Battery module boxing equipment

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of equipment transfer, and discloses battery module boxing equipment which comprises a boxing mechanism and a transfer mechanism, and the boxing mechanism comprises a boxing driving assembly, a pushing assembly and a boxing track used for placing a battery module; the pushing assembly moves in the extending direction of the box entering track under the driving effect of the box entering driving assembly. The box entering track comprises a starting end and a box entering end; the transfer mechanism is arranged at the box inlet end of the box inlet rail and comprises a transfer rail and a box carrier movably connected to the transfer rail. The boxing track and the transfer track are arranged along the horizontal plane; and under the action of the box entering driving assembly, the pushing assembly pushes the battery module placed on the box entering track until the battery module enters a box body limited by the box body carrier. According to the battery module boxing equipment, through the design of the boxing mechanism and the transfer mechanism, boxing of the battery module in the horizontal direction is achieved, meanwhile, smooth connection between procedures can be achieved, and the production efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the technical field of equipment transfer, specifically relating to a battery module box-loading device. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of new energy vehicles in China, the demand for power batteries, a core component of new energy vehicles, has increased significantly, posing a huge challenge to the efficiency of power battery production.

[0003] Placing battery modules into the housing is a crucial step in the power battery production line, but its production efficiency still has room for improvement. In the current automated process of battery module placement, batteries are typically placed vertically into the housing. This requires the housing to have sufficient space for the mechanism transporting the batteries, resulting in low space utilization for the battery modules. After placement, the battery modules need to be secured to the housing, and then manually or with a forklift, the secured battery modules and housing are transferred to the next workstation. Therefore, there is a lack of smooth transition between the battery module placement process and the next, indicating that online operation is not fully realized and there is room for improvement in production efficiency.

[0004] In summary, the relevant technical personnel are currently facing the problem of how to improve the production efficiency of equipment in the battery module packing process. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the shortcomings of the existing technology, this utility model provides a battery module loading device. Through the design of the loading mechanism and the transfer mechanism, it enables the horizontal loading of battery modules and also allows for smooth connection between processes, thereby improving production efficiency.

[0006] The technical effects to be achieved by this utility model are realized through the following technical aspects:

[0007] In a first aspect, this utility model provides a battery module loading device, including...

[0008] The battery module loading mechanism includes a loading drive assembly, a push assembly connected to the loading drive assembly, and a loading track for placing battery modules; the push assembly moves along the extension direction of the loading track under the drive of the loading drive assembly; the loading track includes a starting end and a loading end.

[0009] A transfer mechanism is provided at the box entry end of the box entry track. The transfer mechanism includes a transfer track and a box carrier movably connected to the transfer track. The box entry track and the transfer track are arranged along a horizontal plane.

[0010] Under the action of the box-entry driving component, the pushing component pushes the battery module placed on the box-entry track until the battery module enters the box body limited by the box carrier.

[0011] Preferably, the push component is provided with a visual detection component oriented towards the direction of movement.

[0012] Preferably, the box-in mechanism is further provided with a pressure sensor for monitoring the pressure between the battery module and the push assembly.

[0013] Preferably, the box-entry track is provided with a plurality of first rollers, the roller shafts of the first rollers being arranged horizontally and perpendicular to the extension direction of the box-entry track.

[0014] Preferably, the box-entry driving assembly includes a first drive and a drive rail, with the box-entry track disposed on both sides of the drive rail;

[0015] The pushing component includes a base and a pushing block for abutting against the battery module. The base is connected to the drive rail and moves along the drive rail under the first driving action, so that the pushing block pushes the battery module.

[0016] Preferably, an inlet limiting mechanism is provided on the outer side of the inlet track. The inlet limiting mechanism includes a second drive and a limiting part extending along the inlet track. The second drive is connected to the limiting part, and the limiting part moves away from or close to the extension center line of the inlet track under the action of the second drive.

[0017] Preferably, the limiting part is provided with a plurality of second rollers on the side near the box entry track, and the roller shafts of the second rollers are arranged in the vertical direction.

[0018] Preferably, the container carrier includes a rear end limiting component and a side limiting component for adjustment and positioning.

[0019] Preferably, it further includes a front end limiting component for the container, which is located at the container entry end of the container entry mechanism and includes an abutment block that can extend and retract toward the container carrier.

[0020] Preferably, it also includes a transport mechanism located near the transfer track.

[0021] In summary, this utility model has at least the following advantages:

[0022] The battery module loading equipment provided by this utility model, through the design of the loading mechanism and the transfer mechanism, enables horizontal loading of battery modules into the box, while also facilitating smooth connection between processes and improving production efficiency. Specifically, the loading track in the loading mechanism and the transfer track in the transfer mechanism are both set along the horizontal plane, enabling horizontal loading of battery modules. Compared to the method of clamping battery modules with grippers and placing them vertically into the box, the horizontal loading process saves the process of the grippers entering the box, eliminating the need for pre-reserved space in the box for grippers, thus helping to improve the space utilization of the box. At the same time, the horizontal loading of battery modules has good stability, reducing the likelihood of battery modules falling off. Furthermore, after the battery modules are loaded, the box carrier remains on the production line, connecting with other processes through the transfer mechanism, further improving production efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the battery module loading device according to Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the box-entry driving component and the pushing component of Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the transfer mechanism in Embodiment 2 of this utility model.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the box entry track in Embodiment 2 of this utility model.

[0027] Figure 5 This is an enlarged schematic diagram of the structure of part A of the battery module loading device in Embodiment 2 of this utility model.

[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the battery module loading device according to Embodiment 3 of this utility model.

[0029] Marked in the image:

[0030] 100. Box loading mechanism; 200. Transfer mechanism;

[0031] 10. Box entry drive assembly; 11. First drive; 12. Drive guide rail;

[0032] 20. Pushing component; 21. Base; 22. Connecting part; 221. First connecting plate; 222. Second connecting plate; 23. Pushing block; 24. Visual inspection component;

[0033] 30. Box entry track; 31. Starting end; 32. Box entry end; 33. First roller; 34. Box entry limiting mechanism; 341. Second drive; 342. Limiting part; 343. Second roller;

[0034] 40. Transfer track;

[0035] 50. Container carrier; 51. Rear end limiting assembly of the container; 52. Side limiting assembly; 511. Rear end limiting plate; 521. Adjustable rail; 522. Side limiting plate; 523. Third drive; 53. Carrier base; 54. Front end limiting assembly; 541. Abutment block; 542. Fourth drive;

[0036] 60. Handling mechanism; 61. Handling frame; 62. Vertical handling assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0037] To facilitate understanding of this utility model, a more comprehensive description will be given below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. The drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of this utility model. However, this utility model can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a more thorough and complete understanding of the disclosure of this utility model.

[0038] It should be noted that when a component is said to be "fixed to" another component, it can be directly attached to the other component or there may be an intervening component. When a component is said to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intervening component.

[0039] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this utility model is in use. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0040] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention.

[0041] Example 1:

[0042] Please see the appendix Figures 1-2This embodiment provides a battery module loading device. The battery module loading device improves the space utilization of the box by loading the battery modules horizontally, and at the same time facilitates the automated connection between the battery modules and other mechanisms after loading, thereby improving production efficiency.

[0043] Specifically, the battery module loading device includes a loading mechanism 100 and a transfer mechanism 200. The loading mechanism 100 includes a loading drive assembly 10, a pushing assembly 20, and a loading track 30. The battery module is placed on the loading track 30. The loading drive assembly 10 drives the pushing assembly 20 to move along the loading track 30. The pushing assembly 20 contacts the battery module and pushes it along the loading track 30 until the battery module enters the casing.

[0044] The loading track 30 includes a starting end 31 and a loading end 32. The battery module moves from the starting end 31 to the loading end 32, and the transfer mechanism 200 is located at the loading end 32. The transfer mechanism 200 includes a transfer track 40 and a box carrier 50 movably connected to the transfer track 40. The box carrier 50 is used to place the box, and the opening of the box faces the loading track 30.

[0045] Specifically, the loading track 30 and the transfer track 40 are arranged horizontally, allowing the battery modules to enter the casing horizontally. Compared to the method of gripping the battery modules with claws and placing them vertically into the casing, the horizontal loading method saves the process of the claws entering the casing and eliminates the need to reserve space for the claws between the casing and the battery modules, thus helping to improve the space utilization of the casing. At the same time, the horizontal loading method of the battery modules has good stability and is less likely to cause the battery modules to fall due to instability. Furthermore, after the battery modules are placed in the casing, the casing carrier 50 remains on the production line and is connected to other processes through the transfer mechanism 200, thereby improving production efficiency.

[0046] In some embodiments, the pushing component 20 may also be equipped with a vision detection component 24. The vision detection component 24 is positioned facing the direction in which the pushing component 20 moves, i.e., facing the direction where the battery module is located, so as to acquire image information of the battery module and even the distance between the battery module and the housing in real time. During the pushing process of the battery module, the vision detection component 24 can determine the distance between the battery module and the housing, which is beneficial for adjusting the moving speed and position of the pushing component 20. After the battery module enters the housing, the vision detection component 24 faces the inlet, so as to collect image information of the battery module when it is inside the housing, and thus determine whether the battery module has completely entered the housing, and whether there are any problems such as displacement of the battery module inside the housing. This is beneficial for timely feedback and traceability of the process effect, thereby improving the technical effect of the battery module entering the housing.

[0047] In some embodiments, the box-loading mechanism 100 is further provided with a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure between the battery module and the pushing component 20, so as to adjust the working state of the pushing component 20 in a timely manner. If, during the process of the pushing component 20 pushing the battery module, a foreign object or other reason causes the movement of the battery module to be resisted, the resistance will affect the pressure between the pushing component 20 and the battery module in the form of a reaction force. Therefore, based on the bad signal fed back by the pressure sensor, the movement of the pushing component 20 can be stopped in time to avoid damage to the battery module during forced forward movement, thereby playing a safety protection role. It also helps the staff to inspect the battery module in a timely manner and reduce the defect rate of the battery module or the box.

[0048] The inlet drive assembly 10 includes a first drive 11 and a drive rail 12. The drive rail 12 extends parallel to the inlet track 30, and the inlet track 30 is located on both sides of the drive rail 12. The push assembly 20 is connected to the drive rail 12 and includes a base 21 connected to the drive rail 12 and a push block 23 protruding from the push assembly 20 in the moving direction. The push block 23 is used to abut against the battery module. Under the action of the first drive 11, the push assembly 20 moves along the drive rail 12 via the base 21. When the push block 23 abuts against the battery module, the battery module is pushed along the inlet track 30 as the push assembly 20 moves.

[0049] In this embodiment, the loading track 30 is higher than the drive guide rail 12, and the battery module is placed on the loading track 30. The pushing component 20 also includes a connecting part 22 connecting the base 21 and the pushing block 23. The connecting part 22 includes a first connecting plate 221 and a second connecting plate 222. The plane of the second connecting plate 222 is perpendicular to the moving direction of the pushing component 20. The pushing block 23 is disposed on the second connecting plate 222 and protrudes forward to facilitate contact with the battery module. The vision detection component 24 is disposed in the center of the second connecting plate 222 to facilitate real-time and accurate monitoring of the moving state of the battery module. The first connecting plate 221 connects the base 21 and the second connecting plate 222 in the vertical direction, so that the second connecting plate 222 has sufficient height to correspond to the end face of the battery module above the loading track 30, thereby ensuring that the pushing block 23 can contact and push the battery module.

[0050] Specifically, to prevent the battery module from sliding on the loading track 30 due to inertia during the pushing process, the loading track 30 may also be provided with several first rollers 33. The rollers of the first rollers 33 are horizontally arranged and perpendicular to the extending direction of the loading track 30, that is, the first rollers 33 rotate as the battery module moves. During the movement of the battery module, there is resistance between the first rollers 33 and the battery module, thereby reducing the sliding of the battery module and improving the stability of the battery module during movement.

[0051] In some embodiments, the push block 23 is further provided with a buffer component. The buffer component may be a buffer pad made of silicone or other elastic material disposed at the front end of the push block 23, or it may be an elastic connector disposed between the push block 23 and the second connecting plate 222, used to relieve excessive pressure between the push component 20 and the battery module and prevent damage to the battery module.

[0052] Furthermore, in the transfer mechanism 200, the height of the container carrier 50 is adapted to the height of the inlet track 30 to ensure that the battery module located above the inlet track 30 can be smoothly moved into the container at the upper limit of the container carrier 50. After the battery module enters the container and is in place, the battery module and the container can be locked manually or by a robotic arm. Then, the container carrier 50 moves along the transfer track 40 to transport the assembled battery module and the container to the next process.

[0053] It is understood that the extension direction of the transfer track 40 is not the only limitation here. In some embodiments, the transfer track 40 can connect the production line of the previous process and the next process at the same time, thereby improving production efficiency.

[0054] Example 2:

[0055] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the structure of the battery module loading device has been further optimized in this embodiment. For the similarities, please refer to Embodiment 1. The differences are described in detail below:

[0056] Please refer to Figures 3 to 5 An inlet limiting mechanism 34 is also provided on the outer side of the inlet track 30 to limit the battery module above the inlet track 30, ensuring that the battery module moves stably above the inlet track 30. In this embodiment, the inlet track 30 extends linearly on the horizontal plane. The X-axis is established with the straight line of the inlet track 30 as the first direction; the Y-axis is established with the straight line perpendicular to the inlet track 30 as the second direction on the horizontal plane; and the Z-axis is established with the direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane as the third direction.

[0057] The battery module loading track 30 is located on both sides of the drive rail 12. A loading limit mechanism 34 is provided on the side of the loading track 30 furthest from the drive rail 12 to limit the sidewall of the battery module in the Y-axis direction, ensuring smooth movement of the battery module. The loading limit mechanism 34 includes a second drive 341 and a limiting part 342 extending along the loading track 30. The second drive 341 is connected to the limiting part 342. Under the action of the second drive 341, the limiting part 342 moves along the Y-axis to approach or move away from the extended centerline of the loading track 30, thereby adapting to battery modules of different sizes and ensuring the stability of the battery module's movement.

[0058] Furthermore, the limiting part 342 is provided with a plurality of second rollers 343 on the side near the inlet track 30, and the rollers of the second rollers 343 are arranged in the vertical direction. The second rollers 343 enable the limiting part 342 to limit the battery module while ensuring that the battery module can move smoothly along the X-axis.

[0059] Furthermore, to accommodate boxes of different sizes, the box carrier 50 may also be equipped with a rear end limiting component 51 and a side limiting component 52. The box carrier 50 includes a carrier base 53, and the rear end limiting component 51 is located on the side of the carrier base 53 away from the box entry track 30, used to limit the battery module on the X-axis away from the box entry track 30. In this embodiment, the rear end limiting component 51 includes a rear end limiting plate 511 for abutting against the battery module, and the rear end limiting plate 511 is immovable. It is understood that in some embodiments, a movable structure may be provided between the rear end limiting plate 511 and the box carrier 50, allowing the rear end limiting plate 511 to move in the X-axis direction and adjust its limiting position on the X-axis.

[0060] Side limiting components 52 are respectively disposed on both sides of the carrier base 53 in the Y-axis direction. The side limiting components 52 include an adjusting rail 521 disposed on the carrier base 53, extending along the Y-axis, and a side limiting plate 522 connected to the adjusting rail 521. The side limiting plate 522 is movably connected to the adjusting rail 521 to adapt to boxes of different sizes. The position of the side limiting plate 522 can be controlled by the cooperation of a fixing member with the adjusting rail 521, or by a drive structure.

[0061] In this embodiment, the side limiting plate 522 is also connected to a third drive 523. The output end of the third drive 523 is connected to the side limiting plate 522. Under the action of the third drive 523, the side limiting plate 522 can move along the adjusting rail 521 and achieve positional fixation relative to the carrier seat 53.

[0062] The side limiting component 52 and the rear limiting component 51 can fix the box. The side limiting component 52 prevents the box from shifting on the Y-axis, and the rear limiting component 51 prevents the box from moving backward when the battery module is put into the box.

[0063] In addition, to further increase the stability of the housing structure, the battery module loading device may also include a front-end limiting component 54. The front-end limiting component 54 is located at the loading end 32 of the loading mechanism 100 and is used to limit the front end of the housing. In this embodiment, the front-end limiting component 54 is disposed between the loading tracks 30 and includes a fourth drive 542 and an abutment block 541 that extends and retracts toward the housing carrier 50. When the housing is limited to the housing carrier 50, the abutment block 541 moves toward the housing carrier 50 under the action of the fourth drive 542 until it abuts against the front end of the housing, thus fully realizing the positioning of the housing.

[0064] Example 3:

[0065] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 2 is that the structure of the battery module loading device has been further optimized in this embodiment. For similarities, please refer to Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2. The differences are described in detail below:

[0066] like Figure 6 As shown, the battery module boxing equipment also includes a handling mechanism 60, which is located near the transfer track 40 and can be used to handle the boxes on the transfer track 40.

[0067] In this embodiment, the transfer track 40 is perpendicular to the box-entry track 30. The handling mechanism 60 includes a handling frame 61 and a vertical handling component 62. The handling frame 61 spans the transfer track 40, and the vertical handling component 62 is located above the transfer track 40. After the battery module and the box are assembled, as the box carrier 50 moves along the transfer track 40 to the handling station, the vertical handling component 62 moves downward to grab and transport the box. Alternatively, when the box needs to be loaded, the handling mechanism 60 transports empty boxes from other stations to the box carrier 50.

[0068] The above description is merely an example and illustration of the structure of this utility model, and while the description is quite specific and detailed, it should not be construed as limiting the scope of this utility model patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this utility model, and these obvious substitutions all fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A battery module loading device, characterized in that, include The battery module loading mechanism (100) includes a loading drive assembly (10), a push assembly (20) connected to the loading drive assembly (10), and a loading track (30) for placing battery modules; the push assembly (20) moves along the extension direction of the loading track (30) under the driving action of the loading drive assembly (10); the loading track (30) includes a starting end (31) and a loading end (32); A transfer mechanism (200) is provided at the box entry end (32) of the box entry track (30). The transfer mechanism (200) includes a transfer track (40) and a box carrier (50) movably connected to the transfer track (40). The box entry track (30) and the transfer track (40) are arranged along a horizontal plane. Under the action of the inlet drive assembly (10), the push assembly (20) pushes the battery module placed on the inlet track (30) until the battery module enters the box limited by the box carrier (50).

2. The battery module loading device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The push component (20) is provided with a visual detection component (24) facing the direction of movement.

3. The battery module loading device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The box-in mechanism (100) is also equipped with a pressure sensor for monitoring the pressure between the battery module and the push assembly (20).

4. The battery module loading device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The box-entry track (30) is provided with a plurality of first rollers (33), the rollers of the first rollers (33) being arranged horizontally and perpendicular to the extension direction of the box-entry track (30).

5. The battery module loading device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The box-entry drive assembly (10) includes a first drive (11) and a drive rail (12), and the box-entry track (30) is provided on both sides of the drive rail (12); The push component (20) includes a base (21) and a push block (23) for abutting against the battery module. The base (21) is connected to the drive rail (12) and moves along the drive rail (12) under the action of the first drive (11) so that the push block (23) pushes the battery module.

6. The battery module loading device according to claim 5, characterized in that, An inlet limiting mechanism (34) is provided on the outer side of the inlet track (30). The inlet limiting mechanism (34) includes a second drive (341) and a limiting part (342) extending along the inlet track (30). The second drive (341) is connected to the limiting part (342), and the limiting part (342) moves away from or close to the extension center line of the inlet track (30) under the action of the second drive (341).

7. The battery module loading device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The limiting part (342) is provided with a plurality of second rollers (343) on the side near the box track (30), and the rollers of the second rollers (343) are arranged in the vertical direction.

8. The battery module loading device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The container carrier (50) includes a rear end limiting assembly (51) and a side limiting assembly (52) for adjustment and limiting.

9. The battery module loading device according to claim 8, characterized in that, It also includes a front end limiting component (54) of the box body, which is located at the box entry end (32) of the box entry mechanism (100) and includes an abutment block (541) that can extend and retract toward the box body carrier (50).

10. The battery module loading device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a transport mechanism (60) located near the transfer track (40).

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