A welding apparatus

Abstract

The application relates to a welding device. The welding device comprises a flow transfer device, a jig arranged on the flow transfer device and conveyed along a preset conveying route by the flow transfer device, a first feeding device, a second feeding device, a first welding device, a third feeding device and a second welding device arranged in sequence along the preset conveying route of the flow transfer device; wherein the first feeding device and the second feeding device are respectively used for feeding a battery cell and a conversion sheet to the jig passing by, the first welding device is used for welding the tab of the battery cell and the conversion sheet on the jig passing by, the third feeding device is used for feeding a cover sheet to the jig passing by, and the second welding device is used for welding the conversion sheet and the cover sheet on the jig passing by.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] The battery manufacturing process generally involves multiple welding steps. For example, the positive and negative electrode adapters need to be welded to the positive and negative tabs of the battery cell, respectively, and then the positive and negative electrode adapters are installed onto the top cover.

[0003] Traditionally, two welding machines are used to weld the adapter plate and the top cover separately. During production, at the first welding machine, a robotic arm loads the battery cell and adapter plate onto a fixture, which positions them, allowing for welding, inspection, and unloading of the adapter plate to the battery cell tabs. A material tray is used to transfer the battery cell between the two welding machines. At the second welding machine, a robotic arm loads the battery cell and top cover onto a fixture, which positions them, allowing for welding, inspection, and unloading of the top cover to the adapter plate.

[0004] It is evident that the battery cells need to be transferred multiple times between various fixtures during the processing, which means that the battery cells need to be repeatedly loaded, unloaded and positioned. It is difficult to guarantee the positioning accuracy of the battery cells, resulting in a low welding yield. Utility Model Content

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a welding equipment that can improve welding yield to address the above problems.

[0006] A welding device, comprising:

[0007] Transfer device;

[0008] The fixture is mounted on the transfer device and is transported by the transfer device along a preset transport route;

[0009] The first feeding device, the second feeding device, the first welding device, the third feeding device, and the second welding device are arranged sequentially along the preset conveying route of the transfer device;

[0010] The first feeding device and the second feeding device are respectively used to feed the adapter plate and the battery cell onto the passing fixture. The first welding device is used to weld the electrode tab of the battery cell to the adapter plate on the passing fixture. The third feeding device is used to feed the cover plate onto the passing fixture. The second welding device is used to weld the adapter plate to the cover plate on the passing fixture.

[0011] In some embodiments, the welding equipment further includes a feeding device disposed downstream of the second welding device, the feeding device being used to feed the battery cells, adapter pieces and cover pieces from the fixture as they pass through.

[0012] In some embodiments, the transfer device drives the fixture to sequentially circulate through the first feeding device, the second feeding device, the first welding device, the third feeding device, the second welding device, and the unloading device.

[0013] In some embodiments, the transfer device includes a first conveyor line, a second conveyor line, a first transfer mechanism, and a second transfer mechanism;

[0014] The first conveyor line is used to convey the fixture from its upstream end to its downstream end. The first transfer mechanism is arranged between the upstream end of the first conveyor line and the downstream end of the second conveyor line, and is used to transfer the fixture on the downstream end of the second conveyor line to the upstream end of the first conveyor line. The second conveyor line is used to convey the fixture from its upstream end to its downstream end. The second transfer mechanism is arranged between the downstream end of the first conveyor line and the upstream end of the second conveyor line, and is used to transfer the fixture on the downstream end of the first conveyor line to the upstream end of the second conveyor line.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first feeding device, the second feeding device, and the first welding device are arranged sequentially from the upstream end to the downstream end along the first conveyor line; the third feeding device, the second welding device, and the unloading device are arranged sequentially from the upstream end to the downstream end along the second conveyor line.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first feeding device is used to feed the positive electrode adapter and the negative electrode adapter onto the fixture that is passing through;

[0017] The first welding device includes a positive electrode welding device and a negative electrode welding device arranged along the preset conveying route of the transfer device. The positive electrode welding device is used to weld the positive electrode tab of the battery cell on the fixture passing through to the positive electrode adapter piece, and the negative electrode welding device is used to weld the negative electrode tab of the battery cell on the fixture passing through to the negative electrode adapter piece.

[0018] In some embodiments, the welding equipment includes a rotary station located between the positive electrode welding device and the negative electrode welding device, and the transfer device drives the fixture to rotate at the rotary station.

[0019] In some embodiments, the fixture includes a female fixture, a first sub-fixture, and a second sub-fixture. The female fixture is used to receive the battery cell, the first sub-fixture is used to receive the adapter plate, and the second sub-fixture is used to receive the cover plate. The first sub-fixture and the second sub-fixture can be alternately mated with the female fixture.

[0020] In some embodiments, when the first sub-fixture is mated with the mother fixture, the electrode tabs of the battery cell on the mother fixture and the adapter plate on the first sub-fixture are positioned.

[0021] When the second sub-jig is connected to the mother jig, the adapter plate on the mother jig, which is welded and fixed to the electrode tab of the battery cell, and the cover plate on the second sub-jig are used for positioning.

[0022] In some embodiments, the fixture further includes a base, the female fixture is mounted on the base, the base has a first placement position and a second placement position, the female fixture has a mating position, the first sub-fixture switches between the first placement position and the mating position, and the second sub-fixture switches between the second placement position and the mating position.

[0023] In some embodiments, the mating position of the female fixture is provided with a positioning pin, and both the first and second sub-fixtures are provided with positioning holes that can mate with the positioning pin; or

[0024] The mating position of the female fixture is provided with a positioning hole, and both the first and second sub-fixtures are provided with positioning pins that can cooperate with the positioning hole.

[0025] In some embodiments, the mating position of the female fixture is provided with a magnetic attraction element; or

[0026] Both the first sub-jig and the second sub-jig are equipped with the magnetic suction element.

[0027] In some embodiments, the fixture includes a base, a female fixture, a first female fixture, and a second female fixture. The female fixture is used to receive a battery cell, the first female fixture is used to receive an adapter plate, and the second female fixture is used to receive a cover plate. The female fixture is mounted on the base, which has a first placement position and a second placement position for placing the first female fixture and the second female fixture, respectively. The female fixture has a mating position.

[0028] The welding equipment further includes a first jig pick-and-place device and a second jig pick-and-place device. The first jig pick-and-place device is provided between the downstream of the unloading device and the upstream of the first loading device. The first jig pick-and-place device is used to transfer the first sub-jig located at the first placement position to the mating position. The second jig pick-and-place device is provided between the downstream of the first welding device and the upstream of the second loading device. The second jig pick-and-place device is used to transfer the first sub-jig located at the mating position to the first placement position.

[0029] In some embodiments, the welding equipment further includes a third fixture pick-and-place device and a fourth fixture pick-and-place device. The third fixture pick-and-place device is disposed downstream of the second feeding device and upstream of the second welding device. The third fixture pick-and-place device is used to transfer the second sub-fixture located at the second placement position to the mating position. The fourth fixture pick-and-place device is disposed between the downstream of the second welding device and the upstream of the first fixture pick-and-place device. The fourth fixture pick-and-place device is used to transfer the second sub-fixture located at the mating position to the second placement position.

[0030] In some embodiments, the first fixture pick-up and place device, the second fixture pick-up and place device, the third fixture pick-up and place device and the fourth fixture pick-up and place device all include a motion drive mechanism and a hooking mechanism. The hooking mechanism includes a hooking drive member installed on the drive end of the motion drive mechanism and two hooks connected to the hooking drive member. The two hooks have protrusions on their opposite sides.

[0031] Both the first sub-jig and the second sub-jig have a hollow groove and a first side wall and a second side wall that serve as opposite side walls of the hollow groove. The first side wall and the second side wall are provided with slots.

[0032] In some embodiments, the cutout groove is used for the two hooks of the hooking mechanism to enter and exit, and the slots on the first sidewall and the second sidewall are respectively used for the protrusions on the two hooks to enter and exit.

[0033] The aforementioned welding equipment utilizes a transfer device to transport the fixture sequentially through the first feeding device, the second feeding device, the first welding device, the third feeding device, and the second welding device. This sequentially completes the feeding of the adapter piece, the feeding of the battery cell, the welding of the battery cell's tab to the adapter piece, the feeding of the cover plate, and the welding of the adapter piece to the cover plate. This avoids repeated feeding, loading, and positioning actions on the battery cell, ensuring that the positioning accuracy of the battery cell remains stable and improving the welding yield. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the welding equipment in one embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The front view of the fixture for the welding equipment shown (without battery cells loaded);

[0036] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The front view of the fixture for the welding equipment shown (with the battery cells and adapter plates loaded);

[0037] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A top view of the fixture shown;

[0038] Figure 5 for Figure 1 The front view of the fixture for the welding equipment shown (with the battery cell and cover plate loaded);

[0039] Figure 6 for Figure 2 The front view of the first sub-jig of the jig shown;

[0040] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A top view of the first sub-jig shown;

[0041] Figure 8 for Figure 2 The front view of the second sub-jib of the jig shown;

[0042] Figure 9 for Figure 8 A top view of the second sub-jig shown;

[0043] Figure 10 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the fixture and fixture handling device for the welding equipment.

[0044] Figure 11 for Figure 10 Side view of the jig loading and unloading device shown;

[0045] Figure 12 for Figure 11 A top view of the jig loading and unloading device shown. Detailed Implementation

[0046] 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.

[0047] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, 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.

[0048] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0049] 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 according to the specific circumstances.

[0050] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through 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. "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.

[0051] It should be noted that when 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. When 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. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0052] Please see Figure 1 This application provides a welding device, including a transfer device 10, a fixture 20, a first feeding device 30, a second feeding device 40, a first welding device 50, a third feeding device 140, and a second welding device 160. The fixture 20 is mounted on the transfer device 10, which is used to transport the fixture 20 along a preset conveying route. The first feeding device 30, the second feeding device 40, the first welding device 50, the third feeding device 140, and the second welding device 160 are arranged sequentially along the preset conveying route of the transfer device 10, so that the transfer device 10 can transport the fixture 20 sequentially through the first feeding device 30, the second feeding device 40, the first welding device 50, the third feeding device 140, and the second welding device 160. When the fixture 20 reaches the first feeding device 30, the first feeding device 30 feeds the adapter piece a2 onto the fixture 20. When fixture 20 reaches the second feeding device 40, the second feeding device 40 feeds the battery cell a1 onto fixture 20, thereby positioning the tab of battery cell a1 and the adapter piece a2 using fixture 20. When fixture 20 reaches the first welding device 50, the first welding device 50 welds the tab of battery cell a1 and the adapter piece a2. When fixture 20 reaches the third feeding device 140, the third feeding device 140 feeds the cover piece a3 onto fixture 20, thereby positioning the adapter piece a2 and the cover piece a3 using fixture 20. When fixture 20 reaches the second welding device 160, the second welding device 160 welds the adapter piece a2 and the cover piece a3 on fixture 20, thereby welding and fixing battery cell a1, adapter piece a2, and cover piece a3 into a single unit.

[0053] In this way, by using the transfer device 10 to transport the jig 20, it passes through the first feeding device 30, the second feeding device 40, the first welding device 50, the third feeding device 140, and the second welding device 160 in sequence, thus completing the feeding of the adapter piece a2, the feeding of the battery cell a1, the welding of the battery cell a1's tab to the adapter piece a2, the feeding of the cover piece a3, and the welding of the adapter piece a2 to the cover piece a3 in sequence. This avoids repeated loading, unloading, and positioning actions for the battery cell a1, ensuring that the positioning accuracy of the battery cell a1 remains stable, which is beneficial to improving the welding yield.

[0054] It should be noted that, compared with the use of two welding devices in the prior art, the welding device in this application integrates the welding process of the electrode tab of the battery cell a1 to the adapter piece a2 and the welding process of the adapter piece a2 to the cover piece a3, thereby reducing the number of devices and thus reducing the space required.

[0055] Compared with the prior art which uses different fixtures to position the battery cell at different welding stations, this application uses the same fixture 20 to position the battery cell a1 at each station, which greatly reduces the number of fixtures 20, avoids positioning deviations caused by changing fixtures 20, and helps to improve welding yield.

[0056] In the embodiments of this application, the first feeding device 30 is used to feed the positive electrode adapter and the negative electrode adapter onto the fixture 20. The first welding device 50 includes a positive electrode welding device 51 and a negative electrode welding device 53 arranged along a preset conveying line of the transfer device 10. The positive electrode welding device 51 is used to weld the positive electrode tab of the battery cell a1 on the fixture 20 to the positive electrode adapter. The negative electrode welding device 53 is used to weld the negative electrode tab of the battery cell a1 on the fixture 20 to the negative electrode adapter. It should be noted that the positive electrode welding device 51 can be arranged upstream of the negative electrode welding device 53 or downstream of the negative electrode welding device 53, and is not limited here. For ease of understanding, the following description takes the example of the positive electrode welding device 51 being arranged upstream of the negative electrode welding device 53.

[0057] Thus, when the transfer device 10 conveys the fixture 20 to the positive electrode welding device 51, the positive electrode welding device 51 welds the positive electrode tab of the battery cell a1 on the fixture 20 to the positive electrode adapter piece. When the transfer device 10 conveys the fixture 20 to the negative electrode welding device 53, the negative electrode welding device 53 welds the negative electrode tab of the fixture 20 to the negative electrode adapter piece.

[0058] Furthermore, the first feeding device 30 feeds the positive and negative electrode adapter pieces onto the fixture 20, and the second feeding device 40 feeds the two battery cells a1 onto the passing fixture 20. Each of the two battery cells a1 has a positive electrode tab and a negative electrode tab on its facing sides. The two positive electrode tabs of the two battery cells a1 are opposite each other, and the two negative electrode tabs of the two battery cells a1 are opposite each other. The fixture 20 is used to position the positive electrode adapter piece relative to the positive electrode tabs of the two battery cells a1, and also to position the negative electrode adapter piece relative to the negative electrode tabs of the two battery cells a1.

[0059] Two positive electrode welding devices 51 are configured, and the two positive electrode welding devices 51 are arranged at intervals along the preset conveying route of the transfer device 10. When the transfer device 10 conveys the fixture 20 to the first positive electrode welding device 51, the first positive electrode welding device 51 welds the positive electrode tab of the first battery cell a1 on the fixture 20 to the positive electrode adapter. When the transfer device 10 conveys the fixture 20 to the second positive electrode welding device 51, the second positive electrode welding device 51 welds the positive electrode tab of the second battery cell a1 on the fixture 20 to the positive electrode adapter. In this way, by using two positive electrode welding devices 51 to weld the positive electrode tabs of the two battery cells a1 on the fixture 20 to the positive electrode adapter, the positive electrode tabs of the two battery cells a1 on the fixture 20 are electrically connected to the positive electrode adapter.

[0060] Two negative electrode welding devices 53 are configured, and the two negative electrode welding devices 53 are arranged at intervals along the preset conveying route of the transfer device 10. When the transfer device 10 conveys the fixture 20 to the first negative electrode welding device 53, the first negative electrode welding device 53 welds the negative electrode tab of the first battery cell a1 on the fixture 20 to the negative electrode adapter piece. When the transfer device 10 conveys the fixture 20 to the second negative electrode welding device 53, the second negative electrode welding device 53 welds the negative electrode tab of the second battery cell a1 on the fixture 20 to the negative electrode adapter piece. In this way, by using two negative electrode welding devices 53 to weld the negative electrode tabs of the two battery cells a1 on the fixture 20 to the negative electrode adapter pieces respectively, the negative electrode tabs of the two battery cells a1 on the fixture 20 are electrically connected to the negative electrode adapter pieces.

[0061] It should be noted that the two positive electrode welding devices 51 and the two negative electrode welding devices 53 are arranged on the same side of the preset conveying route of the transfer device 10. Therefore, when the transfer device 10 conveys the fixture 20 to the positive electrode welding device 51, the positive electrode tabs (compared to the negative electrode tabs) of the two battery cells a1 on the fixture 20 are closer to the positive electrode welding device 51, so that the positive electrode welding device 51 can weld the positive electrode tabs of the battery cells a1 to the positive electrode adapter piece. In a specific embodiment, the welding equipment also includes a rotating station 52 located between the two positive electrode welding devices 51 and the two negative electrode welding devices 53. The transfer device 10 drives the fixture 20 to rotate approximately 180° at the rotating station 52, so that when the transfer device 10 conveys the fixture 20 to the negative electrode welding device 53, the negative electrode tabs (compared to the positive electrode tabs) of the two battery cells a1 on the fixture 20 are closer to the negative electrode welding device 53, so that the negative electrode welding device 53 can weld the negative electrode tabs of the battery cells a1 to the negative electrode adapter piece.

[0062] Specifically Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment, both positive electrode welding devices 51 and two negative electrode welding devices 53 are arranged on the left side of the preset conveying route of the transfer device 10. When the transfer device 10 conveys the fixture 20 to any positive electrode welding device 51, the positive electrode tab of the battery cell a1 on the fixture 20 is located to the left of the negative electrode tab, that is, the positive electrode tab of the battery cell a1 on the fixture 20 is closer to the positive electrode welding device 51 than the negative electrode tab, so that the positive electrode welding device 51 can weld the positive electrode tab of the battery cell a1 on the fixture 20 to the positive electrode adapter piece. When the transfer device 10 conveys the fixture 20 to the rotating station 52, the transfer device 10 drives the fixture 20 that has arrived at the rotating station 52 to rotate 180°, so that the negative electrode tab of the battery cell a1 on the fixture 20 is located to the left of the positive electrode tab. When the transfer device 10 transports the fixture 20 to the negative electrode welding device 53, the negative electrode tab of the battery cell a1 on the fixture 20 is closer to the negative electrode welding device 53 than the positive electrode tab, so that the negative electrode welding device 53 can weld the negative electrode tab of the battery cell a1 on the fixture 20 to the negative electrode adapter piece.

[0063] Specifically, in this embodiment, the welding equipment further includes a first dust removal device 60, which is arranged between the downstream of the negative electrode welding device 53 and the upstream of the third feeding device 140. When the transfer device 10 conveys the fixture 20 to the first dust removal device 60, the first dust removal device 60 removes dust from the battery cell a1 and the adapter plate a2 on the fixture 20, so as to remove dust and other dirt generated during the welding of the electrode tab of the battery cell a1 and the adapter plate a2, and ensure that the cleanliness of the battery cell a1 and the adapter plate a2 meets the process requirements.

[0064] In a specific embodiment, the welding equipment further includes a first visual inspection device 80, which is arranged between the downstream of the first dust removal device 60 and the upstream of the third feeding device 140. When the transfer device 10 conveys the fixture 20 to the first visual inspection device 80, the first visual inspection device 80 performs visual inspection on the weld marks at the welding point between the electrode tab of the battery cell a1 and the adapter piece a2 on the fixture 20 to determine whether there are any welding abnormalities.

[0065] Specifically, in this embodiment, the welding equipment further includes a first solder joint adhesive applicator 90, a second solder joint adhesive applicator 100, a third solder joint adhesive applicator 110, and a fourth solder joint adhesive applicator 120. These four devices are arranged sequentially along a preset conveying route of the transfer device 10, and are all located downstream of the first visual inspection device 80 and upstream of the third feeding device 140. When the transfer device 10 conveys the fixture 20 to the first solder joint adhesive applicator 90, the first solder joint adhesive applicator 90 applies adhesive tape to the solder joint between the negative electrode tab and the negative electrode adapter of one of the battery cells a1. When the transfer device 10 conveys the fixture 20 to the second solder joint adhesive applicator 100, the second solder joint adhesive applicator 100 applies adhesive tape to the solder joint between the negative electrode tab and the negative electrode adapter of the other battery cell a1.

[0066] When the conveying fixture 20 of the transfer device 10 reaches the third soldering and adhesive application device 110, the third soldering and adhesive application device 110 applies tape to the solder joint between the positive electrode tab and the positive electrode adapter of one of the battery cells a1. When the conveying fixture 20 of the transfer device 10 reaches the fourth soldering and adhesive application device 120, the fourth soldering and adhesive application device 120 applies tape to the solder joint between the positive electrode tab and the positive electrode adapter of another battery cell a1.

[0067] In a specific embodiment, the welding equipment further includes a second visual inspection device 130, which is arranged between the downstream of the fourth welding stamping and adhesive application device 120 and the upstream of the third feeding device 140. When the transfer device 10 conveys the fixture 20 to the second visual inspection device 130, the second visual inspection device 130 performs visual inspection on the tape on the battery cell a1 on the fixture 20 to determine whether there is any adhesive application abnormality.

[0068] Specifically, in this embodiment, the welding equipment further includes a feeding device 210 located downstream of the second welding device 160. This feeding device 210 is used to feed the battery cell a1, adapter piece a2, and cover piece a3 as a whole onto the fixture 20. Thus, when the transfer device 10 transports the fixture 20 to the feeding device 210, the tabs of the battery cell a1 on the fixture 20 have already been welded to the adapter piece a2, and the adapter piece a2 has also been welded to the cover piece a3. The feeding device 210 then feeds the battery cell a1, adapter piece a2, and cover piece a3 as a whole.

[0069] In a specific embodiment, the welding equipment further includes a second dust removal device 170, which is arranged between the downstream of the second welding device 160 and the upstream of the unloading device 210. When the transfer device 10 conveys the fixture 20 to the second dust removal device 170, the second dust removal device 170 removes dust from the battery cell a1, adapter piece a2, and cover piece a3 on the fixture 20, so as to remove dust and other dirt generated during the welding of the adapter piece a2 and the cover piece a3, and ensure that the cleanliness of the battery cell a1, adapter piece a2, and cover piece a3 meets the process requirements.

[0070] In a specific embodiment, the welding equipment further includes a third visual inspection device 180, which is arranged between the downstream of the second dust removal device 170 and the upstream of the unloading device 210. When the transfer device 10 conveys the fixture 20 to the third visual inspection device 180, the third visual inspection device 180 performs visual inspection on the weld marks at the welding joint between the adapter piece a2 and the cover piece a3 on the fixture 20 to determine whether there are any welding abnormalities.

[0071] In a specific embodiment, the welding equipment further includes a fifth weld stamping adhesive applicator 190. This fifth weld stamping adhesive applicator 190 is positioned downstream of the third vision inspection device 180 and upstream of the unloading device 210. When the transfer device 10 conveys the fixture 20 to the fifth weld stamping adhesive applicator 190, the fifth weld stamping adhesive applicator 190 applies adhesive tape to the weld stamping area between the adapter piece a2 and the cover piece a3.

[0072] In a specific embodiment, the welding equipment further includes a third dust removal device 220. This third dust removal device 220 is located downstream of the feeding device 210. When the transfer device 10 conveys the fixture 20 to the third dust removal device 220, the third dust removal device 220 removes dust from the fixture 20 as it passes through, ensuring that the cleanliness of the fixture 20 meets the process requirements.

[0073] Furthermore, the transfer device 10 drives the fixture 20 to sequentially circulate through the first feeding device 30, the second feeding device 40, two positive electrode welding devices 51, the rotary station 52, two negative electrode welding devices 53, the first dust removal device 60, the first visual inspection device 80, the first solder mark adhesive application device 90, the second solder mark adhesive application device 100, the third solder mark adhesive application device 110, the fourth solder mark adhesive application device 120, the second visual inspection device 130, the third feeding device 140, the second welding device 160, the second dust removal device 170, the third visual inspection device 180, the fifth solder mark adhesive application device 190, the unloading device 210, and the third dust removal device 220. In other words, after the jig 20 reaches the third dust removal device 220 for dust removal, the transfer device 10 continues to transport the jig 20 through the first feeding device 30, the second feeding device 40, the two positive electrode welding devices 51, the rotary station 52, the two negative electrode welding devices 53, the first dust removal device 60, the first visual inspection device 80, the first solder mark adhesive application device 90, the second solder mark adhesive application device 100, the third solder mark adhesive application device 110, the fourth solder mark adhesive application device 120, the second visual inspection device 130, the third feeding device 140, the second welding device 160, the second dust removal device 170, the third visual inspection device 180, the fifth solder mark adhesive application device 190, the unloading device 210, and the third dust removal device 220 in this cycle, thereby realizing the continuous welding operation of batch battery cells a1.

[0074] Furthermore, multiple fixtures 20 are configured, each mounted on a transfer device 10. The transfer device 10 drives each fixture 20 sequentially through the following pathways: first feeding device 30, second feeding device 40, two positive electrode welding devices 51, rotary station 52, two negative electrode welding devices 53, first dust removal device 60, first visual inspection device 80, first solder mark adhesive application device 90, second solder mark adhesive application device 100, third solder mark adhesive application device 110, fourth solder mark adhesive application device 120, second visual inspection device 130, third feeding device 140, second welding device 160, second dust removal device 170, third visual inspection device 180, fifth solder mark adhesive application device 190, unloading device 210, and third dust removal device 22. The first feeding device 30, the second feeding device 40, the two positive electrode welding devices 51, the rotary station 52, the two negative electrode welding devices 53, the first dust removal device 60, the first visual inspection device 80, the first solder mark adhesive application device 90, the second solder mark adhesive application device 100, the third solder mark adhesive application device 110, the fourth solder mark adhesive application device 120, the second visual inspection device 130, the third feeding device 140, the second welding device 160, the second dust removal device 170, the third visual inspection device 180, the fifth solder mark adhesive application device 190, the unloading device 210, and the third dust removal device 220 can simultaneously perform their respective processes, greatly improving production efficiency.

[0075] Specifically, in this embodiment, the transfer device 10 includes a first conveyor line 11, a second conveyor line 12, a first transfer mechanism 13, and a second transfer mechanism 14. The first conveyor line 11 is used to convey the fixture 20 from its upstream end to its downstream end. The first transfer mechanism 13 is arranged between the upstream end of the first conveyor line 11 and the downstream end of the second conveyor line 12, and is used to transfer the fixture 20 from the downstream end of the second conveyor line 12 to the upstream end of the first conveyor line 11. The second conveyor line 12 is used to convey the fixture 20 from its upstream end to its downstream end. The second transfer mechanism 14 is arranged between the downstream end of the first conveyor line 11 and the upstream end of the second conveyor line 12, and is used to transfer the fixture 20 from the downstream end of the first conveyor line 11 to the upstream end of the second conveyor line 12.

[0076] Thus, the fixture 20 is transported from the upstream end of the first conveyor line 11 to the downstream end of the first conveyor line 11, and then the second transfer mechanism 14 is used to move the fixture 20 from the downstream end of the first conveyor line 11 to the upstream end of the second conveyor line 12. The fixture 20 is then transported from the upstream end of the second conveyor line 12 to the downstream end of the second conveyor line 12, and then the first transfer mechanism 13 is used to move the fixture 20 from the downstream end of the second conveyor line 12 to the upstream end of the first conveyor line 11, thereby realizing the cyclic transport of the fixture 20 between the first conveyor line 11 and the second conveyor line 12.

[0077] Furthermore, the first feeding device 30, the second feeding device 40, the two positive electrode welding devices 51, the rotary station 52, the two negative electrode welding devices 53, the first dust removal device 60, the first visual inspection device 80, the first solder mark adhesive application device 90, and the second solder mark adhesive application device 100 are arranged sequentially and at intervals from the upstream end to the downstream end of the first conveyor line 11, so that the fixture 20 on the first conveyor line 11 passes through the first feeding device 30, the second feeding device 40, the two positive electrode welding devices 51, the rotary station 52, the two negative electrode welding devices 53, the first dust removal device 60, the first visual inspection device 80, the first solder mark adhesive application device 90, and the second solder mark adhesive application device 100 in sequence during the process of being conveyed from the upstream end to the downstream end.

[0078] The third welding stamping and adhesive application device 110, the fourth welding stamping and adhesive application device 120, the second visual inspection device 130, the third feeding device 140, the second welding device 160, the second dust removal device 170, the third visual inspection device 180, the fifth welding stamping and adhesive application device 190, the unloading device 210, and the third dust removal device 220 are arranged sequentially from the upstream end to the downstream end of the second conveyor line 12, such that the fixture 20 on the second conveyor line 12 passes through the third welding stamping and adhesive application device 110, the fourth welding stamping and adhesive application device 120, the second visual inspection device 130, the third feeding device 140, the second welding device 160, the second dust removal device 170, the third visual inspection device 180, the fifth welding stamping and adhesive application device 190, the unloading device 210, and the third dust removal device 220 in sequence during the process of being conveyed from the upstream end to the downstream end.

[0079] Specifically Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the direction from the upstream end to the downstream end of the first conveyor line 11 and the direction from the upstream end to the downstream end of the second conveyor line 12 are both parallel to the first direction X1. The first conveyor line 11 and the second conveyor line 12 are arranged at intervals along a second direction X2 perpendicular to the first direction X1. Two battery cells a1 on the fixture 20 on the first conveyor line 11 are arranged opposite to each other along the first direction X1, and each of the two battery cells a1 has a positive electrode and a negative electrode on its side facing each other. The positive electrode and the negative electrode on each battery cell a1 are arranged at intervals along the second direction X2.

[0080] Please see Figures 2 to 5 In the embodiments of this application, the fixture 20 includes a female fixture 21, a first sub-fixture 23, and a second sub-fixture 25. The female fixture 21 is used to receive the battery cell a1, the first sub-fixture 23 is used to receive the adapter piece a2, and the second sub-fixture 25 is used to receive the cover piece a3. The first sub-fixture 23 and the second sub-fixture 25 can be alternately mated with the female fixture 21. Further, when the first sub-fixture 23 is mated with the female fixture 21, the tab of the battery cell a1 on the female fixture 21 is positioned with the adapter piece a2 on the first sub-fixture 23, so that the first welding device 50 can weld the tab and the adapter piece a2. When the second sub-fixture 25 is mated with the female fixture 21, the adapter piece a2, which is welded and fixed to the tab of the battery cell a1 on the female fixture 21, and the cover piece a3 on the second sub-fixture 25 are positioned, so that the second welding device 160 can weld the adapter piece a2 and the cover piece a3.

[0081] Thus, before the fixture 20 reaches the first welding device 50, the first sub-fixture 23 switches to engage with the mother fixture 21, and the mother fixture 21 receives the battery cell a1 transferred by the second feeding device 40, while the first sub-fixture 23 receives the adapter piece a2 transferred by the first feeding device 30. This achieves the positioning of the electrode of the battery cell a1 and the adapter piece a2, so that when the fixture 20 reaches the first welding device 50, the first welding device 50 can weld the electrode of the battery cell a1 and the adapter piece a2. Similarly, before the fixture 20 reaches the second welding device 160, the first sub-fixture 23 switches to separate from the mother fixture 21, and the second sub-fixture 25 switches to engage with the mother fixture 21. The second sub-fixture 25 receives the cover plate a3 transferred by the third feeding device 140, thereby positioning the adapter plate a2 and the cover plate a3. When the fixture 20 reaches the second welding device 160, the second welding device 160 can weld the adapter plate a2 and the cover plate a3.

[0082] It should be noted that, compared with the prior art which uses different fixtures to position the battery cell at different welding stations, this application uses the same fixture 20's mother fixture 21, first sub-fixture 23 and second sub-fixture 25 to position the battery cell a1, adapter piece a2 and cover piece a3 at each station. This greatly reduces the number of fixtures 20, avoids positioning deviations caused by changing fixtures 20, and helps to improve welding yield.

[0083] In a specific embodiment, the fixture 20 further includes a base 27, which is disposed on the transfer device 10, and the female fixture 21 is mounted on the base 27. The base 27 has a first placement position A2 and a second placement position A3, and the female fixture 21 has a mating position A1. Specifically, the first placement position A2 and the second placement position A3 are arranged at intervals along a first direction X1. The first sub-fixture 23 switches between the first placement position A2 and the mating position A1. The second sub-fixture 25 switches between the second placement position A3 and the mating position A1. Thus, before welding the tab of the battery cell a1 to the adapter piece a2, the second sub-fixture 25 is placed on the second placement position A3, and the first sub-fixture 23 switches to the mating position A1 of the female fixture 21, that is, the first sub-fixture 23 mates with the female fixture 21. Before welding the adapter piece a2 and the cover piece a3, the first sub-fixture 23 is placed on the first placement position A2, and the second sub-fixture 25 is switched to the mating position A1 of the mother fixture 21, that is, the second sub-fixture 25 is mated with the mother fixture 21.

[0084] Specifically, in the embodiment, the mating position A1 on the female fixture 21 is provided with a positioning pin 212, and both the first sub-fixture 23 and the second sub-fixture 25 are provided with positioning holes A5 that cooperate with the positioning pin 212 (see Figure 7 or Figure 9Thus, when the first sub-fixture 23 moves from the first placement position A2 to the mating position A1 on the mother fixture 21, the positioning pin 212 on the mother fixture 21 engages with the positioning hole A5 on the first sub-fixture 23, thereby achieving the positioning of the mother fixture 21 and the first sub-fixture 23, ensuring the positioning of the electrode tab of the battery cell a1 and the adapter piece a2. When the first sub-fixture 23 moves from the mating position A1 to the first placement position A2, the positioning pin 212 on the mother fixture 21 separates from the positioning hole A5 on the first sub-fixture 23. When the second sub-fixture 25 moves from the second placement position A3 to the mating position A1 on the mother fixture 21, the positioning pin 212 on the mother fixture 21 engages with the positioning hole A5 on the second sub-fixture 25, thereby achieving the positioning of the mother fixture 21 and the second sub-fixture 25, ensuring the positioning of the adapter piece a2 and the cover piece a3. When the second sub-fixture 25 is transferred from the mating position A1 to the second placement position A3, the positioning pin 212 on the mother fixture 21 separates from the positioning hole A5 on the second sub-fixture 25.

[0085] It should be noted that the positioning pin 212 is not limited to being set on the female fixture 21, and the positioning hole A5 is set on the first sub-fixture 23 and the second sub-fixture 25. In other embodiments, the positioning pin 212 can also be installed on the first sub-fixture 23 and the second sub-fixture 25, and the positioning hole A5 can be set at the mating position A1 of the female fixture 21, as long as it can achieve positioning with the female fixture 21 when the first sub-fixture 23 or the second sub-fixture 25 is transferred to the mating position A1.

[0086] In a specific embodiment, the mating position A1 of the mother fixture 21 is provided with a magnetic suction member 213, thereby using the magnetic suction member 213 to attract and fix the first sub-fixture 23 or the second sub-fixture 25 transferred to the mating position A1, so as to prevent the first sub-fixture 23 or the second sub-fixture 25 from falling off the mother fixture 21.

[0087] It should be noted that the magnetic suction element 213 is not limited to being disposed on the female fixture 21. In other embodiments, the magnetic suction element 213 may also be disposed on the first sub-fixture 23 and the second sub-fixture 25. Thus, when the first sub-fixture 23 is transferred to the mating position A1, the first sub-fixture 23 is attracted and fixed to the female fixture 21 by its own magnetic suction element 213. When the second sub-fixture 25 is transferred to the mating position A1, the second sub-fixture 25 is attracted and fixed to the female fixture 21 by its own magnetic suction element 213.

[0088] In embodiments of this application, the welding equipment further includes a first jig pick-and-place device 230 and a second jig pick-and-place device 70. The first jig pick-and-place device 230 is arranged between the downstream of the unloading device 210 and the upstream of the first loading device 30. Specifically... Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment, a first fixture pick-and-place device 230 is arranged between the unloading device 210 and the downstream end of the second conveyor line 12. This first fixture pick-and-place device 230 is used to transfer the first sub-fixture 23 located at the first placement position A2 on the base 27 to the mating position A1 of the mother fixture 21. A second fixture pick-and-place device 70 is provided between the downstream of the first dust removal device 60 and the upstream of the first soldering and adhesive application device 90. This second fixture pick-and-place device 70 is used to transfer the first sub-fixture 23 located at the mating position A1 of the mother fixture 21 to the first placement position A2 on the base 27. Thus, when the transfer device 10 conveys the fixture 20 to the first fixture pick-and-place device 230, the first fixture pick-and-place device 230 transfers the first sub-fixture 23 at the first placement position A2 to the mating position A1 of the mother fixture 21. When the transfer device 10 delivers the fixture 20 to the second fixture pick-and-place device 70, the second fixture pick-and-place device 70 transfers the first sub-fixture 23 on the mating position A1 of the mother fixture 21 to the first placement position A2 of the base 27.

[0089] Specifically, in this embodiment, the welding equipment further includes a third fixture pick-and-place device 150 and a fourth fixture pick-and-place device 200. The third fixture pick-and-place device 150 is positioned between the downstream of the second visual inspection device 130 and the upstream of the second welding device 160. This third fixture pick-and-place device 150 is used to transfer the second sub-fixture 25 located at the second placement position A3 on the base 27 to the mating position A1 of the mother fixture 21. The fourth fixture pick-and-place device 200 is positioned between the downstream of the fifth welding stamping and adhesive application device 190 and the upstream of the third dust removal device 220. This fourth fixture pick-and-place device 200 is used to transfer the second sub-fixture 25 located at the mating position A1 of the mother fixture 21 to the second placement position A3 on the base 27. Thus, when the transfer device 10 transports the fixture 20 to the third fixture pick-and-place device 150, the third fixture pick-and-place device 150 transfers the second sub-fixture 25 from the second placement position A3 to the mating position A1 of the mother fixture 21. When the transfer device 10 delivers the fixture 20 to the fourth fixture pick-and-place device 200, the fourth fixture pick-and-place device 200 transfers the second sub-fixture 25 on the mating position A1 of the mother fixture 21 to the second placement position A3 of the base 27.

[0090] It should be noted that the specific structures of the first jig pick-and-place device 230, the second jig pick-and-place device 70, the third jig pick-and-place device 150, and the fourth jig pick-and-place device 200 are similar, and the following description will use one of them as an example. That is to say, the jig pick-and-place device 300 can be any one of the first jig pick-and-place device 230, the second jig pick-and-place device 70, the third jig pick-and-place device 150, and the fourth jig pick-and-place device 200.

[0091] Please see Figures 6 to 12Specifically, in this embodiment, the jig picking and placing device 300 includes a motion drive mechanism 301 and a hooking mechanism 401. The hooking mechanism 401 includes a hooking drive member 403 and two hooks 405. The hooking drive member 403 is installed at the drive end of the motion drive mechanism 301, and the two hooks 405 are connected to the hooking drive member 403, with protrusions 407 on their opposite sides.

[0092] Both the first sub-jig 23 and the second sub-jig 25 have a hollow groove A4 and a first side wall A41 and a second side wall A42 serving as opposite side walls of the hollow groove A4. Each of the first side wall A41 and the second side wall A42 has a slot A43. Specifically, the hollow groove A4 of the first sub-jig 23 and the second sub-jig 25 is used for the two claws 405 of the hooking mechanism 401 to enter and exit, and the slots A43 on the first side wall A41 and the second side wall A42 are respectively used for the protrusions 407 on the two claws 405 of the hooking mechanism 401 to enter and exit.

[0093] Thus, when it is necessary to transfer the first sub-jig 23 or the second sub-jig 25 to the mating position A1 of the mother jig 21, firstly, the motion drive mechanism 301 drives the hooking mechanism 401 to move until the two hooks 405 are inserted into the hollowed-out slots A4 of the first sub-jig 23 or the second sub-jig 25. Then, the hooking drive member 403 drives the two hooks 405 to move away from each other until the protrusions 407 on the two hooks 405 respectively enter the slots A43 on the first sidewall A41 and the second sidewall A42, so that the two hooks 405 are connected to the first sub-jig 23 or the second sub-jig 25. Then, the motion drive mechanism 301 drives the hooking mechanism 401 to move until the first sub-jig 23 or the second sub-jig 25 moves with the two hooks 405 to the mating position A1 of the mother jig 21. At this point, the first sub-fixture 23 or the second sub-fixture 25 is positioned using the positioning pin 212 and magnetically attached to the mother fixture 21 using the magnetic suction component 213. Then, the hook drive component 403 drives the two hooks 405 to move closer to each other, causing the protrusions 407 on the two hooks 405 to exit through the slots A43 on the first sidewall A41 and the second sidewall A42, respectively, thereby separating the two hooks 405 from the first sub-fixture 23 or the second sub-fixture 25. Next, the motion drive mechanism 301 drives the hook mechanism 401 to move, causing the two hooks 405 of the hook mechanism 401 to exit the hollowed-out slots A4 of the first sub-fixture 23 or the second sub-fixture 25.

[0094] It should be noted that the process of using the hooking mechanism 401 to transfer the first sub-jig 23 or the second sub-jig 25 located at the mating position A1 to the first placement position A2 or the second placement position A3 is similar to the process described above, so it will not be repeated here.

[0095] Specifically, in this embodiment, the motion drive mechanism 301 drives the hooking mechanism 401 to move along the second direction X2 and the third direction X3. The first sidewall A41 and the second sidewall A42 of the first sub-fixture 23 or the second sub-fixture 25 are arranged opposite each other along the first direction X1. Preferably, the first direction X1, the second direction X2, and the third direction X3 are perpendicular to each other. When it is necessary to transfer the first sub-fixture 23 or the second sub-fixture 25 to the mating position A1 of the mother fixture 21, the transfer device 10 transports the fixture 20 to move along the first direction X1, and the motion drive mechanism 301 drives the hooking mechanism 401 to move along the third direction X3 until the two hooks 405 of the hooking mechanism 401 are aligned with the hollowed-out groove A4 of the first sub-fixture 23 or the second sub-fixture 25 in the second direction X2. Then, the motion drive mechanism 301 drives the hooking mechanism 401 to move along the second direction X2, so that the two hooks 405 are inserted into the hollowed-out slots A4 of the first sub-fixture 23 or the second sub-fixture 25 along the second direction X2. Next, the hooking drive member 403 drives the two hooks 405 to move away from each other along the first direction X1 until the protrusions 407 on the two hooks 405 are respectively inserted into the slots A43 on the first sidewall A41 and the second sidewall A42. Then, the motion drive mechanism 301 drives the hooking mechanism 401 to move along the third direction X3, and the transfer device 10 transport fixture 20 moves along the first direction X1 until the mating positions A1 of the first sub-fixture 23 or the second sub-fixture 25 on the two hooks 405 and the mother fixture 21 are aligned in the third direction X3 (i.e., the positioning pins 212 on the mother fixture 21 and the positioning holes A5 on the first sub-fixture 23 or the second sub-fixture 25 are aligned in the third direction X3). Next, the motion drive mechanism 301 drives the hooking mechanism 401 to move along the first direction X1 towards the mating position A1 of the female fixture 21 until the first sub-fixture 23 or the second sub-fixture 25 mates with the mating position A1 of the female fixture 21. At this time, the first sub-fixture 23 or the second sub-fixture 25 is attracted and fixed to the female fixture 21 by the magnetic suction member 213, and the positioning pin 212 is used to position the female fixture 21 and the first sub-fixture 23 or the second sub-fixture 25. Then, the hooking drive member 403 drives the two hooks 405 to move closer to each other along the first direction X1 until the protrusions 407 on the two hooks 405 are disengaged from the slots A43 on the first sidewall A41 and the second sidewall A42, respectively. Then, the motion drive mechanism 301 drives the hooking mechanism 401 to move along the second direction X2, so that the two hooks 405 of the hooking mechanism 401 exit from the hollow slot A4 of the first sub-fixture 23 or the second sub-fixture 25, thus completing the transfer of the first sub-fixture 23 or the second sub-fixture 25 to the mating position A1 of the mother fixture 21.

[0096] Specifically, the motion drive mechanism 301 includes a first drive module 303, a first transfer seat 305, a second drive module 307, and a second transfer seat 309. The first transfer seat 305 is mounted on the first drive module 303, enabling the first drive module 303 to drive the first transfer seat 305 to move along the second direction X2. The second drive module 307 is mounted on the first transfer seat 305, and the second transfer seat 309 is mounted on the second drive module 307, enabling the second drive module 307 to drive the second transfer seat 309 to move along the third direction X3. A hooking mechanism 401 is mounted on the second transfer seat 309, allowing the hooking mechanism 401 to move along the second direction X2 and the third direction X3 together with the second transfer seat 309.

[0097] It should be noted that the first drive module 303 can be a linear module, as long as it can drive the first transfer seat 305 to move along the first direction X1, and there is no limitation here. The second drive module 307 can be a linear module, as long as it can drive the second transfer seat 309 to move along the third direction X3, and there is no limitation here.

[0098] It should also be noted that, since the fixture 20 needs to simultaneously mount two battery cells a1, the fixture 20 includes two female fixtures 21. The two female fixtures 21 are arranged opposite each other along the first direction X1, and the ends of the two female fixtures 21 that are close to each other together form the aforementioned mating position A1. Each of the two female fixtures 21 is provided with a positioning pin 212 and a magnetic suction member 213, and each of the first sub-fixture 23 and the second sub-fixture 25 has two positioning holes A5. When the first sub-fixture 23 or the second sub-fixture 25 is transferred to the mating position A1 of the two female fixtures 21, the positioning pins 212 on the two female fixtures 21 are respectively inserted into the two positioning holes A5 of the first sub-fixture 23 or the second sub-fixture 25, thereby realizing the positioning of the two female fixtures 21 with the first sub-fixture 23 or the second sub-fixture 25. At the same time, the magnetic attachments 213 on the two mother fixtures 21 simultaneously attract and fix the first sub-fixture 23 or the second sub-fixture 25, ensuring that the first sub-fixture 23 or the second sub-fixture 25 is attracted and fixed on the two mother fixtures 21.

[0099] The following is combined with Figure 1 The welding operation process of the welding equipment is described below:

[0100] The first conveyor line 11 transports fixture 20 from its upstream end to the first feeding device 30. At this time, the first sub-fixture 23 of fixture 20 is located on the mating position A1 of the mother fixture 21. The first feeding device 30 feeds the positive and negative adapter pieces onto the first sub-fixture 23. The first conveyor line 11 continues to transport fixture 20 to the second feeding device 40, which feeds the two battery cells a1 onto the two mother fixtures 21 of fixture 20 respectively. At this time, the positive terminals of battery cells a1 on the two mother fixtures 21 are positioned with the positive adapter pieces on the first sub-fixture 23, and the negative terminals of battery cells a1 on the two mother fixtures 21 are positioned with the negative adapter pieces on the second sub-fixture 25.

[0101] The first conveyor line 11 continues to convey the fixture 20 through two positive electrode welding devices 51 in sequence. The first positive electrode welding device 51 welds the positive electrode tab of the battery cell a1 on one of the mother fixtures 21 of the fixture 20 to the positive electrode adapter piece. The second positive electrode welding device 51 welds the positive electrode tab of the battery cell a1 on the other mother fixture 21 of the fixture 20 to the positive electrode adapter piece.

[0102] The first conveyor line 11 continues to transport the fixture 20 to the rotary station 52, at which point the first conveyor line 11 drives the fixture 20 to rotate 180°.

[0103] The first conveyor line 11 continues to convey the fixture 20 through two negative electrode welding devices 53 in sequence. The first negative electrode welding device 53 welds the negative electrode tab of the battery cell a1 on one of the mother fixtures 21 of the fixture 20 to the negative electrode adapter piece. The second negative electrode welding device 53 welds the negative electrode tab of the battery cell a1 on the other mother fixture 21 of the fixture 20 to the negative electrode adapter piece.

[0104] The first conveyor line 11 continues to convey the fixture 20 to the first dust removal device 60, which removes dust from the battery cell a1 and the adapter piece a2 on the fixture 20.

[0105] The first conveyor line 11 continues to convey the fixture 20 to the first visual inspection device 80 and the second fixture pick-and-place device 70. The first visual inspection device 80 performs visual inspection on the battery cell a1 and the adapter piece a2 on the fixture 20 to determine whether there are welding defects. The second fixture pick-and-place device 70 transfers the first sub-fixture 23 from the mating position A1 to the first placement position A2.

[0106] The first conveyor line 11 continues to convey the fixture 20, which passes sequentially through the first soldering adhesive applicator 90 and the second soldering adhesive applicator 100. The first soldering adhesive applicator 90 applies tape to the negative electrode tab and negative electrode adapter of one of the battery cells a1 on the fixture 20, and the second soldering adhesive applicator 100 applies tape to the negative electrode tab and negative electrode adapter of the other battery cell a1 on the fixture 20.

[0107] The first conveyor line 11 continues to convey the fixture 20 to the downstream end of the first conveyor line 11, and the second transfer mechanism 14 is used to move the fixture 20 at the downstream end of the first conveyor line 11 to the upstream end of the second conveyor line 12.

[0108] The second conveyor line 12 continues to convey the fixture 20 through the third soldering adhesive applicator 110 and the fourth soldering adhesive applicator 120 in sequence. The third soldering adhesive applicator 110 applies tape to the positive electrode tab and positive electrode adapter of one of the battery cells a1 on the fixture 20, and the fourth soldering adhesive applicator 120 applies tape to the positive electrode tab and positive electrode adapter of the other battery cell a1 on the fixture 20.

[0109] The second conveyor line 12 continues to convey the fixture 20 to the second visual inspection device 130. The second visual inspection device 130 performs visual inspection on the tape on the battery cell a1 to determine whether there is any abnormality in the tape application.

[0110] The second conveyor line 12 continues to convey the fixture 20 to the third feeding device 140, which feeds the cover plate a3 onto the second sub-fixture 25 located at the second placement position A3.

[0111] The second conveyor line 12 continues to convey the fixture 20 to the third fixture pick-and-place device 150, which transfers the second sub-fixture 25 located at the second placement position A3 to the mating position A1 of the mother fixture 21, thereby realizing the positioning of the cover plate a3 on the second sub-fixture 25 and the adapter plate a2 (i.e., the positive electrode adapter plate and the negative electrode adapter plate) welded to the electrode tab of the battery cell a1.

[0112] The second conveyor line 12 continues to convey the fixture 20 to the second welding device 160, which welds the positive and negative electrode adapter pieces on the fixture 20 to the cover plate a3.

[0113] The second conveyor line 12 continues to convey the fixture 20 to the second dust removal device 170, which removes dust from the battery cell a1, adapter plate a2 and cover plate a3 on the fixture 20.

[0114] The second conveyor line 12 continues to convey the fixture 20 to the third visual inspection device 180, which is used to visually inspect the adapter piece a2 and the cover piece a3 on the fixture 20 to determine whether there are welding defects.

[0115] The second conveyor line 12 continues to convey the fixture 20 to the fifth soldering adhesive applicator 190, which applies adhesive tape to the soldering points between the positive and negative electrode adapters and the cover plate a3 on the fixture 20.

[0116] The second conveyor line 12 continues to convey the fixture 20 to the unloading device 210 and the fourth fixture pick-and-place device 200. The unloading device 210 unloads the two battery cells a1, the positive electrode adapter, the negative electrode adapter, and the cover plate a3 on the fixture 20 as a whole. The fourth fixture pick-and-place device 200 transfers the second sub-fixture 25 from the mating position A1 to the second placement position A3 of the base 27.

[0117] The second conveyor line 12 continues to convey the fixture 20 to the third dust removal device 220 and the first fixture pick-and-place device 230. The third dust removal device 220 removes dust from the fixture 20, and the first fixture pick-and-place device 230 is used to transfer the first sub-fixture 23 located at the first placement position A2 of the base 27 to the mating position A1 of the two mother fixtures 21.

[0118] The second conveyor line 12 continues to convey the fixture 20 to its downstream end, and the first transfer mechanism 13 moves the fixture 20 from the downstream end of the second conveyor line 12 to the upstream end of the first conveyor line 11. This process is repeated to achieve continuous welding operations on batches of battery cells a1.

[0119] 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.

[0120] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A welding device, characterized in that, include: Transfer device (10); The fixture (20) is mounted on the transfer device (10) and is transported by the transfer device (10) along a preset transport route; The first feeding device (30), the second feeding device (40), the first welding device (50), the third feeding device (140), and the second welding device (160) are arranged sequentially along the preset conveying route of the transfer device (10). The first feeding device (30) and the second feeding device (40) are respectively used to feed the adapter plate (a2) and the battery cell (a1) onto the passing fixture (20). The first welding device (50) is used to weld the electrode tab of the battery cell (a1) on the passing fixture (20) to the adapter plate (a2). The third feeding device (140) is used to feed the cover plate (a3) ​​onto the passing fixture (20). The second welding device (160) is used to weld the adapter plate (a2) and the cover plate (a3) ​​on the passing fixture (20).

2. The welding equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The welding equipment also includes a feeding device (210) arranged downstream of the second welding device (160), the feeding device (210) being used to feed the battery cell (a1), adapter piece (a2) and cover piece (a3) ​​on the passing fixture (20).

3. The welding equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The transfer device (10) drives the fixture (20) to pass through the first feeding device (30), the second feeding device (40), the first welding device (50), the third feeding device (140), the second welding device (160) and the unloading device (210) in sequence.

4. The welding equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that, The transfer device (10) includes a first conveyor line (11), a second conveyor line (12), a first transfer mechanism (13), and a second transfer mechanism (14); The first conveyor line (11) is used to convey the fixture (20) from its upstream end to its downstream end. The first transfer mechanism (13) is arranged between the upstream end of the first conveyor line (11) and the downstream end of the second conveyor line (12) for transferring the fixture (20) on the downstream end of the second conveyor line (12) to the upstream end of the first conveyor line (11). The second conveyor line (12) is used to convey the fixture (20) from its upstream end to its downstream end. The second transfer mechanism (14) is arranged between the downstream end of the first conveyor line (11) and the upstream end of the second conveyor line (12) for transferring the fixture (20) on the downstream end of the first conveyor line (11) to the upstream end of the second conveyor line (12).

5. The welding equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first feeding device (30), the second feeding device (40), and the first welding device (50) are arranged sequentially from the upstream end to the downstream end along the first conveyor line (11); the third feeding device (140), the second welding device (160), and the unloading device (210) are arranged sequentially from the upstream end to the downstream end along the second conveyor line (12).

6. The welding equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first feeding device (30) is used to feed the positive electrode adapter and the negative electrode adapter onto the fixture (20) that is passing by; The first welding device (50) includes a positive electrode welding device (51) and a negative electrode welding device (53) arranged along the preset conveying route of the transfer device (10). The positive electrode welding device (51) is used to weld the positive electrode tab of the battery cell (a1) on the fixture (20) and the positive electrode adapter piece. The negative electrode welding device (53) is used to weld the negative electrode tab of the battery cell (a1) on the fixture (20) and the negative electrode adapter piece.

7. The welding equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that, The welding equipment includes a rotating station (52) located between the positive electrode welding device (51) and the negative electrode welding device (53), and the transfer device (10) drives the fixture (20) to rotate at the rotating station (52).

8. The welding equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixture (20) includes a female fixture (21), a first sub-fixture (23), and a second sub-fixture (25). The female fixture (21) is used to receive the battery cell (a1), the first sub-fixture (23) is used to receive the adapter plate (a2), and the second sub-fixture (25) is used to receive the cover plate (a3). The first sub-fixture (23) and the second sub-fixture (25) can be alternately mated with the female fixture (21).

9. The welding equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that, When the first sub-fixture (23) is mated with the mother fixture (21), the electrode tab of the battery cell (a1) on the mother fixture (21) and the adapter piece (a2) on the first sub-fixture (23) are positioned. When the second sub-jig (25) is mated with the mother jig (21), the adapter piece (a2) on the mother jig (21) which is welded and fixed to the electrode tab of the battery cell (a1) and the cover piece (a3) ​​on the second sub-jig (25) are positioned.

10. The welding equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that, The fixture (20) further includes a base (27), the female fixture (21) is mounted on the base (27), the base (27) has a first placement position (A2) and a second placement position (A3), the female fixture (21) has a mating position (A1), the first sub-fixture (23) switches between the first placement position (A2) and the mating position (A1), and the second sub-fixture (25) switches between the second placement position (A3) and the mating position (A1).

11. The welding equipment according to claim 10, characterized in that, The mating position (A1) of the female fixture (21) is provided with a positioning pin (212), and both the first sub-fixture (23) and the second sub-fixture (25) are provided with positioning holes (A5) that can cooperate with the positioning pin (212); or The mating position (A1) of the female fixture (21) is provided with a positioning hole (A5), and the first sub-fixture (23) and the second sub-fixture (25) are each provided with a positioning pin (212) that can cooperate with the positioning hole.

12. The welding equipment according to claim 10, characterized in that, The mating position (A1) of the female fixture (21) is provided with a magnetic attractor (213); or The first sub-jig (23) and the second sub-jig (25) are both provided with the magnetic suction element (213).

13. The welding equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that, The fixture (20) includes a base (27), a female fixture (21), a first sub-fixture (23), and a second sub-fixture (25). The female fixture (21) is used to receive the battery cell (a1), the first sub-fixture (23) is used to receive the adapter piece (a2), and the second sub-fixture (25) is used to receive the cover piece (a3). The female fixture (21) is mounted on the base (27). The base (27) has a first placement position (A2) and a second placement position (A3) for placing the first sub-fixture (23) and the second sub-fixture (25), respectively. The female fixture (21) has a mating position (A1). The welding equipment further includes a first jig pick-and-place device (230) and a second jig pick-and-place device (70). The first jig pick-and-place device (230) is provided between the downstream of the unloading device (210) and the upstream of the first loading device (30). The first jig pick-and-place device (230) is used to transfer the first sub-jig (23) located at the first placement position (A2) to the mating position (A1). The second jig pick-and-place device (70) is provided between the downstream of the first welding device (50) and the upstream of the second loading device (40). The second jig pick-and-place device (70) is used to transfer the first sub-jig (23) located at the mating position (A1) to the first placement position (A2).

14. The welding equipment according to claim 13, characterized in that, The welding equipment further includes a third fixture pick-and-place device (150) and a fourth fixture pick-and-place device (200). The third fixture pick-and-place device (150) is disposed downstream of the second feeding device (40) and upstream of the second welding device (160). The third fixture pick-and-place device (150) is used to transfer the second sub-fixture (25) located at the second placement position (A3) to the mating position (A1). The fourth fixture pick-and-place device (200) is disposed between the downstream of the second welding device (160) and the upstream of the first fixture pick-and-place device (230). The fourth fixture pick-and-place device (200) is used to transfer the second sub-fixture (25) located at the mating position to the second placement position (A3).

15. The welding equipment according to claim 14, characterized in that, The first fixture pick-and-place device (230), the second fixture pick-and-place device (70), the third fixture pick-and-place device (150) and the fourth fixture pick-and-place device (200) all include a motion drive mechanism (301) and a hooking mechanism (401). The hooking mechanism (401) includes a hooking drive member (403) installed on the drive end of the motion drive mechanism (301) and two hooks (405) connected to the hooking drive member (403). The two hooks (405) have protrusions (407) on their opposite sides. The first sub-jig (23) and the second sub-jig (25) each have a hollow groove (A4) and a first side wall (A41) and a second side wall (A42) that are opposite side walls of the hollow groove (A4). The first side wall (A41) and the second side wall (A42) are each provided with a slot (A43).

16. The welding equipment according to claim 15, characterized in that, The hollowed-out groove (A4) is used for the two hooks (405) of the hooking mechanism (401) to enter and exit, and the slots (A43) on the first side wall (A41) and the second side wall (A42) are respectively used for the protrusions (407) on the two hooks (405) to enter and exit.

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