Battery positioning device and battery conveying device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a battery positioning device which is used for being installed on a battery conveying device and is characterized in that the battery positioning device comprises two sets of oppositely-arranged limiting mechanisms, and each set of limiting mechanism comprises a supporting plate, a baffle, a rolling piece and an elastic piece; wherein the supporting plate is used for being installed on the battery conveying device, the baffle is provided with a first side and a second side which are oppositely arranged in the thickness direction, one end of the elastic piece is connected with the supporting plate, the other end of the elastic piece is connected with the first side of the baffle, and the rolling piece is arranged on the second side of the baffle; the rolling parts of the two groups of limiting mechanisms are adjacently arranged and are used for being in contact with a battery shell. Elastic deformation of the elastic piece is used for flexibly positioning the battery, meanwhile, sliding friction between the baffle and the battery is converted into rolling friction between the rolling piece and the battery, the situation that the surface of the battery is scratched and damaged due to excessive extrusion when the battery is clamped is avoided, and the battery clamping device is simple in structure and convenient to install and operate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of battery technology, specifically relating to a battery positioning device and a battery conveying device. Background Technology

[0002] In the lithium battery tray assembly process, packaged lithium batteries are transported to a designated location via a conveyor belt. A robotic arm then picks up the lithium batteries at this location and moves them into a tray for assembly. To ensure the lithium batteries are accurately positioned for the robotic arm to grip, a positioning device is typically used to replicate the battery's positioning.

[0003] Current positioning devices typically achieve battery positioning by squeezing the lithium battery from both sides. However, due to variations in thickness among different lithium batteries, impacts and displacement can occur between the positioning device and the battery during the positioning process, easily causing scratches on the battery casing. Furthermore, the positioning device can easily over-squeeze the battery, and the sliding friction between the battery casing and the positioning device when the robot handles the battery can also lead to scratches on the battery casing. Ultimately, this can easily result in the lithium battery being rendered unusable due to casing scratches, causing significant waste. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application aims to provide a battery positioning device and a battery conveying device to solve the problem of lithium batteries being easily scratched during the assembly process.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this application is implemented as follows:

[0006] This application provides a battery positioning device for installation on a battery conveying device. Its key feature is that it includes two sets of opposing limiting mechanisms, each set comprising: a support plate, a baffle, a rolling element, and an elastic element; wherein...

[0007] The support plate is used to be installed on the battery conveying device. The baffle has a first side and a second side that are disposed opposite to each other along the thickness direction. One end of the elastic member is connected to the support plate, and the other end is connected to the first side of the baffle. The rolling member is disposed on the second side of the baffle.

[0008] The rolling elements of the two sets of limiting mechanisms are arranged adjacent to each other, and the rolling elements are used to contact the battery casing.

[0009] Optionally, each set of the limiting mechanism includes at least two elastic elements, which are evenly disposed between the first side of the baffle and the support plate.

[0010] Optionally, the elastic element is detachably connected to the first side of the baffle and the support plate.

[0011] Optionally, the limiting mechanism further includes a guide post, one end of which is connected to the support plate, and the other end extends toward the first side of the baffle and is disposed opposite to the first side of the baffle. The guide post is used to guide and limit the movement of the baffle.

[0012] Optionally, the support plate is provided with a through hole, and one end of the guide post passes through the through hole and can slide in the through hole.

[0013] Optionally, a bushing is provided inside the through hole, and the guide post slides inside the bushing.

[0014] Optionally, a fastener is provided at the through hole for fixing the guide post.

[0015] Optionally, along the transmission direction of the battery conveying device, the baffle includes a guide portion and a clamping portion connected to each other, the guide portion being close to the receiving end of the battery conveying device; wherein,

[0016] The thickness of the guide portion increases along the transmission direction of the battery conveying device.

[0017] Secondly, this application also discloses a battery delivery device, including any of the battery positioning devices disclosed in the first aspect.

[0018] Optionally, it also includes a support and a conveyor belt disposed on the support, the support having a third end and a fourth end disposed opposite to each other, the conveyor belt moving from the third end to the fourth end, the battery positioning device being disposed at the fourth end of the support, and two sets of the limiting mechanisms being disposed opposite to each other on both sides of the conveyor belt.

[0019] In embodiments of this application, a battery positioning device and a battery conveying device are disclosed for mounting on a battery conveying device. The device is characterized by comprising two sets of opposing limiting mechanisms. Each set of limiting mechanisms includes a support plate, a baffle, a rolling element, and an elastic element. The support plate is mounted on the battery conveying device. The baffle has a first side and a second side disposed opposite to each other along its thickness direction. One end of the elastic element is connected to the support plate, and the other end is connected to the first side of the baffle. The rolling element is disposed on the second side of the baffle. The rolling elements of the two sets of limiting mechanisms are arranged adjacent to each other, and the rolling element is used to contact the battery casing. The elastic deformation of the elastic element is used for flexible positioning of the battery, while converting the sliding friction between the baffle and the battery into rolling friction between the rolling element and the battery. This avoids scratches and damage to the battery surface caused by excessive pressure during battery handling. Furthermore, the structure is simple and easy to install and operate. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this application will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a battery positioning device according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a battery transfer device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Reference numerals: 1: Battery positioning device; 11: Support plate; 1: Through hole; 12: Baffle; 13: Rolling element; 14: Elastic element; 15: Guide post; 2: Battery; 3: Bracket; 4: Conveyor belt. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0025] It should be understood that the phrase "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" throughout the specification means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic related to the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of this application. Therefore, "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" appearing throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a battery positioning device according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a battery transfer device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] This utility model discloses a battery positioning device 1 for installation on a battery conveying device. It is characterized by comprising two sets of opposing limiting mechanisms. Each limiting mechanism includes a support plate 11, a baffle 12, a rolling element 13, and an elastic element 14. The support plate 11 is used for installation on the battery conveying device. The baffle 12 has a first side and a second side disposed opposite to each other along its thickness direction. One end of the elastic element 14 is connected to the support plate 11, and the other end is connected to the first side of the baffle 12. The rolling elements 13 of the two limiting mechanisms are arranged adjacent to each other and are used to contact the battery casing.

[0028] like Figure 1As shown, the battery positioning device 1 consists of two sets of limiting mechanisms arranged opposite to each other. Support plates 11 are fixedly mounted on the battery conveying equipment, symmetrically arranged on both sides of the target position, fixing the battery positioning device 1 in the designated position to ensure positioning accuracy. Baffles 12 are movably connected to the support plates 11 via elastic members 14. One side of the baffle 12 is connected to the elastic member 14, and the other side surface is uniformly provided with rolling members 13 that can roll in any direction. The two baffles 12 are arranged opposite to each other on their second sides with the rolling members 13, leaving a gap in the middle for the battery 2 to enter and contact the battery casing, allowing the battery 2 to enter the battery positioning device 1 along the second side of the baffle 12. When the battery 2 has not entered the battery positioning device 1, the elastic member 14 is at its original length and in a relaxed state. At this time, the two baffles 12 do not contact each other, and the distance between the two baffles 12 is slightly less than the thickness of the battery 2, so that when the battery 2 enters the battery positioning device 1, it squeezes the baffles 12 on both sides.

[0029] When the battery positioning device 1 starts working, the battery 2, conveyed from the upstream production line, is transported into the battery positioning device 1 by the conveyor. The battery 2 enters the space between the two baffles 12 and presses against the baffles 12 on both sides. The baffles 12 move towards the support plate 11 connected to the baffles 12, compressing the elastic element 14 connecting the baffles 12 and the support plate 11. The compressed elastic element 14 pushes the baffles 12 to clamp the battery 2. The battery 2 undergoes a slight displacement under the pressure from both sides until the forces on both sides are balanced, thus completing the precise positioning of the battery 2. Since the limiting mechanisms on both sides are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the target position, the position where the forces on the battery 2 are balanced is on the center line of the limiting mechanisms, i.e., the target position.

[0030] The basic principle of this invention for positioning the battery 2 is based on the linear relationship between the deformation and elastic force of an elastic material. The battery 2 enters the space between two sets of limiting mechanisms via a conveying device. The side of the battery 2 presses against the baffle 12, causing the baffle 12 to move towards the support plate 11 and compress the elastic element 14 connecting the baffle 12 and the support plate 11. The elastic element 14 deforms, generating elastic force. The limiting mechanisms on both sides apply two forces in opposite directions to the battery 2 along the same straight line. When the elastic forces are balanced, the battery 2 remains stationary at that position. Because the elastic force of the elastic material is linearly related to its deformation, when the elastic forces applied to the battery 2 by the limiting mechanisms on both sides are balanced, their deformation is equal, ensuring that the battery 2 is precisely positioned on the center line.

[0031] To ensure positioning accuracy, the battery positioning device 1 needs to be calibrated during installation to ensure that the two sets of limiting mechanisms are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the conveying device. The position where the robotic arm grips the battery 2 is on the centerline between the two sets of limiting mechanisms, and the distance from the support plates 11 on both sides is the same. In addition, the elastic elements 14 of the two sets of limiting mechanisms are also aligned to ensure that the compressive forces on both sides of the battery 2 are on the same straight line, preventing the generation of deflection force.

[0032] In this embodiment, the elastic deformation of the elastic element 14 is used to automatically and dynamically adjust the position of the battery 2. Positioning accuracy can be ensured simply by calibrating the position of the support plate 11 during installation. The battery 2 is automatically positioned after being fed into the battery positioning device 1 by the conveying device. No power equipment is needed to control the movement of the baffle 12, resulting in a simple structure and easy operation.

[0033] During the positioning process and after positioning, the battery 2 slides between its side and the baffle 12. When the battery 2 is removed from above the battery positioning device 1, the sliding friction between the battery 2 and the baffle 12 is even greater due to the pressure exerted by the baffles 12 on both sides. In existing technologies, only the baffle 12 or a stop block makes rigid contact with the surface of the battery 2. This inevitably generates sliding friction during movement, which can severely damage the surface of the battery 2, causing scratches and breakage, rendering the battery unusable. In this embodiment, a rolling element 13 is provided on the second side of the baffle 12 that contacts the battery 2. The rolling element 13 is evenly distributed on the second side of the baffle 12 and can roll in any direction. When the battery 2 moves relative to the baffle 12, it contacts the rolling element 13 on the baffle 12. The rolling friction between the rolling element 13 and the battery 2 replaces the sliding friction between the baffle 12 and the battery 2. Simultaneously, the elastic elements 14 on both sides provide flexible restraint for the battery 2, preventing excessive pressure and reducing the risk of horizontal and vertical scratches on the battery 2's casing.

[0034] In some alternative embodiments, each limiting mechanism includes at least two elastic elements 14, which are evenly disposed between the first side of the baffle 12 and the support plate 11.

[0035] Multiple elastic elements 14 can be arranged between the baffle 12 and the support plate 11. The elastic elements 14 are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the center position of the baffle 12, and each elastic element 14 has the same length and elastic coefficient, generating the same elastic force when squeezed by the battery 2. The resultant force of the multiple elastic elements 14 acting on the baffle 12 is located at the center of the baffle 12, which can avoid the generation of eccentric force, causing the baffle 12 and the battery 2 held by the baffle 12 to deviate from the target position. This ensures the positioning accuracy.

[0036] Additionally, in some alternative embodiments, the elastic element 14 is detachably connected to the first side of the baffle 12 and the support plate 11.

[0037] The distance between the second sides of the two baffles 12 should be set slightly less than the thickness of the battery 2, so that when the battery 2 enters the battery positioning device 1, it presses against the baffles 12 on both sides without obstructing the entry of the battery 2. The thickness of the battery 2 may vary depending on the model and specification, so the distance between the baffles 12 needs to be adjusted according to the actual situation.

[0038] The battery positioning device 1 in this embodiment is universal for batteries 2 of different thicknesses. With the battery conveying device specifications unchanged, the distance between the two opposing baffles 12 is determined by the initial length of the elastic member 14 connecting the baffles 12 and the support plate 11. Both ends of the elastic member 14 are movable connections; changing the distance between the baffles 12 only requires replacing the elastic member 14 with one of the corresponding length.

[0039] In practical applications, the elasticity of the elastic element 14 will decrease after long-term and repeated use, affecting the positioning effect of the device. Once the aging of the elastic element 14 is discovered, the aged elastic element 14 can be removed and replaced at any time without disassembling and repairing the entire device, which is convenient, quick and cost-effective.

[0040] In addition, in some optional embodiments, the limiting mechanism further includes a guide post 15, one end of which is connected to the support plate 11, and the other end extends toward the first side of the baffle 12 and is disposed opposite to the first side of the baffle 12. The guide post 15 is used to guide and limit the movement of the baffle 12.

[0041] As shown in the figure, a guide post 15 is provided between the baffle 12 and the support plate 11. The guide post 15 is connected to the support plate 11, and its other end is close to the first side of the baffle 12. The two limiting mechanisms are arranged opposite to each other, and the two guide posts 15 are also arranged opposite to each other. The distance between the two guide posts 15 is equal to the thickness of the battery 2 to be positioned plus the thickness of the two baffles 12. When the elastic member 14 is not compressed and is at its original length, the guide post 15 is close to the first side of the baffle 12 but does not contact the baffle 12. The battery 2 enters the battery positioning device 1, squeezing the baffles 12 on both sides. When the baffle 12 contacts the guide post 15, the battery 2 is just completely inserted into the battery positioning device 1 and moves to the target position.

[0042] Because the elastic element 14 is a flexible structure, it is difficult to fully compress along its length when compressed, resulting in some bending. This causes displacement or torsion of the baffle 12 connected to the elastic element 14, thus affecting the positioning of the battery 2. The guide post 15 is a rigid structure that does not bend under pressure, thus limiting the torsion of the baffle 12 and assisting the baffle 12 in positioning the battery 2.

[0043] In some alternative embodiments, the support plate 11 is provided with a through hole 111, and one end of the guide post 15 passes through the through hole 111 and can slide in the through hole 111.

[0044] In this embodiment, the guide post 15 is movably connected to the support plate 11 and can slide in the through hole 111 of the support plate 11 to change the length of the guide post 15. The distance between the two guide posts 15 arranged opposite each other is adjusted according to the thickness of the battery 2 to adapt to batteries 2 of different thicknesses.

[0045] In some alternative embodiments, a bushing is provided inside the through hole 111, and the guide post 15 slides inside the bushing.

[0046] The bushing can be welded to the inner wall of the through hole 111 or it can be installed. When the guide post 15 moves back and forth in the through hole 111, the bushing can reduce friction and jamming.

[0047] In some alternative embodiments, a fastener is provided at the through hole 111 for securing the guide post 15.

[0048] The guide post 15 is connected to the support plate 11 at only one end, while the other end is suspended in the air. To ensure the reliability of the guide post 15, fasteners are installed at the through hole 111 to fix the guide post 15.

[0049] In some alternative embodiments, along the transmission direction of the battery conveying device, the baffle 12 includes a guide portion and a clamping portion connected to each other, the guide portion being close to the receiving end of the battery conveying device; wherein, along the transmission direction of the battery conveying device, the thickness of the guide portion increases.

[0050] The baffle 12 is divided into a guide section and a clamping section along the transmission direction of the battery conveying device. The battery 2 first contacts the guide section, and the thickness of the guide section increases along the transmission direction. The distance between the two opposing baffles 12 decreases accordingly, forming a funnel-shaped opening. The thickness of the clamping section remains constant and is equal to the maximum thickness of the guide section. The guide section guides the battery 2 into the battery positioning device 1, and the clamping section positions the entering battery 2. The battery conveying device in this embodiment has better versatility, does not require precise control of the distance between the two baffles 12, and is less likely to get stuck at the receiving end of the battery positioning device 1 during the conveying process, avoiding battery jamming that could cause production line stoppage or even malfunction. This increases the applicability of the battery positioning device 1 without replacing the elastic element 14.

[0051] Both the guide part and the clamping part are provided with rolling elements 13, so the battery 2 will generally not be scratched during the movement of the battery 2. In order to further protect the battery 2, the connection between the guide part and the clamping part can also be smoothed.

[0052] This utility model discloses a battery positioning device for installation on a battery conveying device. It is characterized by comprising two sets of opposing limiting mechanisms. Each set of limiting mechanisms includes a support plate, a baffle, a rolling element, and an elastic element. The support plate is used for installation on the battery conveying device. The baffle has a first side and a second side disposed opposite to each other along its thickness direction. One end of the elastic element is connected to the support plate, and the other end is connected to the first side of the baffle. The rolling element is disposed on the second side of the baffle. The rolling elements of the two sets of limiting mechanisms are arranged adjacent to each other, and the rolling element is used to contact the battery casing. The device utilizes the elastic deformation of the elastic element for flexible battery positioning, while converting the sliding friction between the baffle and the battery into rolling friction between the rolling element and the battery. This avoids scratches and damage to the battery surface caused by excessive pressure during battery handling. Furthermore, the structure is simple and easy to install and operate.

[0053] This utility model embodiment also discloses a battery conveying device, including any of the battery positioning devices 1 in the above embodiments.

[0054] In addition, in some optional embodiments, a bracket 3 and a conveyor belt 4 disposed on the bracket 3 are also included. The bracket 3 has a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other. The conveyor belt 4 moves from the first end to the second end. The battery positioning device 1 is disposed at the second end of the bracket 3. Two sets of limiting mechanisms are disposed opposite to each other on both sides of the conveyor belt 4.

[0055] In the battery 2 traying process, a robot is used to grip the batteries 2 on the conveyor belt and place them into a fixed-position grid. This action is repeated several times to complete the traying of batteries 2. To ensure the normal operation of the traying process, the position of the batteries 2 at the end of the conveyor belt must have a certain level of accuracy, so that the stopping position of the robot gripping different incoming batteries 2 is within the allowable error range, thus smoothly placing the batteries 2 into the grid. A battery positioning device 1 is installed at the end of the conveyor belt 4 of the battery conveying device. When the batteries 2 move to the end of the conveyor belt 4, the battery 2 casing and the rolling element 13 are squeezed and relatively slid. At this time, the elastic element 14 is compressed and shortened, providing flexible protection for the battery 2 casing. When the batteries 2 stop at the end of the conveyor belt 4, the elastic elements 14 on both sides push the baffle 12 to clamp the batteries 2, completing the precise positioning of the batteries 2 at the target position. Then, the robot grips the batteries 2 at the target position and places them into the grid.

[0056] It should be noted that the various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other.

[0057] Although optional embodiments of the present application have been described, those skilled in the art, upon learning the basic inventive concept, can make other changes and modifications to these embodiments. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including the optional embodiments as well as all changes and modifications falling within the scope of the embodiments of the present application.

[0058] Finally, it should be noted that in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that an article or terminal device that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such an article or terminal device. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the article or terminal device that includes that element.

[0059] The technical solutions provided in this application have been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the principles and implementation methods of this application. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

Claims

1. A battery positioning device for mounting on a battery transfer device, characterized in that, Each set of the limiting mechanism comprises a support plate, a baffle, a rolling member and an elastic member. The support plate is arranged on the battery conveying device, the baffle has a first side and a second side arranged away from each other along the thickness direction, one end of the elastic member is connected to the support plate, and the other end is connected to the first side of the baffle, and the rolling member is arranged on the second side of the baffle. The rolling members of the two sets of limiting mechanisms are arranged adjacent to each other, and the rolling members are used to contact the battery shell.

2. The battery positioning device of claim 1, wherein, Each set of the limiting mechanism comprises at least two elastic members, and the elastic members are uniformly arranged between the first side of the baffle and the support plate.

3. The battery positioning device of claim 1, wherein, The elastic member is detachably connected to the first side of the baffle and the support plate.

4. The battery positioning device of claim 1, wherein, The limiting mechanism further comprises a guide column, one end of the guide column is connected to the support plate, the other end extends towards the first side of the baffle and is arranged opposite to the first side of the baffle, and the guide column is used to guide and limit the movement of the baffle.

5. The battery positioning device of claim 4, wherein, A through hole is arranged on the support plate, one end of the guide column passes through the through hole and can slide in the through hole.

6. The battery positioning device of claim 5, wherein, An axle sleeve is arranged in the through hole, and the guide column slides in the axle sleeve.

7. The battery positioning device of claim 5, wherein, A fastener is arranged at the through hole, and the fastener is used to fix the guide column.

8. The battery positioning device of claim 1, wherein, Along the conveying direction of the battery conveying device, the baffle comprises a guide part and a clamping part connected to each other, and the guide part is close to the incoming end of the battery conveying device. Along the conveying direction of the battery conveying device, the thickness of the guide part increases.

9. A battery conveying device comprising the battery positioning device according to any one of claims 1-8.

10. The battery conveying apparatus according to claim 9, wherein Further comprising a bracket and a conveying belt arranged on the bracket, the bracket has a third end and a fourth end arranged away from each other, the conveying belt moves from the third end to the fourth end, the battery positioning device is arranged at the fourth end of the bracket, and the two sets of limiting mechanisms are arranged opposite to each other on the two sides of the conveying belt.

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