Welding equipment for battery cell and adapter plate

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of battery automatic production equipment, and discloses welding equipment for a battery cell and an adapter piece, which comprises a logistics line, a battery cell positioning mechanism, an adapter piece jig feeding device, an adapter piece jig assembling mechanism, an adapter piece jig blanking mechanism and a welding mechanism, the logistics line is used for conveying a welding clamp, the battery cell positioning mechanism is used for calibrating the position of a battery cell, and the welding clamp is used for clamping the battery cell; the switching piece jig feeding device is used for automatically providing switching piece jigs, the switching piece jigs are used for bearing switching pieces, the switching piece jig assembling mechanism is used for assembling the switching piece jigs on a welding clamp, the welding mechanism is used for welding the switching pieces and battery cells, and the switching piece jig feeding device is used for automatically feeding the switching piece jigs. The switching piece jig discharging mechanism is used for automatically putting the switching piece jig back to the switching piece jig feeding device; according to the invention, the problems that the battery cell is easy to deform and the appearance of the battery cell is easy to damage because the battery cell is frequently carried in the welding process of the battery cell and the adapter plate are mainly solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of battery automation production equipment, in particular to welding equipment for battery cores and adapter sheets. Background Art

[0002] The battery cell in the prior art usually includes a shell, a battery cell and a top cover, wherein the battery cell has a positive electrode ear and a negative electrode ear led out, and the top cover is provided with a positive electrode column and a negative electrode column. The battery cell is accommodated in the shell, and the top cover seals the opening on the shell. During assembly, the positive electrode ear and the negative electrode ear are usually pre-welded with an adapter plate respectively, and then one of the adapter plates is welded to the positive electrode column, and the other adapter plate is welded to the negative electrode column, so that the top cover can lead out the positive and negative poles of the internal battery cell, so as to realize the function of charging the internal battery cell or discharging the battery cell to the outside by conducting the positive electrode column and the negative electrode column.

[0003] In order to improve the welding efficiency of the tabs and adapters on the battery cells, the existing technology usually adopts automated welding equipment to achieve it. The working process of the existing welding equipment for welding battery cells and adapters is usually as follows: the battery cells are placed in the blister tray of the logistics line, and the blister tray is transported by the logistics line to the loading point of the welding process. The loading clamp clamps the battery cells and moves the battery cells to the battery cell positioning mechanism. The battery cell positioning mechanism is used to calibrate the position of the battery cells. At the same time as this action process, the adapter is loaded synchronously, that is, the loading mechanism places the adapter into the adapter jig (at this time the adapter jig and the welding jig have been docked), and then the transfer loading clamp moves the battery cells from the battery cell positioning mechanism to the welding jig, and then the tabs and the adapter are ultrasonically welded. After the welding is completed, the transfer unloading clamp moves the battery cells to the unloading platform, and finally the unloading clamp moves the battery cells from the unloading platform back to the blister tray of the logistics line. At this time, the welding process is completed. As can be seen from the above, when the battery cell is undergoing the welding process, it needs to be moved four times in total. The four moves are: the loading clamp moves the battery cell from the blister tray of the logistics line to the battery cell positioning mechanism, the transfer loading clamp moves the battery cell from the battery cell positioning mechanism to the welding fixture, the transfer unloading clamp moves the battery cell from the welding fixture to the unloading platform, and the unloading clamp moves the battery cell from the unloading platform back to the blister tray of the logistics line. During the battery production process, frequent handling of the battery cell by the clamp will cause damage to the appearance of the battery cell, such as battery cell powder loss, battery cell collision, etc. At the same time, frequent handling of the battery cell will also affect the positioning accuracy of the battery cell, which is prone to battery cell positioning deviation, tab tearing, etc., which has a great impact on the subsequent assembly consistency of the battery cell and is not conducive to ensuring the quality of the product.

[0004] The traditional adapter jig has low positioning accuracy, and the adapter jig and the welding fixture are not fixedly connected. It is difficult to ensure the consistency of assembly accuracy between the adapter jig and the welding fixture, which easily causes problems such as the adapter being skewed after welding.

[0005] Traditional ultrasonic welding mechanisms have poor compatibility. When the production line changes the original battery, it is necessary to replace the profiling parts and other parts at each workstation. The steps are cumbersome and time-consuming. They can only support the production of a single original battery cell and are not suitable for the production of battery cells of multiple sizes. Here, the traditional battery cell positioning mechanism is used as an example. The power of the traditional battery cell positioning mechanism is usually a cylinder. Due to the limitation of the cylinder stroke, when it is necessary to replace the battery cell of other sizes, in order to achieve the positioning function, the traditional battery cell positioning mechanism needs to replace many parts. As a result, the traditional battery cell positioning mechanism can only support the positioning of a single size of battery cell and is not compatible with the positioning of battery cells of multiple sizes.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need to improve the existing technology.

[0007] The above information is presented as background information only to assist with an understanding of the present disclosure and is not a determination or admission that any of the above may be applicable as prior art with respect to the present disclosure. Utility Model Content

[0008] The utility model provides a welding device for a battery core and an adapter, which mainly solves the technical problem in the prior art that the battery core is easily deformed and the appearance of the battery core is easily damaged due to the battery core being frequently moved during the welding process of the battery core and the adapter.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0010] A welding device for battery cells and adapters, comprising a logistics line, a battery cell positioning mechanism, an adapter jig feeding device, an adapter jig assembly mechanism, an adapter jig unloading mechanism, and at least one welding mechanism sequentially arranged along the conveying direction of the logistics line;

[0011] The logistics line is used to transport the welding fixture with the battery core, and the logistics line is provided with a positioning station, an assembly station, a welding station and a blanking station arranged in sequence along the conveying direction;

[0012] The battery cell positioning mechanism is arranged at the positioning station and is used to calibrate the position of the battery cell relative to the welding fixture, and the welding fixture is used to clamp the battery cell; the adapter jig feeding device is used to automatically provide the adapter jig, and the adapter jig is used to carry the adapter, and the adapter jig assembly mechanism is used to take out the adapter jig from the adapter jig feeding device and assemble the adapter jig with the welding fixture at the assembly station, the welding mechanism is arranged above the welding station and is used to weld the adapter located in the adapter jig and the battery cell located in the welding fixture, and the adapter jig unloading mechanism is arranged on one side of the unloading station and is used to automatically put the adapter jig back to the adapter jig feeding device.

[0013] In one technical solution, the battery cell positioning mechanism includes a first positioning assembly, which includes a frame, a Z-axis module, an X-axis module, a Y-axis module and a positioning block connected in sequence;

[0014] The Z-axis module is used to drive the X-axis module, the Y-axis module and the two positioning blocks to move in the vertical direction together, the X-axis module is used to drive the Y-axis module and the positioning block to move in the X direction together, the Y-axis module is used to drive the positioning block to move in the Y direction, and the positioning block moves along the Y direction to calibrate the position of the battery cell in the Y direction, wherein the X direction is the same as the conveying direction of the logistics line, and the Y direction is perpendicular to the X direction.

[0015] In one of the technical solutions, the battery cell positioning mechanism further includes a second positioning component;

[0016] The second positioning assembly includes a driver, an actuator, and a shift block connected in sequence. The driver is fixedly connected to the frame and is used to drive the actuator and the shift block to move together in the Y direction. The actuator is used to drive the shift block to move along the X direction. The shift block moves along the X direction to clamp the battery cell together with the positioning block in the X direction to calibrate the position of the battery cell in the X direction.

[0017] In one of the technical solutions, the welding fixture is used to simultaneously support two of the battery cells, and the battery cell positioning mechanism includes two first positioning components and two second positioning components, the two first positioning components are arranged at intervals along the X direction, and the two second positioning components are arranged between the two first positioning components; the actuator is connected to two of the shift blocks, and the driver is used to drive the two shift blocks to move along the Y direction to between the two battery cells located in the welding fixture, and the two shift blocks are driven by the same actuator to move toward or away from each other along the X direction.

[0018] In one of the technical solutions, the adapter jig feeding device includes a jig conveying line, a jig return line, a first transfer mechanism, a second transfer mechanism, a first jig transfer line and a second jig transfer line;

[0019] The jig conveying line and the jig return line are arranged in the vertical direction and are both used to convey the adapter jig in the X direction. The first jig transfer line and the second jig transfer line are arranged at intervals along the X direction and are both used to convey the adapter jig in the Y direction. The first transfer mechanism is arranged adjacent to the first jig transfer line and is used to transfer the adapter jig on the jig conveying line to the first jig transfer line. The second transfer mechanism is arranged adjacent to the second jig transfer line and is used to transfer the adapter jig on the second jig transfer line to the jig return line.

[0020] The adapter jig assembly mechanism is used to take out the adapter jig from the first jig transfer line and place the adapter jig on the assembly station;

[0021] The adapter jig unloading mechanism is used to place the adapter jig onto the second jig transfer line.

[0022] In one of the technical solutions, the adapter jig assembly mechanism includes a material moving device and an assembly device;

[0023] The material transfer device is used to pick up the adapter jig located on the adapter jig feeding device and place the adapter jig on the assembly device;

[0024] The assembly device includes a Y-axis module, a Z-axis module and a clamping module connected in sequence; the clamping module is used to receive and clamp the adapter jig from the material transfer device, the Y-axis module is used to drive the Z-axis module and the clamping module to move together along the Y direction, the Z-axis module is used to drive the clamping module to move along the vertical Z direction, and the clamping module moves upward along the Z direction to drive the clamped adapter jig to be magnetically attracted upward to the welding fixture located at the assembly station.

[0025] In one of the technical solutions, the adapter plate fixture includes a base plate and a contour plate fixed above the base plate, the contour plate is provided with an upwardly open limiting groove, the limiting groove is used to accommodate the adapter plate, the base plate is provided with a magnet placement groove and a positioning hole, and the bottom of the limiting groove is provided with avoidance holes that pass through the base plate and the contour plate respectively in the vertical direction.

[0026] In one of the technical solutions, the adapter jig unloading mechanism includes a material taking device and a disassembly device;

[0027] The disassembly device includes a Y-axis unit, a Z-axis unit, and a clamping module connected in sequence; the clamping module is used to clamp the adapter jig located at the blanking station, the Y-axis unit is used to drive the Z-axis unit and the clamping module to move together in the Y direction, the Z-axis unit is used to drive the clamping module to move in the vertical Z direction, and the clamping module moves downward in the Z direction to drive the clamped adapter jig downward to separate from the welding jig;

[0028] The picking device is used to pick up the adapter jig located on the clamping module and put the adapter jig back to the adapter jig feeding device.

[0029] In one of the technical solutions, the welding mechanism includes a Y-axis drive device, a frame and a welding machine connected in sequence;

[0030] The Y-axis driving device is used to drive the frame and the welding machine to move along the Y direction. The welding machine includes a connected lifting mechanism and a welding head. The lifting mechanism is used to drive the welding head to move in the vertical Z direction.

[0031] In one of the technical solutions, the welding equipment further includes a welding seat mechanism disposed below the welding mechanism;

[0032] The welding seat mechanism includes a first driving device, a second driving device and a welding seat connected in sequence. The first driving device is used to drive the second driving device and the welding seat to move together along the Y direction. The second driving device is used to drive the welding seat to move along the vertical Z direction. The welding seat moves upward to contact the bottom surface of the adapter.

[0033] Compared with the prior art, the welding equipment for battery cells and adapters provided by the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0034] During operation, the welding fixture with the battery cell is transported by the logistics line, and the welding fixture with the battery cell will be transported to the positioning station first, and then the battery cell positioning mechanism will automatically calibrate the position of the battery cell relative to the welding fixture, so that the adapter can be accurately welded to the battery cell during subsequent welding. At the same time, the adapter jig feeding device automatically provides the adapter jig, and then the welding fixture with the battery cell will pass through the assembly station, and then the adapter jig assembly mechanism takes out the adapter jig carrying the adapter from the adapter jig feeding device and places the adapter jig on the assembly station, so that the welding fixture can be assembled with the adapter jig at the assembly station, so that the position of the adapter relative to the battery cell is more accurate, and then the welding fixture with the battery cell is assembled. The fixture and the adapter jig with the adapter will be transported to the welding station together. At this time, the welding mechanism will weld the adapter in the adapter jig and the battery cell in the welding fixture. After welding is completed, the welding fixture with the battery cell and the adapter jig with the adapter will be transported to the unloading station together. Then the adapter jig unloading mechanism will put the adapter jig back into the adapter jig feeding device so that the adapter jig can be recycled. Finally, the logistics line will unload the welding fixture with the battery cell with the welded adapter to the preset position. The preset position can be a laser welding station (for welding the poles on the tabs and the top cover), or the finished battery cells can be collected by placing them on a blister tray.

[0035] As can be seen from the above, by adopting this technical solution, the battery cells do not need to be moved by robots at least when they are transported to the positioning station, assembly station, welding station and unloading station, thereby greatly reducing the number of times the battery cells are frequently moved during the welding process with the adapter, eliminating the problems of the battery cells being easily damaged in appearance and easily deformed after being clamped, and improving the accuracy of welding between the battery cells and the adapter. The battery cells are not prone to position changes during welding, and the phenomenon of ear tearing is also prevented, thereby greatly improving the quality of the battery cells and the adapter after welding. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0037] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a welding device for a battery cell and an adapter provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Figure 2 A schematic structural diagram of a welding fixture provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of the adapter fixture provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of the welding fixture and adapter jig after magnetic assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] Figure 5 A schematic structural diagram of a first positioning component in a battery cell positioning mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A partial enlarged view of point B in the middle;

[0043] Figure 7 A schematic structural diagram of a cell positioning mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] Figure 8 A schematic structural diagram of a second positioning component in a battery cell positioning mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the structure of the adapter jig feeding device, adapter jig assembly mechanism, and adapter jig unloading mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0046] Figure 10 for Figure 9 A partial enlarged view of point C in the middle;

[0047] Figure 11 for Figure 9 A partial enlarged view of point D in the middle;

[0048] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the structure of the welding seat mechanism provided for this application;

[0049] Figure 13 for Figure 1 A partial enlarged view of point A in the middle.

[0050] Reference numerals:

[0051] 1. Logistics line; 11. Positioning station; 12. Assembly station; 13. Welding station; 14. Unloading station;

[0052] 2. Cell positioning mechanism; 21. First positioning assembly; 211. Frame; 212. Z-axis module; 213. X-axis module; 214. Y-axis module; 215. Positioning block; 2151. First positioning surface; 2152. Second positioning surface; 2153. Chamfer structure; 22. Second positioning assembly; 221. Driver; 222. Actuator; 2221. Power mechanism; 2222. Drive plate; 22221. Drive slot; 223. Shift block; 224. Bearing;

[0053] 3. Adapter jig feeding device; 31. Jig conveying line; 32. Jig return line; 33. First transfer mechanism; 34. Second transfer mechanism; 35. First jig transfer line; 36. Second jig transfer line;

[0054] 4. Adapter fixture assembly mechanism; 41. Material transfer device; 42. Assembly device; 421. Y-axis module; 422. Z-axis module; 423. Gripper module;

[0055] 5. Adapter fixture unloading mechanism; 51. Retrieving device; 52. Disassembly device; 521. Y-axis unit; 522. Z-axis unit; 523. Clamping module;

[0056] 6. Welding mechanism; 61. Y-axis drive device; 62. Frame; 63. Welding machine; 631. Lifting mechanism;

[0057] 7. Welding fixture; 8. Adapter fixture; 81. Base plate; 811. Magnet placement slot; 812. Positioning hole; 82. Profiling plate; 821. Limiting slot; 83. Avoidance hole;

[0058] 9. Welding seat mechanism; 91. First driving device; 92. Second driving device; 93. Welding seat;

[0059] 10. Battery cell. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] In order to make the technical problems, technical solutions and beneficial effects to be solved by this application more clearly understood, this application is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain this application and are not intended to limit this application.

[0061] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being “fixed on” or “disposed on” another element, it may be directly on the other element or indirectly on the other element. When an element is referred to as being “connected to” another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or indirectly connected to the other element.

[0062] It should be understood that the terms, "upper", "lower", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating the orientation or position relationship are based on the orientation or position 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, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on this application.

[0063] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of the technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. Throughout the description of this application, "plurality" means two or more, unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0064] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clear, the present invention is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0065] This embodiment provides a welding device for battery cells and adapter plates, which is used to automatically realize the function of welding the tabs and adapter plates on the battery cells to each other. The welding device mainly solves the technical problems in the prior art that the battery cells are easily deformed and the appearance of the battery cells is easily damaged due to the frequent handling of the battery cells during the welding process of the battery cells and adapter plates. The welding device secondarily solves the problem of how to improve the welding accuracy of the battery cells and adapter plates. The welding device also secondarily solves the problem of how to be compatible with the welding of battery cells and adapter plates of various sizes.

[0066] See also Figure 1 The welding equipment of this embodiment mainly includes a logistics line 1, a battery cell positioning mechanism 2, a transfer sheet fixture feeding device 3, a transfer sheet fixture assembly mechanism 4, a transfer sheet fixture unloading mechanism 5 and at least one welding mechanism 6. Preferably, the welding equipment of this embodiment includes multiple welding mechanisms 6, and the multiple welding mechanisms 6 are arranged along the conveying direction of the logistics line 1 (i.e. Figure 1 The plurality of welding mechanisms 6 are arranged in sequence along the X direction in the figure, and the plurality of welding mechanisms 6 can perform welding operations simultaneously to improve the welding efficiency of the battery cells and the adapter sheets.

[0067] For details, please refer to Figures 1 to 4 The logistics line 1 is preferably a magnetic-driven logistics line driven by magnetic force. The logistics line 1 is used to convey the welding fixture 7 with the battery cell 10. The logistics line 1 is provided with a positioning station 11, an assembly station 12, a welding station 13 and a blanking station 14 arranged in sequence along the X direction. The battery cell positioning mechanism 2 is provided at the positioning station 11 and is used to calibrate the position of the battery cell 10 relative to the welding fixture 7. The welding fixture 7 is used to clamp the battery cell 10. The adapter jig feeding device 3 is used to automatically provide the adapter jig 8. The adapter jig 8 is used to carry the adapter. The adapter jig assembly mechanism 4 is used to take out the adapter jig 8 from the adapter jig feeding device 3 and place the adapter jig 8 on the assembly station 12. The welding fixture 7 will be assembled with the adapter jig 8 at the assembly station 12. Figure 4This is a structural diagram of the adapter jig 8 being assembled from bottom to top on the welding fixture 7. The welding mechanism 6 is arranged above the welding station 13 and is used to weld the adapter located in the adapter jig 8 and the battery cell 10 located in the welding fixture 7. The adapter jig unloading mechanism 5 is arranged at the unloading station 14 and is used to automatically place the adapter jig 8 back to the adapter jig feeding device 3.

[0068] More specifically, the working process of the welding equipment of this embodiment is as follows: the welding fixture 7 with the battery cell 10 is transported by the logistics line 1, and the welding fixture 7 with the battery cell 10 will first be transported to the positioning station 11, and then the battery cell positioning mechanism 2 will automatically calibrate the position of the battery cell 10 relative to the welding fixture 7, so that the adapter can be accurately welded to the battery cell 10 during subsequent welding. At the same time, the adapter jig feeding device 3 automatically provides the adapter jig 8, and then the welding fixture 7 with the battery cell 10 will pass through the assembly station 12, and then the adapter jig assembly mechanism 4 takes out the adapter jig 8 carrying the adapter from the adapter jig feeding device 3 and places the adapter jig 8 on the assembly station 12, so that the welding fixture 7 can be assembled with the adapter jig 8 at the assembly station 12, so that the position of the adapter relative to the battery cell 10 is relatively accurate. Accurately, and then the welding fixture 7 with the battery cell 10 and the adapter jig 8 with the adapter will be transported to the welding station 13 together, at this time the welding mechanism 6 will weld the adapter in the adapter jig 8 and the battery cell 10 in the welding fixture 7, after welding is completed, the welding fixture 7 with the battery cell 10 and the adapter jig 8 with the adapter will be transported to the unloading station 14 together, and then the adapter jig unloading mechanism 5 will put the adapter jig 8 back into the adapter jig feeding device 3 so that the adapter jig 8 can be recycled, and finally the logistics line 1 will unload the welding fixture 7 with the battery cell 10 with the welded adapter to the preset position, which can be a laser welding station (for welding the pole ears and the poles on the top cover), or, the battery cell 10 can be placed on a blister tray to collect the finished battery cells.

[0069] As can be seen from the above paragraph, by adopting the present technical solution, the battery cell 10 does not need to be moved by a robot at least when it is transported to the positioning station 11, the assembly station 12, the welding station 13 and the unloading station 14, thereby greatly reducing the number of times the battery cell 10 is frequently moved during the welding process with the adapter, eliminating the problems of the battery cell 10 being easily damaged in appearance and the battery cell 10 being easily deformed after being clamped, and improving the accuracy of welding between the battery cell 10 and the adapter. The battery cell 10 is not prone to position changes during welding, and also prevents phenomena such as the ear tearing, thereby greatly improving the quality of the battery cell 10 and the adapter after welding.

[0070] The above-mentioned mechanisms or devices are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0071] Please also refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6 The battery cell positioning mechanism 2 includes a first positioning component 21, which includes a frame 211, a Z-axis module 212, an X-axis module 213, a Y-axis module 214 and a positioning block 215 connected in sequence. The frame 211 is made of 45# steel or other high-strength metal materials, and the metal material is not allowed to contain copper. The surface needs to be anodized or painted. The frame 211 is welded from multiple processed parts. The frame 211 is fixed on the logistics line 1 to provide a reference for the installation of the battery cell positioning mechanism 2. The frame 211 must be parallel to the logistics line 1. Within 0.02, the allowable error does not exceed 0.02%; wherein, the Z-axis module 212 is fixed on the frame 211, and the Z-axis module 212 is used to drive the X-axis module 213, the Y-axis module 214 and the positioning block 215 to move together in the vertical Z direction, the X-axis module 213 is used to drive the Y-axis module 214 and the positioning block 215 to move together along the X direction, the Y-axis module 214 is used to drive the positioning block 215 to move along the Y direction, and the positioning block 215 moves along the Y direction to calibrate the position of the battery cell 10 in the Y direction, wherein the Y direction and the X direction are perpendicular to each other. During operation, when the welding fixture 7 with the battery cell 10 moves to the positioning station 11 along the X direction, the Z-axis module 212 drives the positioning block 215 to descend, and then the Y-axis module 214 drives the positioning block 215 to move along the Y direction, so that the battery cell 10 is pushed by the positioning block 215 in the Y direction and calibrated in the Y direction. In this embodiment, there are preferably two positioning blocks 215, and the two positioning blocks 215 move toward or away from each other in the Y direction under the drive of the Y-axis module 214. When the two positioning blocks 215 approach each other in the Y direction, the two positioning blocks 215 will jointly clamp the battery cell 10 in the Y direction to achieve the purpose of positioning the battery cell 10 in the Y direction. After the battery cell 10 is positioned, the Z-axis module 212 will drive the two positioning blocks 215 to rise to the initial position, so that the battery cell at the rear will not interfere with the two positioning blocks 215 during the process of moving to the positioning station 11 along the X direction. The positioning block 215, driven by the X-axis module 213, can push the battery cell 10 to a preset position along the X-direction to position the battery cell 10 in the X-direction. Alternatively, the positioning block 215, driven by the X-axis module 213, can position battery cells 10 of different sizes in the X-direction, thereby accommodating positioning operations for battery cells 10 of various sizes and improving the compatibility of the welding equipment. The Z-axis module 212, X-axis module 213, and Y-axis module 214 can be linear motors, lead screw modules, cylinder modules, synchronous belt modules, or electric cylinders, etc., and can be selected based on requirements such as accuracy and travel.

[0072] Please also refer to Figure 1 、 Figures 5 to 8The battery cell positioning mechanism 2 also includes a second positioning component 22, which includes a driver 221, an actuator 222 and a shift block 223 connected in sequence. The driver 221 is fixedly connected to the frame 211 and is used to drive the actuator 222 and the shift block 223 to move together along the Y direction. The actuator 222 is used to drive the shift block 223 to move along the X direction. During operation, the driver 221 drives the shift block 223 to extend in the Y direction, and then the actuator 222 drives the shift block 223 to move in the opposite direction of the X direction, so that the shift block 223 and the above-mentioned positioning block 215 jointly clamp the battery cell 10 in the X direction to calibrate the position of the battery cell 10 in the X direction. When the battery cell 10 is positioned in the X direction, the actuator 222 drives the shift block 223 to reset in the X direction. Finally, the driver 221 drives the shift block 223 to withdraw outward in the Y direction, so that the welding fixture 7 will not collide with the shift block 223 when it continues to move in the X direction. Moreover, the position of the shift block 223 in the Y direction when it moves in the Y direction under the drive of the driver 221 can be adjusted according to actual conditions to accommodate the positioning operation of battery cells 10 with different sizes in the Y direction, ensuring that the shift block 223 does not interfere with the tabs on the battery cell 10 when pushing the battery cell 10. The driver 221 and the actuator 222 can both be linear motors, lead screw modules, cylinder modules, synchronous belt modules or electric cylinders, etc.

[0073] In fact, see Figure 6 The positioning block 215 is provided with a first positioning surface 2151 and a second positioning surface 2152. The first positioning surface 2151 and the second positioning surface 2152 are connected in an L-shape. The length direction of the first positioning surface 2151 points in the X direction and is used to abut the battery cell 10 in the Y direction. The length direction of the second positioning surface 2152 points in the Y direction and is used to abut the battery cell 10 in the X direction. This enables the positioning block 215 to simultaneously position the battery cell 10 in the X and Y directions. In addition, a chamfered structure 2153 is connected between the first positioning surface 2151 and the second positioning surface 2152. This chamfered structure 2153 is used to avoid the corners of the battery cell 10, ensuring that the battery cell 10 can abut on the first positioning surface 2151 and the second positioning surface 2152 at the same time. The chamfered structure 2153 preferably has a radius of R20 or more. More specifically, since the positioning block 215 is a part that is in direct contact with the battery cell 10, the material of the positioning block 215 is preferably non-metallic material, and high-strength composite plastics such as PEEK, POM or other polyaryletherketone materials are preferably used. The surface of the positioning block 215 is free of burrs, the surface roughness of the part is less than 1.6, and the surface parallelism is within 0.02. In addition, the positioning block 215 is preferably also coated with glue to prevent the battery cell 10 from being damaged, the diaphragm from being wrinkled, and the battery cell 10 from losing powder.

[0074] See also Figure 2In order to improve the welding efficiency of the battery cell 10, the welding fixture 7 of this embodiment is preferably used to simultaneously support two battery cells 10. Based on this, please refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The battery cell positioning mechanism 2 of this embodiment includes two first positioning components 21 and two second positioning components 22. The two first positioning components 21 are arranged at intervals along the X direction, and the two second positioning components 22 are arranged between the two first positioning components 21. In addition, two shift blocks 223 are connected to the actuator 222. During operation, the driver 221 drives the two shift blocks 223 to move along the Y direction to between the two battery cells 10 located in the welding fixture 7. The two shift blocks 223 move in opposite directions along the X direction under the drive of the same actuator 222. One of the shift blocks 223 moves in the positive direction of the X direction and pushes one of the battery cells 10 in the welding fixture 7 to abut against the positioning block 215 in one of the first positioning components 21. The other shift block 223 moves in the opposite direction of the X direction and pushes the other battery cell 10 in the welding fixture 7 to abut against the positioning block 215 in the other first positioning component 21. When the battery cell 10 is positioned, the actuator 222 drives the two shift blocks 223 to approach each other in the X direction. Finally, the driver 221 drives the shift blocks 223 to withdraw outward along the Y direction so that the welding fixture 7 will not collide with the two shift blocks 223 when it continues to move forward in the X direction.

[0075] Please refer again Figure 8 The actuator 222 specifically includes a connected power mechanism 2221 and a drive plate 2222. The power mechanism 2221 is connected to the driver 221 and is used to drive the drive plate 2222 to move in the Y direction. The drive plate 2222 is provided with two drive slots 22221, and the extension direction of the two drive slots 22221 forms an angle with the Y direction. The two shift blocks 223 are connected to a bearing 224, and the bearing 224 on one shift block 223 is received in one of the drive slots 22221, and the bearing 224 on the other shift block 223 is received in the other drive slot 22221. The two shift blocks 223 are slidably connected to the drive plate 2222 in the X direction via a connecting guide rail. The power mechanism 2221 only needs to drive the drive plate 2222 to move in the Y direction to drive the two shift blocks 223 to move toward or away from each other in the X direction. The actuator 222 with this structural design can better utilize the space in the Y direction.

[0076] Please also refer to Figure 1 、 Figures 9 to 11The adapter sheet jig feeding device 3 includes a jig conveyor line 31, a jig return line 32, a first transfer mechanism 33, a second transfer mechanism 34, a first jig transfer line 35 and a second jig transfer line 36, wherein the jig conveyor line 31 and the jig return line 32 are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction and are both used to convey the adapter sheet jig 8 in the X direction, the first jig transfer line 35 and the second jig transfer line 36 are both arranged at intervals in the X direction and are both used to convey the adapter sheet jig 8 in the Y direction, the first transfer mechanism 33 is arranged adjacent to the first jig transfer line 35, and the second transfer mechanism 34 is arranged adjacent to the second jig transfer line 36. During operation, the first transferring mechanism 33 transfers the adapter jig 8 on the jig conveying line 31 to the first jig transferring line 35, and the first jig transferring line 35 accurately transports the adapter jig 8 to the preset position along the X direction, so that the adapter jig assembly mechanism 4 can accurately remove the adapter jig 8 from the first jig transferring line 35. When the adapter jig 8 moves to the unloading station 14 under the transportation of the logistics line 1, the adapter jig unloading mechanism 5 places the adapter jig 8 on the second jig transferring line 36, and the second transferring mechanism 34 transfers the adapter jig 8 on the second jig transferring line 36 to the jig return line 32. A lifting mechanism is provided at the end positions of the jig return line 32 and the jig conveying line 31, so that the adapter jig 8 on the jig return line 32 can be transferred back to the jig conveying line 31. This design of the adapter jig feeding device 3 enables high-speed, high-precision feeding and recovery of large numbers of adapter jigs 8. The first transfer mechanism 33 and the second transfer mechanism 34 can be dual-axis, tri-axis, or multiple-axis retrieving modules. High-precision linear motors can be used for the first jig transfer line 35 and the second jig transfer line 36.

[0077] Please also refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 9 and Figure 10The adapter jig assembly mechanism 4 includes a material moving device 41 and an assembly device 42, wherein the material moving device 41 is used to pick up the adapter jig 8 located on the first jig transfer line 35 and place the adapter jig 8 on the assembly device 42. The material moving device 41 can be a dual-axis, tri-axis or multi-axis material picking module. The assembly device 42 includes a Y-axis module 421, a Z-axis module 422 and a clamping module 423 connected in sequence. When working, the clamping module 423 receives and clamps the adapter jig 8 from the material moving device 41, and then the Y-axis module 421 drives the Z-axis module 422 and the clamping module 423 to move together along the Y direction, so that the clamping module 423 moves to the bottom of the assembly station 12, and then the Z-axis module 422 drives the clamping module 423 to move upward along the vertical Z direction. The clamping module 423 moves upward along the Z direction to drive the clamped adapter jig 8 to be magnetically attracted upward to the welding fixture 7 located at the assembly station 12, so that the adapter jig 8 and the welding fixture 7 are magnetically attracted together. The magnetic force of the adapter jig 8 and the welding fixture 7 needs to be greater than 5KG to ensure that the adapter jig 8 will not fall down during the welding process.

[0078] Please also refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 9 and Figure 11 The adapter jig unloading mechanism 5 and the adapter jig assembly mechanism 4 are identical in structure. Specifically, the adapter jig unloading mechanism 5 includes a picking device 51 and a disassembly device 52, wherein the disassembly device 52 includes a Y-axis unit 521, a Z-axis unit 522 and a clamping module 523 connected in sequence. When working, the clamping module 523 clamps the adapter jig 8 located at the unloading station 14, and the Z-axis unit 522 drives the clamping module 523 to move downward along the vertical Z direction. The Y-axis unit 521 drives the Z-axis unit 522 and the clamping module 523 to move together in the Y direction, so that the clamping module 523 and the adapter jig 8 are withdrawn outward in the Y direction. Finally, the picking device 51 picks up the adapter jig 8 on the clamping module 523 and places it back on the second jig transfer line 36 to realize the function of unloading the adapter jig 8. The picking device 51 can be a dual-axis, tri-axis, or multi-axis picking module.

[0079] See also Figure 3The adapter jig 8 specifically includes a base plate 81 and a profiling plate 82. The profiling plate 82 is fixed to the top of the base plate 81. The profiling plate 82 is provided with a limiting groove 821 that is open upward. This limiting groove 821 is used to accommodate an adapter, which plays a role in precisely positioning the adapter. Preferably, two limiting grooves 821 are provided on the profiling plate 82, one of which is used to accommodate the adapter welded to the positive ear of the battery cell 10, and the other limiting groove 821 is used to accommodate the adapter welded to the negative ear of the battery cell 10. A magnet placement groove 811 and a positioning hole 812 are provided on the base plate 81. By fixing the magnet in the magnet placement groove 811, it is convenient to realize the mutual magnetic attraction between the adapter jig 8 and the welding fixture 7. By setting the positioning hole 812, the accuracy of the position of the adapter jig 8 on the welding fixture 7 can be improved, and the accuracy of subsequent welding of the adapter and the battery cell can be improved. Specifically, in the production process of power batteries, in order to reduce the impact of metal foreign matter on battery performance, objects that are usually in contact with battery production auxiliary materials are all non-metallic. The material needs to have high strength to avoid deformation of parts, which leads to poor output products. Therefore, the profiling plate 82 is preferably made of PEEK, POM, PEKC or other polyaryletherketone materials. Such materials have both rigidity and toughness. When the rigidity is the best, the toughness is not the lowest. The weight itself is light and the mechanical properties are good. In addition, the bottom of the limiting groove 821 is provided with an avoidance hole 83 that passes through the bottom plate 81 and the profiling plate 82 in sequence. The welding seat below can enter smoothly from the avoidance hole 83 to meet the use requirements of ultrasonic welding. When the battery cell 10 is changed, the shape of the adapter will change. At this time, only the corresponding profiling plate 82 needs to be replaced.

[0080] Please also refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 12 and Figure 13 The welding mechanism 6 specifically includes a Y-axis drive device 61, a frame 62, and a welder 63, which are connected in sequence. The Y-axis drive device 61 is used to drive the frame 62 and the welder 63 to move together in the Y direction, so that the welder 63 can respectively weld two adapter plates spaced apart in the Y direction to the tabs on the battery cell. At the same time, because the welder 63 can adjust its position in the Y direction under the drive of the Y-axis drive device 61, the welder 63 can also be compatible with welding operations of various battery cells 10 with different sizes in the Y direction. Among them, the welder 63 is conventional technology and specifically includes a connected lifting mechanism 631 and a welding head (not shown in the figure). The lifting mechanism 631 is used to drive the welding head to move in the vertical Z direction to accommodate welding operations of battery cells 10 with different thicknesses. In other words, the welding mechanism 6 of this structure can be compatible with welding operations of various battery cells 10 sizes in both the Y and Z directions. Among them, the Y-axis drive device 61 and the lifting mechanism 631 can both be screw modules, linear motors, or synchronous belt modules, etc.

[0081] Please refer to the Figure 1 、 Figure 12 and Figure 13 The welding mechanism 6 of this embodiment is preferably an ultrasonic welding mechanism. In addition to the welding head, ultrasonic welding also requires a welding seat. Therefore, the welding equipment of this embodiment also includes a welding seat mechanism 9 arranged below the welding mechanism 6. The welding seat mechanism 9 specifically includes a first driving device 91, a second driving device 92 and a welding seat 93 connected in sequence. During welding, the second driving device 92 drives the welding seat 93 to move upward along the vertical Z direction, so that the welding seat 93 passes through the avoidance hole 83 upward and contacts the bottom surface of the adapter. Only through the combination of the welding seat 93 and the welding head can the adapter be welded to the tab on the battery cell 10 by ultrasonic welding. The first drive device 91 is used to drive the second drive device 92 and the welding seat 93 to move together in the Y direction, so that the welding seat 93 can respectively abut the bottom surface of two adapter plates spaced apart in the Y direction, so that the two adapter plates can be welded to the two tabs on the battery cell. At the same time, because the welding seat 93 can be adjusted in the Y direction under the drive of the first drive device 91, it can also be compatible with welding operations of various battery cells 10 with different sizes in the Y direction. The first drive device 91 and the second drive device 92 can be a screw module, a synchronous belt module, a linear motor, etc.

[0082] The above is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and only specifically describes the technical principles of the present invention. These descriptions are intended only to explain the principles of the present invention and should not be construed in any way as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. Based on the explanations herein, any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention, as well as other specific embodiments of the present invention that can be imagined by those skilled in the art without inventive effort, shall be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A welding device for battery cells and adapters, characterized in that: It comprises a logistics line (1), a cell positioning mechanism (2), a transfer plate fixture feeding device (3), a transfer plate fixture assembly mechanism (4), a transfer plate fixture unloading mechanism (5), and at least one welding mechanism (6) arranged in sequence along the conveying direction of the logistics line (1); The logistics line (1) is used to transport a welding fixture (7) with a battery cell, and the logistics line (1) is provided with a positioning station (11), an assembly station (12), a welding station (13), and a blanking station (14) arranged in sequence along a transport direction; The cell positioning mechanism (2) is arranged at the positioning station (11) and is used to calibrate the position of the cell relative to the welding fixture (7), and the welding fixture (7) is used to clamp the cell; the adapter jig feeding device (3) is used to automatically provide the adapter jig (8), and the adapter jig (8) is used to carry the adapter; the adapter jig assembly mechanism (4) is used to take out the adapter jig (8) from the adapter jig feeding device (3) and place the adapter jig (8) The adapter jig (8) is assembled with the welding fixture (7) on the assembly station (12); the welding mechanism (6) is arranged above the welding station (13) and is used to weld the adapter in the adapter jig (8) and the battery cell in the welding fixture (7); the adapter jig unloading mechanism (5) is arranged on one side of the unloading station (14) and is used to automatically return the adapter jig (8) to the adapter jig feeding device (3).

2. The welding equipment for battery cells and adapters according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cell positioning mechanism (2) comprises a first positioning assembly (21), wherein the first positioning assembly (21) comprises a frame (211), a Z-axis module (212), an X-axis module (213), a Y-axis module (214), and a positioning block (215) connected in sequence; The Z-axis module (212) is used to drive the X-axis module (213), the Y-axis module (214) and the positioning block (215) to move together in the vertical direction; the X-axis module (213) is used to drive the Y-axis module (214) and the positioning block (215) to move together in the X direction; the Y-axis module (214) is used to drive the positioning block (215) to move along the Y direction; the positioning block (215) moves along the Y direction to calibrate the position of the battery cell in the Y direction, wherein the X direction is the same as the conveying direction of the logistics line, and the Y direction is perpendicular to the X direction.

3. The welding equipment for battery cells and adapters according to claim 2, characterized in that: The battery cell positioning mechanism (2) further includes a second positioning component (22); The second positioning assembly (22) comprises a driver (221), an actuator (222) and a shift block (223) connected in sequence, wherein the driver (221) is fixedly connected to the frame (211) and is used to drive the actuator (222) and the shift block (223) to move together in the Y direction, the actuator (222) is used to drive the shift block (223) to move along the X direction, and the shift block (223) moves along the X direction to clamp the battery cell together with the positioning block (215) in the X direction to calibrate the position of the battery cell in the X direction.

4. The welding equipment for battery cells and adapters according to claim 3, characterized in that: The welding fixture (7) is used to simultaneously carry two of the battery cells. The battery cell positioning mechanism (2) includes two first positioning components (21) and two second positioning components (22). The two first positioning components (21) are arranged at intervals along the X direction, and the two second positioning components (22) are arranged between the two first positioning components (21). The actuator (222) is connected to two shifting blocks (223). The driver (221) is used to drive the two shifting blocks (223) to move along the Y direction to between the two battery cells located in the welding fixture (7). The two shifting blocks (223) move toward or away from each other along the X direction under the drive of the same actuator (222).

5. The welding equipment for battery cells and adapters according to claim 1, characterized in that: The adapter jig feeding device (3) comprises a jig conveying line (31), a jig return line (32), a first transfer mechanism (33), a second transfer mechanism (34), a first jig transfer line (35) and a second jig transfer line (36); The jig conveying line (31) and the jig return line (32) are arranged in a vertical direction and are both used to convey the adapter jig (8) in the X direction; the first jig transfer line (35) and the second jig transfer line (36) are arranged at intervals in the X direction and are both used to convey the adapter jig (8) in the Y direction; the first transfer mechanism (33) is arranged adjacent to the first jig transfer line (35) and is used to transfer the adapter jig (8) located on the jig conveying line (31) to the first jig transfer line (35); the second transfer mechanism (34) is arranged adjacent to the second jig transfer line (36) and is used to transfer the adapter jig (8) located on the second jig transfer line (36) to the jig return line (32); The adapter jig assembly mechanism (4) is used to remove the adapter jig (8) from the first jig transfer line (35); The adapter jig unloading mechanism (5) is used to place the adapter jig (8) onto the second jig transfer line (36).

6. The welding equipment for battery cells and adapters according to claim 1, characterized in that: The adapter jig assembly mechanism (4) comprises a material moving device (41) and an assembly device (42); The material transfer device (41) is used to pick up the adapter jig (8) located on the adapter jig feeding device (3) and place the adapter jig (8) on the assembly device (42); The assembly device (42) includes a Y-axis module (421), a Z-axis module (422) and a clamping module (423) connected in sequence; the clamping module (423) is used to receive and clamp the adapter jig (8) from the material transfer device (41); the Y-axis module (421) is used to drive the Z-axis module (422) and the clamping module (423) to move together along the Y direction; the Z-axis module (422) is used to drive the clamping module (423) to move along the vertical Z direction; the clamping module (423) moves upward along the Z direction to drive the clamped adapter jig (8) to be magnetically attracted upward to the welding fixture (7) located at the assembly station (12).

7. The welding equipment for battery cells and adapters according to claim 6, characterized in that: The adapter plate fixture (8) comprises a base plate (81) and a profiling plate (82) fixed above the base plate (81); the profiling plate (82) is provided with an upwardly open limiting groove (821); the limiting groove (821) is used to accommodate the adapter plate; the base plate (81) is provided with a magnet placement groove (811) and a positioning hole (812); the bottom of the limiting groove (821) is provided with an avoidance hole (83) that passes through the base plate (81) and the profiling plate (82) in a vertical direction.

8. The welding equipment for battery cells and adapters according to claim 1, characterized in that: The adapter jig unloading mechanism (5) comprises a material taking device (51) and a disassembly device (52); The disassembly device (52) includes a Y-axis unit (521), a Z-axis unit (522) and a clamping module (523) connected in sequence; the clamping module (523) is used to clamp the adapter jig located at the blanking station (14); the Y-axis unit (521) is used to drive the Z-axis unit (522) and the clamping module (523) to move together along the Y direction; the Z-axis unit (522) is used to drive the clamping module (523) to move along the vertical Z direction; the clamping module (523) moves downward along the Z direction to drive the clamped adapter jig (8) downward to separate from the welding jig (7); The picking device (51) is used to pick up the adapter jig (8) located on the clamping module (523) and return the adapter jig (8) to the adapter jig feeding device (3).

9. The welding equipment for battery cells and adapters according to claim 1, characterized in that: The welding mechanism (6) comprises a Y-axis driving device (61), a frame (62) and a welding machine (63) connected in sequence; The Y-axis driving device (61) is used to drive the frame (62) and the welding machine (63) to move together along the Y direction. The welding machine (63) includes a connected lifting mechanism (631) and a welding head. The lifting mechanism (631) is used to drive the welding head to move in the vertical Z direction.

10. The welding equipment for battery cells and adapters according to claim 9, characterized in that: The welding equipment further comprises a welding seat mechanism (9) arranged below the welding mechanism (6); The welding seat mechanism (9) includes a first driving device (91), a second driving device (92) and a welding seat (93) connected in sequence, wherein the first driving device (91) is used to drive the second driving device (92) and the welding seat (93) to move together along the Y direction, and the second driving device (92) is used to drive the welding seat (93) to move along the vertical Z direction, and the welding seat (93) moves upward to contact the bottom surface of the adapter.

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