Battery cell rotating and transplanting mechanism and battery cell production equipment

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of battery cell processing, in particular to a battery cell rotating and transplanting mechanism and battery cell production equipment. The clamping jaw mechanisms of the battery cell rotating and transplanting mechanism can clamp battery cells, when a plurality of battery cell groups need to be transplanted in a direction changing manner, at least two clamping jaw assemblies of the clamping jaw assemblies clamp the battery cells, and the mounting seat is driven to rotate by rotating and driving the mechanisms; the battery cells clamped by the clamping mechanisms can rotate synchronously, and then the first moving seat and the second moving seat are moved to transplant the battery cells to target positions, so that the technical problem of low efficiency of one-by-one operation during reversing of the battery cells at present is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery cell processing technology, specifically to a battery cell rotation and transfer mechanism and battery cell production equipment. Background Technology

[0002] In the production process of lithium-ion batteries, the batteries need to be constantly switched between workstations. Due to space constraints, the cells often need to be turned during transport. While conveyor lines that transport cells one by one are relatively simple in structure, they are inefficient for surface inspection at some workstations. To improve inspection efficiency, current methods typically involve transporting cells in groups, using multiple cells as a unit. However, when changing direction, each cell in the group still needs to be handled individually, resulting in low transport efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application provides a cell rotation and transfer mechanism to improve the current technical problem of low efficiency during cell commutation.

[0004] In addition, the purpose of this application is to provide a battery cell production equipment using the above-mentioned battery cell rotation and transfer mechanism.

[0005] In some embodiments, the cell rotation and transfer mechanism includes:

[0006] frame;

[0007] The first movable seat is horizontally mounted on the frame;

[0008] The second movable seat is mounted on the first movable seat by vertical movement.

[0009] A gripper assembly includes a mounting base and at least two gripper mechanisms, the gripper mechanisms being suspended below the mounting base and used to grip and release battery cells; the mounting base is rotatably mounted on a second movable base.

[0010] And a rotary drive mechanism, which is mounted on the second movable seat and is used to drive the mounting seat to rotate relative to the second movable seat.

[0011] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the frame includes a crossbeam, the first movable seat is movably mounted on the horizontal side of the crossbeam, and the second movable seat is movably mounted on the side of the first movable seat opposite to the crossbeam.

[0012] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the second movable seat includes a vertical portion, a horizontal portion, and a reinforcing portion, the reinforcing portion connecting the vertical portion and the horizontal portion, the rotation drive mechanism being mounted on the horizontal portion, and the mounting base being rotatably assembled on the horizontal portion.

[0013] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the reinforcing portion includes a first reinforcing member and a second reinforcing member, the first reinforcing member and the second reinforcing member being arranged horizontally spaced apart, and the rotary drive mechanism being located between the first reinforcing member and the second reinforcing member.

[0014] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the gripper mechanism includes a gripper seat and a floating seat, the gripper seat is fixed to the mounting base, the floating seat is buoyantly mounted on the gripper seat, and the gripper mechanism includes an elastic member installed between the mounting base and the floating seat; the first gripper and the second gripper are each movably mounted on the floating seat;

[0015] The gripper seat includes a first arm and a second arm, both of which extend vertically. The floating seat is movably mounted between the first arm and the second arm. Both the first arm and the second arm can guide the floating seat to move vertically.

[0016] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the floating seat includes a first floating seat arm and a second floating seat arm, both of which extend vertically. The first floating seat arm is movably engaged with the first seat arm, and the second floating seat arm is movably engaged with the second seat arm. The gripper drive mechanism is located between the first floating seat arm and the second floating seat arm. The lower end of the first floating seat arm can guide the first gripper to move horizontally, and the lower end of the second floating seat arm can guide the second gripper to move horizontally.

[0017] Furthermore, in some embodiments, both the first gripper and the second gripper are provided with proximity sensors, which are used to detect the position of the battery cell.

[0018] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the rotary drive mechanism includes a drive motor and a planetary reducer connected to the drive motor, the output end of the planetary reducer being fixed to the mounting base to drive the mounting base to rotate.

[0019] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the second movable seat is provided with a positioning sensing element, and the mounting seat is provided with a sensing engagement structure. After the mounting seat is rotated into position, the positioning sensing element can sense the sensing engagement structure and generate a positioning signal.

[0020] Secondly, some embodiments provide a battery production line including a first station, a second station, and a cell rotation and transfer mechanism as described in any of the first aspects, the cell rotation and transfer mechanism being at least capable of picking up and rotating at least two cells from the first station and transferring them to the second station.

[0021] According to the above embodiment of the cell rotation and transfer mechanism, the gripper mechanism of the cell rotation and transfer mechanism can hold the cell. When multiple cell groups need to be transferred by changing their direction, at least two gripper assemblies of the gripper assembly hold the cell and drive the mounting base to rotate by rotating each mechanism. Since each gripper mechanism is fixedly suspended on the mounting base, the cell held by each gripping mechanism can rotate synchronously. Then, the first moving base and the second moving base can be moved to transfer the cell to the target position, which improves the technical problem of low efficiency of operating one by one when changing the direction of the current cell. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the cell rotation and transfer mechanism in some embodiments;

[0023] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of section A;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the gripper mechanism in some embodiments;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a partial transmission path of battery cells in a battery cell production equipment in some embodiments.

[0026] List of feature names corresponding to the reference numerals in the figure: 1. Frame; 11. Crossbeam; 2. First movable seat; 3. Second movable seat; 31. Vertical part; 32. Horizontal part; 33. Reinforcing part; 331. First reinforcing member; 332. Second reinforcing member; 3301. First fixing bar; 3302. Second fixing bar; 3303. Diagonal brace; 4. Rotary drive mechanism; 41. Drive motor; 42. Planetary reducer; 5. Mounting base; 6. Gripper mechanism; 61. First gripper; 611. First gripper arm; 612. First clamping member; 6121. Clamping block; 61211. First part; 61212. Second part ; 6122, stop block; 62, second gripper; 621, second gripper arm; 622, second clamping component; 63, gripper drive mechanism; 64, gripper seat; 641, first seat arm; 642, second seat arm; 643, guide post; 65, floating seat; 651, first floating seat arm; 652, second floating seat arm; 653, floating seat plate; 71, opening sensing element; 72, opening adapter structure; 81, clamping sensing element; 82, clamping adapter structure; 91, positioning sensing element; 92, sensing and mating structure; 100, first station; 200, second station; 300, cell rotation and transfer mechanism; 400, cell.

[0027] Explanation of reference numerals in parentheses in the accompanying drawings: The feature referred to by the reference numerals in parentheses in the accompanying drawings is the feature represented by both the number inside the parentheses and the number outside the parentheses. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Similar elements in different embodiments are referred to by related similar element reference numerals. In the following embodiments, many details are described to facilitate a better understanding of the present application. However, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that some features may be omitted in different situations, or may be replaced by other elements, materials, or methods. In some cases, certain operations related to the present application are not shown or described in the specification. This is to avoid obscuring the core parts of the present application with excessive description. For those skilled in the art, detailed description of these related operations is not necessary; they can fully understand the related operations based on the description in the specification and general technical knowledge in the art.

[0029] Furthermore, the features, operations, or characteristics described in the specification can be combined in any suitable manner to form various embodiments. At the same time, the steps or actions in the method description can be rearranged or adjusted in a manner obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the various orders in the specification and drawings are only for the clear description of a particular embodiment and do not imply a necessary order, unless otherwise stated that a particular order must be followed.

[0030] In the description herein, it should be understood that the terms “center,” “longitudinal,” “lateral,” “length,” “width,” “thickness,” “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “rear,” “left,” “right,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “inner,” “outer,” “clockwise,” “counterclockwise,” “axial,” “radial,” and “circumferential” indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0031] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature.

[0032] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection, an abutment, or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0033] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0034] The embodiments described in the detailed implementation can be combined in any suitable manner without contradiction. For example, different implementation methods can be formed by combining different embodiments. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, the various possible combinations of the embodiments will not be described separately.

[0035] This application provides a cell rotation and transfer mechanism for achieving overall reversal of the cell assembly. For some embodiments, please refer to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The battery cell rotation and transfer mechanism includes a frame 1, a first movable seat 2, a second movable seat 3, a gripper assembly, and a rotation drive mechanism 4. The first movable seat 2 is horizontally mounted on the frame 1, and the second movable seat 3 is vertically mounted on the first movable seat 2. The first movable seat 2 can move horizontally relative to the frame 1, and the second movable seat 3 can move vertically relative to the first movable seat 2. The battery cell rotation and transfer mechanism also includes a first drive mechanism for driving the first movable seat 2 and a second drive mechanism for driving the second movable seat 3. The first drive mechanism and the second movable mechanism can be any feasible linear drive mechanism, including but not limited to linear motors, drive cylinders, lead screw and nut drive mechanisms, and synchronous belt drive mechanisms. Both the lead screw and nut drive mechanism and the synchronous belt drive mechanism include drive motors, which drive the lead screw and nut mechanism or the synchronous belt mechanism to move.

[0036] The gripper assembly includes a mounting base 5 and at least two gripper mechanisms 6. Each gripper mechanism 6 includes a first gripper 61, a second gripper 62, and a gripper drive mechanism 63. The gripper drive mechanism 63 drives the first gripper 61 to move closer to and further away from the second gripper 62 to grip and release the battery cell 400. The mounting base 5 is rotatably mounted on a second movable base 3. A rotation drive mechanism 4 is mounted on the second movable base 3 and drives the mounting base 5 to rotate relative to the second movable base 3.

[0037] There are at least two gripper mechanisms 6, which are suspended under the mounting base 5. The rotary drive mechanism 4 can drive each gripper mechanism 6 to rotate synchronously, thereby reversing the orientation of multiple battery cells 400, i.e., battery cell groups. When multiple battery cells 400 need to be moved to a different orientation, at least two battery cells 400 are gripped by the gripper assembly, the rotary drive mechanism 4 drives the mounting base 5 to rotate, moving the first moving base 2 and the second moving base 3, and moving the battery cells 400 to the target position and placing them down.

[0038] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1To facilitate the transfer of the battery cell 400, the frame 1 includes a crossbeam 11, a first movable seat 2 is movably mounted on the horizontal side of the crossbeam 11, and a second movable seat 3 is movably mounted on the side of the first movable seat 2 facing away from the crossbeam 11. This facilitates the arrangement of the battery cell 400 conveying mechanism on the horizontal side of the crossbeam 11. In some other embodiments, the first movable seat 2 may also be mounted on the lower side of the crossbeam 11.

[0039] Furthermore, in some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The second movable seat 3 includes a vertical portion 31, a horizontal portion 32, and a reinforcing portion 33. The reinforcing portion 33 connects the vertical portion 31 and the horizontal portion 32. The rotary drive mechanism 4 is mounted on the horizontal portion 32, and the mounting seat 5 is rotatably assembled on the horizontal portion 32. The reinforcing portion 33 improves the strength of the second movable seat 3, making the mounting seat 5 more stable during operation. In some other embodiments, the first movable seat 2 can also be a truss structure, with the mounting seat 5 mounted on the lower side of the truss structure.

[0040] Specifically, in some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The reinforcing portion 33 includes a first reinforcing member 331 and a second reinforcing member 332, which are arranged horizontally spaced apart. The rotary drive mechanism 4 is located between the first reinforcing member 331 and the second reinforcing member 332. This allows for a more compact overall layout of the mounting base 5 and the second movable base 3, and also increases the strength of the second movable base 3. In some other embodiments, the reinforcing portion 33 may have only one reinforcing member, provided that the requirements are met. In other embodiments, the reinforcing portion 33 may also be any other feasible reinforcing form, such as connecting the horizontal portion 32 and the vertical portion 31 with a reinforcing rod.

[0041] Specifically, in some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The horizontal portion 32 is a horizontal plate, and the vertical portion 31 is a vertical plate. The first reinforcing member 331 and the second reinforcing member 332 have the same structure. The first reinforcing member 331 is a triangular reinforcing bracket, which includes a first fixing strip 3301, a second fixing strip 3302, and a diagonal brace 3303. The first fixing strip 3301 is fixed to the vertical portion 31, and the second fixing strip 3302 is fixed to the horizontal portion 32. One end of the first fixing strip 3301 is connected to one end of the second fixing strip 3302, and the other end of the first fixing strip 3301 is connected to the diagonal brace 3303. One end of the second fixing strip 3302 is also connected to the diagonal brace 3303.

[0042] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2Mounting base 5 is a mounting plate, and gripper mechanisms 6 are arranged side by side on the lower side of the mounting plate.

[0043] Regarding the structure of the gripper mechanism 6, in some embodiments, the gripper mechanism 6 includes a gripper seat 64 and a floating seat 65. The gripper seat 64 is fixed to the mounting base 5, and the floating seat 65 is mounted on the gripper seat 64, floating up and down. The gripper mechanism 6 includes an elastic element (not shown in the figure) installed between the mounting base 5 and the floating seat 65. The first gripper 61 and the second gripper 62 are each movably mounted on the floating seat 65. The buffering effect of the elastic element prevents damage to the battery cell 400. Specifically, in some embodiments, the elastic element is a helical spring. In some other embodiments, the elastic element can also be a rubber block, a spring sheet, etc.

[0044] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The gripper seat 64 includes a first arm 641 and a second arm 642, both extending vertically. A floating seat 65 is movably fitted between the first arm 641 and the second arm 642, both of which guide the floating seat 65 to move vertically. Through the guiding action of the first arm 641 and the second arm 642, the vertical movement of the floating seat 65 is more reliable and less prone to jamming.

[0045] Furthermore, in some embodiments, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The floating seat 65 includes a first floating seat arm 651 and a second floating seat arm 652, both extending vertically. The first floating seat arm 651 is movably engaged with a first seat arm 641, and the second floating seat arm 652 is movably engaged with a second seat arm 642. A gripper drive mechanism 63 is located between the first floating seat arm 651 and the second floating seat arm 652. The lower end of the first floating seat arm 651 guides the first gripper 61 to move horizontally, and the lower end of the second floating seat arm 652 guides the second gripper 62 to move horizontally. The first floating seat arm 651 and the second floating seat arm 652 of the floating seat 65 enable the floating seat 65 to move more smoothly. Specifically, in one embodiment, the first floating seat arm 651 and the first seat arm 641 are guided to move and engage via a guide rail slider, and the second floating seat arm 652 and the second seat arm 642 are guided to move and engage via another set of guide rail sliders.

[0046] For details, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3The first seat arm 641 and the second seat arm 642 are arranged in parallel and spaced apart, and the first floating seat arm 651 and the second floating seat arm 652 are arranged in parallel and spaced apart. The first seat arm 641, the first floating seat arm 651, the second floating seat arm 652 and the second seat arm 642 are arranged in sequence. The first floating seat arm 651 and the second floating seat arm 652 are located in the space between the first seat arm 641 and the second floating seat arm 642. The gripper drive mechanism 63 is located in the space between the first floating seat arm 651 and the second floating seat arm 652, making the overall structure more compact.

[0047] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 One of the second floating arm 652 and the second gripper 62 is provided with an opening sensing element 71, and the other is provided with an opening adaptation structure 72 adapted to the opening sensing element 71. The opening sensing element 71 and the opening adaptation structure 72 cooperate to monitor whether the gripper mechanism 6 is open in real time. When the gripper mechanism 6 is open, the opening sensing element 71 can generate an opening signal. Similarly, one of the second floating arm 652 and the second gripper 62 is provided with a clamping sensing element 81, and the other is provided with a clamping adaptation structure 82 adapted to the clamping sensing element 81. The clamping sensing element 81 and the clamping adaptation structure 82 cooperate to monitor whether the gripper mechanism 6 is clamping in real time. When the gripper mechanism 6 is clamping, the clamping sensing element 81 can generate a clamping signal.

[0048] Specifically, in some embodiments, please refer to Figure 3 The opening adapter structure 72 is an opening piece, and the clamping adapter structure 82 is a clamping piece. The opening sensing element 71 and the clamping sensing element 81 are both photoelectric sensing elements. When the opening sensing element 71 is blocked by the opening piece, it can generate an opening signal. When the clamping sensing element 81 is blocked by the clamping piece, it can generate a clamping signal.

[0049] Specifically, in some embodiments, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The floating seat 65 includes a floating seat plate 653, which extends horizontally. The upper ends of the first floating seat arm 651 and the second floating seat arm 652 are fixed to the floating seat plate 653. The gripper drive mechanism 63 is fixed to the lower side of the floating seat plate 653. In some embodiments, the gripper seat 64 also includes a gripper seat 64 plate, with the upper ends of the first seat arm 641 and the second seat arm 642 both fixed to the gripper seat 64 plate.

[0050] In some embodiments, the elastic element is a helical spring, which is in a compressed state, with one end resting on the floating seat 65 and the other end resting on the gripper seat 64. Please refer to... Figure 2 and Figure 3A guide post 643 is fixed on the gripper seat 64. The guide post 643 passes through the helical spring and serves as an internal guide post for the helical spring. The guide post 643 passes through the floating seat 65. To avoid over-defining the guide, the guide post 643 does not guide the floating seat 65. Specifically, there are two or more helical springs, and two or more guide posts 643, each corresponding to one helical spring. For some embodiments, please refer to... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The gripper drive mechanism 63 is a gripper cylinder. In some embodiments, both the first gripper 61 and the second gripper 62 are equipped with proximity sensors, which are used to detect the position of the battery cell 400. The proximity sensors can detect the distance between the battery cell 400 and the proximity sensors. Based on the detection results of the proximity sensors, the position of the battery cell 400 can be determined and the battery cell 400 can be accurately gripped. When the first gripper 61 and the second gripper 62 correctly grip the battery cell 400, the detection results of the proximity sensors on the first gripper 61 and the second gripper 62 are the same. When the detection results of the proximity sensors on the first gripper 61 and the second gripper 62 are different, it indicates that the battery cell 400 may be tilted or there may be a problem such as incorrect gripping direction. In summary, the proximity sensors on the first gripper 61 and the second gripper 62 can realize the foolproof gripping function of the battery cell 400.

[0051] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 Regarding the structure of the first gripper 61, in some embodiments, the first gripper 61 includes a first gripper arm 611 and a first clamping member 612 for cooperating with the second gripper 62 to clamp the battery cell 400. The first gripper arm 611 extends in the moving direction of the first gripper 61. The first clamping member 612 is fixed to the lower side of the first gripper arm 611 and its position relative to the first gripper arm 611 is adjustable along the extending direction of the first gripper arm 611. Since the first clamping member 612 is fixed to the first gripper arm 611 and its position is adjustable, the first gripper 61 can adapt to battery cells 400 of different sizes, thus improving the applicability of the gripper mechanism 6.

[0052] Similarly, in some embodiments, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The second gripper 62 includes a second gripper arm 621 and a second gripping member 622 for gripping the battery cell 400. The second gripper arm 621 extends in the moving direction of the second gripper 62. The second gripping member 622 is fixed to the lower side of the second gripper arm 621 and its position relative to the second gripper arm 621 is adjustable along the extending direction of the second gripper arm 621. The second gripper 62 can also be adjusted relative to the second gripper arm 621 as needed. In this way, the second gripper 62, in cooperation with the first gripper 61, can have a wider adjustment range and is suitable for larger battery cell 400 sizes.

[0053] In some other embodiments, besides the adjustable first gripper 61 and second gripper 62, the first gripper 61 and second gripper 62 may also be used only for a single size of battery cell 400. In this case, the first clamping member 612 and the first gripper arm 611 may be integrally formed, and the second clamping member 622 and the second gripper arm 621 may also be integrally formed. In other embodiments, only one of the first clamping member 612 and the second clamping member 622 may be adjustable.

[0054] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The first clamping member 612 is movably mounted on the first gripper arm 611. The first gripper 61 includes a fixing member for fixing the first clamping member 612 to the first gripper arm 611 after the first clamping member 612 is moved into place.

[0055] Regarding the adjustable position of the first clamping member 612, please refer to some specific embodiments. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The first gripper arm 611 is provided with a gripper arm guide rail, and the first clamping member 612 is provided with a guide groove adapted to the gripper arm guide rail. The guide groove cooperates with the gripper arm guide rail to guide the first clamping member 612 to move along the extension direction of the first gripper arm 611 and adjust the distance between the first clamping member 612 and the second clamping member 622. The first gripper arm 611 is provided with a plurality of first fixing holes arranged at intervals along the length direction of the first gripper arm 611. After the position of the first clamping member 612 is adjusted into place, the fixing member passes through the first clamping member 612 and the first fixing holes to fix the first clamping member 612 to the first gripper arm 611. In some other embodiments, the first clamping member 612 and the first gripper arm 611 can also be fixed by other means, such as fixing by tightening with a set screw, fixing by snap-fitting with an elastic buckle, or fixing by magnetic attraction. In some other embodiments, the first gripper arm 611 may also be provided with a gripper arm guide groove, and the first clamping member 612 may be provided with a clamping member guide rail adapted to the gripper arm guide groove to guide the movement of the first clamping member 612.

[0056] Similarly, the position adjustment method of the second clamping member 622 can be the same as that of the first clamping member 612, and will not be described in detail here.

[0057] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3The first clamping member 612 includes a clamping block 6121 and a stop block 6122. The clamping block 6121 is fixed to the first gripper arm 611 and is used to contact and clamp the battery cell 400. The stop block 6122 is fixed to the clamping block 6121 and acts as a stop for the battery cell. To prevent damage to the battery cell 400, the clamping block 6121 is covered with an elastic material, such as EPDM rubber or silicone. This effectively prevents the gripper from damaging the battery cell 400 when clamping it. For some embodiments, please refer to... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The stop block 6122 is U-shaped and has a U-shaped groove for holding and clamping the retaining block 6121. Specifically, in some embodiments, please refer to... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The stop block 6122 is fixed to the clamping block 6121 by fasteners.

[0058] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The clamping block 6121 is T-shaped and includes a first part 61211 connected to the first gripper arm 611 and a second part 61212 perpendicular to the first part 61211. The stop block 6122 is fixed on the second part 61212.

[0059] Similarly, in some embodiments, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The second clamping member 622 can adopt the same structure as the first clamping member 612, and the details will not be elaborated further.

[0060] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The first clamping member 612 is detachably connected to the first gripper arm 611, and the second clamping member 622 is detachably connected to the second gripper arm 621. This allows both the first clamping member 612 and the second clamping member 622 to be removed. By replacing the first clamping member 612 and the second clamping member 622, different sizes of battery cells (400) can be accommodated, and maintenance of the clamping members is also convenient. Regarding the detachable connection method, any feasible method can be used, such as bolt connection, snap-fit, or magnetic fixation.

[0061] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3One of the first clamping member 612 and the second clamping member 622 is equipped with a photoelectric emitting module, and the other is equipped with a photoelectric receiving module. When there is a battery cell 400 between the first clamping member 612 and the second clamping member 622, the photoelectric receiving module cannot receive the signal emitted by the photoelectric emitting module, thus sensing the absence of the battery cell 400. When there is no battery cell 400 between the first clamping member 612 and the second clamping member 622, the photoelectric receiving module can receive the signal emitted by the photoelectric emitting module, thus sensing the absence of the battery cell 400 in the gripper mechanism 6.

[0062] To improve the rotation control accuracy of the rotary drive mechanism 4, please refer to some embodiments. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The rotary drive mechanism 4 includes a drive motor 41 and a planetary reducer 42 connected to the drive motor 41. The output end of the planetary reducer 42 is fixed to the mounting base 5 to drive the mounting base 5 to rotate. The planetary reducer 42 can achieve high-precision rotation control. In some other embodiments, the rotary drive mechanism 4 can be driven directly by the drive motor 41 in addition to the drive motor 41 and the planetary reducer 42. In some other embodiments, in addition to the planetary reducer 42, the drive motor 41 can also drive the mounting base 5 to rotate through any other gear system.

[0063] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 One of the second movable seat 3 and the mounting seat 5 is provided with a positioning sensing element 91, and the other is provided with a sensing engagement structure 92. After the mounting seat 5 is rotated into position, the positioning sensing element 91 can sense the sensing engagement structure 92 and generate a positioning signal. The positioning sensing element 91 can be a positioning photoelectric sensor or a positioning detection switch.

[0064] In one embodiment of a battery cell manufacturing equipment, please refer to Figure 4 The battery cell production equipment includes a first station 100, a second station 200, and a battery cell rotation and transfer mechanism 300 as described in any of the above embodiments. The battery cell rotation and transfer mechanism 300 is capable of picking up at least two battery cells 400 from the first station 100, rotating them, and then transferring them to the second station 200.

[0065] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 4 The first station 100 and the second station 200 are inspection stations for inspecting the appearance of the battery cell 400. For example, in some embodiments, the first station 100 is a station for inspecting the edges and corners of the battery cell, and the second station 200 is a station for inspecting the sides of the battery cell.

[0066] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 1 to 4 The working principle of the battery cell 400 via the battery cell rotation and transfer mechanism 300 is explained as follows:

[0067] The battery cell assembly is placed at the first station 100. The first moving seat 2 moves, causing the gripper assembly to move above the first station 100. Then the second moving seat 3 moves, causing the gripper assembly to move to the height of the battery cell assembly. Then each gripper mechanism 6 opens and clamps the battery cell 400. After each gripper mechanism 6 clamps the battery cell 400, it moves to the second station 200. The battery cell assembly is rotated to adjust its direction and placed at the second station 200, completing the turning and transfer of the battery cell assembly.

[0068] The above examples illustrate this application only to aid understanding and are not intended to limit its scope. Those skilled in the art to which this application pertains can make various simple deductions, modifications, or substitutions based on the ideas presented.

Claims

1. A battery cell rotation and transfer mechanism, characterized in that, include: frame; The first movable seat is horizontally mounted on the frame; The second movable seat is mounted on the first movable seat by vertical movement. A gripper assembly includes a mounting base and at least two gripper mechanisms, each gripper mechanism being suspended below the mounting base. Each gripper mechanism includes a first gripper, a second gripper, and a gripper drive mechanism. The gripper drive mechanism is used to drive the first gripper to move closer to and further away from the second gripper to grip and release the battery cell. The mounting base is rotatably mounted on a second movable base. And a rotary drive mechanism, which is mounted on the second movable seat and is used to drive the mounting seat to rotate relative to the second movable seat.

2. The cell rotation and transfer mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The frame includes a crossbeam, with the first movable seat movably mounted on the horizontal side of the crossbeam and the second movable seat movably mounted on the side of the first movable seat opposite to the crossbeam.

3. The cell rotation and transfer mechanism as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The second movable seat includes a vertical part, a horizontal part, and a reinforcing part. The reinforcing part connects the vertical part and the horizontal part. The rotary drive mechanism is mounted on the horizontal part, and the mounting base is rotatably assembled on the horizontal part.

4. The cell rotation and transfer mechanism as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The reinforcing portion includes a first reinforcing member and a second reinforcing member, which are arranged horizontally at intervals, and the rotary drive mechanism is located between the first reinforcing member and the second reinforcing member.

5. The cell rotation and transfer mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The gripper mechanism includes a gripper seat and a floating seat. The gripper seat is fixed to the mounting base, and the floating seat is mounted on the gripper seat by floating up and down. The gripper mechanism includes an elastic member installed between the mounting base and the floating seat. The first gripper and the second gripper are each movably mounted on the floating seat. The gripper seat includes a first arm and a second arm, both of which extend vertically. The floating seat is movably mounted between the first arm and the second arm. Both the first arm and the second arm can guide the floating seat to move vertically.

6. The cell rotation and transfer mechanism as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The floating seat includes a first floating seat arm and a second floating seat arm, both of which extend vertically. The first floating seat arm is in movable engagement with the first seat arm, and the second floating seat arm is in movable engagement with the second seat arm. The gripper drive mechanism is located between the first floating seat arm and the second floating seat arm. The lower end of the first floating seat arm can guide the first gripper to move horizontally, and the lower end of the second floating seat arm can guide the second gripper to move horizontally.

7. The cell rotation and transfer mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, Both the first gripper and the second gripper are equipped with proximity sensors, which are used to detect the position of the battery cell.

8. The cell rotation and transfer mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The rotary drive mechanism includes a drive motor and a planetary reducer connected to the drive motor. The output end of the planetary reducer is fixed to the mounting base to drive the mounting base to rotate.

9. The cell rotation and transfer mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, One of the second movable seat and the mounting seat is provided with a positioning sensing element, and the other is provided with a sensing engagement structure. After the mounting seat is rotated into position, the positioning sensing element can sense the sensing engagement structure and generate a positioning signal.

10. A battery cell manufacturing equipment, characterized in that, The device includes a first workstation, a second workstation, and a cell rotation and transfer mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the cell rotation and transfer mechanism is at least capable of picking up at least two cells from the first workstation and rotating them before transferring them to the second workstation.

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