Battery cell stacking mechanism and battery cell stacking device

Abstract

The utility model provides a battery cell stacking mechanism and a battery cell stacking device, and belongs to the technical field of battery cell module production equipment. The battery cell stacking mechanism comprises a bearing assembly, the bearing assembly comprises a distance adjusting part and two sets of bearing parts arranged side by side, and the two sets of bearing parts extend in the first direction; the spacing adjusting part drives at least one group of bearing parts to move along a second direction, so that the two groups of bearing parts are close to or far away from each other; wherein each bearing part is used for independently bearing a group of battery cells, or the two groups of bearing parts are used for cooperatively bearing a group of battery cells; the stacking assembly comprises two groups of stacking parts matched with the bearing parts and a driving part, each group of stacking parts comprises an abutting piece and a limiting piece which are oppositely arranged on the two sides of the matched bearing part in the first direction, and the driving part is configured to drive the abutting pieces to push the battery cells borne on the bearing parts towards the corresponding limiting pieces. According to the battery cell stacking mechanism, by arranging the distance adjusting part and the two bearing parts, compatibility of battery cells of different specifications is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of battery cell module production equipment, and more specifically, to a battery cell stacking mechanism and a battery cell stacking device. Background Technology

[0002] In the battery manufacturing industry, cell stacking technology is a crucial step in the production process, directly impacting battery performance and consistency. With the rapid development of the new energy industry, battery applications are becoming increasingly diversified, placing higher demands on cell size and specifications. Traditional cell stacking mechanisms typically employ fixed-position carriers. While this design meets production needs to some extent, its limitations are becoming increasingly apparent. Specifically, fixed-position carriers can only accommodate cell modules of a single or similar size. When producing cell modules of different sizes, a correspondingly sized carrier needs to be replaced, limiting production line flexibility and efficiency. Existing cell stacking mechanisms often neglect the need for multi-specification compatibility. In actual production, battery manufacturers need to address the diverse size requirements of different customers, and existing stacking mechanisms struggle to adapt to these changes. Utility Model Content

[0003] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a cell stacking mechanism and a cell stacking device, which adopt the following technical solution:

[0004] This application discloses a cell stacking mechanism, which includes a carrier component and a stacking component, wherein:

[0005] The carrier assembly includes a spacing adjustment section and two sets of carrier sections arranged side by side, both sets of carrier sections extending along a first direction; the spacing adjustment section is configured to drive at least one set of carrier sections to move along a second direction, so that the two sets of carrier sections move closer to or further away from each other; wherein each carrier section is used to independently carry a set of battery cells, or the two sets of carrier sections are used to cooperate in carrying a set of battery cells; wherein the first direction is the battery cell stacking direction, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction;

[0006] The stacking assembly includes two sets of stacking sections and a driving section that are matched with the support section. Each set of stacking sections includes a pusher and a limiting member that are arranged opposite to each other on both sides of the matching support section along a first direction. The driving end of the driving section is connected to the corresponding pusher. The driving section is configured to drive the pusher to push the battery cell carried on the support section toward the corresponding limiting member.

[0007] The cell stacking mechanism of this application enhances the flexibility of cell stacking and improves the versatility of the equipment through the cooperation of the support component and the stacking component. The spacing adjustment unit in the support component can drive at least one set of support components to move along a second direction, allowing two sets of support components to move closer or further apart, thereby accommodating cells of different sizes. This design overcomes the limitations of traditional fixed-position support components, achieving compatibility with cells of different specifications. The pushing member in the stacking component, controlled by the drive unit, pushes the cell carried on the support component towards the corresponding limiting member, improving production efficiency, reducing manual intervention, and further optimizing the production process.

[0008] Optionally, the stacked assembly also includes two sets of straightening sections that correspond one-to-one with the support section. Each straightening section includes a straightening plate, a reference plate corresponding to the straightening plate, and a first driving component.

[0009] The reference plate and the leveling plate are respectively installed on both sides of the corresponding pusher along the second direction; each first drive member is configured to drive the corresponding leveling plate and reference plate to move closer or further away from each other.

[0010] This application also incorporates a leveling section in the stacked assembly to further enhance the neatness and stability of the cell stacking. The leveling section includes a leveling plate, a reference plate, and a first driving member. The reference plate and leveling plate are mounted on opposite sides of the pushing member along a second direction. The first driving member drives the leveling plate and reference plate to move closer or further apart. This design allows the cells to be further leveled by the leveling plate and reference plate during the stacking process, ensuring a neat arrangement of the cells and improving the stacking quality.

[0011] Optionally, when each bearing section is used to individually bear a group of cells, each straightening section is configured to straighten the cells carried by the corresponding bearing section.

[0012] When the supporting sections are used to individually support a group of battery cells, the two sets of alignment sections in this application can each alignment the battery cells supported by the corresponding supporting section. This independent alignment mechanism ensures the neatness of each group of battery cells. Through the cooperation of the alignment plate and the reference plate, the battery cells can maintain accurate positions during the stacking process, thereby reducing stacking errors. This design is suitable for production scenarios that require the simultaneous stacking of multiple groups of small-sized battery cells, and can improve the flexibility and efficiency of the production line.

[0013] Optionally, when the two sets of bearing parts are used to support a set of battery cells, the two reference plates are respectively installed on the inner side of the two pushers, and the two alignment plates are respectively installed on the outer side of the far end of the two pushers; wherein, the reference plates are detachably installed or slidably installed on the inner side of the two pushers, and after the two reference plates are removed or slid to the avoidance position, an alignment space is formed between the two alignment plates.

[0014] Two first driving elements are configured to drive two alignment plates to move closer to each other along a second direction, thereby aligning the two alignment plates with the cells that are neatly located in the alignment space.

[0015] When two sets of support sections are used to support a set of battery cells, the aligning section of this application achieves cell alignment through the cooperation of two aligning plates. The reference plate is detachably or slidably mounted inside the pusher, and the aligning plate is mounted on the outer side of the far end of the pusher. The detachable or slidable design of the reference plate allows an alignment space to be formed between the two aligning plates after they are removed or slid to an avoidance position. Two first driving members drive the two aligning plates to move closer to each other along a second direction, aligning the two aligning plates with the battery cells neatly located in the alignment space. This design is suitable for production scenarios involving stacking large-size battery cells, ensuring stable cell stacking and reducing stacking errors.

[0016] Optionally, each drive unit includes a second drive element and a first synchronous belt, wherein:

[0017] The pushing members in each stack section are slidably installed on the outside of the corresponding bearing section;

[0018] The first synchronous belt in each drive unit is connected to the drive end of the second drive member, and the second drive member is configured to drive the first synchronous belt to move.

[0019] The pushing member in each stacked section is fixedly connected to a portion of the first synchronous belt in the corresponding drive section, so that the pushing member in each stacked section can move forward or backward in the first direction as the first synchronous belt in the corresponding drive section moves.

[0020] In the stacking assembly, the drive unit, through the cooperation of the second drive member and the first synchronous belt, enhances the stability of the pushing member's movement. The pushing member is slidably mounted on the outside of the support unit. The first synchronous belt is connected to the second drive member, and a portion of the pushing member is fixedly connected to the first synchronous belt, moving forward or backward with the movement of the first synchronous belt. The second drive member controls the movement of the pushing member through the first synchronous belt, ensuring accurate positioning of the cells during the stacking process and improving stacking quality.

[0021] Optionally, the stacking assembly also includes a guide shaft arranged along the second direction, and the pushers in the two stacked sections are respectively connected to the guide shaft via guide blocks.

[0022] This application incorporates a guide shaft in the stacked assembly, further enhancing the synchronization of the movement of the two pushing members. The guide shaft is arranged along a second direction, and the pushing members in the two stacked sections are connected to the guide shaft via guide blocks. When the spacing adjustment unit drives the two sets of support sections to move closer or further apart along the second direction, both ends of the guide shaft can slide along the second direction within the two guide blocks. The design of the guide blocks and guide shaft improves synchronization without affecting the movement of the two sets of support sections in the second direction.

[0023] Optionally, the load-bearing assembly also includes a mounting bracket, and each load-bearing part is slidably mounted on the mounting bracket along the second direction;

[0024] The spacing adjustment unit is configured to simultaneously drive two sets of bearings to move closer or further away from each other, or the spacing adjustment unit is configured to individually drive any one set of bearings to move closer or further away from the other set of bearings.

[0025] In this application, each bearing part is slidably mounted on the mounting bracket along the second direction. The spacing adjustment part can simultaneously drive two sets of bearing parts to move closer or further away from each other, or drive one set of bearing parts to move closer or further away from the other set of bearing parts. The spacing adjustment part can choose to drive one set of bearing parts alone or drive two sets of bearing parts to move along the second direction according to production needs.

[0026] Optionally, each pushing member includes a driver and a pusher plate, and the driving end of each driver is configured to drive the corresponding pusher plate to move closer to or further away from the corresponding limiting member along a first direction.

[0027] In this application, the pusher includes a driver and a pusher plate. The driver drives the pusher plate to move closer to or away from the limiting member in a first direction, which can provide pressure in the first direction when the cells are stacked, so that the cells can fit together better.

[0028] Optionally, a signal sensor and a sensing element are respectively mounted opposite to each other on the fixed end of the driver and the pusher plate; or, a sensing element and a signal sensor are respectively mounted opposite to each other on the fixed end of the driver and the pusher plate.

[0029] The signal sensor is configured to detect the distance between the signal sensor and the sensing element.

[0030] This application incorporates a signal sensor and a sensing element within the pusher component. The signal sensor and sensing element are respectively mounted on the fixed end of the driver and the pusher plate. The signal sensor detects the distance between itself and the sensing element. This design enables real-time detection of the pusher component's position, ensuring accurate movement of the pusher plate and thus determining whether the battery cells are properly clamped, thereby improving stacking quality. Furthermore, distance detection allows for timely detection and correction of abnormal pusher plate movement, enhancing equipment safety and reducing operational failure rates. Additionally, distance detection also determines whether the driver's drive end has returned to its original position.

[0031] This application also proposes a battery cell stacking device, which includes a battery cell conveying mechanism, a battery cell handling mechanism, a driving mechanism, and the aforementioned battery cell stacking mechanism, wherein:

[0032] The cell delivery mechanism includes a delivery track extending in a first direction, the delivery track being configured to receive a cell at a first position and deliver the cell to a second position in the first direction;

[0033] The cell handling mechanism is configured to pick up a cell from the transport track at a second position and place the picked-up cell on at least one cell stacking mechanism;

[0034] The drive mechanism is configured to drive the cell stacking mechanism to move the cell stacking mechanism along a first direction, so that the cell handling mechanism can place the picked-up cell on the empty space of the bearing surface of the bearing part in the cell stacking mechanism.

[0035] The cell stacking mechanism is configured to push the cells toward the limiting member by a pusher; the cell stacking mechanism is also configured to control the pusher to move a preset distance away from the limiting member after the cells have moved into place.

[0036] The battery cell stacking device of this application achieves full automation of battery cell stacking through the cooperation of a battery cell conveying mechanism, a battery cell handling mechanism, a drive mechanism, and a battery cell stacking mechanism, thereby improving production efficiency and stacking quality. The battery cell conveying mechanism extends along a first direction, the battery cell handling mechanism picks up batteries and places them on the battery cell stacking mechanism, and the drive mechanism drives the battery cell stacking mechanism to move along the first direction, enabling the battery cell handling mechanism to place batteries in empty spaces on the support section. This design optimizes the stacking process and further improves production efficiency. Furthermore, the battery cell stacking mechanism pushes the batteries toward the limiting member through a pushing member, achieving battery cell stacking; after the batteries are in place, the battery cell stacking mechanism controls the pushing member to move a preset distance away from the limiting member, leaving a space between the pushing member and the already stacked batteries for placing new batteries.

[0037] Optionally, the cell handling mechanism includes a mounting bracket, a drive assembly, and a picking assembly, wherein:

[0038] The fixed end of the drive component is mounted on the mounting bracket;

[0039] The material handling component is installed on the drive end of the drive component;

[0040] The drive component is configured to drive the material handling component to rotate and lift.

[0041] The picking component is configured to pick up battery cells on the conveyor track under the drive of the drive component and place the picked-up battery cells on the battery cell stacking mechanism.

[0042] In this application, the cell handling mechanism further enhances the flexibility and efficiency of cell handling through the cooperation of a mounting frame, a drive assembly, and a picking assembly. The fixed end of the drive assembly is mounted on the mounting frame, and the picking assembly is mounted on the drive end of the drive assembly. The drive assembly drives the picking assembly to rotate and lift, enabling multi-angle picking and placement of cells. This design improves the flexibility of cell handling, reduces manual intervention, and further optimizes the production process. Furthermore, the picking assembly makes cell picking and placement more convenient, improving production efficiency.

[0043] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the technical solution of this application are:

[0044] This application provides a cell stacking mechanism and a cell stacking device. The carrier component, by incorporating a spacing adjustment section and two sets of side-by-side carrier sections, achieves compatibility with cells of different specifications. The spacing adjustment section can drive at least one set of carrier sections to move along a second direction, allowing the two sets of carrier sections to move closer or further apart, thus flexibly adapting to cells of different sizes. When stacking small-sized cells, each set of carrier sections independently carries one set of cells; when stacking large-sized cells, the two sets of carrier sections jointly carry one set of cells, ensuring stable stacking of large-sized cells. This design effectively solves the limitation of traditional stacking mechanisms that can only adapt to single-size cells, significantly improving the flexibility and versatility of the production line. Attached Figure Description

[0045] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the cell stacking mechanism in the embodiments of this application;

[0046] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the pushing member and the organizing part in the cell stacking mechanism of this application embodiment;

[0047] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the mounting structure of the reference plate in the regularization section of the cell stacking mechanism in the embodiments of this application;

[0048] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the cell stacking device in the embodiments of this application;

[0049] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a cell handling mechanism in an embodiment of this application;

[0050] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another structure of the cell handling mechanism in the embodiments of this application;

[0051] Figures 1 to 6 Includes:

[0052] Cell stacking mechanism 1:

[0053] Support component 11, spacing adjustment part 111, support part 112, mounting bracket 113,

[0054] Stacked component 12

[0055] Stacking section 121, pushing member 1211, driver 12111, pusher plate 12112, signal sensor 12113, sensing element 12114, guide shaft 12115, guide block 12116, limiting member 1212.

[0056] Drive unit 122, second drive component 1221, first synchronous belt 1222

[0057] 123, 1231, 1232, 1233; 1233, 1233;

[0058] Cell delivery mechanism 2;

[0059] Cell handling mechanism 3:

[0060] Mounting bracket 31,

[0061] Drive assembly 32, first rotary drive component 321, first lifting drive component 322, second rotary drive component 323, second lifting drive component 324,

[0062] Material handling component 33, detection component 34;

[0063] Battery cell 100. Detailed Implementation

[0064] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0065] like Figure 1 As shown, this application proposes a cell stacking mechanism 1, which includes a support component 11 and a stacking component 12, wherein:

[0066] The support assembly 11 includes a spacing adjustment section 111 and two sets of support sections 112 arranged side by side, both sets of support sections 112 being along a first direction (e.g., Figure 1 Extending in the X direction (as shown); the spacing adjustment unit 111 is configured to drive at least one set of bearing units 112 along the second direction (e.g., the X direction); Figure 1 The two sets of support parts 112 move in the Y direction (as shown) to bring them closer together or further apart; each support part 112 is used to independently support a set of battery cells, or the two sets of support parts 112 are used to cooperate in supporting a set of battery cells; the first direction is the battery cell stacking direction, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0067] The stacking assembly 12 includes two sets of stacking sections 121 and a driving section 122 that are matched with the support section 112. Each set of stacking sections 121 includes a pusher 1211 and a limiter 1212 that are arranged opposite to each other on both sides of the matching support section 112 along a first direction. The driving end of the driving section 122 is connected to the corresponding pusher 1211. The driving section 122 is configured to drive the pusher 1211 to push the battery cell carried on the support section 112 toward the corresponding limiter 1212.

[0068] The cell stacking mechanism 1 of this application improves the flexibility of cell stacking and enhances the versatility of the equipment through the cooperation of the support component 11 and the stacking component 12. The spacing adjustment part 111 in the support component 11 can drive at least one set of support parts 112 to move along a second direction, allowing the two sets of support parts 112 to move closer or further apart, thereby accommodating cells of different sizes. This design overcomes the limitation of traditional fixed-position support parts 112 being only suitable for supporting cells of the same specification, achieving compatibility with cells of different specifications. The pushing member 1211 in the stacking component 12, controlled by the drive part 122, pushes the cell supported on the support part 112 towards the corresponding limiting member 1212, improving production efficiency, reducing manual intervention, and further optimizing the production process.

[0069] Optional, please continue reading Figure 1 The limiting member 1212 includes at least one limiting plate, and the limiting plate is provided with a limiting surface extending along the height direction. The pushing member 1211 is configured to push the battery cells carried on the support portion 112 one by one toward the limiting surface, thereby realizing the stacking of the battery cell module. The limiting member 1212 is stationary relative to the support portion 112.

[0070] Optional, please continue reading Figure 1 The support portion 112 includes two parallel support plates, each extending along a first direction.

[0071] Optionally, the spacing adjustment unit 111 can be selected according to actual production needs, such as a drive motor, cylinder or other drive mechanism. Those skilled in the art can learn about its structure and principle through technical manuals, so it will not be described in detail here.

[0072] Optional, such as Figure 1-2 As shown, the stacking assembly 12 also includes two sets of straightening sections 123 that correspond one-to-one with the support section 112. Each straightening section 123 includes a straightening plate 1231, a reference plate 1232 corresponding to the straightening plate 1231, and a first driving member 1233.

[0073] The reference plate 1232 and the leveling plate 1231 are respectively installed on both sides of the corresponding pusher 1211 along the second direction; each first drive member 1233 is configured to drive the corresponding leveling plate 1231 and reference plate 1232 to move closer or further away from each other.

[0074] This application also incorporates a leveling section 123 in the stacking assembly 12 to further enhance the neatness and stability of the cell stacking. The leveling section 123 includes a leveling plate 1231, a reference plate 1232, and a first driving member 1233. The reference plate 1232 and the leveling plate 1231 are mounted on both sides of the pusher 1211 along a second direction. The first driving member 1233 drives the leveling plate 1231 and the reference plate 1232 to move closer or further apart. This design allows the cells to be further leveled by the leveling plate 1231 and the reference plate 1232 before stacking, ensuring a neat arrangement of the cells and improving the stacking quality.

[0075] Optionally, the driving end of the first driving member 1233 is connected to the leveling plate 1231 to drive the leveling plate 1231 to move closer to or away from the reference plate 1232.

[0076] Optionally, when each carrier section 112 is used to individually carry a group of battery cells,

[0077] Each straightening section 123 is configured to straighten the battery cell carried by the corresponding carrier section 112.

[0078] After the battery cell is released into the support part 112, the reference plate 1232 and the leveling plate 1231 on both sides of the pusher 1211 clamp the battery cell to level it. Then, the pusher 1211 pushes the battery cell clamped by the reference plate 1232 and the leveling plate 1231 toward the limiting member 1212 to achieve the stacking of the battery cells.

[0079] When the carrier portion 112 is used to individually carry a group of battery cells, the two sets of alignment portions 123 of this application can respectively alignment the battery cells carried by the corresponding carrier portion 112. This independent alignment mechanism ensures the neatness of each group of battery cells. Through the cooperation of the alignment plate 1231 and the reference plate 1232, the battery cells can maintain accurate positions during the stacking process to reduce stacking errors. This design is suitable for production scenarios that require the simultaneous stacking of multiple groups of small-sized battery cells, and can improve the flexibility and production efficiency of the production line.

[0080] Optionally, when the two sets of bearing portions 112 are used to support a set of battery cells, the two reference plates 1232 are respectively installed on the inner side of the two pushers 1211, and the adjacent side of the two pushers 1211 is regarded as the inner side of the two pushers 1211; the two leveling plates 1231 are respectively installed on the outer side of the far end of the two pushers 1211, and the side of the two pushers 1211 that is furthest apart is regarded as the outer side of the two pushers 1211.

[0081] Among them, the two reference plates 1232 are detachably installed or slidably installed on the inner side of the two pushers 1211. After the two reference plates 1232 are removed or slid to the avoidance position, a regular space is formed between the two regular plates 1231.

[0082] Two first driving members 1233 are configured to drive two straightening plates 1231 to approach each other along a second direction, thereby causing the two straightening plates 1231 to cooperate in straightening the battery cell located in the straightening space in the middle.

[0083] After the battery cell is released into the carrier 112, the two leveling plates 1231 clamp the battery cell, and then the pusher 1211 pushes the battery cell clamped by the two leveling plates 1231 toward the limiting member 1212. The operation is repeated to achieve the stacking of the battery cells.

[0084] The specific implementation of the detachable installation of the reference plate 1232 can be chosen by those skilled in the art according to actual production needs. For example, the reference plate 1232 can be detachably installed on the inner side of the pusher 1211 using bolts. Similarly, the specific implementation of the sliding installation of the reference plate 1232 can also be chosen by those skilled in the art according to actual production needs. For example, the reference plate 1232 can be slidably installed on the inner side of the pusher 1211 using a slide rail assembly. Furthermore, the sliding method of the reference plate 1232 can be lifting and sliding (e.g.,...). Figure 3 As shown), it can also be a horizontal slide (as shown). Figure 2 (As shown), it can also be in other forms, which can be set by those skilled in the art according to production needs.

[0085] When the two sets of support parts 112 are used to support a set of battery cells, the aligning part 123 of this application achieves the alignment of the battery cells through the cooperation of two aligning plates 1231. The reference plate 1232 is detachably or slidably mounted on the inner side of the pusher 1211, and the aligning plate 1231 is mounted on the outer side of the distal end of the pusher 1211. The detachable or slidable design of the reference plate 1232 allows an alignment space to be formed between the two aligning plates 1231 after the two reference plates 1232 are removed or slid to an avoidance position. The two first driving members 1233 drive the two aligning plates 1231 to move closer to each other along a second direction, so that the two aligning plates 1231 align and align the battery cells located in the alignment space. This design is suitable for production scenarios of stacking large-size battery cells, ensuring stable stacking of battery cells and reducing stacking errors.

[0086] Optional, please continue reading Figure 1 Each drive unit 122 includes a second drive element 1221 and a first synchronous belt 1222, wherein:

[0087] The pusher 1211 in each stack 121 is slidably mounted on the outside of the corresponding support part 112;

[0088] The first synchronous belt 1222 in each drive unit 122 is connected to the drive end of the second drive member 1221, and the second drive member 1221 is configured to drive the first synchronous belt 1222 to move.

[0089] The pusher 1211 in each stacked section 121 is fixedly connected to a portion of the first synchronous belt 1222 in the corresponding drive section 122, so that the pusher 1211 in each stacked section 121 can move forward or backward in the first direction as the first synchronous belt 1222 in the corresponding drive section 122 moves.

[0090] The drive unit 122 in the stacking assembly 12, through the cooperation of the second drive member 1221 and the first synchronous belt 1222, improves the stability of the movement of the push member 1211. The push member 1211 is slidably mounted on the outside of the support unit 112. The first synchronous belt 1222 is connected to the second drive member 1221, and a portion of the push member 1211 is fixedly connected to the first synchronous belt 1222, moving forward or backward with the movement of the first synchronous belt 1222. The second drive member 1221 controls the movement of the push member 1211 through the first synchronous belt 1222, ensuring the accurate positioning of the cells during the stacking process and improving the stacking quality.

[0091] Optional, such as Figure 2 As shown, the stacking assembly 12 also includes a guide shaft 12115 arranged along the second direction, and the pushers 1211 in the two stacked portions 121 are respectively connected to the guide shaft 12115 via guide blocks 12116.

[0092] This application incorporates a guide shaft 12115 in the stacked assembly 12, further enhancing the synchronization of the movement of the two pushing members 1211. The guide shaft 12115 is arranged along a second direction, and the pushing members 1211 in the two stacked portions 121 are respectively connected to the guide shaft 12115 via guide blocks 12116. When the spacing adjustment unit 111 drives the two sets of support portions 112 to move closer or further apart along the second direction, both ends of the guide shaft 12115 can slide along the second direction within the two guide blocks 12116. The design of the guide blocks 12116 and the guide shaft 12115 improves synchronization without affecting the movement of the two sets of support portions 112 in the second direction.

[0093] Optional, such as Figure 1 As shown, the support assembly 11 also includes a mounting bracket 113, and each support part 112 is slidably mounted on the mounting bracket 113 along the second direction;

[0094] The spacing adjustment unit 111 is configured to simultaneously drive the two sets of bearing units 112 to move closer or further away from each other, or the spacing adjustment unit 111 is configured to drive any one set of bearing units 112 to move closer or further away from the other set of bearing units 112 individually.

[0095] In this application, each bearing part 112 is slidably mounted on the mounting bracket 113 along the second direction. The spacing adjustment part 111 can simultaneously drive two sets of bearing parts 112 to move closer or further away from each other, or drive one set of bearing parts 112 to move closer or further away from the other set of bearing parts 112. The spacing adjustment part 111 can choose to drive one set of bearing parts 112 alone or drive two sets of bearing parts 112 to move along the second direction according to production needs.

[0096] Optional, such as Figure 2 As shown, each pusher 1211 includes a driver 12111 and a pusher plate 12112. The drive end of each driver 12111 is configured to drive the corresponding pusher plate 12112 to move closer to or further away from the corresponding limiter 1212 in a first direction.

[0097] The driver 12111 can be selected according to actual production needs, such as a drive motor, cylinder or other drive structure.

[0098] In this application, the pusher 1211 includes a driver 12111 and a pusher plate 12112. The drive end of the driver 12111 drives the pusher plate 12112 to move closer to or further away from the limiter 1212 in a first direction, which can provide pressure in the first direction when the cells are stacked, so that the cells can fit together better.

[0099] Optionally, a signal sensor 12113 and a sensing element 12114 (e.g., ...) are respectively mounted opposite to each other on the fixed end of the driver 12111 and the pusher plate 12112. Figure 2 (as shown), or, the fixed end of the driver 12111 and the pusher plate 12112 are respectively equipped with a sensing element 12114 and a signal sensor 12113 (not shown);

[0100] The signal sensor 12113 is configured to detect the distance between the signal sensor 12113 and the sensing element 12114.

[0101] This application incorporates a signal sensor 12113 and a sensing element 12114 within the pusher component 1211. The signal sensor 12113 and sensing element 12114 are respectively mounted on the fixed end of the driver 12111 and the pusher plate 12112. The signal sensor 12113 detects the distance between itself and the sensing element 12114. This design enables real-time detection of the pusher component 1211's position, ensuring accurate movement of the pusher plate 12112 and thus determining whether the battery cells are properly clamped, thereby improving stacking quality. Furthermore, distance detection allows for timely detection and correction of abnormal movement of the pusher plate 12112, enhancing equipment safety and reducing the failure rate during operation. Additionally, distance detection also indicates whether the drive end of the driver 12111 has returned to its original position.

[0102] like Figure 4 As shown, this application also proposes a cell stacking device, which includes a cell conveying mechanism 2, a cell handling mechanism 3, a driving mechanism, and the aforementioned cell stacking mechanism 1, wherein:

[0103] The cell conveying mechanism 2 includes a conveying track extending in a first direction, the conveying track being configured to receive the cell 100 at a first position and convey the cell 100 to a second position in the first direction;

[0104] The cell handling mechanism 3 is configured to pick up the cell 100 on the transport track at a second position and place the picked-up cell 100 on at least one cell stacking mechanism 1;

[0105] The drive mechanism is configured to drive the cell stacking mechanism 1 to move the cell stacking mechanism 1 along a first direction, so that the cell handling mechanism 3 can place the picked-up cell 100 in the empty space on the bearing surface of the bearing portion 112 in the cell stacking mechanism 1.

[0106] The cell stacking mechanism 1 is configured to push the cell toward the limiting member 1212 by the pusher 1211; the cell stacking mechanism 1 is also configured to control the pusher 1211 to move a preset distance away from the limiting member 1212 after the cell 100 has moved into place.

[0107] Optionally, after the battery cell 100 is moved into place, the battery cell stacking mechanism 1 controls the pushing member 1211 to move a preset distance away from the limiting member 1212. This preset distance can be set according to actual production needs; for example, the preset distance can be set to the distance between two battery cells 100, that is, to make the pushing member 1211 and the last stacked battery cell 100 two battery cells 100 apart, so as to achieve a rapid response without affecting the release of the battery cell 100.

[0108] The battery cell stacking device of this application achieves full automation of battery cell stacking through the cooperation of a battery cell conveying mechanism 2, a battery cell handling mechanism 3, a drive mechanism, and a battery cell stacking mechanism 1, thereby improving production efficiency and stacking quality. The battery cell conveying mechanism 2 extends along a first direction, the battery cell handling mechanism 3 picks up the battery cells and places them on the battery cell stacking mechanism 1, and the drive mechanism drives the battery cell stacking mechanism 1 to move along the first direction, enabling the battery cell handling mechanism 3 to place the battery cells 100 in the empty spaces of the support portion 112. This design optimizes the stacking process and further improves production efficiency. Furthermore, the battery cell stacking mechanism 1 pushes the battery cells 100 toward the limiting member 1212 via a pushing member 1211, achieving the stacking of the battery cells 100. After the battery cells 100 are in place, the battery cell stacking mechanism 1 controls the pushing member 1211 to move a preset distance away from the limiting member 1212, leaving an empty space between the pushing member 1211 and the already stacked battery cells 100 for placing a new battery cell 100.

[0109] Optionally, the conveying track in the cell conveying mechanism 2 is a conveyor belt, and the cell conveying mechanism 2 also includes a third driving member, which is configured to drive the conveyor belt to rotate, and the conveyor belt conveys the cell 100 at the first position to the second position along the first direction.

[0110] Optionally, when the battery cells are transported on the conveyor track, each battery cell 100 is positioned in a corresponding battery cell limiting fixture.

[0111] Optionally, the cell stacking device may include two cell stacking mechanisms 1 arranged side by side with a gap between them, with one cell stacking mechanism 1 in use and the other as a backup.

[0112] When stacking large-size battery cells, the battery cell transport mechanism 3 is configured to pick up a battery cell from the transport track at a second position and place the picked-up battery cell on the two sets of support parts 112 of one of the battery cell stacking mechanisms 1. At this time, the two sets of support parts 112 of the battery cell stacking mechanism 1 are used to support a set of battery cells. Then, the pusher 1211 in the battery cell stacking mechanism 1 pushes the battery cells supported on the support parts 112 toward the limiting member 1212 to perform the battery cell stacking operation. When the battery cell stacking mechanism 1 is performing the battery cell stacking operation, the battery cell transport mechanism 3 is configured to pick up another battery cell from the transport track at a second position and place the picked-up battery cell on the support part 112 of another battery cell stacking mechanism 1 to perform the battery cell stacking operation, and so on.

[0113] When stacking small-sized battery cells, the battery cell transport mechanism 3 is configured to pick up two battery cells from the transport track at the second position and place the two picked-up battery cells on the two sets of support parts 112 of one of the battery cell stacking mechanisms 1. At this time, each support part 112 of the battery cell stacking mechanism 1 is used to carry a set of battery cells individually. Then, the pusher 1211 in the battery cell stacking mechanism 1 pushes the battery cells carried on the support parts 112 toward the limiting member 1212 to perform the battery cell stacking operation. When the battery cell stacking mechanism 1 is performing the battery cell stacking operation, the battery cell transport mechanism 3 is configured to pick up two more battery cells from the transport track at the second position and place the two picked-up battery cells on the two sets of support parts 112 of another battery cell stacking mechanism 1 to perform the battery cell stacking operation. This process is repeated.

[0114] Optional, such as Figure 5-6 As shown, the cell handling mechanism 3 includes a mounting frame 31, a drive assembly 32, and a material handling assembly 33, wherein:

[0115] The fixed end of the drive assembly 32 is mounted on the mounting bracket 31;

[0116] The material handling component 33 is installed on the drive end of the drive component 32;

[0117] Drive assembly 32 is configured to drive the material handling assembly 33 to rotate and lift.

[0118] The picking component 33 is configured to pick up the battery cells on the conveyor track under the drive of the drive component 32 and place the picked-up battery cells on the battery cell stacking mechanism 1.

[0119] In this application, the cell handling mechanism 3, through the cooperation of the mounting frame 31, the drive assembly 32, and the picking assembly 33, further enhances the flexibility and efficiency of cell handling. The fixed end of the drive assembly 32 is mounted on the mounting frame 31, and the picking assembly 33 is mounted on the drive end of the drive assembly 32. The drive assembly 32 drives the picking assembly 33 to rotate and lift, enabling multi-angle picking and placement of cells. This design improves the flexibility of cell handling, reduces manual intervention, and further optimizes the production process. In addition, the setting of the picking assembly 33 makes the picking and placement of cells more convenient, improving production efficiency.

[0120] like Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5 In a first embodiment of the cell handling mechanism 3, the cell handling mechanism 3 includes a mounting frame 31, a drive assembly 32, and a picking assembly 33, wherein:

[0121] A battery cell stacking mechanism 1 is arranged side by side on both sides of the conveying track in the second direction, and the mounting frame 31 straddles the side by side conveying track and battery cell stacking mechanism 1 in the second direction;

[0122] The drive assembly 32 includes a first rotary drive 321 and a first lifting drive 322. The fixed end of the first rotary drive 321 is mounted on the mounting bracket 31, and the drive end of the first rotary drive 321 is connected to a mounting plate. The fixed end of the first lifting drive 322 is mounted on the mounting plate, and the drive end of the first lifting drive 322 is connected to at least one material picking component 33 (for example, the drive end of the first lifting drive 322 can be connected to one material picking component 33 or two material picking components 33, which can be set according to production needs, and will not be elaborated here).

[0123] The picking component 33 is configured to pick up the battery cells on the conveyor track under the drive of the drive component 32 and place the picked-up battery cells on the battery cell stacking mechanism 1.

[0124] Optionally, the first rotary drive 321 rotates 90° each time to drive the material picking assembly 33 to move to the picking position, the first dispensing position, the idle position, and the second dispensing position. The first dispensing position and the second dispensing position correspond to the empty positions on the cell stacking mechanism 1 set on both sides of the conveying track, respectively. The picking position corresponds to the second position on the conveying track, that is, the first dispensing position and the second dispensing position are located on both sides of the picking position. Rotating 90° to the left from the picking position is the first dispensing position, rotating 90° to the right from the picking position is the second dispensing position, and rotating 180° from the picking position is the idle position. No picking or dispensing is required at the idle position.

[0125] When the first rotary drive 321 drives the picking component 33 to rotate to the picking position, the first lifting drive 322 adjusts the height of the picking component 33 at the picking position so that the picking component 33 can pick up the battery cells on the conveying track. Then, the picking component 33 maintains the picking state of the battery cells, and the first rotary drive 321 drives the picking component 33 to rotate to the first discharging position or the second discharging position. The first lifting drive 322 adjusts the height of the picking component 33 at the first discharging position or the second discharging position so that the picking component 33 can release the picked-up battery cells onto the battery cell stacking mechanism 1.

[0126] Optional, please continue reading Figure 5 The cell handling mechanism 3 also includes a detection component 34, which includes at least one material detection sensor. The material detection sensor is used to detect whether the cell is accurately released onto the cell stacking mechanism 1. The material detection sensor can be selected by those skilled in the art according to production needs. For example, the material detection sensor can be a photoelectric sensor, which determines whether the cell exists at a specified position by emitting a light beam. When the cell is placed on the cell stacking mechanism 1, the light beam is blocked or reflected by the cell, and the sensor determines whether the cell is accurately placed by detecting the change in light. Of course, the use of a photoelectric sensor as the material detection sensor is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0127] Optionally, the picking assembly 33 can be a gripper assembly, which includes a first gripper, a second gripper, and a gripper drive. The gripper drive is configured to drive the first and second grippers to move closer or further apart to pick up or release the battery cell. Of course, the picking assembly 33 can also be a mechanism capable of picking up and releasing the battery cell, such as an adsorption assembly, which can be selected by those skilled in the art according to production needs.

[0128] like Figure 6 As shown, Figure 6 In a first embodiment of the cell handling mechanism 3, the cell handling mechanism 3 includes a mounting frame 31, a drive assembly 32, and a picking assembly 33, wherein:

[0129] A cell stacking mechanism 1 is arranged side by side on both sides of the conveying track in the second direction;

[0130] The drive assembly 32 includes a second rotary drive 323 and a second lifting drive 324. The fixed end of the second lifting drive 324 is mounted on the mounting bracket 31. The drive end of the second lifting drive 324 is connected to the second rotary drive 323. The drive end of the second rotary drive 323 is connected to a turntable. A set of material picking mechanisms is installed on the turntable every 90°. Each set of material picking mechanisms includes at least one material picking component 33 (for example, it may include one material picking component 33 or two material picking components 33, which can be set according to production needs, and will not be elaborated here). That is, four sets of material picking mechanisms are installed on the turntable. When one set of material picking mechanisms rotates to the material picking position, the material picking mechanisms on the left and right sides of the set of material picking mechanisms correspond to two material feeding positions, while the material picking mechanism opposite to the set of material picking mechanisms corresponds to an empty position.

[0131] When the second lifting drive 324 rises and falls, the turntable also rises and falls accordingly, which means that the height of each set of material picking mechanisms on the turntable will also change accordingly. For ease of description, we divide the turntable into a position every 90° along the rotation direction of the turntable, resulting in the first position, the second position, the third position, and the fourth position, with an angle of 90° between each position. When the material picking mechanism at the first position rotates to the picking position and descends to the designated height, the material picking mechanism at the first position can pick up the battery cells on the conveying track. Then, the second lifting drive 324 raises the turntable, and... The turntable is rotated 90° by the second rotary drive 323; at this time, the picking mechanism in the second position rotates to the picking position, and the picking mechanism in the first position rotates to the discharging position; the turntable is lowered by the second lifting drive 324, so that the picking mechanism in the second position can pick up the battery cells on the conveying track, and the picking mechanism in the first position can release the picked-up battery cells onto the battery cell stacking mechanism 1 at the same time; next, the turntable continues to rise and rotate, so that the picking mechanism in the third position rotates to the picking position, and the picking mechanism in the second position rotates to the discharging position, and so on, which will not be described in detail here.

[0132] Optionally, the cell handling mechanism 3 also includes a detection module, which includes at least one material detection sensor. The material detection sensor is used to detect whether the cell is accurately released onto the cell stacking mechanism 1. The material detection sensor can be selected by those skilled in the art according to production needs. For example, the material detection sensor can be a photoelectric sensor, which determines whether the cell exists at a specified position by emitting a light beam. When the cell is placed on the cell stacking mechanism 1, the light beam is blocked or reflected by the cell, and the photoelectric sensor determines whether the cell is accurately placed by detecting the change in light.

[0133] Optionally, the picking component 33 can be a gripper module, which includes a third gripper, a fourth gripper, and a gripper drive module. The gripper drive module is configured to drive the third and fourth grippers to move closer or further apart to pick up or release the battery cell. Of course, the picking component 33 can also be a module capable of picking up and releasing battery cells, such as an adsorption module, which can be selected by those skilled in the art according to production needs.

[0134] The foregoing has provided a sufficiently detailed and specific description of this application. Those skilled in the art should understand that the descriptions in the embodiments are merely exemplary, and all changes made without departing from the true spirit and scope of this application should fall within the protection scope of this application. The scope of protection claimed in this application is defined by the claims, and not by the above descriptions in the embodiments.

Claims

1. An electric cell stacking mechanism characterized by comprising: The cell stacking mechanism includes a support component and a stacking component, wherein: The carrier assembly includes a spacing adjustment section and two sets of side-by-side carrier sections, both sets of carrier sections extending along a first direction; the spacing adjustment section is configured to drive at least one set of carrier sections to move along a second direction, causing the two sets of carrier sections to move closer to or further away from each other; wherein each of the carrier sections is used to independently carry a set of battery cells, or the two sets of carrier sections are used to cooperate in carrying a set of battery cells; wherein the first direction is the battery cell stacking direction, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction; The stacking assembly includes two sets of stacking sections and a driving section that are matched with the support section. Each set of stacking sections includes a pusher and a limiting member that are disposed opposite to each other on both sides of the support section along the first direction. The driving end of the driving section is connected to the corresponding pusher. The driving section is configured to drive the pusher to push the battery cell carried on the support section toward the corresponding limiting member.

2. The cell stacking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized by, The stacking assembly also includes two sets of straightening sections that correspond one-to-one with the support section. Each straightening section includes a straightening plate, a reference plate corresponding to the straightening plate, and a first driving component. The reference plate and the leveling plate are respectively mounted on both sides of the corresponding pushing member along the second direction; each of the first driving members is configured to drive the corresponding leveling plate and the reference plate to move closer or further away from each other.

3. The cell stacking mechanism of claim 2, wherein, When each of the aforementioned bearing portions is used to individually bear a group of battery cells, each of the aforementioned straightening portions is configured to straighten the battery cells carried by the corresponding bearing portion.

4. The cell stacking mechanism of claim 2, wherein, When the two sets of bearing parts are used to support a set of battery cells, the two reference plates are respectively installed on the inner side of the two pushing members, and the two aligning plates are respectively installed on the outer side of the far end of the two pushing members; wherein, the reference plates are detachably installed or slidably installed on the inner side of the two pushing members, and after the two reference plates are removed or slid to the avoidance position, an alignment space is formed between the two aligning plates; The two first driving members are configured to drive the two aligning plates to move closer to each other along the second direction, thereby aligning the two aligning plates with the cells that are neatly located in the aligning space.

5. The cell stacking mechanism of claim 1, wherein, Each of the aforementioned drive units includes a second drive element and a first synchronous belt, wherein: The pushing members in each of the stacked portions are slidably mounted on the outside of the corresponding bearing portion; The first synchronous belt in each of the driving units is connected to the driving end of the second driving member, and the second driving member is configured to drive the first synchronous belt to move. The pushing member in each of the stacked sections is fixedly connected to a portion of the first synchronous belt in the corresponding drive section, so that the pushing member in each of the stacked sections can move forward or backward in the first direction as the first synchronous belt in the corresponding drive section moves.

6. The cell stacking mechanism of claim 1, wherein, The stacking assembly further includes a guide shaft arranged along the second direction, and the pushing members in the two stacked portions are respectively connected to the guide shaft via guide blocks.

7. The cell stacking mechanism of claim 1, wherein, The load-bearing assembly further includes a mounting bracket, and each of the load-bearing parts is slidably mounted on the mounting bracket along the second direction; The spacing adjustment unit is configured to simultaneously drive the two sets of the bearing units to move closer or further away from each other, or the spacing adjustment unit is configured to individually drive any one set of bearing units to move closer or further away from the other set of bearing units.

8. The cell stacking mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by, Each of the pushing members includes a driver and a pusher plate, and the driving end of each driver is configured to drive the corresponding pusher plate to move closer to or away from the corresponding limiting member along the first direction.

9. The cell stacking mechanism according to claim 8, characterized in that, The fixed end of the driver and the pusher plate are respectively equipped with a signal sensor and a sensing element, or the fixed end of the driver and the pusher plate are respectively equipped with a sensing element and a signal sensor. The signal sensor is configured to detect the distance between the signal sensor and the sensing element.

10. A battery cell stacking device, the battery cell stacking device comprising a battery cell conveying mechanism, a battery cell handling mechanism, a driving mechanism, and at least one battery cell stacking mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein: The cell delivery mechanism includes a delivery track extending along the first direction, the delivery track being configured to receive a cell at a first position and deliver the cell to a second position along the first direction; The cell handling mechanism is configured to pick up a cell from the transport track at the second position and place the picked-up cell on at least one of the cell stacking mechanisms; The drive mechanism is configured to drive the cell stacking mechanism to move the cell stacking mechanism along the first direction, so that the cell handling mechanism can place the picked-up cell on the empty space of the bearing surface of the bearing part in the cell stacking mechanism. The cell stacking mechanism is configured to push the cells toward the limiting member via the pusher; The cell stacking mechanism is also configured to control the pusher to move a preset distance away from the limiting member after the cell has been moved into place.

11. The electric cell stacking apparatus according to claim 10, wherein, The cell handling mechanism includes a mounting frame, a drive assembly, and a material handling assembly, wherein: The fixed end of the drive component is mounted on the mounting bracket; The material handling component is installed on the drive end of the drive component; The drive component is configured to drive the material handling component to rotate and lift. The picking component is configured to pick up the battery cells on the conveying track under the drive of the driving component and place the picked-up battery cells on the battery cell stacking mechanism.

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