An adjustable pitch cell jaw mechanism

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of battery cell production equipment, in particular to an adjustable battery cell clamping jaw mechanism; the mechanism comprises a main body, a flange plate arranged above the main body for installation, a plurality of groups of clamping jaws arranged below the main body, an adjusting mechanism arranged in the main body for driving the clamping jaws to move, two groups of jaw bodies symmetrically arranged at the bottom of the clamping jaws, each group of jaw bodies being installed through an adjustable structure, and an auxiliary mechanism arranged on the clamping jaws for assisting the installation of the jaw bodies; the adjusting mechanism is used for driving five groups of clamping jaws to synchronously expand or contract through a single motor, and the interval between the clamping jaws is kept, the structure is simple, the cost is low, the use is efficient and stable; the adjustable structure is used for finely adjusting the jaw bases of each group of clamping jaws, changing the stroke of the clamping jaws, then changing the clamping force, designing the auxiliary mechanism, simply and quickly determining the adjusted position, and ensuring the centering.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery cell production equipment technology, and specifically to an adjustable-distance battery cell gripper mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] With the vigorous development of new energy vehicles in recent years, the development of power storage has also been significant. While some car manufacturers and battery manufacturers still use small cylindrical battery packs, such as 18650, 21300, and 4680 batteries, major domestic battery manufacturers still prefer square batteries, which have high space utilization and higher strength. However, due to their large size, a single battery can weigh more than ten kilograms, making manual handling or assembly impractical. The transportation, processing, and assembly of batteries require a large number of automated equipment for clamping, flipping, and transfer operations. Since battery sizes are not fixed, some longer batteries require longer clamps, while smaller batteries may need to be clamped in multiples at once. Therefore, multiple adjustable-distance grippers are used on a single clamp. However, most existing clamps design an independent drive mechanism, such as a motor or reducer, for each gripper, allowing the grippers to adjust their position independently. This approach is costly, and multiple actions also increase the difficulty of coordinated control. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings and deficiencies of the prior art by providing a reasonably designed adjustable-distance battery cell gripper mechanism that can solve the aforementioned problems.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: it includes a main body, a flange for installation is provided on the upper part of the main body, multiple sets of grippers are provided in the lower part of the main body, an adjustment mechanism for driving the grippers to move is provided in the main body, two sets of claw bodies are symmetrically provided at the bottom of the grippers, each set of claw bodies is installed through an adjustable structure, and an auxiliary mechanism for assisting the installation of the claw bodies is provided on the grippers.

[0005] Preferably, the gripper includes a gripper base, in which two sliders for connecting the gripper body are slidably installed. The two sliders are symmetrically arranged in the gripper base. Each slider has a drive spring behind it and a ramp surface on the front side of the slider. A telescopic cylinder is installed on the gripper base facing downward. The end of the telescopic cylinder is connected to a push block. Both sides of the push block are ramp surfaces, which fit with the ramp surface of the slider. When the push block is pressed down, it pushes the two sliders to slide towards each other.

[0006] Preferably, the claw body includes a connecting seat, which is vertically arranged. An installation plate is provided on the inner side of the connecting seat. A plate pressure sensor is provided between the back of the installation plate and the connecting seat. Multiple flexible pads for contacting the battery cell are provided on the inner side of the installation plate.

[0007] Preferably, the adjustable structure includes a claw seat connected to the bottom of the clamp, an L-shaped positioning connecting seat connected to the rear of the connecting seat, alignment teeth being provided on the bottom surface of the claw seat and the top surface of the positioning connecting seat, bolt holes being provided in the positioning connecting seat, and matching waist-shaped holes being provided in the claw seat, and the positioning connecting seat being bolted to the bottom of the claw seat through the bolt holes and waist-shaped holes.

[0008] Preferably, the auxiliary mechanism includes sliding grooves respectively opened on both sides of each claw seat, a guide rod provided in the sliding groove, and a rear fixed seat provided at the tail end of the sliding groove; an auxiliary active slider is slidably arranged in the sliding grooves on both sides of one claw seat, the auxiliary active slider is also slidably arranged on the guide rod, an auxiliary spring is provided between the auxiliary active slider and the rear fixed seat, an auxiliary alignment rod is slidably arranged in the auxiliary active slider and the rear fixed seat, and a locking handle for locking the auxiliary alignment rod is provided on the auxiliary active slider; an auxiliary driven slider is slidably arranged in the sliding grooves on both sides of the other claw seat, an auxiliary spring is provided behind the auxiliary driven slider, a pad is provided on the front side of the auxiliary driven slider, and the pad is opposite to the auxiliary alignment rod; an auxiliary positioning block for assisting the positioning of the connecting seat is provided between the bottom ends of the two auxiliary driven sliders and between the bottom ends of the two auxiliary active sliders.

[0009] Preferably, the front end of the locking grip is connected to a threaded rod, and the auxiliary active slider has an internal threaded hole. The threaded rod is threaded into the internal threaded hole, and the internal threaded hole is directly opposite to the auxiliary alignment rod that passes through the auxiliary active slider. The internal threaded hole is provided with a locking block for pressing against the auxiliary alignment rod to position it.

[0010] Preferably, a connecting plate is connected above the telescopic cylinder, and a connecting frame is connected above the connecting plate through multiple sets of guide post and guide sleeve assemblies, and a buffer spring is also provided between the connecting plate and the connecting frame.

[0011] Preferably, a set of support slide rails is provided on both sides of the main body, and multiple connecting sliders are provided on the support slide rails. Each connecting frame is connected to the connecting slider at both ends. The connecting sliders are all vertically set and slide horizontally along the support slide rails.

[0012] Preferably, the number of grippers is five sets; the pitch adjustment mechanism includes two bidirectional lead screws located within the main body, the middle set of grippers is mounted on the main body, and each of the remaining sets of grippers has a lead screw nut at the top of its connecting frame. The lead screw nuts of the two sets of grippers at both ends are mounted on one of the bidirectional lead screws, and the lead screw nuts of the other two sets of grippers are mounted on the other bidirectional lead screw. A gearbox is mounted on the main body, and a pitch-changing motor is mounted on the gearbox. The gearbox includes a housing, which contains a drive wheel, a driven wheel one, and a driven wheel two connected by a transmission belt. The drive wheel is connected to the pitch-changing motor, and driven wheel one and driven wheel two are respectively connected to two bidirectional lead screws. The lead screw nuts above the two sets of grippers at both ends are located on the bidirectional lead screw connected to driven wheel two, and the gear ratio of driven wheel one to driven wheel two is 2:1.

[0013] Preferably, the auxiliary alignment rod has a grip ring at its tail end.

[0014] Preferably, the auxiliary alignment rod is provided with scale lines.

[0015] The beneficial effects of the present invention after adopting the above structure are:

[0016] 1. This application uses a distance adjustment mechanism to drive five sets of grippers to expand or retract synchronously with a single motor, while maintaining the distance between them. The structure is simple, the cost is low, and the use is efficient and stable.

[0017] 2. This application uses an adjustable structure to allow for fine-tuning of the jaws of each set of grippers, changing the gripper stroke and thus the clamping force. An auxiliary mechanism is also designed to easily and quickly determine the adjustment position and ensure alignment. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the left side structure of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure on the right side of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 This is the right view of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a top view of the internal structure of the main body in this invention;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the main body of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the gearbox in this invention;

[0024] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the gripper structure in this invention;

[0025] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Enlarged view of part A in the image;

[0026] Figure 9 yes Figure 7 Enlarged view of part B in the image;

[0027] Figure 10 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the locking grip in this invention;

[0028] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the gripper in this invention;

[0029] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the installation method of the mounting plate in this invention;

[0030] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the side structure of the gripper in this invention.

[0031] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0032] 1. Main body; 2. Variable pitch motor; 3. Gearbox; 301. Housing; 302. Drive wheel; 303. Driven wheel one; 304. Driven wheel two; 4. Double-acting lead screw; 5. Lead screw nut; 6. Support slide rail; 7. Connecting slider; 8. Connecting frame; 9. Connecting plate; 10. Guide post and guide sleeve assembly; 11. Buffer spring; 12. Telescopic cylinder; 13. Clamping seat; 14. Claw seat; 15. Drive spring; 16. Push block; 17. Positioning 18. Connecting seat; 19. Alignment tooth; 20. Connecting seat; 21. Mounting plate; 22. Plate pressure sensor; 23. Slide groove; 24. Guide rod; 25. Auxiliary active slider; 26. Rear fixed seat; 27. Auxiliary spring one; 28. Auxiliary positioning block; 29. ​​Auxiliary alignment rod; 30. Grip ring; 31. Auxiliary driven slider; 32. Pad block; 33. Auxiliary spring two; 34. Locking grip; 35. Threaded rod; 36. Locking pressure block. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0034] See Figures 1-11 As shown, it includes a main body 1, a flange for installation on the top of the main body 1, multiple sets of grippers on the lower part of the main body 1, an adjustment mechanism for driving the grippers to move inside the main body 1, two sets of claw bodies symmetrically arranged at the bottom of the grippers, each set of claw bodies is installed through an adjustable structure, and an auxiliary mechanism for assisting the installation of the claw bodies is provided on the grippers.

[0035] The gripper consists of five sets of grippers, each gripper having a gripper base 13. Two sliders for connecting the gripper bodies are slidably mounted within the gripper base 13. Each slider has a drive spring 15 behind it and a ramp surface on its front side. A telescopic cylinder 12 is mounted downwards on the gripper base 13. A push block 16 is connected to the end of the telescopic cylinder 12. Both sides of the push block 16 are ramps that fit against the ramp surface of the slider. When the push block 16 is pressed down, it pushes the two sliders to slide towards each other. A connecting plate 9 is connected above the telescopic cylinder 12. A connecting frame 8 is connected above the connecting plate 9 via multiple sets of guide post and guide sleeve assemblies 10. A buffer spring 11 is also provided between the connecting plate 9 and the connecting frame 8. A set of support slide rails 6 is provided on each side of the main body 1. Multiple connecting sliders 7 are mounted on the support slide rails 6. Each connecting frame 8 is connected to a connecting slider 7 at both ends. The connecting sliders 7 are vertically positioned and slide horizontally along the support slide rails 6.

[0036] by Figure 11 Taking the telescopic cylinder 12 as an example, when it extends, it drives the push block 16 to press down, and then pushes the two sliders to both sides simultaneously through the inclined plane. This causes the lower claws to move towards each other. During this process, the drive spring 15 is compressed. When the telescopic cylinder 12 retracts, the push block 16 moves up, and the drive spring 15 rebounds, causing the sliders to slide relative to each other. This causes the lower claws to move towards each other and clamp the battery cell. Therefore, the battery cell is clamped by the spring force. The upper limit of the clamping force does not exceed the upper limit of the spring force of the drive spring 15. Therefore, there is no problem of damage caused by excessive clamping force, nor is there an unstable clamping effect caused by the different widths of the battery cells. The longitudinally arranged support slide rail 6 changes the direction of the gravity applied by the lower claws, and its longitudinal deflection can be greatly reduced. Long-term clamping of the battery will not cause deformation or damage.

[0037] See Figures 1-6 As shown, the pitch adjustment mechanism includes two bidirectional lead screws 4 located within the main body 1. A set of grippers in the middle is mounted on the main body 1, and each of the remaining grippers has a lead screw nut 5 at the top of its connecting frame 8. The lead screw nuts 5 of the two sets of grippers at both ends are mounted on one of the bidirectional lead screws 4, and the lead screw nuts 5 of the other two sets of grippers are mounted on the other bidirectional lead screw 4. A gearbox 3 is mounted on the main body 1, and a variable pitch motor 2 is mounted on the gearbox 3. The gearbox 3 includes a housing 301, which contains a drive wheel 302, a driven wheel 1 303, and a driven wheel 2 304 connected by a transmission belt. The drive wheel 302 is connected to the variable pitch motor 2. The driven wheel 1 303 and the driven wheel 2 304 are respectively connected to the two bidirectional lead screws 4. The lead screw nuts 5 above the two sets of grippers at both ends are located on the bidirectional lead screws 4 connected to the driven wheel 2 304. The gear ratio of the driven wheel 1 303 to the driven wheel 2 304 is 2:1.

[0038] Driven by the variable pitch motor 2, the two sets of bidirectional lead screws 4 are operated at different speeds by the transmission belt. Since the gear ratio is 2:1, the rotation speed of the two lead screws is also 2:1. The moving speed of the two sets of grippers at both ends is twice that of the other two sets of grippers, and the moving distance in the same amount of time is also twice. Therefore, as long as the five sets of grippers can close together and fit together when they are retracted, after the variable pitch motor 2 rotates, the five sets of grippers are in an equidistant state at any instant.

[0039] See Figures 1-12 As shown, the claw body includes a connecting seat 19, which is vertically arranged. A mounting plate 20 is provided on the inner side of the connecting seat 19. A plate pressure sensor 21, i.e., a strain gauge, is provided between the back of the mounting plate 20 and the connecting seat 19. Multiple flexible pads for contacting the battery cell are provided on the inner side of the mounting plate 20 to increase clamping stability and prevent scratches. The adjustable structure includes a claw seat 14 connected to the bottom of the clamping seat 13. An L-shaped positioning connecting seat 17 is connected to the rear of the connecting seat 19. Alignment teeth 18 are provided on the bottom surface of the claw seat 14 and the top surface of the positioning connecting seat 17. Bolt holes are provided in the positioning connecting seat 17 and matching waist-shaped holes are provided in the claw seat 14. The positioning connecting seat 17 is bolted to the bottom of the claw seat 14 through the bolt holes and the waist-shaped holes.

[0040] The positioning connector 17 can be arbitrarily adjusted below the claw seat 14 by bolt installation and alignment teeth 18. Alignment teeth 18 not only prevent slippage and displacement, but also keep the angles of the two consistent and prevent the positioning connector 17 from deflecting. The plate pressure sensor 21 can acquire pressure values ​​in real time. In theory, under the condition that the parameters of each group of claws are the same during clamping, the pressure values ​​will not differ significantly. Therefore, the host computer can judge the working status of each claw based on the pressure value. For example, if the pressure value of only one group of claws is too low, it means that the claws may be stuck or the spring may have failed. The data reading and status judgment of strain gauges are common technical means in the field of automation, so they will not be described in detail here.

[0041] See Figures 1-13As shown, the auxiliary mechanism includes sliding grooves 22 respectively opened on both sides of each claw seat 14. Guide rods 23 are provided within the sliding grooves 22, and a rear fixing seat 25 is provided at the tail end of each sliding groove 22. An auxiliary active slider 24 is slidably disposed within the sliding grooves 22 on both sides of one of the claw seats 14. The auxiliary active slider 24 is also slidably disposed on the guide rods 23. An auxiliary spring 26 is provided between the auxiliary active slider 24 and the rear fixing seat 25. An auxiliary alignment rod 28 is slidably disposed within the auxiliary active slider 24 and the rear fixing seat 25. A grip ring 29 is provided at the tail end of the auxiliary alignment rod 28 for convenient gripping and adjustment. The upper part is equipped with scale lines, and the auxiliary active slider 24 is equipped with a locking handle 33 for locking the auxiliary alignment rod 28; the auxiliary driven slider 30 is slidably arranged in the slide groove 22 on both sides of the other claw seat 14, and the auxiliary driven slider 30 is equipped with an auxiliary spring 22 behind it. The auxiliary spring 1 26 is the same as the auxiliary spring 22. The front side of the auxiliary driven slider 30 is equipped with a pad 31, which is opposite to the auxiliary alignment rod 28; between the bottom ends of the two auxiliary driven sliders 30 and between the bottom ends of the two auxiliary active sliders 24, there are auxiliary positioning blocks 27 for positioning the auxiliary connecting seat 19.

[0042] The front end of the locking grip 33 is connected to a threaded rod 34. The auxiliary active slider 24 has an internal threaded hole. The threaded rod 34 is threaded into the internal threaded hole. The internal threaded hole is directly opposite to the auxiliary alignment rod 28 that passes through the auxiliary active slider 24. The internal threaded hole is provided with a locking block 35 for pressing against the auxiliary alignment rod 28 to position it.

[0043] by Figures 7-9 Taking the perspective of the auxiliary alignment rod 28 as an example, at this time, the auxiliary alignment rod 28 extends and the front end touches the pad block 31. If the locking handle 33 locks the auxiliary alignment rod 28, the distance between the auxiliary active slider 24 and the auxiliary driven slider 30 is fixed. Both are slidably installed and have springs at the rear. Therefore, under the action of the springs, the distance between the two and the rear fixed seat 25 is the same. On the other hand, as mentioned above, the two sliders in the clamp 13 are driven synchronously, so they can also be regarded as maintaining symmetrical movements. Therefore, at this time, without applying external force, the auxiliary active slider 24 and the auxiliary driven slider 30 are also symmetrical. Adjust the connecting seat 19 to fit with the auxiliary positioning block 27 and then tighten the bolts to ensure that the two connecting seats 19 on both sides are symmetrically installed, achieving fast and accurate centering installation.

[0044] By observing the scale lines on the surface of the auxiliary alignment rod 28 from the edge of the auxiliary active slider 24, its extension length can be obtained. Correspondingly, the distance between the auxiliary active slider 24 and the auxiliary driven slider 30 can also be determined, ensuring accurate adjustment.

[0045] The locking handle 33 can be tightened by screwing the locking block 35 forward to press the auxiliary positioning rod 28 into place and prevent slippage.

[0046] The installation, connection, or setting methods of the components not detailed above are all common mechanical methods, and the specific structure, model, and coefficient indicators of all their components are their own technologies. As long as they can achieve their beneficial effects, they can be implemented, so they will not be elaborated further.

[0047] It should be understood that the specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative or explanatory of the principles of the invention and do not constitute a limitation thereof. Therefore, any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention should be included within the protection scope of the invention. Furthermore, the appended claims are intended to cover all variations and modifications falling within the scope and boundaries of the appended claims, or equivalent forms of such scope and boundaries.

Claims

1. An adjustable-pitch battery cell gripper mechanism, comprising a main body (1), a flange for mounting is provided on the upper part of the main body (1), and multiple sets of grippers are provided in the lower part of the main body (1), characterized in that: The main body (1) is equipped with an adjustment mechanism for driving the movement of the gripper. Two sets of gripper bodies are symmetrically arranged at the bottom of the gripper. Each set of gripper bodies is installed through an adjustable structure. An auxiliary mechanism for assisting the installation of the gripper bodies is provided on the gripper. The gripper includes a gripper base (13), in which two sliders for connecting the gripper body are slidably installed. The two sliders are symmetrically arranged in the gripper base (13). Each slider is provided with a drive spring (15) behind it. The slider is provided with a ramp surface on the front side. A telescopic cylinder (12) is installed on the gripper base (13) facing downward. The end of the telescopic cylinder (12) is connected to a push block (16). Both sides of the push block (16) are ramp surfaces. The ramp surface fits against the ramp surface of the slider. When the push block (16) is pressed down, it pushes the two sliders to slide towards each other. The claw body includes a connecting seat (19), which is vertically arranged. An mounting plate (20) is provided on the inner side of the connecting seat (19), and a plate pressure sensor (21) is provided between the back of the mounting plate (20) and the connecting seat (19). The adjustable structure includes a claw seat (14) connected to the bottom of the clamp (13), and an L-shaped positioning connecting seat (17) connected to the rear of the connecting seat (19). Alignment teeth (18) are provided on the bottom surface of the claw seat (14) and the top surface of the positioning connecting seat (17). Bolt holes are provided in the positioning connecting seat (17), and a matching waist-shaped hole is provided in the claw seat (14). The positioning connecting seat (17) is bolted to the bottom of the claw seat (14) through the bolt holes and the waist-shaped hole. The auxiliary mechanism includes slide grooves (22) respectively opened on both sides of each claw seat (14), a guide rod (23) is provided in the slide groove (22), and a rear fixing seat (25) is provided at the tail end of the slide groove (22); an auxiliary active slider (24) is slidably provided in the slide grooves (22) on both sides of one claw seat (14), the auxiliary active slider (24) is also slidably provided on the guide rod (23), an auxiliary spring (26) is provided between the auxiliary active slider (24) and the rear fixing seat (25), an auxiliary alignment rod (28) is slidably provided in the auxiliary active slider (24) and the rear fixing seat (25), and a locking handle (33) for locking the auxiliary alignment rod (28) is provided on the auxiliary active slider (24); an auxiliary driven slider is slidably provided in the slide grooves (22) on both sides of the other claw seat (14). (30) An auxiliary spring (32) is provided behind the auxiliary driven slider (30). A pad (31) is provided on the front side of the auxiliary driven slider (30). The pad (31) is opposite to the auxiliary alignment rod (28). An auxiliary positioning block (27) for positioning the auxiliary connecting seat (19) is provided between the bottom ends of the two auxiliary driven sliders (30) and between the bottom ends of the two auxiliary active sliders (24). A threaded rod (34) is connected to the front end of the locking handle (33). An internal threaded hole is opened in the auxiliary active slider (24). The threaded rod (34) is threaded into the internal threaded hole. The internal threaded hole is directly opposite to the auxiliary alignment rod (28) passing through the auxiliary active slider (24). A locking block (35) for pressing onto the auxiliary alignment rod (28) to position it is provided in the internal threaded hole.

2. The adjustable-distance battery cell gripper mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: A connecting plate (9) is connected above the telescopic cylinder (12), and a connecting frame (8) is connected above the connecting plate (9) through multiple sets of guide post and guide sleeve assemblies (10). A buffer spring (11) is also provided between the connecting plate (9) and the connecting frame (8).

3. The adjustable-distance cell gripper mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The main body (1) has a set of support slide rails (6) on both sides. Multiple connecting sliders (7) are provided on the support slide rails (6). Each connecting frame (8) is connected to the connecting sliders (7) at both ends. The connecting sliders (7) are all vertically set and slide horizontally along the support slide rails (6).

4. The adjustable-distance battery cell gripper mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that: The number of grippers is five sets; the pitch adjustment mechanism includes two bidirectional lead screws (4) located in the main body (1), the middle set of grippers is installed on the main body (1), and the top of the connecting frame (8) of each of the remaining sets of grippers is provided with a lead screw nut (5). The lead screw nuts (5) of the two sets of grippers located at both ends are installed on one of the bidirectional lead screws (4), and the lead screw nuts (5) of the other two sets of grippers are installed on the other bidirectional lead screw (4). A gearbox (3) is installed on the main body (1), and a variable pitch motor (2) is provided on the gearbox (3). (3) It includes a housing (301), which is provided with a drive wheel (302), a driven wheel one (303) and a driven wheel two (304) connected by a transmission belt. The drive wheel (302) is connected to a variable pitch motor (2). The driven wheel one (303) and the driven wheel two (304) are respectively connected to two bidirectional lead screws (4). The lead screw nuts (5) above the two sets of jaws at both ends are located on the bidirectional lead screw (4) connected to the driven wheel two (304). The gear ratio of the driven wheel one (303) and the driven wheel two (304) is 2:

1.

5. The adjustable-distance battery cell gripper mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The auxiliary alignment rod (28) is provided with scale lines and a grip ring (29) at its tail end.

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