Shell assembly suction feeding mechanism and shell mounting device

Abstract

The application provides a sleeve assembly suction feeding mechanism and a sleeve mounting device. The sleeve assembly suction feeding mechanism comprises a connecting assembly connected with a mechanical arm, an adsorption assembly arranged at the bottom of the connecting assembly and used for adsorbing a sleeved object or a shell along a vertical direction, and two flaring assemblies respectively arranged at opposite sides of the connecting assembly. The flaring assembly comprises a driving mechanism and a first adsorption unit. The driving mechanism is connected with the connecting assembly. The driving mechanism can drive the first adsorption units to approach each other to adsorb both sides of the open end of the shell or to move away from each other to expand the open end of the shell. The sleeve assembly suction feeding mechanism of the application can first stack the battery cells and then sleeve the battery cells, so that the assembly consistency is high, the battery cells are prevented from being damaged, and the product qualification rate is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of battery cell manufacturing technology, and more specifically, it relates to a casing assembly feeding mechanism and casing installation device. Background Technology

[0002] In the manufacturing process of new energy soft-pack power batteries, the battery cells need to be installed inside a U-shell. Related technologies typically employ a method of directly stacking the cells one by one inside the U-shell (battery housing). This involves first opening the U-shell to create a receiving space, and then sequentially placing the cells inside and stacking them. However, because the side walls of the U-shell are in a semi-closed state during stacking, the sides of the cells obscured by the U-shell cannot be precisely repositioned, leading to cell stacking position misalignment or angular deviation, ultimately affecting the module's dimensional consistency and electrical performance. During stacking, the cells are susceptible to friction or compression from the inner wall of the U-shell. If the cell positions are not precisely aligned, defects such as cell breakage and separator scratches can easily occur, resulting in a decrease in product yield. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application provides a casing assembly suction and feeding mechanism that can avoid cell damage and improve product qualification rate.

[0004] The technical solution adopted in this application embodiment is: to provide a casing assembly suction and feeding mechanism, including:

[0005] Connecting components for connection to a robotic arm;

[0006] An adsorption component, located at the bottom of the connecting component, is used to adsorb the cover or shell in a vertical direction.

[0007] Two flaring components are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the connecting component. Each flaring component includes a driving mechanism and a first adsorption unit. The driving mechanism is connected to the connecting component. The driving mechanism can drive the first adsorption units to move closer to each other to adsorb the two sides of the opening end of the shell, or to move away from each other to expand the opening end of the shell.

[0008] Furthermore, the flaring assembly also includes a first mounting plate, which is connected to the output end of the driving mechanism, and the first mounting plate extends downward to a level lower than the adsorption plane of the adsorption assembly;

[0009] The first adsorption unit includes a plurality of first vacuum suction cups, each of which is distributed at the lower end of the first mounting plate, and the adsorption ports of the first vacuum suction cups of the two flared assemblies face each other.

[0010] Furthermore, the flaring assembly also includes a lateral connecting plate, which includes a lateral connecting portion and a drive mounting portion. One end of the lateral connecting portion is connected to the connecting assembly, and the other end is perpendicularly connected to the drive mounting portion. The drive mechanism is located in the drive mounting portion.

[0011] Further, the adsorption component includes:

[0012] A connecting post, one end of which is connected to the connecting assembly, and the other end extends downward;

[0013] The second mounting plate is connected to the lower end of the connecting column;

[0014] The second adsorption unit is disposed on the second mounting plate with its adsorption end facing downward, and is used to adsorb the top surface of the cover or shell.

[0015] Furthermore, the adsorption assembly also includes a displacement detection module, which is vertically mounted on the second mounting plate and the lower end of the displacement detection module is lower than the second adsorption unit;

[0016] When the adsorption component moves downward in the vertical direction, the displacement detection module contacts the object or shell before the second adsorption unit, and moves upward relative to it as the second mounting plate continues to move downward. When the upward displacement of the displacement detection module exceeds the preset stroke, the displacement detection module issues an alarm signal.

[0017] Furthermore, the second adsorption unit includes a plurality of second vacuum suction cups, each of which is distributed around the displacement detection module.

[0018] Furthermore, the connecting assembly includes a fixing plate and a reinforcing rib. The fixing plate is provided with a connecting structure for connecting to the robotic arm, and the reinforcing rib is disposed on the fixing plate along the length direction of the fixing plate.

[0019] The adsorption assembly is provided in two sets, and is respectively disposed at the bottom of the fixing plate along the second direction Y;

[0020] The two flared components are located at the bottom of the fixed plate and are respectively located on both sides of the fixed plate along the first direction.

[0021] Furthermore, the casing assembly's feeding mechanism also includes a first negative pressure adsorption system. The first negative pressure adsorption system includes a first negative pressure source, a first vacuum filter, a first pressure gauge, and a first valve. The first negative pressure source is connected to the flared assembly via an air pipe, and the first valve, the first vacuum filter, and the first pressure gauge are located on the air pipe.

[0022] Furthermore, the casing assembly's suction and feeding mechanism also includes a second negative pressure adsorption system. The second negative pressure adsorption system includes a second negative pressure source, a second vacuum filter, a second pressure gauge, and a second valve. The second negative pressure source is connected to the adsorption assembly through the air pipe, and the second valve, the second vacuum filter, and the second pressure gauge are located on the air pipe.

[0023] This application also provides a casing installation device, including a robotic arm and a casing assembly suction and feeding mechanism as described in any of the above claims, wherein the robotic arm is connected to the connecting assembly.

[0024] The beneficial effects of the casing assembly suction and feeding mechanism provided in this application embodiment are as follows: This casing assembly suction and feeding mechanism is connected to a robotic arm via a connecting component. During the stacking stage, the suction component adsorbs the casing objects (e.g., battery cells) one by one for unobstructed stacking. The stacking position and angle can be adjusted in real time, completely eliminating the positioning blind spots caused by side wall obstruction in the traditional U-shell semi-closed state. After the bottom of the inverted casing (e.g., U-shell) is adsorbed by the suction component during the casing stage, the driving mechanism of the two flared components first drives the first suction units to move closer together to stably adsorb the two outer side walls of the U-shell opening, and then drives them in the opposite direction to move the first suction units away from each other, opening the U-shell opening. The robotic arm then precisely places the expanded U-shell onto the outside of the stacked battery cells, completing the installation. This application embodiment ensures high-precision alignment of the battery cells during the stacking stage. During the casing stage, the pre-expanded U-shell avoids friction damage between the battery cells and the inner wall of the U-shell, while achieving precise alignment and fit between the battery cells and the U-shell, significantly improving module size consistency, electrical performance, and product qualification rate. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the housing assembly suction and feeding mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the flared assembly provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the adsorption component provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the connection component provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0030] The following are the labeling elements in the figure:

[0031] 10. Connecting components; 11. Fixing plate; 12. Reinforcing ribs; 13. Connecting structure;

[0032] 20. Adsorption assembly; 21. Connecting column; 22. Second mounting plate; 23. Second adsorption unit; 231. Second vacuum suction cup; 24. Displacement detection module;

[0033] 30. Flaring assembly; 31. Drive mechanism; 32. First adsorption unit; 321. First vacuum suction cup; 33. First mounting plate; 34. Lateral connecting plate; 341. Lateral connecting part; 342. Drive mounting part;

[0034] 40. First negative pressure adsorption system; 41. First negative pressure source; 42. First valve; 43. First vacuum filter; 44. First pressure gauge;

[0035] 50. Second negative pressure adsorption system; 51. Second negative pressure source; 52. Second valve; 53. Second vacuum filter; 54. Second pressure gauge;

[0036] 60. Shell; 61. Open end;

[0037] 70. Barcode scanner; X, first direction; Y, second direction; Z, vertical direction. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To make the technical problems, technical solutions, and beneficial effects to be solved by this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0039] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on or indirectly on that other component. When a component is referred to as being "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to or indirectly connected to that other component.

[0040] It should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are 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.

[0041] 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 as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0042] Please see Figure 1 The casing assembly suction and feeding mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application will now be described. The casing assembly suction and feeding mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application includes a connecting component 10, an adsorption component 20, and two flared components 30.

[0043] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 4 The connecting component 10 is used to connect to the robotic arm. As the basic support structure of the entire mechanism, the connecting component 10 can be made of an aluminum alloy or stainless steel base plate, and is fixed to the connecting flange at the end of the industrial robotic arm by bolts, ensuring the synchronization of the overall structure with the movement of the robotic arm. The top of the base plate is provided with reinforcing ribs 12 or ribs to enhance bending rigidity.

[0044] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 3 The adsorption component 20 is located at the bottom of the connecting component 10 and is used to adsorb the cover or shell 60 in the vertical Z direction. The adsorption component 20 is located in the central area or on both sides of the bottom of the connecting component 10, and the specific location can be selected according to the number of adsorption components 20. The core function of the adsorption component 20 can be achieved by a vacuum suction cup, an electromagnetic suction cup, or a pneumatic gripper. The vacuum suction cup can be made of silicone or rubber and generates adsorption force through a negative pressure generator, which is suitable for smooth covers or shells 60; the electromagnetic suction cup is composed of an electromagnetic coil and ferromagnetic material and is suitable for adsorbing metal shells 60; the pneumatic gripper uses compressed air to drive the gripping arm to open and close, and works with an anti-slip rubber pad to grasp non-metallic shells 60. This component is rigidly connected to the connecting component 10 through a flange or threads, and its adsorption surface is perpendicular to the movement axis of the robotic arm to ensure that the direction of the adsorption force is consistent with the direction of gravity.

[0045] In the embodiments of this application, the specific objects of the sheath and the housing 60 can be adjusted according to the actual application scenario. For example, in the field of new energy soft-pack power batteries, the sheath can refer to the cell body formed by stacking multiple positive and negative electrode sheets and a separator. Its shape is usually cuboid or layered structure, and the surface is covered with metal foil or insulating film. The housing 60 is a U-shaped aluminum shell or plastic shell 60 with a "U" shaped cross-section and open ends on both side walls to accommodate the cell and form a module frame. In some other embodiments, the sheath can be extended to a single cell in a cylindrical battery module, and the housing 60 corresponds to a cylindrical metal sleeve with side wall openings; or in consumer electronics products, the sheath can be a circuit board module, and the housing 60 is a plastic shell with elastic buckles. In addition, in industrial automation scenarios, the sheath may be a mechanical transmission component (such as a gear set), and the housing 60 is a metal bracket shell with positioning grooves. Regardless of the specific form, the core relationship between the covered object and the shell 60 always follows the technical logic that "the covered object must be embedded in the internal space of the shell 60, and the open end 61 of the shell 60 must be expanded to achieve unobstructed insertion".

[0046] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 Two flaring components 30 are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the connecting component 10. Each flaring component 30 includes a driving mechanism 31 and a first adsorption unit 32. The driving mechanism 31 is connected to the connecting component 10. The driving mechanism 31 can drive the first adsorption unit 32 to move along the first direction X, moving closer to each other to adsorb the two sides of the opening end 61 of the housing 60, or moving away from each other to expand the opening end 61 of the housing 60. The first direction X is perpendicular to the vertical direction Z.

[0047] Two flared components 30 are distributed on both sides of the connecting component 10, and their driving mechanism 31 can adopt a cylinder, servo motor, or ball screw structure. The cylinder solution drives the first adsorption unit 32 to move along the linear guide rail through the extension and retraction of the piston rod; the servo motor solution connects to a high-precision lead screw through a coupling and achieves displacement control with a slider; the ball screw solution fixes the lead screw body through a bearing seat and uses a nut pair to drive the load to move. The first adsorption unit 32 can be a miniature vacuum suction cup, an electromagnetic chuck, or an elastic clamp. For example, the miniature suction cup uses polyurethane material to adapt to the curved surface of the inner wall of the U-shell, the electromagnetic chuck embeds permanent magnet material to enhance adsorption stability, and the elastic clamp adaptively clamps side walls of different thicknesses through a spring mechanism.

[0048] During operation, the robotic arm first moves the connecting component 10 to the cell stacking station. The adsorption component 20 vertically adsorbs individual cells using vacuum suction cups and stacks them layer by layer. At this time, the U-shell has not yet been inserted, and both sides of the cell are fully exposed, facilitating real-time adjustment of the stacking position and angle. After stacking is completed, the robotic arm moves, and the adsorption component 20 adsorbs the bottom of the inverted U-shell. Simultaneously, the drive mechanism 31 of the two flaring components 30 drives the first adsorption unit 32 to move closer to each other along the first direction X (e.g., the horizontal direction), so that the micro-suction cups adhere to the outer wall of the U-shell opening end 61. Then, the drive mechanism 31 reverses its movement, pulling the first adsorption unit 32 outward to expand, and opening the U-shell opening end 61 through synchronous reverse movement. At this time, the robotic arm precisely places the expanded U-shell onto the outside of the stacked cell, and the installation is completed after the flaring component 30 releases its adsorption.

[0049] This application embodiment avoids the physical interference of traditional semi-closed U-shells on cell stacking through step-by-step operation. At the same time, it uses the "adsorption-expansion" coordinated action of the expansion component to open the opening end 61 of the shell 60, which not only ensures stacking accuracy but also avoids friction damage, significantly improving module size consistency and product qualification rate.

[0050] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The flaring assembly 30 further includes a first mounting plate 33, which is connected to the output end of the drive mechanism 31 and extends downwards to a level below the adsorption plane of the adsorption assembly 20. The first mounting plate 33 serves to support and position the first adsorption unit 32. The first mounting plate 33 may be made of a high-strength, lightweight material (such as aluminum alloy or carbon fiber composite plate), and has a long, flat plate structure. It is rigidly connected to the output end of the drive mechanism 31 by bolts or welding. Furthermore, the first mounting plate 33 needs to extend downwards to a level below the adsorption plane of the adsorption assembly 20 to ensure that the expansion assembly can contact the outer wall when adsorbing the U-shell.

[0051] The first adsorption unit 32 includes a plurality of first vacuum suction cups 321, each of which is distributed at the lower end of the first mounting plate 33, and the adsorption ports of the first vacuum suction cups 321 of the two flared assemblies 30 face each other.

[0052] Multiple first vacuum suction cups 321 are arranged linearly or in an array on the lower end face of the first mounting plate 33. The vacuum suction cups are typically made of polyurethane or silicone, ensuring a tight seal with the outer wall of the U-shell while avoiding scratches on the surface oxide layer. When the U-shell size is large, the number of suction cups can be increased to 6-10 to distribute the force on the sidewall and enhance adsorption stability. The adsorption ports of the first vacuum suction cups 321 of the two flaring assemblies 30 face each other and are parallel to the first direction X. For example, the suction port of the left flaring assembly faces right, and the suction port of the right flaring assembly faces left. This symmetrical design ensures that the suction cups exert a reverse pulling force on the outer wall during expansion, thereby evenly opening the U-shell opening end 61.

[0053] The first mounting plate 33 and the distributed vacuum suction cups in the above structure achieve uniform transmission of expansion force and multi-point support. For example, when the sidewall thickness of the U-shell is uneven or there is slight deformation, multiple suction cups can adaptively adjust the contact pressure to avoid sidewall indentation caused by single-point force. The lower extension structure of the first mounting plate 33 ensures that the suction cups are not interfered with by the adsorption component 20 when adsorbing the outer sidewall, improving operational reliability. Ultimately, this solution, while ensuring stacking accuracy, further enhances the adaptability to U-shells of different specifications, significantly improving module assembly efficiency and product qualification rate.

[0054] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The flaring assembly 30 further includes a lateral connecting plate 34, which includes a lateral connecting part 341 and a drive mounting part 342. One end of the lateral connecting part 341 is connected to the connecting assembly 10, and the other end is perpendicularly connected to the drive mounting part 342. The drive mechanism 31 is disposed on the drive mounting part 342.

[0055] The side connecting plate 34 serves to achieve a stable connection between the drive mechanism 31 and the connecting assembly 10. The side connecting plate 34 can be made of aluminum alloy or steel plate, and has an overall L-shaped structure, including a side connecting portion 341 and a drive mounting portion 342. The side connecting portion 341 is a vertically extending plate or frame, for example, made of aluminum alloy profile. One end is rigidly connected to the side of the connecting assembly 10 (such as a base plate or guide rail groove) via bolts or clips, while the other end extends horizontally outward to the drive mounting portion 342. For example, when the connecting assembly 10 is a square base plate, the side connecting portion 341 can extend vertically downward along the edge of the base plate, and the drive mounting portion 342 is horizontally bent from the bottom end of the side connecting portion 341 to form a mounting surface parallel to the plane of the base plate.

[0056] The drive mounting section 342 serves as the support platform for the drive mechanism 31. Its main body is a horizontally extending plate or frame, with mounting holes, guide rails, or positioning grooves machined on its surface for fixing drive mechanisms 31 such as cylinders, servo motors, or ball screws. The drive mechanism 31 is fixed to the bottom of the drive mounting section 342 (i.e., the side away from the connecting assembly 10). For example, the cylinder piston rod is set horizontally, or the servo motor output shaft is set horizontally. This design makes the power transmission path closer to the working area (such as the side wall of the U-shaped housing).

[0057] During operation, when the robotic arm drives the mechanism to adhere to the U-shell and initiate the expansion action, the drive mechanism 31, through the power input at the bottom of the drive mounting part 342, pushes the first mounting plate 33 to move horizontally (first direction X). At this time, the vertically arranged lateral connection part 341, through high-strength materials and a rigid connection structure 13, efficiently transmits the pushing and pulling force of the drive mechanism 31 to the overall frame of the connecting assembly 10, rather than to local connection points. For example, when the sidewall of the U-shell needs to withstand a large expansion force (such as a thick-walled aluminum shell), the vertical structure of the lateral connection plate 34 can evenly distribute the load to the base plate of the connecting assembly 10, thereby improving fatigue resistance. In addition, the layout of the drive mechanism 31 at the bottom of the drive mounting part 342 lowers the center of gravity of the mechanism, reduces the swing inertia of the robotic arm during high-speed movement, and ensures the smoothness and synchronization of the expansion action.

[0058] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 3 The adsorption assembly 20 includes a connecting post 21, a second mounting plate 22, and a second adsorption unit 23. One end of the connecting post 21 is connected to the connecting assembly 10, and the other end extends downward. The second mounting plate 22 is connected to the lower end of the connecting post 21. The second adsorption unit 23 is disposed on the second mounting plate 22 with its adsorption end facing downward, and is used to adsorb the top surface of the cover or the shell 60.

[0059] The connecting post 21 serves to transmit the driving force of the connecting assembly 10 to the second mounting plate 22 and the second adsorption unit 23. This component is typically made of stainless steel or aluminum alloy and machined into a cylindrical, square, or polygonal cross-section rod structure. It is rigidly connected to the substrate of the connecting assembly 10 via a top thread or flange, and has external threads or positioning holes at the bottom for fixing to the second mounting plate 22. For example, in high-speed stacking scenarios, the connecting post 21 can have a built-in air passage (such as a central through hole) to provide a vacuum negative pressure for the second adsorption unit 23, while external guide rails or grooves can be added to enhance the stability of vertical Z-motion.

[0060] The second mounting plate 22, serving as the support platform for the second adsorption unit 23, can be made of lightweight, high-strength aluminum plate or carbon fiber composite plate. It has mounting holes at its four corners and is fixed to the lower flange of the connecting column 21 by bolts. The shape of the second mounting plate 22 can be flexibly adjusted according to the size of the object being mounted or the housing 60. For example, it can be designed as a rectangular plate for rectangular battery cells, and a customized structure with curved edges for irregularly shaped housings 60. The adsorption end face of the second adsorption unit 23 is vertically downward, i.e., adsorbing along the vertical Z-direction.

[0061] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 3 The adsorption assembly 20 further includes a displacement detection module 24, which is vertically mounted on the second mounting plate 22 with its lower end lower than the second adsorption unit 23. When the adsorption assembly 20 moves downward in the vertical direction Z, the displacement detection module 24 contacts the covered object or housing 60 before the second adsorption unit 23, and moves upward relative to it as the second mounting plate 22 continues to move downward. When the upward displacement of the displacement detection module 24 exceeds a preset stroke, the displacement detection module 24 issues an alarm signal.

[0062] The displacement detection module 24 is used to monitor the contact status of the object being covered or the housing 60 during the adsorption operation in real time and to provide an abnormality warning function. Specifically, the displacement detection module 24 can be a pressure plate photoelectric assembly, which includes a pressure plate body, a photoelectric sensor, and an elastic reset mechanism. For example, the pressure plate body is made of a lightweight insulating material (such as polycarbonate or fiberglass board) and processed into a flat plate structure. Its top is slidably connected to the second mounting plate 22 via a guide rod or slide rail, and its bottom extends to a point below the adsorption plane of the second adsorption unit 23. The photoelectric sensor consists of a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter is fixed inside the pressure plate body, and the receiver is correspondingly installed in the limiting groove of the second mounting plate 22. The elastic reset mechanism is composed of a compression spring or an elastic rubber pad. For example, the spring is fitted outside the pressure plate guide rod and located between the pressure plate body and the second mounting plate 22 to provide initial reset force.

[0063] When the robotic arm drives the adsorption assembly 20 to move downwards in the vertical direction Z, the pressure plate body first touches the workpiece (such as the top surface of the battery cell or the top edge of the U-shell). At this time, the pressure plate slides upwards relative to the second mounting plate 22 under the action of external force, compressing the elastic reset mechanism. For example, under normal working conditions, the downward movement distance required for the vacuum suction cup to contact the workpiece is 3mm. At this time, the upward movement of the pressure plate does not exceed the preset threshold, such as 4mm, and the emitted beam of the photoelectric sensor is not completely blocked, so the system determines that the contact state is normal. If the workpiece position is offset (such as abnormal stacking height or tilted U-shell placement), the upward movement of the pressure plate exceeds the preset stroke (such as 5mm), triggering the blocking signal of the photoelectric sensor. The control system immediately issues an alarm and suspends the robotic arm movement to avoid damage to the workpiece or equipment collision caused by forced adsorption.

[0064] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 3 The second adsorption unit 23 includes a plurality of second vacuum suction cups 231, each of which is distributed around the displacement detection module 24.

[0065] Multiple second vacuum suction cups 231 are arranged in a ring or symmetrical array around the displacement detection module 24. For example, 4-6 suction cups are evenly arranged along the periphery of the pressure plate body on the lower surface of the second mounting plate 22, and the spacing is dynamically adjusted according to the size of the object being covered or the housing 60. The second vacuum suction cups 231 are fixed to the second mounting plate 22 by threads or quick-connect couplings. Their adsorption surface is kept at the same level as the lower end surface of the pressure plate body or slightly lower by 1-2 mm to ensure that the pressure plate triggers the detection function first when adsorption contacts.

[0066] This distribution method enables coordinated control of adsorption force and detection function. For example, when the adsorption component 20 descends to the workpiece surface, the pressure plate body contacts the top surface of the workpiece before the suction cups, triggering the blocking signal of the photoelectric sensor and starting to record displacement changes. If the workpiece is in a normal position, the suction cups then uniformly contact the workpiece surface and form a vacuum adsorption force; if the workpiece is tilted or has foreign objects piled up, and the pressure plate moves upwards beyond a preset threshold, the control system immediately cuts off the negative pressure supply to all suction cups and issues an alarm to avoid damage to the workpiece caused by forced adsorption.

[0067] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 4 The connecting assembly 10 includes a fixing plate 11 and reinforcing ribs 12. The fixing plate 11 has a connecting structure 13 for connecting with the robotic arm, and the reinforcing ribs 12 are disposed on the fixing plate 11 along its length. Two sets of adsorption assemblies 20 are provided, respectively disposed at the bottom of the fixing plate 11 along the second direction Y. Two flared assemblies 30 are located at the bottom of the fixing plate 11, and respectively located on both sides of the fixing plate 11 along the first direction X.

[0068] The fixing plate 11 can be made of high-strength aluminum alloy or carbon steel, and its top is provided with a connection structure 13 for connecting to the robotic arm, such as a standard flange, threaded hole array or quick-change interface, to ensure a rigid connection with the end of the robotic arm. The reinforcing ribs 12 are distributed along the length of the fixing plate 11, for example, longitudinal ribs with triangular or rectangular cross sections welded or cast on the back of the fixing plate 11, or enhanced with bending rigidity through a T-slot structure.

[0069] Two sets of adsorption components 20 are configured and symmetrically distributed along the second direction Y at the bottom of the fixing plate 11. The second direction Y can be perpendicular to the first direction X. The first direction X can be a front-back direction, and the second direction Y can be a left-right direction. For example, one set of adsorption components 20 is installed on each side of the bottom of the fixing plate 11. Each set includes a connecting post 21, a second mounting plate 22, and a second adsorption unit 23. This dual-station design can simultaneously grasp two objects (such as battery cells) to double the stacking efficiency.

[0070] The flaring components 30 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the bottom of the fixing plate 11, staggered from the adsorption components 20 along the first direction X. For example, one flaring component 30 is installed on each of the front and rear sides of the bottom of the fixing plate 11, with its lateral connecting plate 34 extending vertically. The drive mounting part 342 is horizontally fixed below the edge of the fixing plate 11, and the linear drive mechanism 31 (such as a rodless cylinder) drives the first mounting plate 33 to move along the first direction X. This layout ensures that the expansion action and the adsorption operation do not interfere with each other, and at the same time, the symmetrical design on both sides of the fixing plate 11 achieves the synchronicity of the expansion of the U-shaped opening end 61.

[0071] Reference Figure 4 The casing assembly's feeding mechanism further includes a first negative pressure adsorption system 40. The first negative pressure adsorption system 40 includes a first negative pressure source 41, a first vacuum filter 43, a first pressure gauge 44, and a first valve 42. The first negative pressure source 41 is connected to the flared assembly 30 through an air pipe. The first valve 42, the first vacuum filter 43, and the first pressure gauge 44 are located in the air pipe.

[0072] The first negative pressure source 41 can be a miniature vacuum pump or a vacuum generator, driven by electronic control or pneumatic means; the air pipe can be a pressure-resistant rubber hose or a polyurethane composite pipe, connecting the first negative pressure source 41 and the first vacuum suction cup 321; the first vacuum filter 43 can be a porous stainless steel filter element or a porous ceramic filter element, used to intercept dust or debris; the first pressure gauge 44 can be a digital or pointer vacuum pressure sensor, displaying the pipeline pressure in real time; the first valve 42 can be a solenoid valve, which can be adjusted by a PLC control system.

[0073] The first vacuum filter 43 is located near the outlet of the first negative pressure source 41, prioritizing the filtration of impurities in the airflow. The pressure gauge is located downstream of the first filter, monitoring the net pressure value after filtration. The first valve 42 is positioned near the expansion assembly and connected to the suction cup via an air pipe, ensuring rapid response to control commands. This series structure ensures efficient negative pressure transmission while facilitating maintenance through modular design. For example, in a new energy battery production line, the first vacuum filter 43 can have its filter element replaced periodically to prevent aluminum shavings from clogging the suction cup, and the data from the first pressure gauge 44 is integrated into the MES system for process parameter monitoring.

[0074] During operation, when the robotic arm drives the expansion assembly to clamp the outer wall of the U-shell, the control system first opens the first valve 42, the first negative pressure source 41 starts to generate negative pressure, and the airflow enters the air pipe after being purified by the first vacuum filter 43. The first pressure gauge 44 provides real-time feedback of the current value. If the value displayed by the first pressure gauge 44 is lower than the threshold, the system determines that there is a leak in the pipeline or that the first filter is blocked and triggers an alarm; if normal, the first vacuum suction cup 321 adsorbs the side wall of the U-shell, and the linear drive mechanism 31 pulls it to expand outward synchronously. After expansion is completed, the first valve 42 closes to cut off the negative pressure supply, and the suction cup releases the side wall to complete the shell-fitting operation. In addition, the introduction of the first vacuum filter 43 effectively extends the life of the suction cup. For example, in aluminum shell processing scenarios, the filter can intercept more than 90% of metal dust, extending the suction cup replacement cycle from 2,000 times to 10,000 times.

[0075] Reference Figure 4 The casing assembly's feeding mechanism further includes a second negative pressure adsorption system 50. The second negative pressure adsorption system 50 includes a second negative pressure source 51, a second vacuum filter 53, a second pressure gauge 54, and a second valve 52. The second negative pressure source 51 is connected to the adsorption assembly 20 through the air pipe, and the second valve 52, the second vacuum filter 53, and the second pressure gauge 54 are located in the air pipe.

[0076] The second negative pressure source 51 can be an independent micro vacuum pump, or it can be shared with the first negative pressure source 41 but controlled separately by a solenoid valve; the air pipe is made of flexible pressure-resistant material and connects the negative pressure source to the second vacuum suction cup 231 of the adsorption component 20; the second vacuum filter 53 can be a porous stainless steel filter element or a porous ceramic filter element, used to intercept electrode debris generated during the cell stacking process; the second pressure gauge 54 is a digital instrument or a pointer instrument, which displays the adsorption pressure in real time; the second valve 52 is a solenoid valve, which is controlled by a PLC control system to achieve on / off adjustment.

[0077] During operation, when the robotic arm drives the adsorption assembly 20 to descend to the top surface of the battery cell, the second valve 52 opens, the second negative pressure source 51 activates to generate negative pressure, and the airflow enters the air pipe after being purified by the second vacuum filter 53. The second pressure gauge 54 provides real-time feedback on the current value. If the value displayed by the second pressure gauge 54 is lower than the threshold, the system determines that there is a leak in the pipeline or a blockage in the filter and triggers an alarm; if normal, the second vacuum suction cup 231 adsorbs the top surface of the battery cell, and the robotic arm drives it to stack layer by layer. After stacking is completed, the second valve 52 closes to cut off the negative pressure supply, and the suction cup releases the battery cell. In addition, the introduction of the second vacuum filter 53 effectively extends the life of the suction cup. For example, in the scenario of stacking soft-pack battery cells, the filter can intercept more than 95% of the membrane fiber debris, extending the suction cup replacement cycle from 5,000 times to 20,000 times.

[0078] In addition, refer to Figure 4The shell assembly feeding mechanism of this application embodiment also includes a barcode scanner 70, which is disposed on the connecting assembly 10 and is used to scan the object to be covered or the shell 60.

[0079] The function of the barcode scanner 70 is to achieve digital identification and process traceability of the packaged object (such as a battery cell) or the housing 60 (such as a U-shell). The barcode scanner 70 can use an industrial-grade laser or image scanning module, which is fixed to the connecting assembly 10 via a bracket or flange, such as the bottom of the fixing plate 11 or the side of the reinforcing rib 12, with its scanning window facing the workpiece gripping area of ​​the adsorption assembly 20. For example, when the barcode scanner 70 is installed on the bottom edge of the fixing plate 11, its scanning range needs to cover the vertical path of the second vacuum suction cup 231 gripping the battery cell or U-shell; when the adsorption assembly 20 moves down to the workpiece surface, the barcode scanner 70 can automatically capture the QR code, barcode, or laser-engraved code pre-attached to the top or side of the workpiece.

[0080] When the robotic arm lowers the adsorption assembly 20 to the workpiece surface, the barcode scanner 70 first triggers a scanning action, illuminating the coded markings on the workpiece, such as the QR code label on the top surface of the battery cell, using a built-in light source, and collecting data using a CMOS image sensor or laser diode. If the coded information matches the process parameters in the production management system (MES), such as the battery cell model, batch number, and polarity direction, the control system allows the adsorption assembly 20 to continue operating; if a missing, blurred, or mismatched code is detected, an alarm is triggered and the robotic arm movement is paused to prevent incorrect assembly.

[0081] During the cell stacking stage, the barcode scanner 70 scans the unique identifier of each cell layer by layer, uploading the data to the system to generate a 3D stacking log, ensuring the traceability of subsequent module assembly. During the U-shell adsorption stage, the barcode scanner 70 identifies the laser-engraved codes on the surface of the shell 60, such as the shell 60 dimensions and material type. The control system automatically calls the corresponding expansion parameters based on the codes, such as the width of the opening end 61 and the negative pressure value, to achieve dynamic adaptation of process parameters. In addition, the barcode scanner 70 can also be linked with the pressure plate photoelectric components. For example, when the pressure plate detects an abnormal displacement, the barcode scanner 70 simultaneously records the coding information of the abnormal workpiece, providing key data support for quality analysis.

[0082] This application also provides a casing installation device, including a robotic arm and a casing assembly suction and feeding mechanism as described in any of the above embodiments, wherein the robotic arm is connected to the connecting assembly 10.

[0083] The casing installation device of this application includes the casing component suction and feeding mechanism in any of the above embodiments, and therefore has the beneficial effects brought by the casing component suction and feeding mechanism in any of the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0084] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A casing assembly suction and feeding mechanism for loading the object to be casing into the casing, characterized in that, include: Connecting components for connection to a robotic arm; An adsorption component, located at the bottom of the connecting component, is used to adsorb the cover or shell in a vertical direction. Two flaring components are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the connecting component. Each flaring component includes a driving mechanism and a first adsorption unit. The driving mechanism is connected to the connecting component. The driving mechanism can drive the first adsorption units to move closer to each other to adsorb the two sides of the opening end of the shell, or to move away from each other to expand the opening end of the shell.

2. The housing assembly suction and feeding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flaring assembly further includes a first mounting plate, which is connected to the output end of the drive mechanism, and the first mounting plate extends downward to a level lower than the adsorption plane of the adsorption assembly. The first adsorption unit includes a plurality of first vacuum suction cups, each of which is distributed at the lower end of the first mounting plate, and the adsorption ports of the first vacuum suction cups of the two flared assemblies face each other.

3. The housing assembly suction and feeding mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The flaring assembly further includes a lateral connecting plate, which includes a lateral connecting part and a drive mounting part. One end of the lateral connecting part is connected to the connecting assembly, and the other end is perpendicularly connected to the drive mounting part. The drive mechanism is located in the drive mounting part.

4. The housing assembly suction and feeding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adsorption component includes: A connecting post, one end of which is connected to the connecting assembly, and the other end extends downward; The second mounting plate is connected to the lower end of the connecting column; The second adsorption unit is disposed on the second mounting plate with its adsorption end facing downward, and is used to adsorb the top surface of the cover or shell.

5. The housing assembly suction and feeding mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, The adsorption assembly further includes a displacement detection module, which is vertically mounted on the second mounting plate and the lower end of the displacement detection module is lower than the second adsorption unit. When the adsorption component moves downward in the vertical direction, the displacement detection module contacts the object or shell before the second adsorption unit, and moves upward relative to it as the second mounting plate continues to move downward. When the upward displacement of the displacement detection module exceeds the preset stroke, the displacement detection module issues an alarm signal.

6. The housing assembly suction and feeding mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second adsorption unit includes a plurality of second vacuum suction cups, each of which is distributed around the displacement detection module.

7. The housing assembly suction and feeding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting assembly includes a fixing plate and a reinforcing rib. The fixing plate is provided with a connecting structure for connecting to the robotic arm, and the reinforcing rib is provided on the fixing plate along the length direction of the fixing plate. The adsorption assembly is provided in two sets, and is respectively disposed at the bottom of the fixing plate along the second direction Y; The two flared components are located at the bottom of the fixed plate and are respectively located on both sides of the fixed plate along the first direction.

8. The housing assembly suction and feeding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The casing assembly's feeding mechanism further includes a first negative pressure adsorption system, which includes a first negative pressure source, a first vacuum filter, a first pressure gauge, and a first valve. The first negative pressure source is connected to the flared assembly via an air pipe, and the first valve, the first vacuum filter, and the first pressure gauge are located on the air pipe.

9. The housing assembly suction and feeding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The casing assembly's feeding mechanism further includes a second negative pressure adsorption system. The second negative pressure adsorption system includes a second negative pressure source, a second vacuum filter, a second pressure gauge, and a second valve. The second negative pressure source is connected to the adsorption assembly via an air pipe, and the second valve, the second vacuum filter, and the second pressure gauge are located on the air pipe.

10. A casing mounting device, characterized in that, It includes a robotic arm and a housing assembly suction and feeding mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the robotic arm is connected to the connecting assembly.

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