Carrying mechanism

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model provides a carrying mechanism, and relates to the technical field of battery processing, the carrying mechanism comprises a grabbing and clamping system, the grabbing and clamping system comprises a battery cell clamping assembly and an accessory clamping assembly, the battery cell clamping assembly is used for clamping a battery cell, and the accessory clamping assembly is used for clamping a space ring and / or a side plate; a frame; the first driving assembly is arranged on the rack and connected with the grabbing and clamping system, and the first driving assembly is configured to drive the grabbing and clamping system to move in the extending direction of the supporting beam so that the grabbing and clamping system can carry out carrying between the feeding station and the discharging station, and therefore the carrying system can synchronously carry the battery cells and the related accessories at the same time; the carrying efficiency is effectively improved, and the carrying cost is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of battery processing technology, and in particular to a transport mechanism. Background Art

[0002] During the battery packaging process, battery cells, as well as accessories such as spacers and side panels, need to be transported on a large scale. However, the current transport mechanism has a relatively single function and can only transport one component. Therefore, when assembling battery cells, multiple different transport mechanisms need to be equipped. This is not only costly and complicated to use, but also takes up a lot of space. Utility Model Content

[0003] The embodiment of the present application provides a transport mechanism to achieve the effect of transporting battery cells and accessories at the same time.

[0004] In order to achieve the above objectives, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application are as follows:

[0005] The embodiment of the present application provides a transport mechanism, comprising:

[0006] The gripping system includes a battery cell clamping assembly and an accessory clamping assembly, wherein the battery cell clamping assembly is used to clamp the battery cell, and the accessory clamping assembly is used to clamp the spacer and / or the side plate;

[0007] frame;

[0008] The first driving assembly is arranged on the frame and connected to the gripping system. The first driving assembly is configured to drive the gripping system to move along the extension direction of the support beam so that the gripping system can be transported between the loading station and the unloading station.

[0009] In a possible embodiment, the gripping system further includes:

[0010] The support frame includes a support portion and a sliding portion, the sliding portion is slidably connected to the support portion, the battery cell clamping assembly and the accessory clamping assembly are both arranged on the sliding portion, and the first driving assembly is connected to the support portion;

[0011] The second driving assembly is provided on the supporting portion, and the second driving assembly is configured to drive the sliding portion to move relative to the supporting portion.

[0012] In a possible implementation, the battery cell clamping assembly includes a limiting assembly and at least one first clamping jaw, wherein the first clamping jaw and the limiting assembly are respectively used to contact two opposite surfaces of the battery cell to clamp the battery cell.

[0013] In a possible embodiment, the first clamp includes two L-shaped clamping parts, which are used to contact the bottom and side walls of the battery cell, and the two clamping parts are used to clamp the battery cell from opposite sides of the battery cell, respectively, and the limiting assembly is used to contact the top of the battery cell.

[0014] In a possible embodiment, the limiting assembly includes a pressure plate and a first driving member, the output end of the first driving member is connected to the pressure plate, and the first driving member is configured to drive the pressure plate to move so that the pressure plate is separated from the surface of the battery cell or pressed against the surface of the battery cell.

[0015] In a possible implementation, the accessory clamping assembly includes at least one first suction cup group, the first suction cup group includes at least one first suction cup, and the first suction cup is used to adsorb the side panel.

[0016] In a possible implementation manner, a Teflon coating is provided on the surface of the clamping portion.

[0017] In a possible implementation, the first suction cup assembly further includes:

[0018] a first suction cup frame connected to the sliding portion;

[0019] at least one first connecting rod, slidably connected to the first suction cup frame, wherein the first suction cup is provided at one end of the first connecting rod;

[0020] At least one first elastic member is arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the first connecting rod, one end of the first elastic member contacts the first suction cup frame, the other end of the first elastic member contacts the first suction cup, or the other end of the first elastic member contacts the first positioning cover arranged at the end of the first connecting rod away from the first suction cup.

[0021] In a possible implementation, the accessory clamping assembly further includes at least one second suction cup group, the second suction cup group includes at least one second suction cup, and the second suction cup is used to absorb the spacer.

[0022] In a possible implementation, at least one second driving member is further provided on the sliding portion, and the second driving member is correspondingly connected to the second suction cup group to drive the second suction cup group to move up and down.

[0023] In a possible implementation, the second suction cup assembly further includes:

[0024] a connecting frame, slidably connected to the sliding portion, wherein an output end of the second driving member is connected to the connecting frame;

[0025] The third driving member is provided on the connecting frame, and is configured to drive the second suction cup to move in a direction close to or away from the battery cell clamping assembly.

[0026] In a possible implementation, the second suction cup assembly further includes:

[0027] a second suction cup frame connected to the output end of the third driving member;

[0028] at least one second connecting rod, slidably connected to the second suction cup frame, wherein the second suction cup is provided at one end of the second connecting rod;

[0029] At least one second elastic member is arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the second connecting rod, one end of the second elastic member contacts the second suction cup frame, the other end of the second elastic member contacts the second suction cup, or the other end of the second elastic member contacts the second positioning cover arranged at the end of the second connecting rod away from the second suction cup.

[0030] In a possible implementation, the accessory clamping assembly further includes:

[0031] A positioning member, located between the second suction cup frame and the battery cell clamping assembly;

[0032] A fourth driving member is provided on the sliding portion, an output end of the fourth driving member is connected to the positioning member, and the fourth driving member is configured to drive the positioning member to move toward or away from the second suction cup frame.

[0033] In a possible embodiment, the first driving assembly includes a carriage assembly and a fifth driving member, and the gripping system is connected to the carriage assembly;

[0034] The frame includes two parallel supporting beams, one of which is provided with the fifth driving member, and the other supporting beam is slidably connected to the traveling frame assembly;

[0035] Wherein, the fifth driving member is connected to the carriage assembly through a transmission member to drive the carriage assembly to move along the support beam.

[0036] In a possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0037] A detection component is located at the loading station, and is used to detect whether the battery cell exists at the loading station;

[0038] A controller is communicatively connected to the detection component, the first drive component, and the gripping system, and is configured to:

[0039] Controlling the gripping system to move to the loading station;

[0040] When the battery cell exists at the loading station, controlling the battery cell clamping assembly to clamp the battery cell, and controlling the accessory clamping assembly to clamp the spacer and / or the side plate;

[0041] Controlling the first driving assembly to drive the gripping system to move to the unloading station;

[0042] The battery cell clamping assembly is controlled to release the battery cell, and the accessory clamping assembly is controlled to release the spacer and / or the side plate.

[0043] The conveying mechanism provided in the embodiment of the present application is provided with a frame, a clamping system and a first drive component. The first drive component can drive the clamping system to move between the loading station and the unloading station for conveying. The clamping system includes a battery cell clamping component and an accessory clamping component. The battery cell clamping component is used to clamp the battery cell, and the accessory clamping component is used to clamp at least one of the spacer and the side plate. That is, the battery cell and related accessories can be conveyed synchronously by the clamping system without setting up a separate conveying mechanism for each component, which can effectively improve the conveying efficiency and also reduce the occupied space and use cost. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present application.

[0045] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a transport mechanism from a first perspective provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0046] Figure 2 A schematic structural diagram of a transport mechanism from a second perspective provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] Figure 3 A schematic structural diagram from a first perspective of a gripping system in a transport mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the enlarged structure in the circle;

[0049] Figure 5 A schematic structural diagram from a second perspective of the gripping system in the transport mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the enlarged structure in the circle;

[0051] Figure 7A schematic structural diagram of a gripping system in a transport mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present application from a third perspective;

[0052] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the enlarged structure in the circle;

[0053] Figure 9 A partial schematic diagram of a gripping system in a transport mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the transport process of the transport mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0055] Reference numerals:

[0056] 10-battery cell;

[0057] 20-side plank;

[0058] 30-spacer;

[0059] 100-frame; 110-support beam; 111-guide rail; 120-support leg;

[0060] 200 - gripping system; 210 - support unit; 220 - second drive assembly; 230 - sliding unit; 240 - battery cell clamping assembly; 241 - first clamping jaw; 242 - limit assembly; 2421 - first drive member; 2422 - pressure plate; 250 - accessory clamping assembly; 251 - first suction cup assembly; 2511 - first suction cup; 2512 - first suction cup frame; 2513 - first connecting rod; 252 - second suction cup assembly; 2521 - second suction cup; 2522 - second suction cup frame; 2523 - second connecting rod; 2524 - connecting frame; 2525 - third drive member; 253 - positioning member; 254 - fourth drive member; 255 - second drive member;

[0061] 300 - first driving assembly; 310 - carriage assembly; 320 - fifth driving member; 330 - transmission member.

[0062] The above drawings illustrate specific embodiments of the present application, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and the textual description are not intended to limit the scope of the present application in any way, but rather to illustrate the concepts of the present application to those skilled in the art by reference to specific embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] Exemplary embodiments will be described in detail herein, with examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, when referring to the drawings, identical numerals in different figures represent identical or similar elements, unless otherwise indicated. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments are not intended to represent all embodiments consistent with the present application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatus and methods consistent with certain aspects of the present application, as detailed in the appended claims.

[0064] The terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," and the like (if any) in the specification and claims of this application and in the accompanying drawings are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a particular order or precedence. It should be understood that the terms used in this manner are interchangeable where appropriate, so that the embodiments of the application described herein can, for example, be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described herein. In addition, the terms "including" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus comprising a series of steps or elements is not necessarily limited to those steps or elements explicitly listed, but may include other steps or elements not explicitly listed or inherent to such process, method, product, or apparatus.

[0065] During the battery production process, it is generally necessary to transport battery cells, as well as accessories such as spacers and side panels on a large scale and move them to different workstations for packaging. The manual efficiency is low, and the use of mechanical equipment can effectively improve the transportation efficiency.

[0066] The related technology discloses a handling device, including: a gantry frame; a gantry X-axis, which is arranged on the gantry frame; a gantry Y-axis, which is arranged on the gantry frame and is arranged in coordination with the gantry X-axis; a gantry Z-axis, which extends from the gantry frame and is arranged in coordination with the gantry X-axis; a handling clamp, which is arranged on the gantry Z-axis and is used to carry the battery cell group, and the battery cell is automatically handled by holding the battery cell with the handling clamp.

[0067] The above-mentioned transport device can only transport battery cells, and its transport function is single. Other accessories need to be transported by separate transport devices, which is relatively complicated. At the same time, the above-mentioned transport device adopts an integral gantry welding frame, which is difficult for early processing, transportation, and later assembly.

[0068] In order to avoid the above problems, an embodiment of the present application provides a conveying mechanism, in which the gripping system includes a battery cell clamping assembly and an accessory clamping assembly. The battery cell clamping assembly is used to clamp the battery cell, and the accessory clamping assembly is used to clamp at least one of the spacer and the side plate. That is, the battery cell and related accessories can be conveyed synchronously through the gripping system without setting up a separate conveying mechanism for each component, which can effectively improve the conveying efficiency and reduce the occupied space and usage cost.

[0069] It can be understood that the battery cells targeted by the transport mechanism of the embodiment of the present application include but are not limited to lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, and lead-acid batteries. As long as at least one of the spacers or side plates is required during assembly, this embodiment does not limit them.

[0070] The following specific embodiments describe in detail the technical solution of the present application and how the technical solution of the present application solves the above-mentioned technical problems. The following specific embodiments can be combined with each other, and the same or similar concepts or processes may not be repeated in some embodiments. The embodiments of the present application will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0071] In one possible implementation, see Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the transport mechanism includes a gripping system 200, a frame 100 and a first drive assembly 300. The frame 100 is used to support the gripping system 200 and guide the gripping system 200 to move in an appropriate direction. The first drive assembly 300 drives the gripping system 200 to move to switch between the loading station and the unloading station.

[0072] For ease of understanding, the following Figure 1 Describe the X, Y, and Z directions in .

[0073] The frame 100 includes at least one support beam 110, which extends along the X direction. The first drive assembly 300 drives the gripping system 200 to move along the X direction and stay at the loading station or the unloading station. The gripping system 200 grabs the material at the loading station and puts down the material at the unloading station, thereby realizing the transportation of materials. The materials here include but are not limited to battery cells 10, side panels 20, spacers 30 and other components. As long as they are components needed for battery packaging, they can be transported.

[0074] The support beam 110 and the first driving assembly 300 may adopt existing methods as long as they can drive the clamping system 200 to move, and this embodiment does not limit them.

[0075] Exemplarily, the frame 100 includes two parallel support beams 110, the first drive assembly 300 includes a carriage assembly 310 and a fifth drive member 320, the carriage assembly 310 is slidingly connected to at least one support beam 110 and is supported by the support beam 110, and the gripping system 200 is arranged on the carriage assembly 310 and is supported by the carriage assembly 310, and the fifth drive member 320 drives the carriage assembly 310 to move along the support beam 110, so that the gripping system 200 is switched between the loading station and the unloading station.

[0076] Of course, the rack 100 may further include a plurality of legs 120 , for example, four legs 120 are provided, with one leg 120 provided at each end of each support beam 110 for support.

[0077] The entire frame 100 is assembled by the support legs 120 and the support beams 110, and the frame assembly 310 and the fifth drive member 320 are subsequently installed on the frame 100. Such a split structure can effectively reduce the difficulty of processing and transportation compared to using an integral upper gantry, and is also more convenient for later installation.

[0078] It is understandable that the frame 100 may also adopt an existing gantry or other structure, as long as it can effectively support the gripping system 200. The specific selection can be made according to actual conditions, and this embodiment does not limit it here.

[0079] For example, the fifth driving member 320 may be a motor, which may be connected to the carriage assembly 310 via a transmission member 330 to drive the carriage assembly 310 to move.

[0080] Optionally, the transmission member 330 can be a combination of a belt and a pulley, or a combination of a chain and a sprocket. The motor drives the pulley or sprocket to rotate, and the frame assembly 310 is connected to the belt or chain. When the chain or belt moves, the frame assembly 310 drives the clamping system 200 to move synchronously.

[0081] Optionally, the transmission member 330 can be a combination of a screw rod and a connecting seat, which is threadedly connected to the screw rod. Among the two support beams 110, a guide rail 111 is provided on one support beam 110, and the other support beam 110 is used to install the screw rod. Of course, the screw rod is rotatably connected to the support beam 110, such as through a bearing. One side of the frame assembly 310 is connected to the connecting seat, and the other side can be slidably connected to the guide rail 111 through a structure such as a slider. The motor drives the screw rod to rotate, and the connecting seat will drive the frame assembly 310 to move along the guide rail 111, thereby driving the clamping system 200 to switch positions.

[0082] The motor-driven carriage assembly 310 drives the gripping system 200 to move, which not only has higher safety and longer service life, but also allows the gripping system 200 to flexibly adjust its stopping position to adapt to different usage situations.

[0083] It is understandable that the fifth driving member 320 may also be other power devices, as long as it can drive the clamping system 200 to move, and this embodiment does not limit it.

[0084] In one possible implementation, see Figure 5As shown, the gripping system 200 includes a battery cell clamping assembly 240 and an accessory clamping assembly 250 . The battery cell clamping assembly 240 is used to clamp the battery cell 10 , and the accessory clamping assembly 250 is used to clamp at least one of the spacer 30 and the side plate 20 .

[0085] Among them, the battery cell 10 is the main component of the electrochemical reaction, and accessories such as the spacer 30 and the side plate 20 can provide mechanical support or electrical insulation to fix or protect the battery cell 10. The battery cell 10 and these accessories can be transported at the same time through a gripping system 200. During transportation, the relative positions of the battery cell clamping assembly 240 and the accessory clamping assembly 250 can be adjusted so that they can be placed directly at the required position at the unloading station. This not only simplifies the packaging difficulty, but also reduces the number of transportation devices set up and reduces the occupied space.

[0086] It is understandable that the accessory clamping assembly 250 is not limited to the spacer 30 and the side plate 20 , and can also be used to clamp other components required for battery packaging, which is not limited in this embodiment.

[0087] In one possible implementation, see Figure 2 As shown, the gripping system 200 further includes a support frame and a second drive assembly 220. The support frame includes a support portion 210 and a sliding portion 230. The sliding portion 230 is slidably connected to the support portion 210. The battery cell clamping assembly 240 and the accessory clamping assembly 250 are both disposed on the sliding portion 230. The second drive assembly 220 is disposed on the support portion 210 and drives the sliding portion 230 to reciprocate along the Z direction.

[0088] Specifically, the support part 210 can be connected to the rack assembly 310 by bolts and other components, and the support part 210 supports the sliding part 230, the second drive assembly 220, the accessory clamping assembly 250, the battery cell clamping assembly 240 and other components, so that the rack assembly 310 can be driven to move by the fifth drive member 320.

[0089] The second driving assembly 220 may be a combination of a cylinder, a motor, and a screw, etc., as long as it can drive the sliding portion 230 to move in the Z direction. This embodiment does not limit it.

[0090] In addition, to limit the movement direction of the sliding portion 230, a slide groove or slide rail can be provided on the support portion 210, so that the sliding portion 230 is slidably connected to the slide groove or slide rail through a slider or other structure, thereby limiting the movement trajectory of the sliding portion 230 through the slide groove or slide rail. Of course, to facilitate the installation of various components and reduce occupied space, the sliding portion 230 can be configured as a combination of a hexagonal plate and a connecting portion, where the connecting portion is slidably connected to the support portion 210, and the hexagonal plate is connected to the connecting portion. The battery cell clamping assembly 240 and the accessory clamping assembly 250 can be arranged on the hexagonal plate or the connecting portion as appropriate.

[0091] During use, the second drive component 220 can drive the sliding part 230 to move up and down relative to the support part 210, so that the battery cell clamping component 240 and the accessory clamping component 250 can stay at different positions, thereby clamping and placing materials such as the battery cell 10, the spacer 30, the side panel 20, etc., or the battery cell clamping component 240 and the accessory clamping component 250 can avoid other components by changing their height to avoid affecting the movement of the clamping system 200 along the X direction.

[0092] In one possible implementation, see Figure 4 As shown, the battery cell clamping assembly 240 includes a limiting assembly 242 and at least one first clamping jaw 241 . The first clamping jaw 241 and the limiting assembly 242 are respectively used to contact two opposite surfaces of the battery cell 10 to clamp the battery cell 10 .

[0093] During transportation, multiple battery cells 10 are generally transported in stacked layers, such as four layers. When the first clamping jaws 241 and the limiting assembly 242 are used for positioning, relative displacement between the battery cells 10 can be effectively prevented.

[0094] For example, Figure 4 As shown, the first clamping claw 241 is used to contact the bottom of the battery cell 10, and the limiting component 242 is used to contact the top of the battery cell 10, thereby limiting the battery cell 10 from the bottom and top to prevent the battery cell 10 from falling during transportation.

[0095] Illustratively, the first clamping jaw 241 and the limiting assembly 242 are respectively disposed on two opposite sides of the battery core 10 to clamp the battery core 10 from both sides.

[0096] Exemplarily, the first clamping jaw 241 includes two L-shaped clamping parts and a driving part. The two clamping parts are arranged opposite to each other. The driving part is fixed on the sliding part 230 and can drive the two clamping parts to move toward or away from each other, thereby contacting the battery cell 10 from the opposite sides of the battery cell 10 to clamp the battery cell. The driving part can be a combination of a motor and a screw rod, or other structures, as long as it can drive the two clamping parts to move.

[0097] The clamping part can be divided into a vertical plate and a horizontal plate. The vertical plate extends along the Z direction, and the horizontal plate extends along the Y direction. The horizontal plate directly contacts the bottom of the battery cell 10, and the vertical plate can be used to contact the side wall of the battery cell 10, thereby further improving the fixing effect of the battery cell 10.

[0098] In addition, the clamping portion is a hard structure. In order to avoid damaging or scratching the battery cell 10 , the surface of the clamping portion may be coated with a Teflon coating or other coating to protect the battery cell 10 .

[0099] For battery cells 10 of different sizes, different numbers of first clamping jaws 241 can be provided for clamping, such as Figure 3 As shown, two first clamping jaws 241 may be provided, and the first clamping jaws 241 are arranged side by side to increase clamping points and enhance the fixing effect of the battery cell 10 .

[0100] It is understandable that the first clamping claw 241 may also be other structures that can be used to grasp the battery cell 10 , and this embodiment does not limit this.

[0101] In one possible embodiment, the limiting assembly 242 includes a pressure plate 2422 and a first driving member 2421, the output end of the first driving member 2421 is connected to the pressure plate 2422, and the first driving member 2421 is used to drive the pressure plate 2422 to move so that the pressure plate 2422 is separated from the surface of the battery cell 10 or pressed against the surface of the battery cell 10.

[0102] The shape of the side of the pressing plate 2422 in contact with the surface of the battery cell is adapted to the surface shape of the battery cell 10 , so that when in contact with the battery cell 10 , the battery cell 10 can be effectively pressed against the horizontal plate, and the battery cell 10 can be effectively fixed in cooperation with the first clamping jaw 241 .

[0103] In addition, the first driving member 2421 can also be used to detect whether the battery cell 10 is qualified, that is, the first driving member 2421 can be a cylinder, and whether the battery cell is qualified can be judged according to the extension distance of the cylinder.

[0104] Specifically, the cylinder can be preset with a maximum stroke, and within this stroke range, it can stop at any time as long as the force exerted on the surface of the battery cell 10 reaches a certain value. Therefore, the maximum stroke of the battery cell 10 can be set according to the total thickness of all the battery cells 10 to be clamped.

[0105] When the cylinder controls the pressure plate 2422 to move in the Z direction to fix the battery cell 10, the pressure plate 2422 will gradually contact the battery cell 10, and the battery cell 10 will feedback a certain force to the pressure plate 2422, thereby stopping the cylinder from moving. At this time, whether the thickness of the battery cell 10 is qualified can be judged based on the distance at which the cylinder stops moving. For example, when the number of battery cells 10 is insufficient, excessive, or a battery cell 10 is defective, it can be judged based on the moving distance of the cylinder.

[0106] For example, a preset stroke can be set for the cylinder according to the total thickness of all battery cells 10 and the allowable battery cell size error range. If the moving distance is not within the preset stroke when the cylinder stops, an alarm can be issued to notify the staff to check.

[0107] In one possible implementation, see Figure 5 As shown, the accessory clamping assembly 250 includes at least one first suction cup group 251 , and the first suction cup group 251 includes at least one first suction cup 2511 , which is used to suck the side panel 20 .

[0108] Specifically, when packaging the battery, it is generally necessary to set side panels 20 on both sides and set spacers 30 at both ends for protection. Therefore, two first suction cup groups 251 can be set. The two first suction cup groups 251 can be set on opposite sides of the side panel 20, that is, they can be set on both sides of the first clamping jaw 241 in the X direction. In this way, after being transported by the transport mechanism, the side panel 20 can be directly placed on the packaging position on both sides of the battery cell 10 to facilitate packaging, and the first suction cup 2511 can directly adsorb the side panel 20 by vacuum adsorption, which can not only stably transport the side panel 20 but also will not cause damage to the side panel 20.

[0109] It can be understood that each first suction cup group 251 can include multiple first suction cups 2511. Multiple first suction cups 2511 can be arranged side by side or in other ways. They can be adjusted according to parameters such as the length, weight, and shape of the side panel 20. This embodiment does not limit this.

[0110] For example, the first suction cup group 251 may include two first suction cups 2511 , which are respectively disposed near two ends of the side panel 20 , so as to stably adsorb the side panel 20 .

[0111] In some possible embodiments, the first suction cup group 251 also includes a first suction cup frame 2512, at least one first connecting rod 2513 and at least one first elastic member. The first suction cup frame 2512 is connected to the sliding portion 230, for example, through a connecting plate, and the first suction cup frame 2512 can extend along the length direction of the side panel 20. The first connecting rod 2513 is slidingly connected to the first suction cup frame 2512, and the first suction cup 2511 is correspondingly arranged at one end of the first connecting rod 2513.

[0112] Among them, the first elastic member is arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the first connecting rod 2513. The first elastic member can adjust the distance between the first suction cup 2511 and the first suction cup frame 2512 according to the size of the reaction received by the end of the first suction cup 2511 in contact with the side panel 20, so that the first suction cup 2511 can effectively contact the side panel 20.

[0113] Exemplarily, the first elastic member can be a spring, which is arranged on the outside of the first connecting rod 2513. The spring can be located between the first suction cup 2511 and the first suction cup frame 2512, with its two ends respectively in contact with the first suction cup 2511 and the first suction cup frame 2512. A first positioning cover can also be provided at the end of the first connecting rod 2513 facing away from the first suction cup 2511. The first connecting rod 2513 is provided with a first positioning cover at one end that passes through the first suction cup frame 2512 and extends to the side of the first suction cup frame 2512 facing away from the first suction cup 2511, and the spring is located between the first positioning cover and the first suction cup frame 2512.

[0114] It is understandable that the first elastic member can also be a spring or other structure, as long as it can drive the first connecting rod 2513 to move relative to the first suction cup frame 2512 so that the first suction cup 2511 is in stable contact with the surface of the side panel 20. This embodiment does not limit it here.

[0115] During actual use, the surface of the side panel 20 is not necessarily flat. The position of the first suction cup 2511 can be changed by the first elastic member so that each first suction cup 2511 is in effective contact with the side panel 20 to fix the side panel 20.

[0116] In addition, the first suction cup 2511 can be rotatably connected to the first connecting rod 2513, so that not only the position of the first suction cup 2511 in the Z direction can be adjusted, but also the first suction cup 2511 can automatically change the inclination angle according to the shape of the side panel 20 to better contact the side panel 20.

[0117] It is understandable that the first suction cup 2511 is connected to a vacuum device to absorb the side panel 20 .

[0118] In a possible implementation, the accessory clamping assembly 250 further includes at least one second suction cup group 252 . The second suction cup group 252 includes at least one second suction cup 2521 . The second suction cup 2521 is used to absorb the spacer 30 .

[0119] Generally speaking, a spacer 30 is set at each end of the battery cell 10. Therefore, the number of the second suction cup groups 252 can also be set to two. The two second suction cup groups 252 are respectively arranged at both ends of the battery cell clamping assembly 240, that is, on both sides of the first clamping jaw 241 in the Y direction, so as to transport the two spacers 30 respectively.

[0120] After being transported by the transport mechanism, the spacer 30 can be directly placed on the packaging positions at both ends of the battery cell 10 for easy packaging, and the second suction cup 2521 can directly adsorb the spacer 30 by vacuum adsorption, which can not only stably transport the spacer 30 but also will not cause damage to the spacer 30.

[0121] It can be understood that each second suction cup group 252 can include multiple second suction cups 2521. The multiple second suction cups 2521 can be arranged side by side or in other ways. They can be adjusted according to parameters such as the length, weight, and shape of the spacer 30. This embodiment does not limit this.

[0122] For example, the second suction cup group 252 may include two second suction cups 2521 , which are respectively disposed near two ends of the spacer 30 , so as to stably adsorb the spacer 30 .

[0123] The height requirements for placing the spacer 30 at the unloading station and the loading station may be different. In order to adapt to this requirement, at least one second driving member 255 is also provided on the sliding part 230. The second driving member 255 is correspondingly connected to the second suction cup group 252 to drive the second suction cup group 252 to move up and down.

[0124] The second driving member 255 can be a cylinder or a combination of a motor and a screw rod, etc., as long as it can drive the second suction cup group 252 to change its position in the Z direction. This embodiment does not limit it here.

[0125] In addition, the center distance between the spacer 30 and the loading station when the spacer 30 is at the loading station may be different from the center distance between the spacer 30 and the unloading station when the spacer 30 is at the unloading station. In order to make the second suction cup group 252 adapt to the different placement requirements of the loading station and the unloading station, please refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the second suction cup 2521 further includes a connecting frame 2524 and a third driving member 2525 .

[0126] The connecting frame 2524 is slidably connected to the sliding portion 230. The output end of the second driving member 255 is connected to the connecting frame 2524, that is, the second driving member 255 can drive the connecting frame 2524 to move in the Z direction. The third driving member 2525 is disposed on the connecting frame 2524 and drives the second suction cup 2521 to move toward or away from the battery cell clamping assembly 240, that is, along the X direction.

[0127] In order to limit the moving path of the connecting frame 2524, a sliding groove can be set on the sliding part 230, and the connecting frame 2524 can be slidably connected to the sliding groove through a structure such as a slider, so that the moving path of the connecting frame 2524 is limited by the sliding groove.

[0128] It is understandable that the third driving member 2525 can be a cylinder or a combination of a motor and a screw, etc., as long as it can adjust the position of the second suction cup 2521 in the X direction, and this embodiment does not limit it.

[0129] In a possible implementation, the second suction cup group 252 further includes a second suction cup frame 2522 , at least one second connecting rod 2523 , and at least one second elastic member.

[0130] The second suction cup frame 2522 extends along the length direction of the spacer 30 , is connected to the output end of the third driving member 2525 , the second connecting rod 2523 is slidably connected to the second suction cup frame 2522 , and the second suction cup 2521 is arranged at one end of the second connecting rod 2523 .

[0131] For example, a connection hole may be opened on the second suction cup frame 2522 , and the second connection rod 2523 is inserted into the connection hole and slidably connected to the connection hole.

[0132] Among them, one end of the second elastic member is in contact with the second suction cup frame 2522, and the second elastic member is arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the second connecting rod 2523. The second elastic member can adjust the distance between the second suction cup 2521 and the second suction cup frame 2522 according to the size of the reaction received by the end of the second suction cup 2521 in contact with the spacer 30, that is, change the relative position of the second suction cup 2521 and the second suction cup frame 2522 in the Z direction, so that the second suction cup 2521 can effectively contact the spacer 30.

[0133] Exemplarily, the second elastic member can be a spring, which is arranged on the outside of the second connecting rod 2523. The spring can be located between the second suction cup 2521 and the second suction cup frame 2522, with both ends respectively in contact with the second suction cup 2521 and the second suction cup frame 2522. A second positioning cover can also be provided at the end of the second connecting rod 2523 facing away from the second suction cup 2521. The second connecting rod 2523 is provided with a second positioning cover at one end that passes through the second suction cup frame 2522 and extends to the side of the second suction cup frame 2522 facing away from the second suction cup 2521. The spring is located between the second positioning cover and the second suction cup frame 2522.

[0134] It is understandable that the second elastic member can also be a spring sheet or other structure, as long as it can drive the second connecting rod 2523 to move relative to the second suction cup frame 2522 so that the second suction cup 2521 is in stable contact with the surface of the spacer 30. This embodiment does not limit it here.

[0135] In actual use, the surface of the spacer 30 is not necessarily flat. The second elastic member can change the position of the second suction cup 2521 so that each second suction cup 2521 effectively contacts the spacer 30 to fix the spacer 30.

[0136] In addition, the second suction cup 2521 can be rotatably connected to the second connecting rod 2523, so that not only the position of the second suction cup 2521 in the Z direction can be adjusted, but also the second suction cup 2521 can automatically change the inclination angle according to the shape of the spacer 30 to better contact the spacer 30.

[0137] It is understandable that the second suction cup 2521 is connected to a vacuum device to absorb the spacer 30 .

[0138] In addition, the first suction cup 2511 generally serves to absorb the narrow vertical surface of the spacer 30. However, when the spacer 30 is placed at the unloading station, the spacer 30 may tilt or fail to adhere to the bottom plate of the material placement station. To address this issue, in this embodiment, the accessory clamping assembly 250 further includes a positioning member 253 and a fourth driving member 254. The positioning member 253 is positioned between the second suction cup frame 2522 and the battery cell clamping assembly 240. The fourth driving member 254 is disposed on the sliding portion 230. The output end of the fourth driving member 254 is connected to the positioning member 253. The fourth driving member 254 drives the positioning member 253 to move toward or away from the second suction cup frame 2522.

[0139] For example, see Figure 7 、 Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the positioning member 253 includes two positioning plates, which are arranged side by side in the Y direction and located between the battery cell clamping assembly 240 and the second suction cup frame 2522. The two positioning plates are respectively used to contact the two ends of the spacer 30 to position the spacer 30.

[0140] Specifically, at the loading station, the fourth driving member 254 drives the positioning plate to move along the X direction to the position farthest from the second suction cup holder 2522 to avoid affecting the second suction cup 2521 to adsorb the spacer 30. After reaching the unloading station, the fourth driving member 254 drives the positioning plate to move toward the direction close to the spacer 30 to contact the spacer 30 to avoid the spacer 30 from tilting or shifting, so that the spacer 30 can be placed in the required position when placed at the unloading station, and the placement state meets the packaging requirements without the need for manual adjustment again.

[0141] In a possible implementation, the transport mechanism further includes a detection component and a controller.

[0142] The detection component is located at the loading station, and is used to detect whether there is a battery cell 10 at the loading station. The controller is communicatively connected with the detection component, the first drive component 300, and the clamping system 200.

[0143] Among them, see Figure 10 As shown, the controller is used to control the operation of each component in the following manner:

[0144] Control the gripping system 200 to move to the loading station;

[0145] Receive information from the detection component, and when there is a battery cell 10 at the loading station, control the battery cell clamping component 240 to clamp the battery cell 10, and control the accessory clamping component 250 to clamp the spacer 30 and / or the side plate 20;

[0146] Control the first drive assembly 300 to drive the gripping system 200 to move to the unloading station;

[0147] The battery cell clamping assembly 240 is controlled to release the battery cell 10 , and the accessory clamping assembly 250 is controlled to release the spacer 30 and / or the side plate 20 , thereby realizing automatic transportation of the battery cell 10 and related accessories, and effectively improving transportation efficiency.

[0148] It is understandable that the detection component can be a common photoelectric detection device, as long as it can determine whether there is a battery cell 10 at the loading station, and this embodiment does not limit it.

[0149] In addition, the controller can also be configured to control the gripping system 200 to stop handling and alert personnel to conduct an inspection if the second driving member 255 fails to press the battery cell 10 within the preset stroke. The alarm can be provided by an audible or visual alarm, or by sending a prompt message to a control terminal, and is not limited in this embodiment.

[0150] In addition, for ease of understanding, the working principle of the transport mechanism provided in the embodiment of the present application is further described below:

[0151] When the gripping system 200 is at the loading station, there is a conveying device or manually added multi-layer battery cells 10, as well as a side plate and spacer loading tray at the loading station. The side plates 20 and spacers 30 to be taken are placed at the corresponding positions of the side plates and spacer loading trays. The second driving component 220 drives the battery cell clamping component 240 and the accessory clamping component 250 to move to the preset position along the Z direction. The detection component detects whether there is a battery cell 10 at the loading station. If so, the clamping part of the first clamping jaw 241 moves in a direction close to each other to clamp the battery cell 10. The first driving member 2421 drives the pressing plate 2422 to extend and press the battery cell 10. At the same time, the third driving member 2421 drives the pressing plate 2422 to extend and press the battery cell 10. Component 2525 drives the second suction cup 2521 to move to the position closest to the first clamping claw 241. The second driving component 255 drives the second suction cup 2521 to move downward to the preset position for removing the spacer 30. At this time, the second suction cup 2521 is compressed and begins to absorb vacuum, so that the spacer 30 is fixed on the second suction cup 2521. When the second driving component 220 drives the battery cell clamping component 240 and the accessory clamping component 250 to move to the preset position along the Z direction, the first suction cup 2511 also reaches the position for sucking the side plate 20. The first suction cup 2511 is compressed and begins to absorb vacuum, so that the side plate 20 is fixed on the first suction cup 2511. At this time, the positioning plate is at the position farthest from the second suction cup frame 2522. After the battery cell 10, side plate 20 and spacer 30 at the loading station are removed, a new battery cell 10 will be added, and the side plate and spacer loading tray will flow back to receive the new side plate 20 and spacer 30.

[0152] When the first suction cup 2511 and the second suction cup 2521 have completed vacuuming and reached the corresponding vacuum value, the second driving assembly 220 drives the sliding part 230 and all components to move upward as a whole, lifting the battery cell 10 and the spacer 30 and the side plate 20. At this time, the first elastic member and the second elastic member are released and are in a free state.

[0153] After the sliding portion 230 rises to the set position, the fifth drive member 320 drives the carriage assembly 310 to the unloading station. During this process, the third drive member 2525 drives the second suction cup frame 2522 to move along the X-direction to the position farthest from the battery cell 10, i.e., the position that matches the center distance of the spacer ring 30 in the unloading station. Simultaneously, the second drive member 255 drives the connecting frame 2524 upward to the predetermined position. After reaching the unloading station, the second drive assembly 220 drives the sliding portion 230 and its components downward along the Z-direction to the unloading position. At this point, the gripping system 200 completes the movement from the loading station to the unloading station.

[0154] When each component moves to the discharge position, the first driving member 2421 drives the pressure plate 2422 to move up and separate from the battery cell 10, and the two clamping parts of the first clamping jaw 241 move in the direction away from the battery cell 10 to release the battery cell 10; at this time, the first suction cup 2511 and the second suction cup 2521 are compressed at the same time, and when the side plate 20 and the spacer 30 are placed in the specified position, the fourth driving member 254 is extended at the same time to extend the positioning plate, and the positioning plate and the baffle pre-set at the unloading station jointly press the spacer 30 from the opposite sides of the spacer 30 to ensure that the spacer 30 does not tilt, and then, the positioning mechanism pre-set on the unloading station begins to position the side plate 20 and the spacer 30. After positioning, the first suction cup 2511 and the second suction cup 2521 begin to break the vacuum, thereby completing the transportation of the side plate 20, the spacer 30 and the battery cell 10 from the combination position one at the loading position to the combination position two at the unloading position. In addition, the unloading station can also be a battery scanning station to perform packaging and scanning of the battery cells 10, side panels 20 and spacers 30.

[0155] Subsequently, the fourth drive member 254 drives the positioning plate back to its original position, the second drive assembly 220 drives the sliding part 230 and each component to rise back to its original position, and the fifth drive member 320 drives the rack assembly 310 to move, so that the gripping system 200 returns to the top of the loading station and starts the next round of transportation.

[0156] During the entire transport process, if the first driving member 2421 does not press the battery cell within the preset stroke, the information will be transmitted to the controller, an alarm will be issued, and the transport will be terminated. The transport will be resumed after the staff corrects the problem.

[0157] Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate other embodiments of the present application after considering the specification and practicing the application disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the present application that follow the general principles of the present application and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The description and examples are to be considered merely as exemplary, and the true scope and spirit of the present application are indicated by the claims.

[0158] It should be understood that the present application is not limited to the exact structure described above and shown in the drawings, and that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope thereof. The scope of the present application is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A transport mechanism, characterized in that: include: A gripping system (200) comprises a battery core clamping assembly (240) and an accessory clamping assembly (250), wherein the battery core clamping assembly (240) is used to clamp a battery core (10), and the accessory clamping assembly (250) is used to clamp a spacer (30) and / or a side plate (20); Rack(100); A first drive assembly (300) is provided on the frame (100) and is connected to the gripping system (200). The first drive assembly (300) is configured to drive the gripping system (200) to move so that the gripping system (200) is transported between a loading station and an unloading station.

2. The transport mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The gripping system (200) further comprises: A support frame comprises a support portion (210) and a sliding portion (230), wherein the sliding portion (230) is slidably connected to the support portion (210), the battery cell clamping assembly (240) and the accessory clamping assembly (250) are both arranged on the sliding portion (230), and the first driving assembly (300) is connected to the support portion (210); A second driving component (220) is provided on the supporting portion (210), and the second driving component (220) is configured to drive the sliding portion (230) to move relative to the supporting portion (210).

3. The transport mechanism according to claim 2, wherein: The battery cell clamping assembly (240) comprises a limiting assembly (242) and at least one first clamping claw (241), wherein the first clamping claw (241) and the limiting assembly (242) are respectively used to contact two opposite surfaces of the battery cell (10) to clamp the battery cell (10).

4. The transport mechanism according to claim 3, wherein: The first clamping claw (241) comprises two L-shaped clamping parts, the clamping parts are used to contact the bottom and side walls of the battery core (10), and the two clamping parts are used to clamp the battery core (10) from two opposite sides of the battery core (10), and the limiting component (242) is used to contact the top of the battery core (10).

5. The transport mechanism according to claim 4, wherein: The surface of the clamping portion is provided with a Teflon coating.

6. The transport mechanism according to claim 3, wherein: The limiting assembly (242) includes a pressing plate (2422) and a first driving member (2421), wherein an output end of the first driving member (2421) is connected to the pressing plate (2422), and the first driving member (2421) is configured to drive the pressing plate (2422) to move so that the pressing plate (2422) is separated from the surface of the battery cell (10) or pressed against the surface of the battery cell (10).

7. The transport mechanism according to claim 2, wherein: The accessory clamping assembly (250) includes at least one first suction cup group (251), the first suction cup group (251) includes at least one first suction cup (2511), and the first suction cup (2511) is used to absorb the side panel (20).

8. The transport mechanism according to claim 7, wherein: The first suction cup group (251) further comprises: A first suction cup frame (2512) connected to the sliding portion (230); At least one first connecting rod (2513) is slidably connected to the first suction cup frame (2512), and the first suction cup (2511) is arranged at one end of the first connecting rod (2513); At least one first elastic member is arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the first connecting rod (2513), one end of the first elastic member contacts the first suction cup frame (2512), the other end of the first elastic member contacts the first suction cup (2511), or the other end of the first elastic member contacts the first positioning cover arranged at the end of the first connecting rod (2513) away from the first suction cup (2511).

9. The transport mechanism according to claim 2, wherein: The accessory clamping assembly (250) further comprises at least one second suction cup group (252), wherein the second suction cup group (252) comprises at least one second suction cup (2521), and the second suction cup (2521) is used for adsorbing the spacer (30).

10. The transport mechanism according to claim 9, wherein: At least one second driving member (255) is also provided on the sliding portion (230), and the second driving member (255) is correspondingly connected to the second suction cup group (252) to drive the second suction cup group (252) to move up and down.

11. The transport mechanism according to claim 10, wherein: The second suction cup assembly (252) further comprises: A connecting frame (2524) is slidably connected to the sliding portion (230), and an output end of the second driving member (255) is connected to the connecting frame (2524); The third driving member (2525) is arranged on the connecting frame (2524), and the third driving member (2525) is configured to drive the second suction cup (2521) to move in a direction close to or away from the battery cell clamping assembly (240).

12. The transport mechanism according to claim 11, wherein: The second suction cup assembly (252) further comprises: A second suction cup frame (2522) is connected to the output end of the third driving member (2525); at least one second connecting rod (2523) slidably connected to the second suction cup frame (2522), the second suction cup (2521) being arranged at one end of the second connecting rod (2523); At least one second elastic member is arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the second connecting rod (2523), one end of the second elastic member contacts the second suction cup frame (2522), the other end of the second elastic member contacts the second suction cup (2521), or the other end of the second elastic member contacts the second positioning cover arranged at the end of the second connecting rod (2523) away from the second suction cup (2521).

13. The transport mechanism according to claim 12, wherein: The accessory clamping assembly (250) further includes: A positioning member (253) is located between the second suction cup frame (2522) and the battery core clamping assembly (240); A fourth driving member (254) is provided on the sliding portion (230), an output end of the fourth driving member (254) is connected to the positioning member (253), and the fourth driving member (254) is configured to drive the positioning member (253) to move toward or away from the second suction cup frame (2522).

14. The transport mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that: The first driving assembly (300) includes a frame assembly (310) and a fifth driving member (320), and the gripping system (200) is connected to the frame assembly (310); The frame (100) includes two parallel supporting beams (110), one of the supporting beams (110) is provided with the fifth driving member (320), and the other supporting beam (110) is slidably connected to the rack assembly (310); The fifth driving member (320) is connected to the carriage assembly (310) via a transmission member (330) to drive the carriage assembly (310) to move along the support beam (110).

15. The transport mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that: Also includes: A detection component is located at the loading station, and the detection component is used to detect whether the battery cell (10) is present at the loading station; A controller is in communication with the detection component, the first drive component (300), and the gripping system (200), and the controller is configured to: Controlling the gripping system (200) to move to the loading station; When the battery core (10) is present at the loading station, controlling the battery core clamping assembly (240) to clamp the battery core (10), and controlling the accessory clamping assembly (250) to clamp the spacer (30) and / or the side plate (20); Controlling the first driving component (300) to drive the gripping system (200) to move to the unloading station; The battery core clamping assembly (240) is controlled to release the battery core (10), and the accessory clamping assembly (250) is controlled to release the spacer (30) and / or the side plate (20).

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