Flexible cell grouping and stacking equipment

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of battery production, in particular to flexible battery cell grouping and stacking equipment which comprises a stacking platform, an X-axis tidying mechanism, a Y-axis tidying mechanism and a flexible pushing and pressing mechanism, the X-axis tidying mechanism is used for driving a movable pressing plate to reciprocate in the X-axis direction, and the Y-axis tidying mechanism is used for driving the movable pressing plate to reciprocate in the Y-axis direction; the Y-axis tidying mechanism comprises two shaping claws which are close to or far away from each other in the Y-axis direction so as to tidy the battery cell module in the Y-axis direction; according to the invention, the X-axis normalizing mechanism is used for driving the movable pressing plate to reciprocate along the X-axis direction so as to normalize the battery cell in the X-axis direction, and the two shaping claws which are close to or far away from each other of the Y-axis normalizing mechanism are used for normalizing the battery cell in the Y-axis direction, so that the length and the width of the normalizing mechanism can be automatically adjusted; the positioning space matched with the size of the battery cell is formed, the practicability of the stacking equipment is greatly improved, meanwhile, the air cylinder is used for flexibly applying pressure to the battery cell, the battery cell can be prevented from being crushed, and therefore the percent of pass of a whole production line is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery manufacturing technology, and in particular to a flexible cell stacking equipment. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of the electric vehicle and energy storage markets, higher requirements are being placed on the energy density, safety, and production efficiency of lithium batteries. Cell assembly (i.e., module assembly) is a key step in the battery pack manufacturing process, and its precision and efficiency directly affect the performance and consistency of the final product.

[0003] Currently, a single piece of equipment can typically only process a single model or a few fixed models of battery cells. When the product model changes, the machine needs to be stopped and cumbersome mechanical adjustments (such as changing the fixture, adjusting the positioning mechanism, etc.) are required. In some cases, it may even be necessary to purchase new equipment, resulting in low equipment utilization, high production line switching costs, and an inability to adapt to the trend of multi-variety, small-batch production. At the same time, the battery cells are all rigidly pressed when stacked, and the battery cells are often damaged during the pressing process. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is: in order to solve the problems of low utilization rate, high production line switching cost, inability to adapt to the trend of multi-variety and small-batch production of existing battery cell stacking equipment, and the fact that battery cells are rigidly pressed during stacking, which often results in battery cell damage during the pressing process, a flexible battery cell group stacking equipment is provided.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a flexible battery cell stacking device, comprising: The stacking platform has a fixed end plate fixed at one end along its X-axis for limiting the position of the battery cell module, and a movable pressure plate movably installed at the other end for pressurizing the battery cell module. The X-axis straightening mechanism is used to drive the movable pressure plate to reciprocate along the X-axis direction to straighten the battery cell module along the X-axis direction. The Y-axis straightening mechanism includes two shaping claws that move closer or further apart along the Y-axis to straighten the battery cell module along the Y-axis. And a flexible pushing mechanism, including a cylinder, the output end of which is connected to a movable pressure plate.

[0006] Furthermore, the Y-axis straightening mechanism also includes a Y-axis straightening seat, a Y-axis drive mechanism mounted on the Y-axis straightening seat, a gear connected to the output end of the Y-axis drive mechanism, and two racks distributed on both sides of the gear and meshing with the gear, with the two racks respectively connected to two shaping claws.

[0007] Furthermore, the X-axis straightening mechanism includes a first X-axis linear motion unit and a second X-axis linear motion unit connected to the output end of the first X-axis linear motion unit.

[0008] Furthermore, the first X-axis linear motion unit is a linear module or a cylinder.

[0009] Furthermore, the second X-axis linear motion unit includes a slide connected to the output end of the first X-axis linear motion unit and a lead screw and nut structure mounted on the slide. The output end of the lead screw and nut structure is connected to the Y-axis alignment seat.

[0010] Furthermore, each shaping claw and its corresponding rack are provided with a connecting arm, and the Y-axis straightening seat has a sliding cavity for the connecting arm to slide.

[0011] Furthermore, the flexible pushing mechanism also includes a cylinder seat fixed on the Y-axis alignment seat for cylinder installation, a guide rod is inserted inside the cylinder seat, and the movable pressure plate is connected to the end of the guide rod.

[0012] Furthermore, the connecting arm includes a through-hole portion passing through the sliding cavity and a connecting portion connecting the through-hole portion and the rack. A Y-axis slider is mounted on the connecting portion, and a Y-axis slide rail for sliding the Y-axis slider is mounted on the Y-axis aligner.

[0013] Furthermore, the X-axis alignment mechanism also includes a telescopically oriented positioning pin, and the slide has a positioning hole for the positioning pin to be inserted.

[0014] Furthermore, the stacking platform has an elongated slot for the Y-axis alignment seat to extend out, and the elongated slot extends along the X-axis direction.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This invention utilizes an X-axis straightening mechanism to drive a movable pressure plate to reciprocate along the X-axis direction to straighten the battery cell in the X-axis direction, and utilizes two shaping claws of a Y-axis straightening mechanism that move closer or further apart to straighten the battery cell in the Y-axis direction. This allows for automatic adjustment of the length and width of the straightening mechanism to form a positioning space that matches the size of the battery cell, greatly improving the practicality of the stacking equipment. At the same time, the use of a cylinder to apply flexible pressure to the battery cell can prevent the battery cell from being crushed, thereby improving the yield rate of the entire production line. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a single stacked unit from a first-view perspective in this invention; Figure 3This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a single stacked unit from a second perspective in this invention; Figure 4 This is a side view of a single stacked unit in this invention; Figure 5 This is a top view of a single stacked unit in this invention; Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the Y-axis straightening mechanism in this invention; Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the Y-axis straightening mechanism of the present invention after removing part of the housing; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the connecting arm in this invention; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the flexible pushing mechanism in this invention.

[0018] In the picture: 100, stacked units; 200, base; 1. Stacking platform; 101. Long slot; 102. Fixed end plate; 103. Movable pressure plate; 2. X-axis straightening mechanism; 201. First X-axis linear motion unit; 202. Second X-axis linear motion unit; 2021. Slide; 2022. Lead screw and nut structure; 203. Positioning pin; 3. Y-axis straightening mechanism; 301. Y-axis straightening seat; 3011. Slide cavity; 302. Y-axis drive mechanism; 303. Gear; 304. Rack; 305. Shaping claw; 306. Connecting arm; 3061. Through part; 3062. Connecting part; 307. Y-axis slider; 308. Y-axis slide rail; 4. Flexible pushing mechanism; 401. Cylinder; 402. Cylinder seat; 403. Guide rod. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These drawings are simplified schematic diagrams, illustrating only the basic structure of the invention in a schematic manner. Therefore, they only show the components relevant to the invention. Orientations and references (e.g., up, down, left, right, etc.) are only used to aid in the description of the features in the drawings. Therefore, the following specific embodiments are not intended to be restrictive, and the scope of the claimed subject matter is defined solely by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0020] like Figures 1-9 As shown, a flexible battery cell stacking device includes a base 200, on which a plurality of stacking units 100 are disposed, the plurality of stacking units 100 being arranged side by side, and each stacking unit 100 comprising: The stacking platform 1 has a fixed end plate 102 for limiting the position of the battery cell module fixed at one end along its X-axis direction, and a movable pressure plate 103 for pressurizing the battery cell module is movably installed at the other end. X-axis straightening mechanism 2 is used to drive the movable pressure plate 103 to reciprocate along the X-axis direction to straighten the battery cell module along the X-axis direction; Y-axis straightening mechanism 3 includes two straightening claws 305 that move closer or further apart along the Y-axis to straighten the battery cell module along the Y-axis. The flexible pushing mechanism 4 includes a cylinder 401. The output end of the cylinder 401 is connected to the movable pressure plate 103. The cylinder 401 cooperates with the solenoid valve of the middle leakage. The movement direction of the cylinder 401 is the same as the movement direction of the X-axis straightening mechanism 2. When the cylinder 401 is subjected to external force, it will contract, thereby applying controllable elastic pressure to the battery cell.

[0021] During operation, the robot places the battery cell onto the stacking platform 1 in a set posture, with one end of the battery cell abutting against the fixed end plate 102. The X-axis straightening mechanism 2 is activated, which drives the movable pressure plate 103 to move to the set position once to press against the battery cell for straightening in the X-axis direction. Then, the Y-axis straightening mechanism 3 is activated, and the two shaping claws 305 move closer or further apart to center the battery cell in the Y-axis direction. Afterward, the X-axis straightening mechanism 2 drives the movable pressure plate 103 to move a second time to attach the battery cell to the previous group of battery cells. During the process, the cylinder 401 can apply controllable elastic pressure to the battery cell to ensure that the battery cell group is tightly attached and to prevent the battery cell from being crushed.

[0022] The "flexibility" in this solution is reflected in two aspects: First, the X-axis straightening mechanism 2 and the Y-axis straightening mechanism 3 can form a positioning space that matches various specifications of battery cells, thereby adapting to the stacking of battery cells of different specifications; Second, the setting of cylinder 401 can achieve flexible pressure application.

[0023] In this embodiment, the X-axis straightening mechanism 2 drives the movable pressure plate 103 to reciprocate along the X-axis direction to straighten the battery cell in the X-axis direction, and the two shaping claws 305 of the Y-axis straightening mechanism 3, which are close to or far apart from each other, straighten the battery cell in the Y-axis direction. This allows for automatic adjustment of the length and width of the straightening mechanism to form a positioning space that matches the size of the battery cell, greatly improving the practicality of the stacking equipment. At the same time, the cylinder 401 applies flexible pressure to the battery cell to avoid crushing it, thereby improving the yield rate of the entire production line.

[0024] In some examples, the Y-axis straightening mechanism 3 further includes a Y-axis straightening base 301, a Y-axis drive mechanism 302 mounted on the Y-axis straightening base 301, a gear 303 connected to the output end of the Y-axis drive mechanism 302, and two racks 304 distributed on both sides of the gear 303 and meshing with the gear 303. The two racks 304 are respectively connected to two shaping claws 305. The Y-axis drive mechanism 302 can be a servo motor. The Y-axis drive mechanism 302 is activated, which drives the gear 303 to rotate. The two racks 304 located on the upper and lower sides of the gear 303 move towards or away from each other along the Y-axis, causing the two shaping claws 305 to move closer or further away from each other to center and straighten the battery cell.

[0025] In some examples, the X-axis straightening mechanism 2 includes a first X-axis linear motion unit 201 and a second X-axis linear motion unit 202 connected to the output end of the first X-axis linear motion unit 201. The first X-axis linear motion unit 201 is used to drive the movable pressure plate 103 to move once along the X-axis direction to perform preliminary straightening of the battery cell along the X-axis direction. After the battery cell is straightened along the Y-axis direction, the second X-axis linear motion unit 202 is used to drive the movable pressure plate 103 to move a second time along the X-axis direction to press the movable pressure plate 103 against the battery cell and stick it to the previous group of battery cells.

[0026] In some examples, the first X-axis linear motion unit 201 is a linear module or a cylinder 401.

[0027] In some examples, the second X-axis linear motion unit 202 includes a slide 2021 connected to the output end of the first X-axis linear motion unit 201 and a lead screw and nut structure 2022 mounted on the slide 2021. The output end of the lead screw and nut structure 2022 is connected to the Y-axis leveling seat 301. First, the first X-axis linear motion unit 201 drives the slide 2021 to a predetermined position to achieve a first displacement of the movable pressure plate 103. Then, the lead screw and nut structure 2022 is activated to drive the Y-axis leveling seat 301 to move to achieve a second displacement of the movable pressure plate 103.

[0028] In some examples, a connecting arm 306 is provided between each shaping claw 305 and its corresponding rack 304. The Y-axis straightening seat 301 has a sliding cavity 3011 for the connecting arm 306 to slide. The sliding cavity 3011 extends along the Y-axis direction and can guide the movement of the connecting arm 306. Preferably, there are two sliding cavities 3011, and the two sliding cavities 3011 correspond one-to-one with the two connecting arms 306. Each connecting arm 306 slides in its corresponding sliding cavity 3011.

[0029] In some examples, the flexible pushing mechanism 4 further includes a cylinder seat 402 fixed on the Y-axis alignment seat 301 for mounting the cylinder 401. A guide rod 403 is inserted inside the cylinder seat 402. The movable pressure plate 103 is connected to the end of the guide rod 403. The number of guide rods 403 can be, but is not limited to, two, three, or four. The cylinder seat 402 has a guide hole through which the guide rod 403 passes, and a linear bearing is installed in the guide hole. When the cylinder 401 is subjected to external force, it will contract. The movable pressure plate 103 can retract appropriately with the cooperation of the guide rod 403 and the guide hole.

[0030] In some examples, the connecting arm 306 includes a through portion 3061 passing through the sliding cavity 3011 and a connecting portion 3062 connecting the through portion 3061 and the rack 304. The through portion 3061 and the connecting portion 3062 are integrally formed, and the through portion 3061 is bent from the end of the connecting portion 3062. A Y-axis slider 307 is mounted on the connecting portion 3062. A Y-axis slide rail 308 for sliding the Y-axis slider 307 is mounted on the Y-axis guide seat 301. The sliding cavity 3011 cooperates with the through portion 3061, and the Y-axis slider 307 cooperates with the Y-axis slide rail 308, thereby ensuring the linear movement of the connecting arm 306.

[0031] In some examples, the X-axis alignment mechanism 2 further includes telescopically oriented positioning pins 203. The slide 2021 has positioning holes for the positioning pins 203 to be inserted. The number of positioning pins 203 is several, which may be, but is not limited to, two or three, etc. The several positioning pins 203 are distributed at intervals along the X-axis direction. After the positioning pins 203 at different positions are engaged with the positioning holes on the slide 2021, the slide 2021 can be locked in different positions. The telescopic movement of the positioning pins can be achieved by a telescopic mechanism (e.g., a cylinder, an electric cylinder, or a telescopic rod), which is mounted on the base.

[0032] In some examples, the stacking platform 1 has an elongated slot 101 for the Y-axis regularizer 301 to extend out, the elongated slot 101 extending along the X-axis direction.

[0033] Working principle: During operation, the robot places the battery cell onto the stacking platform 1 in a set posture, with one end of the battery cell abutting against the fixed end plate 102. First, the first X-axis linear motion unit 201 is activated, which moves the movable pressure plate 103 to the set position in one go to perform alignment in the X-axis direction. During this process, the position of the slide block 2021 is locked by the cooperation of the positioning pin 203 and the positioning hole. Then, the Y-axis drive mechanism 302 is activated, which drives the gear 303 to rotate. The two racks 304 located on the upper and lower sides of the gear 303 move towards or away from each other along the Y-axis direction, causing the two shaping claws 305 to move closer or further away from each other to center and align the battery cell. Then, the second X-axis linear motion unit 202 is activated to drive the movable pressure plate 103 to move a second time, attaching the battery cell to the previous group of battery cells. During the process, the cylinder 401 can apply controllable elastic pressure to the battery cell to ensure that the battery cell group is tightly attached and to ensure that the battery cell is not crushed. Finally, the X-axis straightening mechanism 2 and the Y-axis straightening mechanism 3 return to the origin, completing this stacking. When multiple layers need to be stacked, the above steps are repeated. For each layer stacked, the displacement sensor detects the current total height and compares it with the theoretical value to achieve closed-loop control. When the preset number of stacking layers is reached, the stacking is completed, and the robot grabs the complete module onto the tray and sends it to the next workstation.

[0034] Based on the above-described preferred embodiments of the present invention, and through the foregoing description, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the inventive concept. The technical scope of this invention is not limited to the contents of the specification, but must be determined according to the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A flexible cell group stacking apparatus, characterized by: The application relates to a battery cell module shaping device. The application relates to a battery cell module shaping device. The application relates to a battery cell module shaping device. The application relates to a battery cell module shaping device. The application relates to a battery cell module shaping device.

2. The flexible cell gang stacking apparatus of claim 1, wherein: The application relates to a battery cell module shaping device.

3. The flexible cell gang stacking apparatus of claim 2, wherein: The application relates to a battery cell module shaping device.

4. The flexible cell gang stacking apparatus of claim 3, wherein: The application relates to a battery cell module shaping device.

5. The flexible cell group stacking apparatus according to claim 3, wherein: The application relates to a battery cell module shaping device.

6. The flexible cell group stacking apparatus of claim 2, wherein: The application relates to a battery cell module shaping device.

7. The flexible cell group stacking apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: The application relates to a battery cell module shaping device.

8. The flexible cell group stacking apparatus according to claim 6, wherein: The application relates to a battery cell module shaping device.

9. The flexible cell group stacking apparatus of claim 5, wherein: The application relates to a battery cell module shaping device. The application relates to a battery cell module shaping device. The application relates to a battery cell module shaping device. The application relates to a battery cell module shaping device. The application relates to a battery cell module shaping device. The application relates to a battery cell module shaping device. The application relates to a battery cell module shaping device. The application relates to a battery cell module shaping device. The application relates to a battery cell module shaping device. The application relates to a battery cell module shaping device. The application relates to a battery cell module shaping device. The application relates to a battery cell module shaping device. The application relates to a battery cell module shaping device. The application relates to a battery cell module shaping device. 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