Flow battery anode plate and frame and electrode sheet assembly apparatus

Abstract

This application relates to an assembly device for an anode plate frame and electrode sheet of a flow battery, comprising: a conveying device for conveying the anode plate frame and electrode sheet between a first position and a second position, wherein the first position and the second position have a manual pre-installation station and a riveting and welding station; and a riveting and welding device, including a first lifting drive, a riveting head, a translation drive, and an ultrasonic welding machine, wherein the riveting head and the ultrasonic welding machine are located above the conveying device, the first lifting drive is connected to the riveting head, and the translation drive is connected to the ultrasonic welding machine. This application can replace manual riveting and welding operations, effectively improving assembly accuracy and production quality. Furthermore, this application can replace manual handling, riveting, and welding operations, effectively reducing the labor intensity of workers, saving labor costs, and improving production efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of flow battery manufacturing technology, and in particular to flow battery anode plate and electrode assembly equipment. Background Technology

[0002] A flow battery is a device that stores and releases electrical energy through an electrolyte redox reaction. A flow battery includes a storage tank, a stack, and a circulation system. The production process of a flow battery stack requires assembling and fixing the anode plate frame and electrode sheets.

[0003] In conventional technology, the assembly and fixing of the anode plate frame and the electrode sheet are mainly achieved through manual operation. Specifically, the anode plate frame, electrode sheet, and rivets are manually transported to the assembly station. After the anode plate frame, electrode sheet, and rivets are assembled, they are transported to the riveting and welding station. The rivets are riveted manually, and the protruding rivets passing through the positioning holes of the electrode sheet on the anode plate frame are welded to connect and fix the anode plate frame and the electrode sheet and form a seal.

[0004] Manual operation makes it difficult to guarantee the assembly accuracy of the anode plate frame and electrode sheets, and after assembly into a fuel cell stack, major quality defects such as electrolyte leakage are likely to occur. Utility Model Content

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a flow battery anode plate and electrode assembly equipment to address the problem that the assembly and fixing of the anode plate frame and electrode sheet in conventional technology is mainly achieved by manual operation, which makes it difficult to guarantee assembly accuracy.

[0006] This application provides an assembly device for an anode plate frame and electrode sheet of a flow battery, comprising: a conveying device for conveying the anode plate frame and electrode sheet between a first position and a second position, wherein the first position and the second position have a manual pre-installation station and a riveting and welding station; and a riveting and welding device, comprising a first lifting drive, a riveting head, a translation drive, and an ultrasonic welding machine, wherein the riveting head and the ultrasonic welding machine are located above the conveying device, the first lifting drive is connected to the riveting head, and the translation drive is connected to the ultrasonic welding machine.

[0007] According to one embodiment of this application, the first position and the second position are arranged along a first direction, and the translation drive is configured to drive the ultrasonic welding machine to reciprocate along the first direction.

[0008] According to one embodiment of this application, the riveting welding device further includes a second lifting drive member, which is connected to the translation drive member and the ultrasonic welding machine. The second lifting drive member is configured to move along the first direction under the drive of the translation drive member and is adapted to drive the ultrasonic welding machine to lift.

[0009] According to one embodiment of this application, the riveting and welding device further includes: a frame having a conveying cavity, the conveying device passing through the conveying cavity; a first support frame fixed to the frame and located above the conveying cavity, the first lifting drive component being mounted on the first support frame; and a second support frame fixed to the frame and located above the conveying cavity, the translation drive component being mounted on the second support frame.

[0010] According to one embodiment of this application, the conveying device includes: a first conveying unit configured to convey the anode plate frame and the electrode sheet from a first position to a second position; a second conveying unit configured to convey the anode plate frame and the electrode sheet from the second position to the first position; and a first transfer mechanism configured to transfer the anode plate frame and the electrode sheet from the first conveying unit to the second conveying unit at the second position.

[0011] According to one embodiment of this application, the conveying device further includes a conveying bracket and a second transfer mechanism, wherein the first conveying unit, the second conveying unit and the first transfer mechanism are configured to move the anode plate frame and the electrode sheet via the conveying bracket, and the second transfer mechanism is configured to transfer the conveying bracket on the second conveying unit to the first conveying unit at the first position.

[0012] According to one embodiment of this application, at least one of the first transfer mechanism and the second transfer mechanism is configured to include a transposition drive component and a third transmission unit. The transposition drive component is connected to the third transmission unit and is configured to drive the third transmission unit to move between a position connected to the first transmission unit and a position connected to the second transmission unit. The third transmission unit is configured to have the same transmission direction as the first transmission unit when connected to the first transmission unit, and the same transmission direction as the second transmission unit when connected to the second transmission unit.

[0013] According to one embodiment of this application, the first conveying unit and the second conveying unit are arranged in a vertical direction, and the transposition drive assembly includes a third lifting drive member connected to the third conveying unit. The third lifting drive member is configured to drive the third conveying unit to move up and down between a height level with the first conveying unit and a height level with the second conveying unit.

[0014] According to one embodiment of this application, the conveying device further includes: a first protective cover located outside the first transfer mechanism; and / or, a second protective cover located outside the second transfer mechanism.

[0015] According to one embodiment of this application, it further includes a first inductive switch, a second inductive switch, and a control device. The first inductive switch is located at the manual pre-installation station, the second inductive switch is located at the riveting and welding station, and the control device is signal-connected to the first inductive switch, the second inductive switch, the conveying device, and the riveting and welding device, respectively.

[0016] The aforementioned flow battery anode plate frame and electrode assembly equipment includes a conveying device that transports the anode plate frame and electrode sheets to a manual pre-installation station, where the anode plate frame, electrode sheets, and rivets are assembled manually. The conveying device also transports the anode plate frame and electrode sheets to a riveting and welding station. A first lifting drive of the riveting and welding device drives the riveting head to rise and fall to achieve riveting, and a translation drive moves the ultrasonic welding machine to the protruding rivet position on the anode plate frame to weld the rivet. This replaces manual riveting and welding operations, effectively improving assembly accuracy and production quality. Furthermore, this application can replace manual handling, riveting, and welding operations, effectively reducing the labor intensity of workers, saving labor costs, and improving production efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an assembly device for a flow battery anode plate frame and electrode sheets according to an embodiment of this application.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a front view of an assembly device for a flow battery anode plate frame and electrode sheets according to an embodiment of this application.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a top view of an assembly device for a flow battery anode plate frame and electrode sheets according to an embodiment of this application.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the riveting and welding device in the assembly equipment for the anode plate frame and electrode sheet of a flow battery according to an embodiment of this application.

[0021] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first transfer mechanism in the assembly equipment for the anode plate frame and electrode sheet of a flow battery according to an embodiment of this application.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the anode plate frame and the electrode sheet.

[0023] Figure label:

[0024] 100. Conveying device; 110. First position; 120. Second position; 130. Manual pre-installation station; 140. Riveting and welding station; 150. First conveying unit; 160. Second conveying unit; 170. First transfer mechanism; 171. Third lifting drive; 172. Third conveying unit; 173. First protective cover; 180. Conveying bracket; 190. Second transfer mechanism; 191. Second protective cover;

[0025] 200. Riveting and welding device; 210. First lifting drive component; 220. Riveting head; 230. Translation drive component; 240. Ultrasonic welding machine; 250. Second lifting drive component; 260. Frame; 270. First support frame; 280. Second support frame;

[0026] 300. First inductive switch;

[0027] 400. Second inductive switch;

[0028] 500. Control device;

[0029] 600. Anode plate frame; 610. Protruding nail;

[0030] 700, Electrode plates;

[0031] 800. Rivets. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0033] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0034] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0035] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0036] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0037] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0038] An embodiment of this application provides a flow battery anode plate frame and electrode sheet assembly equipment, which can assemble the anode plate frame 600 and the electrode sheet 700 by riveting and welding the protruding nails 610 of the anode plate frame 600 to the electrode sheet 700.

[0039] See Figure 6 The anode plate frame 600 has a first positioning hole for riveting and a plurality of protruding nails 610. The electrode sheet 700 has a second positioning hole corresponding to the first positioning hole and a plurality of third positioning holes corresponding to the plurality of protruding nails 610 respectively. The rivet 800 passes through the first positioning hole and the second positioning hole, and the plurality of protruding nails 610 pass through their corresponding third positioning holes respectively. The flow battery anode plate frame and electrode sheet assembly equipment deforms the rivet 800 by riveting, thereby fixing the anode plate frame 600 and the electrode sheet 700 at the corresponding positions of the first positioning hole and the second positioning hole. The protruding nail 610 is heat-melted and deformed into a mushroom head shape by welding to fix the anode plate frame 600 and the electrode sheet 700 at the positions of the protruding nail 610 and the third positioning hole.

[0040] Combination Figures 1 to 3 The flow battery anode frame and electrode assembly equipment includes a conveying device 100 and a riveting and welding device 200. The conveying device 100 is used to convey the anode frame 600 and the electrode 700 between a first position 110 and a second position 120, and the first position 110 and the second position 120 have a manual pre-installation station 130 and a riveting and welding station 140.

[0041] Combination Figure 4 The riveting and welding device 200 includes a first lifting drive 210, a riveting head 220, a translation drive 230, and an ultrasonic welding machine 240. The riveting head 220 and the ultrasonic welding machine 240 are located above the conveying device 100. The first lifting drive 210 is connected to the riveting head 220, and the translation drive 230 is connected to the ultrasonic welding machine 240.

[0042] The manual pre-assembly station 130 is a position on the conveying path of the conveying device 100 used for manual pre-assembly. When the conveying device 100 conveys the anode plate frame 600 and the electrode sheet 700 to the manual pre-assembly station, the conveying can be stopped, and the anode plate frame 600 and the electrode sheet 700 can stay at the station. For example, the protruding nail 610 of the anode plate frame 600 can be inserted into the third positioning hole of the electrode sheet 700, and the rivet 800 can be inserted into the first positioning hole and the second positioning hole. Subsequently, the conveying device 100 continues to convey the anode plate frame 600 and the electrode sheet 700, moving them to the riveting and welding station 140, so that the riveting of the rivet 800 and the welding of the protruding nail 610 can be performed by the riveting and welding device 200.

[0043] The first lifting drive component 210 may include a vertically arranged cylinder or telescopic motor, etc., and is connected to the riveting head 220, suitable for driving the riveting head 220 to rise and fall. When the first lifting drive component 210 drives the riveting head 220 to descend, pressing the rivet 800 located below the riveting head 220 and deforming the rivet 800, the riveting between the anode plate frame 600 and the electrode sheet 700 can be achieved. When the first lifting drive component 210 drives the riveting head 220 to rise and reset, the riveting head 220 can be disengaged from the rivet 800, preparing for subsequent riveting operations.

[0044] The ultrasonic welding machine 240 uses ultrasonic energy to heat-melt and deform the portion of the protruding nail 610 that passes through the electrode plate 700, ultimately forming a mushroom head shape. This achieves a firm connection between the anode plate frame 600 and the electrode plate 700, replacing traditional manual hot-press welding and improving welding accuracy and product consistency.

[0045] The translation drive 230 can take the form of a linear motor, electric telescopic rod, or other structural forms. The translation drive 230 can drive the ultrasonic welding machine 240 to move horizontally, thereby moving the ultrasonic welding machine 240 to a suitable position, improving welding quality and welding efficiency. Furthermore, when welding protrusions 610 at different positions, the ultrasonic welding machine 240 can be moved to the top of the corresponding protrusions 610 for welding.

[0046] In some embodiments, the first position 110 and the second position 120 are arranged along a first direction X, and the translation drive 230 is configured to drive the ultrasonic welding machine 240 to reciprocate along the first direction X.

[0047] The translation drive 230 is configured to drive the ultrasonic welding machine 240 to reciprocate along the first direction X. This allows the ultrasonic welding machine 240 to adapt to the material conveying path of the conveying device 100 along the first direction X. Within the riveting welding station 140, it can sequentially perform welding operations on multiple protrusions 610 distributed along the first direction X on the anode plate frame 600. This ensures that the ultrasonic welding machine 240 can accurately cover the welding points on the plate frame. Combined with the station positioning of the conveying device 100 in this direction, it achieves coordination between the welding process and the material conveying rhythm, improving welding efficiency and positional accuracy, thereby ensuring the consistency and firmness of the welding between the anode plate frame 600 and the electrode sheet 700.

[0048] In some embodiments, the riveting welding device 200 further includes a second lifting drive 250, which is connected to the translation drive 230 and the ultrasonic welding machine 240. The second lifting drive 250 is configured to move along a first direction X under the drive of the translation drive 230 and is adapted to drive the ultrasonic welding machine 240 to lift.

[0049] The translation drive 230 can drive the second lifting drive 250 and the ultrasonic welding machine 240 to move back and forth along the first direction X (which is consistent with the conveying direction of the conveying device 100), while the second lifting drive 250 can independently drive the ultrasonic welding machine 240 to perform vertical lifting action, forming a two-dimensional adjustment structure of horizontal movement and vertical lifting.

[0050] For example, after the anode plate frame 600 arrives at the riveting and welding station 140 via the conveying device 100 and is fixed, the translation drive 230 first drives the second lifting drive 250 and the ultrasonic welding machine 240 to move along the first direction X, so that the welding machine is aligned with the position of the protrusion 610 to be welded on the plate frame. After the position is aligned, the second lifting drive 250 starts, driving the ultrasonic welding machine 240 to descend to the working height to contact the protrusion 610, and the ultrasonic energy causes the part of the protrusion 610 that passes through the electrode sheet 700 to be thermally melted and deformed. After the welding is completed, the second lifting drive 250 drives the ultrasonic welding machine 240 to rise and reset, and the translation drive 230 then drives it to move to the position of the next protrusion 610, repeating the above actions until all protrusions 610 are welded.

[0051] The vertical adjustment of the second lifting drive component 250 ensures stable contact pressure and distance between the ultrasonic welding machine 240 and the protruding nail 610, preventing welding defects caused by height deviations. Dual-dimensional adjustment adapts to the distribution and height differences of the protruding nails 610 on different sized plates and frames, expanding the equipment's compatibility with diverse products and eliminating the need for frequent adjustments to the overall equipment structure due to product size changes. The coordinated translation and lifting actions reduce adjustment time between different points on the welding machine, making the welding process more continuous and further improving the overall pace of automated assembly.

[0052] Optionally, the second lifting drive component 250 may adopt a cylinder drive structure or an electric push rod structure, etc.

[0053] In some embodiments, the riveting and welding apparatus 200 further includes a frame 260, a first support frame 270, and a second support frame 280. The frame 260 has a conveying cavity through which the conveying device 100 passes. The first support frame 270 is fixed to the frame 260 and located above the conveying cavity, and a first lifting drive 210 is mounted on the first support frame 270. The second support frame 280 is fixed to the frame 260 and located above the conveying cavity, and a translation drive 230 is mounted on the second support frame 280.

[0054] For example, the frame 260 can be welded from rectangular steel, forming an overall frame structure with a centrally located through-conveying cavity (e.g., a long, narrow channel with a width matching the tooling plate of the conveying device 100). The conveying device 100 passes through the cavity, allowing material to be conveyed along the cavity. The first support frame 270 is a portal or cantilever structure, fixed to the top of the frame 260 and spanning the conveying cavity. Its crossbeam corresponds to the riveting station and is used to install the first lifting drive 210, ensuring the riveting head 220 is vertically aligned with the tooling plate inside the conveying cavity. The second support frame 280 can be a crossbeam structure perpendicular to the first support frame 270, fixed to the top of the frame 260 and located above the conveying cavity. The translation drive 230 is installed on the second support frame 280 along the first direction X, driving the ultrasonic welding machine 240 to move along the crossbeam. The frame 260 is fixedly connected to the ground with expansion bolts to ensure the overall stability of the equipment. The first support frame 270 and the second support frame 280 are fastened to the preset mounting holes on the top of the frame 260 with bolts to ensure accurate relative positioning with the conveying chamber. The first lifting drive component 210 is fixed to the crossbeam of the first support frame 270 by a flange or bolt assembly, and the riveting head 220 is rigidly connected to the output end of the drive component. The translation drive component 230 is mounted on the guide rail of the second support frame 280 by a slider, and the second lifting drive component 250 is connected to the moving end of the translation drive component 230. The ultrasonic welding machine 240 is fixedly connected to the output end of the second lifting drive component 250.

[0055] The frame 260, the first support frame 270, and the second support frame 280 are rigidly connected as one unit, providing stable support, reducing vibration and displacement during equipment operation, and ensuring the accuracy of riveting and welding operations. The first support frame 270 and the second support frame 280 span above the conveying chamber, ensuring that the positions of the riveting head 220 and the ultrasonic welding machine 240 precisely correspond to the conveying path, avoiding interference with the conveying device 100. At the same time, the compact structural design saves space occupied by the equipment.

[0056] In some embodiments, the riveting and welding device 200 further includes a lifting assembly, such as a lifting cylinder. The lifting assembly is disposed at the riveting and welding station 140. The lifting assembly is used to lift the anode plate frame 600 and the electrode sheet 700 or the product tooling (e.g., the conveyor bracket 180) that lifts the anode plate frame 600 and the electrode sheet 700 or the product tooling when the anode plate frame 600 and the electrode sheet 700 are conveyed to the riveting and welding station 140. This achieves the positioning of the anode plate frame 600 and the electrode sheet 700 or the product tooling, which facilitates riveting and welding operations and helps to improve the accuracy of riveting and welding.

[0057] Combination Figure 2 In some embodiments, the conveying device 100 includes a first conveying unit 150, a second conveying unit 160, and a first transfer mechanism 170. The first conveying unit 150 is configured to convey the anode plate frame 600 and the electrode sheet 700 from a first position 110 to a second position 120. The second conveying unit 160 is configured to convey the anode plate frame 600 and the electrode sheet 700 from the second position 120 to the first position 110. The first transfer mechanism 170 is configured to transfer the anode plate frame 600 and the electrode sheet 700 from the first conveying unit 150 to the second conveying unit 160 from the second position 120.

[0058] By combining forward conveying through the first conveying unit 150 with reverse reflux through the second conveying unit 160, the anode plate frame 600 and electrode sheet 700 can be transported back to the starting position (first position 110) after assembly, facilitating subsequent processing. The first transfer mechanism 170 can transfer materials from the first conveying unit 150 to the second conveying unit 160 without manual handling, further reducing labor and time costs.

[0059] Both the first transmission unit 150 and the second transmission unit 160 can adopt a chain transmission structure or a belt transmission structure, etc.

[0060] For example, both the first conveying unit 150 and the second conveying unit 160 adopt a chain conveying structure. The first conveying unit 150 includes a chain, a sprocket, a drive motor, and a tooling guide rail. The product tooling (e.g., a conveyor bracket 180) is slidably connected to the tooling guide rail and placed on the chain. The drive motor is connected to the chain drive via the sprocket. When the drive motor drives the chain to rotate cyclically via the sprocket, the anode plate frame 600 and the electrode sheet 700 can be moved along the direction from the first position 110 to the second position 120 through the product tooling. The conveying direction of the second conveying unit 160 is opposite to that of the first conveying unit 150.

[0061] Combination Figure 1In some embodiments, the conveying device 100 further includes a conveying bracket 180 and a second transfer mechanism 190. The first conveying unit 150, the second conveying unit 160 and the first transfer mechanism 170 are configured to move the anode plate frame 600 and the electrode sheet 700 via the conveying bracket 180. The second transfer mechanism 190 is configured to transfer the conveying bracket 180 on the second conveying unit 160 to the first conveying unit 150 at a first position 110.

[0062] The conveyor bracket 180 can serve as a product tooling, maintaining the stability of the anode plate frame 600 and electrode sheet 700 during transport. The tooling can be equipped with positioning grooves, protrusions, or clamping components adapted to the anode plate frame 600 and electrode sheet 700 according to positioning requirements. When the anode plate frame 600 and electrode sheet 700 are placed on the conveyor bracket 180, the anode plate frame 600 and electrode sheet 700 can be moved synchronously by the first conveying unit 150, the second conveying unit 160, and the first transfer mechanism 170 driving the conveyor bracket 180.

[0063] The second transfer mechanism 190 can transfer the conveying tray 180 on the second transfer unit 160 to the first transfer unit 150 at the first position 110, realizing the cyclical use of the conveying tray 180. The second transfer mechanism 190 can adopt the same structure as the first transfer unit 150, or it can adopt a different structure. Preferably, the second transfer mechanism 190 adopts the same structure as the first transfer unit 150, thereby reducing the manufacturing and use costs of the flow battery anode plate frame and electrode assembly equipment, as well as the control difficulty of the flow battery anode plate frame and electrode assembly equipment.

[0064] In some embodiments, at least one of the first transfer mechanism 170 and the second transfer mechanism 190 is configured to include a transposition drive assembly and a third transfer unit 172. The transposition drive assembly is connected to the third transfer unit 172 and is configured to drive the third transfer unit 172 to move between a position connected to the first transfer unit 150 and a position connected to the second transfer unit 160. The third transfer unit 172 is configured to have the same transfer direction as the first transfer unit 150 when connected to the first transfer unit 150, and the same transfer direction as the second transfer unit 160 when connected to the second transfer unit 160.

[0065] For example, the first transfer mechanism 170 includes a shifting drive assembly and a third transfer unit 172. The shifting drive assembly in the first transfer mechanism 170 is configured to drive the third transfer unit 172 of the first transfer mechanism 170 to move between a position connected to the end of the first transfer unit 150 and a position connected to the starting end of the second transfer unit 160. When the shifting drive assembly in the first transfer mechanism 170 drives the third transfer unit 172 of the first transfer mechanism 170 to the position connected to the end of the first transfer unit 150, the conveying bracket 180 on the first transfer unit 150 moves onto the third transfer unit 172 under the sequential drive of the first transfer unit 150 and the third transfer unit 172; when the shifting drive assembly in the first transfer mechanism 170 drives the third transfer unit 172 of the first transfer mechanism 170 to the position connected to the starting end of the second transfer unit 160, the conveying bracket 180 on the third transfer unit 172 moves onto the second transfer unit 160 under the sequential drive of the third transfer unit 172 and the second transfer unit 160.

[0066] For example, the second transfer mechanism 190 includes a shifting drive assembly and a third transfer unit 172. The shifting drive assembly in the second transfer mechanism 190 is configured to drive the third transfer unit 172 of the second transfer mechanism 190 to move between a position connected to the starting end of the first transfer unit 150 and a position connected to the end of the second transfer unit 160. When the shifting drive assembly in the second transfer mechanism 190 drives the third transfer unit 172 of the second transfer mechanism 190 to the position connected to the end of the second transfer unit 160, the conveying bracket 180 on the second transfer unit 160 moves onto the third transfer unit 172 under the sequential drive of the second transfer unit 160 and the third transfer unit 172; when the shifting drive assembly in the second transfer mechanism 190 drives the third transfer unit 172 of the second transfer mechanism 190 to the position connected to the starting end of the first transfer unit 150, the conveying bracket 180 on the third transfer unit 172 moves onto the first transfer unit 150 under the sequential drive of the third transfer unit 172 and the first transfer unit 150.

[0067] In this embodiment, the transfer of the conveying bracket 180 between the third conveying unit 172 and the first conveying unit 150 or the second conveying unit 160 is achieved through the cooperation of the third conveying unit 172 with the first conveying unit 150 or the second conveying unit 160. Compared with other methods such as robotic arms and hoisting devices, this method has the advantages of simple structure and easy control. Furthermore, during the transfer of the conveying bracket 180 between the third conveying unit 172 and the first conveying unit 150 or the second conveying unit 160, there is no need to stop the first conveying unit 150 or the second conveying unit 160, which can maintain the continuity of conveying, which is conducive to ensuring the production cycle and improving production efficiency.

[0068] In some embodiments, the first conveying unit 150 and the second conveying unit 160 are arranged vertically, for example, the first conveying unit 150 is located above the second conveying unit 160. A gap is formed between the first conveying unit 150 and the second conveying unit 160. The vertical arrangement of the first conveying unit 150 and the second conveying unit 160 reduces the horizontal footprint of the equipment, making the entire line structure compact and adaptable to limited production space in the workshop.

[0069] Combination Figure 5 Optionally, the transposition drive assembly includes a third lifting drive 171, which is connected to a third transmission unit 172. The third lifting drive 171 is configured to drive the third transmission unit 172 to move up and down between a height level with the first transmission unit 150 and a height level with the second transmission unit 160, that is, the third lifting drive 171 is configured to drive the third transmission unit 172 to move up and down between a position connected to the first transmission unit 150 and a position connected to the second transmission unit 160.

[0070] Optionally, the shift drive assembly also includes a third support frame. The third transmission unit 172 is slidably connected to the third support frame in the vertical direction. The third lifting drive component 171 is a cylinder, telescopic motor, or linear motor, etc. The third lifting drive component 171 is installed on the third support frame. The drive end of the third lifting drive component 171 is connected to the third transmission unit 172, thereby realizing the lifting and lowering of the third transmission unit 172.

[0071] Optionally, the conveying device 100 further includes a first protective cover 173 located outside the first transfer mechanism 170.

[0072] Optionally, the conveying device 100 further includes a second protective cover 191, which is located outside the second transfer mechanism 190.

[0073] The first protective cover 173 and the second protective cover 191 can be made of metal sheet (such as stainless steel sheet) and have a semi-enclosed cover structure. Openings are reserved only at the material inlet and outlet positions to cover the lifting, translation and other moving parts of the first transfer mechanism 170 or the second transfer mechanism 190.

[0074] By isolating the mechanical moving parts (such as the shift drive assembly and the third transmission unit 172) of the first transfer mechanism 170 and the second transfer mechanism 190 by the first protective cover 173 and the second protective cover 191, operators can be prevented from directly contacting the moving parts during equipment operation, reducing the safety risks of pinching and collision, and meeting industrial equipment safety protection standards. The first protective cover 173 and the second protective cover 191 can also prevent dust and debris in the workshop from entering, preventing foreign objects from affecting the accuracy of the first transfer mechanism 170 and the second transfer mechanism 190, ensuring the stability of material transfer, and indirectly improving assembly accuracy.

[0075] Combination Figure 1 In some embodiments, the flow battery anode plate frame and electrode assembly equipment further includes a first inductive switch 300, a second inductive switch 400, and a control device 500. The first inductive switch 300 is located at the manual pre-installation station 130, the second inductive switch 400 is located at the riveting and welding station 140, and the control device 500 is connected to the first inductive switch 300, the second inductive switch 400, the conveying device 100, and the riveting and welding device 200.

[0076] The first inductive switch 300 and the second inductive switch 400 can be photoelectric sensors or proximity switches, used to detect whether the anode plate frame 600 and electrode sheet 700 are in place at the workstation. For example, when the anode plate frame 600 and electrode sheet 700 are conveyed by the conveyor bracket 180, the presence of the anode plate frame 600 and electrode sheet 700 is determined by detecting the conveyor bracket 180. The control device 500 includes a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), which is connected to the first inductive switch 300, the second inductive switch 400, the conveying device 100 (such as the first conveying unit 150, the second conveying unit 160, and the first transfer mechanism 170 of the conveying device 100), and the riveting and welding device 200 (such as the first lifting drive component 210 and the translation drive component 230) via signal lines or wireless signals. It receives signals from the first inductive switch 300 and the second inductive switch 400 and outputs control commands to control the operation of the conveying device 100 and the riveting and welding device 200.

[0077] For example, when the anode plate frame 600 and electrode sheet 700 arrive at the manual pre-installation station 130, the first inductive switch 300 detects the anode plate frame 600 and electrode sheet 700 and sends a signal to the control device 500. The control device 500 can pause the operation of the conveyor device 100 to prompt the operator to perform pre-installation. After the pre-installation is completed and the start button is pressed, the control device 500 receives the instruction and restarts the conveyor device 100 to convey the tooling plate to the riveting and welding station 140. When the anode plate frame 600 and electrode sheet 700 arrive at the riveting and welding station 140, the second inductive switch 400 detects the signal and feeds it back to the control device 500. The control device 500 controls the conveyor device 100 to stop and controls the first lifting drive 210 and the ultrasonic welding machine 240 to work. After completion, the control device 500 instructs the conveyor device 100 to continue operating and convey the anode plate frame 600 and electrode sheet 700 to the next stage.

[0078] Through signal interaction between the first inductive switch 300, the second inductive switch 400, and the control device 500, manual judgment and start / stop operations are replaced, enabling the conveying, riveting, and welding processes to be automatically connected according to preset logic, thus improving the automation level of the equipment. Furthermore, by accurately detecting the positions of the anode plate frame 600 and the electrode sheet 700 through the first inductive switch 300 and the second inductive switch 400, and by strictly controlling the timing of each mechanism's actions, the control device 500 can avoid process errors caused by human error and ensure the positional accuracy of riveting and welding.

[0079] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0080] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An assembly device for anode plate frame and electrode sheets of a flow battery, characterized in that, include: A conveying device for conveying an anode plate frame and electrode sheets between a first position and a second position, wherein the first position and the second position have a manual pre-installation station and a riveting and welding station; The riveting and welding device includes a first lifting drive, a riveting head, a translation drive, and an ultrasonic welding machine. The riveting head and the ultrasonic welding machine are located above the conveying device. The first lifting drive is connected to the riveting head, and the translation drive is connected to the ultrasonic welding machine.

2. The flow battery anode plate frame and electrode assembly equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first position and the second position are arranged along a first direction, and the translation drive is configured to drive the ultrasonic welding machine to move back and forth along the first direction.

3. The flow battery anode plate frame and electrode assembly equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The riveting and welding device further includes a second lifting drive component, which is connected to the translation drive component and the ultrasonic welding machine. The second lifting drive component is configured to move along the first direction under the drive of the translation drive component and is adapted to drive the ultrasonic welding machine to lift.

4. The flow battery anode plate frame and electrode assembly equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The riveting and welding device further includes: A frame having a conveying cavity, wherein the conveying device passes through the conveying cavity; A first support frame is fixed to the machine frame and located above the conveying cavity, and the first lifting drive component is installed on the first support frame; The second support frame is fixed to the frame and located above the conveying cavity, and the translation drive is mounted on the second support frame.

5. The flow battery anode plate frame and electrode assembly equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The conveying device includes: A first conveying unit is configured to convey the anode plate frame and the electrode sheet from the first position to the second position; A second conveying unit is configured to convey the anode plate frame and the electrode sheet from the second position to the first position; A first transfer mechanism is configured to transfer the anode plate frame and the electrode sheet on the first transfer unit to the second transfer unit at the second position.

6. The flow battery anode plate frame and electrode assembly equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that, The conveying device further includes a conveying bracket and a second transfer mechanism. The first conveying unit, the second conveying unit, and the first transfer mechanism are configured to move the anode plate frame and the electrode sheet via the conveying bracket. The second transfer mechanism is configured to transfer the conveying bracket on the second conveying unit to the first conveying unit at the first position.

7. The flow battery anode plate frame and electrode assembly equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that, At least one of the first transfer mechanism and the second transfer mechanism is configured to include a transposition drive component and a third transfer unit. The transposition drive component is connected to the third transfer unit and is configured to drive the third transfer unit to move between a position connected to the first transfer unit and a position connected to the second transfer unit. The third transfer unit is configured to have the same transfer direction as the first transfer unit when connected to the first transfer unit and the same transfer direction as the second transfer unit when connected to the second transfer unit.

8. The flow battery anode plate frame and electrode assembly equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first conveying unit and the second conveying unit are arranged vertically. The transposition drive assembly includes a third lifting drive member, which is connected to the third conveying unit. The third lifting drive member is configured to drive the third conveying unit to move up and down between a height level with the first conveying unit and a height level with the second conveying unit.

9. The flow battery anode plate frame and electrode assembly equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that, The conveying device further includes: A first protective cover, located outside the first transfer mechanism; and / or, The second protective cover is located outside the second transfer mechanism.

10. The flow battery anode plate frame and electrode assembly equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, It also includes a first inductive switch, a second inductive switch, and a control device. The first inductive switch is located at the manual pre-installation station, the second inductive switch is located at the riveting and welding station, and the control device is connected to the first inductive switch, the second inductive switch, the conveying device, and the riveting and welding device for signal connection.

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