A method and apparatus for assembling fasteners with integrated feed mounts

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of battery production, and particularly discloses a fastener assembling method and device integrating feeding and mounting, wherein the fastener assembling method integrating feeding and mounting comprises the following steps: obtaining a feeding position of a fastener; grabbing the fastener according to the feeding position; obtaining a target mounting position on a battery module; and assembling the fastener on the battery module according to the target mounting position. The scheme can realize automatic execution of the whole process of feeding, grabbing, positioning identification and assembling of the fastener, reduces manual participation, improves the assembling efficiency of the fastener and the battery module and the assembling consistency of the fastener, and reduces the risk of thread slipping, connection loosening and other conditions caused by torque deviation of the fastener.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery manufacturing technology, and in particular to a fastener assembly method and apparatus that integrates material supply and installation. Background Technology

[0002] In the production process of battery modules, there are multiple steps requiring the use of fasteners such as screws and nuts for structural locking and connection. Current methods typically involve manual picking of fasteners, alignment of mounting holes, and electric tightening. However, in actual production, battery modules often have multiple fastener assembly points, and manual single-point operation results in low work efficiency.

[0003] Furthermore, during manual operation, the tightening torque of fasteners is greatly affected by the operator's condition and skill level, which leads to a high risk of thread stripping and loosening of connections due to torque deviation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the purpose of this application is to provide a fastener assembly method and apparatus that integrates material supply and installation, so as to solve some or all of the above-mentioned problems.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned technical objectives, the first aspect of this application provides a fastener assembly method integrating material supply and installation, comprising:

[0006] Obtain the feed position of the fastener;

[0007] The fastener is gripped according to the feeding position;

[0008] Obtain the target mounting location on the battery module;

[0009] The fasteners are assembled onto the battery module according to the target installation position.

[0010] Furthermore, prior to obtaining the feeding position of the fastener, the process includes:

[0011] The fasteners are conveyed from the first storage area to the screening area, so that after being screened in the screening area, the fasteners are conveyed to the feeding position in a preset posture.

[0012] Further, before conveying the fastener from the first storage area to the screening area, the process includes:

[0013] The width of the bearing surface of the first region of the screening area is preset to be smaller than the width of the bearing surface of the first storage area;

[0014] The step of conveying the fastener from the first storage area to the screening area includes:

[0015] The fastener is driven to be conveyed along a first direction from the first storage area to a first area of ​​the screening area, and the first area of ​​the screening area is used to remove the fastener in a first non-preset posture with insufficient contact area of ​​the bearing surface.

[0016] Further, before conveying the fastener from the first storage area to the screening area, the process includes:

[0017] The passage height of the second region of the screening area is preset to be the screening height;

[0018] The process of driving the fastener to be conveyed along a first direction from the first storage area to the first area of ​​the screening area, subsequently includes:

[0019] The fastener is driven to be conveyed along the first direction from the first region of the screening region to the second region of the screening region, the second region of the screening region being used to remove the fastener in a second non-preset posture whose height exceeds the screening height.

[0020] Further, before conveying the fastener from the first storage area to the screening area, the process includes:

[0021] The magnitude of the drive control signal is adjusted according to the feeding frequency requirement. The drive control signal is used to drive the fastener to be conveyed from the first storage area to the screening area along the first direction.

[0022] Further, before conveying the fastener from the first storage area to the screening area, the process includes:

[0023] The fastener is pushed upward from the second storage area to the third storage area;

[0024] The fastener is pushed upward from the third storage area to the first storage area.

[0025] Furthermore, prior to obtaining the feeding position of the fastener, the process includes:

[0026] The installation driving force data of the detection and installation mechanism on the fastener;

[0027] Determine whether the installation driving force data matches the preset driving force data; if not, output a driving force warning signal.

[0028] Further, obtaining the target installation location on the battery module includes:

[0029] Obtain an image of the installation area of ​​the battery module;

[0030] The installation areas of each fastener on the battery module are determined based on the installation area image.

[0031] The target installation position is determined based on the preset installation sequence and the areas where each fastener is to be installed.

[0032] Furthermore, prior to obtaining the target mounting location on the battery module, the process includes:

[0033] The battery module is conveyed to the installation position along the conveying direction;

[0034] The battery module is pushed to the positioning correction position along a second direction, which is perpendicular to the conveying direction.

[0035] The second aspect of this application provides a fastener assembly device integrating feeding and installation, for performing the fastener assembly method integrating feeding and installation as described in any of the above claims, and includes an installation mechanism, a feeding mechanism, an identification mechanism and a battery delivery mechanism.

[0036] The battery delivery mechanism is used to deliver battery modules;

[0037] The feeding mechanism is used to transport fasteners to the feeding position;

[0038] The identification mechanism is used to identify the battery module on the battery delivery mechanism in order to obtain the target installation position on the battery module.

[0039] The mounting mechanism is used to grip the fastener and assemble the fastener into the battery module according to the target mounting position.

[0040] As can be seen from the above technical solutions, this application provides a fastener assembly method and apparatus that integrates material supply and installation; wherein, a fastener assembly method that integrates material supply and installation includes: obtaining the material supply position of the fastener; grabbing the fastener according to the material supply position; obtaining the target installation position on the battery module; and assembling the fastener onto the battery module according to the target installation position.

[0041] This solution enables fully automated execution of the entire process of fastener feeding, gripping, positioning and identification, and assembly, reducing manual intervention. It also improves the assembly efficiency and consistency of fasteners and battery modules, and reduces the risk of thread stripping and loosening caused by torque deviation. Attached Figure Description

[0042] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0043] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating an integrated fastener assembly method for material supply and installation, provided as an embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a fastener assembly device integrating material supply and installation, provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 3 Provided for the embodiments of this application Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of the image;

[0046] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of some components of a fastener assembly device integrating material supply and installation, provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a fastener provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 6 A semi-perspective view of the feeding mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 7 This is a partial schematic diagram of the feeding mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0050] Figure 8 A half-sectional view of the feeding mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0051] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the installation mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0052] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of a fastener and a screening channel in a preset posture provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of a fastener and a screening channel in a non-preset posture provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of a fastener and a screening channel in a preset posture provided for another embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of a fastener and a screening channel in a non-preset posture provided for another embodiment of this application;

[0056] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of fasteners and screening channels in non-preset postures provided for other embodiments of this application;

[0057] Figure 15 A schematic diagram of a fastener with a non-preset posture and a screening channel with protrusions provided for other embodiments of this application;

[0058] In the picture:

[0059] 10. Fasteners;

[0060] 100. Mounting mechanism; 110. Drive component; 120. Grasping component;

[0061] 200. Feeding mechanism; 201. Conveying baffle; 202. Support plate; 203. Inlet; 204. Protrusion block; 210. Feeding assembly; 211. Material plate; 212. Push plate; 213. Bottom plate; 214. Second push plate; 215. Intermediate plate; 220. Conveying channel; 230. Screening channel; 231. Front section; 232. Rear section; 240. Return channel; 250. Interceptor plate; 260. Output channel;

[0062] 300. Identification agency;

[0063] 400. Drive testing mechanism;

[0064] 500. Battery delivery mechanism;

[0065] 600. Battery module;

[0066] 700. Positioning mechanism;

[0067] x-axis direction: First direction. Detailed Implementation

[0068] The technical solutions of 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, not all, of the embodiments of this application. Based on the embodiments in this application specification, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0069] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this application. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0070] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a replaceable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0071] Please see Figures 1 to 9 The first aspect of this application provides a fastener assembly method integrating feeding and installation. In practical applications, this method can be executed by a fastener assembly device integrating feeding and installation, which can be as follows: Figure 2-9 As shown.

[0072] In this embodiment, the above method includes:

[0073] S1. Obtain the feeding position of fastener 10;

[0074] S2. Grab fastener 10 according to the feeding position;

[0075] S3. Obtain the target installation location on the battery module 600;

[0076] S4. Assemble the fastener 10 onto the battery module 600 according to the target installation position.

[0077] In this embodiment, the integrated fastener assembly device for feeding and installation may include an installation mechanism 100, a feeding mechanism 200, and an identification mechanism 300. Furthermore, the installation mechanism 100, the feeding mechanism 200, and the identification mechanism 300 can all be controlled by a main control system. The installation mechanism 100, the feeding mechanism 200, and the identification mechanism 300 can all be mounted on the main body of the device, and the number of each can be set to multiple, so as to assemble multiple fasteners 10 simultaneously in real time.

[0078] In this embodiment, the feeding mechanism 200 can deliver the fastener 10 to the feeding position. The step of obtaining the feeding position can be performed by the identification mechanism 300. As one implementation, the feeding mechanism 200 can be set in a fixed area on the main body of the device, so that the feeding position is kept in a fixed position, thereby allowing the information of the feeding position to be preset in the main control system.

[0079] In this embodiment, the step of gripping the fastener 10 can be performed by the installation mechanism 100. Specifically, the main control system controls the installation mechanism 100 to move to the feeding position to grip the fastener 10 according to the feeding position. The step of obtaining the target installation position on the battery module 600 can be performed by the identification mechanism 300, and then the identification mechanism 300 transmits the target installation position information to the main control system. The step of assembling the fastener 10 into the battery module 600 according to the target installation position can be performed by the installation mechanism 100.

[0080] In practical applications, the installation mechanism 100 and the identification mechanism 300 can be configured to adjust their positions in the horizontal direction, so that the installation mechanism 100 can move the fastener 10 after gripping it, and the identification mechanism 300 can adjust its own position according to the operation requirements.

[0081] As one implementation method, the mounting mechanism 100 can be as follows: Figure 9 As shown, it includes a drive assembly 110 and a gripping assembly 120. In standby mode, the output end of the drive assembly 110 is separated from the gripping assembly 120. During gripping, the output end of the drive assembly 110 moves downward to engage with the gripping assembly 120, enabling the drive assembly 110 to drive the gripping assembly 120 to rotate, thereby tightening the fastener 10. The downward movement of the output end of the drive assembly 110 can be achieved by another cylinder driving the drive assembly 110 to descend.

[0082] In one implementation, the identification mechanism 300 can be a visual identification mechanism, which can determine the target installation position on the battery module 600 after identifying the installation area on the battery module 600. In this embodiment, please refer to... Figure 4 The battery module 600 can be transported by the battery conveying mechanism 500. During the fastener assembly process, the battery module 600 can be first transported to the installation station adapted to the feeding mechanism 200, so that the identification mechanism 300 can visually identify the battery module 600 and obtain the three-dimensional coordinate information of the target installation position based on the acquired image through algorithm analysis.

[0083] In the embodiments provided in this application, a nut is used as an example of a fastener for illustration. Specifically, it can be described as follows: Figure 5 The image shows a flange nut with a flange face. The area of ​​its flange face is larger than the area of ​​the non-flange face on the other side of the nut.

[0084] In the fastener assembly method provided in this embodiment, the main control system can identify the target installation position on the battery module 600 based on the identification mechanism 300, and then control the installation mechanism 100 to complete the movement and assembly of the fastener 10, realizing the full-process automation of the fastener 10 from feeding, gripping to installation. This enables the simultaneous and equal torque installation of multiple fasteners 10, improving the consistency and work efficiency of the installation of multiple fasteners 10, and reducing the risk of fastener 10 installation failure.

[0085] In one embodiment, prior to step S1, the following is included:

[0086] S01. The fastener 10 is conveyed from the first storage area to the screening area, so that after being screened in the screening area, the fastener 10 is conveyed to the feeding position in a preset posture.

[0087] Specifically, in this embodiment, before the fastener 10 is conveyed to the feeding position, the fastener 10 is screened in the screening area so that the fastener 10 conveyed to the feeding position is in a preset posture, thereby making the action of the installation mechanism 100 to grasp the fastener 10 consistent and effective, so as to improve the work efficiency and installation accuracy.

[0088] In one embodiment, the feeding mechanism 200 includes: a feeding assembly 210, a conveying channel 220, and a screening channel 230.

[0089] For details, please refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The conveying channel 220 connects the feeding assembly 210 and the screening channel 230. The conveying channel 220 can serve as a first storage area, meaning that the fasteners 10 can be first conveyed into the conveying channel 220. The screening channel 230 can serve as a screening area. That is, the screening channel 230 can perform orientation screening on the fasteners 10, allowing fasteners 10 with preset orientations to pass through and preventing fasteners 10 with non-preset orientations from passing through.

[0090] In one embodiment, the screening area can screen fasteners 10 entering the screening area by means of contact area.

[0091] Specifically, before step S01, the following steps are included:

[0092] S01A, the width of the bearing surface of the first area of ​​the preset screening area is smaller than the width of the bearing surface of the first storage area;

[0093] Step S01 includes:

[0094] S011, drive the fastener 10 to be conveyed along the first direction from the first storage area to the first area of ​​the screening area, the first area of ​​the screening area is used to remove the fastener 10 with insufficient contact area of ​​the bearing surface and the first non-preset posture.

[0095] For details, please refer to Figure 7 The screening channel 230, serving as the screening area, may include a front section 231 and a rear section 232. The front section 231 may serve as the first area of ​​the aforementioned screening area. The bearing surface width refers to the end face of the screening channel 230 used to contact the bottom surface of the fastener 10. The conveying channel 220 may serve as a first storage area, acting as a conveying and storage area for the fasteners 10 before screening, allowing fasteners 10 that have not undergone screening and do not require a specific conveying rate to be conveyed to the conveying channel 220 first; then, the conveying channel 220 conveys the fasteners 10 along a first direction, allowing the fasteners 10 to be screened in terms of posture and quantity after entering the screening channel 230. In this embodiment, the first direction may be... Figure 7 The x-axis direction in the diagram.

[0096] In this embodiment, since the bearing surface width of the first region of the screening area is smaller than the bearing surface width of the first storage area, the fastener 10 entering the first region of the screening area from the first storage area needs to pass through the width reduction area, which causes the effective contact area of ​​the bottom surface of the fastener 10 to change. The fastener 10 in a non-preset posture will fall off the screening channel 230 due to instability.

[0097] Specifically, the effective contact area of ​​the screening channel 230 when it contacts the fastener 10 in the preset posture is greater than the effective contact area of ​​the screening channel 230 when it contacts the fastener 10 in the first non-preset posture, so that the screening channel 230 can allow the fastener 10 in the preset posture to pass through, and can allow the fastener 10 in the first non-preset posture to fall off.

[0098] For further explanation, please refer to Figure 10 In a preset orientation, the contact area between the fastener 10 and the screening channel 230 is the first area; please refer to Figure 11 In the first non-preset posture, the contact area between the fastener 10 and the screening channel 230 is the second area; then the first area is greater than the stable placement area of ​​the fastener; the second area is less than the stable placement area, causing the fastener 10 in the non-preset posture to fall off the screening channel 230 due to unstable placement.

[0099] In practical applications, the size of the stabilizing area can be obtained through theoretical calculations or experiments involving actual adjustments to the support surface. When the contact area between the fastener 10 and the screening channel 230 is larger than the stabilizing area, the fastener 10 is highly stable when placed on the screening channel 230, thus reducing the risk of it falling off during transport. Conversely, when the contact area between the fastener 10 and the screening channel 230 is smaller than the stabilizing area, the fastener 10 is less stable when placed on the screening channel 230, thus increasing the risk of it falling off during transport.

[0100] In this embodiment, a schematic diagram showing the contact between the fastener 10 and the screening channel 230 in a preset posture can be shown as follows: Figure 10 As shown, at this time, the flange face of the fastener 10 is in contact with the screening channel 230, and its contact area is large, so its stability is high.

[0101] In this embodiment, a schematic diagram showing the contact between the fastener 10 and the screening channel 230 in the first non-preset posture can be shown as follows: Figure 11 As shown, at this time, the non-flange surface of the fastener 10 is in contact with the screening channel 230, and its contact area is small, resulting in low stability. During the conveying of the fastener 10 along the screening channel 230, the fastener 10 with low stability due to the first non-preset posture will fall off the screening channel 230 during the conveying process, specifically, it may fall into the return channel 240 described below.

[0102] In one implementation, the conveying channel 220 and the screening channel 230 can be inclined downward along the first direction, so that the fastener 10 can be conveyed to the feeding position along the first direction by gravity.

[0103] In one implementation, the feeding mechanism 200 may be equipped with a vibrating conveyor. The vibrating conveyor can drive the conveying channel 220 and the screening channel 230 to vibrate, causing the fasteners 10 to be conveyed along the first direction. Under the action of the vibrating conveyor, the fasteners 10 with a small effective contact area and a first non-preset posture will be further caused to fall off the screening channel 230 due to insufficient stability.

[0104] In one implementation, an output channel 260 is provided between the screening channel 230 and the feeding position; the width of the output channel 260 is adapted to the width of the fastener 10, so that the fasteners 10 on the output channel 260 are arranged one by one in a straight line, thereby realizing the one-to-one conveying of the fasteners 10.

[0105] In one embodiment, see Figure 9 and Figure 10 The screening channel 230 and the conveying channel 220 may include a conveying baffle 201 and a support plate 202. That is, the screening channel 230 and the conveying channel 220 are formed between the conveying baffle 201 and the support plate 202; the support plate 202 is disposed on the side of the conveying baffle 201 along its width direction, and the width direction of the conveying baffle 201 is perpendicular to the conveying direction. It should be noted that, in the above embodiment, the contact area between the fastener 10 and the screening channel 230 specifically refers to the contact area between the fastener 10 and the conveying baffle 201.

[0106] In this embodiment, the conveying baffle 201 includes a first section and a second section. The first section of the conveying baffle 201 corresponds to the conveying channel 220, and the second section of the conveying baffle 201 corresponds to the screening channel 230.

[0107] In the above embodiment, the width of the bearing surface of the first region of the screening area is smaller than the width of the bearing surface of the first storage area. This can mean that the width of the second section of the conveying baffle 201 is configured to be smaller than the width of the first section of the conveying baffle 201, so that the fastener 10 entering the screening channel 230 from the conveying channel 220 needs to experience a change in the width of the conveying baffle 201. During the process of the first fastener not in a preset posture entering the screening channel 230 from the conveying channel 220, it will become unbalanced due to the change in the width of the conveying baffle 201, causing it to fall from the screening channel 230.

[0108] As one implementation method, please refer to Figure 15 The support plate 202 includes a first section and a second section. The first section of the support plate 202 corresponds to the conveying channel 220; the second section of the support plate 202 corresponds to the screening channel 230. The width of the second section of the conveying baffle 201 is configured to be equal to the width of the first section of the conveying baffle 201. The second section of the support plate 202 is provided with a protrusion 204, and the protrusion 204 can be configured as a sloping protrusion structure.

[0109] When the fastener 10 enters the screening channel 230 in a preset posture, the flange face of the fastener 10 can avoid the protrusion 204, so that the fastener 10 can continue to be conveyed along the screening channel 230.

[0110] When the fastener 10 enters the screening channel 230 in a first non-preset posture, the flange surface of the fastener 10 will be pushed by the protrusion 204, which will reduce the contact area between the fastener 10 and the screening channel 230 and cause it to fall off the screening channel 230.

[0111] As one implementation, the bottom of the support plate 202 may be provided with an extension port 203. For example... Figure 12 As shown, when the fastener 10 in the preset posture enters the screening channel 230, one side of the flange face of the fastener 10 can enter the inlet 203, increasing the contact area between the fastener 10 and the conveying baffle 201 to increase the conveying stability.

[0112] When the fastener 10 entering the screening channel 230 is in the first non-preset posture, such as Figure 13 As shown, the flange face of the fastener 10 in a non-preset posture is misaligned with the position of the inlet 203, causing the flange face of the fastener 10 to abut against the outer side of the support plate 202. This results in a small contact area between the fastener 10 and the conveying baffle 201, making it unable to maintain balance, and causing it to fall off the conveying baffle 201 during the conveying process.

[0113] In one embodiment, the screening area can also screen fasteners 10 entering the screening area by means of passage height.

[0114] Specifically, before step S01, the following steps are included:

[0115] S01B, The passage height of the second area of ​​the preset screening zone is the screening height;

[0116] In step S01, the following step after step S011 also includes:

[0117] S012, drive the fastener 10 to be conveyed along the first direction from the first region of the screening area to the second region of the screening area, the second region of the screening area is used to remove fasteners 10 with a second non-preset posture whose height exceeds the screening height.

[0118] Specifically, as described above, the screening channel 230, which serves as the screening area, includes a front section 231 and a rear section 232. The rear section 232 can serve as the second area of ​​the aforementioned screening area.

[0119] As one implementation method, please refer to Figure 7 An interceptor plate 250 may be provided on the rear section 232 of the screening channel 230; the interceptor plate 250 is used to intercept fasteners 10 whose placement height exceeds a preset height. A certain height is reserved between the interceptor plate 250 and the bearing surface of the screening channel 230.

[0120] For details, please refer to Figure 14 In some cases, fasteners 10 in non-preset positions may be conveyed along the screening channel 230. In this state, the axial direction of fasteners 10 is parallel to the conveying baffle 201. In this embodiment, this is referred to as the second non-preset position. In practical applications, the second non-preset position can also refer to the situation where two or more fasteners 10 are stacked, specifically ensuring that the fasteners 10 in the second non-preset position can be intercepted by the intercepting plate 250.

[0121] During the process of fastener 10 being conveyed along the screening channel 230, specifically during the process of entering the second area of ​​the screening area, the interceptor plate 250 can rigidly intercept fastener 10 whose placement height exceeds the preset height. The intercepted fastener 10 cannot continue to be conveyed forward and falls from the screening channel 230 under its own gravity and the pushing action of subsequent fastener 10. This achieves secondary rejection of fastener 10 in abnormal postures such as stacking and standing, further ensuring that the fastener 10 conveyed to the feeding position is in the preset posture.

[0122] In one embodiment, the conveying baffle 201 is inclined toward the support plate 202.

[0123] In step S01 above, before conveying the fastener 10 from the first storage area to the screening area, the following may be included:

[0124] S01C. Fastener 10 is conveyed to conveyor baffle 201, and the fastener 10 that enters conveyor baffle 201 slides down to abut support plate 202.

[0125] In this embodiment, the fastener 10 entering the conveying baffle 201 slides naturally down the inclined conveying baffle 201 under its own gravity until the fastener 10 abuts the support plate 202, thereby improving the conveying stability of the fastener 10 during the conveying process along the conveying channel 220.

[0126] In one embodiment, before conveying the fastener 10 from the first storage area to the screening area in step S01, the method further includes:

[0127] S01D. Adjust the magnitude of the drive control signal according to the material feeding frequency requirement. The drive control signal is used to drive the fastener 10 to be conveyed from the first storage area to the screening area along the first direction.

[0128] In this embodiment, the drive control signal specifically refers to the output signal of the vibrating conveyor. By adjusting the drive control signal, the conveying rate of the fastener 10 on the conveying channel 220 and the screening channel 230 can be controlled so that the conveying rate meets the feeding frequency requirements.

[0129] In one embodiment, before conveying the fastener 10 from the first storage area to the screening area in step S01, the following steps are included:

[0130] S01E, push the fastener 10 upward from the second storage area to the third storage area;

[0131] S01F, push the fastener 10 from the third storage area upward to the first storage area.

[0132] For details, please refer to Figure 8 The feeding assembly 210 includes a base plate 213, an intermediate plate 215 and a material plate 211 arranged from low to high; the top of the material plate 211 is flush with the conveying baffle 201; a sliding second push plate 214 is provided between the base plate 213 and the intermediate plate 215; and a sliding push plate 212 is provided between the intermediate plate 215 and the material plate 211.

[0133] The fastener 10 that slides off the base plate 213 can be conveyed to the intermediate plate 215 via the second push plate 214; the fastener 10 that slides off the intermediate plate 215 can be conveyed to the material plate 211 via the push plate 212, and then the fastener 10 on the material plate 211 slides off to the conveying baffle 201.

[0134] In this embodiment, the base plate 213 is configured to be inclined toward the middle plate 215. The second push plate 214 can slide to the top edge flush with the base plate 213 and to the top edge flush with the middle plate 215. The push plate 212 can slide to the top edge flush with the middle plate 215 and to the top edge flush with the material plate 211.

[0135] In this embodiment, the push plate 212 and the second push plate 214 can be driven by cylinders to achieve reciprocating motion.

[0136] In this embodiment, a second storage area for storing fasteners 10 is formed between the base plate 213 and the intermediate plate 215. Fasteners 10 located in the second storage area slide down the base plate 213 under the influence of gravity. When the second push plate 214 slides to its top edge flush with the base plate 213, the fasteners 10 on the base plate 213 can slide down to the top edge of the second push plate 214.

[0137] In this embodiment, the area above the intermediate plate 215 serves as the third storage area. During the upward sliding of the second push plate 214, it can move the fastener 10 upwards until its top is flush with the top of the intermediate plate 215. This allows the fastener 10 at the top of the second push plate 214 to slide down to the top of the intermediate plate 215 under gravity, thus allowing the fastener 10 to enter the third storage area. After receiving the fastener 10, the push plate 212 can move the fastener 10 upwards until it is flush with the top of the material plate 211, and it falls into the conveying baffle 201, thus allowing the fastener 10 to enter the first storage area.

[0138] In this embodiment, through the cooperation of the base plate 213, the middle plate 215, the material plate 211, the second push plate 214 and the push plate 212, the fastener 10 can be smoothly lifted step by step from the low second storage area, the middle third storage area and the high first storage area. The multi-stage stepped feeding structure can sort the batch of fasteners step by step, so that the fasteners enter the conveying channel 220 in a more orderly manner, reducing the sorting pressure of the subsequent conveying and screening links, and further improving the smoothness of the feeding.

[0139] In one embodiment, the feeding mechanism 200 further includes a return channel 240 connecting the feeding assembly 210 and the screening channel 230; fasteners 10 falling from the screening channel 230 return to the feeding assembly 210 through the return channel 240.

[0140] In this embodiment, the fasteners 10 that fall from the screening channel 230 slide down through the return channel 240 under their own gravity and flow back to the storage area of ​​the feeding component 210, re-entering the feeding, conveying and screening process, thereby realizing the recycling and reuse of the fasteners 10.

[0141] In one implementation, the return channel 240 may include multiple intersecting ramps, specifically allowing fasteners 10 falling from the screening channel 230 to flow back to the storage area.

[0142] In one embodiment, before obtaining the feed position of the fastener 10 in S1, the method further includes:

[0143] S02, Detect the installation driving force data of the installation mechanism 100 to the fastener 10;

[0144] S03. Determine whether the installed driving force data matches the preset driving force data. If not, output a driving force warning signal.

[0145] The main control system can collect the installation driving force data of the mounting mechanism 100 through the drive detection mechanism 400 and then compare it with the preset driving force data. If the installation driving force data does not match the preset driving force data, it indicates that the fastener 10 is at risk of being too tight or too loose after installation. After receiving the output driving force warning signal, the staff can inspect the mounting mechanism 100.

[0146] In one implementation, the main control system can adjust the output installation driving force by adjusting the driving component of the installation mechanism 100, and then repeat the above steps S02 and S03 until the installation driving force data matches the preset driving force data, and then control the installation mechanism 100 to perform the assembly action, so as to reduce the installation torque fluctuation of different fasteners 10, thereby ensuring the assembly consistency of the fasteners 10.

[0147] In one embodiment, before step S3 above, which involves obtaining the target mounting location on the battery module 600, including...

[0148] S04. Convey the battery module 600 to the installation position along the conveying direction;

[0149] S05. Push the battery module 600 along the second direction to the positioning correction position.

[0150] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4 In this embodiment, step S04 can be completed by the battery conveying mechanism 500, which can convey the battery module 600 along the conveying direction. The installation position refers to the position where the battery module 600 is assembled with the fastener 10.

[0151] In this embodiment, a positioning mechanism 700 is provided at the installation position. The second direction is horizontal and perpendicular to the conveying direction. The positioning mechanism 700 can push the battery module 600 along the second direction, so that the battery module is pushed to the positioning correction position, thereby completing the positioning correction of the battery module 600 in the second direction.

[0152] In one embodiment, step S3 above, obtaining the target mounting location on the battery module 600, includes:

[0153] S31. Obtain an image of the installation area of ​​the battery module 600;

[0154] S32. Determine the installation areas of each fastener on the battery module 600 based on the installation area image.

[0155] S33. Determine the target installation location based on the preset installation sequence and the areas where each fastener is to be installed.

[0156] In this embodiment, after the identification mechanism 300 acquires the installation area image of the battery module 600, the main control system calculates the installation areas of each fastener on the battery module 600 according to a preset algorithm.

[0157] In practical applications, the battery module 600 has multiple fastener mounting areas. The main control system can distinguish between these areas, identifying areas where fasteners are already installed and areas where fasteners are yet to be installed. Then, based on a preset installation sequence, the main control system selects the next fastener-to-be-installed area from the multiple areas as the next target installation location.

[0158] After the main control system is completed, it can return to step S1 and repeat the above judgment process so that each fastener 10 is judged in the fastener installation area before installation to verify whether the previous installation of the fastener 10 was successful.

[0159] Please see Figures 1 to 9 The second aspect of this application provides a fastener assembly apparatus integrating feeding and installation, used to perform the fastener assembly method integrating feeding and installation as described above, and includes an installation mechanism 100, a feeding mechanism 200, an identification mechanism 300, and a battery conveying mechanism 500; the battery conveying mechanism 500 is used to convey a battery module 600; the feeding mechanism 200 is used to convey a fastener 10 to a feeding position; the identification mechanism 300 is used to identify the battery module 600 on the battery conveying mechanism 500 to obtain a target installation position on the battery module 600; the installation mechanism 100 is used to grip the fastener 10 and assemble the fastener 10 onto the battery module 600 according to the target installation position.

[0160] In one embodiment, a positioning mechanism 700 is also included; the positioning mechanism 700 is disposed on the battery conveying mechanism 500; the positioning mechanism 700 is capable of pushing the battery module 600 to a preset positioning correction position along the width direction of the battery conveying mechanism 500.

[0161] In this embodiment, the battery conveying mechanism 500 can be configured as a battery conveying line. The aforementioned feeding mechanism 200, mounting mechanism 100, and identification mechanism 300 can be disposed on the side of the battery conveying line.

[0162] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the present invention. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. However, any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A fastener assembly method integrating material supply and installation, characterized in that, include: Obtain the feeding position of the fastener (10); The fastener (10) is gripped according to the feeding position. Obtain the target mounting location on the battery module (600); The fastener (10) is assembled onto the battery module (600) according to the target mounting position.

2. The integrated fastener assembly method with material supply and installation according to claim 1, characterized in that, Prior to obtaining the feeding position of the fastener (10), the following is included: The fastener (10) is transported from the first storage area to the screening area, so that after the fastener (10) is screened in the screening area, it is transported to the feeding position in a preset posture.

3. The integrated fastener assembly method for material supply and installation according to claim 2, characterized in that, Before conveying the fastener (10) from the first storage area to the screening area, the following steps are included: The width of the bearing surface of the first region of the screening area is preset to be smaller than the width of the bearing surface of the first storage area; The step of conveying the fastener (10) from the first storage area to the screening area includes: The fastener (10) is driven to be transported along a first direction from the first storage area to a first area of ​​the screening area, the first area of ​​the screening area being used to remove the fastener (10) in a first non-preset posture with insufficient contact area of ​​the bearing surface.

4. The integrated fastener assembly method with material supply and installation according to claim 3, characterized in that, Before conveying the fastener (10) from the first storage area to the screening area, the following steps are included: The passage height of the second region of the screening area is preset to be the screening height; The process of driving the fastener (10) to be conveyed along a first direction from the first storage area to the first area of ​​the screening area, subsequently includes: The fastener (10) is driven to be conveyed along the first direction from the first region of the screening region to the second region of the screening region, the second region of the screening region being used to remove the fastener (10) in a second non-preset posture with a height exceeding the screening height.

5. The fastener assembly method integrating material supply and installation according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, Before conveying the fastener (10) from the first storage area to the screening area, the following steps are included: The magnitude of the drive control signal is adjusted according to the feeding frequency requirement. The drive control signal is used to drive the fastener (10) to be conveyed from the first storage area to the screening area along the first direction.

6. The integrated fastener assembly method for material supply and installation according to claim 2, characterized in that, Before conveying the fastener (10) from the first storage area to the screening area, the process includes: The fastener (10) is pushed upward from the second storage area to the third storage area; The fastener (10) is pushed upward from the third storage area to the first storage area.

7. The integrated fastener assembly method for material supply and installation according to claim 1, characterized in that, Prior to obtaining the feeding position of the fastener (10), the following is included: The installation driving force data of the installation mechanism (100) on the fastener (10) is detected; Determine whether the installation driving force data matches the preset driving force data; if not, output a driving force warning signal.

8. The integrated fastener assembly method for material supply and installation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of obtaining the target installation location on the battery module (600) includes: Obtain an image of the mounting area of ​​the battery module (600); The installation areas of each fastener on the battery module (600) are determined based on the installation area image; The target installation position is determined based on the preset installation sequence and the areas where each fastener is to be installed.

9. The integrated fastener assembly method with material supply and installation according to claim 1, characterized in that, Prior to obtaining the target mounting location on the battery module (600), the process includes: The battery module (600) is conveyed to the installation position along the conveying direction; The battery module (600) is pushed to the positioning correction position along a second direction, which is perpendicular to the conveying direction.

10. A fastener assembly device integrating material supply and installation, characterized in that, The fastener assembly method for performing the integrated feeding and installation method according to any one of claims 1-9 includes an installation mechanism (100), a feeding mechanism (200), an identification mechanism (300), and a battery delivery mechanism (500). The battery delivery mechanism (500) is used to deliver the battery module (600). The feeding mechanism (200) is used to transport the fastener (10) to the feeding position; The identification mechanism (300) is used to identify the battery module (600) on the battery delivery mechanism (500) to obtain the target installation position on the battery module (600); The mounting mechanism (100) is used to grip the fastener (10) and assemble the fastener (10) into the battery module (600) according to the target mounting position.

Images