Multi-station pole full-automatic embedding equipment

Abstract

The utility model is a kind of full-automatic burying equipment of multi-station pole, characterized in that: including fuselage, product conveying streamline, material head punching unit, burying and taking fixture, pole carrying unit, pole tray feeding streamline unit, pole feeding streamline unit, multi-axis mechanical arm, the fuselage one side is provided with pole feeding streamline unit, pole tray feeding streamline unit cooperation pole feeding streamline unit is used for finished product pole supply, material head punching unit, product conveying streamline and place in the other side are used for the punching and carrying of injection molding pole, multi-axis mechanical arm is integrated in the middle of fuselage, and the rear side of multi-axis mechanical arm is connected with burying and taking fixture to complete the grabbing of injection molding pole, pole carrying unit is arranged beside pole feeding streamline unit, and the device breaks through the technical bottleneck of traditional pole burying equipment through structural innovation and intelligent control, and provides efficient, accurate and flexible automatic solution for new energy battery manufacturing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automated manufacturing technology, specifically to a multi-station fully automatic electrode embedding device, which is particularly suitable for precision manufacturing scenarios such as battery modules and electronic components. Background Technology

[0002] In modern battery manufacturing and related industries, the terminal block, as a key component connecting the battery to the external circuit, plays a decisive role in the battery's performance, safety, and production efficiency due to the quality and efficiency of its embedding process. With the rapid development of the new energy industry, the battery market's demands for products are becoming increasingly diversified. These demands not only require batteries to have higher energy density and longer lifespans, but also impose stringent requirements on production efficiency and flexibility. This necessitates that terminal block embedding equipment continuously adapt to the differentiated needs of different battery specifications and types.

[0003] Traditional terminal block embedding methods and equipment face numerous challenges under the current industrial development situation: First, most traditional terminal block embedding equipment has relatively simple functions and lacks structural design flexibility. When it is necessary to produce different models and specifications of battery products, or to change different types of terminals, the equipment is often difficult to adapt quickly, requiring a lot of mechanical structural adjustments or even redesign. For example, when changing the spacing or embedding depth of the terminals, or replacing terminals with different shapes and sizes, the equipment may need to reinstall positioning devices and adjust the parameters of the handling mechanism. This not only greatly reduces production efficiency and increases the time cost of equipment debugging, but also limits the company's ability to accept diversified orders and makes it difficult to meet the rapidly changing market demands. Second, in terms of equipment stability, some existing terminal block embedding equipment has not fully considered the requirements of long-term high-speed and high-precision operation in its structural design. During long-term continuous operation, problems such as accelerated wear of mechanical transmission components and decreased positioning accuracy are prone to occur, leading to quality defects such as terminal block embedding position deviation and uneven embedding force. These quality problems not only affect the electrical performance of the battery, but may also cause safety hazards during battery use, such as poor contact leading to overheating and short circuits. Furthermore, existing pole insertion equipment suffers from significant shortcomings in terms of ease of maintenance. Key internal components, such as the handling module and positioning unit, are often surrounded by complex mechanical structures, lacking adequate access for maintenance and sufficient operating space. This results in substantial time and labor costs for routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and component replacement, reducing effective equipment uptime and increasing operational costs for businesses. Simultaneously, the lack of automation and precise calibration methods during assembly in traditional equipment necessitates reliance on manual experience, leading to inconsistent assembly accuracy, poor performance consistency between different devices, and hindering large-scale standardized production.

[0004] To meet the demands of the modern battery manufacturing industry for efficient, precise, stable, and flexible electrode embedding processes, the development of a multi-station fully automated electrode embedding device with high adaptability, high stability, and easy maintenance has become an urgent need for the industry. Utility Model Content

[0005] This utility model aims to provide a multi-station fully automatic electrode embedding equipment to solve the problems of poor adaptability, insufficient stability, cumbersome maintenance and low production efficiency of traditional electrode embedding equipment, and to meet the needs of new energy battery manufacturing for high efficiency, precision and flexibility in electrode embedding process.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: A multi-station fully automatic electrode insertion device includes a machine body, a product conveying flow line, a material head punching unit, an insertion and removal fixture, an electrode handling unit, an electrode tray supply flow line unit, an electrode supply flow line unit, and a multi-axis robotic arm. An electrode supply flow line unit is located on one side of the machine body, and the electrode tray supply flow line unit cooperates with the electrode supply flow line unit to provide finished electrode pins. The material head punching unit and the product conveying flow line are located on the other side of the machine body, responsible for the punching and handling of the injection-molded electrode pins. A multi-axis robotic arm is integrated in the middle of the machine body. The rear of this robotic arm connects to the insertion and removal fixture to jointly complete the gripping operation of the injection-molded electrode pins. The electrode handling unit is located next to the electrode supply flow line unit. The material head punching unit, the multi-axis robotic arm, and the product conveying flow line work together, with the multi-axis robotic arm undertaking the task of gripping and inserting the electrode pins. The sprue cutting unit adopts a "cut-then-file" structural design, with a cutting surface at the front and a filing surface at the rear, enabling sequential cutting and trimming of the sprue nozzle. Waste material generated from sprue cutting is automatically discharged to the waste port for centralized collection through a pre-set discharge gap inside the mold. After trimming, the sprue nozzles are transferred to the product conveyor line. The sprue handling unit can be either a sprue handling module or a variable-pitch sprue handling module. The variable-pitch sprue handling module adjusts the sprue spacing via servo drive and works in conjunction with a multi-axis robotic arm to precisely transport the injection-molded and finished sprue nozzles to the embedding station. The sprue tray supply unit and the sprue secondary positioning unit work together to supply and calibrate the sprue nozzles, achieving a calibration accuracy of ≤0.1mm. The embedding and extraction fixture is integrated at the front of the vertical injection molding machine, and the multi-axis robotic arm transports the sprue nozzles to the sprue cutting unit. The product conveyor system utilizes a conveyor belt structure, seamlessly connecting with the injection molding machine's outlet to complete product transport. The pole supply unit connects to the pole tray supply unit, transporting the poles from the tray supply station to the gripping area. Upon arrival, the pole's variable-pitch handling module is triggered to grip it, ensuring smooth supply and handling. The multi-axis robotic arm is equipped with a chuck changing platform, enabling rapid replacement of different chuck sizes via standardized interfaces, meeting the production adaptation needs of various product categories. Simultaneously, the multi-axis robotic arm coordinates the actions of the pole handling module, the insert / remove fixture, and the sprue punching unit through linkage control. The entire machine is used in conjunction with a vertical injection molding machine.

[0007] The machine body serves as the rigid load-bearing foundation of the equipment, integrating installation interfaces for various functional modules to ensure structural stability during operation and provide benchmark support for automated processes. In the dual conveyor belt assembly, one conveyor belt handles the feeding and conveying of the electrode columns, while the other is used for finished product transfer and output. The conveyor belt surfaces are treated with anti-slip and wear-resistant materials to ensure smooth electrode column transport. The electrode column variable-pitch handling module is installed on the upper part of the main frame. Through servo drive, it achieves X / Y / Z axis movement and end-grip variable-pitch, accurately grasping the electrode columns on the conveyor belt, adjusting the spacing, and then moving them to the embedded workstation. The module has a built-in pressure sensor to ensure stable electrode column gripping force and prevent damage. The robotic arm, equipped with a flexible gripping end effector, grasps semi-finished electrode columns from the external injection molding machine and accurately transfers them to the sprue punching unit. The robotic arm is equipped with a path planning algorithm to avoid workstation interference, ensuring both handling efficiency and safety.

[0008] The direct processing flow for electrode pillars is as follows: The electrode pillar tray supply streamline unit conveys the finished electrode pillars to be processed, which are then transferred to the feeding conveyor belt by the electrode pillar supply streamline unit. The electrode pillar variable pitch handling module directly grasps the pillars, and after precise positioning by the electrode pillar secondary positioning unit, they are transferred to the embedding station. The embedding and removal fixture embeds the electrode pillar into the designated position according to preset parameters. Its built-in pressure feedback monitors the embedding depth in real time to ensure consistency. After completion, the handling module transfers the finished product to the product conveying streamline output. The entire process does not require injection molding and punching. In contrast, in the injection molding electrode pillar processing flow, the electrode pillars are processed by a multi-axis robotic arm in a vertical injection molding machine. The insertion and removal process is completed. The chuck of the multi-axis robotic arm can also be changed on the chuck changing platform according to different product models. After being gripped, it is sent to the material head punching unit for cutting and trimming. This unit integrates precision punching molds and servo power mechanisms. The file is made of carbide and is equipped with a displacement monitoring module. By cutting before filing, the punching dimensional accuracy is ensured to reach ±0.05mm. The punched pole is sent to the conveyor belt by the X / Y / Z axes of the punching unit. Finally, the finished product is placed in an orderly manner on the product conveying line. The cutting waste generated by punching falls through the middle of the injection molding pole mold and passes through the waste port at the bottom of the equipment.

[0009] Preferably, the pole handling module, the gripping end of the multi-axis robotic arm, and the material punching unit are modularly designed, allowing for quick replacement of the end effector according to the pole diameter and shape without modifying the main body of the equipment, thus improving the equipment's adaptability to poles of various specifications.

[0010] Preferably, the equipment can perform integrated embedding and punching processing on the electrode posts produced by the injection molding machine, or it can directly embed the electrode posts, further improving the adaptability to production scenarios.

[0011] Preferably, the multi-axis robotic arm uses a high-rigidity carbon fiber arm body and has a built-in dual encoder servo drive, which can ensure high speed (maximum speed 1.2m / s) and high precision (repeat positioning accuracy ±0.02mm) of pole column handling, and adapt to efficient and stable handling requirements.

[0012] Preferably, the die for punching is made of cemented carbide, which increases wear resistance by 3 times and allows for monitoring of punching pressure. It can automatically adapt to die for different thicknesses, ensuring stable punching quality.

[0013] Compared with existing technologies, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: Through modular components and dual-process collaboration (feeding, embedding, injection molding, and punching processes), the equipment can not only quickly switch the specifications and types of pole pieces without large-scale modifications, adapting to small-batch, multi-variety production, solving the pain points of traditional equipment's "difficult adjustment and poor adaptability," but also flexibly support two production modes—it can complete the integrated embedding and punching processing of pole pieces produced by injection molding machines, and it can also directly embed finished pole pieces, further improving the adaptability to production scenarios; visual positioning combined with servo control achieves a pole piece positioning error of ≤±0.03mm throughout the entire process, and with the help of fixture pressure feedback, ensures embedding accuracy. The equipment boasts high precision and consistency. DLC coating on the punching cutters and displacement monitoring ensure accurate material head shaping, eliminating potential assembly deviations in the terminal blocks. Standardized inspection ports and quick-release modules reduce daily maintenance and troubleshooting time by 60%. High integration of the main frame reduces reliance on manual calibration, lowering the assembly cycle by 40% and resolving the issues of cumbersome maintenance and slow assembly associated with traditional equipment. Full-process automated operation (loading → handling → embedding → returning and embedding → removal → punching → returning) achieves a single-station cycle time of ≤12 seconds, a 5-fold improvement over manual methods. Defect screening through positioning calibration and precise punching control reduce terminal block loss by ≥15%, minimizing material waste and improving production economy. In summary, this equipment, through structural innovation and intelligent control, overcomes the technical bottlenecks of traditional terminal block embedding equipment, providing a highly efficient, precise, and flexible automated solution for new energy battery manufacturing. Attached Figure Description

[0014] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0015] Figure 1 This is an overall layout diagram of Example 1 of this utility model;

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the material head punching unit, an example of this utility model.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an example of the present invention: a pole column transport module, a pole column pitch-changing transport module, and a pole column secondary positioning unit.

[0018] Figure 4This is an overall layout diagram of the second example of the device of this utility model.

[0019] The following are the labels in the diagram: 1. Vertical injection molding machine; 2. Machine body; 3. Product conveying flow line; 4. Material head punching unit; 5. Embedded and retrieved jig; 6. Pole column handling module; 7. Pole column variable pitch handling module; 8. Pole column tray supply flow line unit; 9. Pole column supply flow line unit; 10. Multi-axis robotic arm; 11. Pole column secondary positioning unit; 12. Scrap outlet; 13. Chuck changing platform. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0021] Please see Figure 1-3 The present invention provides an embodiment one:

[0022] Example 1

[0023] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a multi-station fully automatic pole embedding device, comprising a machine body, a product conveying flow line, a material head punching unit, an embedding and extraction fixture, a pole handling module, a pole pitch-changing handling module, a pole tray supply flow line unit, a pole supply flow line unit, a multi-axis robotic arm, and a pole secondary positioning unit.

[0024] The machine body serves as the rigid load-bearing foundation of the equipment, integrating the installation interfaces of various functional modules to ensure the structural stability of the equipment during operation and provide benchmark support for automated processes. In the dual conveyor belt assembly, one side is responsible for the feeding and conveying of the poles, and the other side is used for the output of finished products. The surface is treated with anti-slip and wear-resistant coating to adapt to the smooth conveying of the poles. The pole variable pitch handling module is installed on the upper part of the main frame. It realizes the X / Y / Z axis movement and end gripper pitch change through servo drive. It can accurately grab the poles on the conveyor belt and adjust the spacing before moving them to the embedded station. The module has a built-in pressure sensor to ensure stable gripping force. The robotic arm is equipped with a flexible gripping end to grab the semi-finished poles from the external injection molding machine and move them to the material head punching unit. It is also equipped with a path planning algorithm to avoid station interference.

[0025] Direct processing flow of the electrode post: The electrode post tray supply line 8 unit conveys the finished electrode post to be processed, and then it is transferred to the feeding conveyor belt via the electrode post supply line unit. The electrode post variable pitch handling module 7 directly grabs the electrode post, and after the electrode post secondary positioning unit 11 completes the precise positioning, it is transferred to the embedding station. The embedding and removal fixture embeds the electrode post into the designated position according to the preset parameters. The built-in pressure feedback monitors the embedding depth in real time to ensure consistency. After completion, the handling module transfers the finished product to the product conveying flow line for output. The entire process does not require injection molding and punching.

[0026] Injection Molding Post Processing Flow: The post is inserted and removed by a multi-axis robotic arm 10 in the vertical injection molding machine 1. It is then gripped and sent to the material head punching unit 4 for cutting and trimming. This unit integrates a precision punching mold and a servo power mechanism. The file is made of carbide and is equipped with a displacement monitoring module. The punching dimension accuracy is ensured to be ±0.05mm by cutting first and then filing. The punched post is sent to the conveyor belt by the X / Y / Z axes of the punching unit 4. Finally, the finished product is placed in an orderly manner on the product conveying line 3. The cutting waste generated by punching falls through the middle of the injection molding post mold and passes through the waste port at the bottom of the equipment.

[0027] The visual positioning calibration module deploys high-definition industrial cameras and laser rangefinders at each key workstation to identify pole position deviations in real time and compensate through algorithms to ensure positioning accuracy ≤ ±0.03mm. In the modular maintenance structure, the main frame has standardized maintenance ports, and key internal components adopt quick-release interface designs, reserving maintenance channels to improve maintenance convenience.

[0028] This multi-station fully automated electrode insertion equipment integrates modular transmission and intelligent positioning systems to construct a fully automated electrode processing system. Its core innovation lies in achieving dual-mode collaboration between "injection molding electrode processing" and "direct electrode processing," while relying on visual calibration and servo drive to achieve high-precision positioning. The overall functionality and beneficial effects are reflected in the following aspects:

[0029] From a structural perspective, the device uses the main body 2 as its supporting foundation and achieves flexible switching between electrode processing through a dual-process design: In direct processing mode, the electrode is supplied from the tray to the embedded output, forming an independent closed loop, with the electrode pitch transfer module and secondary positioning unit dominating the process; in injection molding mode, the multi-axis robotic arm and punching unit connect to form a complete link. The two modes share a vision positioning and conveying system, achieving seamless switching through program switching. In this implementation, one electrode transfer module is used, but multiple modules can also be configured. Multiple modules working together can enhance the parallel processing capability of both modes, increasing batch processing efficiency by more than 50%.

[0030] In terms of functionality, the device has three core features: First, dual-mode adaptability. In direct processing mode, it skips the injection molding and punching processes and directly connects the electrode tray supply line and positioning unit to embed the electrode into the process, adapting to the rapid processing of pre-formed electrodes. Second, seamless process connection. Both modes ensure accuracy through a unified vision positioning system, and the variable distance function of the handling module can simultaneously adapt to the gripping needs of electrodes of different specifications. Third, intelligent operation. With the help of mode switching program and path planning algorithm, the equipment can automatically select the processing flow according to the production order, greatly reducing the cost of manual intervention.

[0031] This device first addresses the issue of limited functionality in traditional equipment. Its dual-mode design allows it to process both injection-molded semi-finished terminals and directly manufacture finished terminals, adapting to diverse production needs. Second, compared to single-process equipment, the parallel operation of dual modes increases equipment utilization by over 30%, maintaining a single-station cycle time of ≤12 seconds. Third, the modular design and unified vision system ensure that the switching time between the two modes is ≤5 minutes, resolving the pain point of slow changeover in traditional equipment. Finally, through dual-mode precision control (direct processing positioning error ≤±0.03mm, injection molding punching accuracy ±0.05mm), it provides a consistent foundation for terminal quality in battery assembly.

[0032] Please see Figure 2-4 The present invention provides a second embodiment:

[0033] Example 2

[0034] The core difference between this example and Example 1 lies in the design of the transport module for the direct machining process of the pole piece: Example 1 uses two independent X / Y / Z three-axis modules (pole piece transport module 6 is responsible for gripping and transferring, and pole piece pitch-adjusting transport module 7 is responsible for adjusting the pitch), while this example integrates the two into a single X / Y / Z three-axis module as a new pole piece transport unit. The modular design of the end effector unifies the pitch adjustment and transport functions. The integrated X / Y / Z three-axis module is equipped with multiple synchronously retractable grippers at the end, with servo motors independently controlling the pitch of each gripper (pitch range 0-100mm). It retains the pressure sensing and positioning accuracy (≤±0.03mm) of the original dual modules. In the direct machining process, the entire process of pole piece gripping, pitch adjustment, transfer and embedding, and finished product placement can be completed in one go, without the need for coordination between the two modules. Its advantages are reflected in the following aspects: Economically, it reduces the hardware cost of a three-axis module (lowering equipment procurement costs by approximately 20%), while simplifying the control system and reducing energy consumption and subsequent maintenance costs; in terms of safety, the single-module motion path is simpler, avoiding the risk of workstation interference that may occur with dual-module collaboration, and the mechanical structure is more compact, reducing blind spots and collision hazards; in terms of efficiency, by optimizing the variable-pitch response speed of the end effector gripper (≤0.5 seconds), it ensures that the single-station cycle time is the same as in Example 1 (≤12 seconds), with completely consistent functional coverage. This example, through structural integration, significantly improves the cost-effectiveness and operational safety of the equipment while ensuring functional integrity, making it more suitable for cost control needs in small-to-medium batch production scenarios.

[0035] Furthermore, the addition of the waste outlet 12 can be used to collect the waste material generated by the material head punching unit 4 during the injection molding process of the pole column. This waste material is automatically discharged to the waste outlet 12 for centralized collection through the preset material drop gap inside the mold. The chuck changing platform 13, as the chuck quick-change module of the multi-axis robotic arm 10, uses a standardized interface to realize the rapid replacement of chucks of different specifications, meeting the production adaptation needs of multiple product categories.

[0036] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and not to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A multi-station fully automatic pole insertion device, characterized in that: The machine includes a body (2), a product conveying flow line (3), a material head punching unit (4), an embedded extraction fixture (5), an electrode handling unit, an electrode tray supply flow line unit (8), an electrode supply flow line unit (9), and a multi-axis robotic arm (10). The electrode supply flow line unit (9) is provided on one side of the body (2). The electrode tray supply flow line unit (8) works in conjunction with the electrode supply flow line unit (9) to supply finished electrode columns. The material head punching unit (4), the product conveying flow line (3), and the multi-axis robotic arm (10) are placed on the other side for punching and handling injection molding electrode columns. The multi-axis robotic arm (10) is integrated in the middle of the body. The embedded extraction fixture (5) is connected to the rear side of the multi-axis robotic arm (10) to complete the gripping of injection molding electrode columns. The electrode handling unit is located next to the electrode supply flow line unit (9).

2. The fully automatic multi-station pole embedding device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The material head punching unit (4) works in conjunction with the multi-axis robotic arm (10) and the product conveying line (3), with the multi-axis robotic arm (10) responsible for the task of gripping and embedding the pole.

3. The fully automatic multi-station pole embedding device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The cutting unit (4) adopts a "cut first, file later" structure. The front end is equipped with a cutting surface and the end end is equipped with a filing surface. It completes the cutting and trimming of the pole post gate in sequence. The waste generated by the cutting unit is automatically discharged to the waste port (12) through the pre-set material drop gap inside the mold for centralized collection. Then the trimmed pole post is transferred to the product conveying line (3).

4. The fully automatic multi-station pole embedding device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pole column transport unit is a combination of pole column transport module (6) and pole column pitch-changing transport module (7) or an X / Y / Z three-axis module. The pole column pitch-changing transport module (7) adjusts the pole column spacing through servo drive and is linked with the multi-axis robotic arm (10) to accurately transport the injection-molded pole column and finished pole column to the embedding station.

5. The fully automatic multi-station pole embedding device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pole tray supply streamline unit (8) cooperates with the pole secondary positioning unit (11) to realize the supply and position calibration of the pole, with a calibration accuracy of ≤0.1mm.

6. The fully automatic multi-station pole embedding device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The embedded and extracted fixture (5) is integrated at the front end of the vertical injection molding machine, and the pole is transported to the head punching unit (4) by the multi-axis robotic arm (10).

7. The fully automatic multi-station pole embedding device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The product conveying line (3) adopts a conveyor belt structure and is seamlessly connected to the injection molding machine outlet to realize product conveying.

8. The fully automatic multi-station pole embedding device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pole supply streamline unit (9) is connected to the pole tray supply streamline unit (8) to transfer the pole from the tray supply station to the gripping area. When it arrives, the pole pitch transfer module (7) is triggered to grip it, so as to realize the connection between supply and transport.

9. The fully automatic multi-station pole embedding device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The multi-axis robotic arm (10) is equipped with a chuck replacement platform (13), which enables the rapid replacement of chucks of different specifications through a standardized interface, meeting the production adaptation needs of multiple product categories.

10. The fully automatic multi-station pole embedding device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The multi-axis robotic arm (10) coordinates the actions of the pole column transport module (6), the embedded and retrieved fixture (5), and the material head punching unit (4) through linkage control. The machine body (2) is used in conjunction with a vertical injection molding machine.

Images