Battery cell gripper device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a battery cell gripper device which comprises a main body and at least one gripper assembly, the gripper assembly comprises a driving plate, two clamping units and a driving piece, and the driving plate is arranged on the main body in a manner of being capable of relatively moving along a first direction; the driving plate is connected with the two clamping units through a driving guide structure, the driving guide structure comprises a first guide structure and a second guide structure which are in relative sliding fit, the first guide structure comprises a pair of guide grooves, the second guide structure comprises a pair of guide parts, and the guide parts can be combined with one guide groove in a relative moving mode; the pair of guide grooves are structurally and symmetrically arranged in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction, each guide groove comprises a first groove section inclined relative to the first direction and a second groove section communicated with the first groove section towards the end, close to the other guide groove, of the first groove section, and the second groove sections extend in the first direction. According to the battery cell clamping and transferring device, in the battery cell clamping and transferring process, the situation that a battery cell is excessively clamped and falls to the ground due to the fact that the battery cell is not clamped can be prevented.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of battery cell grippers, and in particular to a battery cell gripper device. Background Art

[0002] A battery cell is the most basic component of a battery, usually an electrochemical device encapsulated in a metal shell. In recent years, with the rapid development of the new energy vehicle industry, the demand for new energy battery module assembly lines has also been increasing. The related battery cell assembly line is an indispensable process in the battery module assembly line.

[0003] At present, the cells on the assembly line are mainly moved online by clamping the cells with the cylinder gripper assembly. However, the existing gripper assembly can only grab one cell at a time, which makes the current cell assembly line production efficiency low. Secondly, after the existing cylinder gripper assembly loses the power source, the output end of the cylinder retracts to the cylinder body, so that the gripper assembly cannot always keep the cell clamped, and eventually the cell falls from the cylinder gripper assembly. This not only causes the fallen cell to be damaged, increasing production costs, but also reduces the efficiency of cell assembly due to disrupting the production rhythm. Summary of the invention

[0004] In view of the above-mentioned shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of the present application is to provide a battery cell gripper device to solve the problems in the related art.

[0005] The present application provides a battery cell gripper device, comprising:

[0006] One subject;

[0007] At least one gripper assembly, the gripper assembly comprising a driving plate, two clamping units and a driving member, the driving plate being relatively movably disposed on the main body along a first direction;

[0008] The driving plate and the two clamping units are connected by a driving guide structure, the driving guide structure includes a first guide structure and a second guide structure that are relatively slidably matched, one of the first guide structure and the second guide structure is arranged on the driving plate, and the other is arranged on the two clamping units, the first guide structure includes a pair of guide grooves, and the second guide structure includes a pair of guide parts, and the guide part can be relatively movably combined with one of the guide grooves;

[0009] The pair of guide grooves are symmetrically arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and each guide groove includes: a first groove section inclined relative to the first direction, and a second groove section connected to the first groove section near one end of the other guide groove, and the second groove section extends along the first direction.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present application, a pair of guide grooves of the first guide structure are provided on the driving plate, and a pair of guide portions of the second guide structure are provided on the two clamping units respectively;

[0011] Or the pair of guide grooves of the first guide structure are respectively arranged on the two clamping units, and the pair of guide parts of the second guide structure are arranged on the driving plate.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present application, each of the clamping units includes a connecting assembly and a clamping member connected thereto, the clamping member includes at least one clamping member that can be relatively slidably arranged on the connecting assembly along the second direction, and the connecting assembly is provided with a guide portion or a guide groove.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present application, at least one buffer spring is provided between the clamping member and the connecting assembly, wherein one buffer spring is provided between each of the clamping members and the connecting assembly.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present application, the connecting assembly includes a first connecting member and a second connecting member connected along a second direction, a pad is provided between the first connecting member and the second connecting member, and the thickness of the pad determines the relative position of the second connecting member and the clamping member provided thereon and the other clamping unit.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present application, the connecting component can move relatively along the second direction to reach a position pressing against the battery cell.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present application, at least one elastic insulating gasket is disposed on the clamping member, and at least one of the insulating gaskets is disposed on each wall surface of the clamping member in contact with the battery cell.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present application, the clamping unit is disposed on the main body via a sliding mechanism and is restricted to slide along the second direction.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present application, the driving member includes a telescopic cylinder and a floating joint, the floating joint is arranged at the output end of the telescopic cylinder, one of the floating joint and the telescopic cylinder is arranged on the driving plate or the two clamping units, and the other is arranged on the main body.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present application, the gripper assembly further includes at least one buffer, which is disposed on the main body and located on a path where the driving plate moves in the first direction.

[0020] As described above, a battery cell gripper device is provided in an embodiment of the present application, comprising: a main body and at least one gripper assembly; the gripper assembly comprises a driving plate, two clamping units and a driving member, and the driving plate can be relatively movably arranged on the main body along a first direction; the driving plate and the two clamping units are connected through a driving guide structure, and the driving guide structure comprises a first guide structure and a matching second guide structure, one of the first guide structure and the second guide structure is arranged on the driving plate, and the other is arranged on the clamping unit, the first guide structure comprises a pair of guide grooves, and the second guide structure comprises a pair of guide parts, and the guide part can be relatively movably combined with one of the guide grooves; the pair of guide grooves are structurally symmetrically arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and each guide groove comprises: a first groove section inclined relative to the first direction, and a second groove section connected to the first groove section near one end of the other guide groove, and the second groove section extends along the first direction. The battery cell gripper device in the embodiment of the present application can enable the two clamping units to clamp the battery cell through the first groove section of the guide groove, and the second groove section of the guide groove can not only prevent the battery cell from being broken due to excessive clamping force of the two clamping units, but also prevent the two clamping units from still maintaining the clamping force on the battery cell when the driving member loses the power source, thereby preventing the battery cell from falling off from the two clamping units and contacting the ground and being damaged. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 It is an axonometric drawing of this application.

[0022] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the driving board in this application.

[0023] Figure 3 It is a structural schematic diagram of the gripper assembly in this application.

[0024] Figure 4 It is a structural schematic diagram of the clamping unit in this application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The following description is used to disclose the present application so that those skilled in the art can implement the present application. The preferred embodiments described below are only examples, and those skilled in the art can think of other obvious variations. The basic principles of the present application defined in the following description can be applied to other embodiments, variations, improvements, equivalent solutions, and other technical solutions that do not deviate from the spirit and scope of the present application.

[0026] Those skilled in the art should understand that, in the disclosure of the present application, the terms "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating the orientation or position relationship are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the drawings, which are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the above terms should not be understood as limiting the present application.

[0027] It is to be understood that the term "one" should be understood as "at least one" or "one or more", that is, in one embodiment, the number of an element may be one, while in another embodiment, the number of the element may be multiple, and the term "one" should not be understood as a limitation on the quantity.

[0028] In this application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", "connected", "fixed" and the like should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or can communicate with each other; it can be a direct connection, or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0029] According to the attached Figure 1 To Attachment Figure 4 As shown, the battery cell gripper device will be described in detail below:

[0030] like Figure 1 , which is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present application from a top view, wherein the battery cell gripper device includes a main body 10 and at least one gripper assembly 20. The main body 10 includes a bracket 11 and a flange 12, wherein the flange 12 is disposed on the top of the bracket 11, and the gripper assembly 20 is disposed on the bracket 11. In some embodiments, the main body 10 may also be configured to be integrally formed. The gripper assembly 20 includes a drive plate 21, two clamping units 22, and a drive member 23, wherein the drive plate 21 is disposed on the main body 10 in a relatively sliding manner along a first direction through a sliding mechanism.

[0031] exist Figure 1 In the example, the driving plate 21 and the two clamping units 22 are connected by a driving guide structure 24, and the driving guide structure 24 includes a first guide structure and a second guide structure that are relatively slidably matched. Figure 2The structure of the driving plate 21 is shown in a top view. The first guide structure includes a pair of guide slots 241 provided on the driving plate 21. The pair of guide slots 241 are symmetrically provided on both sides of the driving plate 21 along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Each guide slot 241 includes: a first slot section 2111 inclined relative to the first direction, and a second slot section 2112 connected to the first slot section 2111 near one end of the other guide slot 241. The second slot section 2112 extends along the first direction. Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown in the example, Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram showing that the driving plate 21 and the clamping unit 22 are connected through the driving guide structure 24 in a top view. The second guide structure includes a pair of guide portions 242 respectively arranged on the two clamping units 22. The guide portions 242 can be relatively movably combined with one of the guide grooves 241. The guide portions 242 can be implemented as a column.

[0032] like Figure 2 As shown in the example, from a planar perspective, one end of the first groove segment 2111 and the other end of the second groove segment 2112 are both arc-shaped, and the guide portion 242 is implemented as a cylinder whose outer edge surface matches the arc, and the diameter of the cylindrical guide portion 242 matches the radius of the arc of the edge of the guide groove 241.

[0033] The diameter of the cylindrical guide portion 242 is matched to the width of the guide groove 241 to improve the stability of the guide portion 242 in the guide groove 241 .

[0034] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown in the example, when the driving plate 21 is driven to move relatively along the first direction, the guide portion 242 slides in the first slot segment 2111 of the guide slot 241 in the direction close to the second slot segment 2112, and the two guide slots 241 are symmetrically distributed along the first direction, and one end of the two first slot segments 2111 are close to each other, and the other end is far away from each other, and the second slot segment 2112 is connected to the end of the two first slot segments 2111 that are close to each other. Therefore, when the two guide portions 242 slide in the first groove section 2111 toward the second groove section 2112, the two guide portions 242 approach each other under the pressure of the inclined side wall of the first groove section 2111 until the guide portions 242 enter the second groove section 2112, and the distance between the two guide portions 242 is minimum, that is, after the two guide portions 242 enter the second groove section 2112, since the two second groove sections 2112 are parallel to the second direction, the two guide portions 242 no longer approach each other in the second direction. In this way, the two guide portions 242 can be prevented from continuing to approach each other.

[0035] At the same time, after the driving plate 21 loses its driving power source, since the guide portion 242 has only a moving path parallel to the first direction in the second groove section 2112 and does not have a moving path parallel to the second direction, the two guide portions 242 will not move away from each other.

[0036] exist Figure 3 In the example, when the two guide portions 242 approach each other, they drive the two clamping units 22 to approach each other. After the two guide portions 242 are no longer close to each other, the two clamping units 22 clamp the battery cell, and because the guide portions 242 completely enter the second groove section 2112, this can not only prevent the battery cell from being broken due to excessive clamping force caused by the two clamping units 22 continuing to approach each other, but also prevent the two clamping units 22 from maintaining the clamping force on the battery cell when the driving member 23 loses the power source, thereby preventing the battery cell from falling off from the two clamping units 22 and contacting the ground and being damaged.

[0037] In some embodiments, the pair of guide grooves 241 of the first guide structure are respectively disposed on the two clamping units 22 , and the pair of guide portions 242 of the second guide structure are disposed on the driving plate 21 .

[0038] The clamping unit 22 is restricted on the main body 10 by the cooperation of the slide rail and the slider in the sliding mechanism (not shown), so that the clamping unit 22 can only move in the second direction on the main body 10. The slide rail is laid on the clamping unit 22 along the second direction, and the slider is set on the main body 10.

[0039] In some embodiments, the slide rail is laid on the main body 10 along the second direction, and the slider is disposed on the clamping unit 22. If the clamping unit 22 needs to move in the first direction, the sliding mechanism may not be disposed.

[0040] exist Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the example, Figure 4 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the clamping unit in the present application. Each clamping unit 22 includes a connecting assembly 221 and a clamping member connected thereto. The connecting assembly 221 includes a first connecting member 2211 and a second connecting member 2212. The second connecting member 2212 is relatively slidably arranged on the main body 10 along the second direction. The guide portion 242 is arranged on the first connecting member 2211. The clamping member includes a plurality of clamping members 222 that are relatively slidably arranged on the second connecting member 2212 along the second direction. The plurality of clamping members 222 are relatively slidably arranged on the second connecting member 2212 at intervals along the first direction. That is, the number of the clamping members 222 on the same clamping unit 22 is adapted to the number of cells required to be clamped by the two clamping units 22. The two clamping members 222 on the two clamping units 22 clamp one cell when the two clamping units 22 are close to each other. In this way, after the cells are transported to the designated location, the spacing between the cells remains the same, so as to facilitate the subsequent processes.

[0041] A cushion block 2213 is detachably connected between the first connecting member 2211 and the second connecting member 2212. For example, the cushion block 2213 is detachably connected to the first connecting member 2211 and the second connecting member 2212 via bolts. The thickness of the cushion block 2213 determines the relative position of the second connecting member 2212 and the clamping member 222 provided thereon and the other clamping unit 22.

[0042] Another clamping unit 22 having the same structure is disposed at the other end of the main body 10, and the two clamping units 22 are symmetrically disposed along the first direction. The two clamping units 22 clamp the battery cell between the two clamping units 22 when they are close to each other.

[0043] In some embodiments, a plurality of gripper assemblies 20 may be provided. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the number of gripper assemblies 20 provided may be determined according to the number of cells to be gripped each time in the present application, so as to improve the efficiency of cell gripping and transporting, while reducing the labor intensity of workers.

[0044] In some embodiments, the guide portion 242 is disposed on the second connecting member 2212. In this way, the connecting assembly 221 may include only one second connecting member 2212, so that the second connecting members 2212 of different lengths can be directly connected to the clamping member 222 and the guide portion 242, so that the two clamping members 222 can clamp the battery cells of different lengths.

[0045] In some embodiments, the guide portion 242 is disposed on the second connecting member 2212, and the first connecting member 2211 is relatively slidably disposed on the main body 10 along the second direction.

[0046] exist Figure 4 In the example, a plurality of buffer springs 223 are provided between the clamping member 222 and the connecting component 221, and the number of the buffer springs 223 is adapted to the clamping member 222, and the clamping member 222 includes a clamping plate 2221 and a slide plate 2222, the outer end of the slide plate 2222 is provided on the second connecting member 2212, and the clamping plate 2221 is provided on the inner end of the slide plate 2222 for relative sliding along the second direction, and the buffer spring 223 is provided between the clamping plate 2221 and the second connecting member 2212 and is sleeved on the outer surface of the slide plate 2222. The setting of the buffer spring 223 can buffer the clamping force of the clamping member acting on the battery cell, thereby preventing the clamping force of the two second connecting members 2212 from directly acting on the battery cell casing, thereby preventing the battery cell from exploding due to excessive clamping force during the clamping process.

[0047] In some embodiments, the outer end of the skateboard 2222 is relatively slidably disposed on a vertical side of the second connecting member 2212 along the second direction, the clamping plate 2221 is disposed at the inner end of the skateboard 2222, and the buffer spring 223 is disposed between the clamping plate 2221 and the second connecting member 2212 and is sleeved on the outer surface of the skateboard 2222.

[0048] In some embodiments, the clamping member 222 and the buffer spring 223 may be both provided as one. In this way, the length of each clamping member 222 along the first direction needs to be greater than the total spacing between the two clamping units 22 required to clamp a plurality of battery cells.

[0049] exist Figure 4In the example, the clamping member also includes a plurality of insulating gaskets 224 that are adapted to the clamping plate 2221 and are elastic. For example, the insulating gaskets 224 are made of elastomeric rubber. In other embodiments, the insulating gaskets 224 may also be implemented as being made of other elastic and insulating materials. The first connector 2211 and the second connector 2212 are both configured as L-shaped. The insulating gasket 224 includes a clamping block 2241 and a pressing block 2242. The clamping block 2241 is disassembled and sleeved on a side of the clamping plate 2221 that contacts the side wall of the battery cell, and the pressing block 2242 is disassembled and sleeved on a side of the clamping plate 2221 that contacts the top wall of the battery cell. In this way, the metal clamping plate 2221 can be prevented from directly contacting the battery cell, thereby playing an insulating and protective role for the battery cell, and the buffering effect of the present application when clamping the battery cell can be further improved, thereby further preventing the battery cell from being excessively squeezed by the clamping plate 2221.

[0050] exist Figure 3 In the example, the clamping unit 22 is restricted on the slide rail by the cooperation of the slide rail and the slider in the sliding mechanism, so that the clamping unit 22 can only move in the second direction. The slide rail is laid on the clamping unit 22 along the second direction, and the slider is set on the main body 10. In some embodiments, the slide rail is laid on the main body 10 along the second direction, and the slider is set on the clamping unit 22. If the clamping unit 22 needs to move in the first direction, the sliding mechanism may not be set.

[0051] Back to Figure 1 In the embodiment, the driving member 23 includes a telescopic cylinder 231 and a floating joint 232. For example, the telescopic cylinder 231 can be implemented as a cylinder. The floating joint 232 is connected to the output end of the telescopic cylinder 231. The floating joint 232 is arranged on the main body 10, and the telescopic cylinder 231 is arranged on the bracket 11. Since the floating joint 232 is used to eliminate the installation error between the driving plate 21 and the main body 10, protect related components and make the equipment run smoothly, extend the service life of the equipment, prevent the sealing ring of the telescopic cylinder 231 from being damaged, and extend the service life of the telescopic cylinder 231, etc.

[0052] like Figure 1 As shown in the example, the gripper assembly 20 also includes at least one buffer 25, which is disposed on the main body 1O and located in the path where the drive plate 21 moves in the first direction. Exemplarily, the buffer 25 is made of rubber to buffer the telescopic cylinder 231.

[0053] For example, the sliding connection between the components in the embodiment of the present application can be set as a slide rail and a slider. Since the working environment of the slide rail and the slider is relatively dry and dusty, each pair of slide rails and sliders is provided with an oil pipeline to improve the smooth movement between the slide rails and the slider.

[0054] For example, the flange 12 in the embodiment of the present application can be connected to the swing arm of an industrial robot via bolts to achieve automatic clamping and transfer of battery cells, thereby reducing the workload of workers.

[0055] In summary, a battery cell gripper device is provided in an embodiment of the present application, comprising: a main body and at least one gripper assembly; the gripper assembly comprises a driving plate, two clamping units and a driving member, and the driving plate can be relatively movably arranged on the main body along a first direction; the driving plate and the two clamping units are connected through a driving guide structure, and the driving guide structure comprises a first guide structure and a matching second guide structure, one of the first guide structure and the second guide structure is arranged on the driving plate, and the other is arranged on the clamping unit, the first guide structure comprises a pair of guide grooves, and the second guide structure comprises a pair of guide parts, and the guide part can be relatively movably combined with one of the guide grooves; the pair of guide grooves are symmetrically arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and each guide groove comprises: a first groove section inclined relative to the first direction, and a second groove section connected to the first groove section near one end of the other guide groove, and the second groove section extends along the first direction. The battery cell gripper device in the embodiment of the present application can enable the two clamping units to clamp the battery cell through the first groove section of the guide groove, and the second groove section of the guide groove can not only prevent the battery cell from being broken due to excessive clamping force of the two clamping units, but also prevent the two clamping units from maintaining the clamping force on the battery cell when the driving part loses the power source, thereby preventing the battery cell from falling off from the two clamping units and being damaged by contact with the ground.

[0056] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments of the present application described above and shown in the accompanying drawings are only examples and do not limit the present application. The advantages of the present application have been fully and effectively realized. The functions and structural principles of the present application have been demonstrated and explained in the embodiments, and the embodiments of the present application may be deformed or modified in any way without departing from the principles.

Claims

1. The battery cell gripper device is characterized in that: include: One subject; At least one gripper assembly, the gripper assembly comprising a driving plate, two clamping units and a driving member, the driving plate being relatively movably disposed on the main body along a first direction; The driving plate and the two clamping units are connected by a driving guide structure, the driving guide structure includes a first guide structure and a second guide structure that are relatively slidably matched, one of the first guide structure and the second guide structure is arranged on the driving plate, and the other is arranged on the two clamping units, the first guide structure includes a pair of guide grooves, and the second guide structure includes a pair of guide parts, and the guide part can be relatively movably combined with one of the guide grooves; The pair of guide grooves are symmetrically arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and each guide groove includes: a first groove section inclined relative to the first direction, and a second groove section connected to the first groove section near one end of the other guide groove, and the second groove section extends along the first direction.

2. The battery cell gripper device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pair of guide grooves of the first guide structure are arranged on the driving plate, and the pair of guide parts of the second guide structure are arranged on the two clamping units respectively; Or the pair of guide grooves of the first guide structure are respectively arranged on the two clamping units, and the pair of guide parts of the second guide structure are arranged on the driving plate.

3. The battery cell gripper device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the clamping units includes a connecting assembly and a clamping member connected thereto. The clamping member includes at least one clamping piece that is relatively slidably arranged on the connecting assembly along a second direction. The connecting assembly is provided with a guide portion or a guide groove.

4. The battery cell gripper device according to claim 3, characterized in that: At least one buffer spring is arranged between the clamping member and the connecting assembly, wherein one buffer spring is arranged between each clamping member and the connecting assembly.

5. The battery cell gripper device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The connecting assembly includes a first connecting member and a second connecting member connected along a second direction, a pad is provided between the first connecting member and the second connecting member, and the thickness of the pad determines the relative position of the second connecting member and the clamping member provided thereon and the other clamping unit.

6. The battery cell gripper device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The connecting component can relatively move along the second direction to reach a position pressing against the battery core.

7. The battery cell gripper device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The clamping member is provided with at least one elastic insulating pad, and at least one insulating pad is arranged on each wall surface of the clamping member in contact with the battery core.

8. The battery cell gripper device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The clamping unit is arranged on the main body through a sliding mechanism and is restricted to slide along the second direction.

9. The battery cell gripper device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The driving member includes a telescopic cylinder and a floating joint, wherein the floating joint is arranged at the output end of the telescopic cylinder, one of the floating joint and the telescopic cylinder is arranged on the driving plate or the two clamping units, and the other is arranged on the main body.

10. The battery cell gripper device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The gripper assembly further includes at least one buffer, which is disposed on the main body and located on a path where the driving plate moves in the first direction.

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