Battery cell conveying device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a battery cell conveying device, and relates to the technical field of battery cell processing equipment. The device specifically comprises a stepping wire assembly which is used for supporting a battery cell and can convey the supported battery cell to a next processing station along the length direction of the stepping wire assembly; the detection assembly is arranged on one side of the stepping wire assembly and is used for detecting the polarity of a battery cell supported on the stepping wire assembly; and the reversing assembly is arranged on one side of the stepping wire assembly, and when the detection assembly detects that the polarity of the battery cell supported on the stepping wire assembly is wrong, the reversing assembly is used for adjusting the battery cell with the wrong polarity to the correct direction. The utility model aims to realize direction identification and correction of a battery cell on a stepping wire conveying device so as to avoid short circuit caused by a wrong direction of the battery cell and reduce the qualified rate of products.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery cell processing equipment technology, and in particular to a battery cell conveying device. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of electronic technology, batteries, as a portable and efficient energy source, are widely used in consumer electronics, the automotive industry, smart homes, and various industrial automation equipment. Lithium-ion batteries, in particular, have gradually become the mainstream portable power solution due to their advantages such as small size, high energy density, and low self-discharge rate. However, the production process of lithium-ion batteries is complex, especially on automated production lines. Since a large number of cells need to be transferred quickly and efficiently to various processes, ensuring that each cell flows into the subsequent process in the correct direction is crucial.

[0003] In existing automated battery production lines, battery cells are typically picked up by automated robotic arms or unloading devices and placed onto a stepper belt at predetermined positions. The stepper belt then continuously and systematically transports the cells to the next process, completing subsequent steps such as inspection, welding, and packaging. However, due to potential errors in gripping, positioning, or misalignment of positioning marks during cell placement, some cells may be oriented in the opposite direction to the specified orientation, resulting in reversed orientation. Most existing stepper lines only have basic transport functions and lack automatic detection and correction capabilities for correct cell orientation. If reversed cell orientation occurs, these cells may make incorrect contact with other devices or equipment in subsequent processes, potentially leading to short circuits.

[0004] Therefore, how to identify and correct the direction of the battery cells on the stepper conveyor to avoid short circuits and reduce product qualification rate due to incorrect battery cell direction has become an urgent technical problem to be solved. Utility Model Content

[0005] The main purpose of this utility model is to provide a battery cell conveying device, which aims to realize the identification and correction of battery cell direction on the stepper conveying device, so as to avoid short circuits caused by incorrect battery cell direction and reduce the product qualification rate.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model proposes a battery cell delivery device, comprising:

[0007] Stepper assembly is used to support battery cells and can transport the supported battery cells to the next processing station along its own length.

[0008] A detection component, disposed on one side of the stepper assembly, is used to detect the polarity of the battery cell supported on the stepper assembly; and

[0009] A reversing component is located on one side of the stepper assembly. When the detection component detects that the polarity of the battery cell supported on the stepper assembly is incorrect, it is used to adjust the battery cell with incorrect polarity to the correct direction.

[0010] In one embodiment of this application, the stepper assembly includes:

[0011] The first side plate is provided with multiple evenly distributed first limiting notches;

[0012] The second side plate is arranged opposite to the first side plate and has multiple second limiting notches. The first limiting notches and the second limiting notches correspond one-to-one to form a supporting station for supporting the battery cell.

[0013] At least two synchronous side plates, each with a third limiting notch. When there are two synchronous side plates, they are designated as a first synchronous side plate and a second synchronous side plate. The first and second synchronous side plates are arranged opposite to each other. The third limiting notches on the first and second synchronous side plates correspond one-to-one with the first limiting notches on the first side plate.

[0014] The drive unit, located below the synchronization side plate, can drive the battery cells placed on the support station to move to the next support station.

[0015] In one embodiment of this application, the driving unit includes:

[0016] First drive motor;

[0017] The first lead screw slide module is connected to the first drive motor;

[0018] The first sliding member is connected to the first lead screw slide module, and the first drive motor drives the first sliding member to reciprocate along the length direction of the first lead screw slide module.

[0019] Guide pillar;

[0020] A support platform is slidably connected to the guide column. The bottom of the support platform has a ramp surface. A first sliding member is slidably connected to the ramp surface at the bottom of the support platform, used to drive the support platform to move along the length of the guide column; and

[0021] A lateral sliding member is slidably connected above the support platform. The synchronous side plate is located above the lateral sliding member. When the support platform moves to the highest position, the lateral sliding member drives the first synchronous side plate and the second synchronous side plate to move along the length direction of the first side plate. When the lateral sliding member moves to the target position, the first sliding member drives the support platform to descend to the lowest point, and at the same time, the lateral sliding member resets to the initial state, so as to realize the movement of the battery cell placed on the support station to the next support station.

[0022] In one embodiment of this application, the detection component includes:

[0023] A detection camera is located on one side of the stepper assembly and is used to detect the polarity of the battery cells supported on the stepper assembly.

[0024] In one embodiment of this application, the detection component further includes:

[0025] Second drive motor; and

[0026] A centering plate is located on one side of the stepper assembly, connected to the output shaft of the second drive motor, and can reciprocate with the telescopic shaft of the second drive motor. It is used to push the battery cell supported on the stepper assembly to a designated position. The centering plate is provided with a through hole, and the detection camera is aligned with the through hole. The diameter of the through hole is smaller than the diameter of the end of the battery cell.

[0027] In one embodiment of this application, the commutation component includes:

[0028] Third drive motor;

[0029] The second lead screw slide module is connected to the third drive motor;

[0030] The second sliding member is connected to the second lead screw slide module, and the third drive motor drives the second sliding member to reciprocate along the length direction of the second lead screw slide module.

[0031] A lifting cylinder is connected to the second sliding member and can move with the second sliding member;

[0032] A rotary motor is connected to the top of the lifting cylinder; and

[0033] The claw is connected to the output shaft of the rotary motor. The lifting cylinder can drive the claw to push the battery cell located on the stepper assembly out of the stepper assembly. When the battery cell is detached from the stepper assembly, the rotary motor rotates to adjust the polarity of the battery cell.

[0034] In one embodiment of this application, the rotation angle of the claw is 180 degrees, and in the initial state, the axis of the claw coincides with the central axis of the battery cell.

[0035] In one embodiment of this application, a buffer is provided at the stroke end of the first lead screw slide module to limit the range of motion of the first slider.

[0036] In one embodiment of this application, the surface of the claw is provided with an insulating coating, and the shape of its clamping surface matches the curvature of the side of the battery cell.

[0037] In one embodiment of this application, a supplementary light source is also provided on one side of the detection component.

[0038] By adopting the above technical solution, the battery cell conveying device can realize automatic detection and automatic reversal of battery cell polarity, ensuring that the battery cells conveyed to the next processing station have consistent polarity, thereby improving product assembly quality and automation level, and reducing human intervention and rework rate. Attached Figure Description

[0039] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0040] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first embodiment of the present utility model;

[0041] Figure 2 This is a second-view structural schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the present utility model;

[0042] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A front view of the middle section of the structure.

[0043] 11. First side plate; 12. Second side plate; 13. Synchronous side plate; 21. First drive motor; 22. First lead screw slide module; 23. First sliding member; 24. Support platform; 25. Guide column; 26. Transverse component; 31. Third drive motor; 32. Second lead screw slide module; 33. Second sliding member; 34. Lifting cylinder; 35. Rotary motor; 36. Claw; 41. Second drive motor; 42. Detection camera; 43. Centering plate. Detailed Implementation

[0044] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the following specific embodiments are only used to explain this utility model and do not constitute a limitation on this utility model.

[0045] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in order to achieve the above objectives, this utility model proposes a battery cell delivery device, comprising:

[0046] Stepper assembly is used to support battery cells and can transport the supported battery cells to the next processing station along its own length.

[0047] A detection component, disposed on one side of the stepper assembly, is used to detect the polarity of the battery cell supported on the stepper assembly; and

[0048] A reversing component is located on one side of the stepper assembly. When the detection component detects that the polarity of the battery cell supported on the stepper assembly is incorrect, it is used to adjust the battery cell with incorrect polarity to the correct direction.

[0049] Specifically, the battery cell delivery device provided by this utility model includes a stepping wire assembly, a detection assembly, and a reversing assembly.

[0050] The stepper assembly includes two parallel bases and multiple positioning mechanisms connected between the bases. The bases are arranged along the X-direction, which is the direction of cell transport. The positioning mechanisms support the cells and, under the action of an electrically controlled drive, sequentially transport the cells from one end to the other, i.e., from the current workstation to the next processing station. The positioning mechanisms can move up and down via an electric lifting device to lift, release, and transfer the cells.

[0051] The detection component is located on the side of the stepper assembly and includes an alignment mechanism and a polarity detection device. The alignment mechanism preferably consists of a pen-shaped cylinder and an alignment plate 43 mounted on a base. The pen-shaped cylinder moves the alignment plate 43, positioning the battery cell placed on the stepper assembly at the accurate detection position. The polarity detection device is a polarity detection camera 42 mounted on the base, facing the stepper assembly and aligned with the detection hole of the alignment plate 43. Once the battery cell is aligned, the polarity detection camera 42 emits a detection light source, which shines through the detection hole on the alignment plate 43 onto the end face of the battery cell to detect its polarity information.

[0052] The commutation assembly is located on one side of the stepper assembly and opposite the cell detection position. The commutation assembly includes a sliding mechanism, a lifting mechanism, and a flipping mechanism. The sliding mechanism includes a motor and a lead screw slide module, capable of driving the lifting mechanism horizontally to the target cell position. The lifting mechanism includes a cylinder and a gripper 36; the cylinder drives the gripper 36 to move vertically up and down to lift the cell from the positioning mechanism. The flipping mechanism is connected to the gripper 36 and can rotate the gripper 36 and the cell it holds 180° horizontally to adjust the cell's orientation.

[0053] In practical applications, the battery cell is placed onto the positioning mechanism on the stepper assembly by a robotic arm. After the battery cell is placed, the centering mechanism is activated, and the centering plate 43 corrects the battery cell position to the preset detection position. The polarity detection camera 42 then emits a light source to detect the polarity of the battery cell. If the detection component detects that the battery cell polarity is correct, the stepper assembly continues to transport the battery cell to the next station; if the detection component detects that the battery cell polarity is incorrect, the reversing component is activated, the sliding mechanism moves the lifting mechanism to the position of the corresponding battery cell, the cylinder lifts the claw 36 to lift the battery cell away from the positioning mechanism, and the flipping mechanism rotates it 180° to complete the polarity adjustment. Then, the cylinder lowers the battery cell back to its original position. After the flipping, the polarity of the battery cell is consistent with the other battery cells, and the subsequent stepper assembly can continue to transport it to the next station.

[0054] To prevent mechanical shocks during operation, buffer devices are installed at the ends of the drive mechanisms of the stepper assembly and the commutation assembly to ensure smooth and reliable operation of the device.

[0055] By adopting the above technical solution, the battery cell conveying device can realize automatic detection and automatic reversal of battery cell polarity, ensuring that the battery cells conveyed to the next processing station have consistent polarity, thereby improving product assembly quality and automation level, and reducing human intervention and rework rate.

[0056] In one embodiment of this application, the stepper assembly includes:

[0057] The first side plate 11 is provided with multiple evenly distributed first limiting notches;

[0058] The second side plate 12 is disposed opposite to the first side plate 11 and is provided with a plurality of second limiting notches. The first limiting notches and the second limiting notches correspond one to one to form a supporting station for supporting the battery cell.

[0059] At least two synchronous side plates 13 are provided, each with a third limiting notch. When there are two synchronous side plates 13, they are designated as a first synchronous side plate 13 and a second synchronous side plate 13. The first and second synchronous side plates 13 are arranged opposite to each other, and the third limiting notches on the first and second synchronous side plates 13 correspond one-to-one with the first limiting notches on the first side plate 11.

[0060] The drive unit, located below the synchronous side plate 13, can drive the battery cells placed on the support station to move to the next support station.

[0061] Specifically, the stepper assembly includes a first side plate 11, a second side plate 12, a first synchronization side plate 13, a second synchronization side plate 13, and a drive unit.

[0062] The first side plate 11 and the second side plate 12 are arranged in parallel and located on both sides of the battery cell transport path, respectively. The first side plate 11 has multiple evenly distributed first limiting notches, and the second side plate 12 has multiple second limiting notches that correspond one-to-one with the first limiting notches. The first limiting notches and the second limiting notches cooperate to form multiple support stations for supporting the battery cells. Each support station is used to limit and support one battery cell, ensuring the stability of the battery cell's posture during transport.

[0063] Between the first side plate 11 and the second side plate 12, at least two synchronous side plates 13 are also provided. When there are two synchronous side plates 13, they include a first synchronous side plate 13 and a second synchronous side plate 13, which are arranged opposite to each other. The first synchronous side plate 13 is provided with a plurality of third limiting notches, and the second synchronous side plate 13 is also provided with corresponding third limiting notches. The third limiting notches on the first and second synchronous side plates 13 correspond spatially to the support station formed between the first side plate 11 and the second side plate 12, which can cooperate to support the bottom of the battery cell and participate in its transportation process.

[0064] The drive unit is located below the first and second synchronous side plates 13 and includes a motor, lead screw, guide rail, and transmission mechanism, which can drive the synchronous side plates 13 to move synchronously back and forth in the horizontal direction. When the drive unit drives the synchronous side plates 13 to move, the third limiting notch will drive the battery cell to move from the current support position along the X direction to the next support position, realizing step-by-step conveying. The operation of the drive unit can be controlled by a program to coordinate with the polarity detection and flipping process.

[0065] During operation, the battery cell is placed in the support station formed between the first and second limiting notches by an external feeding mechanism such as a robotic arm, while its bottom is supported by the third limiting notch on the first and second synchronous side plates 13. When conveying is required, the drive unit is activated, causing the first and second synchronous side plates 13 to move synchronously, thereby pushing the battery cell to move sequentially to the next support station through the third limiting notch. The entire conveying process is stable, reliable, and vibration-free, suitable for the cycle time requirements of automated production.

[0066] By adopting the above technical solution, the stepper assembly, through its four-sided limiting structure (first side plate 11, second side plate 12, first synchronous side plate 13, and second synchronous side plate 13) and synchronous drive structure, can reliably and stably support multiple battery cells and accurately transport them one by one to the next processing station. This structure is simple, highly modular, and easy to assemble and maintain. At the same time, its high stability and high repeatability significantly improve the consistency and automation level of the battery cell transport process, effectively reducing equipment error rates and improving overall production line efficiency.

[0067] In one embodiment of this application, the driving unit includes:

[0068] First drive motor 21;

[0069] The first lead screw slide module 22 is connected to the first drive motor 21;

[0070] The first sliding member 23 is connected to the first lead screw slide module 22, and the first drive motor 21 drives the first sliding member 23 to reciprocate along the length direction of the first lead screw slide module 22.

[0071] Guide column 25;

[0072] A support platform 24 is slidably connected to the guide post 25. The bottom of the support platform 24 has a ramp surface. The first sliding member 23 is slidably connected to the ramp surface at the bottom of the support platform 24, for driving the support platform 24 to move along the length of the guide post 25.

[0073] A transverse component 26 is slidably connected above the support platform 24. The synchronous side plate 13 is located above the transverse component 26. When the support platform 24 moves to the highest position, the transverse component 26 drives the first synchronous side plate 13 and the second synchronous side plate 13 to move along the length direction of the first side plate 11. After the transverse component 26 moves to the target position, the first sliding component 23 drives the support platform 24 to descend to the lowest point. At the same time, the transverse component resets to the initial state, so as to realize the movement of the battery cell placed on the support station to the next support station.

[0074] Specifically, the drive unit includes a first drive motor 21, a first lead screw slide module 22, a first sliding member 23, a guide column 25, a support platform 24, and a transverse member 26.

[0075] The first drive motor 21 is mounted on the main frame of the device and provides linear drive power. The first drive motor 21 is connected to the first lead screw slide module 22 via a coupling. The lead screw axis of the first lead screw slide module 22 is arranged parallel to the X direction, forming a drive path along the conveying direction. One end of the first lead screw slide module 22 is provided with a lead screw nut, and the first sliding member 23 is fixedly connected to the lead screw nut and can reciprocate on the guide rail of the first lead screw slide module 22.

[0076] Guide posts 25 are vertically positioned and arranged in parallel pairs above the first lead screw slide module 22 to guide the support platform 24 to slide along the vertical direction (i.e., the length direction of the guide posts 25). The support platform 24 is slidably connected to the guide posts 25 and can move up and down under the guidance of the guide posts 25. To achieve tilting sliding engagement, the bottom of the support platform 24 is provided with a ramp surface, which is inclined at a certain angle. The upper surface of the first sliding member 23 slides in engagement with the ramp surface at the bottom of the support platform 24. When the first sliding member 23 moves along the first lead screw slide module 22, the support platform 24 can rise or fall along the guide posts 25 due to the action of the ramp surface.

[0077] A transverse sliding member 26 is slidably connected above the support platform 24. The transverse sliding member 26 can move horizontally in the guide rail of the support platform 24, that is, move perpendicular to the direction of the guide post 25. The top of the transverse sliding member 26 is provided with a connecting structure for installing the first synchronous side plate 13 and the second synchronous side plate 13. When the support platform 24 is pushed to the highest position of the guide post 25 by the first sliding member 23, the transverse sliding member 26 is activated. Under the action of the driving structure, it pushes the first synchronous side plate 13 and the second synchronous side plate 13 along the length direction (i.e., the X direction) of the first side plate 11, thereby driving the battery cell located at the support station to step to the next support station.

[0078] Once the transverse component 26 reaches the target position, the first drive motor 21 rotates in the opposite direction, and the first sliding component 23 slides back along the first lead screw slide module 22, thereby causing the support platform 24 to move downwards via the ramp until it reaches the lowest point of the guide column 25. At this time, the battery cell is in the new support position, and the transverse component 26 automatically resets to its initial state through the return mechanism, preparing for the next stepping action.

[0079] This drive unit, through a linkage ramp structure and synchronous limit device, realizes a complete stepping cycle of "lifting-horizontal movement-lowering-resetting". It has a compact structure and precise operation, and is suitable for cell positioning and transfer in high-cycle conveying systems.

[0080] By adopting the above technical solution, the drive unit utilizes a combination structure of ramp transmission and linear guide rail to achieve stable conveying of battery cells from one support station to the next. This structure can complete compound movements in multiple directions through a first drive motor 21 and a first lead screw slide module 22, which not only reduces the number of components and control complexity but also improves the compactness and reliability of the overall structure. Especially in high-precision battery cell processing scenarios, this structure can effectively ensure the consistency of battery cell position and the smoothness of movement, improving the performance and service life of the automatic conveying system.

[0081] In one embodiment of this application, the detection component includes:

[0082] A detection camera 42 is located on one side of the stepper assembly and is used to detect the polarity of the battery cell supported on the stepper assembly.

[0083] Specifically, the detection component includes a detection camera 42, which is fixedly mounted on one side of the stepper assembly, facing the support station above the stepper assembly. The detection camera 42 can be an industrial image acquisition device with image processing, light source control, and data output functions. It is used to photograph and analyze the end face of the battery cell when the cell reaches the detection position to identify the polarity information of the battery cell.

[0084] To ensure the accuracy of the test results, the stepping line assembly is equipped with a centering mechanism for cell alignment. This centering mechanism can be a pen-shaped cylinder working in conjunction with a perforated centering plate 43. The pen-shaped cylinder is activated before testing, pushing the centering plate 43 to move, thereby finely adjusting the cell placed on the support station to a standard horizontal position. The vias on the centering plate 43 are aligned with the optical axis of the testing camera 42, ensuring that the testing light can stably and accurately illuminate the cell end face.

[0085] Once the battery cell is successfully aligned, the detection camera 42 emits a detection light source, which illuminates the end face of the battery cell through a via on the alignment plate 43. The end face of the battery cell is provided with polarity markings (such as positive and negative symbols, color differences, or structural differences). The detection camera 42 processes the acquired images using a built-in image recognition algorithm to automatically identify the polarity information of the battery cell and sends the identification result to the control system.

[0086] If the detection camera 42 indicates that the cell polarity is correct, the control system instructs the stepping line assembly to continue conveying the cell to the next station. If the detection result indicates an incorrect polarity, the control system will activate the commutation assembly to perform subsequent polarity adjustment operations, ensuring the polarity consistency of all cells before they enter the downstream processing stage.

[0087] The inspection camera 42 can use a CCD or CMOS image sensor, which has high resolution, high frame rate and strong anti-interference capability, and is suitable for stable inspection requirements in high-speed production lines.

[0088] By adopting the above technical solution, the detection component uses the detection camera 42 to perform non-contact, automated identification of the polarity of the battery cell end face, greatly improving detection efficiency and accuracy, and avoiding errors and missed detections caused by manual identification. Simultaneously, by cooperating with the centering mechanism, it ensures stable image positioning and reliable identification results.

[0089] In one embodiment of this application, the detection component further includes:

[0090] Second drive motor 41; and

[0091] The centering plate 43 is located on one side of the stepper assembly and is connected to the output shaft of the second drive motor 41. It can reciprocate with the telescopic shaft of the second drive motor 41 and is used to push the battery cell supported on the stepper assembly to a designated position. The centering plate 43 is provided with a through hole, and the detection camera 42 is aligned with the through hole. The diameter of the through hole is smaller than the diameter of the end of the battery cell.

[0092] Specifically, the inspection camera 42 is fixedly mounted on one side of the stepper assembly, facing the support station on the stepper assembly. The inspection camera 42 is used to detect the polarity of the battery cell at the inspection position. The inspection camera 42 is preferably an industrial-grade image recognition camera, which has high-resolution imaging capabilities and image recognition algorithm processing capabilities.

[0093] To achieve precise positioning and stable detection of the battery cells, the detection assembly also includes a second drive motor 41 and a centering plate 43 connected to the second drive motor 41. The second drive motor 41 is fixedly mounted on the frame structure of the stepper assembly, and its output end is connected to a telescopic shaft. This telescopic shaft can reciprocate under the drive of the control system to push the centering plate 43 to reciprocate in the horizontal direction.

[0094] The centering plate 43 is mounted at the end of the telescopic shaft of the second drive motor 41, positioned on one side of the stepper assembly, corresponding to the detection area of ​​the detection camera 42. The centering plate 43 is made of rigid metal or engineering plastic, possessing sufficient strength for cell pushing and calibration. The front end of the centering plate 43 faces the support station of the stepper assembly, and is used to laterally push the cell located at the support station before detection, aligning its position with the optical axis of the detection camera 42 to achieve precise centering.

[0095] A via is provided on the centering plate 43. The via is located in the middle of the centering plate 43 and is circular or elliptical in shape. The diameter of the via is smaller than the diameter of the end of the battery cell to ensure that the detection beam can pass through the via to illuminate the end face of the battery cell without scattering or misalignment. The optical axis of the detection camera 42 is arranged coaxially with the center of the via to ensure stable and clear image acquisition during detection.

[0096] The specific working process is as follows: After the battery cell is transported to the testing station by the stepper assembly, the second drive motor 41 starts, driving the centering plate 43 to extend. The front end of the centering plate 43 pushes the battery cell to accurately align it with the via. After alignment, the testing camera 42 emits a testing light source, which passes through the via of the centering plate 43 and illuminates the end face of the battery cell to collect the polarity information of the battery cell and perform image analysis. After the test is completed, the second drive motor 41 drives the centering plate 43 to retract, preparing for the next testing cycle.

[0097] By adopting the above technical solution, the detection component can effectively ensure the stability of the cell's position and the accuracy of image acquisition during the detection process by setting a centering plate 43 with a through hole between the detection camera 42 and the cell, and driving it precisely with the second drive motor 41.

[0098] In one embodiment of this application, the commutation component includes:

[0099] Third drive motor 31;

[0100] The second lead screw slide module 32 is connected to the third drive motor 31;

[0101] The second sliding member 33 is connected to the second lead screw slide module 32, and the third drive motor 31 drives the second sliding member 33 to reciprocate along the length direction of the second lead screw slide module 32.

[0102] The lifting cylinder 34 is connected to the second sliding member 33 and can move with the second sliding member 33;

[0103] A rotary motor 35 is connected to the top of the lifting cylinder 34; and

[0104] The claw 36 is connected to the output shaft of the rotary motor 35. The lifting cylinder 34 can drive the claw 36 to push the battery cell located on the stepper assembly out of the stepper assembly. When the battery cell is detached from the stepper assembly, the rotary motor 35 rotates to adjust the polarity of the battery cell.

[0105] Specifically, the third drive motor 31 is mounted on the frame of the cell conveying device. The third drive motor 31 provides linear drive power, and its output shaft is connected to the second lead screw slide module 32. The second lead screw slide module 32 is arranged along the length direction (i.e., the X direction) of the stepper assembly and is equipped with a guide rail and a lead screw structure. The second sliding member 33 is fixedly connected to the slide base of the second lead screw slide module 32. Under the drive of the third drive motor 31, the second sliding member 33 can reciprocate along the length direction of the second lead screw slide module 32.

[0106] The lifting cylinder 34 is fixedly mounted on the top of the second sliding member 33. As the second sliding member 33 moves, the lifting cylinder 34 can move synchronously in the X direction of the conveying device. The lifting cylinder 34 has a vertical lifting function, and its output end faces vertically downward. The rotary motor 35 is mounted on the top of the lifting cylinder 34, and the output shaft of the rotary motor 35 is connected downward.

[0107] The claw 36 is mounted on the output shaft of the rotary motor 35, directly below the lifting cylinder 34. The structure of the claw 36 is adapted to the shape of the battery cell in the stepper assembly, and can reliably support the battery cell during lifting operations. During the reversing operation, the lifting cylinder 34 drives the claw 36 to extend upward, so that the claw 36 presses against the battery cell in the support position on the stepper assembly from below, and lifts the battery cell away from the limiting structure, so that the battery cell is detached from the stepper assembly.

[0108] Once the battery cell is completely detached from the stepper assembly, the rotary motor 35 starts, driving the claw 36 and the supported battery cell to rotate 180° around the vertical axis to adjust the cell's polarity. After rotation, the lifting cylinder 34 retracts downwards, and the claw 36 places the flipped battery cell back into its original support position. The third drive motor 31 then drives the second sliding member 33 to move to the next target position, preparing for the next reversing action.

[0109] The entire reversing assembly completes the precise grasping, flipping, and playback of abnormal polarity cells through a four-step linkage of "lateral movement, lifting, rotation, and reset". The actions are coordinated, the path is clear, and the structural design is reasonable, making it suitable for stable operation on high-speed automated production lines.

[0110] Using the above technical solution, the commutation component can automatically identify the position of the battery cell, accurately grasp it, rotate it 180°, and return it after detecting an incorrect battery cell polarity, ensuring that the battery cells entering the next process have consistent polarity. This structure achieves rapid lateral movement of the commutation mechanism through the second lead screw slide module 32, and, in conjunction with the vertical lifting action of the lifting cylinder 34 and the flipping function of the rotary motor 35, completes complex three-dimensional operation paths.

[0111] In one embodiment of this application, the rotation angle of the claw 36 is 180 degrees, and in the initial state, the axis of the claw 36 coincides with the central axis of the battery cell.

[0112] Specifically, the claw 36 is mounted on the output shaft of the rotary motor 35, and its rotation axis coincides with the center line of the lifting cylinder 34 and is vertically downward. When the claw 36 is in its initial state, that is, before the flipping action begins, the rotation axis of the claw 36 coincides with the center axis of the target battery cell in the stepper assembly, ensuring that the claw 36 can accurately align and stably support the battery cell during the lifting process, thereby avoiding deviation or clamping failure.

[0113] After the rotary motor 35 is started, the claw 36 rotates around its rotation axis by 180 degrees. This rotation angle is designed based on the characteristic that the polarity of conventional battery cells is completely opposite, ensuring that the positive and negative poles of the reversed battery cell are aligned with the other cells after flipping. During rotation, the battery cell remains in close contact with the claw 36, and the rotation axis remains stable and vertical, preventing shaking or damage caused by eccentricity.

[0114] After the flipping is completed, the claw 36 drives the battery cell, which has been rotated 180 degrees, back to the original support position, and is driven to descend by the lifting cylinder 34 to put the battery cell into the corresponding limit notch, thus restoring the conveying state.

[0115] To ensure rotational control accuracy, the rotary motor 35 can be a servo motor or stepper motor with an encoder to achieve precise 180-degree rotation and stop control, and work with the control system to complete high-precision commutation tasks.

[0116] By adopting the above technical solution, the claw 36 is precisely aligned with the central axis of the battery cell in the initial state, and the rotation angle is set to 180 degrees, which can ensure the accuracy of the battery cell polarity adjustment action. Through precise axis alignment and the set rotation angle, the reversing process does not require repeated calibration, improving the reliability and consistency of the flipping operation, and further enhancing the applicability and performance stability of the entire battery cell conveying device in a high-efficiency automated production line.

[0117] In one embodiment of this application, a buffer is provided at the stroke end of the first lead screw slide module 22 to limit the range of motion of the first slider 23.

[0118] Specifically, the buffer components are respectively located at both ends of the first lead screw slide module 22, and are fixed to the end of the guide rail or the mounting base of the first lead screw slide module 22. The buffer components can be in the form of rubber shock absorbers, spring buffers, or hydraulic buffers, etc. Their function is to provide a gradually increasing reverse force or absorb its kinetic energy when the first sliding member 23 approaches the end of the stroke of the slide module under the drive of the first drive motor 21, thereby effectively limiting the maximum range of motion of the first sliding member 23.

[0119] During the reciprocating motion of the first sliding member 23 on the first lead screw slide module 22, when it runs to one end of the slide module, it comes into contact with the buffer member. At this time, the buffer member provides a buffering effect on the first sliding member 23 to prevent it from having a rigid collision with the end structure, thereby avoiding equipment damage, decreased accuracy or shortened service life.

[0120] By setting a buffer, the travel range of the first sliding member 23 can be mechanically limited, and the inertial impact at the extreme position can be absorbed, ensuring that the drive structure has good stability and impact resistance when running at high speed or frequently changing direction.

[0121] By adopting the above technical solution, buffer components are set at both ends of the first lead screw slide module 22, which can effectively limit the stroke range of the first sliding member 23 and prevent mechanical impact when it runs to the limit position. This structure is simple and effective, which not only improves the operational safety and service life of the entire drive mechanism, but also enhances the smoothness of the cell movement and the system reliability during the stepping conveying process.

[0122] In one embodiment of this application, the surface of the claw 36 is provided with an insulating coating, and the shape of its clamping surface matches the curvature of the side of the battery cell.

[0123] Specifically, the surface of the claw 36 is entirely covered with an insulating coating to prevent electrical contact between the claw 36 and the surface of the battery cell during clamping, reducing the risk of damage to the battery cell due to static electricity buildup or instantaneous discharge. The insulating coating can be made of polyimide, epoxy, polyurethane spraying, or other materials with good wear resistance and insulation, and is formed as a cover layer through spraying, electrophoresis, or impregnation. This coating, while fulfilling its insulating function, also possesses a certain degree of surface friction, which helps to enhance clamping stability.

[0124] In addition, to ensure fit and stability during the clamping process, the clamping surface of the claw 36 is specially designed according to the external structure of the battery cell, and its clamping surface shape matches the curvature of the side of the battery cell.

[0125] When gripping a battery cell, the claw 36 engages with the side of the battery cell in a high-precision arc-shaped match, ensuring that the battery cell remains in a stable and close fit during lifting, rotating, and lowering, without shaking or displacement, thereby improving the reliability and accuracy of the commutation action.

[0126] By adopting the above technical solution, the claw 36, with its surface coated with an insulating layer, ensures effective electrical isolation when clamping the battery cell, preventing abnormal performance or damage to the cell due to static electricity or conductive contact. Simultaneously, the clamping surface of the claw 36 employs a structural design that matches the curvature of the battery cell's side, achieving a larger contact area and a more stable clamping effect. This effectively improves clamping accuracy, reduces the risk of injury, and further enhances the stable operation and applicability of the commutation assembly in automated production lines.

[0127] In one embodiment of this application, a supplementary light source is also provided on one side of the detection component.

[0128] Specifically, the supplementary lighting source is located on the side of the detection assembly near the centering plate 43, preferably near the detection camera 42 or on both sides of its light emission path. The supplementary lighting source can be a high-brightness LED light source, a ring light source, or a strip linear light source, and its light emission direction is aligned with the vias and the end face of the battery cell on the centering plate 43 during installation. The supplementary lighting source works in conjunction with the detection camera 42 to provide uniform and stable auxiliary illumination when the detection camera 42 acquires images of the end face of the battery cell, eliminating problems such as image shadows, reflections, or underexposure caused by changes in external ambient light.

[0129] By adopting the above technical solution, the detection component provides uniform and bright illumination conditions for the detection of the battery cell end face by adding a supplementary light source on one side of the detection camera 42, which effectively improves the image acquisition quality problem caused by insufficient or uneven ambient light.

[0130] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. All equivalent structural transformations made under the inventive concept of the present utility model using the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A battery cell delivery device, characterized in that, include: Stepper assembly is used to support battery cells and can transport the supported battery cells to the next processing station along its own length. A detection component is disposed on one side of the stepping wire assembly and is used to detect the polarity of the battery cell supported on the stepping wire assembly. as well as A reversing component is located on one side of the stepper assembly. When the detection component detects that the polarity of the battery cell supported on the stepper assembly is incorrect, it is used to adjust the battery cell with incorrect polarity to the correct direction.

2. The cell delivery device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The stepper assembly includes: The first side plate is provided with multiple evenly distributed first limiting notches; The second side plate is arranged opposite to the first side plate and has multiple second limiting notches. The first limiting notches and the second limiting notches correspond one-to-one to form a supporting station for supporting the battery cell. At least two synchronous side plates, each with a third limiting notch. When there are two synchronous side plates, they are designated as a first synchronous side plate and a second synchronous side plate. The first and second synchronous side plates are arranged opposite to each other. The third limiting notches on the first and second synchronous side plates correspond one-to-one with the first limiting notches on the first side plate. The drive unit, located below the synchronization side plate, can drive the battery cells placed on the support station to move to the next support station.

3. The cell delivery device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The drive unit includes: First drive motor; The first lead screw slide module is connected to the first drive motor; The first sliding member is connected to the first lead screw slide module, and the first drive motor drives the first sliding member to reciprocate along the length direction of the first lead screw slide module. Guide pillar; A support platform is slidably connected to the guide column. The bottom of the support platform has a ramp surface. A first sliding member is slidably connected to the ramp surface at the bottom of the support platform, used to drive the support platform to move along the length of the guide column; and A lateral sliding member is slidably connected above the support platform. The synchronous side plate is located above the lateral sliding member. When the support platform moves to the highest position, the lateral sliding member drives the first synchronous side plate and the second synchronous side plate to move along the length direction of the first side plate. When the lateral sliding member moves to the target position, the first sliding member drives the support platform to descend to the lowest point, and at the same time, the lateral sliding member resets to the initial state, so as to realize the movement of the battery cell placed on the support station to the next support station.

4. The cell delivery device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The detection component includes: A detection camera is located on one side of the stepper assembly and is used to detect the polarity of the battery cells supported on the stepper assembly.

5. The cell delivery device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The detection component also includes: Second drive motor; and A centering plate is located on one side of the stepper assembly, connected to the output shaft of the second drive motor, and can reciprocate with the telescopic shaft of the second drive motor. It is used to push the battery cell supported on the stepper assembly to a designated position. The centering plate is provided with a through hole, and the detection camera is aligned with the through hole. The diameter of the through hole is smaller than the diameter of the end of the battery cell.

6. The cell delivery device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The commutation component includes: Third drive motor; The second lead screw slide module is connected to the third drive motor; The second sliding member is connected to the second lead screw slide module, and the third drive motor drives the second sliding member to reciprocate along the length direction of the second lead screw slide module. A lifting cylinder is connected to the second sliding member and can move with the second sliding member; A rotary motor is connected to the top of the lifting cylinder; and The claw is connected to the output shaft of the rotary motor. The lifting cylinder can drive the claw to push the battery cell located on the stepper assembly out of the stepper assembly. When the battery cell is detached from the stepper assembly, the rotary motor rotates to adjust the polarity of the battery cell.

7. The cell delivery device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The rotation angle of the claw is 180 degrees. In the initial state, the axis of the claw coincides with the central axis of the battery cell.

8. The cell delivery device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The first lead screw slide module has a buffer at the end of its stroke to limit the range of motion of the first slider.

9. The cell delivery device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The surface of the claw is provided with an insulating coating, and the shape of its clamping surface matches the curvature of the side of the battery cell.

10. The cell delivery device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The detection component is also equipped with a supplementary light source on one side.

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