Clamping jaw and CTP boxing mechanism

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of battery grouping, and provides a clamping jaw and a CTP boxing mechanism, the clamping jaw and the CTP boxing mechanism comprise two opposite clamping plates, balls and a driving piece, and the clamping plates are provided with accommodating cavities; the balls are arranged in the containing cavities, leakage holes are formed in the clamping plates corresponding to the balls, and the hole diameter of the leakage holes is smaller than the diameter of the balls. And the driving piece is used for pushing the balls to move, so that local parts of the balls leak out through the leak holes. According to the invention, the balls are arranged in the clamping plates, and the driving pieces are arranged, so that the battery cells can be clamped by the clamping plates, and when the battery cells need to enter the box, the balls are pushed by the driving pieces, so that local parts of the balls are leaked out through the leakage holes to abut against the end plates for grouping the battery cells, and the friction force during downward pressing of the battery cells can be effectively reduced; therefore, the convenience of assembly is ensured, and the battery cell is not damaged, so that the application safety is ensured; meanwhile, the clamping plates do not need to enter the box, and the end plates do not need to be provided with corresponding withdrawing structures, so that the energy density of the grouped battery boxes can be ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery pack technology, and in particular to a gripper and CTP loading mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] Battery modules are the power supply components of electric vehicles, typically consisting of several battery cells, end plates, side plates, heat insulation pads, and cable ties. After assembling the battery modules, they need to be fitted into the battery box using clamps. Simultaneously, cooling modules, BMS, BDU, and wiring harnesses need to be installed inside the battery box to complete the final assembly. With increasing demands for battery box energy density, CTP (Cell-to-Pack) technology has become widely used. This technology directly integrates the battery cells into the battery box, eliminating the need for fixing modules and increasing the battery box's energy density. However, this also places higher demands on the clamps used for installation.

[0003] The existing invention patent application with publication number CN116014210A discloses a square power battery CTP module box clamp, including: a mounting base; two lateral clamping mechanisms and two end clamping mechanisms; a quick-change mechanism disposed below the mounting base; a first drive mechanism disposed on the mounting base, the extended end of which is fixedly connected to the quick-change mechanism; lateral clamping mechanisms are slidably mounted on the left and right sides of the mounting base, and end clamping mechanisms are slidably disposed on the front and rear sides of the mounting base.

[0004] As described in the above technical solution, the sliding plate drives the jaws to move, thereby clamping the battery module. This is a conventional battery clamping structure. In battery boxes used for CTP (Cell-to-Pack) assembly, the spacing between the box beams that fix the cells is fixed. The cells can only be inserted into the box by applying pressure from the jaws. To solve the problem of the jaws being unable to be removed, there are two existing solutions. One is to use very thick plastic end plates with jaw retraction grooves on the end plates. The disadvantage is that the thick end plates occupy space and reduce energy density. The other is to use thin plastic end plates. During assembly, the jaws do not extend into the box, but are forcibly inserted into the box by pressing down the suction plate. Since the CTP structure includes multiple parallel cells and end plates at both ends, relative friction will occur between the end plates and the jaws, between the end plates and the cells, and between the cells themselves during insertion. At the same time, the lower end of the cells begins to expand during insertion, and friction will also occur between the end plates and the box beams. The downward pressure required when inserting the battery into the box is huge, which leads to the risk of damage during the packing process and safety hazards in application. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of this, this utility model proposes a gripper and CTP loading mechanism that can effectively reduce the friction of battery cells entering the battery box, so as to ensure energy density, assembly convenience and safety, thereby solving the problems that the existing loading gripper structure will affect the energy density of the battery box, and pose a risk of damage and application safety hazards.

[0006] The technical solution of this utility model is implemented as follows:

[0007] On the one hand, this utility model provides a gripper, including a clamping plate, balls, and a driving component, wherein,

[0008] There are two clamping plates arranged opposite each other, and each clamping plate has a receiving cavity;

[0009] The ball is placed inside the receiving cavity, and the clamping plate has a drain hole corresponding to the ball, the diameter of the drain hole being smaller than the diameter of the ball;

[0010] The drive element is used to push the balls to move so that a portion of the balls are discharged through the drain hole.

[0011] Based on the above technical solutions, a preferred embodiment further includes a plug-in board, which serves as a driving component.

[0012] One end of the accommodating cavity has an opening;

[0013] The insert plate is inserted into the receiving cavity through the opening and holds the ball away from the side of the leakage hole.

[0014] Based on the above technical solutions, preferably, the balls are arranged in rows, columns, or arrays within the accommodating cavity.

[0015] Based on the above technical solutions, preferably, it also includes a push plate and a push rod, wherein the push plate and push rod are driving components, and wherein...

[0016] The push plate is set inside the receiving cavity, and the ball bearings are set on the push plate;

[0017] One end of the push rod is connected to the push plate, and the other end extends to the outside of the clamping plate.

[0018] Based on the above technical solutions, preferably, the ball bearings are connected to the push plate in a rotating or fixed manner.

[0019] Based on the above technical solutions, preferably, the clamping plate includes side plates, a top plate, and ribs, wherein,

[0020] The side plates of the two clamps are arranged in parallel, and the accommodating cavity and the leakage hole are opened on the side plates;

[0021] One end of the top plate is connected to the side plate;

[0022] The ribs are connected to the side plates and the top plate.

[0023] On the other hand, this utility model provides a CTP box-loading mechanism, including the aforementioned grippers.

[0024] Based on the above technical solutions, the preferred embodiment further includes a longitudinal lead screw module, a support beam, and a transverse lead screw module, wherein...

[0025] The longitudinal lead screw module is installed on both clamping plates;

[0026] The support beam is positioned between two longitudinal screw modules, and both sides of the support beam are connected to the longitudinal screw modules via transverse screw modules.

[0027] Based on the above technical solutions, preferably, it also includes a side beam, on one side of the support beam, multiple transverse screw modules are provided, and the side beam is connected to the multiple transverse screw modules.

[0028] Based on the above technical solutions, a preferred embodiment also includes a suction plate, which is disposed between the two clamping plates.

[0029] The gripper and CTP box-loading mechanism of this utility model have the following advantages over the prior art:

[0030] (1) By setting ball bearings in the clamping plate and setting a driving component, the battery cell can be clamped by the clamping plate first. When the battery cell needs to be put into the box, the driving component pushes the ball bearings, so that the ball bearings partially leak out through the hole and thus abut against the end plate used for battery cell assembly. This can effectively reduce the friction when pressing down the battery cell, thereby ensuring the convenience of assembly and preventing damage to the battery cell, thus ensuring application safety. At the same time, the clamping plate does not need to be put into the box, and the end plate does not need to be set with a corresponding exit structure, thus ensuring the energy density after the battery box is assembled.

[0031] (2) By setting the drive unit as a plug plate, or as a push plate and push rod, the gripper can be operated manually or automatically, which is convenient to make adaptive adjustments according to application requirements.

[0032] (3) By setting up longitudinal screw modules and transverse screw modules, it is convenient to adjust the position of the battery cells, which helps to improve the convenience of loading into the box;

[0033] (4) By setting up a suction plate, it can assist in positioning the battery cell. When pushed by the pusher, it can drive the battery cell to move slowly downward, avoiding the problem of the battery cell falling off and being damaged by impact. Attached Figure Description

[0034] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the CTP box-loading mechanism of this utility model;

[0036] Figure 2 This is a front view of the CTP box-loading mechanism of this utility model;

[0037] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the gripper in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0038] Figure 4 This is a second-view perspective perspective view of the gripper in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0039] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the gripper in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0040] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of the gripper holding end plate in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0041] Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of the gripper assembly insert plate in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0042] Figure 8 This is a structural diagram of the separation of the gripper and the end plate in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0043] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the gripper in Embodiment 2 of this utility model;

[0044] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the push plate and push rod of the gripper in Embodiment 2 of this utility model;

[0045] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the gripper in Embodiment 2 of this utility model;

[0046] Figure 12 This is a structural diagram of the ball protrusion of the gripper in Embodiment 2 of this utility model;

[0047] Figure 13 This is a structural diagram of the clamping plate abutting end plate of the gripper in Embodiment 2 of this utility model;

[0048] Figure 14 This is a structural diagram of the ball bearing end plate of the gripper in Embodiment 2 of this utility model;

[0049] In the diagram: 1. Clamping plate; 11. Side plate; 12. Top plate; 13. Rib plate; 101. Receiving cavity; 102. Drain hole; 103. Opening; 2. Ball bearing; 3. Insert plate; 4. Push plate; 5. Push rod; 6. Longitudinal screw module; 7. Support beam; 8. Transverse screw module; 9. Side beam; 10. Suction plate; 100. Battery cell; 200. End plate; 300. Battery box. Detailed Implementation

[0050] The technical solutions of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments of this utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0051] like Figures 1 to 14 As shown, the gripper of this utility model includes a clamping plate 1, a ball bearing 2, an insert plate 3, a push plate 4, and a push rod 5;

[0052] The CTP loading mechanism of this utility model includes the aforementioned grippers, as well as a longitudinal lead screw module 6, a support beam 7, a transverse lead screw module 8, a side beam 9, and a suction plate 10, which are used to clamp CTP batteries.

[0053] Specifically, a CTP battery is formed by arranging several cells 100 side by side and clamping them together with end plates 200 at both ends.

[0054] Example 1:

[0055] like Figures 3-8 As shown, there are two clamping plates 1 arranged opposite each other, and the clamping plates 1 have a receiving cavity 101; the ball 2 is disposed in the receiving cavity 101, and the clamping plates 1 have a drain hole 102 corresponding to the ball 2, the diameter of the drain hole 102 is smaller than the diameter of the ball 2; the driving member is used to push the ball 2 to move so that a part of the ball 2 is leaked out through the drain hole 102.

[0056] As described above, the clamping plate 1 is used to clamp the CTP battery formed by the cell 100 and the end plate 200. It is connected to a drive device such as an electric push rod, a lead screw nut seat or a cylinder to drive the two clamping plates 1 to move closer to each other. At the same time, it is also connected to a displacement mechanism such as a linear module so that the gripper can drive the CTP battery to move towards the battery box 300.

[0057] In application, the ball 2 is completely located in the receiving cavity 101. Under the drive of the drive device, the clamping plate 1 contacts the end plate 200, thereby clamping the CTP battery. Subsequently, the drive member pushes the ball 2 to move, and a part of the ball 2 extends out through the drain hole 102, thereby abutting against the end plate 200.

[0058] Finally, the battery cell 100 and end plate 200 are moved by a cylinder or other pushing component. Due to the rotation of the ball bearing 2, the frictional force generated on the end plate 200 is small. Therefore, the battery cell 100 and end plate 200 are easily pushed into the battery box 300, thereby completing the boxing operation. This can avoid friction between the clamping plate 1, end plate 200 and battery cell 100, reduce the probability of damage, and ensure stability and safety during application.

[0059] like Figures 4-8 As shown, the insert plate 3 is a driving member, wherein one end of the receiving cavity 101 has an opening 103; the insert plate 3 is inserted into the receiving cavity 101 through the opening 103 and abuts against the side of the ball 2 away from the drain hole 102.

[0060] As described above, the insert plate 3 is used as the driving component. When in use, the insert plate 3 is inserted into the opening 103 of the clamping plate 1. As the insert plate 3 moves into the receiving cavity 101, it will push the ball 2 so that part of the ball 2 extends out through the drain hole 102 and abuts against the end plate 200.

[0061] Specifically, the leakage hole 102 is connected to the receiving cavity 101, and its diameter is smaller than that of the ball 2, so as to prevent the ball 2 from falling out;

[0062] Specifically, the insert plate 3 is inserted into one end of the clamping plate 1, and a chamfer is provided to form a cutting edge, so that the insert plate 3 can easily enter the clamping plate 1.

[0063] like Figure 4 As shown, the balls 2 are arranged in rows, columns, or arrays within the receiving cavity 101;

[0064] As described above, when arranging the ball bearings 2, the ball bearings 2 can be arranged in rows, columns, or arrays. To ensure the stability of the application, when arranged in rows or columns, at least two rows / two columns should be set to ensure the stability of the end plate 200.

[0065] Specifically, the ball bearing array 2 is set up using a rectangular array, which is convenient for layout.

[0066] In some embodiments, the accommodating cavity 101 is divided into several vertical cavities, which helps to ensure the stability of the relative positions between the balls 2, so that the balls 2 can be accurately aligned with the drain hole 102.

[0067] In some embodiments, the ball bearings 2 adopt a dot matrix layout, which can be dispersed as needed.

[0068] Example 2:

[0069] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the structure of the driving component is different. In this embodiment, the push plate 4 and the push rod 5 are used instead of the insert plate 3 in Embodiment 1.

[0070] like Figures 9-14 As shown, the push plate 4 and the push rod 5 are driving components. The push plate 4 is disposed in the accommodating cavity 101, and the ball bearing 2 is disposed on the push plate 4. One end of the push rod 5 is connected to the push plate 4, and the other end extends to the outside of the clamping plate 1.

[0071] As described above, the push rod 5 is used to connect a linear motor or cylinder and other pushing components. After the CTP battery is clamped by the clamping plate 1, the pushing component pushes the push rod 5 and the push plate 4 to move. At this time, the push plate 4 will drive the ball 2 to move, so that it will leak out through the hole 102 and abut against the end plate 200.

[0072] In some embodiments, a threaded cylinder is fixed on the clamping plate 1, and the push rod 5 is set as a lead screw. The push rod 5 is threadedly engaged with the threaded cylinder and rotatably connected to the push plate 4. With the handwheel rotating the lead screw, the push plate 4 and the ball 2 can be moved.

[0073] Furthermore, when push rod 5 is set as a lead screw, it can be connected to a motor for drive, realizing automated clamping work.

[0074] Specifically, the ball bearing 2 is connected to the push plate 4 in a rotating or fixed manner;

[0075] As described above, the ball 2 can be configured to rotate, so that when the battery cell 100 and the end plate 200 are placed into the box, the ball 2 rotates to reduce friction.

[0076] In some embodiments, the ball 2 is configured as a fixed structure, and since it abuts against the end plate 200 through a spherical surface, the contact area is small, which can also reduce frictional resistance.

[0077] like Figure 3 As shown, the clamping plate 1 includes a side plate 11, a top plate 12, and a rib plate 13. The side plates 11 of the two clamping plates 1 are arranged in parallel, and the accommodating cavity 101 and the drain hole 102 are formed on the side plate 11. One end of the top plate 12 is connected to the side plate 11. The rib plate 13 is connected to the side plate 11 and the top plate 12.

[0078] As described above, in the clamping plate 1 structure, the side plate 11 is used to clamp the CTP battery and to accommodate the ball bearing 2 and the drive component.

[0079] The top plate 12 is used to connect the electric push rod, the lead screw nut seat and the cylinder and other driving devices to drive the two clamping plates 1 to move closer to each other; at the same time, it is also connected to the linear module and other displacement mechanisms so that the gripper can drive the CTP battery to move towards the battery box 300.

[0080] Among them, the rib plate 13 is used to improve the structural strength of the connection between the side plate 11 and the top plate 12.

[0081] The CTP box-loading mechanism of this utility model adopts the gripper structure in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2.

[0082] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the longitudinal screw module 6 is provided on both clamping plates 1; the support beam 7 is provided between the two longitudinal screw modules 6, and the two sides of the support beam 7 are connected to the longitudinal screw module 6 through the transverse screw module 8.

[0083] As described above, the support beam 7 is used to connect the robot arm. The longitudinal screw module 6 and the transverse screw module 8 are constructed using a ball screw and nut seat structure. The longitudinal screw module 6 and the transverse screw module 8 are connected to the nut seat.

[0084] When in use, the robotic arm drives the CTP loading mechanism to shift its position to correspond to the battery box 300. Then, the horizontal lead screw module 8 drives the vertical lead screw module 6 and the gripper to shift laterally, thereby clamping the CTP battery.

[0085] Then, the longitudinal lead screw module 6 drives the gripper and CTP battery to move longitudinally closer to the battery box 300. Then, the pusher is used to push the CTP battery into the battery box 300.

[0086] Specifically, in this structure, each of the two clamping plates 1 is connected to an independent longitudinal lead screw module 6 and a transverse lead screw module 8. Therefore, after the CTP battery is clamped, the two clamping plates 1 can move in the same direction, thereby driving the CTP battery to achieve lateral fine adjustment.

[0087] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, multiple transverse screw modules 8 are provided on one side of the support beam 7, and the side beam 9 is connected to the multiple transverse screw modules 8.

[0088] As described above, the side beam 9 is used to position multiple transverse screw modules 8 to ensure stability at the end away from the support beam 7.

[0089] In some embodiments, only one transverse lead screw module 8 is provided on one side of the support beam 7, and multiple optical axes are provided to connect the longitudinal lead screw module 6 with the slide cylinder, so as to avoid structural interference damage caused by inconsistent operation of multiple transverse lead screw modules 8;

[0090] Specifically, on one side of the support beam 7, only one longitudinal screw module 6 may be installed.

[0091] In some embodiments, the transverse lead screw module 8 consists only of a motor, a lead screw, and a nut seat. One end of the lead screw is rotatably connected to the support beam 7, and the other end is rotatably connected to the side beam 9. The nut seat is threadedly engaged with the lead screw and connected to the longitudinal lead screw module 6.

[0092] The side beam 9 is designed as a hollow structure for installing a motor to drive the lead screw to rotate, thereby moving the nut seat, the longitudinal lead screw module 6, and the clamping plate 1.

[0093] Accordingly, a guide shaft connecting nut seat is provided to ensure operational stability.

[0094] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the suction plate 10 is disposed between the two clamping plates 1;

[0095] As described above, the suction plate 10 can be a vacuum suction cup, which is used in conjunction with the clamping plate 1 to fix the battery cell 100. At this time, the battery cell 100 is picked up by the suction plate 10. When the ball bearing 2 contacts the end plate 200, it can prevent the battery cell 100 and the end plate 200 from falling off. At this time, the suction plate 10 is pushed by a cylinder or other pushing component to drive the CTP battery into the box. After the battery is put into the box, the suction plate 10 stops attracting.

[0096] Specific implementation steps:

[0097] First, the robotic arm drives the entire CTP loading mechanism to move, corresponding to the CTP battery consisting of cell 100 and end plate 200. Then, driven by the horizontal lead screw module 8, the two clamping plates 1 clamp the CTP battery and attract the cell 100 through the suction plate 10.

[0098] When the CTP battery is moved above the battery box 300 by the robotic arm, the longitudinal lead screw module 6 drives the gripper and the CTP battery to approach the top opening of the battery box 300.

[0099] Subsequently, by inserting the insert plate 3 into the receiving cavity 101, or by pushing the push rod 5 and the push plate 4, a portion of the ball 2 is allowed to leak out through the leakage hole 102 to abut against the end plate 200 of the CTP battery, thereby reducing the pushing resistance.

[0100] Finally, the pusher is used to push the suction plate 10, thereby pushing the CTP battery into the battery box 300 to complete the boxing operation.

[0101] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A gripper characterized by: The utility model provides a kind of clamp, including clamping plate (1), ball (2) and driving element, wherein, The clamping plate (1) is oppositely provided with two, and the clamping plate (1) is provided with a receiving cavity (101); The ball (2) is arranged in the receiving cavity (101), and the clamping plate (1) is provided with a leakage hole (102) corresponding to the ball (2), and the aperture of the leakage hole (102) is smaller than the diameter of the ball (2); The driving element is used to push the ball (2) to displace, so that part of the ball (2) leaks out through the leakage hole (102).

2. The jaw of claim 1, wherein: Further comprising a plug-in plate (3), the plug-in plate (3) is the driving element, wherein, One end of the receiving cavity (101) has an opening (103); The plug-in plate (3) is inserted into the receiving cavity (101) through the opening (103), and abuts against one side of the ball (2) away from the leakage hole (102).

3. The jaw of claim 2, wherein: The balls (2) are arranged in an array in the receiving cavity (101).

4. The jaw of claim 1, wherein: Further comprising a push plate (4) and a push rod (5), the push plate (4) and the push rod (5) are the driving element, wherein, The push plate (4) is arranged in the receiving cavity (101), and the ball (2) is arranged on the push plate (4); One end of the push rod (5) is connected with the push plate (4), and the other end extends to the outside of the clamping plate (1).

5. The jaw of claim 4, wherein: The ball (2) is connected with the push plate (4) in a rotating or fixed manner.

6. The jaw of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The clamping plate (1) comprises a side plate (11), a top plate (12) and a rib plate (13), wherein, The side plates (11) of the two clamping plates (1) are arranged in parallel, and the receiving cavity (101) and the leakage hole (102) are arranged on the side plate (11); One end of the top plate (12) is connected with the side plate (11); The rib plate (13) is connected with the side plate (11) and the top plate (12).

7. A CTP in-box mechanism characterized by: It comprises the clamping jaw as claimed in any one of claims 1-6.

8. The CTP in-box mechanism of claim 7, wherein: Further comprising a longitudinal screw module (6), a support beam (7) and a transverse screw module (8), wherein, The longitudinal screw module (6) is arranged on both of the clamping plates (1); The support beam (7) is arranged between the two longitudinal screw modules (6), and the two sides of the support beam (7) are connected with the longitudinal screw modules (6) through the transverse screw modules (8).

9. The CTP in-box mechanism of claim 8, wherein: Further comprising a side beam (9), one side of the support beam (7) is provided with a plurality of transverse screw modules (8), and the side beam (9) is connected with the plurality of transverse screw modules (8).

10. The CTP in-box mechanism of claim 7, wherein: Further comprising a suction plate (10), which is arranged between the two clamping plates (1).

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