Clamping device and battery production apparatus

Abstract

This application provides a clamping device and battery production equipment. The device includes a main body, a clamping mechanism, a contact mechanism, and a sensor. The clamping mechanism is disposed on the main body. The clamping part of the clamping mechanism is configured to clamp the target part when it moves to the position of the target part. The contact mechanism is movably disposed on the clamping mechanism, and the movable direction of the contact mechanism is consistent with the moving direction of the clamping part, and the movable trajectory of the contact mechanism is separate from the clamping space of the clamping part. The contact mechanism includes a contact member. The contact end of the contact member is located at the end of the contact member that faces the direction of movement of the clamping part toward the target part. When the contact end does not contact an obstacle, the distance between the contact end and the position of the target part is less than the distance between the position of the clamping part and the position of the target part. The sensor is disposed on the clamping mechanism and configured to sense the movement of the contact member on the clamping mechanism. This device avoids collisions and simplifies the structure of the clamping device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery manufacturing technology, and more specifically, to a clamping device and battery production equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Clamping devices are typically used to transfer target components by gripping them, and are important equipment in the manufacturing process. Taking the production of battery cells as an example, whether it is the assembly and testing of the battery cells themselves, or the further assembly of finished battery cells into modules, battery packs, etc., it is essential to use battery cell grippers to hold the battery cells in order to complete processes such as gripping, placing, translating, and flipping.

[0003] During the gripping and placement of target parts, clamping devices typically need to prevent the gripping mechanism, such as the grippers, from colliding with the target part, the support structure carrying the target part, or other obstacles. Currently, the main anti-collision solutions involve making the grippers a floating mechanism with guide bearings connected above them and sensors to detect the gripper's position. When the grippers touch an obstacle during descent, the grippers move relative to the lifting device, triggering the sensor signal and achieving a flexible collision alarm.

[0004] However, the collision avoidance schemes currently in use mainly only trigger an alarm after the gripper touches an obstacle, resulting in a relatively slow response to collisions and insufficient collision protection effectiveness, which is a significant defect. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this application is to provide a clamping device and battery production equipment, which, by configuring a contact mechanism, contacts the obstacle before the clamping mechanism such as the gripper, thereby improving the collision detection sensitivity and device reliability.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a clamping device, including a main body, a clamping mechanism, a contact mechanism, and a sensor; the clamping mechanism is disposed on the main body; the clamping mechanism includes a clamping part; the clamping part is configured to clamp the target part when it moves to the position of the target part; the contact mechanism is movably disposed on the clamping mechanism, the movable direction of the contact mechanism is consistent with the moving direction of the clamping part, and the movable trajectory of the contact mechanism is separate from the clamping space of the clamping part; the contact mechanism includes a contact member; the contact member has a contact end, the contact end being located at an end of the contact member facing the same direction as the clamping part moving towards the target part; when the contact end does not contact an obstacle, the distance between the contact end and the position of the target part is less than the distance between the clamping part and the position of the target part; the sensor is disposed on the clamping mechanism and configured to sense the movement of the contact member on the clamping mechanism.

[0007] The aforementioned clamping device, by equipping it with a contact mechanism for pre-contacting obstacles, allows for early detection of obstacles when they arise during the clamping process. Based on the movable connection between the contact mechanism and the clamping mechanism, the contact element in the contact mechanism moves relative to the clamping mechanism, and this movement is detected by a sensor. This enables the identification of obstacles before they collide with the clamping mechanism, improving collision detection sensitivity and device reliability, and better protecting the components and the target part within the clamping device. Furthermore, by pre-contacting obstacles through the contact mechanism, the mechanism for enabling the clamping part to float is eliminated. This simplifies the structure of the clamping device while preventing collisions.

[0008] In conjunction with the first aspect, optionally, the clamping mechanism is further provided with a guide rail; the contact mechanism includes a sliding part adapted to the guide rail; wherein the guiding direction of the guide rail is consistent with the moving direction of the clamping part.

[0009] The aforementioned clamping device, by setting a guide rail on the clamping mechanism to achieve a slidable connection between the contact mechanism and the clamping mechanism, is simpler in structure and principle compared to other methods such as setting pulleys on the clamping mechanism, thereby further simplifying the structure of the clamping device.

[0010] In conjunction with the first aspect, optionally, the guide rail includes a closed guide rail; the sliding part includes a closed groove.

[0011] The aforementioned clamping device, by employing a closed guide rail as the specific type of guide rail and using a closed groove adapted to the closed guide rail, effectively prevents the sliding part from detaching from the guide rail. Furthermore, no additional mechanism is needed to prevent the sliding part from detaching from the guide rail, thus further simplifying the structure of the clamping device.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, optionally, the contact mechanism further includes an elastic element; one end of the elastic element is connected to the clamping mechanism, and the other end of the elastic element is connected to the contact element; the elastic element has a naturally extended state; when the elastic element is in the naturally extended state, the distance between the contact end and the target element is less than the distance between the clamping part and the target element.

[0013] The aforementioned clamping device, by incorporating an elastic element on the clamping mechanism, enables the contact end to return to its initial position relative to the clamping mechanism after the obstacle is removed, based on the deformation recovery of the elastic element. This eliminates the need for manual intervention or other driving mechanisms, ensuring the contact end's position on the clamping mechanism is restored after the obstacle is cleared.

[0014] In conjunction with the first aspect, optionally, the contact mechanism further includes a guide and a sensor; the guide is movably disposed on the clamping mechanism and rigidly connected to the contact; the sensor is disposed on the guide; the sensor moves to the sensing range of the sensor when the contact end contacts an obstacle and the contact mechanism continues to move a trigger distance toward the obstacle; wherein the trigger distance is less than the difference between the distance between the contact end and the target component and the distance between the clamping part and the target component when the contact end does not contact the obstacle.

[0015] The aforementioned clamping device, by configuring corresponding guides and sensors for the contact mechanism, allows the guides to engage with guide rails on the clamping mechanism and the sensors to engage with sensors. This means that there is no need to design the contact component as a separate part that can slide on the guide rail, or for the sensor to detect a portion of the contact component within its travel stroke. Based on the specific structure and spatial layout of the clamping device, the specific connection positions of the guides and sensors with the contact component can be flexibly selected. This improves the design flexibility of the clamping device and correspondingly expands its applicability.

[0016] In conjunction with the first aspect, optionally, the sensor includes a slotted photoelectric sensor; the slotted photoelectric sensor has a detection slot; the sensing element includes a sensing sheet configured to follow the movement of the guide element, entering or leaving the detection slot.

[0017] The aforementioned clamping device, by employing a slotted photoelectric sensor as the specific type of sensor, is simpler in principle and more flexible in its placement compared to other sensors such as proximity switches, thus facilitating further simplification of the clamping device's structure.

[0018] In conjunction with the first aspect, optionally, the clamping part has a clamping surface; a flexible material is disposed on the clamping surface.

[0019] The aforementioned clamping device, by providing a flexible material on the clamping surface of the clamping part, can provide a certain buffering effect during the clamping process of the clamping part, thereby reducing the risk of the target part being damaged by the clamping part.

[0020] In conjunction with the first aspect, optionally, the flexible material has anti-slip textures on its surface facing the clamping space.

[0021] The aforementioned clamping device, by providing anti-slip texture on the flexible material, increases the friction between the clamping part and the target part when the clamping part is clamping the target part, thereby significantly reducing the risk of the target part falling off the clamping part when it is being clamped.

[0022] In conjunction with the first aspect, optionally, the device further includes at least two carrier members; each carrier member has a carrier portion located at one end; the carrier portion bends and extends from one end of the carrier member in a first direction; wherein the first direction is the direction in which the carrier member rotates so that the carrier portion is oriented towards the contact end; the other end of the carrier member is rotatably connected to the body; the carrier member is configured such that, when the clamping mechanism clamps the target member, the carrier portion is positioned in the position oriented towards the contact end by rotation.

[0023] The aforementioned clamping device, by providing a rotatable support member on the main body, rotates the support member to a position where the support portion faces the contact end when the clamping mechanism is holding the target part, in order to catch the target part that may fall off the clamping portion, thereby further preventing the target part from falling off the clamping device and providing better protection for the target part.

[0024] Secondly, this application provides a battery production apparatus, including the clamping device described in the first aspect; wherein the clamping device is used to clamp battery cells.

[0025] The battery production equipment described above has the same beneficial effects as the first aspect or any optional embodiment of the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0026] In summary, the clamping device and battery production equipment provided in this application, by configuring a contact mechanism, allow the clamping mechanism to contact obstacles before grippers or similar clamping mechanisms, thus avoiding collisions and simplifying the structure of the clamping device. By using a closed guide rail as the specific type of guide rail and a closed groove adapted to it, the sliding part is prevented from detaching from the guide rail. Using a slot-type photoelectric sensor as the specific type of sensor, compared to using proximity switches or other sensors, the principle is simpler and the placement is more flexible, further simplifying the structure of the clamping device. By incorporating a flexible material on the clamping surface of the clamping part, a certain buffering effect is provided during the clamping process of the target part, thereby reducing the risk of the target part being damaged by the clamping part. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 A perspective view of the clamping device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0029] Figure 2 A perspective view of a first partial structure of the clamping device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a second partial structure of the clamping device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0031] Icons: 100, clamping device; 110, main body; 120, clamping mechanism; 121, clamping part; 1212, flexible material; 122, guide rail; 130, contact mechanism; 131, contact element; 132, guide element; 1321, sliding part; 133, sensing element; 140, sensor; 150, carrier element; 151, carrier part; 200, target element. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0033] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0034] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0035] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the utility model product is in use. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0036] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal" and "vertical" do not imply that components must be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that they can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal than "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0037] In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "set up," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; 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; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0038] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1This is a perspective view of the clamping device 100 provided in an embodiment of this application. The clamping device 100 provided in this embodiment may include a main body 110, a clamping mechanism 120, a contact mechanism 130, and a sensor 140. The clamping mechanism 120 may be disposed on the main body 110. The clamping mechanism 120 may include a clamping part 121. The clamping part 121 may be configured to clamp the target part 200 when it is moved to a position of the target part 200. The contact mechanism 130 may be movably disposed on the clamping mechanism 120, and the movable direction of the contact mechanism 130 may be consistent with the moving direction of the clamping part 121, and the movable trajectory of the contact mechanism 130 may be separate from the clamping space of the clamping part 121. The contact mechanism 130 may include a contact member 131. The contact member 131 may have a contact end, and the contact end may be located at the end of the contact member 131 facing the same direction as the clamping part 121 moving toward the target part 200. When the contact end is not in contact with an obstacle, the distance between it and the target member 200 can be less than the distance between the clamping part 121 and the target member 200. The sensor 140 can be disposed on the clamping mechanism 120 and can be configured to sense the movement of the contact member 131 on the clamping mechanism 120.

[0039] The clamping mechanism 120 may specifically include clamping elements and a driving mechanism, such as clamping fingers and a clamping cylinder. The clamping fingers, driven by the clamping cylinder, can approach and clamp the target component 200 and release and move away from the target component 200. Specifically, the clamping and releasing of the target component 200 can be achieved by opening and closing the clamping cylinder. Its specific structure, mounting method on the main body 110, and additional required components, etc., can be determined by those skilled in the art based on known technical solutions; this application does not impose specific limitations in this regard.

[0040] In addition to the contact element 131, the contact mechanism 130 may also include other connecting elements, sliding elements, etc. The contact element 131 can be disposed on the clamping mechanism 120 in a sliding connection based on the guide rail 122, a rolling connection based on the pulley, etc.

[0041] For example, with Figure 1 For example, the contact member 131 can be located next to the clamping part 121. Specifically, the movement direction of the contact member 131 and the clamping part 121 can be: downward movement is the direction of approaching the target member 200, and upward movement is the direction of moving away from the target member 200. Based on this, when the contact member 131 is obstructed by an obstacle, the height of the lowest point of the contact member 131 can always be lower than the height of the lowest point of the clamping part 121.

[0042] The sensor 140 can specifically be a photoelectric sensor, a proximity switch, etc.

[0043] During the process of the clamping part 121 approaching the target part 200 to grasp the target part 200, if an obstacle is encountered, the contact member 131 will usually contact the obstacle before the clamping part 121. If the contact member 131 contacts the obstacle and is obstructed by the obstacle, and if the clamping part 121 continues to move towards the target part 200, the contact member 131 will usually move relative to the clamping mechanism 120 due to the movable connection between the contact mechanism 130 and the clamping mechanism 120. This movement can be sensed by the sensor 140 provided on the clamping mechanism 120, thereby identifying that an obstacle has appeared within the movement stroke of the clamping part 121 during the grasping of the target part 200. Specifically, the obstacle may be a support device carrying the target part 200, the target part 200 itself (if there is a deviation between the position of the target part 200 and the gripping position of the clamping part 121), or other objects appearing within the stroke of the clamping part 121.

[0044] As an optional implementation, the clamping device 100 may further include a controller that can be electrically connected to both the drive mechanism and the sensor 140. When the sensor 140 detects an obstacle, it can send a corresponding electrical signal to the controller. Upon receiving this signal, the controller can send a stop-drive control signal to the drive mechanism. Alternatively, it can issue a corresponding alarm signal to alert the operator.

[0045] In the above implementation process, by configuring a contact mechanism 130 for early contact with obstacles in the clamping device 100, when an obstacle appears during the clamping mechanism 120's grasping of the target part 200, the contact element 131 in the contact mechanism 130 moves relative to the clamping mechanism 120 based on the movable connection between the contact mechanism 130 and the clamping mechanism 120. This movement is sensed by the sensor 140, thereby enabling the identification of obstacles before the clamping mechanism 120, such as the gripper, collides with the obstacle. This improves collision detection sensitivity and device reliability, and better protects the components in the clamping device 100 and the target part 200. Furthermore, by enabling early contact with obstacles through the contact mechanism 130, the related mechanisms in the clamping mechanism 120 used to make the clamping part 121 floatable are eliminated. Thus, the structure of the clamping device 100 is simplified while avoiding collisions.

[0046] Please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a first partial structure of the clamping device 100 provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 3This is a perspective view of a second partial structure of the clamping device 100 provided in an embodiment of this application. In some optional embodiments, a guide rail 122 may also be provided on the clamping mechanism 120. The contact mechanism 130 may include a sliding portion 1321 adapted to the guide rail 122. The guiding direction of the guide rail 122 may be consistent with the moving direction of the clamping portion 121.

[0047] The guide rail 122 on the clamping mechanism 120 can be integrally formed with the position where the guide rail 122 is set on the clamping mechanism 120, or it can be formed separately, and then the guide rail 122 is screwed, welded or snapped to the corresponding position on the clamping mechanism 120.

[0048] by Figure 2 For example, the guide rail 122 can be vertically mounted on the upper end of the clamping mechanism 120. The sliding part 1321 on the contact mechanism 130 can be adapted to the guide rail 122. For example, if the end face of the guide rail 122 is "I" shaped, then a "T" shaped groove can be correspondingly opened on the sliding part 1321.

[0049] In the above implementation process, by setting a guide rail 122 on the clamping mechanism 120, the contact mechanism 130 is slidably connected on the clamping mechanism 120. Compared with other methods such as setting pulleys on the clamping mechanism 120, the structure and principle are simpler, thereby further simplifying the structure of the clamping device 100.

[0050] Please continue to refer to Figure 3 In some alternative embodiments, the guide rail 122 may include a closed guide rail 122. The sliding portion 1321 may include a closed groove.

[0051] The closed guide rail 122 can be a T-shaped guide rail, a dovetail guide rail, or other guide rails that restrict the sliding part 1321 to only leave from the end of the guide rail. Correspondingly, the closed groove on the sliding part 1321 can be a T-shaped groove or a dovetail groove, etc.

[0052] In the above implementation process, by using a closed guide rail 122 as the specific type of guide rail and by using a closed groove adapted to the closed guide rail 122, the sliding part 1321 is prevented from falling off the guide rail 122. Based on this, no additional mechanism is needed to prevent the sliding part 1321 from falling off the guide rail 122, thereby further simplifying the structure of the clamping device 100.

[0053] In some alternative embodiments, the contact mechanism 130 may further include an elastic element. One end of the elastic element may be connected to the clamping mechanism 120, and the other end of the elastic element may be connected to the contact element 131. The elastic element may have a naturally extended state. When the elastic element is in its naturally extended state, the distance between the contact end and the target element 200 may be less than the distance between the clamping part 121 and the target element 200.

[0054] The elastic element can specifically be a sheet or a spring.

[0055] When the contact end is in contact with an obstacle, the elastic member is in a naturally extended state. When the contact end touches an obstacle, the elastic member can be stretched or compressed based on the movement of the contact end relative to the clamping mechanism 120. After the contact end leaves the obstacle, based on the elastic deformation that has occurred in the elastic member, the elastic member will usually recover its deformation, thereby causing the contact member 131 to move relative to the clamping mechanism 120, so that the contact end returns to a position with a height lower than the clamping part 121.

[0056] In the above implementation process, by setting an elastic element on the clamping mechanism 120, the contact end returns to its initial position relative to the clamping mechanism 120 after the obstacle is removed, based on the deformation recovery of the elastic element. Therefore, it eliminates the need for manual intervention or other driving mechanisms; the contact end's position on the clamping mechanism 120 is restored after the obstacle is removed.

[0057] Please continue to refer to Figure 2 In some alternative embodiments, the contact mechanism 130 may further include a guide 132 and a sensor 133. The guide 132 may be movably disposed on the clamping mechanism 120 and may be rigidly connected to the contact 131. The sensor 133 may be disposed on the guide 132. When the contact end contacts an obstacle and the contact mechanism 130 continues to move a trigger distance toward the obstacle, the sensor 133 moves into the sensing range of the sensor 140.

[0058] The trigger distance can be less than the difference between the distance between the contact end and the target member 200 when the contact end is not in contact with an obstacle, and the distance between the clamping part 121 and the target member 200. The trigger distance corresponds to the distance at which the contact member 131 moves relative to the clamping mechanism 120, just enough to move the sensing element 133 into the sensing range of the sensor 140. This distance is usually determined by the position of the sensor 140, the linkage relationship between the sensing element 133 and the contact member 131, etc. This application does not limit the specific position of the sensor 140 or the specific linkage relationship between the sensing element 133 and the contact member 131.

[0059] Based on the preceding description, the sliding part 1321 can be specifically located on the guide member 132. That is, a T-shaped groove or a dovetail groove, etc., can be adapted to be formed on the sliding part 1321.

[0060] In the above implementation process, by configuring corresponding guide members 132 and sensing members 133 for the contact mechanism 130, where the guide member 132 can cooperate with the guide rail 122 on the clamping mechanism 120, and the sensing member 133 can cooperate with the sensor 140, it is not necessary to design the contact member 131 as a separate component that can slide on the guide rail 122, and for a portion of the sensing member 133 to be sensed by the sensor 140 within its movement stroke. Based on the specific structure and spatial layout of the clamping device 100, the specific connection positions of the guide member 132 and the sensing member 133 with the contact member 131 can be flexibly selected. This improves the design flexibility of the clamping device 100 and correspondingly expands its applicability.

[0061] Please continue to refer to Figure 2 In some alternative embodiments, sensor 140 may include a slotted photoelectric sensor 140. The slotted photoelectric sensor 140 may have a detection slot. Sensing element 133 may include a sensing sheet, which may be configured to follow the movement of guide 132 into or out of the detection slot.

[0062] The slot-type photoelectric sensor 140, also commonly referred to as a U-shaped photoelectric sensor 140, typically has a U-shaped slot. A light signal transmitter and a light signal receiver are respectively disposed on the two side walls of the slot. The light signal transmitter emits light signals to the light signal receiver, which in turn receives the emitted light signals. When an object is present within the U-shaped slot, the light signal transmission path between the transmitter and receiver is usually blocked. Consequently, the light signal receiver cannot properly receive the light signal emitted by the transmitter.

[0063] In this embodiment, if an obstacle is encountered during the grasping of the target component 200, as the clamping mechanism 120 gradually approaches the target component 200, the contact member 131 slides relative to the clamping mechanism 120 after contacting the obstacle, thereby driving the sensing sheet to move into the U-shaped slot of the slotted photoelectric sensor 140. When the sensing sheet moves into the U-shaped slot, the optical signal receiver cannot normally receive the optical signal emitted by the optical signal transmitter. Conversely, the optical signal receiver can normally receive the optical signal emitted by the optical signal transmitter. Based on this, it can be determined whether an obstacle has occurred during the grasping of the target component 200.

[0064] In the above implementation process, by using a slotted photoelectric sensor 140 as the specific type of sensor 140, the principle is simpler and the setting position is more flexible compared to using other sensors 140 such as proximity switches, which helps to further simplify the structure of the clamping device 100.

[0065] Please continue to refer to Figure 2 In some alternative embodiments, the clamping part 121 may have a clamping surface. A flexible material 1212 may be provided on the clamping surface.

[0066] The flexible material 1212 can specifically be rubber or silicone, etc.

[0067] In the above implementation process, by providing a flexible material 1212 on the clamping surface of the clamping part 121, a certain buffering effect can be achieved during the clamping process of the clamping part 121 clamping the target part 200, thereby reducing the risk of the target part 200 being damaged by the clamping part 121.

[0068] Please continue to refer to Figure 2 In some alternative embodiments, the surface of the flexible material 1212 facing the clamping space may be provided with anti-slip texture.

[0069] Anti-slip textures can specifically be several vertical or horizontal stripes arranged in a specific direction, or they can be intersecting stripes, or they can be... Figure 2 The diagram shows several diagonally intersecting stripes that form a rhomboid grid.

[0070] In the above implementation process, by setting anti-slip texture on the flexible material 1212, the friction between the clamping part 121 and the target part 200 is increased when the clamping part 121 clamps the target part 200, thereby greatly reducing the risk of the target part 200 falling off the clamping part 121 when it is clamped.

[0071] Please refer to Figure 1 In some optional embodiments, the clamping device 100 provided in this application may further include at least two carrier members 150. Each carrier member 150 may have a carrier portion 151 located at one end. The carrier portion 151 bends and extends from one end of the carrier member 150 in a first direction; wherein the first direction is the direction in which the carrier portion 151 is oriented by the contact end when the carrier member 150 is rotated. The other end of the carrier member 150 is rotatably connected to the body 110. The carrier member 150 may be configured such that, when the clamping mechanism 120 clamps the target member 200, the carrier portion 151 is positioned in the direction of the contact end by rotation.

[0072] by Figure 1For example, the number of support members 150 can be two, which are respectively set at both ends of the main body 110. The number of support members 150 can also be four, which are respectively set around the main body 110.

[0073] At least two support members 150 can constitute the bottom support mechanism of the clamping device 100. When the clamping mechanism 120 clamps the target part 200 and moves or changes the posture of the target part 200, the support frame can rotate to a position where one end of its support portion 151 contacts the ground, so as to catch the target part 200 if it falls off the clamping portion 121. During the process of the clamping mechanism 120 clamping the target part 200, the support member 150 can rotate to other positions to avoid obstructing the gripping of the target part 200.

[0074] In the above implementation process, by providing a rotatable support member 150 on the main body 110, when the clamping mechanism 120 clamps the target part 200, the support member 150 is rotated to the position where the support part 151 is facing the contact end, so as to provide a bottom support and prepare to receive the target part 200 that falls off the clamping part 121, thereby further preventing the target part 200 from falling off the clamping device 100 and providing better protection for the target part 200.

[0075] Based on the same concept, this application also provides a battery production apparatus, which may include the clamping device 100 described above.

[0076] The clamping device 100 is used to clamp the battery cell, specifically to perform processes such as grasping, placing, translating, and flipping the battery cell.

[0077] The above implementation process is the same as that of the clamping device 100 described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0078] In summary, the clamping device 100 and battery production equipment provided in the various embodiments of this application, by configuring a contact mechanism 130, contact the obstacle before the clamping mechanism 120 (such as the gripper) when an obstacle is present. This not only avoids collisions but also simplifies the structure of the clamping device 100. By using a closed guide rail 122 as the specific type of guide rail and by using a closed groove adapted to the closed guide rail 122, the sliding part 1321 is prevented from falling off the guide rail 122. By using a slot-type photoelectric sensor 140 as the specific type of sensor, compared with other sensors 140 such as proximity switches, the principle is simpler and the placement is more flexible, which helps to further simplify the structure of the clamping device 100. By providing a flexible material 1212 on the clamping surface of the clamping part 121, a certain buffering effect is provided during the clamping process of the clamping part 121 clamping the target part 200, thereby reducing the risk of the target part 200 being damaged by the clamping part 121.

[0079] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A clamping device, characterized in that, Includes the main body, clamping mechanism, contact mechanism, and sensors; The clamping mechanism is disposed on the main body; The clamping mechanism includes a clamping part; the clamping part is configured to clamp the target part when it is moved to the position of the target part; The contact mechanism is movably disposed on the clamping mechanism, the movable direction of the contact mechanism is consistent with the moving direction of the clamping part, and the movable trajectory of the contact mechanism is separate from the clamping space of the clamping part. The contact mechanism includes a contact element; the contact element has a contact end, and the contact end is located on the end of the contact element that faces the same direction as the direction in which the clamping part moves toward the target part; When the contact end is not in contact with an obstacle, the distance between it and the target part is less than the distance between the clamping part and the target part. The sensor is disposed on the clamping mechanism and configured to sense the movement of the contact member on the clamping mechanism.

2. The clamping device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping mechanism is also equipped with a guide rail; The contact mechanism includes a sliding part adapted to the guide rail; The guiding direction of the guide rail is consistent with the moving direction of the clamping part.

3. The clamping device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The guide rail includes a closed guide rail; The sliding part includes a closed groove.

4. The clamping device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The contact mechanism also includes an elastic element; One end of the elastic element is connected to the clamping mechanism, and the other end of the elastic element is connected to the contact element; The elastic element has a naturally extended state; When the elastic member is in its naturally extended state, the distance between the contact end and the target member is less than the distance between the clamping part and the target member.

5. The clamping device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The contact mechanism also includes a guide and a sensor; The guide member is movably disposed on the clamping mechanism and is rigidly connected to the contact member; The sensing element is disposed on the guide element; When the contact end contacts the obstacle and the contact mechanism continues to move a trigger distance toward the obstacle, the sensing element moves into the sensing range of the sensor; wherein, the trigger distance is less than the difference between the distance between the contact end and the target element and the distance between the clamping part and the target element when the contact end does not contact the obstacle.

6. The clamping device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The sensor includes a slotted photoelectric sensor; The slotted photoelectric sensor has a detection slot; The sensing element includes a sensing plate configured to follow the movement of the guide member, entering or leaving the detection slot.

7. The clamping device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping part has a clamping surface; The clamping surface is provided with a flexible material.

8. The clamping device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The flexible material has anti-slip textures on its surface facing the clamping space.

9. The clamping device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device also includes at least two support components; The carrier has a bearing portion located at one end thereto; the bearing portion bends and extends from one end of the carrier in a first direction; wherein, the first direction is the direction in which the bearing portion is oriented by the contact end when the carrier is rotated. The other end of the support member is rotatably connected to the main body; The carrier is configured such that, when the target component is held by the clamping mechanism, the carrier portion is rotated to a position facing the contact end.

10. A battery manufacturing apparatus, characterized in that, The device includes a clamping device according to any one of claims 1 to 9; wherein the clamping device is used to clamp a battery cell.

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