Battery cell feeding device and battery cell feeding system

Abstract

The invention relates to a battery cell feeding device and a battery cell feeding system. The battery cell feeding device comprises a tray conveying mechanism and a battery cell grabbing assembly for grabbing battery cells in a tray; the material tray conveying mechanism comprises a tray plate, a bearing piece for bearing a material tray and a limiting assembly for limiting the material tray in the second direction and the vertical direction. The bearing piece is arranged at one end of the tray plate in the first direction and movably arranged in the direction close to the tray plate according to preset steps in the first direction. The limiting assembly is arranged on the tray plate; the battery cell grabbing assembly is arranged corresponding to the end part, close to the bearing piece, of the tray plate in the first direction; the first direction, the second direction and the vertical direction are perpendicular to one another in pairs. According to the battery cell grabbing device, the accuracy of battery cell grabbing can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery technology, and more specifically, to a battery cell feeding device and a battery cell feeding system. Background Technology

[0002] In battery production, there is a step where battery cells are removed from trays and transferred to the next process. Related technologies typically involve manually moving the trays loaded with cells to the cell-grabbing area, or using a conveyor belt to transport the trays there. However, both manual handling and conveyor belt transport make it difficult to ensure the accuracy of the trays' position when they reach the cell-grabbing area, thus hindering efficient production. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by this application is to provide a battery cell feeding device and a battery cell feeding system, in view of the above-mentioned defects of the prior art.

[0004] The technical solution adopted by this application to solve its technical problem is: constructing a battery cell feeding device, including: The tray conveying mechanism includes: Pallet board; A support member for supporting a material tray, the support member being disposed at one end of the tray plate along a first direction and being movably disposed along the first direction toward the tray plate in a predetermined manner; and A limiting component that limits the material tray along a second direction and a vertical direction respectively, the limiting component being disposed on the tray plate; and A battery cell gripping assembly for gripping battery cells in the tray; the battery cell gripping assembly is disposed along the first direction corresponding to the end of the tray plate near the support member; The first direction, the second direction, and the vertical direction are all perpendicular to each other.

[0005] Furthermore, the tray conveying mechanism also includes at least one positioning element; the at least one limiting element and the plane on which the tray plate is located together define a tray conveying channel extending along the first direction, and the at least one positioning element extends at least partially telescopically into the tray conveying channel to restrict the movement of the tray within the tray conveying channel.

[0006] Furthermore, the tray conveying mechanism also includes a first conveying component that conveys the tray along the first direction. The first conveying component is disposed at one end of the pallet along the first direction, and the support member is movably disposed between the first conveying component and the pallet.

[0007] Furthermore, the material tray conveying mechanism includes at least two of the positioning members; some of the positioning members correspond to the first conveying component in the first direction, and some of the positioning members correspond to the cell gripping component in the first direction.

[0008] Furthermore, the first conveying component includes two first guide rails, which are arranged parallel to each other along the second direction and extend along the first direction; each of the two first guide rails is provided with a conveyor belt for supporting and conveying the tray, and each is provided with a stepped surface for limiting the tray along the second direction; the conveyor belt is located inside the stepped surface.

[0009] Furthermore, the material tray conveying mechanism also includes a vertical drive member movably disposed along the first direction, and the support member is movably disposed on the vertical drive member along the vertical direction; The support component has a material picking position and a material feeding position; When the support is in the material picking position, the top surface of the support is lower than the top surface of the conveyor belt; when the support is in the material feeding position, the support is flush with the pallet and higher than the top surface of the conveyor belt.

[0010] Furthermore, the limiting component includes at least two first limiting members that limit the tray along the second direction, and at least one second limiting member that limits the tray along the vertical direction; The at least two first limiting members are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the pallet plate along the second direction, and the at least one second limiting member is at least partially disposed at a distance from the plane where the pallet plate is located along the vertical direction.

[0011] Furthermore, a clearance window is provided at one end of the pallet plate near the supporting member, and the supporting member includes a supporting plate and at least two supporting rods; the at least two supporting rods are arranged along the first direction on the side of the supporting plate near the pallet plate, and correspond to the clearance window along the second direction.

[0012] Furthermore, the support rod is provided with a first protrusion and a second protrusion at intervals along the first direction; the interval between the first protrusion and the second protrusion is equal to the length of at least one of the material trays in the first direction.

[0013] A battery cell feeding system is constructed, comprising multiple material trays and the battery cell feeding device described in any of the preceding claims.

[0014] Implementing the technical solution constructed in this application has at least the following beneficial effects: This application, by setting a limiting component, ensures that the position of the material tray in the second and third directions is relatively fixed during the conveying process on the material tray conveying mechanism, and it can only move along the first direction. This ensures that when it moves to the cell transfer mechanism, the cell gripping component is precisely aligned with the cells inside in the second and third directions, achieving precision in cell gripping in these directions. By setting a support member to move along the first direction at preset steps, precise alignment of each row of cells in the material tray 2 can be ensured, thus achieving precision in cell gripping in the first direction. Through the cooperation between the components, the cell gripping component can achieve precise alignment and gripping of the cells inside the material tray in the first, second, and third directions. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The present application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. In the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a cell feeding system according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the battery cell loading system from another angle. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the battery cell feeding device in the middle; Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The diagram shows the structure of the battery cell loading device from another angle. Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the platform's structure; Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A partial structural diagram of the second transmission component in the diagram; Figure 7 yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the feeding assembly, the cell gripping assembly, and the second drive structure in the process; Figure 8 yes Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the top material assembly in the middle; Figure 9 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the material tray structure. Detailed Implementation

[0016] To provide a clearer understanding of the technical features, objectives, and effects of this application, the specific embodiments of this application are now described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0017] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this application is in use. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0018] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0019] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., 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, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0020] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0021] Figures 1 to 8This invention illustrates a battery cell loading device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It can automatically and accurately perform the battery cell loading process, reducing manual operation steps and improving work efficiency. The battery cell loading device includes a tray conveying mechanism 10, a battery cell transfer mechanism 20, a pipeline guiding mechanism 30, and a control mechanism (not shown in the figure). The control mechanism is electrically connected to both the tray conveying mechanism 10 and the battery cell transfer mechanism 20, and is used to control the normal operation of the battery cell loading device. The tray conveying mechanism 10 is used to convey a tray 2 containing battery cells 3. The battery cell transfer mechanism 20 is used to grab the battery cells 3 from the tray 2 for the next process. The pipeline guiding mechanism 30 is used to lay conduits and wires, improving the orderliness of the pipelines on the device.

[0022] Specifically, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the tray conveying mechanism 10, the cell transfer mechanism 20, and the pipeline guiding mechanism 30 are respectively arranged on the frame 40. The tray conveying mechanism 10 is generally longitudinally elongated and extends along the first direction X. The tray conveying mechanism 10 includes a platform 11 and at least one conveying component. The platform 11 is generally located at one end of the conveying component along the first direction X and is used to place an empty tray 2. The conveying component is used to convey the tray 2 containing the cell 3 along the first direction X towards the platform 11. The cell transfer mechanism 20 is generally located at the position opposite to the conveying component and the platform 11 along the first direction X, and is at least partially located vertically above the tray conveying mechanism 10, for grabbing the cell 3 in the tray 2 and transferring it.

[0023] We define the vertical direction as the third direction Z, and define the second direction Y. The first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z are all mutually perpendicular.

[0024] By setting up a material tray conveying mechanism 10, this application eliminates the need for operators to manually move the material tray 2 filled with battery cells 3 to the battery cell transfer mechanism 20, reducing the workload of operators, avoiding problems such as inaccurate placement caused by manual handling, and ensuring operational efficiency.

[0025] like Figures 3 to 6 As shown, in some embodiments, the tray conveying mechanism 10 may include a platform 11, a first conveying component 12, and a second conveying component 13. The first conveying component 12 is disposed at one end of the platform 11 along a first direction X, and is used to convey a tray 2 filled with battery cells 3. The second conveying component 13 is at least partially disposed between the first conveying component 12 and the platform 11, and is used to convey the tray 2 between the first conveying component 12 and the platform 11 in a predetermined stepwise manner. The battery cell gripping component 22 of the battery cell transfer mechanism 20 corresponds approximately along the first direction X to the end of the platform 11 near the second conveying component 13.

[0026] During the cell loading process, the support member 133 in the second conveying component 13 can be moved to the first conveying component 12 to receive the material tray 2 conveyed on the first conveying component 12.

[0027] Furthermore, the support member 133 can approach the platform 11 along the first direction X at a preset pace to gradually transport the tray 2 to the platform 11. During this process, each row of battery cells 3 in the tray 2 is grabbed and transferred by the battery cell transfer mechanism 20.

[0028] Furthermore, after all the battery cells 3 in the corresponding tray 2 on the second conveying component 13 are grabbed and transferred by the battery cell transfer mechanism 20, the support member 133 of the second conveying component 13 moves to the first conveying component 12 again to receive the tray 2 conveyed by the first conveying component 12, and so on.

[0029] It should be noted that this preset step can be flexibly set according to the arrangement of the battery cells 3 in the material tray 2, and is not specifically limited here. For example Figure 9 As shown, when the tray 2 is arranged in a matrix with multiple receiving positions 201 for receiving battery cells 3, the length of the preset step can be equal to the distance between two adjacent rows of receiving positions 201 along the first direction X in the tray 2.

[0030] Thus, after the cell transfer mechanism 20 finishes grabbing and transferring a row of cells 3 in the tray 2, the second conveying component 13 moves forward one step along the first direction X toward the platform 11 in a preset step, which can ensure that the next row of cells 3 in the tray 2 corresponds to the cell transfer mechanism 20, thereby ensuring that the cell transfer mechanism 20 continues to grab the next row of cells 3 accurately, and achieving the accuracy of cell grabbing in the first direction X.

[0031] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the platform 11 is mounted on the frame 40 and includes a pallet 111, at least one limiting component 112, and at least one positioning element 113. The pallet 111 is perpendicular to the third direction Z and abuts against the conveying component to carry the tray 2. The limiting component 112 is mounted on the pallet 111 and limits the tray 2 in the second direction Y and the third direction Z, respectively. The plane containing the limiting component 112 and the pallet 111 defines a tray conveying channel 110, which extends along the first direction X. The tray 2 can only move along the first direction X within the tray conveying channel 110. The positioning element 113 extends at least partially telescopically into the tray conveying channel 110 to restrict the movement of the tray 2 within the tray conveying channel 110.

[0032] Specifically, the pallet 111 is generally rectangular in shape. The first conveying component 12 and the second conveying component 13 are both located at the same end of the pallet 111, and part of the structure of the second conveying component 13 can be located between the first conveying component 12 and the pallet 111 to realize the transfer of the material tray 2 between the two. The pallet 111 may be provided with a clearance window 1111 at the end near the conveying component along the first direction X to provide clearance for the second conveying component 13.

[0033] The limiting component 112 is connected to the two opposite sides of the pallet plate 111 along the second direction Y. The positioning member 113 is disposed on the limiting component 112 and is at least partially telescopically inserted through the limiting component 112 to extend into the pallet conveying channel 110.

[0034] The positioning element 113 extends into the material tray conveying channel 110 when the cell transfer mechanism 20 grips the cell 3 in the material tray 2, thereby restricting the movement of the material tray 2 along the first direction X. Thus, during the process of the cell transfer mechanism 20 gripping the cell 3, even if the material tray 2 is subjected to a force along the first direction X due to external collisions or other reasons, the material tray 2 will be relatively positioned in the first direction X under the action of the positioning element 113, avoiding affecting the gripping of the cell 3 by the cell transfer mechanism 20, and further ensuring the accuracy of cell gripping in the first direction X.

[0035] By setting the limiting component 112, it can be ensured that the position of the material tray 2 in the second direction Y and the third direction Z is relatively fixed during the conveying process on the material tray conveying mechanism 10, and it can only be moved along the first direction X. Therefore, it can be ensured that when it moves to the cell transfer mechanism 20, the cell transfer mechanism 20 is precisely aligned with the cell 3 inside it in the second direction Y and the third direction Z, thereby ensuring that the cell transfer mechanism 20 accurately grasps the same row of cells 3, realizing the accuracy of cell grasping in the second direction Y and the third direction Z.

[0036] In this way, in conjunction with the preset steps of the second conveying component 13, the cell transfer mechanism 20 can accurately align and grasp the cell 3 inside the tray 2 in the first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z. That is, it ensures the accurate grasping of the cell 3 by the cell transfer mechanism 20.

[0037] like Figure 5As shown, in some embodiments, the limiting component 112 may include at least two first limiting members 1121 and at least one second limiting member 1122. The first limiting members 1121 are plate-shaped, and at least one first limiting member 1121 is respectively provided on opposite sides of the pallet plate 111 along the second direction Y to limit the material tray 2 in the second direction Y. The first limiting member 1121 is disposed on the first limiting member 1121 and is at least partially spaced from the plane of the pallet plate 111 along the third direction Z to limit the material tray 2 in the third direction Z.

[0038] Thus, during the process of material tray 2 being conveyed and battery cell 3 being grasped, even if material tray 2 is subjected to force along the second direction Y or the third direction Z due to factors such as vibration or external force, it will maintain relative positioning under the action of the first limiting member 1121 and the second limiting member 1122, so as to avoid affecting the grasping of battery cell 3 by battery cell transfer mechanism 20.

[0039] Specifically, there are two first limiting members 1121. Each first limiting member 1121 is generally a longitudinally elongated rectangular plate extending along the first direction X, partially corresponding to the pallet plate 111, and partially corresponding to the portions of the first conveying assembly 12 and the second conveying assembly 13 near the end of the pallet plate 111. In this way, when the tray 2 is moved between the several components, it can always be in a positioned state along the second direction Y.

[0040] There are two second limiting members 1122, which are correspondingly disposed on the two first limiting members 1121, and their positions along the first direction X correspond to the cell transfer mechanism 20. Each second limiting member 1121 is generally L-shaped plate structure, with its vertical wall disposed on the first limiting member 1121, perpendicular to the second direction Y, and its horizontal wall parallel to and spaced above the tray plate 111, perpendicular to the third direction Z.

[0041] See also Figure 9 The side wall of the tray 2 extends upward with at least two limiting posts 202. When the tray 2 is placed on the tray conveying mechanism 10, the at least two limiting posts 202 are located on opposite sides of the tray 2 along the second direction Y.

[0042] The distance between the horizontal wall of the second limiting member 1122 and the plane of the pallet plate 111 along the third direction Y is approximately equal to the distance between the top of the limiting post 202 and the bottom wall of the tray 2. The distance between the ends of the horizontal walls of the two second limiting members 1122 that are close to each other along the second direction Y is equal to or slightly greater than the distance between the ends of the two limiting posts 202 that are close to each other along the second direction Y.

[0043] Thus, the horizontal wall of the second limiting member 1122 can limit the material tray 2 by limiting the limiting post 202, and also avoid the horizontal wall extending above the receiving position 201 and affecting the cell transfer mechanism 20's gripping of the cell 3.

[0044] It should be noted that the number and length of the first limiting member 1121 and the second limiting member 1122 may be the same or different. For example, when there are two first limiting members 1121, the number of second limiting members 1122 may be set to four, etc.

[0045] In some other embodiments, the second limiting member 1122 may also be longitudinally elongated, extending partially to the position of the first conveying component 12 and the second conveying component 13 near the pallet plate 111.

[0046] In some other embodiments, when there is only one second limiting member 1122, it may also be in the shape of an inverted U-shaped cover, with its two sides connected to two first limiting members 1121 respectively. In this embodiment, the top wall of the second limiting member 1122 may also be provided with a through hole, so that the cell transfer mechanism 20 can extend through the through hole to the receiving position 201 of the material tray 2 to grab the cell 3.

[0047] In some other embodiments, the first limiting member 1121 and the second limiting member 1122 may also be integrally arranged and form a plate structure with an L-shaped cross section. One side wall is used to limit the material tray 2 along the second direction Y, and the top wall is used to limit the material tray 2 along the third direction Z.

[0048] In some other embodiments, the first limiting member 1121 and the second limiting member 1122 may also be integrally configured as an inverted German U-shaped cover plate, covering the tray plate 111.

[0049] In some embodiments, the number of positioning members 113 may be at least two, respectively disposed on two first limiting members 1121.

[0050] Specifically, the positioning member 113 is disposed on the side of the first limiting member 1121 opposite to the material tray conveying channel 110 and is electrically connected to the control mechanism. The positioning member 113 has a telescopic rod that passes through the first limiting member 1121 and extends telescopically into the material tray conveying channel 110.

[0051] Among them, such as Figure 3As shown, there are at least two positioning members 113, whose positions in the first direction X roughly correspond to those of the cell transfer mechanism 20. When the cell transfer mechanism 20 grips the cell 3, the positioning members 113 can extend their piston rods into the tray transfer space 100 to abut against the tray 2. The telescopic rods of the two positioning members 113 located on opposite sides of the tray 2 along the second direction Y extend into the tray transfer channel 110 to press the tray 2, thereby clamping the tray 2. This enables the positioning of the tray 2, further ensuring the accuracy of cell gripping in all directions.

[0052] See also Figure 4 and Figure 5 Furthermore, when the number of positioning members 113 is set to multiple, some positioning members 113 may correspond approximately to the cell transfer mechanism 20 in the first direction X, and some positioning members 113 may correspond approximately to the end of the first conveying assembly 12 near the tray plate 111 in the first direction X. In this way, during the process of the cell transfer mechanism 20 gripping the cell 3, the multiple positioning members 113 can respectively position the tray 2 where the gripped cell 3 is located and the tray 2 conveyed on the first conveying assembly 12.

[0053] Thus, even when the first conveying component 12 is picking up the battery cell 3, it still performs the tray conveying operation. The tray 2 it conveys will slide and rub against the first conveying component 12 under the positioning action of the positioning component 113, and remain relatively stationary with the pallet plate 111 in the first direction X, so as to avoid affecting the battery cell transfer mechanism 20 to pick up the battery cell 3 in the tray 2 on the second conveying component 13.

[0054] That is, by setting some positioning components 113 to correspond to the material tray 2 conveyed on the first conveying component 12, the positioning effect of the material tray 2 in the first direction X can be further improved, and the accuracy of the battery cell grabbing in the first direction X can be further ensured.

[0055] Of course, when there are multiple positioning elements 113, the positioning elements 113 can be evenly spaced along the first direction X on the material tray conveying mechanism 10 so that each positioning element 113 corresponds to positioning one or at least two material trays 2, so as to further improve the positioning effect of the material trays 2.

[0056] It should be noted that the positioning component 113 can specifically adopt a structure such as a cylinder, and the piston rod of the cylinder can be regarded as the telescopic rod of the positioning component 113.

[0057] In other embodiments, the positioning member 113 may also be configured as a rib, a baffle plate, or other blocking structure, which is movably mounted on the first limiting member 1121 or the tray plate 111. When it is necessary to limit the movement of a certain tray 2 in the first direction X, the positioning member 113 can be moved so that it protrudes from the front side of the tray 2 in the direction of movement and abuts against the tray 2, thereby achieving the effect of limiting the movement of the tray 2.

[0058] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the first conveying assembly 12 may include a drive motor 121, a transmission rod 123, two first guide rails 122, two sets of conveyor belts 124, and two sets of pulleys (not shown in the figure).

[0059] Both first guide rails 122 extend along the first direction X and are arranged parallel to each other along the second direction Y. Two sets of conveyor belts are respectively set on the two first guide rails 122, and two sets of pulleys are respectively set on the two first guide rails 122. Each set of conveyor belts is sleeved on each set of pulleys so that it can move by rotating the pulleys to support and convey the material tray 2.

[0060] The transmission rod 123 extends along the second direction Y and is positioned between two first guide rails 122. Both ends are coaxially connected to pulleys on the two first guide rails 122 for synchronous rotation. The drive motor 121 is electrically connected to the control mechanism, and its output shaft is coaxially connected to the transmission rod 123 to drive the transmission rod 123 to rotate, thereby driving the pulleys on the two first guide rails 122 and the conveyor belt 124 mounted on the pulleys.

[0061] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 As shown, each of the two first guide rails 122 is also provided with a stepped surface 1221, and the conveyor belt 124 is provided on the first guide rail 122 on the inner side of the stepped surface 1221. The stepped surface 1221 is used to limit the material tray 2 it transmits along the second direction Y.

[0062] Specifically, the first limiting member 1121 of the limiting component 112 is positioned at the same position as the step surface 1221 in the second direction Y, and the inner surfaces of the two are smoothly transitioned, together realizing the limiting of the material tray 2 by the material tray conveying mechanism 10 in the second direction Y.

[0063] It should be understood that the conveyor belt 124 is located inside the step surface 1221, which can be understood as the two conveyor belts 124 being located between the two step surfaces 1221 along the second direction Y.

[0064] It should be noted that the conveyor belt 124 may specifically adopt a belt structure with a certain friction to improve the stability of the material tray 2 transmission and avoid the material tray 2 and the conveyor belt 124 from easily sliding relative to each other, resulting in ineffective transmission.

[0065] It should be noted that the first transmission component 12 can be implemented using existing synchronous belt transmission structures, which will not be elaborated further here.

[0066] like Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments, the second conveying assembly 13 may include a first driving structure 131, a support member 133, and at least one vertical driving member 132. The first driving structure 131 and the vertical driving member 132 are electrically connected to a control mechanism. The vertical driving member 132 is disposed on the first driving structure 131, and the first driving structure 131 drives the vertical driving member 132 to move back and forth along a first direction X. The support member 133 is disposed on the vertical driving member 132 and is used to support the material tray 2. The vertical driving member 132 drives the support member 133 to move back and forth along a third direction Z. Thus, the support member 133 can move back and forth in both the first direction X and the third direction Z.

[0067] Specifically, please refer to the following: Figure 3 and Figure 4 The width of the second conveying assembly 13 in the second direction Y can be smaller than the spacing between the two inner sidewalls of the two first guide rails 122 in the first conveying assembly 12 along the second direction Y. Thus, the second conveying assembly 13 can be disposed between the two first guide rails 122 and the tray plate 111 via the frame 40.

[0068] The first drive structure 131 may specifically include a second guide rail 1311 extending along the first direction X, a movable seat 1312 movably disposed on the guide rail, and other structures. The second guide rail 1311 is disposed between the two first guide rails 122 along the second direction Y, and is disposed below the two first guide rails 122. There are two vertical drive members 132, which are spaced apart along the second direction Y on the movable seat 1312 to improve the stability of the support for the support member 133.

[0069] It should be noted that the first drive structure 131 can be implemented using existing drive and guide structures such as a lead screw and nut seat structure, a rodless cylinder structure, or a slide cylinder structure, which will not be elaborated further here. The vertical drive component 132 can be implemented using a cylinder, which will also not be elaborated further here.

[0070] In other embodiments, the number of vertical drive members 132 may be three, four, or more, and they may also be spaced apart along the first direction X on the movable seat 1312.

[0071] like Figure 3 and Figure 6As shown, in some embodiments, the support member 133 is disposed between the first conveying assembly 12 and the pallet plate 111, and may include a support plate 1331 and at least two support rods 1332. The at least two support rods 1332 are parallel to each other along the second direction Y on the side of the support plate 1331 near the pallet plate 111, and both extend along the first direction X.

[0072] Specifically, the length of the support member 133 in the second direction Y is less than the interval between the two first guide rails 122, so as to facilitate the movement of the support member 133 between the two first guide rails 122 to transfer the material tray 2. The support rod 1332 corresponds to the clearance window 1111 on the pallet plate 111 in the second direction Y, and the interval between the two outermost support rods 1332 in the second direction Y is less than the length of the clearance window 1111 in the second direction Y, so as to facilitate the extension of the support rod 1332 into the clearance window 1111 to realize the transfer of the material tray 2 from the support member 133 to the pallet plate 111.

[0073] The length of the support rod 1332 along the first direction X is approximately equal to the depth of the clearance window 1111 in the first direction X.

[0074] Furthermore, such as Figure 6 and Figure 2 As shown, each support rod 1332 may be provided with a first protrusion 1333 and a second protrusion 1334 at intervals along the first direction X. The interval between the first protrusion 1333 and the second protrusion 1334 is approximately equal to the length of at least one material tray 2 in the first direction X, so as to limit the material tray 2 in the first direction X.

[0075] In some embodiments, the vertical drive member 132 can move back and forth between a first horizontal position, a second horizontal position, and a third horizontal position under the drive of the first drive structure 131. The support member 133 can move back and forth between a first height position and a second height position under the drive of the vertical drive member 132.

[0076] When the vertical drive member 132 is in the first horizontal position, the support member 133 corresponds to the first transmission assembly 12 along the first direction X, and the support rod 1332 is located outside the clearance window 1111.

[0077] When the vertical drive member 132 is in the second horizontal position, the end of the support rod 1332 away from the support plate 1331 along the first direction X corresponds approximately to the cell gripping assembly 22 of the cell transfer mechanism 20 and approximately aligns with the clearance window 1111. In this position, the cell gripping assembly 22 can grip the cell 3 on the support rod 1332 that is near the end of the tray 2 near the end of the tray 111 along the first direction X.

[0078] When the vertical drive member 132 is in the third horizontal position, the support rod 1332 extends into the clearance window 1111, and its end connected to the support plate 1331 roughly corresponds to the cell gripping assembly 22. In this position, the cell gripping assembly 22 can grip the cell 3 on the support rod 1332 along the first direction X near the end of the first conveying assembly 12 in the tray 2 near the end of the first conveying assembly 12.

[0079] When the support member 133 is in the first height position, its top surface is lower than the conveyor belt 124 of the first conveying assembly 12. At this height position, the support member 133 can move along the first direction X to below the conveyor belt 124.

[0080] When the support member 133 is in the second height position, the top surface of the support member 133 is approximately flush with the pallet plate 111 and is positioned above the conveyor belt 124.

[0081] During the specific operation of the battery cell feeding device, the vertical drive component 132 can first drive the support component 133 to move to a first height position, and the first drive structure 131 drives the vertical drive component 132 to move to a first horizontal position. This position is now defined as the material picking position.

[0082] When the support member 133 is in the material-picking position, it corresponds to the first conveying assembly 12 along the first direction X and is positioned between the two first guide rails 122 of the first conveying assembly 12 along the second direction Y. The support rod 1332 is entirely located outside the clearance window 1111, and at least one tray 2 on the first conveying assembly 12 is located near the pallet plate 111 along the first direction X, between the first protrusion 1333 and the second protrusion 1334 along the first direction X. The top surface of the support member 133 is lower than the top surface of the conveyor belt 124 in the third direction Z.

[0083] Furthermore, the vertical drive member 132 can drive the support member 133 to move from a first height position to a second height position along the third direction Z. At this time, the top surface of the support member 133 gradually rises above the conveyor belt 124, so at least one tray 2 located on the conveyor belt 124 near the end of the pallet plate 111 along the first direction X can be lifted by the support member 1332 and confined along the first direction X between the first protrusion 1333 and the second protrusion 1334.

[0084] Furthermore, the first drive structure 131 can drive the vertical drive member 132 and the support member 133 to move from the first horizontal position to the second horizontal position.

[0085] It is now defined that when the support 133 is in the second height position and simultaneously in any horizontal position between the second and third horizontal positions, the support 133 is in the feeding position.

[0086] When the support member 133 is within the feeding position range and in the second horizontal position, in at least one tray 2 supported by the support member 133, the first row of battery cells 3 inside the tray 2 closest to the pallet plate 111 along the first direction X generally corresponds to the battery cell gripping assembly 22 of the battery cell transfer mechanism 20. At this time, the battery cell transfer mechanism 20 can grip and transfer at least some of the battery cells 3 located in the first row.

[0087] Furthermore, after the cell transfer mechanism 20 has grasped and transferred all the cells 3 located in the row, the control mechanism controls the first drive structure 131 to drive the vertical drive member 132 and the support member 133 to move forward one step closer to the pallet plate 111 according to a preset pace. At this time, the second row of cells 3 inside the material tray 2 along the first direction X close to the pallet plate 111 can correspond to the cell grasping component 22 of the cell transfer mechanism 20, and the cell transfer mechanism 20 can grasp and transfer at least some of the cells 3 located in the second row. This process continues until the first drive structure 131 drives the vertical drive member 132 and the support member 133 to gradually advance from the second horizontal position to the third horizontal position within the feeding position range according to a preset pace.

[0088] At this time, the support rod 1332 extends approximately into the clearance window 1111, and the last row of battery cells 3 on the tray 2 of the support rod 1332 corresponds to the battery cell gripping assembly 22 of the battery cell transfer mechanism 20. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the cell transfer mechanism 20 can grab and transfer the last row of cells 3 located on the support rod 1332, leaving the material tray 2 on the support rod 1332 empty.

[0089] Furthermore, the vertical drive member 132 can drive the support member 133 to descend from the second height position to the first height position along the third direction Z. During this process, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the pallet plate 111, located in the second direction Y at the relief window 1111, can support the tray 2. Therefore, when the support member 133 descends, the empty tray 2 located on the support rod 1332 can be supported on the pallet plate 111, realizing the transfer of the empty tray 2 from the support member 133 to the pallet plate 111.

[0090] Furthermore, the first drive structure 131 can drive the vertical drive member 132 and the support member 133 to move from the third horizontal position to the first horizontal position along the first direction X.

[0091] Furthermore, the vertical drive 132 drives the support 133 to move upward along the third direction Z from the first height position to the second height position, so as to lift at least one tray 2 on the conveyor belt 124 again. This process is repeated continuously.

[0092] Of course, the above-mentioned specific steps for feeding battery cells are only one specific example. The specific steps can be flexibly adjusted based on the number of material trays 2 on the first conveying component 12 and the number of material trays 2 that the support rod 1332 can support. They will not be elaborated on one by one here.

[0093] It should be noted that when the control mechanism controls the first drive structure 131 to move the vertical drive member 132 and the support member 133 back and forth between the first horizontal position, the second horizontal position, and the third horizontal position, the interval between the second horizontal position and the third horizontal position can be equal to the length of a natural number of material trays 2 in the first direction X. In this way, it can be ensured that the support member 133 moves back and forth between fixed preset points, thereby further ensuring the accuracy of the cell transfer mechanism 20 in grasping the cell 3 in the first direction X.

[0094] In some other embodiments, the tray conveying mechanism 10 may include only a platform 11 and a second conveying component 13, which may include only a first drive structure 131 and a support member 133. During operation, the operator can place the tray 2 containing the battery cells 3 directly onto the support member 133, and the first drive structure 131 drives the support member 133 to move gradually towards the pallet plate 111 at a preset pace.

[0095] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the cell transfer mechanism 20 may include a pushing assembly 21, a cell gripping assembly 22, a second drive structure 23, and a third drive structure 24, all electrically connected to a control mechanism. The pushing assembly 21, cell gripping assembly 22, second drive structure 23, and third drive structure 24 are all electrically connected to the control mechanism. The second drive structure 23 is mounted on a movable seat of the third drive structure 24 and moves back and forth in a direction perpendicular to the third direction Z under the drive of the third drive structure 24. The cell gripping assembly 22 and the pushing assembly 21 are mounted on a movable seat of the second drive structure 23 and move back and forth in a direction perpendicular to the third direction Z under the drive of the second drive structure 23. The cell gripping assembly 22 is used to grip the cell 3 in the tray 2 on the support member 133. The pushing assembly 21 is used to remove the cell 3 gripped by the cell gripping assembly 22 from the cell gripping assembly 22.

[0096] Specifically, the third drive structure 24 is mounted on the frame 40 and extends along the second direction Y to drive the second drive structure 23 and its cell gripping assembly 22 to move along the second direction Y. The second drive structure 23 extends along the third direction Z and is located above the tray conveying mechanism 10. The cell gripping assembly 22 is positioned approximately corresponding to the end of the tray 111 near the support member 133 in the first direction X, and can grip the cell 3 that has moved to the end of the tray 111 near the support member 133.

[0097] The second drive structure 23 can drive the cell gripping assembly 22 and the pushing assembly 21 to move back and forth between the first vertical position, the second vertical position, and the third vertical position. The third drive structure 24 can drive the second drive structure 23 and the cell gripping assembly 22 and the pushing assembly 21 on it to move back and forth between the gripping position and the releasing position.

[0098] Specifically, when the cell gripping assembly 22 is in the gripping position, it corresponds to the tray conveying mechanism 10 in the second direction Y and is located directly above the tray conveying mechanism 10. When the cell gripping assembly 22 is in the unloading position, it is located on one side of the tray conveying mechanism 10 in the second direction Y.

[0099] When the cell gripping assembly 22 is in the first vertical position, it is positioned above the material tray conveying mechanism 10 in the third direction (Z). When the cell gripping assembly 22 is in the second vertical position, its position in the third direction (Z) corresponds to the height of the cell 3 to be gripped in the material tray 2 on the material tray conveying mechanism 10, facilitating the gripping of the cell 3. When the cell gripping assembly 22 is in the third vertical position, its position in the third direction (Z) corresponds to the equipment in the next process of battery production, facilitating the loading of the cell 3 into the equipment of that next process.

[0100] During the actual battery cell loading operation, the battery cell gripping assembly 22, driven by the second drive structure 23 and the third drive structure 24, moves along the second direction Y to the gripping position, and then moves along the third direction to the second vertical position. At this position, the battery cell gripping assembly 22 can grip at least a portion of the battery cells 3 in the material tray 2.

[0101] Furthermore, the second drive structure 23 can drive the cell gripping assembly 22 to move upward along the third direction Z to the first vertical position.

[0102] Furthermore, the third drive structure 24 can drive the second drive structure 23 and its battery cell gripping assembly 22 to move along the second direction Y to the feeding position.

[0103] Furthermore, the second drive structure 23 drives the cell gripping assembly 22 and the pushing assembly 21 to move from the first vertical position to the third vertical position. At this time, the cell gripping assembly 22 corresponds to the position of the next battery manufacturing process after the cell loading, and the pushing assembly 21 can disassemble the cell 3 gripped by the cell gripping assembly 22 into the equipment of the next process.

[0104] Furthermore, the third drive structure 24 and the second drive structure 23 can cooperate to drive the cell gripping component 22 and the pushing component 21 from the feeding position and the third vertical position back to the gripping position and the second vertical position. The cell gripping component 22 can then grip the remaining cells 3 in the material tray 2. This process is repeated continuously.

[0105] It should be noted that the third vertical position may be higher than the first vertical position and / or the second vertical position, or it may be equal to or lower than the first vertical position and / or the second vertical position; no specific limitation is made here.

[0106] It should be noted that the extension direction of the third drive structure 24 can be flexibly set based on the position of the next battery manufacturing process after the cell is loaded. Therefore, the third drive structure 24 can also extend in any direction perpendicular to the third direction Z.

[0107] It should be noted that the second drive structure 23 and the third drive structure 24 can be implemented using existing drive and guide structures such as lead screw and nut seat structure, rodless cylinder structure, slide cylinder structure, and synchronous belt transmission mechanism, and are not limited here.

[0108] like Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the cell gripping assembly 22 may include a gripping plate 221. The pushing assembly 21 may include a pushing drive 211 and a pushing member 212.

[0109] The gripping plate 221 is positioned perpendicular to the first direction X, and has multiple battery cell storage slots 2211 on its side facing the first conveying assembly 12 along the first direction X. The multiple battery cell storage slots 2211 are evenly spaced along the second direction Y. Each battery cell storage slot 2211 has at least one magnetic attractor 222 on its wall for magnetically attracting the battery cell 3, thereby confining the battery cell 3 within the battery cell storage slot 2211.

[0110] The pusher drive 211 is mounted on the movable seat of the second drive structure 23 and electrically connected to the control mechanism. It is used to drive the pusher 212 to be movably positioned along the third direction Z under the drive of the control mechanism. The pusher 212 is positioned along the first direction X on the side of the gripping plate 221 where the cell storage slot 2211 is provided, and is used to push the cell 3 in the cell storage slot 2211 out of the cell storage slot 2211 by pushing.

[0111] Specifically, both the gripping plate 221 and the pusher 212 are roughly rectangular plates. The shape of the cell receiving groove 2211 on the gripping plate 221 is roughly adapted to the shape of the cylindrical cell 3, and is roughly semi-rectangular or semi-cylindrical. When the cell 3 is housed in the cell receiving groove 2211, a portion of the cell 3 protrudes out of the cell receiving groove 2211 along the first direction X.

[0112] The bottom end of the cell storage slot 2211 extends through the gripping plate 221. A pusher drive 211 is located on the side of the gripping plate 221 furthest from the through side of the cell storage slot 2211 along the third direction Z. A pusher 212 is mounted on the movable part of the pusher drive 211 and is movably attached to the side of the gripping plate 221 where the cell storage slot 2211 is located along the first direction X. Driven by the pusher drive 211, the pusher 212 can move back and forth along the axial direction of the cell storage slot 2211.

[0113] The spacing between two adjacent cell storage slots 2211 on the gripping plate 221 is equal to the spacing between two adjacent receiving positions 201 along the second direction Y, so as to ensure that when the cell gripping assembly 22 is in the gripping position, each cell storage slot 2211 can correspond to a receiving position 201 that is uniformly spaced in a matrix in the material tray 2.

[0114] Furthermore, the number of cell receiving slots 2211 on the gripping plate 221 is equal to the number of a row of receiving positions 201 whose line connecting them is perpendicular to the first direction X, at the placement angle of the tray 2 on the tray conveying mechanism 10. For example, in Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the embodiment shown, there are 16 battery cell storage slots 2211 and 16 rows of storage positions 201.

[0115] In this way, the cell gripping assembly 22 can grip an entire row of cells 3 at once using magnetic attraction, which not only improves the efficiency of the feeding operation but also simplifies the movement path of the third drive structure 24 and the second drive structure 23 on the cell gripping assembly 22. By setting the magnetic suction component 222 to grip the cell 3 using magnetic attraction, a relatively uniform attraction force can be provided to the entire side of the cell 3 through magnetic attraction, avoiding local stress concentration and thus effectively solving the problem of cell 3 deformation caused by robotic gripping.

[0116] During the specific process of feeding the battery cells, the first drive structure 131 of the second conveying component 13 can drive the support member 133 to move along the first direction X, so that a row of battery cells 3 along the first direction X near the end of the tray plate 111 in the material tray 2 near the end of the tray plate 111 is in a ready-to-grab position.

[0117] Furthermore, after the second drive structure 23 and the third drive structure 24 drive the cell gripping assembly 22 to the second vertical position and the gripping position, the first drive structure 131 can drive the support member 133 to move one step along the first direction X towards the gripping plate 221, so that the row of cells 3 moves from the pre-grip position to the row of cell storage slots 2211 of the gripping plate 221, and is magnetically gripped by the magnetic suction member 222 provided on the slot wall. At this time, the next row of cells 3 in the tray 2 moves to the pre-grip position accordingly.

[0118] Furthermore, driven by the second drive structure 23 and the third drive structure 24, the battery cell gripping assembly 22 transfers the battery cell 3 to the third vertical position and the feeding position. At this time, the pushing drive component 211 can drive the pushing component 212 to move downward along the third direction X. Since the pushing component 212 is attached to the side of the gripping plate 221 where the battery cell storage groove 2211 is provided, and the battery cell 3 partially protrudes from the battery cell storage groove 2211, the pushing component 212 can provide downward pushing force to the battery cell 3. When the pushing component 212 moves downward, it can push the battery cell 3 to move downward synchronously along the axial direction of the battery cell storage groove 2211 until the magnetic attraction force provided by the magnetic suction component 222 to the battery cell 3 cannot resist the gravity of the battery cell 3 itself. The battery cell 3 is released from the battery cell storage groove 2211 and falls into the equipment of the next process under the action of gravity, completing the feeding of the battery cell 3.

[0119] Furthermore, the pusher drive 211 can drive the pusher 212 to move upward along the third direction Z, so that the cell storage slot 2211 on the gripping plate 221 is exposed again. The second drive structure 23 and the third drive structure 24 can drive the cell gripping assembly 22 back to the second vertical position and the gripping position.

[0120] Furthermore, the first driving structure 131 drives the support member 133 to move one step closer to the grasping plate 221 along the first direction X, so that the next row of battery cells 3 moves into the battery cell storage slot 2211 of the grasping plate 221 and is magnetically grasped by the magnetic suction member 222 provided on the slot wall. This process is repeated continuously.

[0121] It should be noted that the pre-grabbing position is located on the side of the cell storage slot 2211 near the first conveying component 12 in the first direction X, and is spaced from the cell storage slot 2211 by a predetermined step length along the first direction X. Thus, whenever the first driving structure 131 drives the support member 133 to move forward one step along the first direction X by the predetermined step, a row of cells 3 located at the pre-grabbing position can move into the cell storage slot 2211 and magnetically attract with the magnetic suction member 222, completing the grasping process.

[0122] It should be noted that the pusher drive component 211 can be a cylinder. By setting its piston rod to move telescopically along the third direction Z, and setting the pusher component 212 on its piston rod, the pusher component 212 can move along the third direction Z.

[0123] In some other embodiments, the number of cell storage slots 2211 on the gripping plate 221 may be less than the number of a row of storage positions 201 in the tray 2. During the gripping of the cell 3, the cell transfer mechanism 20 completes the gripping of a row of cells 3 by driving the cell gripping component 22 to grip at least twice.

[0124] In some other embodiments, the pusher 212 may also be a plurality of rod-shaped pusher structures or block-shaped pusher structures that are arranged corresponding to the cell storage slot 2211.

[0125] like Figure 4 and Figure 8 As shown, in some embodiments, the cell transfer mechanism 20 may further include a top-feeding component 25. The top-feeding component 25 is disposed on the tray conveying mechanism 10, positioned along the first direction X between the first conveying component 12 and the tray plate 111. When the cell gripping component 22 is in the gripping position, the top-feeding component 25 is correspondingly disposed to the cell gripping component 22, and is used to push out the cell 3 at the corresponding position in the tray 2 on the support member 133, so that the cell gripping component 22 can grip the cell 3 by magnetic attraction.

[0126] Specifically, the top-feeding assembly 25 may include a top-feeding drive 251 and a top-feeding component 252. The top-feeding drive 251 is electrically connected to the control mechanism, mounted on the tray conveying mechanism 10 via a bracket, and positioned below the plane of the tray plate 111. The top-feeding component 252 is mounted on the top-feeding drive 251 and can move up and down along the third direction Z under the drive of the top-feeding drive 251.

[0127] like Figure 4 As shown, when it is not necessary to push the battery cell 3, the top of the pusher 252 can be located below the plane of the tray plate 111 to avoid affecting the drive of the tray conveying mechanism 10 on the tray 2. When it is necessary to push the battery cell 3 in the tray 2, the pusher 252 can move upward under the drive of the pusher drive 251, and the top of the pusher 252 is higher than the plane of the tray plate 111. The battery cell 3 located in the tray 2 is pushed to the top of the tray 2 along the third direction Z so that the battery cell 3 can be received in the battery cell storage slot 2211.

[0128] It should be noted that the top material drive component 251 can be a structure such as a cylinder, and the top material component 252 can be mounted on its piston rod and move along with the extension and retraction of the piston rod.

[0129] It should be noted that, as Figure 9 As shown, each receiving position 201 of the tray 2 may have a through hole 203 penetrating through it. The top material member 252 can extend into the receiving position 201 through the through hole 203 to push out the battery cell 3 located in the receiving position 201.

[0130] See also Figure 8 In some embodiments, the top material member 252 includes a connecting seat 2521 and a plurality of top material columns 2522. The connecting seat 2521 is disposed on the top material drive member 251 and extends along the second direction Y. The plurality of top material columns 2522 are evenly spaced along the second direction Y on the connecting seat 2521.

[0131] The interval between two adjacent top material columns 2522 is equal to the interval between two adjacent battery cell storage slots 2211, and also equal to the interval between two adjacent storage positions 201 along the second direction Y, so as to achieve a one-to-one correspondence between the top material columns 2522, the battery cell storage slots 2211, and the battery cells 3 in the storage positions 201.

[0132] In some embodiments, the number of top posts 2522 may be equal to the number of cell storage slots 2211.

[0133] When the number of top-feeding columns 2522 equals the number of cell receiving slots 2211 and the number of a row of receiving positions 201, each top-feeding column 2522 can lift the cell 3 in the entire row of receiving positions 201, so that the cell gripping component 22 can grip the entire row of cell 3 at the same time, improving the cell feeding efficiency. For example, in Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the embodiment shown, there are 16 battery cell storage slots 2211 and 16 top material columns 2522.

[0134] In some other embodiments, the number of top material columns 2522 may be greater than or less than the number of cell storage slots 2211.

[0135] In some other embodiments, when the height of the tray 2 is set such that the portion of the battery cell 3 exposed in the tray 2 is sufficient for the magnetic attractor 222 of the battery cell storage slot 2211 to magnetically attract the battery cell 3, the battery cell transfer mechanism 20 may not be equipped with the top material assembly 25.

[0136] For example Figure 4 As shown, it should be noted that since the top material assembly 25 is disposed between the first conveying assembly 12 and the pallet plate 111 along the first direction X, and its top material component 252 is movably disposed along the third direction Z, the second guide rail 1311 in the first drive structure 131 of the second conveying assembly 13 is difficult to extend through the top material assembly 25 to below the clearance window 1111. Therefore, the moving seat 1312 and the vertical drive component 132 are also difficult to move to below the clearance window 1111.

[0137] In some embodiments, the length of each support rod 1332 of the support member 133 in the second direction Y is less than the interval between two adjacent top material columns 2522, and the setting position of each support rod 1332 in the second direction Y corresponds to a different interval space between two adjacent top material columns 2522. Thus, even if the support rod 1332 extends within the clearance window 1111 in the first direction X under the drive of the first drive structure 131, it can still pass through the top material member 252, and their movement paths will not affect each other.

[0138] By setting the support plate 1331, the vertical drive component 132 and the support rod 1332 can be connected. Even if the second guide rail 1311 is difficult to extend to the bottom of the clearance window 1111, the support rod 1332 can extend to the clearance window 1111 under the drive of the first drive structure 131, thereby realizing the transfer of the material tray 2 from the second conveying component 13 to the pallet plate 111.

[0139] In some other embodiments, when the cell transfer mechanism 20 is not equipped with the top material assembly 25, the second guide rail 1311 may also extend partially below the clearance window 1111, allowing the moving seat 1312 and the vertical drive member 132 to move below the clearance window 1111. This allows the cell 3 in the tray 2 on the support plate 1331 to be directly grasped by the cell transfer mechanism 20. In this embodiment, the support member 133 may consist only of the support plate 1331, or it may consist only of at least two support rods 1332.

[0140] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the pipeline guiding mechanism 30 may be mounted on the support of at least some of the other mechanisms, and may be implemented using existing technologies such as existing tank chains, which will not be elaborated on here.

[0141] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this application also constructs a battery cell feeding system, which may include the battery cell feeding device in any of the foregoing embodiments and a plurality of material trays 2. The material tray 2 may be placed on the material tray conveying mechanism 10 of the battery cell feeding device and transported along the first direction X.

[0142] See also Figure 9 The tray 2 has multiple receiving positions 201 arranged in a matrix to receive battery cells 3.

[0143] In some embodiments, each receiving position 201 has a through hole 203 on its bottom wall for making way for the top material assembly 25.

[0144] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the sidewall of the tray 2 may extend upwards with a limiting post 202 to cooperate with the limiting component 112 to achieve limiting in the third direction Z during transmission.

[0145] Understandably, the above-mentioned technical features can be used in any combination without restriction.

[0146] The above embodiments merely illustrate specific implementation methods of this application, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this application's patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can freely combine the above technical features without departing from the concept of this application, and can also make several modifications and improvements, all of which fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, any equivalent transformations and modifications made within the scope of the claims of this application should be covered by the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A battery cell feeding device, characterized in that, The tray conveying mechanism (10) comprises: a tray plate (111); a supporting member (133) for supporting the tray (2), the supporting member (133) being movably arranged at one end of the tray plate (111) along a first direction and being movable towards the tray plate (111) along the first direction at a preset pace; a limiting assembly (112) for limiting the tray (2) along a second direction and a vertical direction respectively, the limiting assembly (112) being arranged on the tray plate (111); and a battery cell grabbing assembly (22) for grabbing a battery cell (3) in the tray (2), the battery cell grabbing assembly (22) being arranged corresponding to an end of the tray plate (111) close to the supporting member (133) along the first direction. The first direction, the second direction and the vertical direction are perpendicular to each other in pairs. The tray conveying mechanism (10) further comprises at least one positioning member (113), the at least one limiting assembly (112) and a plane on which the tray plate (111) is arranged jointly define a tray conveying channel (110) extending along the first direction, and the at least one positioning member (113) is at least partially and extendably arranged in the tray conveying channel (110) to limit the movement of the tray (2) in the tray conveying channel (110).

2. The cell loading device of claim 1, wherein, The tray conveying mechanism (10) further comprises a first conveying assembly (12) for conveying the tray (2) along the first direction, the first conveying assembly (12) being arranged at one end of the tray plate (111) along the first direction, and the supporting member (133) being movably arranged between the first conveying assembly (12) and the tray plate (111).

3. The cell loading device of claim 2, wherein, The tray conveying mechanism (10) comprises at least two positioning members (113), part of the positioning members (113) corresponding to the first conveying assembly (12) along the first direction, and part of the positioning members (113) corresponding to the battery cell grabbing assembly (22) along the first direction.

4. The cell loading device of claim 3, wherein, The first conveying assembly (12) comprises two first guide rails (122) arranged in parallel and spaced apart along the second direction and extending along the first direction, each of the two first guide rails (122) being provided with a conveying belt (124) for supporting and conveying the tray (2) and being provided with a stepped surface for limiting the tray (2) along the second direction, and the conveying belt (124) being arranged inside the stepped surface.

5. The cell loading device of claim 3, wherein, The tray conveying mechanism (10) further comprises a vertical driving member (132) movably arranged along the first direction, and the supporting member (133) is movably arranged on the vertical driving member (132) along the vertical direction.

6. The cell loading device of claim 5, wherein, The supporting member (133) has a material taking position and a material feeding position. ​ When the supporting piece (133) is in the taking position, the top surface of the supporting piece (133) is lower than the top surface of the conveying belt (124); when the supporting piece (133) is in the feeding position, the supporting piece (133) is flush with the tray plate (111) and higher than the top surface of the conveying belt (124).

7. The cell loading device of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The limiting assembly (112) comprises at least two first limiting pieces (1121) limiting the tray (2) in the second direction, and at least one second limiting piece (1122) limiting the tray (2) in the vertical direction. The at least two first limiting pieces (1121) are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the tray plate (111) in the second direction, and the at least one second limiting piece (1122) is at least partially arranged in the vertical direction and spaced apart from the plane where the tray plate (111) is located.

8. The cell loading device of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The tray plate (111) is provided with a letting window (1111) at one end close to the supporting piece (133), and the supporting piece (133) comprises a supporting plate (1331) and at least two supporting rods (1332); the at least two supporting rods (1332) are arranged on one side of the supporting plate (1331) close to the tray plate (111) in the first direction and correspond to the letting window (1111) in the second direction.

9. The cell loading device of claim 8, wherein, The supporting rod (1332) is spaced apart from the first protrusion (1333) and the second protrusion (1334) in the first direction; the spacing distance between the first protrusion (1333) and the second protrusion (1334) is equal to the length of at least one tray (2) in the first direction.

10. An electrode cell loading system, comprising: The battery cell feeding device comprises a plurality of trays (2) and any one of the battery cell feeding devices according to claims 1 to 9.

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