Bipolar plate laser welding device and method

Abstract

The invention discloses a bipolar plate laser welding device and method. The bipolar plate laser welding device comprises a control device. The feeding device is provided with a lifting mechanism and a suction cup assembly; the suction cup assembly is connected with the lifting mechanism, the suction cup assembly is connected with a pole plate or a pole frame in a magnetic attraction mode, and the lifting mechanism drives the suction cup assembly to do lifting motion so that the pole plate or the pole frame can be installed to the assembly tool. The assembly tool comprises a first welding tool and a second welding tool which are the same in structure and arranged side by side. The first welding tool comprises a workbench and a rotating table rotationally connected to the upper portion of the workbench. A plurality of mounting grooves extending in the radial direction are formed in the rotating table in the circumferential direction at equal intervals; a positioning tool is detachably connected into the mounting groove; the positioning tools are connected with the control device, and the positioning tools are electrified to generate a magnetic field through the control device, so that the plurality of positioning tools are encircled in the circumferential direction of the rotating table to form a pole frame mounting position for a magnetic attraction pole frame and a pole plate mounting position for a magnetic attraction pole plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of alkaline electrolysis cell technology, specifically relating to a bipolar plate laser welding device and method. Background Technology

[0002] To ensure the reliable performance of the electrode assembly during battery operation and use, the electrode plates are typically welded to the electrode frame.

[0003] However, existing welding processes for electrode plates and frames typically employ manual welding. Manual welding heavily relies on the operator's skill level, easily leading to uneven weld width and weld bead size within the same batch of products, and even incomplete welds. Furthermore, manual welding has low production efficiency, is not conducive to material utilization, and is prone to excessive solder buildup. Existing patented technologies sometimes use a rotating device to rotate the electrode plate, then weld it using external welding equipment. However, these typically use locating pins for positioning the electrode frame. This structure usually requires through holes in the electrode frame for the locating pins to pass through. These through holes affect the sealing performance of the electrode frame, causing stress concentration at the edge of the holes. Errors between the locating pins and the through holes can also affect the positioning of the electrode frame, causing relative misalignment between the frame and the electrode plate, affecting weld quality. Furthermore, multiple through holes increase the difficulty of sealing the electrode frame, leading to a decrease in sealing performance. Moreover, during the welding process of the electrode plate and frame, if the electrode plate or... If a certain area of ​​the electrode frame is uneven, due to the lack of individual positioning for the electrode plate or the electrode frame, a height difference can easily occur between the electrode plate and the electrode frame along the height direction, and even axial end face misalignment can easily occur, that is, the electrode plate and the electrode frame are not on the same horizontal end face. This leads to uneven penetration during rotary welding, resulting in excessive or insufficient local contact pressure, and local over-melting or incomplete fusion. Moreover, uneven end face gaps can allow air and oil to enter the gaps, causing porosity. Furthermore, since the electrode plate or electrode frame is a relatively thin part, uneven end faces will exacerbate local heat deficiency, increasing the welding difficulty. Local overheating will cause uneven thermal expansion and contraction of the workpiece, generating welding stress. Thin parts are prone to warping and twisting, further compromising the end face fit. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a bipolar plate laser welding device and method to solve the problems of low production efficiency, poor material utilization, and excessive solder accumulation caused by manual welding; and the fact that the electrode frame is usually positioned by locating pins, and errors between the locating pins and through holes will affect the positioning of the electrode frame, causing relative displacement between the electrode frame and the electrode plate, which will affect the welding quality.

[0005] The technical solution adopted in this application is as follows: A bipolar plate laser welding apparatus, comprising: Control device; The feeding device has a lifting mechanism and a suction cup assembly; the suction cup assembly is connected to the lifting mechanism, and the electrode plate or electrode frame is magnetically connected through the suction cup assembly. The lifting mechanism drives the suction cup assembly to perform lifting and lowering movements to install the electrode plate or electrode frame onto the assembly fixture. The assembly fixture includes a first welding fixture and a second welding fixture with identical structures arranged side by side. The first welding fixture includes a worktable and a rotating platform rotatably connected above the worktable. Multiple mounting slots extending radially are equally spaced along the circumference of the rotating platform. Positioning fixtures are detachably connected to the mounting slots. The positioning fixtures are connected to a control device, which energizes the positioning fixtures to generate a magnetic field, causing multiple positioning fixtures to surround the rotating platform along the circumference to form a pole frame mounting position for magnetic pole frames and a pole plate mounting position for magnetic pole plates. The welding robot has a laser welding head and a wire feeding mechanism. The laser welding head and wire feeding mechanism are activated by a control device to achieve the welding connection of the electrode plate and the electrode frame.

[0006] The bottom of the feeding device has a movable chassis. The control device can drive the feeding device to move by controlling the movable chassis, so that the suction cup assembly moves above the material rack to pick up the material and the electrode plate or electrode frame in it.

[0007] The feeding device also includes a clamping assembly, which is connected to the lifting mechanism and is located on the outside of the suction cup assembly; the clamping assembly can clamp the edge of the electrode plate or electrode frame from the outside.

[0008] Multiple positioning pin assemblies are circumferentially connected to the rotating platform, and the inner circumference formed by the multiple positioning pin assemblies can achieve radial positioning of the pole frame.

[0009] The positioning fixture includes a base, a first magnetic attraction component, and a second magnetic attraction component; the first magnetic attraction component is connected above the base, and the top of the first magnetic attraction component is used to magnetically attract pole frames; the second magnetic attraction component is connected above the base on the inner side of the first magnetic attraction component, and the top of the second magnetic attraction component is used to magnetically attract pole plates.

[0010] The inner periphery of the pole frame is provided with an installation step, a part of the periphery of the pole plate is embedded into the installation step, and the other part of the periphery of the pole plate is magnetically connected to the second magnetic assembly.

[0011] The bipolar plate laser welding apparatus of this application further includes multiple guiding mechanisms connected to the periphery of the worktable; the guiding mechanism includes a bracket, a first guide roller assembly and a second guide roller assembly; the first guide roller assembly and the second guide roller assembly are spaced apart from each other in the height direction and the edge of the electrode frame can rotate between the first guide roller assembly and the second guide roller assembly.

[0012] The bipolar plate laser welding apparatus of this application further includes a floating pressing mechanism; the floating pressing mechanism includes a driving mechanism, a pressure plate, and a floating buffer assembly; the driving mechanism is connected to a connecting plate, and the side of the pressure plate facing the connecting plate is slidably connected to the connecting plate via a guide pin; the side of the pressure plate facing the connecting plate is also provided with an annular groove, and the floating buffer assembly is connected in the annular groove; the floating buffer assembly is connected between the pressure plate and the connecting plate, and when the driving mechanism drives the pressure plate downward to adhere to the end face of the electrode plate or electrode frame, the pressure plate can have a floating gap along the height direction.

[0013] This application relates to a bipolar plate laser welding method, and a bipolar plate laser welding apparatus as described above, comprising: S1: The control device controls the lifting mechanism to move downward, which in turn moves the suction cup assembly downward, placing the magnetically connected pole frame below the suction cup assembly into the pole frame mounting position of the positioning fixture. S2: The control device controls the lifting mechanism to move downward, which in turn moves the suction cup assembly downward, placing the magnetically connected electrode plate below the suction cup assembly into the electrode plate mounting position of the positioning fixture. A portion of the electrode plate is embedded and connected to the electrode frame. S3: The control device controls the welding robot to start the laser welding head, so that the laser welding head is aligned with the upper side of the joint gap between the electrode plate and the electrode frame, and starts the wire feeding mechanism, so that the wire feeding mechanism clamps the welding wire and is aligned with the upper side of the joint gap between the electrode plate and the electrode frame. S4: The control device controls the rotating table to rotate relative to the worktable, so that the electrode plate and electrode frame rotate relative to the laser welding head. By controlling the rotation speed of the rotating table to match the welding speed of the laser welding head, the welding of the electrode plate and electrode frame is completed.

[0014] Before step S1, multiple positioning fixtures are slid along the mounting groove so that the positioning fixtures are spaced a preset distance from the center of the rotating table, and the radius of the inner circle formed by the multiple positioning fixtures is adapted to the radius of the pole frame to be welded.

[0015] Due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the beneficial effects achieved by this application are as follows: 1. The alkaline electrolytic cell electrode plate welding fixture of this application is used to realize the automatic welding between the electrode frame and the electrode plate, avoiding the problems of uneven weld and reduced welding accuracy caused by manual welding of electrode plates and frames. The electrode plates and frames are large in size, and it is difficult to ensure a flat weld by manual welding. The weld beads are uneven in size and there are also problems such as false welds and spurious welds. In this application, the electrode plates and frames are installed in the positioning fixture. The electrode plates can be magnetically attracted and connected to the electrode plate magnetic position, and the electrode frame can be magnetically attracted and connected to the electrode frame magnetic position. This ensures that the circumference of the electrode plates and frames can be positioned separately, ensuring flatness. The positioning fixture can rotate relative to the worktable under the action of the rotary table, thereby realizing the rotation of the electrode plates and frames. This facilitates the welding robot to weld the rotating electrode plates and frames, thus forming automated welding, ensuring stable welding quality and uniform weld, avoiding material waste, improving production efficiency, and facilitating mass production.

[0016] 2. The feeding device of this application can extract and move stacked electrode plates or electrode frames into the assembly fixture. This application also provides a guiding mechanism to guide the end face of the electrode frame, so that the end face of the electrode frame maintains a high degree of flatness, which is conducive to the flushness of the weld between the electrode frame and the electrode plate. In addition, this application also provides a floating pressing mechanism to flatten and press the end face of the electrode plate, so as to maintain a high degree of flatness of the end face of the electrode plate, thereby further ensuring the flatness of the butt weld between the electrode plate and the electrode frame, avoiding high misalignment error, and further improving welding accuracy and welding quality. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this application and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments of this application and are used to explain this application, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a bipolar plate laser welding apparatus under a first angle according to one embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a bipolar laser welding apparatus under a second angle according to one embodiment of this application; Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of point A in the middle; Figure 4 This is a side view of a bipolar laser welding apparatus according to one embodiment of this application, taken from a third angle. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the first protrusion and the second protrusion according to one embodiment of this application; Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of the feeding device of a bipolar laser welding apparatus according to one embodiment of this application; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the guiding mechanism of a bipolar laser welding apparatus according to one embodiment of this application; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the floating pressing mechanism of a bipolar plate welding device according to one embodiment of this application; In the picture, 1. Control device; 2. Welding robot; 3. First welding fixture; 31. Worktable; 32. Rotary table; 4. Positioning fixture; 41. Base; 411. Base body; 412. First protrusion; 413. Second protrusion; 42. First magnetic component; 43. Second magnetic component; 5. First magnetic block; 6. Second magnetic block; 7. Third magnetic block; 8. Fourth magnetic block; 9. Fifth magnetic block; 10. Sixth magnetic block; 11. Positioning groove; 12. Drive device; 13. Gear transmission assembly; 14. Turntable; 15. Positioning pin assembly; 16. Feeding device; 161. Lifting mechanism; 162. Suction cup assembly; 163. Mobile chassis; 164. Clamping assembly; 165. Feeding base; 17. Guiding mechanism; 171. Support; 172. First guide roller assembly; 173. Second guide roller assembly; 174. Drive structure component; 18. Floating pressing mechanism; 181. Drive mechanism; 182. Pressing plate; 183. Connecting plate; 184. Guide pin; 185. Floating buffer assembly; 186. Pressing base. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of this application. However, this application may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0019] Furthermore, it should be understood in the description of this application that the terms "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0020] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a communication connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0021] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the "above" or "below" of the second feature can mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "implementation," "example," "a particular embodiment," "example," or "specific example," etc., indicate that the specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the overall concept of this application, a detailed explanation is provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] Example 1 This application relates to a bipolar plate laser welding apparatus, such as... Figure 1-8 As shown, it includes: Control device 1; The feeding device has a lifting mechanism and a suction cup assembly; the suction cup assembly is connected to the lifting mechanism, and the electrode plate or electrode frame is magnetically connected through the suction cup assembly. The lifting mechanism drives the suction cup assembly to perform lifting and lowering movements to install the electrode plate or electrode frame onto the assembly fixture. The assembly fixture includes a first welding fixture 3 and a second welding fixture with the same structure, arranged side by side. The first welding fixture 3 includes a worktable 31 and a rotating table 32 rotatably connected above the worktable 31. The rotating table 32 has multiple mounting slots that extend radially at equal intervals along the circumference. A positioning fixture 4 is detachably connected to the mounting slot. The positioning fixture 4 is connected to a control device 1. The control device 1 enables the positioning fixture 4 to be energized to generate a magnetic field, so that multiple positioning fixtures 4 surround the rotating table 32 along the circumference to form a pole frame mounting position for magnetic pole frames and a pole plate mounting position for magnetic pole plates. Welding robot 2 has a laser welding head and a wire feeding mechanism. The laser welding head and wire feeding mechanism are activated by the control device 1 to achieve the welding connection of the electrode plate and the electrode frame.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the bottom of the feeding device 16 has a movable chassis. The control device 1 can drive the feeding device 16 to move by controlling the movable chassis 163, so that the suction cup assembly 162 moves above the material rack to pick up the material and the electrode plate or electrode frame in it.

[0025] The bottom of the mobile chassis 163 has a drive wheel, which is driven by a hub motor connected to a universal wheel, so that the drive wheel can rotate freely, thereby driving the feeding device 16 to move freely. The control device 1 can control the hub motor to move the feeding device 16 to the vicinity of the material rack, so as to facilitate the suction of the electrode plate or electrode frame in the material rack.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the feeding device 16 includes a feeding base 165, a lifting mechanism 161 connected to the feeding base 165, a suction cup assembly 162 connected to the bottom of the lifting mechanism 161, and clamping assemblies 164 connected to both sides of the lifting mechanism 161. The clamping assemblies 164 are connected to the lifting mechanism 161 and are located outside the suction cup assembly 162. The clamping assemblies 164 can clamp the edge of the electrode plate or electrode frame from the outside.

[0027] As an auxiliary structure, the clamping assembly 164 can move from the outer periphery to the inner side after the suction cup assembly 162 suctions the electrode plate or electrode frame. The clamping assembly 164 is driven by a drive cylinder to move the pneumatic gripper relative to the electrode plate or electrode frame, thereby clamping the upper and lower end faces of the electrode plate or electrode frame. This, together with the suction cup assembly 162, strengthens the support for the electrode plate or electrode frame, making it easier to move the electrode plate or electrode frame into the assembly fixture.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of positioning pin assemblies 15 are connected circumferentially on the rotating table 32, and the inner circumference formed by the plurality of positioning pin assemblies 15 can achieve radial positioning of the pole frame.

[0029] Multiple positioning pin assemblies 15 are spaced circumferentially on the rotating platform 32. The inner circumference formed by the multiple positioning pin assemblies 15 can achieve radial limiting of the pole frame. The positioning pin assembly 15 includes a positioning pin base 41 and a positioning pin connected above the positioning pin base 41. The positioning pin extends upward along the height direction of the rotating platform 32. The multiple positioning pins are spaced circumferentially on the rotating platform 32, and the enclosed internal space forms a positioning mounting position for mounting the pole plate and pole frame. The outer circumference of the pole frame can rotate around the positioning pin to form an inner circumference. The positioning pins are used to prevent the pole frame from deflecting during the rotation of the rotating platform 32.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the positioning fixture 4 includes a base 41, a first magnetic attraction component 42, and a second magnetic attraction component 43; the first magnetic attraction component 42 is connected above the base 41, and the upper part of the first magnetic attraction component 42 is used to magnetically attract pole frames; the second magnetic attraction component 43 is connected above the base 41 on the inner side of the first magnetic attraction component 42, and the upper part of the second magnetic attraction component 43 is used to magnetically attract pole plates.

[0031] The base 41 of this application is used for detachable connection with the rotating table 32. The base 41 has a block structure. The top of the base 41 is connected to the first magnetic attraction component 42 and the second magnetic attraction component 43. Since the pole plate is located inside the pole frame, the second magnetic attraction component 43 is set inside the first magnetic attraction component 42. The first magnetic attraction component 42 is located on the outer periphery of the second magnetic attraction component 43. After the first magnetic attraction component 42 is energized, it can magnetically connect with the pole frame above. After the second magnetic attraction component 43 is energized, it can magnetically connect with the pole plate above. This realizes the positioning of the pole plate and the pole frame, which is convenient for subsequent welding by the welding robot 2.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the inner periphery of the pole frame is provided with an installation step, a portion of the periphery of the pole plate is embedded in the installation step, and the other portion of the periphery of the pole plate is magnetically connected to the second magnetic assembly 43.

[0033] The inner periphery of the pole frame of this application is provided with an installation step, and a part of the periphery of the pole plate is embedded in the installation step, thereby realizing the positioning of the welding position between the pole plate and the pole frame. The pole plate is only partially welded to the pole frame, and the rest is located inside the pole frame. In order to support this part of the pole plate and ensure that the position of the pole plate does not deviate from the pole frame, a second magnetic suction component 43 is connected to the bottom of the pole plate to realize the support and positioning of the pole plate.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the first magnetic attraction component 42 includes a first magnetic attraction block 5, a second magnetic attraction block 6, and a third magnetic attraction block 7; the first magnetic attraction block 5 is disposed on one side of the second magnetic attraction block 6 along the circumference of the base 41, and the third magnetic attraction block 7 is disposed on the other side of the second magnetic attraction block 6 along the circumference of the base 41.

[0035] The first magnetic attraction component 42 of this application includes multiple magnetic blocks, preferably three magnetic blocks, respectively labeled as first magnetic block 5, second magnetic block 6, and third magnetic block 7; the first magnetic block 5, second magnetic block 6, and third magnetic block 7 have a block-shaped structure, and are evenly spaced along the circumference, with the first magnetic block 5 and third magnetic block 7 respectively disposed on both sides of the second magnetic block 6 along the circumference; the first magnetic block 5, second magnetic block 6, and third magnetic block 7 are arranged at equal intervals along the circumference. The magnetic block 7 has a through hole in the middle. The first magnetic block 5, the second magnetic block 6 and the third magnetic block 7 are fixedly connected to the base 41 by bolts inserted into the through hole. The base 41 uses an electromagnet to achieve the function of magnetic conduction. The first magnetic block, the second magnetic block 6 and the third magnetic block 7 are made of magnetically conductive materials, which facilitates the attraction of the pole frame and enables the pole frame to be evenly attracted in all circumferential directions, preventing uneven areas and further achieving weld uniformity and improving welding quality.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the second magnetic attraction component 43 includes a fourth magnetic attraction block 8, a fifth magnetic attraction block 9, and a sixth magnetic attraction block 10; the fourth magnetic attraction block 8 is disposed on one side of the fifth magnetic attraction block 9 along the circumference of the base 41, and the sixth magnetic attraction block 10 is disposed on the other side of the fifth magnetic attraction block 9 along the circumference of the base 41.

[0037] The fourth magnetic block 8, the fifth magnetic block 9, and the sixth magnetic block 10 have a square structure and are evenly distributed along the circumference. The fourth magnetic block 8 and the sixth magnetic block 10 are respectively arranged on both sides of the fifth magnetic block 9 along the circumference. A through hole is opened in the middle of the fourth magnetic block 8, the fifth magnetic block 9, and the sixth magnetic block 10, and bolts are inserted into the through hole to fix the fourth magnetic block 8, the fifth magnetic block 9, and the sixth magnetic block 10 to the base 41. The base 41 uses an electromagnet to achieve the function of magnetic conduction. The fourth magnetic block, the fifth magnetic block 9, and the sixth magnetic block 10 are made of magnetically conductive materials, which facilitates the attraction of the electrode plate and enables the electrode plate to be evenly attracted in the circumferential direction, preventing uneven areas and further achieving weld uniformity and improving welding quality.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the bipolar plate laser welding apparatus further includes a plurality of guide mechanisms connected to the periphery of the worktable 31; the guide mechanism 17 includes a bracket 171, a first guide roller assembly 172 and a second guide roller assembly 173; the first guide roller assembly 172 and the second guide roller assembly 173 are spaced apart from the bracket along the height direction; the edge of the electrode frame is rotatable between the first guide roller assembly 172 and the second guide roller assembly 173.

[0039] A sliding groove is provided on the rotating table 32 along the radial direction, and a guide mechanism is slidably connected in the sliding groove. The guiding mechanism is driven by a driving component, preferably a linear module, which moves radially along the rotating table 32. When the pole frame is installed on the rotating table 32, the guiding mechanism moves outward under the driving action of the linear module to avoid interference with the pole frame. After the pole frame is installed in place, a driving structure is connected to the bracket, preferably a linear module. The linear module drives the bracket to move along the sliding groove of the rotating table 32, so that the first guide roller assembly on the bracket contacts the top end face of the pole frame, and the second guide roller assembly contacts the bottom end face of the pole frame. The first guide roller assembly includes multiple guide rollers rotatably connected to the bracket, and the second guide roller assembly includes multiple rotating rollers rotatably connected to the bracket. The guide rollers are rotatably connected to the top end face of the pole frame, and the multiple rotating rollers are rotatably connected to the bottom end face of the pole frame. Since the guiding mechanism is provided with multiple guide rollers along the circumferential direction of the rotating table 32, when the distance between the first guide roller assembly and the second guide roller assembly is adjusted to a uniform height, the flatness of the end face of the pole frame can be further enhanced, thereby ensuring the flatness of the welded connection with the pole plate. Furthermore, in order to enable the first guide roller assembly 172 and the second guide roller assembly 173 to adapt to pole frames of different sizes and thicknesses, the distance between the first guide roller assembly 172 and the second guide roller assembly 173 and the support 171 is adjustable. A driving hydraulic cylinder can be used to drive and adjust the distance between the first guide roller assembly 172 and the second guide roller assembly 173 along the height direction. An elastic buffer structure is connected between the first guide roller assembly 172 and the second guide roller assembly 173 and the support 171, so that the first guide roller assembly 172 and the second guide roller assembly 173 have a certain floating gap relative to the pole frame. The floating gap is to avoid the deviation between the distance between the first guide roller assembly 172 and the second guide roller assembly 173 and the height of the pole frame, so as to achieve a floating fit within a certain range.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the bipolar laser welding apparatus further includes a floating pressing mechanism; the floating pressing mechanism 18 includes a pressing base 186, a driving mechanism 181, a pressing plate 182, and a floating buffer assembly 185; the driving mechanism 181 is connected to the pressing base 186, and the driving mechanism 181 is rotatably connected to a connecting plate 183; the side of the pressing plate 182 facing the connecting plate 183 is slidably connected to the connecting plate 183 through a guide pin 184; an annular groove is also provided on the side of the pressing plate 182 facing the connecting plate 183, and the floating buffer assembly 185 is connected in the annular groove; the floating buffer assembly 185 is connected between the pressing plate 182 and the connecting plate 183, and when the driving mechanism 181 drives the pressing plate 182 to press downward against the end face of the electrode plate or electrode frame, the pressing plate 182 can have a floating gap along the height direction.

[0041] The floating buffer assembly 185 includes multiple disc springs arranged circumferentially along the annular groove. The disc springs can be pre-tightened by nuts, so that the disc springs are connected between the connecting plate and the pressure plate. When the bottom pressure plate presses down on the electrode plate, the bottom surface of the pressure plate contacts the top surface of the electrode plate. Since the electrode plate has a slightly convex area, the pressure plate can flexibly press the electrode plate. The pressure plate 182 can move slightly upward. Due to the presence of the disc springs, when the pressure plate 182 moves upward relative to the guide pin 184 toward the connecting plate 183, the disc springs are compressed. The compressed spring force can reverse the pressure plate 182 to press down on the electrode plate, thereby forming a tight connection between the pressure plate and the electrode plate. As the pressure plate continues to move downward, the disc springs are compressed, and the pressure plate 182 produces a slight float, gradually pressing down on each area of ​​the electrode plate until all areas of the upper surface of the electrode plate are completely in contact with the reference surface of the pressure plate 182. When the electrode plate rotates, the connecting plate 183 is rotatably connected to the drive mechanism 181, so it can drive the pressure plate 182 to rotate, thereby keeping the end face of the electrode plate flush with the electrode frame during the welding process, ensuring that there is no height difference between the weld seams, and thus improving the welding accuracy.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the rotating table 32 has a plurality of radially extending positioning grooves 11 radiating outward from the center of the rotating table 32; each positioning groove 11 is detachably connected to a positioning fixture 4.

[0043] The top of the rotating table 32 is provided with multiple positioning grooves 11 at equal intervals along the circumference. The positioning grooves 11 extend in the radial direction of the rotating table 32. The positioning grooves 11 are used to detachably connect the positioning fixtures 4, so that the positioning fixtures 4 can move along the positioning grooves 11. When the positioning fixtures 4 in each positioning groove 11 move along their respective positioning grooves 11, the positioning fixtures 4 move a preset distance, so that the radius of the circle formed by the multiple positioning fixtures 4 is equal, thereby realizing the positioning of electrode plates and electrode frames of different diameters, which is conducive to the welding and assembly of electrode plates and electrode frames of different sizes.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the positioning groove 11 has a T-shaped cross-section.

[0045] The positioning groove 11 extends radially along the rotating platform 32, and the cross-section of the positioning groove 11 is T-shaped. The bottom groove width of the positioning groove 11 is greater than the top groove width, forming an inverted T-shaped structure. Specifically, the positioning groove 11 includes a top groove and a bottom groove, and the bottom groove width is greater than the top groove width. The purpose of setting the T-shaped positioning groove 11 is to allow the bottom of the base 41 to extend into the positioning groove 11. Since the top groove width of the positioning groove 11 is less than the bottom groove width, the base 41 is limited in the height direction of the rotating platform 32. Due to the limitation of the positioning groove 11 itself, the base 41 is limited in the circumferential direction of the rotating platform 32. The base 41 can move along the positioning groove 11, that is, along the radial direction of the rotating platform 32.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the base 41 includes a base body 411, a first protrusion 412 and a second protrusion 413; the first protrusion 412 is connected to the bottom of the base body 411, the second protrusion 413 is slidably connected in the positioning groove 11, and the first protrusion 412 and the second protrusion 413 are connected by a pin.

[0047] The base 41 includes a base body 411, which is in contact with the top surface of the rotating platform 32. A first protrusion 412 is connected to the bottom of the base body 411, and the first protrusion 412 is connected to both sides of the bottom of the base body 411. The bottom of the first protrusion 412 is in contact with the top surface of the rotating platform 32. The purpose of setting the first protrusion 412 is to facilitate positioning and connection with the second protrusion 413 in the positioning groove 11. The second protrusion 413 is connected to the first protrusion 412 via a pin. 413 is embedded in the positioning groove 11. The second protrusion 413 has an inverted T-shaped structure. Specifically, the second protrusion 413 includes a top block and a bottom block. The width of the top block is smaller than that of the bottom block. The top surface of the bottom block abuts against the top surface of the bottom groove of the positioning groove 11. A threaded hole is opened on the top block. The first protrusion 412 is threadedly connected to the threaded hole of the top block through a pin. The cross-sectional shape of the second protrusion 413 is adapted to the cross-sectional shape of the positioning groove 11, so that the second protrusion 413 can slide along the positioning groove 11.

[0048] In use, the pin is loosened, separating the first protrusion 412 and the second protrusion 413. At this point, the first protrusion 412 can move along the top surface of the rotating platform 32, and the second protrusion 413 can slide along the positioning groove 11. When the positioning fixture 4 moves to the desired position in the positioning groove 11, i.e., when the radius enclosed by the positioning fixture 4 matches the assembly dimensions of the electrode plate and the electrode frame, the positioning fixture 4 is locked to the rotating platform 32. This is achieved by tightening the pin between the first protrusion 412 and the second protrusion 413. Under the tightening action of the pin, the first protrusion 412 is locked to the top surface of the rotating platform 32, and the second protrusion 413 is locked to the positioning groove 11 of the rotating platform 32. This achieves the goal of locking the positioning fixture 4 to the preset position on the rotating platform 32.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, a drive device 12 is connected inside the worktable 31. The drive end of the drive device 12 is connected to the turntable 14 through a gear transmission assembly 13. The top of the turntable 14 is connected to the rotating table 32.

[0050] The worktable 31 of this application serves as the supporting structure for the entire device. A drive unit 12, preferably a drive motor, is internally connected to it. The extension shaft of the drive motor extends beyond the top of the worktable 31 to connect to the driving wheel. A driven wheel is rotatably connected to the top of the worktable 31. The driving wheel and the driven wheel mesh to form a gear transmission assembly 13. A turntable 14 is connected to the top of the driven wheel. The turntable 14 can rotate relative to the worktable 31 under the drive of the drive motor. A rotating platform 32 is connected to the top of the turntable 14. When the turntable 14 rotates, it drives the rotating platform 32 to rotate. The rotating platform 32 is controlled by controlling the rotation speed and direction of the drive motor.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the bottom of the rotating table 32 is connected with a plurality of reinforcing ribs along the circumferential direction, and the reinforcing ribs correspond to the positioning grooves 11.

[0052] The bottom of the rotating table 32 is connected to multiple reinforcing ribs corresponding to the positioning groove 11. The reinforcing ribs are made of steel profiles and are intended to support the positioning groove 11 of the rotating table 32 and the multiple positioning fixtures 4 connected to the positioning groove 11, thereby further enhancing the support force on the electrode plate and the electrode frame.

[0053] Example 2 This application also relates to a bipolar plate laser welding method, based on the bipolar plate laser welding apparatus described above, comprising: S1: Control device 1 controls the lifting mechanism to move downward, which in turn moves the suction cup assembly downward, placing the magnetically connected pole frame below the suction cup assembly into the pole frame mounting position of the positioning fixture 4. In step S1, the control device 1 controls the moving chassis of the feeding device, causing the feeding device to move to the vicinity of the material rack. Multiple pole frames are arranged along the height direction inside the material rack. The lifting mechanism is activated to move downward, driving the suction cup assembly to magnetically connect to the pole frame downward. Then, the lifting mechanism is controlled to move upward, causing the pole frame to leave the material rack. The feeding device is then controlled to move to the vicinity of the assembly fixture. The lifting mechanism moves downward, and after the pole frame is placed in the pole frame mounting position, the control device 1 disconnects the current of the suction cup assembly, causing the pole frame on the suction cup assembly to disengage from the suction cup assembly, thereby placing the pole frame in the pole frame mounting position of the positioning fixture 4.

[0054] S2: Control device 1 controls the lifting mechanism to move downward, which drives the suction cup assembly to move downward, placing the magnetically connected electrode plate below the suction cup assembly into the electrode plate mounting position of the positioning fixture 4, with a part of the electrode plate embedded and connected to the electrode frame. Similar to the step of installing the electrode frame in the electrode frame mounting position, the feeding device is controlled by the control device 1 to move to the vicinity of the material rack where the electrode plate is installed. The lifting mechanism drives the suction cup assembly to move downward so that the suction cup assembly is above the electrode plate. Then, the current is passed into the suction cup assembly by the control device 1, thereby realizing the adsorption of the electrode plate by the suction cup assembly.

[0055] In addition, it is important to note that to prevent the suction cup assembly from adsorbing multiple electrode plates, separation pins, shims, or mesh can be added between the electrode plates during stacking to ensure that the distance between two adjacent electrode plates is greater than 1mm. Alternatively, the material rack can be specially designed as a multi-layered structure with movable cylindrical pins on the periphery of each layer. When the electrode plate of a layer is removed, the cylindrical pin of that layer will automatically retract into the storage hole in the material rack, exposing the electrode plate of the next layer. This allows for one electrode plate to be placed on each layer of the material rack. With this setup, the suction cup assembly can adsorb one electrode plate per layer, preventing the adsorption of multiple electrode plates.

[0056] S3: Control device 1 controls welding robot 2 to start the laser welding head, so that the laser welding head is aligned with the upper side of the butt joint gap between the electrode plate and the electrode frame, and starts the wire feeding mechanism, so that the wire feeding mechanism clamps the welding wire and is aligned with the upper side of the butt joint gap between the electrode plate and the electrode frame. The control device 1 controls the welding robot 2 to move back and forth between the first welding fixture 3 and the second welding fixture, thereby achieving a seamless welding mode. For example, when the electrode frame and electrode plate on the first welding fixture 3 are welded together, the next set of electrode plates and electrode frames can be installed on the second welding fixture. After the electrode plates and electrode frames on the first welding fixture 3 are welded, the welding robot 2 moves towards the second welding fixture under the control of the control device 1 to continue to complete the welding connection of the electrode plates and electrode frames on the second welding fixture.

[0057] S4: Control device 1 controls the rotating table 32 to rotate relative to the worktable 31, so that the electrode plate and the electrode frame rotate relative to the laser welding head. By controlling the rotation speed of the rotating table 32 to match the welding speed of the laser welding head, the welding of the electrode plate and the electrode frame is completed.

[0058] When the rotating table 32 rotates, it can achieve synchronous rotation of the electrode plate and the electrode frame. Since the laser welding head corresponds to the gap position where the electrode plate and the electrode frame are joined, that is, the position of the weld, the welding work is completed while the electrode plate and the electrode frame are rotating. The synchronous rotation of the electrode plate and the electrode frame and the unified reference improve the welding accuracy of the electrode plate and the electrode frame. The control device 1 adapts the welding speed of the laser welding head according to the rotation speed of the electrode plate and the electrode frame, thereby achieving controllable welding accuracy of electrode plates and electrode frames of different sizes.

[0059] Furthermore, prior to step S1, multiple positioning fixtures 4 are slid along the mounting groove so that the positioning fixtures 4 are spaced a preset distance from the center of the rotating table 32, so that the radius of the inner circle formed by the multiple positioning fixtures 4 is adapted to the radius of the pole frame to be welded.

[0060] Further, after S2, the guide mechanism is controlled by the control device 1 to move towards the center along the worktable 31. The bottom of the guide mechanism slides along the sliding groove opened on the rotating table 32. The guide mechanism is driven to move along the rotating table 32 by the linear guide rail, so as to achieve precise distance adjustment. Multiple guide mechanisms can be connected to the edge of the pole frame. The second guide roller assembly in the guide mechanism is connected to the bottom end face of the pole frame, and the first guide roller assembly in the guide mechanism is connected to the top end face of the pole frame. The first guide roller assembly includes at least two guide rollers rotatably connected to the bracket. The guide rollers can rotate along the top end face of the pole frame. Similarly, the second guide roller assembly includes at least two rotating rollers rotatably connected to the bracket. The rotating rollers can rotate along the bottom end face of the pole frame. Thus, by setting guide rollers or rotating rollers in contact with the top end face and bottom end face of the pole frame, the rotation of the pole frame is guided, further ensuring the flatness of the end face of the pole frame; specifically, in order to The first and second guide roller assemblies are adapted to pole frames of different sizes and thicknesses. The distance between the first and second guide roller assemblies and the support is adjustable. The distance between the first and second guide roller assemblies along the height direction can be adjusted by driving a hydraulic cylinder. An elastic buffer structure connects the first and second guide roller assemblies to the support, so that the first and second guide roller assemblies have a certain floating gap relative to the pole frame. The floating gap is to avoid the deviation between the distance between the first and second guide roller assemblies and the height of the pole frame, so as to achieve a floating fit within a certain range.

[0061] When the edge of the pole frame is positioned by the guiding mechanism to enhance the flatness of the pole frame end face, in order to further improve the flatness of the end face of the pole plate that mates with the pole frame, reduce welding errors, improve welding accuracy, and make the weld more uniform, and avoid errors between the pole plate and the pole frame along the height direction, which would result in some parts of the weld being too large and some parts being too small, resulting in uneven welding, which would pose a risk of cracking after long-term use, and would also cause installation errors, leading to a decrease in subsequent assembly accuracy, this application designs a floating pressing mechanism to press the end face of the pole plate to ensure the flatness of the end face of the pole plate. Specifically, after the pole frame is guided and positioned by the guide mechanism, the drive mechanism of the floating pressing mechanism drives the pressure plate downward. A connecting plate is connected below the drive mechanism, and the pressure plate is connected below the connecting plate. The pressure plate and the connecting plate are connected by multiple guide pins. The bottom of the guide pins can engage with the pressure plate, allowing the pressure plate to slide below the connecting plate. When the pressure plate moves upward, it moves relative to the guide pins toward the connecting plate, causing a change in the distance between the pressure plate and the connecting plate. Multiple annular grooves are also provided on the side of the pressure plate facing the connecting plate. A floating buffer assembly is connected within each annular groove. The floating buffer assembly includes multiple disc springs arranged circumferentially along the annular grooves. The disc springs can... Pre-tightening with a nut connects the disc spring between the connecting plate and the pressure plate. When the pressure plate presses down on the electrode plate, its bottom surface contacts the top surface. Due to the slightly raised areas on the electrode plate, the pressure plate can flexibly press against it. The pressure plate can move slightly upwards. Because of the disc spring, as the pressure plate moves upwards relative to the guide pin towards the connecting plate, the disc spring is compressed. This compression force pushes the pressure plate downwards, creating a tight connection between the pressure plate and the electrode plate. As the pressure plate continues to descend, the disc spring compresses, causing the pressure plate to float slightly, gradually pressing down on various areas of the electrode plate until all areas on the upper surface of the electrode plate are completely flush with the reference surface of the pressure plate. When the electrode plate rotates, the connecting plate rotates with the drive mechanism, causing the pressure plate to rotate. This ensures that the end face of the electrode plate remains flush with the electrode frame during welding, guaranteeing a seamless weld and improving weld precision.

[0062] In addition, to achieve full pressing between the pressure plate and the electrode plate, a coil can be installed inside the pressure plate. When energized, the pressure plate becomes magnetic, and the pressure plate is magnetically connected to the electrode plate below. This allows the pressure plate to press downward against the top surface of the electrode plate. When the pressure plate presses down on the electrode plate, the protrusion above the electrode plate pushes the pressure plate upward. Due to the slight upward floating of the pressure plate, a flexible connection is formed between the pressure plate and the electrode plate. As the drive mechanism moves the connecting plate and the pressure plate connected to the connecting plate downward, it gradually presses down on various areas of the electrode plate, thereby further achieving complete adhesion between the electrode plate and the pressure plate and ensuring the flatness of the electrode plate.

[0063] For any parts not mentioned in this application, existing technologies may be used or referenced.

[0064] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments.

[0065] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A bipolar plate laser welding device, characterized in that, include: Control device; The feeding device has a lifting mechanism and a suction cup assembly; the suction cup assembly is connected to the lifting mechanism, and the electrode plate or electrode frame is magnetically connected through the suction cup assembly. The lifting mechanism drives the suction cup assembly to perform lifting and lowering movements to install the electrode plate or electrode frame onto the assembly fixture. The assembly fixture includes a first welding fixture and a second welding fixture with identical structures arranged side by side. The first welding fixture includes a worktable and a rotating platform rotatably connected above the worktable. Multiple mounting slots extending radially are equally spaced along the circumference of the rotating platform. Positioning fixtures are detachably connected to the mounting slots. The positioning fixtures are connected to a control device, which energizes the positioning fixtures to generate a magnetic field, causing multiple positioning fixtures to surround the rotating platform along the circumference to form a pole frame mounting position for magnetic pole frames and a pole plate mounting position for magnetic pole plates. The welding robot has a laser welding head and a wire feeding mechanism. The laser welding head and wire feeding mechanism are activated by a control device to achieve the welding connection of the electrode plate and the electrode frame.

2. The bipolar plate laser welding apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the feeding device has a movable chassis. The control device can drive the feeding device to move by controlling the movable chassis, so that the suction cup assembly moves above the material rack to pick up the material and the electrode plate or electrode frame in it.

3. The bipolar laser welding apparatus as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The feeding device also includes a clamping assembly, which is connected to the lifting mechanism and is located on the outside of the suction cup assembly; the clamping assembly can clamp the edge of the electrode plate or electrode frame from the outside.

4. The bipolar plate laser welding apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple positioning pin assemblies are circumferentially connected to the rotating platform, and the inner circumference formed by the multiple positioning pin assemblies can achieve radial positioning of the pole frame.

5. The bipolar plate laser welding apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The positioning fixture includes a base, a first magnetic attraction component, and a second magnetic attraction component; the first magnetic attraction component is connected above the base, and the top of the first magnetic attraction component is used to magnetically attract pole frames; the second magnetic attraction component is connected above the base on the inner side of the first magnetic attraction component, and the top of the second magnetic attraction component is used to magnetically attract pole plates.

6. The bipolar plate laser welding apparatus as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The inner periphery of the pole frame is provided with an installation step, a part of the periphery of the pole plate is embedded into the installation step, and the other part of the periphery of the pole plate is magnetically connected to the second magnetic assembly.

7. The bipolar plate laser welding apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes multiple guiding mechanisms connected to the periphery of the worktable; the guiding mechanism includes a bracket, a first guide roller assembly and a second guide roller assembly; the first guide roller assembly and the second guide roller assembly are connected to the bracket at intervals along the height direction; the edge of the pole frame is rotatable between the first guide roller assembly and the second guide roller assembly.

8. The bipolar plate laser welding apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a floating pressing mechanism; the floating pressing mechanism includes a driving mechanism, a pressing plate and a floating buffer assembly; the driving mechanism is connected to a connecting plate, and the side of the pressing plate facing the connecting plate is slidably connected to the connecting plate through a guide pin; the side of the pressing plate facing the connecting plate is also provided with an annular groove, and the floating buffer assembly is connected in the annular groove; the floating buffer assembly is connected between the pressing plate and the connecting plate, and when the driving mechanism drives the pressing plate downward to fit against the end face of the electrode plate or electrode frame, the pressing plate can have a floating gap along the height direction.

9. A bipolar plate laser welding method, comprising a bipolar plate laser welding apparatus as described in any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, include: S1: The control device controls the lifting mechanism to move downward, which in turn moves the suction cup assembly downward, placing the magnetically connected pole frame below the suction cup assembly into the pole frame mounting position of the positioning fixture. S2: The control device controls the lifting mechanism to move downward, which in turn moves the suction cup assembly downward, placing the magnetically connected electrode plate below the suction cup assembly into the electrode plate mounting position of the positioning fixture. A portion of the electrode plate is embedded and connected to the electrode frame. S3: The control device controls the welding robot to start the laser welding head, so that the laser welding head is aligned with the upper side of the joint gap between the electrode plate and the electrode frame, and starts the wire feeding mechanism, so that the wire feeding mechanism clamps the welding wire and is aligned with the upper side of the joint gap between the electrode plate and the electrode frame. S4: The control device controls the rotating table to rotate relative to the worktable, so that the electrode plate and electrode frame rotate relative to the laser welding head. By controlling the rotation speed of the rotating table to match the welding speed of the laser welding head, the welding of the electrode plate and electrode frame is completed.

10. The bipolar plate laser welding method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, Before step S1, multiple positioning fixtures are slid along the mounting groove so that the positioning fixtures are spaced a preset distance from the center of the rotating table, and the radius of the inner circle formed by the multiple positioning fixtures is adapted to the radius of the pole frame to be welded.

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