounting plates 312a-3 are arranged along a first direction and slidably mounted on the top plate 312a-1 along the first direction. Two imaging units 312b-1 in the same imaging group 312b are respectively mounted on the two first mounting plates 312a-3.

[0128] Understandably, the first mounting plate 312a-3 extends along the second direction, and two imaging units 312b-1 are mounted on each of the two first mounting plates 312a-3. One of the two imaging units 312b-1 belongs to imaging group A, and the other belongs to imaging group B. By moving the first mounting plate 312a-3, the spacing between the two imaging units 312b-1 in imaging group A and imaging group B can be adjusted simultaneously, so that the spacing between the two imaging units 312b-1 in the same imaging group 312b is adapted to the size of the solar cell.

[0129] The first mounting plate 312a-3 has an elongated hole 312a-31 extending along a second direction, and the imaging unit 312b-1 is slidably mounted in the elongated hole 312a-31. The elongated hole 312a-31 penetrates the first mounting plate 312a-3 along its thickness direction. By moving the imaging unit 312b-1 along the elongated hole 312a-31, the distance between the two imaging units 312b-1 located on the first mounting plate 312a-3 can be adjusted.

[0130] When it is necessary to increase the number of imaging groups 312b, the two imaging units 312b-1 in the increased imaging group 312b are respectively installed on the two first mounting plates 312a-3, that is, the number of imaging units 312b-1 installed on the first mounting plate 312a-3 is the same as the number of imaging groups 312b.

[0131] In another embodiment, the first mounting plate 312a-3 is slidably mounted on the top plate 312a-1 along the second direction, and the two imaging units 312b-1 in the same imaging group 312b are mounted on the same first mounting plate 312a-3. The number of first mounting plates 312a-3 is the same as the number of imaging groups 312b.

[0132] Understandably, the first mounting plate 312a-3 extends along the first direction, and one of the two first mounting plates 312a-3 is used to mount imaging group A and the other is used to mount imaging group B. The spacing between imaging group A and imaging group B can be adjusted by moving the first mounting plate 312a-3 to match the spacing between the solar cells.

[0133] The first mounting plate 312a-3 has an elongated hole 312a-31 extending along a first direction, and the imaging unit 312b-1 is slidably mounted in the elongated hole 312a-31. The elongated hole 312a-31 penetrates the first mounting plate 312a-3 along the thickness direction of the first mounting plate 312a-3. By moving the imaging unit 312b-1 along the elongated hole 312a-31, the spacing between the two imaging units 312b-1 located on the first mounting plate 312a-3 can be adjusted, that is, the spacing between the two imaging units 312b-1 within the same imaging group 312b can be adjusted to match the size of the battery cell.

[0134] The frame 312a also includes a second mounting plate 312a-4 that is slidably installed in the elongated hole 312a-31, and the imaging unit 312b-1 is movably installed on the second mounting plate 312a-4 along the height direction.

[0135] The top of the second mounting plate 312a-4 is threaded with a fixing bolt. The fixing bolt locks the position of the second mounting plate 312a-4, thereby completing the fixation of the imaging unit 312b-1 after movement and adjustment. The second mounting plate 312a-4 extends vertically and is provided with an adjustment hole 312a-41 extending vertically. The imaging unit 312b-1 moves along the adjustment hole 312a-41 to adjust the height of the imaging unit 312b-1.

[0136] The frame 312a also includes a protective plate 312a-5 disposed on its periphery, which is used to protect the imaging unit 312b-1 installed on the frame 312a.

[0137] The image acquisition component 312 also includes a first slider 312c fixed to the frame 312a. The first slider 312c is slidably mounted on a first guide rail 311a, which extends along a second direction. The movement of the image acquisition component 312 is guided by the cooperation of the first slider 312c and the first guide rail 311a. Specifically, the first slider 312c is disposed on the side plate 312a-2.

[0138] Imaging unit 312b-1 includes a connecting plate 312b-11, a camera 312b-12 fixed to the connecting plate 312b-11, and a light source 312b-13 located below the camera 312b-12. The connecting plate 312b-11 can move along the adjustment hole 312a-41 and is locked in position by fixing bolts, thereby realizing the adjustment and locking of the position of the camera 312b-12. The light source 312b-13 is used to provide illumination, thereby improving the sharpness of the image.

[0139] The drive assembly 313 includes a first drive motor 313a fixed on the base plate 311, a first drive screw 313b connected to the output end of the first drive motor 313a, and a first drive block 313c threadedly connected to the first drive screw 313b. The first drive block 313c is connected to the frame 312a.

[0140] The first drive screw 313b extends along the second direction, and the first drive block 313c is connected to the side plate 312a-2. The first drive motor 313a drives the first drive screw 313b to rotate, thereby causing the first drive block 313c to move along the first drive screw 313b, which in turn drives the image acquisition component 312 to move along the second direction to acquire image information of the battery cell.

[0141] Of course, in other embodiments, the drive component 313 may also be a rack and pinion or a linear motor.

[0142] The correction mechanism 32 includes an adjustment component and a suction cup component 324. The suction cup component 324 is used to pick up the battery cells on the printing stage 20. The adjustment component can drive the suction cup component 324 to move up and down in the vertical direction to pick up and place the cells. At the same time, it can adjust the position and posture of the suction cup component 324, thereby adjusting the position and posture of the battery cells on the suction cup component 324. Finally, the adjusted battery cells are placed back on the printing stage 20 according to the preset position.

[0143] In one embodiment, the adjustment component is used to simultaneously drive the suction cup assembly 324 to move up and down in the height direction, translate in the second direction, and drive the suction cup assembly 324 to rotate about its vertical axis.

[0144] Specifically, the adjustment assembly includes a horizontal drive device 321, a plurality of lifting drive devices 322 connected to the horizontal drive device 321, and a rotary drive device 323 connected to the lifting drive device 322. The horizontal drive device 321 is used to drive the lifting drive device 322 to move along the second direction, the lifting drive device 322 is used to drive the rotary drive device 323 to move along the vertical direction, and the suction cup assembly 324 is disposed on the rotary drive device 323. The rotary drive device 323 is used to drive the suction cup assembly 324 to rotate around its vertical axis.

[0145] The lifting drive device 322 drives the suction cup assembly 324 to move vertically, thereby picking up the battery cells on the printing stage 20 and repositioning the adjusted and corrected battery cells back onto the printing stage 20. The rotation drive device 323 drives the suction cup assembly 324 to rotate, thereby adjusting the posture of the battery cells. The horizontal drive device 321 drives the suction cup assembly 324 to move in a second direction, thereby adjusting the position of the battery cells.

[0146] Understandably, when the battery cell is located on the suction cup assembly 324, the position of the battery cell can be adjusted by moving the printing stage 20 along the first direction via the transmission module 10 and by moving the lifting drive device 322 along the second direction via the horizontal drive device 321; the posture of the battery cell can be adjusted by rotating the suction cup assembly 324 via the rotation drive device 323, so that the projection of the battery cell on the printing stage 20 along the height direction completely coincides with the preset position.

[0147] This application achieves the correction and adjustment of the position and orientation of the solar cells by moving the printing stage 20 in conjunction with the correction mechanism 32, thereby simplifying the structure of the correction mechanism 32 and reducing its manufacturing cost.

[0148] The horizontal drive device 321 employs a linear motor, and a drive plate 321a is connected to the mover of the horizontal drive device 321. The lifting drive device 322 is fixed to the drive plate 321a. The movement of the drive plate 321a drives the lifting drive device 322 to move along the second direction, thereby correcting the position of the battery cells on the suction cup assembly 324 in the second direction. The linear motor drive is stable and has high movement accuracy, thus enabling efficient and precise correction of the battery cell position in the second direction.

[0149] The lifting drive device 322 includes a support frame 322a fixed on the drive plate 321a, a second drive motor 322b disposed on the support frame 322a, a second drive screw 322c connected to the output end of the second drive motor 322b, and a second drive block 322d threadedly connected to the second drive screw 322c. The second drive block 322d is connected to the rotary drive device 323.

[0150] The second drive screw 322c is vertically positioned. The second drive motor 322b drives the second drive screw 322c to rotate, thereby causing the second drive block 322d to move along the second drive screw 322c. This, in turn, drives the rotary drive device 323 connected to the second drive block 322d to move vertically, so that the suction cup assembly 324 can pick up the battery cells on the printing stage 20 and reposition the adjusted and corrected battery cells back onto the printing stage 20.

[0151] Of course, in other embodiments, the lifting drive device 322 may also be a telescopic cylinder, a gear rack or a linear motor.

[0152] The rotary drive device 323 includes a first connecting plate 323a connected to the second drive block 322d and a rotary drive component 323b mounted on the first connecting plate 323a. The rotary drive component 323b is connected to the suction cup assembly 324 to drive the suction cup assembly 324 to rotate. The vertical movement of the first connecting plate 323a drives the rotary drive component 323b to move vertically. The rotation axis of the rotary drive component 323b is connected to the suction cup assembly 324, thereby driving the suction cup assembly 324 to rotate to achieve attitude adjustment of the battery cells on the suction cup assembly 324.

[0153] A second guide rail 321a-1 is provided on the drive plate 321a, and a second slider 323a-1 that cooperates with the second guide rail 321a-1 is provided on the first connecting plate 323a. The cooperation of the second guide rail 321a-1 and the second slider 323a-1 guides the rotation drive device 323 to move in the vertical direction, thereby improving the stability of the rotation drive device 323 during movement.

[0154] Two sets of second guide rails 321a-1 are provided on the drive plate 321a, and the support frame 322a is located on the support of the two sets of second guide rails 321a-1, thereby further improving the stability of the rotary drive device 323 during movement.

[0155] The first connecting plate 323a includes a first limiting plate 323a-2 located at its top and a second limiting plate 323a-3 located at its bottom. The rotary drive device 323 also includes a second connecting plate 323c slidably installed between the first limiting plate 323a-2 and the second limiting plate 323a-3. The rotary drive component 323b is connected to the second connecting plate 323c.

[0156] The second connecting plate 323c can be slidably mounted on the first connecting plate 323a through the cooperation of the guide rail and the slider. The first limiting plate 323a-2 and the second limiting plate 323a-3 are used to limit the second connecting plate 323c. When the second connecting plate 323c is in contact with the first limiting plate 323a-2, the second connecting plate 323c is in the highest position; when the second connecting plate 323c is in contact with the second limiting plate 323a-3, the second connecting plate 323c is in the lowest position. It can be understood that, under natural conditions, the second connecting plate 323c is in the lowest position due to the influence of gravity.

[0157] When the lifting drive device 322 drives the rotating drive device 323 to move downward so that the suction cup assembly 324 can pick up the battery cell on the printing stage 20, if the lifting drive device 322 continues to drive the rotating drive device 323 to move downward after the suction cup assembly 324 contacts the battery cell, the suction cup assembly 324 may apply excessive pressure to the battery cell, causing the battery cell to break.

[0158] By setting the second connecting plate 323c, this situation can be avoided. After the suction cup assembly 324 comes into contact with the battery cell, if the lifting drive device 322 continues to drive the rotation drive device 323 to move downward, the reaction force between the suction cup assembly 324 and the battery cell will cause the second connecting plate 323c to move upward, providing buffer space for the movement of the suction cup assembly 324, thereby preventing the suction cup assembly 324 from applying excessive pressure to the battery cell and causing damage to the battery cell.

[0159] The second connecting plate 323c is L-shaped and includes a first part that is slidably installed between the first limiting plate 323a-2 and the second limiting plate 323a-3, and a second part for installing the rotary drive component 323b.

[0160] The rotary drive device 323 also includes an elastic element 323d connected between the first limiting plate 323a-2 and the second connecting plate 323c. Specifically, the elastic element 323d is connected between the first limiting plate 323a-2 and the first part. The elastic element 323d provides cushioning for the movement of the suction cup assembly 324, thereby preventing the suction cup assembly 324 from applying excessive pressure to the battery cell and causing damage to the battery cell.

[0161] In some embodiments, at least two lifting drive devices 322 are connected to the horizontal drive device 321, and the horizontal drive device 321 drives the two lifting drive devices 322 to move independently in the horizontal direction, that is, in the second direction.

[0162] When two lifting drive devices 322 are connected to the horizontal drive device 321, each lifting drive device 322 is connected to a rotary drive device 323 and a suction cup assembly 324. The two lifting drive devices 322 move independently along the second direction, thereby enabling simultaneous correction and adjustment of the two battery cells.

[0163] To enable the two horizontal drive devices 321 to drive the two lifting drive devices 322 to move independently along the second direction, the horizontal drive device 321 is provided with two movers, and the two lifting drive devices 322 are respectively mounted on the two movers through the drive plate 321a. The driving force is generated by applying current to the two movers separately; or the stator of the horizontal drive device 321 is designed as two independent sections, with the two movers located on the two sections respectively. The corresponding mover is driven to move by energizing each section separately.

[0164] It should be noted that when the correction mechanism 32 simultaneously picks up two battery cells through the two suction cup assemblies 324 and corrects their alignment, the horizontal drive device 321 drives the two lifting drive devices 322 to move independently along the second direction, thereby allowing the position of the two battery cells along the second direction to be adjusted independently. The orientation of the two battery cells can be adjusted by the rotation drive device 323. Then, the printing stage 20 is moved along the first direction so that the projection of one battery cell along the height direction on the printing stage 20 completely coincides with the preset position. Then, the lifting drive device 322 corresponding to that battery cell is activated to place the battery cell on the printing stage 20. Then, the printing stage 20 is moved along the first direction again so that the projection of the other battery cell along the height direction on the printing stage 20 completely coincides with the preset position. Then, the lifting drive device 322 corresponding to that battery cell is activated to place the battery cell on the printing stage 20.

[0165] Of course, in other embodiments, the adjustment component can also be configured to simultaneously drive the suction cup assembly 324 to move up and down in the height direction, translate in the first and second directions, and rotate the suction cup assembly 324 around its vertical axis. In this case, it is not necessary to move the printing stage 20 in the first direction to make the projection of the battery cell on the printing stage 20 in the height direction completely coincide with the preset position. The adjustment component can be a three-axis transfer platform with a rotary drive device 323 or a robotic arm.

[0166] The suction cup assembly 324 includes a third connecting plate 324a connected to the rotary drive member 323b, a suction cup body 324b located below the third connecting plate 324a, and a plurality of connecting posts 324c connecting the third connecting plate 324a and the suction cup body 324b. The suction cup body 324b is used to pick up battery cells. By setting the connecting posts 324c, the third connecting plate 324a and the suction cup body 324b are spaced apart, thereby facilitating the connection of vacuum tubes on the suction cup body 324b.

[0167] An imaging group 312b and a suction cup assembly 324 constitute a positioning and correction working group. The number of imaging groups 312b and suction cup assemblies 324 in the same positioning and correction station are the same and correspond one-to-one, thereby positioning and correcting a solar cell.

[0168] In some embodiments, the positioning and correction module 30 includes two positioning and correction working groups: two imaging groups 312b are mounted on the frame 312a, and two lifting drive devices 322 are connected to the horizontal drive device 321. Each lifting drive device 322 is connected to a rotation drive device 323 and a suction cup assembly 324. The two positioning and correction working groups are used to position and correct the two spaced-apart battery cells, thereby separating the two imaging groups 312b and the two suction cup assemblies 324, providing sufficient installation space while avoiding mutual interference between the two suction cup assemblies 324.

[0169] Of course, in other embodiments, one positioning and correction work group can be set up for each positioning and correction station, that is, the positioning and correction module 30 includes only one positioning and correction work group, and the positioning and correction work group in the Sth positioning and correction station is used to position and correct the Sth battery cell on the printing stage 20; or, the positioning and correction module 30 includes two or more positioning and correction work groups. The number of positioning and correction work groups in any positioning and correction station can be the same or different. Specifically, it can be adjusted adaptively according to the number of battery cells on the printing stage 20, increasing the number of positioning and correction stations or the number of positioning and correction work groups in the positioning and correction stations.

[0170] The printing module 40 includes a printing head 41 and a lifting assembly 42 that moves the printing head 41 along the height direction. When the printing stage 20 is transferred to the printing area, all the solar cells on the printing stage 20 have already been positioned and corrected, so there is no need to adjust the position and orientation of the printing head 41. The lifting assembly 42 moves the printing head 41 downward to the printing stage 20, and the printing head 41 simultaneously completes the printing of all the solar cells on the printing stage 20. In summary, this printing equipment combines cyclic transport with a parallel, high-precision positioning and correction system, ensuring extremely high printing accuracy even at high production speeds. The system's throughput can be flexibly configured by increasing or decreasing the number of printing stages 20 and positioning and correction modules 30 in the cyclic loop to adapt to different production batches and cycle times.

[0171] It should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This way of describing the specification is only for clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0172] The detailed descriptions listed above are merely specific illustrations of feasible embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent embodiments or modifications made without departing from the spirit of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A printing apparatus, characterized in that, include: The transmission module (10) includes a first track (11), a second track (12) parallel to the first track (11) and opposite in transmission direction, at least one docking track (13) located on the same side of the first track (11) and the second track (12) in the transmission direction, and a first drive component (14) for driving the docking track (13) to move. The first drive component (14) drives the docking track (13) to dock with either the first track (11) or the second track (12). The first track (11), the docking track (13), and the second track (12) constitute a loop track. Several printing platforms (20) are distributed on the transmission module (10), and the printing platforms (20) are used to carry the battery cells; The positioning and correction module (30) is used to position and correct the battery cells on the printing stage (20) so as to place the battery cells in a preset position. The printing module (40), located downstream of the positioning and correction module (30), is used to print the battery cells on the printing stage (20).

2. The printing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transmission module (10) further includes a fixed base (15) and a pair of movable bases (16) located on both sides of the fixed base (15) in the transmission direction. The first track (11) and the second track (12) are located on different surfaces of the fixed base (15). The docking track (13) is disposed on the movable base (16). The first driving component (14) drives the movable base (16) to move or rotate relative to the fixed base (15) so that the docking track (13) can dock with either the first track (11) or the second track (12).

3. The printing equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that: The fixed base (15) has a first surface and a second surface parallel to the transmission direction. The first surface and the second surface are arranged in a circumferential direction perpendicular to the transmission direction. The first track (11) and the second track (12) are located on the first surface and the second surface, respectively. The movable base (16) rotates around the fixed base (15) along the central axis extending in the transmission direction.

4. The printing equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first track (11) and the second track (12) are arranged along a third direction that intersects the transmission direction, and the transmission module (10) also includes an auxiliary track (17) extending along the third direction. The first drive component (14) drives the movable base (16) to move along the auxiliary track (17).

5. The printing equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The printing stage (20) has at least two placement areas for placing battery cells; Multiple positioning and correction stations are spaced apart along the transmission direction of the transmission module (10). Each positioning and correction station is equipped with a positioning and correction module (30). The positioning and correction module (30) includes several groups of positioning and correction work groups. The total number of the positioning and correction work groups in all the positioning and correction stations is greater than or equal to the number of the placement areas on the printing stage (20).

6. The printing equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that: The positioning and correction module (30) includes a positioning mechanism (31) and a correction mechanism (32) located downstream of the positioning mechanism (31). The positioning mechanism (31) is used to photograph and position the battery cells on the printing stage (20), and the correction mechanism (32) is used to adjust the battery cells to a preset position according to the positioning result of the positioning mechanism (31).

7. The printing equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that: The positioning mechanism (31) includes a base plate (311), an image acquisition component (312) movably mounted on the base plate (311), and a driving component (313) for driving the image acquisition component (312) to move along a second direction. The image acquisition component (312) includes a frame (312a) and a plurality of imaging groups (312b) mounted on the frame (312a). The imaging group (312b) includes two imaging units (312b-1) arranged along the transmission direction. The correction mechanism (32) includes an adjustment component and a plurality of suction cup components (324) fixed on the adjustment component. The adjustment component is used to drive the suction cup components (324) to adjust the position of the battery cell. A set of the imaging group (312) and a suction cup assembly (324) constitute a set of the positioning correction working group, wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the transmission direction.

8. The printing equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that: The number of positioning correction work groups within the positioning correction workstation may be the same or different.

9. The printing equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that: The number of positioning and correction stations is M1, and the number of printing stages (20) is N1, where N1≥2*M1+4; And / or, the number of positioning correction stations is M1, the number of positioning correction work groups in each positioning correction station is M2, and the number of placement areas is N2, wherein M1≤N2≤M1*M2; or N2 is an integer multiple of M2, and N2≤M1*M2.

10. The printing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The printing platform (20) includes an adsorption platform (21), a table paper (22) disposed on the adsorption platform (21), and a transmission component (23) for moving the table paper (22). The transmission component (23) has a first docking portion. The transmission module (10) has a loading area and a unloading area at its two ends along its transmission direction. The loading area and the unloading area are provided with a second driving component (50). The driving component (50) has a second docking part, which is used to cooperate with the first docking part and transmit the driving force of the driving component (50) to the transmission component (23).

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