Sucker device and battery piece feeding equipment

Abstract

The utility model relates to a suction cup device and battery piece feeding equipment. The suction cup device comprises a first suction cup mechanism, a second suction cup mechanism and a driving mechanism. Wherein the first suction cup mechanism comprises a first adsorption end used for adsorbing a first target object, and the first suction cup mechanism is provided with an air channel penetrating through the first adsorption end; the second suction cup mechanism is movably arranged in the air channel in a penetrating mode and is in clearance fit with the inner wall of the air channel, and the second suction cup mechanism comprises a second adsorption end used for adsorbing a second target object; the driving mechanism is used for driving the first suction cup mechanism and the second suction cup mechanism to move relatively, so that the suction cup device is switched between a first working mode and a second working mode; in the first working mode, the second adsorption end is contained in the air channel, and in the second working mode, the second adsorption end penetrates out of the air channel from the first adsorption end. The suction cup device and the battery piece feeding equipment overcome the defects that a traditional battery piece feeding equipment structure and control logic are complex.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of solar cell manufacturing equipment technology, and in particular to a suction cup device and a cell loading device. Background Technology

[0002] Solar cells are the main components of photovoltaic (PV) modules, and the surface integrity of the cells affects the power generation performance of the PV module. Therefore, handling and storing solar cells are important steps in their use. When stacking solar cells, it is usually necessary to use release paper to separate adjacent cells to prevent friction between them from causing wear or even damage. The release paper must be removed when handling solar cells.

[0003] In related technologies, the common practice for loading and unloading solar cells is to use one set of robotic arms to grip the cells and another set to grip the separator paper, with the two sets of robotic arms moving alternately to load and unload the cells. However, such solar cell loading equipment is not only complex in structure and large in size, but also prone to contact between the other set of robotic arms and the cell hopper when only one set of robotic arms is used, which could lead to microcracks in the cells inside the hopper. The entire loading and unloading process is logically complex and increases the likelihood of system downtime. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a suction cup device and a battery cell loading device to solve the drawbacks of the complex structure and control logic of traditional battery cell loading devices.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a suction cup device, comprising:

[0006] A first suction cup mechanism, the first suction cup mechanism includes a first adsorption end for adsorbing a first target object, and the first suction cup mechanism is provided with an air passage penetrating the first adsorption end;

[0007] The second suction cup mechanism is movably inserted into the airway and has a gap fit with the inner wall of the airway. The second suction cup mechanism includes a second suction end for adsorbing the second target object.

[0008] A driving mechanism is provided to drive the first suction cup mechanism and the second suction cup mechanism to move relative to each other, so that the suction cup device switches between a first working mode and a second working mode; wherein, in the first working mode, the second suction end is housed in the air passage, and in the second working mode, the second suction end extends out of the air passage from the first suction end.

[0009] The technical solution will be further explained below:

[0010] In one embodiment, the first suction cup mechanism includes a Bernoulli suction cup.

[0011] In one embodiment, the second suction cup mechanism includes a vacuum suction cup.

[0012] In one embodiment, the vacuum suction cup includes an air tube and a suction nozzle, one end of the air tube is connected to the suction nozzle, the air tube is used to provide negative pressure to the suction nozzle, and the second suction end is disposed at the first end of the suction nozzle away from the air tube.

[0013] In one embodiment, there are multiple first suction cup mechanisms, which are arranged at intervals, and each first suction cup mechanism has a second suction cup mechanism in its air passage.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first suction ends of all the first suction cup mechanisms are located at the same height; and / or, the second suction ends of all the second suction cup mechanisms are located at the same height.

[0015] In one embodiment, the driving mechanism is connected to the first suction cup mechanism, and the driving mechanism is used to drive the first suction cup mechanism to move up and down relative to the second suction cup.

[0016] In one embodiment, the driving mechanism includes a mounting bracket and a driving cylinder, the first suction cup mechanism is disposed on the mounting bracket, and the driving cylinder is connected to the mounting bracket.

[0017] In one embodiment, the mounting bracket has a through mounting opening, through which the first suction cup mechanism passes.

[0018] Secondly, this application provides a battery cell feeding device, including the aforementioned suction cup device.

[0019] When the aforementioned suction cup device is in operation, it can first be driven into a first working mode by a drive mechanism. In this mode, the second suction end of the second suction cup mechanism is housed in the air passage, and the battery cells can be adsorbed through the first suction end of the first suction cup mechanism, thus avoiding interference between the second and first suction cup mechanisms. After the battery cells have been placed and removed, the suction cup device is driven into a second working mode by the drive mechanism. In this mode, the second suction end of the second suction cup mechanism extends out of the air passage from the first suction end, and the release paper can be adsorbed through the second suction end, thus avoiding interference between the first and second suction cup mechanisms. By repeating the above operation, the first and second suction cup mechanisms can work alternately to achieve the function of placing release paper among stacked battery cells or to remove stacked battery cells sequentially. Compared to the traditional technical solution of alternating operation of two independent robotic arms, the suction cup device of this application makes the overall structure of the suction cup device more compact and reduces its size by movably inserting the second suction cup mechanism into the air passage. At the same time, it avoids mutual interference between the first and second suction cup mechanisms during operation, simplifies the control logic, reduces the risk of downtime, and thus improves production efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of this application. The illustrative embodiments of this application and their descriptions are used to explain this application and do not constitute an undue limitation of this application.

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are not drawn to a 1:1 scale, and the relative dimensions of the various components are shown as examples only and not necessarily to scale. In the accompanying drawings:

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the suction cup device in a first working mode according to an embodiment.

[0024] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the suction cup device in the second working mode.

[0025] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A top view of the suction cup device shown.

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0027] 10. First suction cup mechanism; 11. Air passage; 12. First suction end; 20. Second suction cup mechanism; 21. Air tube; 22. Suction nozzle; 221. Second suction end; 30. Drive mechanism; 31. Mounting bracket; 311. Mounting port; 32. Drive cylinder. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0029] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0030] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0031] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0032] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0033] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0034] One embodiment of this application provides a suction cup device that can be applied in a battery cell loading device for picking up and placing battery cells and separator paper disposed between the battery cells. Understandably, the suction cup device can also be applied to other scenarios requiring the alternating handling of two different materials, and this is not limited thereto.

[0035] See Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 In one embodiment, the suction cup device includes a first suction cup mechanism 10, a second suction cup mechanism 20, and a driving mechanism 30. The first suction cup mechanism 10 includes a first suction end 12 for adsorbing a first target object, and has an air passage 11 extending through the first suction end 12. The second suction cup mechanism 20 is movably disposed within the air passage 11 and gap-fits with the inner wall of the air passage 11, and includes a second suction end 221 for adsorbing a second target object. For example, the first target object can be a battery cell, and the second target object can be a release liner.

[0036] Furthermore, the drive mechanism 30 is used to drive the first suction cup mechanism 10 and the second suction cup mechanism 20 to move relative to each other, so that the suction cup device switches between a first working mode and a second working mode. Combined Figure 1 In the first operating mode, the second adsorption end 221 is housed within the airway 11. Figure 2 In the second working mode, the second adsorption end 221 passes through the air passage 11 from the first adsorption end 12.

[0037] For example, taking the adsorption of battery cells and separator paper as an example, when the above-mentioned suction cup device is working, it can first be driven into the first working mode by the driving mechanism 30. At this time, the second adsorption end 221 of the second suction cup mechanism 20 is housed in the air passage 11, and the battery cell can be adsorbed through the first adsorption end 12 of the first suction cup mechanism 10, avoiding the second suction cup mechanism 20 interfering with the operation of the first suction cup mechanism 10. After the battery cell is placed and removed, the suction cup device is driven into the second working mode by the driving mechanism 30. At this time, the second adsorption end 221 of the second suction cup mechanism 20 passes through the air passage 11 from the first adsorption end 12, and the separator paper can be adsorbed through the second adsorption end 221 of the second suction cup mechanism 20, avoiding the first suction cup mechanism 10 interfering with the operation of the second suction cup mechanism 20. By repeating the above operation, the first suction cup mechanism 10 and the second suction cup mechanism 20 can work alternately to realize the function of placing separator paper in the stacked battery cells or the function of taking out the stacked battery cells one by one. Compared to the traditional technical solution of alternating operation of two independent robotic arms, the suction cup device of this application makes the overall structure of the suction cup device more compact and reduces its volume by movably inserting the second suction cup mechanism 20 into the air passage 11. At the same time, it avoids mutual interference between the first suction cup mechanism 10 and the second suction cup mechanism 20 during operation, simplifies the control logic, reduces the risk of downtime, and thus improves production efficiency.

[0038] Optionally, in one embodiment, the first suction cup mechanism 10 includes a Bernoulli suction cup. Specifically, the Bernoulli suction cup is a non-contact suction cup that operates based on Bernoulli's principle. When the Bernoulli suction cup is working, compressed air output from the air passage 11 flows at high speed through the gap between the Bernoulli suction cup and the surface of the battery cell. According to Bernoulli's principle, the increased airflow velocity causes a decrease in air pressure flowing between the Bernoulli suction cup and the surface of the battery cell. This creates a low-pressure area between the Bernoulli suction cup and the battery cell, but the air pressure on the side of the battery cell facing away from the Bernoulli suction cup remains atmospheric pressure. This pressure difference pushes the battery cell towards the Bernoulli suction cup. Thus, the Bernoulli suction cup can adsorb the battery cell without direct contact. Therefore, the Bernoulli suction cup allows for the removal and placement of the battery cell without direct contact with its surface, reducing physical damage or contamination to the battery cell surface.

[0039] Optionally, the second suction cup mechanism 20 includes a vacuum suction cup. A vacuum suction cup is a contact suction cup that uses negative pressure to adsorb the target object. Vacuum suction cup technology is mature and low in cost, which can well meet the needs of adsorbing release paper. In addition, the vacuum suction cup is small in size, which is beneficial for inserting the second suction cup mechanism 20 into the air channel 11 of the first suction cup mechanism 10.

[0040] Specifically, see Figure 1In one embodiment, the vacuum suction cup includes an air tube 21 and a suction nozzle 22. One end of the air tube 21 is connected to the suction nozzle 22, and the air tube 21 is used to provide negative pressure to the suction nozzle 22. A second suction end 221 is disposed at the first end of the suction nozzle 22 away from the air tube 21. Thus, after the suction cup mechanism enters the second working mode, a vacuum is drawn into the suction nozzle 22 through the air tube 21, and the suction nozzle 22 can form a negative pressure at the second suction end 221 to adsorb the release paper.

[0041] See Figure 3 Optionally, in one embodiment, the number of first suction cup mechanisms 10 is multiple, such as two, three, four, five, or more, and the multiple first suction cup mechanisms 10 are arranged at intervals. Each first suction cup mechanism 10 has a second suction cup mechanism 20 in its air passage 11. In this way, by using multiple first suction cup mechanisms 10 to simultaneously adsorb a battery cell, the stability when picking up and placing the battery cell is improved, and the battery cell is prevented from falling during the process. Similarly, multiple second suction cup mechanisms 20 can simultaneously adsorb a release liner, improving the stability when picking up and placing the release liner and preventing the release liner from falling during the process.

[0042] Furthermore, the first suction ends 12 of all the first suction cup mechanisms 10 are located at the same height, thereby ensuring that the first suction ends 12 of all the first suction cup mechanisms 10 can simultaneously adhere to the battery cell. Similarly, the second suction ends 221 of all the second suction cup mechanisms 20 are located at the same height, thereby ensuring that the second suction ends 221 of all the second suction cup mechanisms 20 can simultaneously adhere to the release liner.

[0043] See Figure 1 Optionally, in one embodiment, the drive mechanism 30 is connected to the first suction cup mechanism 10, and the drive mechanism 30 is used to drive the first suction cup mechanism 10 to move up and down relative to the second suction cup. Thus, by driving the first suction cup mechanism 10 down through the drive mechanism 30, the second suction end 221 of the second suction cup mechanism 20 can be drawn into the air passage 11, enabling the suction cup device to enter a first working mode. By driving the first suction cup mechanism 10 up through the drive mechanism 30, the second suction end 221 of the second suction cup mechanism 20 can extend from the first suction end 12 outside the air passage 11, enabling the suction cup device to enter a second working mode.

[0044] Specifically, in one embodiment, the drive mechanism 30 includes a mounting frame 31 and a drive cylinder 32. A first suction cup mechanism 10 is mounted on the mounting frame 31, and the drive cylinder 32 is connected to the mounting frame 31. The drive cylinder 32 is used to drive the mounting frame 31 to perform lifting and lowering movements, thereby causing the first suction cup mechanism 10 to perform lifting and lowering movements relative to the second suction cup mechanism 20.

[0045] See Figure 1In one embodiment, the mounting bracket 31 has a through mounting opening 311, through which the first suction cup mechanism 10 passes to fix the first suction cup mechanism 10 onto the mounting bracket 31. Furthermore, the first suction cup mechanism 10 and the mounting bracket 31 can also be fixed by adhesive or screws to improve the stability of the connection between the first suction cup mechanism 10 and the mounting bracket 31.

[0046] On the other hand, this application also provides a battery cell loading device. Specifically, one embodiment of the battery cell loading device includes a suction cup device according to any of the above embodiments. The first suction cup mechanism 10 of the suction cup device is used to adsorb battery cells, and the second suction cup mechanism 20 is used to adsorb separator paper. By alternating the operation of the first suction cup mechanism 10 and the second suction cup mechanism 20, separator paper can be placed among stacked battery cells, or stacked battery cells can be removed sequentially.

[0047] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0048] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A suction cup device, characterized in that, include: The first suction cup mechanism (10) includes a first adsorption end (12) for adsorbing a first target object, and the first suction cup mechanism (10) is provided with an air passage (11) penetrating the first adsorption end (12). The second suction cup mechanism (20) is movably inserted into the air passage (11) and has a gap fit with the inner wall of the air passage (11). The second suction cup mechanism (20) includes a second suction end (221) for adsorbing the second target object. A driving mechanism (30) is used to drive the first suction cup mechanism (10) and the second suction cup mechanism (20) to move relative to each other, so that the suction cup device switches between a first working mode and a second working mode; wherein, in the first working mode, the second suction end (221) is housed in the air passage (11), and in the second working mode, the second suction end (221) extends out of the air passage (11) from the first suction end (12), so that the first suction cup mechanism (10) and the second suction cup mechanism (20) work alternately.

2. The suction cup device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first suction cup mechanism (10) includes a Bernoulli suction cup.

3. The suction cup device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second suction cup mechanism (20) includes a vacuum suction cup.

4. The suction cup device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The vacuum suction cup includes an air tube (21) and a suction nozzle (22). One end of the air tube (21) is connected to the suction nozzle (22). The air tube (21) is used to provide negative pressure to the suction nozzle (22). The second suction end (221) is located at the first end of the suction nozzle (22) away from the air tube (21).

5. The suction cup device according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are multiple first suction cup mechanisms (10), and the multiple first suction cup mechanisms (10) are arranged at intervals. Each first suction cup mechanism (10) has a second suction cup mechanism (20) in its air passage (11).

6. The suction cup device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first suction end (12) of all the first suction cup mechanisms (10) is at the same height; and / or, the second suction end (221) of all the second suction cup mechanisms (20) is at the same height.

7. The suction cup device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The driving mechanism (30) is connected to the first suction cup mechanism (10), and the driving mechanism (30) is used to drive the first suction cup mechanism (10) to move up and down relative to the second suction cup.

8. The suction cup device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The drive mechanism (30) includes a mounting bracket (31) and a drive cylinder (32). The first suction cup mechanism (10) is disposed on the mounting bracket (31), and the drive cylinder (32) is connected to the mounting bracket (31).

9. The suction cup device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The mounting bracket (31) has a through mounting opening (311), and the first suction cup mechanism (10) passes through the mounting opening (311).

10. A battery cell feeding device, characterized in that, The suction cup device includes any one of claims 1-9.

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