Positioning device, positioning method and battery production line

Abstract

The application discloses a positioning device, a positioning method and a battery production line, relates to the technical field of batteries, and is used for improving the positioning accuracy of components in a battery monomer. The positioning device comprises a frame body, a first positioning mechanism and a second positioning mechanism. The first positioning mechanism comprises a positioning piece and a first driving piece. The positioning piece is slidingly arranged on the frame body along a first direction, and the first driving piece is used for driving the positioning piece to slide. The second positioning mechanism comprises a telescopic piece and a second driving piece. The telescopic piece is slidingly arranged on the frame body along the first direction, is arranged opposite to the positioning piece and is spaced apart from the positioning piece, and the second driving piece is used for driving the telescopic piece to slide along the first direction. The positioning piece and the telescopic piece have a containing space for containing a first workpiece. In the case that the positioning piece and the telescopic piece are both in contact with the first workpiece, and the size of the first workpiece along the first direction is greater than a threshold value, the telescopic piece is retracted in the direction away from the positioning piece under the reaction of the first workpiece. The positioning device in the application is used for positioning a workpiece.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery manufacturing technology, and in particular to a positioning device, positioning method and battery production line. Background Technology

[0002] New energy batteries are being used more and more widely in daily life and industry. For example, new energy vehicles equipped with batteries are already widely used. In addition, batteries are being used more and more in the field of energy storage.

[0003] The production process of battery cells involves the positioning of various components within the battery cell. Therefore, achieving precise positioning of these components is one of the important research topics at present. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a positioning device, a positioning method, and a battery production line to improve the positioning accuracy of components within a single battery cell.

[0005] This application is achieved through the following technical solution.

[0006] The first aspect of this application provides a positioning device, which includes a frame, a first positioning mechanism, and a second positioning mechanism. The first positioning mechanism includes a positioning member and a first driving member. The positioning member is slidably disposed on the frame along a first direction, and the first driving member is connected to the positioning member for driving the positioning member to slide. The second positioning mechanism includes a telescopic member and a second driving member. The telescopic member is slidably disposed on the frame along the first direction and is opposite to and spaced apart from the positioning member. The second driving member is connected to the telescopic member for driving the telescopic member to slide along the first direction. There is a receiving space between the positioning member and the telescopic member for accommodating a first workpiece. When both the positioning member and the telescopic member are in contact with the first workpiece, and the dimension of the first workpiece along the first direction is greater than a threshold, the telescopic member retracts away from the positioning member under the reaction force of the first workpiece.

[0007] In the technical solution of this application embodiment, since both the positioning member and the telescopic member are slidably mounted on the frame, the frame can support the positioning member and the telescopic member, thus achieving an integrated design of the positioning device. Because the first driving member can drive the positioning member to move along the first direction, and the second driving member can drive the telescopic member to move along the first direction, and because there is a receiving space between the positioning member and the telescopic member for accommodating the first workpiece, before placing the first workpiece, the positioning member and the telescopic member can move in opposite directions, thereby providing sufficient space for placing the first workpiece and reducing the possibility of the first workpiece colliding with the positioning member and the telescopic member during placement. After placing the first workpiece into the receiving space, the first workpiece is positioned along the first direction. Specifically, the positioning member is driven to move to a reference position, which can position one end of the first workpiece. Then, the telescopic member is driven to move a preset displacement towards the positioning member, so that both the positioning member and the telescopic member contact the first workpiece, that is, the first workpiece is clamped between the positioning member and the telescopic member, thus completing the positioning of the first workpiece.

[0008] Since the size of the first workpiece along the first direction exceeds a threshold, after the first workpiece is clamped between the telescopic member and the positioning member, the telescopic member will retract away from the positioning member under the reaction force of the first workpiece. Therefore, it can avoid the telescopic member and the first workpiece from rigidly abutting each other after the first workpiece is too large and the telescopic member has moved a preset displacement, thereby reducing the possibility of damage to the first workpiece. In other words, the telescopic member in this application can take into account both accurate positioning of the first workpiece with an excessively large size along the first direction and reduce the risk of damage to the first workpiece.

[0009] In some embodiments of this application, the telescopic member includes: a bearing portion, a positioning portion, and an elastic portion. Along a first direction, the bearing portion is slidably disposed on the frame, and a second driving member is connected to the bearing portion. Along the first direction, the positioning portion is movably disposed on the bearing portion, and is positioned opposite and spaced apart from the positioning member. The elastic portion is disposed between the positioning portion and the bearing portion. The accommodating space is located between the positioning member and the positioning portion. When both the positioning member and the positioning portion are in contact with the first workpiece, and the dimension of the first workpiece along the first direction is greater than a threshold, the elastic portion undergoes elastic deformation under the reaction force of the first workpiece, and the positioning portion moves relative to the bearing portion in a direction away from the positioning member.

[0010] With this configuration, the second driving member can drive the supporting part to slide along the first direction. When positioning the first workpiece is required, the supporting part is driven to move closer to the positioning member along the first direction, ultimately clamping the first workpiece between the positioning part and the positioning member, thus achieving positioning. Since the elastic part undergoes elastic deformation under the reaction force of the first workpiece, and the positioning part moves away from the positioning member relative to the supporting part, the positioning part in contact with the first workpiece retracts relative to the supporting part. This minimizes hard contact between the positioning part and the first workpiece, reducing the risk of damage to the first workpiece.

[0011] In some embodiments of this application, the telescopic member further includes: a guide rail slider mechanism disposed between the bearing part and the positioning part, wherein the positioning part is slidably connected to the bearing part along a first direction via the guide rail slider mechanism.

[0012] With this configuration, the positioning part is slidably connected to the bearing part through the guide rail slider mechanism. The guide rail slider can reduce friction and shaking when the positioning part moves along the first direction, thus ensuring the connection stability between the positioning part and the bearing part, as well as the stability of the positioning part moving along the first direction. This reduces the possibility of the positioning part deviating during its movement along the first direction, thereby ensuring the accuracy of positioning the first workpiece.

[0013] In some embodiments of this application, a first workpiece is disposed on a second workpiece and is movable relative to the second workpiece along a first direction. The accommodating space is also used to accommodate the second workpiece. The bearing portion has a first limiting portion, and the positioning portion has a second limiting portion. Along the first direction, the second limiting portion is disposed on the side of the first limiting portion away from the positioning member and is able to abut against the first limiting portion. The elastic portion has an initial elastic deformation less than the maximum elastic deformation, and the elastic force brought about by the initial elastic deformation is greater than or equal to the static friction force between the first workpiece and the second workpiece.

[0014] With this configuration, the first limiting part on the bearing part and the second limiting part on the positioning part can give the elastic part an initial elastic deformation. Since the elastic force brought about by the initial deformation of the elastic part is greater than or equal to the static friction force between the first workpiece and the second workpiece, when the positioning part and the first workpiece are in contact, but the first workpiece has not yet contacted the positioning element, the elastic force of the elastic part can overcome the friction force between the first workpiece and the second workpiece. This allows the first workpiece to move relative to the second workpiece to approach the positioning element without the elastic part undergoing elastic deformation. Since the initial elastic deformation is less than the maximum elastic deformation, if the first workpiece is larger than the threshold when both the positioning part and the positioning element are in contact with the first workpiece, the elastic part can still undergo elastic deformation to position the first workpiece.

[0015] In some embodiments of this application, the first workpiece includes an electrode assembly, and the second workpiece includes a housing, which is sleeved over the electrode assembly. A positioning member has at least one protruding first protrusion on the side near the positioning portion, the first protrusion being for partially extending into the housing along a first direction and contacting the electrode assembly; and / or, the positioning portion has at least one protruding second protrusion on the side near the positioning member, the second protrusion being for partially extending into the housing along the first direction and contacting the electrode assembly.

[0016] With this configuration, since the housing is fitted over the electrode assembly, both ends of the housing are open. Thus, when positioning the electrode assembly inside the housing, the first protrusion on the positioning part can extend at least partially into the housing to contact the electrode assembly, and / or the second protrusion on the positioning part can extend at least partially into the housing to contact the electrode assembly, thereby achieving the positioning of the electrode assembly inside the housing. The configuration of the first protrusion and / or the second protrusion can reduce the possibility of interference with the housing and facilitate actual positioning operations.

[0017] In some embodiments of this application, the positioning device further includes a support member and a third positioning mechanism. The first workpiece is disposed on the second workpiece, and the support member is also used to support the second workpiece located within the accommodating space. The third positioning mechanism includes a first clamping member, a second clamping member, and a third driving member. The first clamping member and the second clamping member are movably disposed on the frame and are arranged opposite to each other and spaced apart along a first direction. The third driving member is connected to both the first clamping member and the second clamping member and is used to drive the first clamping member and the second clamping member to move towards each other along the first direction to clamp the second workpiece or to move away from each other to release the second workpiece.

[0018] With this configuration, the first clamping member and the second clamping member can be used to position the second workpiece and the first workpiece as a whole. Before positioning, the first clamping member and the second clamping member move in opposite directions along the first direction so that the first workpiece and the first workpiece as a whole can smoothly enter between the first clamping member and the second clamping member. During positioning, the first clamping member and the second clamping member are driven to move towards each other to clamp the second workpiece, thereby achieving the centering and alignment of the second workpiece and the first workpiece as a whole along the first direction.

[0019] In some embodiments of this application, the third positioning mechanism further includes: a carrier and a fourth driving member. Along the second direction, the carrier is slidably disposed on the frame, and the first clamping member, the second clamping member, and the third driving member are all disposed on the carrier. The fourth driving member is connected to the carrier and is used to drive the carrier to slide. The first direction intersects with the second direction.

[0020] With this configuration, the carrier can drive the first clamping member, the second clamping member, and the third driving member to move together along the second direction to approach or move away from the second workpiece. When positioning the second workpiece is not required, the first clamping member and the second clamping member can be moved away from the second workpiece to reduce the possibility of interference with the second workpiece. When positioning is required, the first clamping member and the second clamping member first approach the second workpiece along the second direction, and then the first clamping member and the second clamping member move towards each other along the first direction to position the second workpiece. This can improve the convenience of positioning.

[0021] In some embodiments of this application, the positioning device further includes a support member, a pair of first fixing parts, a pair of second fixing parts, and a fifth driving member. The support member is also used to support a second workpiece located within the accommodating space. The pair of first fixing parts are slidably connected to the support member and are spaced apart along a first direction. The pair of second fixing parts are slidably connected to the support member and are spaced apart along a third direction. The pair of first fixing parts and the pair of second fixing parts together form an accommodating space for accommodating the second workpiece. The fifth driving member is connected to the pair of first fixing parts and the pair of second fixing parts and is used to drive the pair of first fixing parts and the pair of second fixing parts to move towards each other to clamp the second workpiece or to move away from each other to release the second workpiece. The first direction intersects with the third direction.

[0022] This configuration allows a pair of first fixing parts and a pair of second fixing parts to define a receiving space, facilitating the placement of the second and first workpieces and enabling coarse positioning of the first and second workpieces as a whole. Furthermore, when positioning the first workpiece relative to the second workpiece is required, the second workpiece can be first fixed using the pair of first fixing parts and the pair of second fixing parts, and then the first and second positioning mechanisms can be used to position the first workpiece. This reduces the possibility of the second workpiece moving with the first workpiece, ensuring successful positioning of the first workpiece.

[0023] In some embodiments of this application, the positioning device further includes: a first elastic member, which is disposed between the first fixing part and the support member along a first direction. When a pair of first fixing parts clamp the second workpiece, the first elastic member has a tendency to move the first fixing part toward the second workpiece.

[0024] With this configuration, along the first direction, the first elastic element can apply a force close to the second workpiece to the first fixing part. In this case, when the second workpiece is clamped by a pair of first fixing parts, the reliability and stability of the clamping of the second workpiece by the first fixing parts can be guaranteed.

[0025] In some embodiments of this application, there are multiple pairs of first fixing parts and multiple pairs of second fixing parts, and they are arranged accordingly. A pair of first fixing parts and a pair of second fixing parts together form a receiving space. Multiple receiving spaces are arranged at intervals along a third direction. There are multiple fifth driving members, and they are arranged corresponding to multiple receiving spaces. The fifth driving members are used to drive the movement of a pair of first fixing parts and a pair of second fixing parts that form the corresponding receiving space.

[0026] This configuration creates multiple accommodating spaces on the support, allowing it to simultaneously support multiple first workpieces and multiple second workpieces, thus improving positioning efficiency.

[0027] In some embodiments of this application, the positioning device further includes: a support member, a placement member, and a sixth driving member. The first workpiece is disposed on the second workpiece, and the support member is also used to support the second workpiece located within the accommodating space. Along the first direction, the placement member is slidably disposed on the support member, and at least one of the two opposite sides of the accommodating space has a placement member, which is used to support a third workpiece. The sixth driving member is connected to the placement member and is used to drive the placement member to move along the first direction.

[0028] With this configuration, the placement member carries the third workpiece, and the placement member can carry the third workpiece along the first direction. Before placing the first and second workpieces together into the receiving space, the placement member can be driven to carry the third workpiece away from the receiving space, reducing the possibility of interference between the first and second workpieces and the third workpiece. After placing the first and second workpieces into the receiving space, the placement member is then driven to carry the third workpiece closer to the receiving space to ensure the relative position between the third and second workpieces, facilitating subsequent operations on the third and second workpieces. The arrangement of the sixth driving member and the placement member improves the reliability of the positioning device.

[0029] In some embodiments of this application, the positioning device further includes a second elastic member, which is disposed between the placement member and the support member along the first direction, and the second elastic member has a tendency to move the placement member toward the second workpiece.

[0030] With this configuration, the second elastic element can apply a force to the placement member toward the receiving space along the first direction. This ensures the stability of the placement member in the fixed position when it is close to the receiving space, facilitating the operation of the third workpiece on the placement member and the first workpiece in the receiving space.

[0031] In some embodiments of this application, the positioning device further includes: a first detection component electrically connected to the second driving component, the first detection component being used to detect the torque of the second driving component.

[0032] With this configuration, since the second driving component drives the telescopic component, when the first workpiece is in contact with the telescopic component and the positioning component, the force exerted by the first workpiece on the telescopic component will react on the output shaft of the second driving component, thereby affecting the torque of the second driving component. Therefore, by detecting the change in torque of the second driving component, the dimensional change of the first batch of workpieces along the first direction can be indirectly deduced, thereby realizing the monitoring of the dimensions of the first batch of workpieces.

[0033] In some embodiments of this application, the positioning device further includes a second detection component connected to the telescopic member, the second detection component being used to detect the magnitude of the force exerted by the telescopic member on the first workpiece.

[0034] With this configuration, the second detection component can determine the stress condition of the first workpiece by detecting the magnitude of the force exerted on it by the telescopic component, thereby reducing the possibility of damage to the first workpiece.

[0035] A second aspect of this application provides a positioning method, applied in the positioning device of any of the above embodiments, the positioning method comprising:

[0036] Place the first workpiece within the receiving space of the support;

[0037] The first driving element drives the positioning element to move along the first direction to the reference position;

[0038] The second driving component drives the telescopic component to move along the first direction toward the first workpiece.

[0039] When both the positioning component and the telescopic component are in contact with the first workpiece, and the dimension of the first workpiece along the first direction is greater than a threshold, the telescopic component retracts in the direction away from the positioning component under the reaction force of the first workpiece.

[0040] In the technical solution of this application embodiment, when positioning, after the first workpiece is placed in the accommodating space, the positioning member is driven to move to the reference position. This reference position can play the role of positioning one end of the first workpiece. Then, the telescopic member is driven to move a preset displacement towards the positioning member so that both the positioning member and the telescopic member are in contact with the first workpiece. That is, the first workpiece is clamped between the positioning member and the telescopic member to complete the positioning of the first workpiece.

[0041] Since the first workpiece's dimension along the first direction exceeds a threshold, after the first workpiece is clamped between the telescopic member and the positioning member, the telescopic member will retract away from the positioning member under the reaction force of the first workpiece. Therefore, the possibility of the telescopic member and the first workpiece making hard contact after the telescopic member has moved a preset displacement due to the excessive size of the first workpiece can be reduced, thus reducing the possibility of damage to the first workpiece. In other words, the telescopic member in this application can simultaneously ensure accurate positioning of an excessively large first workpiece along the first direction and reduce the possibility of damage to the first workpiece.

[0042] In some embodiments of this application, before the first driving member drives the positioning member to move along the first direction to the reference position, the positioning method further includes:

[0043] The second workpiece is placed within the accommodating space, and the first workpiece is positioned on top of the second workpiece;

[0044] The third driving member drives the first clamping member and the second clamping member to move toward each other along the first direction to clamp the second workpiece.

[0045] With this configuration, during positioning, the first clamping member and the second clamping member are driven to move towards each other to clamp the second workpiece, thereby achieving the centering and alignment of the second workpiece and the first workpiece as a whole along the first direction.

[0046] In some embodiments of this application, before the first driving member drives the positioning member to move along the first direction to the reference position, the positioning method further includes:

[0047] The second workpiece is fitted over the first workpiece;

[0048] Place the second workpiece within the accommodating space;

[0049] The fifth driving member drives a pair of first fixing parts to move towards each other along a first direction, and simultaneously drives a pair of second fixing parts to move towards each other along a third direction to clamp the second workpiece.

[0050] With this configuration, when it is necessary to position the first workpiece relative to the second workpiece, the second workpiece can be fixed firstly using a pair of first fixing parts and a pair of second fixing parts, and then the first positioning mechanism and the second positioning mechanism can be used to position the first workpiece. This reduces the possibility of the second workpiece moving with the first workpiece and ensures the smooth positioning of the first workpiece.

[0051] In some embodiments of this application, the positioning method further includes placing the first workpiece within the receiving space of the support member before:

[0052] Place the third workpiece on the placement piece;

[0053] The sixth driving component drives the placement component to move away from the receiving space along the first direction.

[0054] With this configuration, the third workpiece is supported on the placement component, and the placement component can carry the third workpiece to move along the first direction. Before placing the first workpiece in the receiving space, the placement component can be driven to carry the third workpiece away from the receiving space to reduce the possibility of interference between the first and third workpieces and improve the reliability of the positioning device.

[0055] A third aspect of this application provides a battery production line, comprising: a positioning device as described in any of the above embodiments and a conveyor line, wherein the positioning device is used to position a first workpiece along a first direction. The conveyor line transmits at least partially along a third direction, and the first workpiece is located on the conveyor line. The first direction intersects with the third direction.

[0056] In the technical solutions of this application embodiment, since the positioning device in any of the above embodiments is included, the same beneficial effects can be achieved. Attached Figure Description

[0057] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description of the preferred embodiments below. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings:

[0058] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the first external structure of a positioning device including a first positioning mechanism and a second positioning mechanism provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0059] Figure 2 A second external structure diagram of a positioning device including a first positioning mechanism and a second positioning mechanism provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0060] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a third external structure for a positioning device provided in some embodiments of this application, including a first positioning mechanism and a second positioning mechanism;

[0061] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a fourth external structure for a positioning device provided in some embodiments of this application, including a first positioning mechanism and a second positioning mechanism;

[0062] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion of point A in the middle;

[0063] Figure 6 Cross-sectional schematic diagram of a telescopic member provided for some embodiments of this application;

[0064] Figure 7 for Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion of point B in the middle;

[0065] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the first external structure of a positioning device including a third positioning mechanism provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0066] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a second external structure of a positioning device including a third positioning mechanism provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0067] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the first external structure of the third positioning mechanism provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0068] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of a second external structure of the third positioning mechanism provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0069] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of a third external structure of a third positioning mechanism provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0070] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of a fourth external structure of the third positioning mechanism provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0071] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of a first external structure provided in some embodiments of this application, showing a support member having a first fixing part, a second fixing part, and a placement member;

[0072] Figure 15 A schematic diagram of a second external structure provided in some embodiments of this application, showing a support member having a first fixing part, a second fixing part, and a placement member;

[0073] Figure 16 A schematic diagram of a third external structure provided in some embodiments of this application, showing a support member having a first fixing part, a second fixing part, and a placement member;

[0074] Figure 17 A schematic diagram of a fourth external structure provided in some embodiments of this application, showing a support member having a first fixing part, a second fixing part, and a placement member;

[0075] Figure 18 for Figure 15 A magnified view of a portion of point C in the middle;

[0076] Figure 19 This is a first flowchart illustrating a positioning method provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0077] Figure 20 This is a second flowchart illustrating a positioning method provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0078] Figure 21 A third flowchart illustrating the positioning method provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0079] Figure 22 A fourth flowchart illustrating the positioning method provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0080] Figure 23 A fifth flowchart illustrating the positioning method provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0081] Figure 24 This is a sixth flowchart illustrating a positioning method provided in some embodiments of this application.

[0082] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0083] 100 - Frame; 110 - Support column; 111 - Vertical beam; 112 - Horizontal beam; 120 - Column; 200 - First positioning mechanism; 210 - Positioning component; 211 - First protrusion; 220 - First driving component; 300 - Second positioning mechanism; 310 - Telescopic component; 311 - Bearing part; 3111 - First limiting part; 312 - Positioning part; 3121 - Second limiting part; 3122 - Second protrusion; 313 - Elastic part; 314 - Guide rail slider mechanism; 320 - Second driving component; 400 - Supporting component; 500 - Second detection component; 600 - Third Positioning mechanism; 610-First clamping member; 620-Second clamping member; 630-Third driving member; 640-Bearing member; 650-Fourth driving member; 700-First fixing part; 800-Second fixing part; 810-Fixing sub-part; 900-Fifth driving member; 1000-First elastic member; 1100-First guide rod; 1200-Placement member; 1210-Placement body; 1300-Second elastic member; 1400-Second guide rod; 1-First workpiece; 2-Second workpiece; 3-Third workpiece; X-First direction; Y-Second direction; Z-Third direction. Detailed Implementation

[0084] The embodiments of the technical solution of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this application and are therefore merely examples, and should not be used to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0085] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs; the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this application; the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, in the specification and the foregoing description of the drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0086] In the description of the embodiments of this application, technical terms such as "first," "second," and "third" are used only to distinguish different objects and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number, specific order, or primary and secondary relationship of the indicated technical features. In the description of the embodiments of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly defined.

[0087] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0088] In the description of the embodiments in this application, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0089] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the technical terms "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "circumferential", 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 the embodiments of this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed, operated or used in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this application.

[0090] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, technical terms such as "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0091] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the technical term "contact" should be interpreted broadly, and can be direct contact, contact through an intermediate medium layer, contact between two contacting parties with substantially no interaction force, or contact between two contacting parties with interaction force.

[0092] The following is a detailed description of this application.

[0093] With the promotion and popularization of the concept of green development, new energy batteries are being used more and more widely in life and industry. For example, new energy vehicles equipped with batteries have been widely used. In addition, battery devices are being used more and more in the field of energy storage.

[0094] In the existing manufacturing process of battery cells, a battery cell generally consists of a casing, end caps, and electrode assemblies. Specifically, the electrode assemblies are housed within the casing. For battery cells with positive and negative electrodes extending from opposite ends of the casing along its length (e.g., battery cells with stacked electrode assemblies), the casing is designed as a sleeve, meaning that the two opposite ends of the casing have openings along its length. When manufacturing such battery cells, end caps are placed at the two openings. Then, the electrode terminals on the end cap at one opening are welded to the adapter plate at that end of the electrode assembly, and the electrode terminals on the end cap at the other opening are welded to the adapter plate at that end of the electrode assembly, thus completing the manufacturing of the battery cell. To achieve high-precision welding between the electrode terminals on the end caps and the adapter plates on the electrode assembly and improve the performance of the battery cell, it is necessary to position the electrode assembly. During the positioning of the electrode assembly, ensuring the structural integrity and positioning accuracy of the electrode assembly itself has a significant impact on the performance of the battery cell.

[0095] In related technologies, two spaced-apart rigid positioning plates are set along the length of the housing, and the electrode assembly is placed between the two rigid positioning plates. The electrode assembly is positioned by driving the two rigid positioning plates to move towards each other a preset distance. However, the size of different electrode assemblies is not fixed along the length of the housing. Therefore, when positioning different electrode assemblies, the following two problems may exist: First, if the preset distance between the two rigid positioning plates is too large, longer electrode assemblies may be squeezed by the two rigid positioning plates, resulting in damage to the electrode assembly. Second, if the preset distance between the two rigid positioning plates is too small, that is, if the distance between the two rigid positioning plates is too large, then accurate positioning cannot be achieved for shorter electrode assemblies.

[0096] Whether it's damaging the electrode assembly or failing to accurately position the electrode assembly, it will affect the performance of the produced battery cells.

[0097] Based on this, this application provides a positioning device, which includes a frame, a first positioning mechanism, and a second positioning mechanism. The first positioning mechanism includes a positioning member and a first driving member. Along a first direction, the positioning member is slidably disposed on the frame, and the first driving member is connected to the positioning member for driving the positioning member to slide. The second positioning mechanism includes a telescopic member and a second driving member. Along the first direction, the telescopic member is slidably disposed on the frame and is opposite to and spaced apart from the positioning member. The second driving member is connected to the telescopic member for driving the telescopic member to slide along the first direction. There is a receiving space between the positioning member and the telescopic member for accommodating a first workpiece. When both the positioning member and the telescopic member are in contact with the first workpiece, and the dimension of the first workpiece along the first direction is greater than a threshold, the telescopic member retracts away from the positioning member under the reaction force of the first workpiece.

[0098] With the above configuration, since both the positioning component and the telescopic component are slidably mounted on the frame, the frame can support both components, achieving an integrated design for the positioning device. Because the first driving component can drive the positioning component to move along the first direction, and the second driving component can drive the telescopic component to move along the first direction, and because there is a space between the positioning component and the telescopic component to accommodate the first workpiece, the positioning component and the telescopic component can move in opposite directions before placing the first workpiece. This provides sufficient space for placing the first workpiece and reduces the probability of collision between the first workpiece and the positioning component / telescopic component during placement. After placing the first workpiece into the space, it is positioned along the first direction. Specifically, the positioning component is driven to a reference position, which positions one end of the first workpiece. Then, the telescopic component is driven to move a preset displacement closer to the positioning component (this preset displacement requires that the positioning component and the telescopic component must contact the theoretically shortest dimension of the first workpiece along the first direction), ultimately ensuring that both the positioning component and the telescopic component contact the first workpiece. In other words, the first workpiece is clamped between the positioning component and the telescopic component, thus achieving precise positioning of the first workpiece.

[0099] Since the size of the first workpiece along the first direction exceeds a threshold, after the first workpiece is clamped between the telescopic member and the positioning member, the telescopic member will retract away from the positioning member under the reaction force of the first workpiece. Therefore, it can avoid the telescopic member and the first workpiece from rigidly abutting each other after the first workpiece is too large and the telescopic member has moved a preset displacement, thereby reducing the probability of damage to the first workpiece. In other words, the telescopic member in this application can both ensure accurate positioning of the first workpiece with an excessively large size along the first direction and reduce the probability of damage to the first workpiece.

[0100] Therefore, if the first workpiece includes an electrode assembly, the electrode assembly can be accurately positioned and the probability of damage to the electrode assembly can be reduced. In this way, when welding the electrode assembly and the electrode terminals on the end cap, the welding precision can be met, resulting in better performance of the final battery cell.

[0101] In some embodiments, the battery cell is a stacked battery cell, and the casing is a square shell with open ends along its length. The electrode assembly is disposed inside the casing and includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator. End caps are respectively provided at the two open ends. During the charging and discharging process of the battery cell, active ions (e.g., lithium ions) repeatedly insert and extract between the positive and negative electrodes. The separator is disposed between the positive and negative electrodes to prevent short circuits between the positive and negative electrodes while allowing active ions to pass through.

[0102] In some examples, multiple positive and negative electrodes are provided, and multiple positive and multiple negative electrodes are stacked alternately.

[0103] In some examples, multiple positive electrode plates can be provided, and negative electrode plates are folded to form multiple stacked folded segments, with a positive electrode plate sandwiched between adjacent folded segments.

[0104] In some examples, both the positive and negative electrodes are folded to form multiple stacked folded segments.

[0105] In some examples, multiple separators may be provided, each positioned between any adjacent positive or negative electrode plates.

[0106] In some examples, the separators can be arranged continuously, either by folding or rolling between any adjacent positive or negative electrode plates.

[0107] In some examples, the housing can be a steel housing, an aluminum housing, a plastic housing (such as a polypropylene housing), a composite metal housing (such as a copper-aluminum composite housing), or an aluminum-plastic film, etc.

[0108] In some embodiments, the positive electrode may be a positive electrode sheet, which may include a positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode active material disposed on at least one surface of the positive electrode current collector.

[0109] As an example, the positive current collector has two surfaces opposite each other in its own thickness direction, and the positive active material is disposed on either or both of the two opposite surfaces of the positive current collector.

[0110] As an example, the positive current collector can be a metal foil, a conductive polymer material, a carbon material, or a composite current collector. For example, as a metal foil, pure metals, alloys, or surface-treated metals can be used, including but not limited to stainless steel, copper, aluminum, nickel, titanium, or silver. The composite current collector may include a polymer material base layer and a metal layer. The composite current collector can be formed by forming a metal material (aluminum, aluminum alloys, nickel, nickel alloys, titanium, titanium alloys, silver, and silver alloys, etc.) on a polymer material substrate (such as a substrate of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polyethylene, etc.).

[0111] As an example, the positive electrode active material may include at least one of the following materials: lithium phosphate, lithium transition metal oxide, and their respective modified compounds. However, this application is not limited to these materials, and other conventional materials that can be used as battery positive electrode active materials may also be used. These positive electrode active materials may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Examples of lithium phosphate include, but are not limited to, at least one of lithium iron phosphate (such as LiFePO4 (also referred to as LFP)), lithium iron phosphate and carbon composites, lithium manganese phosphate (such as LiMnPO4), lithium manganese phosphate and carbon composites, lithium iron manganese phosphate, and lithium iron manganese phosphate and carbon composites. Examples of lithium transition metal oxides include, but are not limited to, lithium cobalt oxide (such as LiCoO2), lithium nickel oxide (such as LiNiO2), lithium manganese oxide (such as LiMnO2, LiMn2O4), lithium nickel cobalt oxide, lithium manganese cobalt oxide, lithium nickel manganese oxide, and lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide (such as LiNi). 1 / 3 Co 1 / 3 Mn 1 / 3 O2 (also known as NCM333), LiNi 0.5 Co 0.2 Mn 0.3 O2 (also known as NCM523), LiNi 0.5 Co 0.25 Mn 0.25 O2 (also known as NCM211), LiNi 0.6 Co 0.2 Mn 0.2 O2 (also known as NCM622), LiNi 0.8 Co 0.1 Mn 0.1 O2 (also known as NCM811), lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (such as LiNi) 0.8 Co 0.15 Al 0.05 At least one of O2 and its modified compounds. Modified compounds refer to substances obtained by modification methods such as doping or coating based on the above-mentioned substances.

[0112] In some embodiments, the negative electrode may be a negative electrode sheet, and the negative electrode sheet may include a negative electrode current collector.

[0113] As an example, the negative electrode current collector can be a metal foil, a conductive polymer material, a carbon material, or a composite current collector. For example, as a metal foil, pure metals, alloys, or surface-treated metals can be used, including but not limited to stainless steel, copper, aluminum, nickel, titanium, or silver. The composite current collector may include a polymer material substrate and a metal layer. The composite current collector can be formed by forming a metal material (copper, copper alloys, nickel, nickel alloys, titanium, titanium alloys, silver, and silver alloys, etc.) on a polymer material substrate (such as a substrate of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polyethylene, etc.).

[0114] As an example, the negative electrode sheet may include a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode active material disposed on at least one surface of the negative electrode current collector.

[0115] As an example, the negative electrode current collector has two surfaces opposite each other in its own thickness direction, and the negative electrode active material is disposed on either or both of the two opposite surfaces of the negative electrode current collector.

[0116] As an example, the negative electrode active material may be a negative electrode active material known in the art for use in battery cells. As an example, the negative electrode active material may include at least one of the following materials: artificial graphite, natural graphite, soft carbon, hard carbon, silicon-based materials, tin-based materials, and lithium titanate, etc. Silicon-based materials may be selected from at least one of elemental silicon, silicon oxide compounds, silicon-carbon composites, silicon-nitrogen composites, and silicon alloys. Tin-based materials may be selected from at least one of elemental tin, tin oxide compounds, and tin alloys. However, this application is not limited to these materials, and other conventional materials that can be used as negative electrode active materials for battery cells may also be used. These negative electrode active materials may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0117] In some embodiments, the negative electrode can be made of foamed metal. The foamed metal can be foamed nickel, foamed copper, foamed aluminum, or a foamed alloy, etc. When foamed metal is used as the negative electrode, the surface of the foamed metal may or may not contain a negative electrode active material.

[0118] As an example, negative electrode active materials can be filled or / and deposited within the negative electrode current collector.

[0119] In some embodiments, the positive current collector can be made of aluminum, and the negative current collector can be made of copper.

[0120] In some embodiments, the separator is a separator membrane. This application does not impose any particular limitation on the type of separator membrane; any known porous separator membrane with good chemical and mechanical stability can be selected.

[0121] As an example, the main material of the separator can be selected from at least one of glass fiber, non-woven fabric, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, and ceramic. The separator can be a single-layer film or a multi-layer composite film, without particular limitation. When the separator is a multi-layer composite film, the materials of each layer can be the same or different, without particular limitation. The separator can be a single component located between the positive and negative electrodes, or it can be attached to the surfaces of the positive and negative electrodes. An inorganic particle coating, an organic particle coating, or an organic / inorganic composite coating can also be applied to the surface of the separator.

[0122] In some embodiments, the separator is a solid electrolyte. The solid electrolyte is disposed between the positive and negative electrodes, serving both to transport ions and to isolate the positive and negative electrodes.

[0123] Below, refer to Figures 1 to 24 Some embodiments of this application will be described in detail.

[0124] Figure 1 The positioning device provided in some embodiments of this application includes a first positioning mechanism and a second positioning mechanism, and is shown in a first external structural schematic diagram. Figure 2 The positioning device provided in some embodiments of this application includes a first positioning mechanism and a second positioning mechanism, which is a second external structure schematic diagram. Figure 3 The positioning device provided in some embodiments of this application includes a third external structure diagram of a first positioning mechanism and a second positioning mechanism. Figure 4 The positioning device provided in some embodiments of this application includes a fourth type of external structure, including a first positioning mechanism and a second positioning mechanism. Figure 5 for Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion of point A in the middle. Figure 6 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of a telescopic member provided for some embodiments of this application. Figure 7 for Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion of point B in the middle. Figure 8 The positioning device provided in some embodiments of this application includes a first external structure schematic diagram of a third positioning mechanism. Figure 9 The positioning device provided in some embodiments of this application includes a second external structure schematic diagram of a third positioning mechanism. Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the first external structure of the third positioning mechanism provided in some embodiments of this application. Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a second external structure of a third positioning mechanism provided in some embodiments of this application. Figure 12This is a schematic diagram of a third external structure for a third positioning mechanism provided in some embodiments of this application. Figure 13 A schematic diagram of a fourth external structure of a third positioning mechanism provided in some embodiments of this application. Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of a first type of external structure provided in some embodiments of this application, which includes a first fixing part, a second fixing part, and a placement part on the support. Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of a second type of external structure provided in some embodiments of this application, which includes a first fixing part, a second fixing part, and a placement part on the support. Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of a third type of external structure provided in some embodiments of this application, which includes a first fixing part, a second fixing part, and a placement part on the support member. Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of a fourth type of external structure provided in some embodiments of this application, which includes a first fixing part, a second fixing part, and a placement part on the support member. Figure 18 for Figure 15 A magnified view of a portion of point C. Figure 19 This is a schematic flowchart of a first positioning method provided in some embodiments of this application. Figure 20 This is a second flowchart illustrating a positioning method provided in some embodiments of this application. Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of a third type of positioning method provided in some embodiments of this application. Figure 22 This is a fourth flowchart illustrating the positioning method provided in some embodiments of this application. Figure 23 This is a fifth flowchart illustrating the positioning method provided in some embodiments of this application. Figure 24 This is a sixth flowchart illustrating a positioning method provided in some embodiments of this application.

[0125] To better describe this application, a first direction, a second direction, and a third direction are introduced, which intersect each other. A first workpiece, a second workpiece, and a third workpiece are also introduced. Exemplarily, for ease of understanding, the following definitions apply: the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are mutually perpendicular; the first workpiece includes an electrode assembly; the second workpiece includes a square shell; and the third workpiece includes an end cap. The first direction is the length direction of the shell and, simultaneously, the conveying direction of the positioning device located on the conveyor line, perpendicular to the conveyor line. The second direction is the thickness direction of the shell and, simultaneously, the direction of gravity. The third direction is the width direction of the shell and, simultaneously, the conveying direction of the conveyor line where the positioning device is located.

[0126] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figures 1-4As shown, this application provides a positioning device, which includes a frame 100, a first positioning mechanism 200, and a second positioning mechanism 300. The first positioning mechanism 200 includes a positioning member 210 and a first driving member 220. Along the first direction X, the positioning member 210 is slidably disposed on the frame 100, and the first driving member 220 is connected to the positioning member 210 for driving the positioning member 210 to slide. The second positioning mechanism 300 includes a telescopic member 310 and a second driving member 320. Along the first direction X, the telescopic member 310 is slidably disposed on the frame 100 and is opposite to and spaced apart from the positioning member 210. The second driving member 320 is connected to the telescopic member 310 for driving the telescopic member 310 to slide along the first direction X. There is a receiving space between the positioning member 210 and the telescopic member 310 for accommodating the first workpiece 1. When both the positioning member 210 and the telescopic member 310 are in contact with the first workpiece 1, and the size of the first workpiece 1 along the first direction X is greater than a threshold, the telescopic member 310 retracts in the direction away from the positioning member 210 under the reaction of the first workpiece 1.

[0127] In some examples, such as Figures 1-4 As shown, the frame 100 includes multiple support columns 110. Along a first direction X, two support columns 110 are spaced apart. Each support column 110 includes a connected vertical beam 111 and a horizontal beam 112. The vertical beam 111 extends along a second direction Y (vertical direction), and the horizontal beam 112 extends along the first direction X. A first positioning mechanism 200 and a second positioning mechanism 300 are respectively connected to different horizontal beams 112 along the first direction X. With this arrangement, the vertical beam 111 provides support, and the horizontal beam 112 is adapted to accommodate the installation of the first positioning mechanism 200 and the second positioning mechanism 300, facilitating their installation.

[0128] In some examples, such as Figures 1-4 As shown, the number of the first positioning structure and the second positioning mechanism 300 can each be one, or the number of the first positioning mechanism 200 and the second positioning mechanism 300 can each be multiple, and they are correspondingly arranged, that is, including multiple combinations of the first positioning mechanism 200 and the second positioning mechanism 300. The corresponding first positioning mechanism 200 and the second positioning mechanism 300 are arranged at intervals along the first direction X, and the multiple combinations of the first positioning mechanism 200 and the second positioning mechanism 300 are arranged at intervals along the third direction Z. In this way, multiple combinations of the first positioning mechanism 200 and the second positioning mechanism 300 can be used to position multiple first workpieces 1 respectively, which can improve the positioning efficiency.

[0129] For example, such as Figures 1-4As shown, there are two first positioning mechanisms 200 and two second positioning mechanisms 300, and four support columns 110. The four support columns 110 form a square space. The extension directions of the two adjacent sides of the square space are the first direction X and the third direction Z, respectively. The four support columns 110 correspond to two first positioning mechanisms 200 and two second positioning mechanisms 300. Each crossbeam 112 is connected to a first positioning mechanism 200 or a second positioning mechanism 300, and the first positioning mechanism 200 and the corresponding second positioning mechanism 300 are arranged opposite each other along the first direction X.

[0130] With this configuration, the support column 110 can support the combination of the two sets of first positioning mechanisms 200 and second positioning mechanisms 300 respectively. The combination of the two sets of first positioning mechanisms 200 and second positioning mechanisms 300 can position the two first workpieces 1 respectively. This not only ensures the efficiency of positioning, but also controls the space of the positioning device, balancing space cost and efficiency cost.

[0131] For example, the positioning member 210 can slide between a reference position and a retracted position. The reference position refers to the position where the first workpiece 1 can be positioned near one end of the positioning member 210. The retracted position refers to the position where the positioning member 210 can not contact the first workpiece 1 when the first workpiece 1 is placed. When the position of the telescopic member 310 is fixed, the reference position is closer to the telescopic member 310 than the retracted position along the first direction X.

[0132] The positioning element 210 can be a regular shape such as a flat plate, a strip, or a block, or it can be an irregular shape.

[0133] The first driving component 220 is connected to the frame 100. The first driving component 220 may include a servo motor and a rack and pinion mechanism. The rotational motion of the servo motor is converted into linear motion along the first direction X through the rack and pinion mechanism, thereby driving the positioning component 210 to slide. Alternatively, the first driving component 220 may also include a servo motor and a lead screw mechanism. The lead screw mechanism converts the rotational motion of the servo motor into linear motion along the first direction X, thereby driving the positioning component 210 to slide. Alternatively, the first driving component 220 may be a telescopic motor, utilizing the telescopic rod of the telescopic motor to extend and retract along the first direction X, thereby directly driving the positioning component 210 to slide.

[0134] The second driving component 320 can be similar to the first driving component 220 in terms of its configuration, structure and driving principle, and will not be described in detail here.

[0135] In addition, as long as the telescopic member 310 can meet the requirement that when both the positioning member 210 and the telescopic member 310 are in contact with the first workpiece 1, and the size of the first workpiece 1 along the first direction X is greater than the threshold, the telescopic member 310 can retract in the direction away from the positioning member 210 under the reaction of the first workpiece 1. The specific structure will be illustrated in the following examples.

[0136] In some examples, in order to facilitate the positioning of the first workpiece 1, the positioning device also includes a support 400, on which the first workpiece 1 is supported. When positioning the first workpiece 1, the first workpiece 1 can move on the support 400. The support 400 can provide support for the first workpiece 1 to facilitate its positioning.

[0137] Furthermore, when the first workpiece 1 includes an electrode assembly, along the first direction X, the positive electrode side of the electrode assembly may be opposite to the positioning member 210, and the negative electrode side of the electrode assembly may be opposite to the telescopic member 310. Alternatively, along the first direction X, the negative electrode side of the electrode assembly may be opposite to the positioning member 210, and the positive electrode side of the electrode assembly may be opposite to the telescopic member 310.

[0138] To better understand this embodiment, the positioning process will be described in two scenarios below.

[0139] In the first scenario, after the first workpiece 1 is placed on the support 400, and the positioning member 210 moves to the reference position but has not yet contacted the first workpiece 1, the telescopic member 310 is driven to approach the positioning member 210. The telescopic member 310 will then contact the first workpiece 1, pushing it to move closer to the positioning member 210. When the first workpiece 1 contacts the positioning member 210, it simultaneously contacts both the positioning member 210 and the telescopic member 310. If the dimension of the first workpiece 1 along the first direction X is just right, then the contact between the first workpiece 1 and the positioning member 210... Instantly, the telescopic component 310 will also stop moving. If the size of the first workpiece 1 along the first direction X is greater than the threshold, then when the first workpiece 1 and the positioning component 210 come into contact, the telescopic component 310 will still move towards the positioning component 210 under the drive of the second driving component 320, and retract under the reaction of the first workpiece 1 until the telescopic component 310 moves a preset displacement (this preset displacement needs to ensure that the positioning component 210 and the telescopic component 310 can still come into contact with the first workpiece 1 at the same time, even when the size of the first workpiece 1 along the first direction X is theoretically the smallest).

[0140] In the second scenario, after the first workpiece 1 is placed on the support 400, the positioning member 210 moves to the reference position and is in contact with the first workpiece 1. At this time, the telescopic member 310 is driven to approach the positioning member 210 until it contacts the first workpiece 1. If the size of the first workpiece 1 along the first direction X is just right, the telescopic member 310 will stop moving at the moment the first workpiece 1 contacts the positioning member 210. If the size of the first workpiece 1 along the first direction X is greater than the threshold, the telescopic member 310 will still move towards the positioning member 210 under the drive of the second drive member 320 when the first workpiece 1 contacts the positioning member 210, and retract under the reaction of the first workpiece 1 until the telescopic member 310 moves a preset displacement (this preset displacement needs to ensure that the positioning member 210 and the telescopic member 310 can contact the first workpiece 1 simultaneously, even when the size of the first workpiece 1 along the first direction X is theoretically the smallest).

[0141] With the above configuration, since both the positioning member 210 and the telescopic member 310 are slidably mounted on the frame 100, the frame 100 can support the positioning member 210 and the telescopic member 310, thus achieving an integrated design of the positioning device. Since the first driving member 220 can drive the positioning member 210 to move along the first direction X, and the second driving member 320 can drive the telescopic member 310 to move along the first direction X, and since there is a accommodating space between the positioning member 210 and the telescopic member 310 for accommodating the first workpiece 1, the positioning member 210 and the telescopic member 310 can move in opposite directions before placing the first workpiece 1. This provides sufficient space for placing the first workpiece 1 and reduces the probability of the first workpiece 1 colliding with the positioning member 210 and the telescopic member 310 during placement. After the first workpiece 1 is placed into the receiving space, the first workpiece 1 is positioned along the first direction X. Specifically, the positioning member 210 is driven to move to the reference position, which can play the role of positioning one end of the first workpiece 1. Then, the telescopic member 310 is driven to move a preset displacement in the direction closer to the positioning member 210, so that both the positioning member 210 and the telescopic member 310 are in contact with the first workpiece 1. That is, the first workpiece 1 is clamped between the positioning member 210 and the telescopic member 310 to complete the positioning of the first workpiece 1.

[0142] Since the size of the first workpiece 1 along the first direction X is greater than a threshold, after the first workpiece 1 is clamped between the telescopic member 310 and the positioning member 210, the telescopic member 310 will retract away from the positioning member 210 under the reaction force of the first workpiece 1. Therefore, it can avoid the first workpiece 1 being too large, and after the telescopic member 310 moves a preset displacement, the telescopic member 310 and the first workpiece 1 will not make hard contact, thereby reducing the probability of damage to the first workpiece 1. In other words, the setting of the telescopic member 310 in this application can take into account the accurate positioning of the first workpiece 1 with an excessively large size along the first direction X, and can also reduce the probability of the first workpiece 1 being damaged.

[0143] For the telescopic component 310, it needs to have its own retraction and reset capabilities. For example, the telescopic component 310 can be composed of two rod-like structures that can slide relative to each other, and the length can be shortened or lengthened through the relative movement of the two rod-like structures. Alternatively, the telescopic component 310 can be made of an elastic material. Along the first direction X, when the telescopic component 310 and the positioning component 210 are in contact with the first workpiece 1, and the size of the first workpiece 1 is larger than a threshold, since the positioning component 210 is a rigid reference, the first workpiece 1 will apply a reaction force to the telescopic component 310, thereby causing the telescopic component 310 to undergo compressive deformation. This reduces the probability of damage to the first workpiece 1 while achieving positioning of the first workpiece 1. Of course, the telescopic component 310 can also be formed by combining the bearing part 311, the positioning part 312, and the elastic part 313 to form a self-expanding structure, which will be described in detail below.

[0144] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 5 As shown, the telescopic member 310 includes a supporting part 311, a positioning part 312, and an elastic part 313. Along the first direction X, the supporting part 311 is slidably disposed on the frame 100, and the second driving member 320 is connected to the supporting part 311. Along the first direction X, the positioning part 312 is movably disposed on the supporting part 311 and is opposite to and spaced apart from the positioning member 210. The elastic part 313 is disposed between the positioning part 312 and the supporting part 311. The accommodating space is located between the positioning member 210 and the positioning part 312. When both the positioning member 210 and the positioning part 312 are in contact with the first workpiece 1, and the dimension of the first workpiece 1 along the first direction X is greater than a threshold value, the elastic part 313 undergoes elastic deformation under the reaction force of the first workpiece 1, and the positioning part 312 moves relative to the supporting part 311 in a direction away from the positioning member 210.

[0145] It is understandable that the bearing part 311 is a component that supports the positioning part 312. The specific shape of the bearing part 311 can be selected as needed. For example, the bearing part 311 can be a plate-shaped structure or a block-shaped structure. When the frame 100 includes the support column 110, the bearing part 311 is slidably disposed on the crossbeam 112 of the support column 110. Since the second driving member 320 is connected to the bearing part 311, the second driving member 320 drives the bearing part 311 to slide along the first direction X.

[0146] In some examples, the positioning part 312 may have the same structure as the positioning member 210.

[0147] The elastic part 313 can be a spring or an elastic column, etc.

[0148] In addition, the elastic part 313 undergoes elastic deformation under the reaction of the first workpiece 1. The elastic part 313 may undergo compression deformation or tensile deformation, depending on the position of the elastic part 313. The positioning situation of this embodiment is described below in terms of the elastic deformation mode of the elastic part 313 and the two cases.

[0149] The first case, such as Figure 5 As shown, the elastic part 313 undergoes compressive deformation under the reaction force of the first workpiece 1. Thus, along the first direction X, the elastic part 313 can be located on the side of the positioning part 312 away from the positioning member 210. When positioning the first workpiece 1, the positioning member 210 is first driven to the reference position, and then the bearing part 311 is driven to move towards the positioning member 210. At this time, the positioning part 312, which is movably provided on the bearing part 311, will move together with the bearing part 311 towards the positioning member 210 until both the positioning member 210 and the positioning part 312 are in contact with the first workpiece 1. If the size of the first workpiece 1 along the first direction X is appropriate, then the positioning is completed, and the elastic part 313 is in the same state as the initial state. If the size of the first workpiece 1 along the first direction X is greater than the threshold, then the elastic part 313 will be subjected to force and undergo compressive deformation. Then the positioning part 312 will move away from the positioning member 210 relative to the bearing part 311 to avoid hard contact between the positioning part 312 and the first workpiece 1, thereby completing the positioning of the first workpiece 1 and protecting the first workpiece 1.

[0150] In this case, along the first direction X, the elastic part 313 may abut between the abutting part protruding from the bearing part 311 and the positioning part 312. Alternatively, along the first direction X, one end of the elastic part 313 may be connected to the positioning part 312, and the other end of the elastic part 313 may be connected to the bearing part 311, thus ensuring the stability of the setting of the elastic part 313.

[0151] In the second scenario, the elastic part 313 undergoes tensile deformation under the reaction force of the first workpiece 1. Thus, along the first direction X, the elastic part 313 can be located on the side of the positioning part 312 closer to the positioning member 210. One end of the elastic part 313 is connected to the positioning part 312, and the other end is connected to the bearing part 311. When positioning the first workpiece 1, the positioning member 210 is first driven to the reference position, and then the bearing part 311 is driven to move towards the positioning member 210. At this time, the positioning part 312, which is movably mounted on the bearing part 311, will move towards the positioning member 210 along with the bearing part 311. The positioning member 210 moves in the direction until both the positioning member 210 and the positioning part 312 are in contact with the first workpiece 1. If the size of the first workpiece 1 along the first direction X is appropriate, then the positioning is completed, and the elastic part 313 is in the same state as the initial state. If the size of the first workpiece 1 along the first direction X is greater than the threshold, then the elastic part 313 will be subjected to force and undergo tensile deformation. Then the positioning part 312 will move away from the positioning member 210 relative to the bearing part 311 to avoid hard contact between the positioning part 312 and the first workpiece 1, thereby completing the positioning of the first workpiece 1 and protecting the first workpiece 1.

[0152] It is understood that the above are merely examples of the relationship between the position of the elastic part 313 and the deformation state of the elastic part 313, and do not impose too many limitations on this embodiment.

[0153] With the above configuration, the second driving member 320 can drive the bearing part 311 to slide along the first direction X. When it is necessary to position the first workpiece 1, the bearing part 311 is driven to move closer to the positioning member 210 along the first direction X, and finally the first workpiece 1 is clamped between the positioning part 312 and the positioning member 210 to achieve positioning. Since the elastic part 313 will undergo elastic deformation under the reaction force of the first workpiece 1 when the size of the first workpiece 1 is greater than the threshold, and the positioning part 312 moves away from the positioning member 210 relative to the bearing part 311, the positioning part 312 in contact with the first workpiece 1 retracts relative to the bearing part 311, which can avoid hard contact between the positioning part 312 and the first workpiece 1 and reduce the probability of damage to the first workpiece 1.

[0154] Along the first direction X, the positioning part 312 is movably disposed on the bearing part 311. Alternatively, the positioning part 312 may be simply placed on the bearing part 311, and then a connection relationship may be established between the elastic part 313 and the bearing part 311. Or, the positioning part 312 may be slidably disposed on the bearing part 311 along the first direction X, as will be described in detail below.

[0155] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 5As shown, the telescopic member 310 also includes a guide rail slider mechanism 314, which is located between the bearing part 311 and the positioning part 312. The positioning part 312 is slidably connected to the bearing part 311 along the first direction X through the guide rail slider mechanism 314.

[0156] In some examples, the guide rail sliding mechanism includes a guide rail and a slider. The guide rail extends along a first direction X, and the slider is slidably disposed on the guide rail. One of the bearing part 311 and the positioning part 312 is connected to the guide rail, and the other of the bearing part 311 and the positioning part 312 is connected to the slider, thereby realizing that the positioning part 312 is slidably connected to the bearing part 311 along the first direction X through the guide rail slider mechanism 314.

[0157] With the above configuration, the positioning part 312 is slidably connected to the bearing part 311 through the guide rail slider mechanism 314. Therefore, the connection stability between the positioning part 312 and the bearing part 311, as well as the stability of the positioning part 312 moving along the first direction X, can be guaranteed. This can improve the smoothness of the positioning part 312 driving the first workpiece 1 to move and the stability of the first workpiece 1 against it, thereby ensuring the accuracy of positioning the first workpiece 1.

[0158] As described above, the dimensions of a batch of first workpieces 1 along the first direction X may be inconsistent. Therefore, monitoring the dimensions of a batch of first workpieces 1, and thus monitoring their specifications, is particularly important. This will be explained in detail below.

[0159] In some embodiments of this application, the positioning device further includes a first detection component, which is electrically connected to the second drive member 320, and is used to detect the torque of the second drive member 320.

[0160] It is understandable that since the first detection component detects the torque of the second drive component 320, it can be known that the second drive component 320 is a servo rotary motor, and only rotary motors have torque.

[0161] The first detection component can be mounted on the second drive component 320, which facilitates the electrical connection between the second drive component 320 and the first detection component.

[0162] In some examples, the telescopic member 310 includes a bearing portion 311, a positioning portion 312, and an elastic portion 313. Thus, the second driving member 320 drives the bearing portion 311. When the first workpiece 1 is in contact with both the positioning portion 312 and the positioning member 210, the positioning portion 312 will react with a force on the elastic portion 313. This force then reacts on the output shaft of the second driving member 320, affecting its torque. Therefore, by detecting the torque change of the second driving member 320, the dimensional change of the first workpiece 1 along the first direction X can be indirectly deduced, thereby enabling the monitoring of the dimensions of the first workpiece 1. For example, if the torque is too large, the dimension of the first workpiece 1 along the first direction X may be too large; if the torque is appropriate, the dimension of the first workpiece 1 along the first direction X may be just right.

[0163] With the above settings, since the second driving member 320 drives the telescopic member 310 to move, when the first workpiece 1 is in contact with the telescopic member 310 and the positioning member 210, the force of the first workpiece 1 acting on the telescopic member 310 will react on the output shaft of the second driving member 320, thereby affecting the torque of the second driving member 320. Therefore, by detecting the change in torque of the second driving member 320, the dimensional change of the first workpiece 1 along the first direction X can be indirectly deduced, thereby realizing the monitoring of the dimensional change of the first workpiece 1 in this batch.

[0164] The magnitude of the force exerted by the telescopic component 310 on the first workpiece 1 has a significant impact on the state of the first workpiece 1.

[0165] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 5 As shown, the positioning device also includes a second detection component 500, which is connected to the telescopic member 310. The second detection component 500 is used to detect the magnitude of the force exerted by the telescopic member 310 on the first workpiece 1.

[0166] In some examples, the second detection component 500 includes a displacement sensor that can detect the amount of retraction of the telescopic member 310 to determine the magnitude of the force exerted by the telescopic member 310 on the first workpiece 1 based on the amount of retraction, thereby reducing the probability of damage to the first workpiece 1.

[0167] The displacement sensor can be an inductive displacement sensor, a Hall effect displacement sensor, or an optical displacement sensor, etc.

[0168] For example, the telescopic member 310 includes a bearing part 311, a positioning part 312, and an elastic part 313. The displacement sensor can detect the elastic deformation of the elastic part 313. Since the elastic deformation of the elastic part 313 reflects the force exerted by the positioning part 312 on the first workpiece 1, if the size of the first workpiece 1 is too long, the deformation of the elastic part 313 will be greater, and the force exerted by the elastic part 313 on the positioning part 312 will be greater, and the force exerted by the positioning part 312 on the first workpiece 1 will be greater. In this case, if the first workpiece 1 is subjected to excessive force, it proves on the one hand that the first workpiece 1 may be damaged by force, and on the other hand, it proves that the size of the first workpiece 1 is too long, and a processing abnormality may occur.

[0169] In other examples, the second detection component 500 includes a force sensor that can directly detect the magnitude of the force exerted by the telescopic member 310 on the first workpiece 1, thereby enabling monitoring.

[0170] For example, the telescopic member 310 includes a bearing part 311, a positioning part 312, and an elastic part 313. The force sensor can detect the magnitude of the elastic force of the elastic part 313, thereby determining the force applied by the elastic part 313 to the positioning part 312, and determining the magnitude of the force exerted by the positioning part 312 on the first workpiece 1, so as to reduce the probability of damage to the first workpiece 1.

[0171] In some examples, the positioning device also includes an alarm component, which is electrically connected to a second detection component 500. When the second detection component 500 detects that the force exerted by the telescopic member 310 on the first workpiece 1 is greater than a threshold, the alarm component sounds an alarm to alert the user that the first workpiece 1 is subjected to excessive force, thereby reducing the probability that the first workpiece 1 will be crushed.

[0172] With the above configuration, the second detection component 500 can detect the magnitude of the force exerted on the first workpiece 1 by the telescopic member 310, thereby preventing the first workpiece 1 from being subjected to excessive force and reducing the probability of damage to the first workpiece 1. Furthermore, when the dimension of the first workpiece 1 along the first direction X is positively correlated with the force exerted on the first workpiece 1 by the telescopic member 310, the dimension of the first workpiece 1 can be monitored by detecting the force exerted on the first workpiece 1, thus determining whether the dimension of the first workpiece 1 is abnormal.

[0173] The electrode assembly is located inside the housing. There is static friction between the electrode assembly and the housing. In order to position the electrode assembly, in addition to keeping the housing fixed, it is also necessary to ensure that the elastic part 313 does not deform due to static friction when the positioning part 312 pushes the electrode assembly to move. Furthermore, when the electrode assembly, the positioning part 312, and the positioning member 210 are in contact at the same time, the elastic part 313 does not lose its ability to continue to deform.

[0174] Therefore, in some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 6As shown, the first workpiece 1 is disposed on the second workpiece 2 and is movable relative to the second workpiece 2 along the first direction X. The accommodating space is also used to accommodate the second workpiece 2. The bearing part 311 has a first limiting part 3111, and the positioning part 312 has a second limiting part 3121. Along the first direction X, the second limiting part 3121 is disposed on the side of the first limiting part 3111 away from the positioning member 210 and is able to abut against the first limiting part 3111. The elastic part 313 has an initial elastic deformation less than the maximum elastic deformation, and the elastic force brought about by the initial elastic deformation is greater than or equal to the static friction force between the first workpiece 1 and the second workpiece 2.

[0175] It is understandable that during the process of the positioning part 312 pushing the first workpiece 1 to move, the first limiting part 3111 and the second limiting part 3121 are in abutting state. When the first workpiece 1 is sandwiched between the positioning part 312 and the positioning member 210, and the size of the first workpiece 1 is greater than the threshold, the second limiting part 3121 moves away from the positioning member 210 with the positioning part 312 to separate from the first limiting part 3111. At this time, the elastic part 313 undergoes elastic deformation again, and its elastic force at this time is greater than the elastic force brought about by the initial elastic deformation.

[0176] The initial elastic deformation of the elastic part 313 can be either a compressive deformation or a tensile deformation.

[0177] Furthermore, the first limiting part 3111 can be a regular shape such as a plate or a block, or it can be an irregular shape. The second limiting part 3121 can be a regular shape such as a plate or a block, or it can be an irregular shape. The contact between the first limiting part 3111 and the second limiting part 3121 can be surface-to-surface contact, point-to-surface contact, or line-to-surface contact, etc.

[0178] With the above configuration, the first limiting part 3111 on the bearing part 311 and the second limiting part 3121 on the positioning part 312 can make the elastic part 313 have an initial elastic deformation. Since the elastic force brought about by the initial deformation of the elastic part 313 is greater than or equal to the static friction force between the first workpiece 1 and the second workpiece 2, when the positioning part 312 is in contact with the first workpiece 1 and the first workpiece 1 has not yet been in contact with the positioning member 210, the elastic force of the elastic part 313 can overcome the friction force between the first workpiece 1 and the second workpiece 2, so that the first workpiece 1 can be pushed to move relative to the second workpiece 2 to approach the positioning member 210 without the elastic part 313 undergoing elastic deformation. Since the initial elastic deformation is less than the maximum elastic deformation, when both the positioning part 312 and the positioning member 210 are in contact with the first workpiece 1, if the first workpiece 1 is larger than the threshold, the elastic part 313 can still undergo elastic deformation to position the first workpiece 1.

[0179] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 5 , Figure 7 As shown, the first workpiece 1 includes an electrode assembly, and the second workpiece 2 includes a housing, which is fitted over the electrode assembly. The positioning member 210 has at least one protruding first protrusion 211 on the side near the positioning portion 312. The first protrusion 211 is for extending partially into the housing along a first direction X and contacting the electrode assembly. And / or, the positioning portion 312 has at least one protruding second protrusion 3122 on the side near the positioning member 210. The second protrusion 3122 is for extending partially into the housing along the first direction X and contacting the electrode assembly.

[0180] In other words, this embodiment includes three schemes. First, the positioning member 210 has at least one first protrusion 211 protruding on the side near the positioning portion 312, and the positioning portion 312 has at least one second protrusion 3122 protruding on the side near the positioning member 210. Second, the positioning member 210 has at least one first protrusion 211 protruding on the side near the positioning portion 312. Third, the positioning portion 312 has at least one second protrusion 3122 protruding on the side near the positioning member 210.

[0181] It should be explained that "the housing is fitted outside the electrode assembly" means that, along the first direction X, the two opposite ends of the housing are open, and the electrode assembly is located inside the housing.

[0182] The number of first protrusions 211 can be one or more. For example, multiple first protrusions 211 can be two, three or four, etc.

[0183] For example, there are two first protrusions 211, and the two first protrusions 211 are spaced apart along the third direction Z.

[0184] For example, the shape of the first protrusion 211 can be a cuboid, a cone, or a cylinder.

[0185] In addition, the number of second protrusions 3122 can be one or more. For example, multiple second protrusions 3122 can be two, three or four, etc.

[0186] For example, there are two second protrusions 3122, and the two second protrusions 3122 are spaced apart along the third direction Z.

[0187] For example, the shape of the second protrusion 3122 can be a cuboid, a cone, or a cylinder, etc.

[0188] In some examples, along the first direction X, the end of the electrode assembly near the positioning member 210 has a first positioning hole, and the first protrusion 211 can extend into the housing and into the first positioning hole to abut against the electrode assembly. The first positioning hole ensures the stability of the abutment between the first protrusion 211 and the electrode assembly, and ensures the accuracy of positioning.

[0189] In some examples, along the first direction X, the end of the electrode assembly near the positioning part 312 has a second positioning hole, and the second protrusion 3122 can extend into the housing and into the second positioning hole to abut against the electrode assembly. The provision of the second positioning hole can ensure the stability of the abutment between the second protrusion 3122 and the electrode assembly, and ensure the accuracy of positioning.

[0190] With the above configuration, since the housing is fitted over the electrode assembly, both ends of the housing are open. Thus, when positioning the electrode assembly inside the housing, the first protrusion 211 on the positioning member 210 can extend at least partially into the housing to contact the electrode assembly, and / or the second protrusion 3122 on the positioning part 312 can extend at least partially into the housing to contact the electrode assembly, thereby achieving the positioning of the electrode assembly inside the housing. The configuration of the first protrusion 211 and / or the second protrusion 3122 ensures that the positioning member 210 and / or the positioning member 210 does not interfere with the housing, facilitating actual positioning operations.

[0191] After the housing is placed on the support 400, in order to prevent the housing from tilting relative to the first direction X, and to facilitate the positioning of the electrode assembly located in the housing by the first positioning mechanism 200 and the second positioning mechanism 300, a third positioning mechanism 600 is also provided in some embodiments of this application to center the housing in the first direction X.

[0192] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figures 8-13 As shown, the positioning device also includes a support member 400 and a third positioning mechanism 600. The first workpiece 1 is disposed on the second workpiece 2, and the support member 400 is also used to support the second workpiece 2 located in the accommodating space. The third positioning mechanism 600 includes a first clamping member 610, a second clamping member 620, and a third driving member 630. The first clamping member 610 and the second clamping member 620 are movably disposed on the frame 100 and are arranged opposite to each other and spaced apart along the first direction X. The third driving member 630 is connected to both the first clamping member 610 and the second clamping member 620, and is used to drive the first clamping member 610 and the second clamping member 620 to move towards each other along the first direction X to clamp the second workpiece 2 or to move away from each other to release the second workpiece 2.

[0193] It is understandable that the movement of the first clamping member 610 and the second clamping member 620 along the first direction X to position the second workpiece 2 occurs before the first positioning mechanism 200 and the second positioning mechanism 300 position the first workpiece 1.

[0194] Among them, the support component 400 can be a component that plays a load-bearing role, similar to a pallet.

[0195] In some examples, both the first clamping member 610 and the second clamping member 620 can be plate-shaped structures, with the larger surface of the plate-shaped structure facing the second workpiece 2. This increases the contact area between the first clamping member 610, the second clamping member 620 and the second workpiece 2, thereby improving the accuracy of centering and alignment.

[0196] The first clamping member 610 and the second clamping member 620 are movably connected to the frame 100, and can be slidably connected to the frame 100 or hinged to the frame 100 through a linkage structure.

[0197] In some examples, the third positioning mechanism 600 includes a pneumatic gripper, and the third driving component 630 includes a cylinder, gears, connecting rods, cranks, etc. The linear motion of the cylinder piston rod is converted into the opposing or opposite motion of the first clamping component 610 and the second clamping component 620 by the cooperation of the cylinder, connecting rods, cranks, or gears. This structure has higher precision and more accurate positioning.

[0198] In other examples, the third drive unit 630 may also be a bidirectional telescopic motor, with the two telescopic rods of the bidirectional telescopic motor connected to the first clamping member 610 and the second clamping member 620 respectively, and the two telescopic rods can move towards or away from each other along the first direction X.

[0199] The number of third positioning mechanisms 600 can be one or more, depending on the number of second workpieces 2 that can be positioned at one time. For example, the number of third positioning mechanisms 600 can be two, and the two third positioning mechanisms 600 are arranged at intervals along the third direction Z.

[0200] In some examples, such as Figures 8-13As shown, the frame 100 includes support columns 110 and upright columns 120. Along the second direction Y, the upright column 120 is positioned between the two support columns 110. A first positioning mechanism 200 and a second positioning mechanism 300 are mounted on the support columns 110, and a third positioning mechanism 600 is mounted on the upright column 120. The number of each of the first positioning mechanism 200, second positioning mechanism 300, and third positioning mechanism 600 is two, and they are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence to form two sets. The two sets of first positioning mechanisms 200, second positioning mechanisms 300, and third positioning mechanisms 600 are spaced apart along the third direction Z to position the combination of two first workpieces 1 and two workpieces 2, respectively. This not only improves positioning efficiency but also allows control over the size of the positioning space.

[0201] With the above configuration, the first clamping member 610 and the second clamping member 620 can be used to position the second workpiece 2 and the first workpiece 1 as a whole. Before positioning, the first clamping member 610 and the second clamping member 620 are moved in opposite directions along the first direction X so that the first workpiece 1 and the second workpiece 2 can smoothly enter between the first clamping member 610 and the second clamping member 620. During positioning, the first clamping member 610 and the second clamping member 620 are driven to move towards each other to clamp the second workpiece 2, thereby achieving the centering and alignment of the second workpiece 2 and the first workpiece 1 as a whole along the first direction X.

[0202] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figures 8-13 As shown, the third positioning mechanism 600 also includes a carrier member 640 and a fourth driving member 650. Along the second direction Y, the carrier member 640 is slidably disposed on the frame 100. The first clamping member 610, the second clamping member 620, and the third driving member 630 are all disposed on the carrier member 640. The fourth driving member 650 is connected to the carrier member 640 and is used to drive the carrier member 640 to slide. The first direction X intersects with the second direction Y.

[0203] The fourth driving component 650 can be a telescopic motor, whose telescopic rod is connected to the carrier component 640 and can extend and retract along the second direction Y, thereby driving the carrier component 640 to rise and fall along the second direction Y. Alternatively, the fourth driving component 650 can also be a lead screw and nut mechanism, with the lead screw of the lead screw and nut mechanism extending along the second direction Y.

[0204] In some examples, the frame 100 includes a support column 110 and a column 120. A fourth drive member 650 is connected to the column 120, a support member 640 is slidably disposed on the column 120, and a first clamping member 610 and a second clamping member 620 are both slidably connected to the support member 640. The fourth drive member 650 drives the support member 640 to move, thereby driving the third drive member 630, the first clamping member 610 and the second clamping member 620 to move together.

[0205] Among them, two sets of first clamping members 610 and second clamping members 620 can slide on the carrier member 640, and the same carrier member 640 drives the two sets of first clamping members 610 and second clamping members 620 to rise and fall together.

[0206] With the above configuration, the carrier 640 can drive the first clamping member 610, the second clamping member 620, and the third driving member 630 to move together along the second direction Y to approach or move away from the second workpiece 2. When it is not necessary to position the second workpiece 2, the first clamping member 610 and the second clamping member 620 can be moved away from the second workpiece 2 to reduce the impact on the second workpiece 2. When positioning is required, the first clamping member 610 and the second clamping member 620 first approach the second workpiece 2 along the second direction Y, and then the first clamping member 610 and the second clamping member 620 move towards each other along the first direction X to position the second workpiece 2. This can improve the convenience of positioning.

[0207] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figures 14-18 As shown, the positioning device further includes a support member 400, a pair of first fixing parts 700, a pair of second fixing parts 800, and a fifth driving member 900. The support member 400 is also used to support the second workpiece 2 located within the receiving space. The pair of first fixing parts 700 are slidably connected to the support member 400 and are spaced apart along the first direction X. The pair of second fixing parts 800 are slidably connected to the support member 400 and are spaced apart along the third direction Z. The pair of first fixing parts 700 and the pair of second fixing parts 800 together form a receiving space for receiving the second workpiece 2. The fifth driving member 900 is connected to the pair of first fixing parts 700 and the pair of second fixing parts 800 and is used to drive the pair of first fixing parts 700 and the pair of second fixing parts 800 to move towards each other to clamp the second workpiece 2 or to move away from each other to release the second workpiece 2. The first direction X intersects the third direction Z.

[0208] It is understood that the pair of first fixing parts 700 move relative to each other along a first direction X to clamp the second workpiece 2, or move toward each other to release the second workpiece 2. The pair of second fixing parts 800 move relative to each other along a third direction Z to clamp the second workpiece 2, or move toward each other to release the second workpiece 2.

[0209] In some examples, the positioning device includes a first positioning mechanism 200, a second positioning mechanism 300, a third positioning mechanism 600, a pair of first fixing parts 700, and a pair of second fixing parts 800. During operation, the first workpiece 1 and the second workpiece 2 are placed together in the receiving space. Then, the third positioning mechanism 600 is used to center the second workpiece 2 along the first direction X. Then, the opposing movement of the pair of first fixing parts 700 and the pair of second fixing parts 800 is used to clamp and fix the second workpiece 2. Then, the first positioning mechanism 200 and the second positioning mechanism 300 are used to position the first workpiece 1 along the first direction X.

[0210] In some examples, such as Figures 14-18 As shown, the second fixing part 800 includes a plurality of fixing sub-parts 810 arranged at intervals along the third direction Z. The first fixing part 700 moves along the first direction X, and the plurality of fixing sub-parts 810 move synchronously along the third direction Z to clamp or release the second workpiece 2.

[0211] In some examples, the fifth drive unit 900 includes a first power unit and a first linkage mechanism connected together. The first linkage mechanism is connected to a first fixed part 700 and a second fixed part 800 respectively. The first power unit is used to drive the first linkage mechanism to move, thereby causing the first fixed part 700 and the second fixed part 800 to slide.

[0212] The first power unit can be a cylinder, motor, or other similar structure.

[0213] With the above configuration, a pair of first fixing parts 700 and a pair of second fixing parts 800 can define an accommodating space, thereby facilitating the placement of the second workpiece 2 and the first workpiece 1, and enabling coarse positioning of the first workpiece 1 and the second workpiece 2 as a whole. Furthermore, when it is necessary to position the first workpiece 1 relative to the second workpiece 2, the second workpiece 2 can be fixed first using the pair of first fixing parts 700 and the pair of second fixing parts 800, and then the first positioning mechanism 200 and the second positioning mechanism 300 can be used to position the first workpiece 1. This prevents the second workpiece 2 from moving with the first workpiece 1, ensuring the smooth positioning of the first workpiece 1.

[0214] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figures 14-18 As shown, the positioning device also includes a first elastic member 1000. Along the first direction X, the first elastic member 1000 is disposed between the first fixing part 700 and the supporting member 400. When the second workpiece 2 is clamped by a pair of first fixing parts 700, the first elastic member 1000 has a tendency to move the first fixing part 700 toward the second workpiece 2.

[0215] In other words, when the first fixing part 700 clamps the second workpiece 2, the first elastic member 1000 is in an elastic deformation state and applies pressure to the first fixing part 700 near the second workpiece 2 to press the first fixing part 700 tightly onto the second workpiece 2.

[0216] The first elastic element 1000 can be a spring or an elastic column; for example, the elastic column can be a rubber column.

[0217] Alternatively, the first elastic element 1000 can apply pressure to the first fixed part 700 through compression deformation, or it can apply tension to the first fixed part 700 through tensile deformation, depending on the position of the first elastic element 1000.

[0218] In some examples, such as Figures 14-18 As shown, a first guide rod 1100 is provided on the first fixing part 700. The first guide rod 1100 extends along the first direction X and is fixed to the support member 400. In addition to being directly slidably disposed on the support member 400, the first fixing part 700 can also slide along the first guide rod 1100. The provision of the first guide rod 1100 can further improve the sliding stability of the first fixing part 700.

[0219] In some examples, the first elastic element 1000 includes a spring. The first elastic element 1000 is sleeved on the first guide rod 1100 and is always in a compressed deformation state. In this way, when the first fixing part 700 clamps the second workpiece 2 along the first direction X, the first elastic element 1000 can apply a pressure to the first fixing part 700 to ensure that the first fixing part 700 and the second workpiece 2 are in close contact.

[0220] In some examples, there are multiple first elastic elements 1000, each first fixing part 700 corresponds to two first elastic elements 1000, each first fixing part 700 corresponds to two first guide rods 1100, and each first guide rod 1100 corresponds to one first elastic element 1000. The first elastic element 1000 is sleeved on the corresponding first guide rod 1100, and the two first guide rods 1100 are spaced apart along the third direction Z. This arrangement can improve the uniformity of the force applied by the first elastic element 1000 to the first fixing part 700, and further improve the clamping stability of a pair of first fixing parts 700.

[0221] With the above settings, along the first direction X, the first elastic member 1000 can apply a force close to the second workpiece 2 to the first fixing part 700. Then, when the first fixing parts 700 clamp the second workpiece 2, the reliability and stability of the first fixing parts 700 clamping the second workpiece 2 can be guaranteed, and the accuracy of positioning the second workpiece 2 can be further improved.

[0222] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figures 14-18 As shown, there are multiple pairs of first fixing parts 700 and multiple pairs of second fixing parts 800, and they are arranged accordingly. A pair of first fixing parts 700 and a pair of second fixing parts 800 together form a receiving space. Multiple receiving spaces are arranged at intervals along the third direction Z. There are multiple fifth driving members 900, which are arranged corresponding to multiple receiving spaces. The fifth driving members 900 are used to drive the movement of the pair of first fixing parts 700 and the pair of second fixing parts 800 that form the corresponding receiving space.

[0223] In other words, the carrier 640 has multiple accommodating spaces, so that the overall positioning of multiple first workpieces 1 and second workpieces 2 can be achieved simultaneously.

[0224] The number of pairs of the first fixing part 700 can be two, three, four, or five, depending on the spatial layout. Similarly, the number of pairs of the second fixing part 800 can be two, three, four, or five, depending on the spatial layout. For example, the number of pairs of the first fixing part 700 and the number of pairs of the second fixing part 800 are two. This can improve the overall positioning efficiency of the first workpiece 1 and the second workpiece 2 while controlling the space of the carrier 640 in the third direction Z.

[0225] In some examples, each pair of first fixing parts 700 corresponds to a first elastic element 1000. The first elastic element 1000 applies a force close to the second workpiece 2 to the corresponding first fixing part 700 to ensure the clamping force and positioning accuracy of each pair of first fixing parts 700 on the second workpiece 2.

[0226] With the above configuration, multiple accommodating spaces are formed on the support member 400, which are surrounded by multiple pairs of first fixing parts 700 and multiple pairs of second fixing parts 800. Each accommodating space can accommodate the entire first workpiece 1 and the second workpiece 2. The support member 400 can simultaneously support the entire first workpiece 1 and the second workpiece 2, which can improve the positioning efficiency and the processing efficiency of the entire first workpiece 1 and the second workpiece 2.

[0227] Before placing the first workpiece 1 and the second workpiece 2 on the support 400, a third workpiece 3 will be placed on the support 400. The third workpiece 3 needs to be located at at least one end of the first workpiece 1 along the first direction X. The first workpiece 1 includes an electrode assembly, the second workpiece 2 includes a housing, and the third workpiece 3 includes an end cap. Welding operations need to be performed on the first workpiece 1 and the third workpiece 3 after positioning. However, the placement of the third workpiece 3 is before the placement of the first workpiece 1 and the second workpiece 2. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that the first workpiece 1 and the second workpiece 2 do not touch the third workpiece 3 during the placement process.

[0228] Therefore, in some embodiments of this application, such as Figures 14-18 As shown, the positioning device also includes a support member 400, a placement member 1200, and a sixth driving member. The first workpiece 1 is disposed on the second workpiece 2, and the support member 400 is also used to support the second workpiece 2 located within the accommodating space. Along the first direction X, the placement member 1200 is slidably disposed on the support member 400, and at least one of the two opposite sides of the accommodating space has a placement member 1200, which is used to support a third workpiece 3. The sixth driving member is connected to the placement member 1200 and is used to drive the placement member 1200 to move along the first direction X.

[0229] It is understood that the placement component 1200 should move along the first direction X between two positions. One position is a position away from the receiving space, in which the third workpiece 3 on the placement component 1200 will not contact the second workpiece 2. The other position is a position close to the receiving space, in which the third workpiece 3 and the first workpiece 1 on the placement component 1200 are positioned along the first direction X, so as to facilitate further processing of the first workpiece 1 and the third workpiece 3.

[0230] It should be explained that since the placement component 1200, the first positioning mechanism 200, the second positioning mechanism 300 and the third positioning mechanism 600 all have the action of moving along the first direction X, the movements of the four should not interfere with each other.

[0231] In some examples, the placement component 1200 includes two placement bodies 1210 spaced apart along a third direction Z, a first fixing part 700 is disposed between the two placement bodies 1210, and a third workpiece 3 is supported on the two placement bodies 1210 and located at the upper end of the first fixing part 700 along the second direction Y, thereby realizing the layout of the placement component 1200 and the first fixing part 700, thus ensuring that the placement component 1200 and the first fixing part 700 can complete their respective operations independently.

[0232] In some examples, the sixth driving member includes a connected second power unit and a second linkage mechanism. The second linkage mechanism is connected to two placement bodies 1210 respectively. The second power unit is used to drive the second linkage mechanism to move, thereby causing the two placement bodies 1210 to slide synchronously, thereby driving the placement member 1200.

[0233] The second power unit can be a cylinder or an electric motor, among other components.

[0234] In some examples, along the first direction X, there are placement members 1200 on both opposite sides of the accommodating space. There are two sixth driving members, and the two sixth driving members and the two placement members 1200 are correspondingly arranged. The sixth driving members are used to drive the corresponding placement members 1200 to move along the first direction X. In this way, the two ends of the second workpiece 2 and the third workpiece 3 located at the two ends can be prevented from colliding along the first direction X.

[0235] With the above configuration, the placement member 1200 carries the third workpiece 3, and can carry the third workpiece 3 along the first direction X. Therefore, before placing the first workpiece 1 and the second workpiece 2 together into the receiving space, the placement member 1200 can be driven to carry the third workpiece 3 away from the receiving space, so that the first workpiece 1 and the second workpiece 2 together do not interfere with the third workpiece 3. After placing the first workpiece 1 and the second workpiece 2 into the receiving space, the placement member 1200 is then driven to carry the third workpiece 3 closer to the receiving space to ensure the relative position between the third workpiece 3 and the second workpiece 2, facilitating subsequent operations on the third workpiece 3 and the second workpiece 2. The configuration of the sixth driving member and the placement member 1200 improves the reliability of the positioning device.

[0236] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figures 14-18 As shown, the positioning device also includes a second elastic member 1300. Along the first direction X, the second elastic member 1300 is disposed between the placement member 1200 and the support member 400. The second elastic member 1300 has a tendency to move the placement member 1200 toward the second workpiece 2.

[0237] In other words, the second elastic member 1300 is in an elastic deformation state and applies pressure to the placement member 1200 near the second workpiece 2 so that the placement member 1200 is in a preset position near the second workpiece 2, so as to ensure the positioning stability and accuracy of the third workpiece 3 on the placement member 1200.

[0238] The second elastic element 1300 can be a spring or an elastic column; for example, the elastic column can be a rubber column.

[0239] In addition, the second elastic element 1300 can apply a pressure to the placement element 1200 through compression deformation, or it can apply a tension force to the placement element 1200 through tensile deformation, depending on the position of the second elastic element 1300.

[0240] In some examples, such as Figures 14-18As shown, a second guide rod 1400 is provided on the placement member 1200. The second guide rod 1400 extends along the first direction X and is fixed to the support member 400. In addition to sliding directly on the support member 400, the placement member 1200 can also slide along the second guide rod 1400. The setting of the second guide rod 1400 can further improve the sliding stability of the placement member 1200.

[0241] In some examples, the second elastic element 1300 includes a spring. The second elastic element 1300 is sleeved on the second guide rod 1400 and is always in a compressed deformation state. Thus, when the placement member 1200 moves along the first direction X to a preset position close to the second workpiece 2, the second elastic element 1300 can apply a pressure to the placement member 1200 to ensure that the third workpiece 3 on the placement member 1200 can be stably positioned close to the second workpiece 2. This preset position needs to satisfy the requirement that the position between the third workpiece 3 and the first workpiece 1 along the first direction X is a preset distance, that is, to satisfy the positioning of the first workpiece 1 and the third workpiece 3 along the first direction X.

[0242] In some examples, there are multiple second elastic elements 1300. Each placement element 1200 includes two placement bodies 1210, each corresponding to a first elastic element 1000. Each placement body 1210 corresponds to a second guide rod 1400. The second elastic element 1300 is sleeved on the corresponding second guide rod 1400. This can ensure the stability of each placement body 1210 stopping at a preset position and ensure the accuracy of positioning.

[0243] With the above settings, along the first direction X, the second elastic member 1300 can apply a force to the placement member 1200 toward the receiving space. When the placement member 1200 is in a fixed position close to the receiving space, the stability of the placement member 1200 in that fixed position can be guaranteed, so as to facilitate the subsequent operation of the third workpiece 3 on the placement member 1200 and the first workpiece 1 in the receiving space, such as welding operation.

[0244] To better understand the positioning device in this application, the positioning process of the positioning device is described below in a specific embodiment.

[0245] For the end cap, place the end plate on the placement part 1200, at which point the placement part 1200 is in a position close to the receiving space.

[0246] The electrode assembly and housing are fed together, and the drive placement member 1200 is moved along the first direction X to a position away from the receiving space. Then the housing and electrode assembly are placed in the receiving space. At this time, the first fixing part 700 and the second fixing part 800 release the housing, and the carrier member 640 is located away from the receiving space along the second direction Y. The first clamping member 610 and the second clamping member 620 on the carrier member 640 are at a relatively far distance along the first direction X.

[0247] After the electrode assembly and housing are loaded, the drive placement component 1200 moves along the first direction X towards the receiving space to maintain a certain distance from the electrode assembly.

[0248] The housing is centered and aligned along the first direction X, so that the housing is in a position corresponding to the first clamping member 610 and the second clamping member 620 along the third direction Z. Along the second direction Y, the carrier member 640 is driven to approach the receiving space, so that the housing is located between the first clamping member 610 and the second clamping member 620 along the first direction X. Then, the first clamping member 610 and the second clamping member 620 are driven to move towards each other to clamp the housing, thus completing the centering and alignment of the housing. Next, the first clamping member 610 and the second clamping member 620 are driven to move away from each other to release the housing, and the carrier member 640 is driven to move away from the receiving space.

[0249] The electrode assembly is positioned along the first direction X. A pair of first fixing parts 700 and a pair of second fixing parts 800 are driven to move towards each other to fix the housing. The positioning member 210 is driven to move along the first direction X to the reference position. Then, the bearing part 311 is driven to move closer to the positioning member 210 along the first direction X, and finally the electrode assembly is clamped between the positioning part 312 and the positioning member 210 to achieve positioning.

[0250] If the second detection component 500 detects that the force exerted by the positioning part 312 on the electrode assembly is too large, the alarm component will sound an alarm indicating that the electrode assembly may be damaged; otherwise, the positioning will end. This positioning operation is repeated for multiple housings, electrode assemblies, and end caps. During the positioning of each electrode assembly, the first detection component will detect the torque of the first drive component 220, thereby monitoring the length of the batch of electrode assemblies.

[0251] After positioning is completed, subsequent operations are performed on the housing, electrode assembly, and end cap, such as welding the adapter plate on the electrode assembly and the electrode terminals on the end cap.

[0252] Based on the above positioning device, such as Figure 19 As shown, this application also provides a positioning method, applied in the positioning device of any of the above embodiments, the positioning method including S100-S300:

[0253] S100: Place the first workpiece within the receiving space of the support.

[0254] In some examples, the positioning device also includes a support 400, and the receiving space is formed on the support 400.

[0255] S200: The first driving member drives the positioning member to move along the first direction to the reference position.

[0256] Yes, it is understandable that during the process of the first driving member 220 driving the positioning member 210 to move along the first direction X to the reference position, the positioning member 210 can contact the first workpiece 1 and presume the first workpiece 1 to move, or it can only contact the first workpiece 1 but not push the first workpiece 1 to move, or it can not contact the first workpiece 1 at all. Specifically, it is determined according to the position of the first workpiece 1 along the first direction X.

[0257] S300: The second driving member drives the telescopic member to move in the direction of approaching the first workpiece along the first direction, wherein, when both the positioning member and the telescopic member are in contact with the first workpiece, and the size of the first workpiece along the first direction is greater than a threshold, the telescopic member retracts in the direction away from the positioning member under the reaction force of the first workpiece.

[0258] With the above settings, when positioning, after the first workpiece 1 is placed in the receiving space, the positioning member 210 is driven to move to the reference position. This reference position can play the role of positioning one end of the first workpiece 1. Then, the telescopic member 310 is driven to move a preset displacement towards the positioning member 210, so that both the positioning member 210 and the telescopic member 310 are in contact with the first workpiece 1. That is, the first workpiece 1 is clamped between the positioning member 210 and the telescopic member 310 to complete the positioning of the first workpiece 1.

[0259] Since the size of the first workpiece 1 along the first direction X is greater than a threshold, after the first workpiece 1 is clamped between the telescopic member 310 and the positioning member 210, the telescopic member 310 will retract away from the positioning member 210 under the reaction force of the first workpiece 1. Therefore, it can avoid the first workpiece 1 being too large, and after the telescopic member 310 moves a preset displacement, the telescopic member 310 and the first workpiece 1 will not make hard contact, thereby reducing the probability of damage to the first workpiece 1. In other words, the setting of the telescopic member 310 in this application can take into account the accurate positioning of the first workpiece 1 with an excessively large size along the first direction X, and can also reduce the probability of the first workpiece 1 being damaged.

[0260] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 20 As shown, before S200: the first driving member drives the positioning member to move along the first direction to the reference position, the positioning method further includes S111-S112:

[0261] S111: Place the second workpiece within the accommodating space, with the first workpiece positioned on top of the second workpiece.

[0262] In some examples, the first workpiece 1 includes an electrode assembly, and the second workpiece 2 includes a housing. S111 specifically includes: the housing is fitted over the outside of the electrode assembly.

[0263] S112: The third driving member drives the first clamping member and the second clamping member to move toward each other in the first direction to clamp the second workpiece.

[0264] In some examples, such as Figure 21 As shown, after S112 and before S200, the positioning method further includes S113: the third driving member drives the first clamping member and the second clamping member to move in opposite directions along a first direction to release the second workpiece. This facilitates the subsequent positioning of the first workpiece 1 by the positioning member 210 and the telescopic member 310.

[0265] In some examples, such as Figure 21 As shown, after S111 and before S112, the positioning method further includes S114: the fourth driving member drives the carrier to move along the second direction to approach the receiving space. Since the first clamping member 610 and the second clamping member 620 are both provided on the carrier 640, this means that the first clamping member 610 and the second clamping member 620 are driven together to approach the receiving space along the second direction Y, so as to facilitate the subsequent opposite movement of the first clamping member 610 and the second clamping member 620.

[0266] With the above configuration, the carrier 640 can drive the first clamping member 610, the second clamping member 620, and the third driving member 630 to move together along the second direction Y to approach or move away from the second workpiece 2. When it is not necessary to position the second workpiece 2, the first clamping member 610 and the second clamping member 620 can be moved away from the second workpiece 2 without affecting it. When positioning is required, the first clamping member 610 and the second clamping member 620 first approach the second workpiece 2 along the second direction Y, and then the first clamping member 610 and the second clamping member 620 move towards each other along the first direction X to position the second workpiece 2. This can improve the convenience of positioning.

[0267] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 22 As shown, before S200: the first driving member drives the positioning member to move along the first direction to the reference position, the positioning method further includes S121-S123:

[0268] S121: Place the second workpiece over the first workpiece.

[0269] It should be explained that the second workpiece 2 being fitted outside the first workpiece 1 means that the two ends of the second workpiece 2 along the first direction X are open, and the first workpiece 1 is inserted inside the second workpiece 2.

[0270] S122: Place the second workpiece within the accommodating space.

[0271] It is understandable that placing the second workpiece 2 within the accommodating space achieves the simultaneous setting of the first workpiece 1 and the second workpiece 2.

[0272] S123: The fifth driving member drives a pair of first fixing parts to move towards each other in a first direction, and simultaneously drives a pair of second fixing parts to move towards each other in a third direction to clamp the second workpiece.

[0273] With the above settings, when it is necessary to position the first workpiece 1 relative to the second workpiece 2, the second workpiece 2 can be fixed firstly using a pair of first fixing parts 700 and a pair of second fixing parts 800, and then the first positioning mechanism 200 and the second positioning mechanism 300 can be used to position the first workpiece 1. This can prevent the second workpiece 2 from moving with the first workpiece 1 and ensure the smooth positioning of the first workpiece 1.

[0274] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 23 As shown, before placing the first workpiece within the receiving space of the support member in S100, the positioning method further includes S080-S090:

[0275] S080: Place a third workpiece on the placement piece.

[0276] S090: The sixth driving member drives the placement member to move away from the receiving space along the first direction.

[0277] In some examples, such as Figure 24 As shown, after the first workpiece is placed in the receiving space of the support member in S100, the positioning method further includes S131: the sixth driving member drives the placement member to move towards the receiving space along the first direction. After the first workpiece 1 is placed, the placement member 1200 drives the third workpiece 3 to move towards the receiving space, so that the third workpiece 3 moves to a preset fixed position, so that the third workpiece 3 and the first workpiece 1 are positioned together, which facilitates subsequent operations on the first workpiece 1 and the third workpiece 3, such as welding the adapter piece on the end cap and the electrode assembly.

[0278] With the above configuration, the third workpiece 3 is carried on the placement member 1200. The placement member 1200 can carry the third workpiece 3 to move along the first direction X. Before placing the first workpiece 1 into the accommodating space, the placement member 1200 can be driven to carry the third workpiece 3 away from the accommodating space so that the first workpiece 1 and the third workpiece 3 do not interfere with each other, thereby improving the reliability of the positioning device.

[0279] To better understand the positioning method in this application, the positioning method will be described below in a specific embodiment.

[0280] S080: Place a third workpiece on the placement piece.

[0281] S090: The sixth driving member drives the placement member to move away from the receiving space along the first direction.

[0282] S100: Place the first workpiece within the receiving space of the support.

[0283] S111: Place the second workpiece within the accommodating space, with the first workpiece positioned on top of the second workpiece.

[0284] S114: The fourth driving member drives the carrier to move along the second direction to approach the receiving space.

[0285] S112: The third driving member drives the first clamping member and the second clamping member to move toward each other in the first direction to clamp the second workpiece.

[0286] S113: The third driving member drives the first clamping member and the second clamping member to move in opposite directions along the first direction to release the second workpiece.

[0287] S123: The fifth driving member drives a pair of first fixing parts to move towards each other in a first direction, and simultaneously drives a pair of second fixing parts to move towards each other in a third direction to clamp the second workpiece.

[0288] S200: The first driving member drives the positioning member to move along the first direction to the reference position.

[0289] S300: The second driving member drives the telescopic member to move in the direction of approaching the first workpiece along the first direction, wherein, when both the positioning member and the telescopic member are in contact with the first workpiece, and the size of the first workpiece along the first direction is greater than a threshold, the telescopic member retracts in the direction away from the positioning member under the reaction force of the first workpiece.

[0290] Based on the above-described positioning device and method, this application also provides a battery production line, including the positioning device and conveyor line of any of the above embodiments. The positioning device is used to position a first workpiece 1 along a first direction X. The conveyor line at least partially transports along a third direction Z, and the first workpiece 1 is located on the conveyor line. The first direction X intersects with the third direction Z.

[0291] The type of conveyor line can be a magnetic drive circulation line or a double-speed chain conveyor line, etc.

[0292] In some examples, the support 400 is located on the conveyor line and can move with the conveyor line. The support 400 has a first workpiece 1, a second workpiece 2 and a third workpiece 3. When the support 400 moves to the positioning station, the first workpiece 1 and the second workpiece 2 on the support 400 are positioned.

[0293] With the above setup, the conveyor line can effectively transport the first workpiece 1, thereby improving the convenience of loading. Since the battery production line includes a positioning device, it also achieves precise positioning of the oversized first workpiece 1 along the first direction X, and reduces the risk of damage to the first workpiece 1.

[0294] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical solutions of this application and are not intended to limit it. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. These modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and all should be covered within the scope of the specification of this application. In particular, as long as there is no structural conflict, the various technical features mentioned in the embodiments can be combined in any way.

Claims

1. A positioning device, characterized in that, include: Frame; A first positioning mechanism includes a positioning element and a first driving element. Along a first direction, the positioning element is slidably disposed on the frame, and the first driving element is connected to the positioning element for driving the positioning element to slide. The second positioning mechanism includes a telescopic member and a second driving member. Along the first direction, the telescopic member is slidably disposed on the frame and is opposite to and spaced apart from the positioning member. The second driving member is connected to the telescopic member and is used to drive the telescopic member to slide along the first direction. The telescopic member includes a load-bearing part, a positioning part, and an elastic part. Along the first direction, the load-bearing part is slidably disposed on the frame, and the second driving member is connected to the load-bearing part. Along the first direction, the positioning part is movably disposed on the load-bearing part and is opposite to and spaced apart from the positioning member. The elastic part is disposed between the positioning part and the load-bearing part. There is a receiving space between the positioning member and the positioning part for accommodating the first workpiece. When both the positioning member and the positioning part are in contact with the first workpiece, and the size of the first workpiece along the first direction is greater than a threshold, the elastic part undergoes elastic deformation under the reaction of the first workpiece, and the positioning part moves away from the positioning member relative to the bearing part. The first workpiece is disposed on the second workpiece and is movable relative to the second workpiece along the first direction; the accommodating space is also used to accommodate the second workpiece. The bearing portion has a first limiting portion, and the positioning portion has a second limiting portion. Along the first direction, the second limiting portion is disposed on the side of the first limiting portion away from the positioning member, and can abut against the first limiting portion. The elastic part has an initial elastic deformation that is less than the maximum elastic deformation, and the elastic force generated by the initial elastic deformation is greater than or equal to the static friction force between the first workpiece and the second workpiece.

2. The positioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The telescopic component also includes: A guide rail slider mechanism is disposed between the bearing part and the positioning part, and the positioning part is slidably connected to the bearing part along the first direction through the guide rail slider mechanism.

3. The positioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first workpiece includes an electrode assembly, and the second workpiece includes a housing, which is sleeved over the electrode assembly; The positioning member has at least one first protrusion on the side near the positioning part, the first protrusion being used to partially extend into the housing along the first direction and contact the electrode assembly; And / or, The positioning portion has at least one second protrusion on the side near the positioning member, the second protrusion being used to partially extend into the housing along the first direction and contact the electrode assembly.

4. The positioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The positioning device further includes: a support member and a third positioning mechanism, wherein the first workpiece is disposed on the second workpiece, and the support member is also used to support the second workpiece located in the accommodating space; The third positioning mechanism includes a first clamping member, a second clamping member, and a third driving member. The first clamping member and the second clamping member are movably disposed on the frame and are arranged opposite to each other and spaced apart along the first direction. The third driving member is connected to both the first clamping member and the second clamping member and is used to drive the first clamping member and the second clamping member to move towards each other along the first direction to clamp the second workpiece or to move away from each other to release the second workpiece.

5. The positioning device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The third positioning mechanism further includes a carrier and a fourth driving member. Along the second direction, the carrier is slidably disposed on the frame, and the first clamping member, the second clamping member, and the third driving member are all disposed on the carrier. The fourth driving member is connected to the carrier and is used to drive the carrier to slide. Wherein, the first direction intersects with the second direction.

6. The positioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The positioning device further includes a support member, a pair of first fixing parts, a pair of second fixing parts, and a fifth driving member. The first workpiece is disposed on the second workpiece, and the support member is also used to support the second workpiece located in the accommodating space. A pair of first fixing parts are slidably connected to the support member and are spaced apart along the first direction; a pair of second fixing parts are slidably connected to the support member and are spaced apart along the third direction; the pair of first fixing parts and the pair of second fixing parts together form the receiving space. The fifth driving member is connected to a pair of first fixing parts and a pair of second fixing parts, and is used to drive the pair of first fixing parts and the pair of second fixing parts to move toward each other to clamp the second workpiece or to move away from each other to release the second workpiece. Wherein, the first direction intersects with the third direction.

7. The positioning device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The positioning device further includes: A first elastic member is disposed between the first fixing part and the support member along the first direction. When the second workpiece is clamped by a pair of first fixing parts, the first elastic member has a tendency to move the first fixing part toward the second workpiece.

8. The positioning device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The number of pairs of the first fixing part and the number of pairs of the second fixing part are multiple, and they are arranged accordingly. A pair of the first fixing part and a pair of the second fixing parts together form a receiving space. Along the third direction, a plurality of accommodating spaces are spaced apart; there are multiple fifth driving members, which are arranged corresponding to the plurality of accommodating spaces, and the fifth driving members are used to drive a pair of first fixing parts and a pair of second fixing parts that form the corresponding accommodating space to move.

9. The positioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The positioning device further includes: a support member, a placement member, and a sixth driving member, wherein the first workpiece is disposed on the second workpiece, and the support member is also used to support the second workpiece located in the accommodating space; Along the first direction, the placement member is slidably disposed on the support member, and the placement member is located on at least one of the two opposite sides of the accommodating space. The placement member is used to support the third workpiece. The sixth driving member is connected to the placement member and is used to drive the placement member to move along the first direction.

10. The positioning device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The positioning device further includes: A second elastic element is disposed between the placement member and the support member along the first direction, and the second elastic element has a tendency to move the placement member toward the second workpiece.

11. The positioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The positioning device further includes: a first detection component, electrically connected to the second driving component, wherein the first detection component is used to detect the torque of the second driving component.

12. The positioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The positioning device further includes a second detection component connected to the telescopic member, the second detection component being used to detect the magnitude of the force exerted by the telescopic member on the first workpiece.

13. A positioning method, characterized in that, The positioning method, applied in any one of claims 1 to 12, comprises: Place the first workpiece within the receiving space of the support; The first driving element drives the positioning element to move along the first direction to the reference position; The second driving component drives the telescopic component to move along the first direction toward the first workpiece. Wherein, when the positioning parts of both the positioning member and the telescopic member are in contact with the first workpiece, and the dimension of the first workpiece along the first direction is greater than a threshold, the elastic part of the telescopic member undergoes elastic deformation under the reaction force of the first workpiece, and the positioning part retracts relative to the bearing part of the telescopic member in a direction away from the positioning member.

14. The positioning method according to claim 13, characterized in that, Before the first driving member drives the positioning member to move along the first direction to the reference position, the positioning method further includes: A second workpiece is placed within the accommodating space, with the first workpiece positioned on top of the second workpiece; The third driving member drives the first clamping member and the second clamping member to move toward each other along the first direction to clamp the second workpiece.

15. The positioning method according to claim 13, characterized in that, Before the first driving member drives the positioning member to move along the first direction to the reference position, the positioning method further includes: The second workpiece is fitted over the first workpiece; Place the second workpiece within the accommodating space; The fifth driving member drives a pair of first fixing parts to move toward each other along the first direction, and simultaneously drives a pair of second fixing parts to move toward each other along a third direction to clamp the second workpiece.

16. The positioning method according to claim 13, characterized in that, Before placing the first workpiece within the receiving space of the support, the positioning method further includes: Place the third workpiece on the placement piece; The sixth driving member drives the placement member to move away from the receiving space along the first direction.

17. A battery production line, characterized in that, include: The positioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 12 is used to position a first workpiece along a first direction; A conveyor line, at least partially transporting along a third direction, with the first workpiece located on the conveyor line; wherein the first direction intersects with the third direction.

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