Automatic punching equipment and punching method for asbestos ring for thermal battery

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of thermal battery manufacturing, and discloses automatic punching equipment and method for an asbestos ring for a thermal battery. The equipment comprises a rack, a movable platform, a punching mechanism and a ring collecting mechanism. The moving platform is driven by a servo motor to achieve accurate positioning and pressing of asbestos paper. The punching mechanism drives an inner cutting die and an outer cutting die which are coaxially arranged through an impact air cylinder to complete punching. During demolding, the jacking driving mechanism drives the inner cutting die to eject out the ring piece, the outer diameter of the asbestos ring is larger than the caliber of the outer cutting die through the elasticity of the asbestos ring, and therefore the asbestos ring automatically falls off and is collected through the ring collecting device. The full-process automatic production is realized, the problems of low manual punching efficiency and poor product consistency are solved, and the production efficiency and the product quality are remarkably improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of thermal battery manufacturing, and specifically to an automatic punching device and punching method for asbestos rings used in thermal batteries. Background Technology

[0002] As a power storage device, the core component of a thermal battery is typically a composite sheet consisting of a positive electrode, an electrolyte (separator), a negative electrode, and an asbestos ring. The asbestos ring primarily serves as insulation and sealing, and is generally made by punching out soft asbestos paper. However, due to the soft nature of asbestos paper, it is highly susceptible to deformation, wrinkling, or dimensional inaccuracies during the punching process, posing a significant challenge to product quality control. Currently, the industry commonly uses a simple, manual die-cutting method. This method is not only inefficient and labor-intensive, but also highly dependent on the operator's experience for product consistency, leading to unstable product quality and a high scrap rate. This has become one of the bottlenecks restricting the large-scale, high-quality production of thermal batteries.

[0003] Existing technologies offer several solutions for punching ring-shaped parts. For example, Chinese patent CN112405705A discloses a punching fixture for asbestos gaskets used in ignition nozzles. This fixture employs a combined ring-cutting blade and a structure that achieves automatic demolding via a spring-return bushing. This design effectively solves the problem of the gasket smoothly ejecting from the mold after a single punching, improving the efficiency and reliability of a single operation. However, this solution is essentially still a manual or semi-automatic fixture and fails to address the issue of automated and continuous production of asbestos rings. The entire process, from material preparation, positioning, clamping, punching to material collection, still requires manual intervention, making it impossible to achieve automated sequential processing of the entire sheet of asbestos paper. There is still significant room for improvement in production efficiency and automation.

[0004] Another Chinese utility model patent, CN221892193U, relates to a novel cement asbestos tile layer forming machine. This equipment integrates feeding, cutting, stamping, and unloading mechanisms, exhibiting a high degree of automation. However, it processes rigid or semi-rigid cement asbestos tiles, employing a stamping process specifically designed for this material. Asbestos paper and cement asbestos tiles differ fundamentally in their physical properties (such as softness, elasticity, and strength). The core challenge of its die-cutting process lies in achieving precise separation and reliable demolding without damage or deformation, rather than in the stamping process itself. Therefore, the design concept and specific structure of this equipment cannot be directly applied to the die-cutting of asbestos rings for thermal batteries, where extremely high precision and material integrity are required.

[0005] In summary, there are clear needs and gaps in the current technology field: there is an urgent need for a production equipment for asbestos rings used in thermal batteries that is specifically designed for soft asbestos paper, can achieve fully automated continuous punching, and ensures high product consistency and low damage rate. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide an automatic punching device for asbestos rings used in thermal batteries, which can automatically complete a series of actions such as asbestos paper conveying, positioning, pressing, precision ring cutting, and reliable demolding, thereby completely replacing manual labor and achieving stable, efficient, and high-quality automated production.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: an automatic punching device for asbestos rings for thermal batteries, comprising a frame, a punching mechanism disposed on the frame, and a moving platform disposed on the frame; the moving platform is provided with a pressing cylinder for pressing asbestos paper onto the platform; The punching mechanism is located above the moving platform and is used to perform a ring punching on the positioned asbestos paper; punching die and drive assembly for driving the punching die; The punching die includes an outer die and an inner die arranged coaxially, forming an annular forming cavity between them; The drive assembly includes an extension drive mechanism connected to the inner die, the extension drive mechanism being used to drive the inner die to move along its axial direction to eject the asbestos rings attached thereto after punching.

[0008] The working principle of this solution is as follows: The equipment precisely positions the asbestos paper via a moving platform and fixes it with a clamping cylinder. In the punching mechanism, the inner and outer cutting dies are coaxially arranged to form an annular forming cavity. During punching, the entire die is pressed down to complete the punching; during demolding, the ejection drive mechanism drives the inner cutting die to move axially, pushing out the asbestos ring attached to it.

[0009] The beneficial technical effects of this invention are: it achieves full automation of the asbestos ring punching process, solving the problems of low efficiency and poor consistency of manual operation. Through precise positioning and automated punching, it significantly improves production efficiency and product quality.

[0010] Preferably, as an improvement, the extension drive mechanism includes an extension cylinder and an extension shaft, the extension shaft is connected to the inner die, and the piston rod of the extension cylinder is directly connected to the extension shaft; Alternatively, a spring may be fitted around the top extension shaft, and a baffle may be provided at the top of the top extension shaft to prevent the spring from falling off. The lower end of the spring abuts against the outer die. The piston rod of the top extension cylinder is only used to push the top extension shaft forward. After the piston rod of the top extension cylinder retracts, the top extension shaft is reset by the restoring force of the spring.

[0011] This solution provides two reliable demolding drive methods. The spring return method simplifies cylinder control requirements and reduces energy consumption; the direct drive method offers precise control and fast response.

[0012] Direct drive method: The piston rod of the extension cylinder is directly connected to the extension shaft, which drives the inner die to move.

[0013] Spring return method: The top extension shaft is fitted with a spring, the cylinder only provides unidirectional thrust, and the return stroke is reset by the spring.

[0014] Preferably, as an improvement, the drive assembly further includes an impact cylinder, the piston rod of which is connected to the ejector cylinder via a conversion joint. The impact cylinder, connected to the ejector cylinder via the conversion joint, provides the main power for punching, achieving separation and coordination between punching power and demolding power. The impact cylinder provides rapid and powerful punching power, ensuring cut quality; the ejector cylinder focuses on precise demolding.

[0015] Preferably, as an improvement, the bottom of the inner die is provided with a plug. The plug at the bottom of the inner die prevents the asbestos paper from being pressed into the die core during punching, ensuring that the ring is completely attached to the inner die after punching. This guarantees punching quality, prevents material waste, and creates conditions for subsequent demolding.

[0016] Preferably, as an improvement, the mobile platform includes a first sliding plate driven by a servo motor to move in the X-direction and a second sliding plate to move in the Y-axis direction, with the first and second sliding plates slidably connected. This solution can achieve millimeter-level positioning accuracy, ensure consistency of the punching position, and improve material utilization.

[0017] Preferably, as an improvement, a ring-collecting mechanism is also included in the frame for collecting the punched asbestos rings. This achieves automatic collection of the finished product, further improving the level of automation and reducing manual intervention.

[0018] Preferably, as an improvement, the ring-collecting mechanism includes a flat cylinder and a ring-collecting frame driven by the flat cylinder; the flat cylinder drives the ring-collecting frame to move between directly below the punching die and a retracted clearance station; the ring-collecting frame has a receiving structure with an opening at the top. This achieves safe and orderly finished product collection, and the receiving structure of the ring-collecting frame ensures that the rings are neatly stacked, facilitating subsequent processing.

[0019] Preferably, as an improvement, the device further includes a control unit, including a programmable logic controller (PLC), which is electrically connected to the moving platform, the punching mechanism, and the ring-receiving mechanism, and is used to control the sequential and coordinated operation of each mechanism; at least one photoelectric switch is connected to the PLC signal to form a safety interlock circuit.

[0020] At least one photoelectric switch is connected to the PLC signal to form a safety interlock circuit. The PLC coordinates and controls each actuator to operate in sequence according to a preset program; the photoelectric switch forms a safety interlock, immediately stopping the machine in case of an abnormality. This achieves intelligent and safe operation of the equipment, reduces operational risks, and ensures the safety of personnel and equipment.

[0021] A method for punching asbestos rings for thermal batteries using an automated punching device includes the following steps: S1: Loading and securing: Lay the asbestos paper and secure it to the moving platform; S2: Positioning: Control the moving platform to move the area of ​​the asbestos paper to be punched to directly below the punching die; S3: Punching: Control the punching mechanism to drive the punching die to press down, so that the outer die and the inner die punch out a ring-shaped blank on the asbestos paper; S4: Ejection and demolding: Control the ejection drive mechanism to drive the inner die to move downward relative to the outer die, ejecting the annular blank; subsequently, the inner die returns to its original position and moves upward, and the annular blank, due to its own elastic rebound, is blocked because its outer diameter is larger than the inner diameter of the outer die, thus falling off the inner die; S5: Collection: Control the ring-collecting mechanism to collect the detached asbestos ring below the punching die; S6: Cycle: Repeat steps S1 or S2 to S5 until the punching operation is completed.

[0022] This method automates the entire punching process from material preparation to collection in six steps, utilizing the elasticity of asbestos to achieve non-destructive demolding. It provides a complete and reliable automated punching process, transforming traditional discrete operations into a stable and repeatable automated workflow. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an automatic punching device for asbestos rings for thermal batteries in Example 1; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the punching mechanism in Example 1; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the punching die in Example 1; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the punching die in Example 1; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the state of the punching die before demolding as described in Example 1; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the state of the punching die during / after demolding as described in Example 1; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the moving mechanism structure in Example 1; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the ring-receiving mechanism in Example 1.

[0024] The reference numerals in the accompanying drawings include: frame 1; punching mechanism 2; impact cylinder 21; conversion joint 22; extension cylinder 23; moving platform 3; X-axis linear guide 31; first slide plate 32; Y-axis linear guide 33; second slide plate 34; X-axis servo motor 35; Y-axis servo motor 36; clamping cylinder 37; ring-retracting mechanism 4; flat plate cylinder 41; ring-retracting frame 42; punching die 5; inner cutting die 51; outer cutting die 52; extension shaft 53; spring 54; plug 55. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The following detailed description illustrates the specific implementation method: Example 1: An automatic punching device for asbestos rings used in thermal batteries, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the present invention provides an automatic punching device for asbestos rings for thermal batteries, which mainly includes a frame 1, a punching mechanism 2, a moving platform 3 and a ring-collecting mechanism 4.

[0026] The frame 1 adopts a two-layer frame structure made of square steel and aluminum profiles. The upper frame supports the punching mechanism 2, and the lower frame has a moving platform 3 and a retracting mechanism 4 installed horizontally side by side on its base plate. This layout ensures structural stability and optimizes the working space.

[0027] Mobile platform 3 (material conveying and positioning), such as Figure 7 As shown, mobile platform 3 includes: First linear motion unit: The first slide plate 32 is driven by the X-axis servo motor 35 to move along the X-axis linear guide rail 31; Second linear motion unit: mounted on the first slide plate 32, driven by the Y-axis servo motor 36 to move the second slide plate 34 along the Y-axis linear guide rail 33; Clamping device: At least one clamping cylinder 37 is vertically mounted on the second slide plate 34.

[0028] Workflow: After the operator lays the entire sheet of asbestos paper on the worktable of the second slide plate 34, the clamping cylinder 37 presses down to stabilize and fix the asbestos paper throughout. Subsequently, the X and Y axis servo motors drive the platform according to the control program to precisely move the area of ​​the asbestos paper to be punched to directly below the punching die 5, with a positioning accuracy of ±0.1mm.

[0029] Punching mechanism 2 and punching die 5 (core machining system), such as Figures 2-6 As shown, the punching mechanism 2 includes: The bracket is fixed to the upper frame of the machine frame 1; the impact cylinder 21 is a fast impact type, which provides the main force for punching; the extension cylinder 23 is a mini type, which is specifically responsible for the demolding action; the adapter 22 connects the piston rod of the impact cylinder 21 and the cylinder body of the extension cylinder 23.

[0030] The punching die 5 includes: an outer die 52 and an inner die 51, coaxially arranged to form an annular forming cavity matching the size of the asbestos ring; a plug 55, located at the bottom of the inner die 51, to prevent asbestos paper from being punched into the die core; and an extension shaft 53, connected to the top of the inner die 51, with its end connected to the piston rod of the extension cylinder 23 (option 1); or, alternatively, the end of the extension shaft 53 is not connected to the piston rod of the extension cylinder 23, but instead provides auxiliary restoring force by installing a spring 54 around the extension shaft 53 (option 2).

[0031] Punching and demolding process: After positioning, the impact cylinder 21 descends rapidly, driving the entire punching die 5 to press down through the conversion joint 22. The inner and outer cutting dies work together to cleanly punch out the ring-shaped blank on the asbestos paper. After punching, the impact cylinder 21 drives the entire die to move upward and reset.

[0032] Demolding stage (two implementation methods): Method 1 (Direct Drive): The piston rod of the extension cylinder 23 extends and directly pushes the inner die 51 to move downward relative to the outer die 52 through the extension shaft 53, pushing out the ring; then the piston rod retracts and directly pulls back the inner die 51.

[0033] Method 2 (Spring Return): The piston rod of the extension cylinder 23 extends to push the extension shaft 53 and the inner die 51 to move down and eject the ring; when the piston rod retracts, it does not provide pulling force, but relies on the restoring force of the spring 54 to pull the inner die 51 back to the initial position.

[0034] During the demolding process, the outer diameter of the ring is restored to a size larger than the inner diameter of the outer die 52 by utilizing the elastic rebound properties of the asbestos material itself, thus being blocked by the lower end of the outer die 52, achieving complete and damage-free automatic demolding.

[0035] Loop-collecting mechanism 4 (finished product collection system), such as Figure 8 As shown, the ring-collecting mechanism 4 includes: a flat cylinder 41, which is horizontally and slidably mounted on the base plate of the frame 1 along a direction perpendicular to its extension and retraction; a ring-collecting frame 42, which is driven by the flat cylinder 41 and can move between the receiving station (directly below the mold) and the clearance station; and a receiving structure, wherein the ring-collecting frame 42 has a base plate and circumferential columns, forming a cylindrical receiving structure with an opening at the top.

[0036] Work process: Before punching, the ring receiving frame 42 is in the avoidance position; before demolding begins, the flat cylinder 41 drives the ring receiving frame 42 to extend to the receiving position; after demolding, the asbestos rings naturally fall into the ring receiving frame 42, are limited by the column, and are neatly stacked; after receiving is completed, the ring receiving frame 42 retracts, and the operator can periodically remove the stack of finished products.

[0037] Control and Safety System: The control device is centered around a PLC, coordinating the sequence and timing of actions of each actuator according to a preset program. Multiple photoelectric switches are installed around the equipment, forming a safety interlock circuit with the PLC. When personnel or foreign objects enter the hazardous area during equipment operation and trigger the photoelectric switches, the PLC immediately stops the equipment to ensure safety.

[0038] Example 2: Automatic punching method The method for asbestos ring punching using the equipment of Example 1 includes the following steps: S1: Loading and fixing The sheet of asbestos paper is laid flat on the worktable surface of the second slide plate 34 of the moving platform 3, and the clamping cylinder 37 is activated to firmly clamp it throughout the entire area. This step solves the problems of unevenness and easy movement when manually laying the material.

[0039] S2: Precise Positioning The PLC controls the X and Y axis servo motors 35 and 36, driving the platform to precisely move the predetermined punching position of the asbestos paper directly below the punching die 5. The servo system ensures a positioning accuracy of ±0.1mm, solving the problem of inaccurate positioning by traditional visual inspection or mold reference.

[0040] S3: Instantaneous punching The PLC controls the impact cylinder 21 to move rapidly, driving the inner and outer cutting dies to press down simultaneously, completing the annular punching. The rapid impact ensures a neat and perpendicular cut, reducing the deformation time of the asbestos paper.

[0041] S4: Ejection and Demolding PLC sequential control: ① Flat plate cylinder 41 sends the ring-receiving frame 42 to the bottom of the mold; ② The ejector drive mechanism actuates, driving the inner die 51 to eject the ring; ③ The inner die 51 resets. During this process, the elasticity of asbestos is utilized to achieve non-destructive demolding, solving the core problem of the difficulty in demolding soft rings.

[0042] S5: Automatic Collection The detached asbestos rings naturally fall into the ring-collecting frame 42, where they are contained and stacked by the cylindrical structure.

[0043] S6: Cyclic Operation Repeat steps S1 or S2 through S5 until the entire sheet of asbestos paper is processed. The PLC can preset multiple layout modes to optimize material utilization.

Claims

1. An automatic punching device for asbestos rings used in thermal batteries, comprising a frame and a punching mechanism mounted on the frame, characterized in that, It also includes a movable platform mounted on the frame; the movable platform is equipped with a pressing cylinder for pressing asbestos paper onto the platform; The punching mechanism is located above the moving platform and is used to perform a ring punching on the positioned asbestos paper; punching die and drive assembly for driving the punching die; The punching die includes an outer die and an inner die arranged coaxially, forming an annular forming cavity between them; The drive assembly includes an extension drive mechanism connected to the inner die, the extension drive mechanism being used to drive the inner die to move along its axial direction to eject the asbestos rings attached thereto after punching.

2. The automatic punching equipment for asbestos rings for thermal batteries according to claim 1, characterized in that, The extension drive mechanism includes an extension cylinder and an extension shaft. The extension shaft is connected to the inner die, and the piston rod of the extension cylinder is directly connected to the extension shaft. Alternatively, a spring may be fitted around the top extension shaft, and a baffle may be provided at the top of the top extension shaft to prevent the spring from falling off. The lower end of the spring abuts against the outer die. The piston rod of the top extension cylinder is only used to push the top extension shaft forward. After the piston rod of the top extension cylinder retracts, the top extension shaft is reset by the restoring force of the spring.

3. The automatic punching equipment for asbestos rings for thermal batteries according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive assembly also includes an impact cylinder, the piston rod of which is connected to the extension cylinder via a conversion joint.

4. The automatic punching equipment for asbestos rings for thermal batteries according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the internal die is provided with a plug.

5. An automatic punching device for asbestos rings for thermal batteries according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mobile platform includes a first sliding plate that moves in the X direction driven by a servo motor and a second sliding plate that moves in the Y direction, with the first sliding plate and the second sliding plate slidably connected.

6. The automatic punching equipment for asbestos rings for thermal batteries according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a ring-collecting mechanism set in the frame for collecting the punched asbestos rings.

7. An automatic punching device for asbestos rings for thermal batteries according to claim 6, characterized in that, The ring-retracting mechanism includes a flat cylinder and a ring-retracting frame driven by the flat cylinder; the flat cylinder drives the ring-retracting frame to move between the punching die directly below and a retracted clearance station; the ring-retracting frame has a receiving structure with an opening at the top.

8. An automatic punching device for asbestos rings for thermal batteries according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a control device, including a programmable logic controller (PLC), which is electrically connected to the moving platform, the punching mechanism, and the ring-retracting mechanism to control the sequential and coordinated operation of each mechanism; and at least one photoelectric switch connected to the PLC signal to form a safety interlock circuit. At least one photoelectric switch is connected to the PLC signal to form a safety interlock circuit.

9. A method for punching asbestos rings for thermal batteries using an automatic punching equipment as described in any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: Loading and securing: Lay the asbestos paper and secure it to the moving platform; S2: Positioning: Control the moving platform to move the area of ​​the asbestos paper to be punched to directly below the punching die; S3: Punching: Control the punching mechanism to drive the punching die to press down, so that the outer die and the inner die punch out a ring-shaped blank on the asbestos paper; S4: Ejection and demolding: Control the ejection drive mechanism to drive the inner die to move downward relative to the outer die, ejecting the annular blank; subsequently, the inner die returns to its original position and moves upward, and the annular blank, due to its own elastic rebound, is blocked because its outer diameter is larger than the inner diameter of the outer die, thus falling off the inner die; S5: Collection: Control the ring-collecting mechanism to collect the detached asbestos ring below the punching die; S6: Cycle: Repeat steps S1 or S2 to S5 until the punching operation is completed.

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