Suspension type automatic gluing device and gluing method

Abstract

The invention provides a suspension type automatic gluing device and a gluing method, and the device comprises a suspension supporting plate which is connected to a rack of an automatic line body and provides support for the whole gluing device; the gluing mechanism comprises a gluing limiting plate, a hydraulic oil cylinder arranged in the middle of the gluing limiting plate and a glue mixing cylinder; wherein the glue mixing cylinder is connected with a glue supply mechanism and a mixing pipe, one end, far away from the glue mixing cylinder, of the glue mixing pipe is connected with a discharge pipe, and a piston rod of the hydraulic oil cylinder extends into the glue mixing cylinder and is used for driving glue to be discharged from the glue mixing cylinder; the telescopic mechanism is connected between the suspension supporting plate and the gluing mechanism and used for driving the gluing mechanism to ascend and descend; and the control unit is in communication connection with the telescopic mechanism, the gluing mechanism and the glue supply mechanism.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery manufacturing technology, specifically to a suspended automatic glue-applying device and glue-applying method. Background Technology

[0002] Lithium-ion battery packs (PACKs) refer to the process of assembling multiple individual lithium-ion battery cells into a group through series and parallel connections, and integrating a battery management system (BMS), casing, and other accessories to form a ready-to-use battery pack. This assembly is also often referred to as a battery module. In the PACK process, applying adhesive to the bottom of the standard casing is a key step. This involves applying a mixed AB adhesive between the bottom of the casing and the module, which plays an important role in fixing the module, conducting heat, and providing cushioning and shock absorption.

[0003] Currently, the packaging and assembly of power batteries generally rely on automated production lines. However, in the glue application process, there are common problems such as insufficient precision in glue quantity control and uneven mixing of AB glue, which affect the overall production quality and efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the problems in the prior art, the first aspect of this application provides a suspended automatic glue dispensing device, comprising: The suspension support plate is connected to the frame of the automated production line and provides support for the entire glue dispensing device. The glue dispensing mechanism includes a glue dispensing limiting plate, a hydraulic cylinder and a glue mixing cylinder disposed in the middle of the glue dispensing limiting plate; The glue mixing cylinder is connected to a glue supply mechanism and a mixing pipe. The end of the mixing pipe away from the glue mixing cylinder is connected to a drain pipe. The piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder extends into the glue mixing cylinder to drive the glue to be discharged from the glue mixing cylinder. A telescopic mechanism is connected between the suspension support plate and the glue applicator, and is used to drive the glue applicator to rise and fall; The control unit is communicatively connected to the telescopic mechanism, the glue dispensing mechanism, and the glue supply mechanism.

[0005] Furthermore, the glue mixing cylinder is a cylinder with a through hole at the top, which is slidably connected to the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder, and a glue outlet at the bottom, which is threadedly connected to the mixing tube.

[0006] Furthermore, a first glue inlet and a second glue inlet are respectively provided on both sides of the top of the glue mixing cylinder. A one-way solenoid valve is provided in both the first glue inlet and the second glue inlet. The glue supply mechanism includes a first glue supply unit connected to the first glue inlet and a second glue supply unit connected to the second glue inlet.

[0007] Furthermore, the axes of the first and second glue inlets are tangent to the outer circumference of the glue mixing cylinder, so that the AB glue entering from the two glue inlets forms a spirally intersecting flow path within the glue mixing cylinder.

[0008] Furthermore, the mixing tube is provided with spiral blades inside, and the AB glue flows and mixes in a ring along the spiral blades when it passes through the mixing tube.

[0009] Furthermore, the telescopic mechanism is a cylinder with two stroke rods. The cylinder is connected to the air compressor through a two-position five-hole solenoid valve installed on the back of the suspension support plate. A fixing block is connected to the bottom of the stroke rod, and the fixing block is connected to the glue-applying limiting plate by bolts.

[0010] A second aspect of this application provides a glue-applying method based on a suspended automatic glue-applying device as described in any of the above claims, comprising the following steps: Obtain the position information of the box; when the box reaches the predetermined position, control the telescopic mechanism to drive the glue applicator to descend to the predetermined height. The glue supply mechanism is controlled to inject A glue and B glue into the glue mixing tank from the first glue inlet and the second glue inlet, respectively. When the AB glue in the glue mixing tank reaches the set capacity, the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder is extended, causing the AB glue in the glue mixing tank to flow and mix in a ring along the spiral blades in the mixing tube under pressure. The mixed AB glue is then discharged into the designated position in the box through the discharge pipe.

[0011] Furthermore, the control mechanism for injecting adhesive A and adhesive B into the adhesive mixing tank from the first and second inlets respectively includes: Simultaneously, the first glue supply unit, the second glue supply unit, and the corresponding one-way solenoid valve are opened, allowing glue A and glue B to flow into the glue mixing tank through their respective glue inlets.

[0012] Furthermore, the control mechanism for injecting adhesive A and adhesive B into the adhesive mixing tank from the first and second inlets respectively includes: The first glue supply unit, the second glue supply unit, and the corresponding one-way solenoid valve are opened sequentially at intervals, so that glue A and glue B are alternately injected into the glue mixing tank through the first glue inlet and the second glue inlet, respectively, and form a layered distribution in the glue mixing tank.

[0013] Furthermore, after the glue application time cycle ends, the control unit sends a reset command to the telescopic mechanism, the glue application mechanism, and the glue supply mechanism, waiting for the next glue application action.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this application are: 1. The suspended automatic glue dispensing device of this application achieves full automation from positioning, glue supply, mixing to glue dispensing, and has significant advantages in terms of position accuracy, glue quantity control, mixing uniformity, and process consistency. It solves the problems of low production quality and efficiency in the prior art.

[0015] 2. The suspended automatic glue dispensing device of this application is used in conjunction with a glue mixing cylinder with a tangential glue inlet to realize a two-stage mixing mechanism of "swirling glue inlet + spiral flow guide". This significantly improves the mixing quality and efficiency within a compact structure and can effectively solve the problems of poor mixing effect and low equipment adaptability in the prior art. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the working state of the suspended automatic glue dispensing device of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the working state of the suspended automatic glue dispensing device of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the suspended automatic glue dispensing device of this application; Figure 4 This is a side view of the suspended automatic glue dispensing device of this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the adhesive application structure of this application; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the hybrid tube of this application; Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the mixing tube of this application; In the picture: 1. Suspension support plate; 2. Compression sleeve; 3. Controller; 4. Telescopic mechanism; 5. Hydraulic cylinder; 6. Adhesive application limit plate; 7. Adhesive mixing cylinder; 8. One-way solenoid valve; 9. Mixing pipe; 10. Pipeline; 11. Two-position five-hole solenoid valve; 12. Frame; 13. Housing. Detailed Implementation

[0017] To facilitate understanding of this application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0018] refer to Figures 1 to 2 As shown, this application provides a suspended automatic glue dispensing device, including: a suspension support plate 1, a telescopic mechanism 4, a glue dispensing mechanism, and a control unit 3.

[0019] refer to Figure 3 As shown, the top two sides of the suspension support plate 1 are bolted to the T-shaped aluminum alloy frame 12 of the automated production line, providing support for the entire glue application device. A control unit 3, which is a controller, is installed on the upper part of the suspension support plate 1. The lower part of the suspension support plate 1 is connected to the telescopic mechanism 4.

[0020] The glue dispensing mechanism includes a glue dispensing limit plate 6, a hydraulic cylinder 5 and a glue mixing cylinder 7 disposed in the middle of the glue dispensing limit plate 6. The glue mixing cylinder 7 is connected to a glue supply mechanism and a mixing pipe 9. The end of the mixing pipe 9 away from the glue mixing cylinder 7 is connected to a drain pipe 10. The hydraulic cylinder 5 is connected to a hydraulic oil tank and an oil pump on the side of the automated production line through two oil pipes. The piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder 5 extends into the glue mixing cylinder 7 to drive the glue to be discharged from the glue mixing cylinder 7.

[0021] refer to Figures 3 to 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the telescopic mechanism 4 includes a cylinder with two stroke rods. The double stroke rods significantly improve the rigidity and balance of the cylinder during telescopic movement, preventing skewing or shaking during lifting and lowering, thus ensuring accurate glue application. The cylinder is connected to an air compressor via a two-position five-hole solenoid valve 11 mounted on the back of the suspension support plate 1, and the air compressor supplies compressed air to the cylinder. A fixing block is connected to the bottom of the two stroke rods of the cylinder, and the fixing block is bolted to the glue application limiting plate 6. The glue application limiting plate 6 has a "U"-shaped structure, with the cylinder seat of the glue mixing cylinder 7 connected to the upper inner side of the glue application limiting plate 6, and the glue mixing cylinder 7 connected to the lower inner side of the glue application limiting plate 6.

[0022] refer to Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the glue mixing cylinder 7 is a cylinder with a through hole at the top for the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder 5 to pass through, and is slidably and sealed to the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder 5. The glue mixing cylinder 7 has a first glue inlet and a second glue inlet on both sides of its top, and a glue outlet at the bottom, which is threadedly connected to the mixing tube 9.

[0023] In some embodiments, the axes of the first and second glue inlets are tangent to the outer circumference of the glue mixing tank 7, so that the A and B glues entering from the two inlets form a spiral cross-flow path within the glue mixing tank 7. This spiral cross-flow extends the movement path of the glue within the glue mixing tank 7, increasing the contact and shearing opportunities between the A and B glues, thereby promoting thorough mixing of A and B glues and avoiding uneven mixing or poor curing. Simultaneously, the swirling flow formed by the tangential glue inlet helps the glue liquid form an overall circulation within the glue mixing tank 7, reducing dead zones and glue residue, thus improving glue utilization and facilitating subsequent cleaning and maintenance. This structure eliminates the need for complex mechanical stirring mechanisms, achieving efficient mixing solely through flow channel guidance, which helps reduce equipment size and overall weight, thereby improving the adaptability of the glue dispensing device and the flexibility of production line layout.

[0024] In some embodiments, the glue supply mechanism includes a first glue supply unit connected to a first glue inlet and a second glue supply unit connected to a second glue inlet. The first glue supply unit includes a first glue tank and a first glue pump; the second glue supply unit includes a second glue tank and a second glue pump. Both the first and second glue inlets are equipped with one-way solenoid valves 8. The first and second glue tanks are placed at the rear end of the production line station. The first glue tank is connected to the first glue pump via a glue tube, and the first glue pump is connected to the one-way solenoid valve 8 at the first glue inlet via a glue tube. The second glue tank is connected to the second glue pump via a glue tube, and the second glue pump is connected to the one-way solenoid valve 8 at the second glue inlet via a glue tube. The glue tube is fixed to the T-shaped aluminum alloy frame 12 of the automated production line via a clamping sleeve 2.

[0025] refer to Figures 6 to 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the mixing tube 9 is a casting with spiral blades inside. The AB adhesive flows and mixes in a ring along the spiral blades as it passes through the mixing tube 9. The spiral blades guide the AB adhesive to form a stable and continuous swirling flow, significantly enhancing the shearing and fusion effects between the AB adhesives. This results in more uniform and thorough mixing within a shorter flow path, effectively avoiding curing defects caused by uneven mixing. The mixing tube 9 is used in conjunction with the adhesive mixing cylinder 7, which has a tangential inlet, to achieve a two-stage mixing mechanism of "swirling adhesive inlet + spiral flow guidance." This significantly improves mixing quality and efficiency within a compact structure, effectively solving the problems of poor mixing effect and low equipment adaptability in existing technologies.

[0026] In some embodiments, the control unit is communicatively connected to the MES system, the telescopic mechanism 4, the glue dispensing mechanism, and the glue supply mechanism. It is used to receive instructions from the MES system and control the operation of the telescopic mechanism 4, the glue dispensing mechanism, and the glue supply mechanism.

[0027] In some embodiments, the back of the suspension support plate 1 and the glue applicator 6 has a total of 10 clips, which can fix the wiring harness, hose and oil pipe routing.

[0028] This application also provides a glue-applying method based on the above-mentioned suspended automatic glue-applying device, including the following steps: Step S1: Obtain the position information of the box 13. When the box 13 reaches the predetermined position, control the telescopic mechanism 4 to drive the glue applicator to descend to the predetermined height.

[0029] Specifically, the AGV vehicle on the flexible automated production line carries an AGV cart, on which a lithium battery box 13 is placed. The AGV cart arrives at the glue application station. The MES system scans the QR code on the surface of the box 13 using a barcode scanner to obtain the box 13's position information. When the box 13 reaches the designated position, the MES system sends a glue application command to the controller suspended on the T-shaped aluminum alloy frame 12. Upon receiving the command, the controller sends a high-level signal to the two-position five-hole solenoid valve 11, causing it to open. Compressed gas then pushes the cylinder's stroke rod to the designated stroke point, driving the glue application mechanism to descend to the predetermined height. At this point, the glue application pipe 10 is approximately 30mm above the bottom of the standard battery pack box 13.

[0030] Step S2: Control the glue supply mechanism to inject glue A and glue B into the glue mixing tank 7 from the first glue inlet and the second glue inlet, respectively.

[0031] Controller 3 synchronously controls the first glue pump, the second glue pump, and the corresponding one-way solenoid valve 8. When the first glue pump is started, the one-way solenoid valve 8 in the first glue inlet is opened synchronously. When the second glue pump is started, the one-way solenoid valve 8 in the second glue inlet is opened synchronously. When the first glue pump is shut down, the one-way solenoid valve 8 in the first glue inlet is closed synchronously. When the second glue pump is shut down, the one-way solenoid valve 8 in the second glue inlet is closed synchronously.

[0032] In some embodiments, the first glue pump, the second glue pump, and the corresponding one-way solenoid valve 8 are turned on simultaneously, so that glue A and glue B flow into the glue mixing tank 7 through their respective glue inlets; after the preset glue injection time is reached (the process of filling is completed within a specified time, and the controller uses a fixed time period as the basis for action), the first glue pump, the second glue pump, and the corresponding one-way solenoid valve 8 are turned off simultaneously.

[0033] In some embodiments, the first glue pump, the second glue pump, and the corresponding one-way solenoid valve 8 are sequentially and alternately activated; this allows glue A and glue B to be alternately injected into the glue mixing tank 7 through two glue inlets, forming a layered distribution within the glue mixing tank 7. The alternating activation of the first glue pump, the second glue pump, and the corresponding one-way solenoid valve 8 facilitates precise control of the injection timing and single injection volume of glue A and glue B, thereby ensuring that the ratio of glue A and glue B remains consistent and reducing differences in curing performance caused by ratio fluctuations. Simultaneously, the alternating injection allows glue A and glue B to first form an orderly layered distribution within the glue mixing tank 7, preventing localized accumulation or irregular mixing of glue A and glue B in the initial stage, thus creating favorable conditions for thorough and uniform mixing during subsequent spiral flow.

[0034] Step S3: When the AB glue in the glue mixing cylinder 7 reaches the set capacity, the piston rod of the driving hydraulic cylinder 5 extends, causing the AB glue in the glue mixing cylinder 7 to flow and mix in a ring along the spiral blades inside the mixing tube 9 under pressure. The mixed AB glue flows from the bottom of the mixing tube 9 into the drain pipe 10 under pressure. The drain pipe 10 is formed by welding pipe material, and a soft rubber tube is sleeved at the root. The glue flows along the drain pipe 10 into the designated position inside the box 13 (the glue application process is completed within a specified time, and the controller uses a fixed time period as the basis for action), thus completing one glue application.

[0035] The glue application is completed within the specified time. After the time cycle ends, the controller sends a command, the cylinder stroke rod returns to its original position, the hydraulic cylinder returns to its original position, and the AGV is released to wait for the next AGV to arrive. The above process is repeated.

[0036] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this application. Those skilled in the art should understand that this application is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of this application. Various changes and modifications can be made to this application without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of this application as claimed. The scope of protection of this application is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A suspended automatic glue-applying device, characterized in that, include: The suspension support plate (1) is connected to the frame (12) of the automated line and provides support for the entire glue applicator; The glue dispensing mechanism includes a glue dispensing limit plate (6), a hydraulic cylinder (5) and a glue mixing cylinder (7) disposed in the middle of the glue dispensing limit plate (6). The glue mixing cylinder (7) is connected to a glue supply mechanism and a mixing pipe (9). The end of the mixing pipe (9) away from the glue mixing cylinder (7) is connected to a drain pipe (10). The piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder (5) extends into the glue mixing cylinder (7) to drive the glue to be discharged from the glue mixing cylinder (7). Telescopic mechanism (4) is connected between the suspension support plate (1) and the glue applicator, and is used to drive the glue applicator to lift and lower; The control unit is communicatively connected to the telescopic mechanism (4), the glue dispensing mechanism, and the glue supply mechanism.

2. The suspended automatic glue-applying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The glue mixing cylinder (7) is a cylinder with a through hole at the top. The through hole is slidably connected to the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder 5. The bottom has a glue outlet, which is connected to the mixing tube (9) by a thread.

3. The suspended automatic glue-applying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The glue mixing tank (7) has a first glue inlet and a second glue inlet on its top two sides respectively. Both the first glue inlet and the second glue inlet are equipped with a one-way solenoid valve (8). The glue supply mechanism includes a first glue supply unit connected to the first glue inlet and a second glue supply unit connected to the second glue inlet.

4. The suspended automatic glue-applying device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The axes of the first and second glue inlets are tangent to the outer circumference of the glue mixing tank (7), so that the AB glue entering from the two glue inlets forms a spiral cross flow path in the glue mixing tank (7).

5. The suspended automatic glue-applying device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The mixing tube (9) is provided with spiral blades inside. When the AB glue passes through the mixing tube (9), it flows and mixes in a ring along the spiral blades.

6. The suspended automatic glue-applying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The telescopic mechanism (4) is a cylinder with two stroke rods. The cylinder is connected to the air compressor through a two-position five-hole solenoid valve (11) installed on the back of the suspension support plate (1). A fixing block is connected to the bottom of the stroke rod. The fixing block is connected to the glue-applying limiting plate (6) by bolts.

7. A glue-applying method based on the suspended automatic glue-applying device as described in any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Obtain the position information of the box (13). When the box (13) reaches the predetermined position, control the telescopic mechanism (4) to drive the glue dispensing mechanism to descend to the predetermined height. The glue supply mechanism is controlled to inject A glue and B glue into the glue mixing tank (7) from the first glue inlet and the second glue inlet respectively; When the AB glue in the glue mixing cylinder (7) reaches the set capacity, the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder (5) is driven to extend, so that the AB glue in the glue mixing cylinder (7) flows and mixes in a ring along the spiral blades in the mixing pipe (9) under pressure. The mixed AB glue is discharged through the drain pipe (10) to the designated position in the box (13).

8. The suspended automatic glue dispensing control method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The controlled glue supply mechanism injects glue A and glue B into the glue mixing tank (7) from the first glue inlet and the second glue inlet, respectively, including: At the same time, the first glue supply unit, the second glue supply unit and the corresponding one-way solenoid valve (8) are opened, so that glue A and glue B flow into the glue mixing tank (7) through the corresponding glue inlet.

9. The suspended automatic glue dispensing control method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The controlled glue supply mechanism injects glue A and glue B into the glue mixing tank (7) from the first glue inlet and the second glue inlet, respectively, including: The first glue supply unit, the second glue supply unit, and the corresponding one-way solenoid valve (8) are opened sequentially at intervals, so that glue A and glue B are alternately injected into the glue mixing tank (7) through the first glue inlet and the second glue inlet, and form a layered distribution in the glue mixing tank (7).

10. The suspended automatic glue dispensing control method according to claim 7, characterized in that, After the glue application time cycle ends, the control unit sends a reset command to the telescopic mechanism (4), the glue application mechanism and the glue supply mechanism, and waits for the next glue application action.

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