Battery cell housing device and battery cell housing apparatus

Abstract

The application relates to a cell casing device and a cell casing equipment. The cell casing device comprises a base, a floating mechanism, a clamping mechanism and a pushing mechanism. The floating mechanism comprises a first floating assembly and a second floating assembly. The first floating assembly is arranged on the base, and the second floating assembly is arranged on the first floating assembly. The clamping mechanism is arranged on the second floating assembly and is used for clamping a cell. The pushing mechanism is arranged on the second floating assembly and is used for pushing the cell in a third direction. The floating mechanism has a locking state and a floating state. When in the floating state, the second floating assembly can float in a first direction, and the clamping mechanism can float in a second direction. When in the locking state, the second floating assembly prevents the clamping mechanism from floating in the second direction, and the first floating assembly prevents the second floating assembly from floating in the first direction. The first direction, the second direction and the third direction are perpendicular to each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a battery cell insertion device and battery cell insertion equipment. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, with the rapid expansion of the electric two-wheeler market, advancements in battery technology have become key drivers of industry development. The rapid development of lithium battery technology, including higher energy density, longer cycle life, fast charging capabilities, and decreasing costs, has led to a year-on-year increase in the market share of lithium batteries in electric two-wheelers, making them the mainstay of future electric two-wheeler batteries. Therefore, the automated production of lithium batteries for two-wheelers is currently a hot research area in lithium battery production equipment.

[0003] In the production process of two-wheeled vehicle batteries, a cell insertion device is needed to install the battery cells into the battery casing.

[0004] In related technologies, the cell insertion device adopts a rigid positioning and forced insertion method, that is, the cell is directly pushed into the casing by maintaining a pushing state throughout the assembly process using mechanical clamps or cylinder assemblies. This assembly method has significant drawbacks. The rigid pushing structure cannot adaptively compensate for the aforementioned deviations. When deviations exist, forcibly pushing the cell into the casing can easily lead to problems such as cell deformation, electrode breakage, and battery case damage. This not only greatly increases the product defect rate but may also cause safety hazards such as internal short circuits in the battery. Utility Model Content

[0005] Based on this, to address the technical problems such as the inability of the rigid push-tightening structure to adaptively compensate, which leads to easy damage to the battery cell and casing, high product defect rate, and increased production costs, a battery cell insertion device and battery cell insertion equipment are provided.

[0006] A battery cell insertion device, the battery cell insertion device comprising:

[0007] Base;

[0008] A floating mechanism includes a first floating component and a second floating component, wherein the first floating component is disposed on the base and the second floating component is disposed on the first floating component;

[0009] A clamping mechanism is disposed on the second floating component, and the clamping mechanism is used to clamp the battery cell;

[0010] A pushing mechanism, disposed on the second floating component, is used to push the battery cell in a third direction;

[0011] The floating mechanism has a locked state and a floating state. When in the floating state, the second floating component can float along the first direction, and the clamping mechanism can float along the second direction. When in the locked state, the second floating component prevents the clamping mechanism from floating along the second direction, and the first floating component prevents the second floating component from floating along the first direction, wherein the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first floating component includes:

[0013] The first mounting component is connected to the base;

[0014] A first floating plate is slidably connected to the first mounting component, and a second floating assembly is connected to the first floating plate;

[0015] The first pusher and the first abutment plate are both disposed on the first floating plate and are respectively located on both sides of the first mounting member along the first direction; in the locked state, the first pusher pushes the first mounting member to move along the first direction to abut against the first abutment plate; in the floating state, the first pusher separates from the first mounting member.

[0016] In one embodiment, the second floating component includes:

[0017] The second mounting component is connected to the first floating plate;

[0018] The second floating plate, the second mounting member and the second floating plate are disposed on the same side of the first floating plate along the second direction, the second mounting member and the second floating plate are arranged along the third direction and are slidably connected, and the clamping mechanism and the pushing mechanism are connected to the second floating plate;

[0019] The second pusher is disposed on the second mounting member, and the second abutment is disposed on the second floating plate. In the locked state, the second pusher pushes the second abutment to move along the second direction, thereby causing the second floating plate to move along the second direction and abut against the first floating plate. In the floating state, the second pusher separates from the second abutment.

[0020] In one embodiment, the first floating plate is connected to the first mounting member via a first guide rail structure, wherein the length direction of the first guide rail of the first guide rail structure is parallel to the first direction; and / or,

[0021] The second floating plate is connected to the second mounting component via a second guide rail structure, wherein the length direction of the second guide rail of the second guide rail structure is parallel to the second direction.

[0022] In one embodiment, the clamping mechanism includes:

[0023] A fixed gripper is mounted on the second floating component;

[0024] Move the gripper;

[0025] A gripper power component is disposed on the second floating component, and the output end of the gripper power component is connected to the moving gripper through a first floating joint. The gripper power component can drive the moving gripper to move closer to or further away from the fixed gripper.

[0026] In one embodiment, the clamping mechanism further includes a linear guide rail disposed on the second floating component, the linear guide rail being slidably engaged with the gripper power component.

[0027] In one embodiment, the clamping mechanism further includes a first pressure sensor, and the first floating joint is connected to the moving jaw via the first pressure sensor.

[0028] In one embodiment, the actuating mechanism includes:

[0029] A power ejector is provided, and the output end of the power ejector is provided with a second floating joint;

[0030] The pressure plate is connected to the second floating joint;

[0031] An insulating push plate is connected to the pressure plate and is used to abut against the battery cell.

[0032] In one embodiment, the pushing mechanism further includes a pushing guide assembly, which includes a connector and a plurality of guide rods. The axial directions of the plurality of guide rods are all parallel to the third direction. One end of the plurality of guide rods is connected through the connector, and the other end passes through the second floating assembly and is connected to the pressure plate. Each guide rod is slidably engaged with the second floating assembly through a linear bearing.

[0033] In one embodiment, the pushing mechanism further includes a second pressure sensor, and the pressure plate is connected to the insulating push plate via the second pressure sensor.

[0034] This application also provides a battery cell installation device, including a motion device and the battery cell installation device described in any of the above claims, wherein the base is connected to the output end of the motion device.

[0035] The aforementioned cell insertion device uses a clamping mechanism to hold the cell and a pushing mechanism to push the cell into the battery casing along a third direction. By incorporating a floating mechanism, both the clamping and pushing mechanisms are mounted on a second floating component. When locked, the second floating component prevents the clamping mechanism from floating in a second direction, while the first floating component prevents the second floating component from floating in a first direction. In this state, the base, floating mechanism, clamping mechanism, and pushing mechanism of the cell insertion device are locked and relatively stationary. When floating, the first floating component allows the second floating component to float in the first direction, causing the clamping mechanism, pushing mechanism, and cell to float slightly in that direction. The second floating component allows the clamping mechanism to float in the second direction, causing the clamping mechanism to move the cell slightly in that direction. By incorporating both the first and second floating components, the clamping mechanism, pushing mechanism, and cell can float slightly in both directions.

[0036] When the floating mechanism is in a floating state, the pushing mechanism pushes the battery cell along a third direction, thereby adjusting the relative position of the battery cell and the casing in the first and second directions. This compensates for the positioning deviation of the battery cell in the first and second directions, achieving adaptive compensation and reducing problems such as battery cell deformation, electrode breakage, and battery case damage caused by battery cell positioning deviation, thus reducing the product defect rate. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the battery cell housing device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0038] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the base provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0039] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first floating component provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0040] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second floating component provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0041] Figure 5 A partially enlarged view of the second floating component provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0042] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the clamping mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0043] Figure 7 This is a partial enlarged view of the clamping mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0044] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the propulsion mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0045] Figure label:

[0046] 100. Base; 110. Equipment connecting plate; 120. First reinforcing rib; 130. First reinforcing rib connecting plate; 140. Fixing plate;

[0047] 200. Floating mechanism;

[0048] 210. First floating assembly; 211. First mounting component; 212. First floating plate; 213. First pushing component; 214. First abutting plate; 215. First guide rail structure;

[0049] 220. Second floating assembly; 221. Second mounting component; 2211. Second reinforcing rib; 2212. Second reinforcing rib connecting plate; 2213. Through hole; 222. Second floating plate; 223. Second pushing component; 224. Second abutting plate; 225. Second guide rail structure;

[0050] 300. Clamping mechanism; 310. Fixed gripper; 320. Moving gripper; 330. Gripper power component; 331. Clamping cylinder; 332. Clamping mounting plate; 333. Clamping fixing block; 340. First floating joint; 350. First pressure sensor; 360. Linear guide rail; 370. First sensor assembly; 371. First photoelectric sensor; 372. First sensing element; 373. Photoelectric switch; 380. Gripper insulating component; 390. Oil receiving groove;

[0051] 400. Pushing mechanism; 410. Pushing power component; 420. Second floating joint; 430. Pressure plate; 440. Insulating push plate; 450. Second pressure sensor; 460. Pushing guide assembly; 461. Connector; 462. Guide rod; 463. Linear bearing; 470. Second sensor assembly; 471. Second photoelectric sensor; 472. Second sensing element; 480. Cable guide assembly; 481. Cable guide tube; 482. Cable chain sheet metal; 483. Cable chain; 484. Cable guide tube fixing block;

[0052] 500, battery cell. Detailed Implementation

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] This application provides a battery cell installation device, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the battery cell housing device includes: a base 100, a floating mechanism 200, a clamping mechanism 300, and a pushing mechanism 400. The floating mechanism 200 includes a first floating component 210 and a second floating component 220. The first floating component 210 is disposed on the base 100, and the second floating component 220 is connected to the first floating component 210. The clamping mechanism 300 is connected to the second floating component 220 and is used to clamp the battery cell 500. The pushing mechanism 400 is connected to the second floating component 220 and is used to push the battery cell 500. 400 is used to push the battery cell 500 along a third direction when in a floating state. The floating mechanism 200 has a locked state and a floating state. When in the floating state, the second floating component 220 can float along a first direction, and the clamping mechanism 300 can float along a second direction. When in the locked state, the second floating component 220 prevents the clamping mechanism 300 from floating along the second direction, and the first floating component 210 prevents the second floating component 220 from floating along the first direction. The first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0060] The aforementioned cell insertion device uses a clamping mechanism 300 to clamp the cell 500 and a pushing mechanism 400 to push the cell 500 into the battery casing along a third direction. A floating mechanism 200 is used, with both the clamping mechanism 300 and the pushing mechanism 400 mounted on the second floating component 220 of the floating mechanism 200. When locked, the second floating component 220 prevents the clamping mechanism 300 from floating in a second direction, and the first floating component 210 prevents the second floating component 220 from floating in a first direction. At this time, the base 100, floating mechanism 200, clamping mechanism 300, and pushing mechanism 400 of the cell insertion device are locked and relatively stationary. When in a floating state, the first floating component 210 allows the second floating component 220 to float along the first direction, thereby causing the clamping mechanism 300, the pushing mechanism 400, and the battery cell 500 to float slightly along the first direction; the second floating component 220 allows the clamping mechanism 300 to float along the second direction, thereby causing the clamping mechanism 300 to drive the battery cell 500 to float slightly along the second direction. By setting the first floating component 210 and the second floating component 220, the clamping mechanism 300, the pushing mechanism 400, and the battery cell 500 can float slightly along the first and second directions.

[0061] When the floating mechanism 200 is in a floating state, the pushing mechanism 400 pushes the battery cell 500 along a third direction, thereby adjusting the relative position of the battery cell 500 and the housing in the first and second directions. This compensates for the positioning deviation of the battery cell 500 in the first and second directions, achieves adaptive compensation, reduces problems such as battery cell 500 deformation, electrode breakage, and battery case damage caused by positioning deviation of the battery cell 500, and lowers the product defect rate.

[0062] It should be noted that when the floating mechanism 200 is in the locked state, both the first floating component 210 and the second floating component 220 are locked and stop moving. When the floating mechanism 200 is in the floating state, both the first floating component 210 and the second floating component 220 are in the floating state and can make slight floating in the corresponding direction.

[0063] It should be noted that when the clamping mechanism 300 clamps the battery cell 500, the floating mechanism 200 is in a locked state. When the pushing mechanism 400 pushes the battery cell 500, the floating mechanism 200 is in a floating state, thereby offsetting the deviation of the battery cell 500 in the first and second directions when it enters the housing.

[0064] It should be noted that when the pushing mechanism 400 pushes the battery cell 500 in a third direction, the clamping force of the clamping mechanism 300 is reduced to prevent damage to the battery cell 500 due to excessive clamping force.

[0065] In this embodiment, as Figure 2As shown, the base 100 includes a device connecting plate 110, a first reinforcing rib 120, a first reinforcing rib connecting plate 130, and a fixing plate 140. The device connecting plate 110 is used to connect to the output end of the motion device. There are two first reinforcing ribs 120. The two first reinforcing ribs 120, the first reinforcing rib connecting plate 130, and the fixing plate 140 are all located on the same side of the device connecting plate 110 along a third direction. The two first reinforcing ribs 120 are connected by the first reinforcing rib connecting plate 130 and the fixing plate 140.

[0066] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the first floating assembly 210 includes a first mounting member 211, a first floating plate 212, a first pushing member 213, and a first abutting plate 214. The first mounting member 211 is connected to the base 100. The first floating plate 212 is slidably connected to the first mounting member 211. The second floating assembly 220 is connected to the first floating plate 212. The first pushing member 213 and the first abutting plate 214 are both disposed on the first floating plate 212 and are respectively located on both sides of the first mounting member 211 along the first direction. In the locked state, the first pushing member 213 pushes the first mounting member 211 to move along the first direction to abut against the first abutting plate 214. In the floating state, the first pushing member 213 is separated from the first mounting member 211.

[0067] The first mounting member 211 is connected to the fixing plate 140 of the base 100. The first pushing member 213 and the first abutting plate 214 are both disposed on the first floating plate 212. The first floating plate 212 is slidably engaged with the first mounting member 211. The first pushing member 213 pushes the first mounting member 211 to move in the first direction and abuts against the first abutting plate 214, thereby pressing the first mounting member 211 and restricting the movement of the first mounting member 211 and the first floating plate 212 in the first direction. At this time, the first floating component 210 of the floating mechanism 200 is in a locked state. When it is necessary to push the battery cell 500 into the housing, the first pushing member 213 is separated from the first mounting member 211, that is, the first pushing member 213 has no pushing force. The first mounting member 211 and the first floating plate 212 can slide relative to the first direction, thereby offsetting the deviation in the first direction when the battery cell 500 enters the housing.

[0068] In this embodiment, the first pusher 213 is a cylinder.

[0069] In this embodiment, the first mounting component 211 is a flat plate structure.

[0070] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, the first floating plate 212 is connected to the first mounting member 211 via a first guide rail structure 215. The length direction of the first guide rail of the first guide rail structure 215 is parallel to the first direction. The first guide rail structure 215 includes a slidingly fitted first guide rail and a first slider. One of the first guide rail and the first slider is disposed on the first floating plate 212, and the other is disposed on the first mounting member 211. By limiting the length direction of the first guide rail of the first guide rail structure 215 to be parallel to the first direction, the relative sliding direction of the first mounting member 211 and the first floating plate 212 is limited, so that they can only slide relative to each other along the first direction.

[0071] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the first guide rail of the first guide rail structure 215 is mounted on the first floating plate 212, and the first slider is mounted on the first mounting component 211.

[0072] In other embodiments, the first guide rail of the first guide rail structure 215 is disposed on the first mounting member 211, and the first slider is disposed on the first floating plate 212.

[0073] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 , Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the second floating assembly 220 includes a second mounting member 221, a second floating plate 222, a second pushing member 223, and a second abutting plate 224. The second mounting member 221 is connected to the first floating plate 212. The second mounting member 221 and the second floating plate 222 are located on the same side of the first floating plate 212 along a second direction. The second mounting member 221 and the second floating plate 222 are arranged along a third direction and are slidably connected. The clamping mechanism 300 and the pushing mechanism 400 are connected to the second floating plate 222. The second pushing member 223 is located on the second mounting member 221, and the second abutting plate 224 is located on the second floating plate 222. In the locked state, the second pushing member 223 pushes the second abutting plate 224 to move along the second direction, thereby causing the second floating plate 222 to move along the second direction and abut against the first floating plate 212. In the floating state, the second pushing member 223 is separated from the second abutting plate 224.

[0074] exist Figure 4 and Figure 5From the perspective of [unclear], the second mounting member 221 and the second floating plate 222 are both located on the same side of the first floating plate 212 along the second direction, and the second mounting member 221 is located above the second floating plate 222 along the third direction. By setting a second pushing member 223 on the second mounting member 221 and a second abutting plate 224 on the second floating plate 222, the second pushing member 223 pushes the second abutting plate 224 to move along the second direction, thereby driving the second floating plate 222 to move along the second direction, so that the second floating plate 222 abuts against the first floating plate 212, thereby restricting the movement of the second floating plate 222 along the second direction. At this time, the second floating assembly 220 is also in a locked state. However, as long as the second pusher 223 is separated from the second abutting plate 224, the second pusher 223 does not provide abutting force. Furthermore, because the second mounting member 221 and the second floating plate 222 are in sliding engagement, the second floating plate 222 and the second mounting member 221 can also move relative to each other in the second direction, thereby offsetting the deviation in the second direction when the battery cell 500 enters the housing.

[0075] In this embodiment, the second pusher 223 is a cylinder.

[0076] In this embodiment, as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the second mounting component 221 includes a second reinforcing rib connecting plate 2212 and two second reinforcing ribs 2211. The second reinforcing rib connecting plate 2212 is provided with a second reinforcing rib 2211 at each end along the first direction. The second floating plate 222 is provided on one side of the second mounting component 221 along the second direction and is connected to the second reinforcing rib connecting plate 2212 and the two second reinforcing ribs 2211.

[0077] In this embodiment, as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the second reinforcing rib connecting plate 2212 is provided with a through hole 2213, and the second abutting plate 224 extends at least partially into the through hole 2213 to facilitate abutment with the second pusher 223.

[0078] In one embodiment, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the second floating plate 222 is connected to the second mounting member 221 via a second guide rail structure 225, wherein the length direction of the second guide rail of the second guide rail structure 225 is parallel to the second direction. The second guide rail structure 225 includes a slidingly engaged second guide rail and a second slider, one of which is disposed on the second floating plate 222 and the other is disposed on the second mounting member 221. By limiting the length direction of the second guide rail of the second guide rail structure 225 to be parallel to the second direction, the relative sliding direction of the second mounting member 221 and the second floating plate 222 is limited, so that they can only slide relative to each other along the second direction.

[0079] In this embodiment, as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the second guide rail of the second guide rail structure 225 is disposed on the second floating plate 222, and the second slider is disposed on the second reinforcing rib connecting plate 2212 on the second mounting member 221.

[0080] In other embodiments, the second guide rail of the second guide rail structure 225 is disposed on the second mounting member 221, and the second slider is disposed on the second floating plate 222.

[0081] It should be noted that during the process of the robot or gantry three-axis driven battery cell insertion device grasping and moving, the first pusher 213 and the second pusher 223 are both in the extended state, making the entire floating mechanism 200 a rigid whole. This prevents the clamping mechanism 300 from shaking during movement and ensures that the clamping mechanism 300 has an accurate position when grasping the battery cell 500. Only when the battery cell 500 is pushed into the housing are the first pusher 213 and the second pusher 223 retracted. At this time, the battery cell 500 has a small amount of floating along both the first and second directions, which can offset the deviation in the first and second directions caused by the robot positioning and avoid product damage caused by forcibly pushing it into the housing with deviation.

[0082] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 , Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 As shown, the clamping mechanism 300 includes a fixed jaw 310, a movable jaw 320, and a jaw power component 330. The fixed jaw 310 is mounted on the second floating assembly 220. The jaw power component 330 is mounted on the second floating assembly 220, and its output end is connected to the movable jaw 320 via a first floating connector 340. The jaw power component 330 can drive the movable jaw 320 to move closer to or further away from the fixed jaw 310. The fixed jaw 310 and the jaw power component 330 are mounted on the second floating plate 222 of the second floating assembly 220, and the movable jaw 320 is connected to the output end of the jaw power component 330. The jaw power component 330 drives the movable jaw 320 to move, thereby moving closer to or further away from the fixed jaw 310 to clamp or release the battery cell 500. Furthermore, the output end of the gripper power component 330 and the moving gripper 320 are connected through the first floating joint 340, which compensates for the installation error between the output end of the gripper power component 330 and the moving gripper 320, reducing assembly difficulty. When the moving gripper 320 is subjected to external force and vibrates or is impacted, the first floating joint 340 can play a certain buffering role.

[0083] In one embodiment, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the clamping mechanism 300 also includes a first pressure sensor 350, and the first floating connector 340 is connected to the moving jaw 320 through the first pressure sensor 350. By connecting the first floating connector 340 and the moving jaw 320 using the first pressure sensor 350, the first pressure sensor 350 can detect the magnitude of the clamping force of the moving jaw 320 and the fixed jaw 310 on the battery cell 500.

[0084] The cell insertion device also includes a controller. The first pressure sensor 350 and the gripper power component 330 are both connected to the controller. The clamping force data detected by the first pressure sensor 350 is transmitted to the controller. The controller can determine whether the current clamping force meets the clamping requirements of the cell 500. If the controller determines that the current clamping force is too large, it controls to reduce the output power of the gripper power component 330, thereby reducing the clamping force. If the controller determines that the current clamping force is too small, it controls to increase the output power of the gripper power component 330, thereby increasing the clamping force.

[0085] In one embodiment, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the clamping mechanism 300 also includes a jaw insulator 380, which is disposed on the wall surface where the fixed jaw 310 and the movable jaw 320 contact the battery cell 500, thereby playing an insulating role, protecting the battery cell 500, and preventing the battery cell 500 from being scratched or short-circuited.

[0086] In one embodiment, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the clamping mechanism 300 also includes a linear guide rail 360 disposed on the second floating assembly 220, and the linear guide rail 360 is slidably engaged with the gripper power component 330. By providing the linear guide rail 360 on the second floating plate 222 of the second floating assembly 220, the linear guide rail 360 can drive the gripper power component 330 to slide, thereby increasing the range of motion of the moving gripper 320, which is convenient for clamping battery cells 500 of different sizes.

[0087] In this embodiment, the movable gripper 320 can move relative to the fixed gripper 310 along the first direction, and the length direction of the linear guide 360 ​​is parallel to the first direction.

[0088] like Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the gripper power component 330 includes a clamping cylinder 331, a clamping mounting plate 332, and a clamping fixing block 333. The clamping cylinder 331 is connected to the clamping mounting plate 332, which is slidably engaged with the linear guide rail 360. The clamping fixing block 333 connects the clamping mounting plate 332 and the second floating plate 222. By setting the clamping mounting plate 332, the clamping cylinder 331 and the linear guide rail 360 are slidably engaged. By setting the clamping fixing block 333 to connect the clamping mounting plate 332 and the second floating plate 222, the gripper power component 330 is connected to the second floating plate 222 of the second floating assembly 220.

[0089] In one embodiment, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the clamping mechanism 300 also includes an oil receiving groove 390, which is connected to the second floating plate 222 and is located on the side of the linear guide rail 360 away from the second floating plate 222 along a third direction. The oil receiving groove 390 is used to receive the lubricating oil dripping from the linear guide rail 360 to prevent the lubricating oil from contaminating the product or causing safety accidents such as short circuits or fires.

[0090] In one embodiment, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the clamping mechanism 300 also includes a first sensor assembly 370, which includes a first photoelectric sensor 371 and a first sensing plate 372. The first photoelectric sensor 371 is disposed on the second floating assembly 220; the first sensing plate 372 is disposed on the movable gripper 320. The first photoelectric sensor 371 is used to detect the moving distance of the first sensing plate 372 in order to detect the moving distance of the movable gripper 320, and then determine the relative distance between the movable gripper 320 and the fixed gripper 310.

[0091] In one embodiment, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the first sensor assembly 370 also includes a photoelectric switch 373 disposed on the moving gripper 320. The photoelectric switch 373 is used to sense the presence or absence of the battery cell 500 and provide a prerequisite signal for subsequent actions.

[0092] This application sets up a first sensor component 370 that is communicatively connected to the controller. The detection signal of the first sensor component 370 can be fed back to the controller for subsequent operations. In conjunction with the pressure collected by the first pressure sensor 350, a clamping control closed loop is formed, which improves the control accuracy and prevents the clamping mechanism 300 from being damaged due to overpressure.

[0093] It is important to note that by adjusting the position of the gripper power component 330, the clamping mechanism 300 can be made compatible with battery cells 500 of different sizes, and the center of the gripper will not deviate too much from the central axis of the mechanism, thus improving the stability of the equipment. In addition to determining the clamping force when clamping the battery cell 500, the first pressure sensor 350 has another function: when the battery cell 500 is inserted into the housing, the first pressure sensor 350 collects the pressure during the insertion process in real time and feeds it back to the controller. The controller then sends a signal to the gripper power component 330 to continue clamping or releasing, ensuring that the battery cell 500 can be smoothly pushed out of the clamping mechanism 300 and into the housing.

[0094] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 and Figure 8 As shown, the pushing mechanism 400 includes: a pushing power component 410, a pressure plate 430, and an insulating push plate 440. The output end of the pushing power component 410 is provided with a second floating joint 420; the pressure plate 430 is connected to the second floating joint 420; the insulating push plate 440 is connected to the pressure plate 430 and is used to abut against the battery cell 500. The output end of the pushing power component 410 is connected to the pressure plate 430 through the second floating joint 420, and the pressure plate 430 is connected to the insulating push plate 440. The output end of the pushing power component 410 pushes the pressure plate 430 to move in a third direction, thereby driving the insulating push plate 440 to push the battery cell 500 in a third direction. By setting the second floating joint 420, the installation error between the output end of the pushing power component 410 and the pressure plate 430 is compensated, reducing the assembly difficulty. When the pressure plate 430 is subjected to external force and vibrates or is impacted, the second floating joint 420 can play a certain buffering role.

[0095] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 8 As shown, the pushing mechanism 400 also includes a second pressure sensor 450, and the pressure plate 430 is connected to the insulating push plate 440 through the second pressure sensor 450. By setting the second pressure sensor 450, the second pressure sensor 450 is used to detect the pressure applied by the insulating push plate 440 to the cell 500, and thus detect the pushing force of the pushing mechanism 400.

[0096] In this embodiment, as Figure 8 As shown, the power unit 410, the second floating joint 420, the pressure plate 430, the second pressure sensor 450, and the insulating push plate 440 are connected sequentially along the third direction.

[0097] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 8As shown, the pushing mechanism 400 also includes a pushing guide assembly 460, which includes a connector 461 and multiple guide rods 462. The axial directions of the multiple guide rods 462 are all parallel to a third direction. One end of each guide rod 462 is connected by the connector 461, and the other end passes through the second floating assembly 220 and is connected to the pressure plate 430. Each guide rod 462 is slidably engaged with the second floating assembly 220 via a linear bearing 463. By setting multiple guide rods 462, with their axial directions parallel to a third direction, and each guide rod 462 slidably engaged with the second floating assembly 220 via a linear bearing 463, each guide rod 462 can slide along a third direction. By passing the multiple guide rods 462 through the second floating plate 222 of the second floating assembly 220 and connecting them to the pressure plate 430, the direction of force applied to the pushing power member 410 is guided, making the thrust parallel to a third direction.

[0098] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 8 As shown, the pushing mechanism 400 also includes a cable guide assembly 480, which includes a cable guide tube 481, a cable chain sheet metal 482, a cable chain 483, and a cable guide tube fixing block 484. The cable chain sheet metal 482 is mounted on the cable chain 483. The two ends of the cable guide tube 481 are respectively connected to the connector 461 and the pressure plate 430 through the cable guide tube fixing block 484. The purpose of this is to lead out the signal line of the second pressure sensor 450 and prevent damage to the signal line during the extrusion process. After the signal line is led out of the cable guide tube 481, it enters the cable chain 483.

[0099] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 8 As shown, the pushing mechanism 400 also includes a second sensor assembly 470 that is communicatively connected to the controller. The second sensor assembly 470 includes a second photoelectric sensor 471 and a second sensing plate 472. The second photoelectric sensor 471 is disposed on the cable chain sheet metal 482, and the second sensing plate 472 is disposed on the connector 461. When the battery cell 500 enters the housing, the second sensor assembly 470 feeds back a signal indicating that the entry into the housing is complete to the controller to prevent the battery cell 500 from getting stuck due to some reason after the entry into the housing is completed or during the entry process, so that the push-out power component 410 continues to operate and damages the product.

[0100] In summary, the cell insertion device of this application is as follows:

[0101] After the battery cell 500 and the housing are received by pallet or other means, the first pusher 213 in the first floating assembly 210 and the second pusher 223 in the second floating assembly 220 extend, so that the floating mechanism 200 is in a locked state.

[0102] The robot or gantry three-axis moves the battery cell insertion device above the battery cell 500 and descends. The gripper power component 330 in the clamping mechanism 300 extends. After the first sensor component 370 provides a signal indicating that the device is in position, the value of the first pressure sensor 350 is read. After determining that there is no overpressure, the battery cell insertion device is raised and moves above the housing.

[0103] A portion of the battery cell 500 is inserted into the housing, and then the first pusher 213 in the first floating assembly 210 and the second pusher 223 in the second floating assembly 220 are retracted, so that the floating mechanism 200 is in a floating state. At this time, both the clamping mechanism 300 and the pusher mechanism can float.

[0104] The gripper power component 330 in the clamping mechanism 300 retracts and reads the value of the first pressure sensor 350. It stops after reaching a certain pressure value, and then pushes the push-out power component 410 in the push mechanism 400 to move. The insulating push plate 440 slowly presses the battery cell 500 into the housing.

[0105] It is worth noting that during this process, the first pressure sensor 350 in the clamping mechanism 300 and the second pressure sensor 450 in the pushing mechanism 400 read the pressure values ​​in real time and make real-time adjustments according to a certain rule obtained during debugging, so as to ensure that the pushing force is always slightly greater than the clamping friction force, so that the battery cell 500 can be smoothly inserted into the shell. Once the value of one of the two pressure sensors exceeds the specified range, the insertion into the slot is stopped and an inspection is carried out to ensure that the battery cell 500 can safely and smoothly complete the insertion into the shell.

[0106] After the battery cell is installed in the casing, the battery cell installation device is lifted, and the first pusher 213 in the first floating assembly 210 and the second pusher 223 in the second floating assembly 220 extend, so that the floating mechanism 200 is in a locked state.

[0107] This application also provides a battery cell insertion device, including a motion device and a battery cell insertion assembly, with a base 100 connected to the output end of the motion device. By connecting the base 100 to the output end of the motion device, the movement of the motion device drives the overall movement of the battery cell insertion assembly.

[0108] In this embodiment, the motion device is the output end of the robot.

[0109] In other embodiments, the motion device is a gantry three-axis or other motion device.

[0110] 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.

[0111] The above embodiments merely illustrate 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. A battery cell insertion device, characterized in that, The battery cell installation device includes: Base; A floating mechanism includes a first floating component and a second floating component, wherein the first floating component is disposed on the base and the second floating component is disposed on the first floating component; A clamping mechanism is disposed on the second floating component, and the clamping mechanism is used to clamp the battery cell; A pushing mechanism, disposed on the second floating component, is used to push the battery cell in a third direction; The floating mechanism has a locked state and a floating state. When in the floating state, the second floating component can float along a first direction, and the clamping mechanism can float along a second direction. When in the locked state, the second floating component prevents the clamping mechanism from floating along the second direction, and the first floating component prevents the second floating component from floating along the first direction, wherein the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are perpendicular to each other.

2. The cell insertion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first floating component includes: The first mounting component is connected to the base; A first floating plate is slidably connected to the first mounting component, and a second floating assembly is connected to the first floating plate; The first pusher and the first abutting plate are both disposed on the first floating plate and are respectively located on both sides of the first mounting member along the first direction; In the locked state, the first pusher pushes the first mounting member to move along the first direction to abut against the first abutment plate; in the floating state, the first pusher separates from the first mounting member.

3. The cell insertion device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second floating component includes: The second mounting component is connected to the first floating plate; The second floating plate, the second mounting member and the second floating plate are disposed on the same side of the first floating plate along the second direction, the second mounting member and the second floating plate are arranged along the third direction and are slidably connected, and the clamping mechanism and the pushing mechanism are connected to the second floating plate; The second pusher is disposed on the second mounting member, and the second abutment plate is disposed on the second floating plate; In the locked state, the second pusher pushes the second abutment plate to move along the second direction, thereby causing the second floating plate to move along the second direction and abut against the first floating plate; in the floating state, the second pusher separates from the second abutment plate.

4. The cell insertion device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first floating plate is connected to the first mounting component via a first guide rail structure, wherein the length direction of the first guide rail of the first guide rail structure is parallel to the first direction; and / or, The second floating plate is connected to the second mounting component via a second guide rail structure, wherein the length direction of the second guide rail of the second guide rail structure is parallel to the second direction.

5. The cell insertion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping mechanism includes: A fixed gripper is mounted on the second floating component; Move the gripper; A gripper power component is disposed on the second floating component, and the output end of the gripper power component is connected to the moving gripper through a first floating connector. The gripper power component can drive the moving gripper to move closer to or further away from the fixed gripper.

6. The cell insertion device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The clamping mechanism further includes a linear guide rail disposed on the second floating component, the linear guide rail being slidably engaged with the gripper power component.

7. The cell insertion device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The clamping mechanism further includes a first pressure sensor, and the first floating joint is connected to the moving jaw through the first pressure sensor.

8. The cell insertion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The propulsion mechanism includes: A power ejector is provided, and the output end of the power ejector is provided with a second floating joint; The pressure plate is connected to the second floating joint; An insulating push plate is connected to the pressure plate and is used to abut against the battery cell.

9. The cell insertion device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The pushing mechanism further includes a pushing guide assembly, which includes a connector and multiple guide rods. The axial direction of the multiple guide rods is parallel to the third direction. One end of the multiple guide rods is connected through the connector, and the other end passes through the second floating assembly and is connected to the pressure plate. Each guide rod is slidably engaged with the second floating assembly through a linear bearing.

10. The cell insertion device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The pushing mechanism also includes a second pressure sensor, and the pressure plate is connected to the insulating push plate through the second pressure sensor.

11. A battery cell installation device, characterized in that, It includes a motion device and a cell housing device as described in any one of claims 1-10, wherein the base is connected to the output end of the motion device.

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