Protective cover transfer apparatus and welding line

Abstract

This application relates to the field of battery manufacturing technology and provides a protective cap transfer device and a welding production line. The protective cap transfer device of this application includes a bracket with a loading end and a unloading end, two transfer devices respectively disposed at the loading end and the unloading end, and a conveying device arranged between the loading end and the unloading end; the loading end and the unloading end are arranged at a distance along a first direction, and the conveying device includes a fixture capable of reciprocating along the first direction; the transfer device at the loading end can remove the protective cap from the welded battery cell and transfer the protective cap to the fixture, which can then convey the protective cap to the transfer device at the unloading end, where the transfer device assembles the protective cap onto the battery cell before welding. The protective cap transfer device of this application reduces the time the battery cell spends at the welding station, lowers the waiting time of the welding equipment, improves the utilization rate of the welding equipment, and is beneficial to improving welding efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery manufacturing technology, and in particular to a protective cover transfer device and welding production line. Background Technology

[0002] In actual production, the top cover of the square-shell battery cell is welded to the shell using laser welding. During welding, a protective cover needs to be installed on the top cover to protect the terminals and injection holes on the top cover.

[0003] When performing the installation and removal of protective covers, a robotic arm is typically used. When the battery cell arrives at the welding equipment, the robotic arm installs the protective cover onto the cell. After the top cover is welded, the robotic arm removes the protective cover. However, this method results in the battery cell spending too much time at the welding equipment, which is detrimental to improving welding efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, this application aims to provide a protective cover transfer device to improve welding efficiency.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this application is implemented as follows: A protective cover transfer device includes a bracket having a loading end and a unloading end, two transfer devices respectively disposed at the loading end and the unloading end, and a conveying device disposed between the loading end and the unloading end; The loading end and the unloading end are arranged at a distance along a first direction, and the conveying device includes a fixture capable of reciprocating along the first direction; The transfer device at the loading end can remove the protective cover from the welded battery cell and pass the protective cover to the fixture. The fixture can transport the protective cover to the transfer device at the unloading end, and the transfer device at the unloading end can assemble the protective cover onto the battery cell before welding.

[0006] Furthermore, the transfer device includes a movable module disposed on the support, and a suction component disposed on the movable end of the movable module; The suction component can hold the protective cover, and the moving module can move the suction component that holds the protective cover.

[0007] Furthermore, each of the aforementioned mobile terminals is provided with at least two of the aforementioned suction components; Each of the aforementioned holding components includes an adjusting mechanism disposed on the movable end, and a magnetic attraction mechanism disposed on the output end of the adjusting mechanism. The adjusting mechanism is capable of moving the magnetic attraction mechanism along a second direction, so that the spacing between each of the magnetic attraction mechanisms is adjustable. The fixture is provided with a support portion, and the support portion corresponds one-to-one with each of the magnetic attraction mechanisms on the transfer device, and each support portion can support the protective cover respectively.

[0008] Furthermore, a rotating mechanism is provided on the output end; The rotating end of the rotating mechanism is connected to the magnetic attraction mechanism, and the rotating end drives the magnetic attraction mechanism to rotate.

[0009] Furthermore, the conveying device includes a mounting frame, a drive unit disposed on the mounting frame, and a transmission unit driven by the drive unit; The fixture consists of two parts connected to the transmission unit, which is driven by the drive unit and can drive the two fixtures to move in opposite directions.

[0010] Furthermore, the transmission unit includes two transmission wheels arranged along the first direction, and a transmission belt sleeved on the two transmission wheels; The power output end of the drive unit is connected to either of the transmission wheels, and the two fixtures are respectively connected to opposite sides of the transmission belt.

[0011] Furthermore, the protective cover is provided with at least two positioning holes, and the fixture is provided with a first positioning pin corresponding to each positioning hole.

[0012] Furthermore, the protective cover is provided with at least two positioning holes, and the transfer device is provided with second positioning pins that correspond one-to-one with the positioning holes.

[0013] Furthermore, the protective cover transfer device also includes a material exchange bin that is fixed relative to the bracket; One of the aforementioned transfer devices is capable of placing the protective cover into or removing it from the material exchange bin.

[0014] Furthermore, the material changing chamber includes a base and at least two sets of limiting members connected to the base; Each of the limiting members is provided with a supporting part, and the supporting parts on the same group of limiting members jointly support the protective cover.

[0015] Compared with related technologies, this application has the following advantages: (1) The protective cover transfer device described in this application, by arranging two transfer devices that can detach and install the protective cover, and setting a conveying device between the two transfer devices that can transport the protective cover, can realize the rapid return of the protective cover from the loading end to the unloading end. The battery cell with the protective cover is already installed before entering the welding station. After entering the welding station, it can be welded immediately. After the welding is completed, it can leave the welding station immediately and then remove the protective cover. This reduces the time the battery cell stays at the welding station, reduces the waiting time of the welding equipment, improves the utilization rate of the welding equipment, and helps to improve the welding efficiency.

[0016] (2) The moving module and the holding component in the transfer device enable the holding component to accurately pick up and move the protective cover. The moving module can drive the holding component to move within a certain range, which facilitates the picking and placing of the protective cover between the battery cell and the fixture, ensuring the flexibility and accuracy of the transfer process.

[0017] (3) The mobile end is equipped with multiple suction components, and the spacing of the magnetic suction mechanism of the suction components is adjustable, which can pick up multiple protective covers at one time and adapt to different spacing between the protective covers, thus improving the versatility of the equipment. At the same time, the bearing part on the fixture corresponds one-to-one with the magnetic suction mechanism, which can ensure that all the protective covers transported on the mobile end in one trip are carried by the fixture, which is conducive to improving the efficiency of protective cover placement.

[0018] (4) A rotating mechanism is set at the output end, which can drive the magnetic suction mechanism to rotate. The angle of the protective cover can be adjusted during the transfer process to meet different assembly requirements, further improving the flexibility and applicability of the equipment and helping to ensure the accuracy of the protective cover assembly.

[0019] (5) The conveying device consists of a mounting frame, a drive unit and a transmission unit. The two fixtures move in opposite directions under the drive of the transmission unit, which can realize bidirectional conveying of the protective cover. When one fixture receives the protective cover at the feeding end, the other fixture supplies the protective cover to the transfer device at the unloading end, which improves the conveying efficiency of the protective cover and enables the equipment to better cooperate with other production links and improve the overall production rhythm.

[0020] (6) Through the cooperation of the transmission wheel and the transmission belt, the movement directions of the connection points on both sides of the transmission belt and the fixture are opposite, which can realize the precise reverse movement of two fixtures driven by a single drive unit. At the same time, the belt drive can also transmit power stably. The structure is simple and reliable, and easy to maintain and repair.

[0021] (7) The positioning holes on the protective cover cooperate with the positioning pins on the fixture to achieve precise positioning of the protective cover, reduce the possibility of positional deviation of the protective cover during transfer and transportation, help the protective cover to be accurately placed on the fixture, and help improve the assembly quality and consistency of the product; the positioning holes on the protective cover cooperate with the positioning pins on the transfer device to achieve precise positioning of the protective cover, reduce the possibility of positional deviation of the protective cover during transfer and transportation, help the protective cover to be accurately adsorbed on the transfer device, and help improve the assembly quality and consistency of the product.

[0022] (8) A material changing bin is set up to facilitate the storage and replacement of protective covers. The transfer device can put or move the protective covers into or out of the material changing bin, so that the equipment can replenish the protective covers in a timely manner during the production process, reduce downtime, and improve the continuity and efficiency of production.

[0023] (9) The base and limiting structure of the material changing hopper, as well as the support part on the limiting part, can reliably support and limit the protective cover, prevent the protective cover from shaking or shifting in the material changing hopper, and ensure the stability and safety of the protective cover during storage and replacement.

[0024] This application also proposes a welding production line, which includes the aforementioned protective cover transfer device.

[0025] The welding production line described in this application, by employing the aforementioned protective cover transfer equipment, arranges two transfer devices capable of detaching and installing protective covers, and sets up a conveying device between the two transfer devices capable of transporting protective covers. This enables rapid return of protective covers from the loading end to the unloading end. The battery cells with protective covers are already fitted with protective covers before entering the welding station, and can be welded immediately after entering the welding station. After welding is completed, they can leave the welding station immediately, and then the protective covers can be removed. This reduces the time the battery cells stay at the welding station, lowers the waiting time of the welding equipment, improves the utilization rate of the welding equipment, and helps to improve welding efficiency, thereby improving the production efficiency of the welding production line. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of this application. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of this application are used to explain this application and do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the protective cover transfer device described in the embodiments of this application; Figure 2 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the transfer device described in the embodiments of this application; Figure 3 for Figure 2 A diagram from another perspective; Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the conveying device described in the embodiments of this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the drive unit, transmission unit, and fixture described in the embodiments of this application; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the material changing bin described in an embodiment of this application; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the protective cover and battery cell described in the embodiments of this application; Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Bracket; 101. Loading end; 102. Unloading end; 103. Crossbeam; 2. Transfer device; 201. Moving module; 2011. First linear module; 2012. Second linear module; 2013. Lifting assembly; 2014. Connecting plate; 202. Holding assembly; 2021. Adjustment mechanism; 2022. Magnetic attraction mechanism; 2023. Rotation mechanism; 203. Second positioning pin; 3. Conveying device; 301. Fixture; 3011. Bearing part; 3012. First locating pin; 302. Mounting bracket; 303. Drive unit; 304. Transmission unit; 3041. Transmission wheel; 3042. Transmission belt; 4. Protective cover; 401. Positioning hole; 5. Material changing hopper; 501. Base; 502. Limiting component; 5021. Supporting part; 6. Battery cells. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the technical solution and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0028] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other.

[0029] Furthermore, it should be noted that in the description of this application, if terms such as "upper," "lower," "inner," or "outer" appear, indicating orientation or positional relationship, these are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on this application. In addition, if terms such as "first" or "second" appear, they are also used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0030] Furthermore, in the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly defined, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "connector" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application in light of the specific circumstances.

[0031] In this application, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0032] The present application will now be described in detail through exemplary embodiments. However, it should be understood that, without further description, elements, structures, and features in one embodiment may be advantageously incorporated into other embodiments.

[0033] An embodiment of the first aspect of this application provides a protective cap transfer device to improve welding efficiency.

[0034] In related technologies, the top cover of the square-shell battery cell is welded to the casing using laser welding. During welding, a protective cover needs to be installed on the top cover to protect the terminals and injection holes on the top cover.

[0035] When performing the installation and removal of protective covers, a robotic arm is typically used. When the battery cell arrives at the welding equipment, the robotic arm installs the protective cover onto the cell. After the top cover is welded, the robotic arm removes the protective cover. However, this method results in the battery cell spending too much time at the welding equipment, which is detrimental to improving welding efficiency.

[0036] In view of this, in order to overcome the shortcomings of the related technology, the protective cover transfer device in this embodiment combines... Figures 1 to 7 In terms of content and overall design, it includes a support 1 with a loading end 101 and a unloading end 102, two transfer devices 2 respectively set at the loading end 101 and the unloading end 102, and a conveying device 3 arranged between the loading end 101 and the unloading end 102.

[0037] The loading end 101 and unloading end 102 are arranged at a distance along a first direction. The conveying device 3 includes a jig 301 that can reciprocate along the first direction. The transfer device 2 of the loading end 101 can remove the protective cover 4 from the welded battery cell 6 and transfer the protective cover 4 to the jig 301. The jig 301 can transport the protective cover 4 to the transfer device 2 of the unloading end 102, whereby the transfer device 2 of the unloading end 102 assembles the protective cover 4 onto the battery cell 6 before welding.

[0038] Therefore, by arranging two transfer devices 2 capable of removing and installing protective covers 4, and setting a conveying device 3 between the two transfer devices 2 capable of conveying protective covers 4, the rapid return of protective covers 4 from the loading end 101 to the unloading end 102 can be realized. The battery cell 6 with protective covers 4 is already equipped with protective covers 4 before entering the welding station. After entering the welding station, welding can be carried out immediately. After welding is completed, it can leave the welding station immediately and then remove the protective covers 4. This reduces the time that the battery cell 6 stays at the welding station, reduces the waiting time of the welding equipment, improves the utilization rate of the welding equipment, and helps to improve welding efficiency.

[0039] Based on the above overall introduction, specifically, the protective cover transfer device of this embodiment is used on the welding production line. Specifically, in the process of welding the shell of the square-shell battery cell 6 to the top cover, the side corresponding to the loading end 101 is connected to the downstream of the welding equipment of the welding production line, while the side corresponding to the unloading end 102 is connected to the upstream of the welding equipment of the welding production line. This ensures that the battery cell 6 with the protective cover 4 only has the welding process after entering, without any other unnecessary time consumption.

[0040] Preferably, the first direction can be horizontally arranged. The support 1 can be, for example, a rectangular frame, and two crossbeams 103 extending along the first direction are arranged. Both transfer devices 2 are arranged on the crossbeams 103. At the loading end 101 and the unloading end 102, the conveying directions of the two battery cells 6 are parallel and opposite.

[0041] Combination Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in some exemplary embodiments, the transfer device 2 includes a moving module 201 disposed on a support 1, and a suction component 202 disposed on a moving end of the moving module 201. The suction component 202 is capable of holding the protective cover 4, and the moving module 201 is capable of moving the suction component 202 that holds the protective cover 4.

[0042] Thus, the arrangement of the moving module 201 and the holding component 202 in the transfer device 2 enables the holding component 202 to accurately pick up and move the protective cover 4. The moving module 201 can drive the holding component 202 to move within a certain range, which facilitates the picking and placing of the protective cover 4 between the battery cell 6 and the fixture 301, ensuring the flexibility and accuracy of the transfer process.

[0043] Continue to combine Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in some exemplary embodiments of the transfer device 2, which includes a moving module 201, at least two holding components 202 are provided on each moving end. Each holding component 202 includes an adjusting mechanism 2021 on the moving end and a magnetic attraction mechanism 2022 on the output end of the adjusting mechanism 2021. The adjusting mechanism 2021 can move the magnetic attraction mechanism 2022 along a second direction, making the spacing between the magnetic attraction mechanisms 2022 adjustable. The fixture 301 is provided with a support portion 3011, which corresponds one-to-one with each magnetic attraction mechanism 2022 on one of the transfer devices 2. Each support portion 3011 can respectively support the protective cover 4.

[0044] With this configuration, the mobile end is equipped with multiple suction components 202, and the spacing of the magnetic suction mechanism 2022 of the suction components 202 is adjustable, which can pick up multiple protective covers 4 at one time and adapt to different spacings between the protective covers 4, thus improving the versatility of the equipment. At the same time, the support part 3011 on the fixture 301 corresponds one-to-one with the magnetic suction mechanism 2022, which can ensure that all the protective covers 4 transported on the mobile end in a single trip are carried by the fixture 301, which is conducive to improving the efficiency of moving the protective covers 4.

[0045] Preferably, the moving module 201 includes a first linear module 2011 arranged along a first direction, a second linear module 2012 arranged along a second direction, and a lifting assembly 2013. The second linear module 2012 is disposed on the moving end of the first linear module 2011, and the moving end of the first linear module 2011 is slidably connected to the bracket 1 via a slide rail slider structure. The lifting assembly 2013 is disposed on the moving end of the second linear module 2012, and the moving end of the second linear module 2012 is slidably connected to the moving end of the first linear module 2011 via a slide rail slider structure. The lifting assembly 2013 is an electric cylinder, with its cylinder end mounted on the moving end of the second linear module 2012. The piston rod extends downward and is provided with a connecting plate 2014, which forms the moving end of the moving module 201.

[0046] It should be noted that both the first linear module 2011 and the second linear module 2012 can be any of the following: synchronous belt linear module, ball screw linear module, or linear motor linear module. The lifting assembly 2013 can also adopt a worm gear screw jack, cylinder, or other structure, as long as it can have a lifting and lowering movable end.

[0047] Based on the fact that each holding component 202 includes an adjustment mechanism 2021 and a magnetic attraction mechanism 2022, it still refers to Figures 1 to 3As shown, in some exemplary embodiments, a rotating mechanism 2023 is provided on the output end of the adjusting mechanism 2021. The rotating end of the rotating mechanism 2023 is connected to the magnetic attraction mechanism 2022, and the rotating end drives the magnetic attraction mechanism 2022 to rotate.

[0048] In this way, the output end is equipped with a rotating mechanism 2023, which can drive the magnetic suction mechanism 2022 to rotate. This allows for the adjustment of the angle of the protective cover 4 during the placement process to meet different assembly requirements, further improving the flexibility and applicability of the equipment and helping to ensure the accuracy of the assembly of the protective cover 4.

[0049] Specifically, the adjusting mechanism 2021 can adopt an electric cylinder, pneumatic cylinder, or similar structure, with its output end connected to the rotating mechanism 2023. The rotating mechanism 2023 and the moving end of the moving module 201 can be connected via a slide rail to guide the rotating mechanism 2023 to slide in the second direction. The rotating mechanism 2023 can be, for example, an angle cylinder or a servo motor, as long as it can accurately control the rotation angle of the rotating end and connect the rotating end to the magnetic suction mechanism 2022. The magnetic suction mechanism 2022 can be an electromagnetic chuck, which can magnetically hold the ferromagnetic protective cover 4 when powered on and release the protective cover 4 when powered off.

[0050] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in some exemplary embodiments, the conveying device 3 includes a mounting frame 302, a drive unit 303 disposed on the mounting frame 302, and a transmission unit 304 driven by the drive unit 303. Two fixtures 301 are connected to the transmission unit 304, which, driven by the drive unit 303, is capable of driving the two fixtures 301 to move in opposite directions.

[0051] Thus, the conveying device 3 consists of a mounting frame 302, a drive unit 303, and a transmission unit 304. The two fixtures 301 move in opposite directions under the drive of the transmission unit 304, which can realize bidirectional conveying of the protective cover 4. When one fixture 301 receives the protective cover 4 at the loading end 101, the other fixture 301 supplies the protective cover 4 to the transfer device 2 at the unloading end 102, which improves the conveying efficiency of the protective cover 4 and enables the equipment to better cooperate with other production links and improve the overall production rhythm.

[0052] Continue to refer to Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, based on the conveying device 3 including a transmission unit 304, in some exemplary embodiments, the transmission unit 304 includes two transmission wheels 3041 arranged along a first direction, and a transmission belt 3042 sleeved on the two transmission wheels 3041. The power output end of the drive unit 303 is connected to either transmission wheel 3041, and two fixtures 301 are respectively connected to opposite sides of the transmission belt 3042.

[0053] With this arrangement, through the cooperation of the transmission wheel 3041 and the transmission belt 3042, the two sides of the transmission belt 3042 that are connected to the fixture 301 move in opposite directions. This allows a single drive unit 303 to drive two fixtures 301 to move precisely in opposite directions. Simultaneously, the belt drive method can stably transmit power. The structure is simple, reliable, and easy to maintain and repair. For example, the two sides of the transmission belt 3042 that connect to the fixture 301 can be located on both sides of the transmission belt 3042 in a second direction. Clamping plates can be provided on the fixture 301 to clamp the transmission belt 3042, thereby enabling it to move as driven by the transmission belt 3042.

[0054] The specific transmission method for the transmission wheel 3041 and the transmission belt 3042 can be, for example, belt drive or synchronous belt drive. The jig 301 can move along the first direction via a slide rail and slider structure. The drive unit 303 can be a servo motor, and the output shaft of the servo motor is connected to either transmission wheel 3041.

[0055] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, in some exemplary embodiments, the protective cover 4 is provided with at least two positioning holes 401, and the fixture 301 is provided with first positioning pins 3012 corresponding to the positioning holes 401 one by one. The positioning holes 401 on the protective cover 4 cooperate with the positioning pins on the fixture 301 to achieve precise positioning of the protective cover 4, reduce the possibility of positional deviation of the protective cover 4 during transfer and transportation, help the protective cover 4 to be accurately placed on the fixture 301, and help improve the assembly quality and consistency of the product.

[0056] Preferably, two positioning holes 401 can be provided on the protective cover 4, one positioning hole 401 is circular and the other positioning hole 401 is oblong, so that the first positioning pin 3012 can enter the positioning hole 401 more easily without affecting the positioning accuracy.

[0057] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 7As shown, in some exemplary embodiments, the protective cover 4 is provided with at least two positioning holes 401, and the transfer device 2 is provided with second positioning pins 203 corresponding to the positioning holes 401 one by one. The positioning holes 401 on the protective cover 4 cooperate with the positioning pins on the transfer device 2 to achieve precise positioning of the protective cover 4, reduce the possibility of positional deviation of the protective cover 4 during transfer and transportation, help the protective cover 4 to be accurately adsorbed on the transfer device 2, and help improve the assembly quality and consistency of the product.

[0058] Preferably, two positioning holes 401 can be provided on the protective cover 4, one positioning hole 401 is circular and the other positioning hole 401 is oblong, so that the second positioning pin 203 can enter the positioning hole 401 more easily without affecting the positioning accuracy.

[0059] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 6 In order to maintain the protective effect of the protective cover 4, in some exemplary embodiments, the protective cover transfer device also includes a material exchange bin 5 fixed relative to the support 1. One of the transfer devices 2 is capable of placing or removing the protective cover 4 into or out of the material exchange bin 5.

[0060] In this way, the material changing bin 5 facilitates the storage and replacement of protective covers 4. The transfer device 2 can place or remove protective covers 4 into or out of the material changing bin 5, enabling the equipment to replenish protective covers 4 in a timely manner during production, reducing downtime and improving production continuity and efficiency. The material changing bin 5 can be divided into an area for storing cleaned protective covers 4 and an area for storing uncleaned protective covers 4. Protective covers 4 that have been used a certain number of times will be placed in the area for uncleaned protective covers 4, and after being removed, cleaned, and repaired, they will be returned to the area for cleaned protective covers 4.

[0061] Based on the material changing chamber 5, in some exemplary embodiments, the material changing chamber 5 includes a base 501 and at least two sets of limiting members 502 connected to the base 501. Each limiting member 502 is provided with a support portion 5021, and the support portions 5021 on the same set of limiting members 502 jointly support the protective cover 4.

[0062] In this way, the base 501 and limiting member 502 structure of the material changing hopper 5, as well as the support part 5021 on the limiting member 502, can reliably support and limit the protective cover 4, preventing the protective cover 4 from shaking or shifting within the material changing hopper 5, thus ensuring the stability and safety of the protective cover 4 during storage and replacement. The base 501 can be fixed to the bracket 1 or to the working ground, as long as it is fixed in a relative position to the bracket 1.

[0063] Preferably, the limiting members 502 are arranged in pairs and spaced apart. The top of the opposite side of each limiting member 502 in the same group has a groove, the bottom of which forms a support surface for the protective cover 4, while the groove wall limits the position of the protective cover 4. The purpose of providing at least two sets of limiting members 502 is to distinguish between cleaned and uncleaned protective covers 4, and to store the protective covers 4 separately.

[0064] It is worth noting that, regarding the protective cover transfer device of this embodiment, based on the above exemplary embodiments, in specific implementation, as a preferred embodiment, it is still provided by Figures 1 to 6 As shown, it may include, for example, a support 1, a transfer device 2, and a conveying device 3.

[0065] The support 1 adopts a rectangular frame and is arranged with two crossbeams 103 extending along the first direction. Both transfer devices 2 are set on the crossbeams 103.

[0066] The transfer device 2 includes a moving module 201 and two holding components 202 disposed on the moving end of the moving module 201. The holding components 202 include an adjusting mechanism 2021, a magnetic attraction mechanism 2022, and a rotating structure.

[0067] The conveying device 3 includes a mounting frame 302, a drive unit 303, a transmission unit 304, and two fixtures 301. The drive unit 303 controls the two fixtures 301 to move in opposite directions through the transmission unit 304.

[0068] The transmission unit 304 includes two synchronous pulleys and a synchronous belt, and the drive unit 303 uses a servo motor. The synchronous pulleys are provided with flanges on both sides of the axial direction. The flanges can limit the position of the synchronous belt teeth and prevent the synchronous belt from slipping off the synchronous pulleys.

[0069] Among them, the material feeding end 102 of the bracket 1 is fixedly connected to the material changing chamber 5, and the material changing chamber 5 includes four sets of limiting members 502 for supporting and protecting the cover 4.

[0070] In the preferred embodiment of the protective cover transfer device described above, the specific configuration and arrangement of the bracket 1, transfer device 2, and conveying device 3 can still be referred to the descriptions in the above exemplary embodiments. Furthermore, in this preferred embodiment, the beneficial effects brought about by the design of the bracket 1, transfer device 2, and conveying device 3 can also be referred to the descriptions in the above exemplary embodiments.

[0071] The protective cover transfer device in this embodiment adopts the above design. By arranging two transfer devices 2 that can detach and install the protective cover 4, and setting a conveying device 3 between the two transfer devices 2 that can transport the protective cover 4, the protective cover 4 can be quickly returned from the loading end 101 to the unloading end 102. The battery cell 6 with the protective cover 4 is already installed before entering the welding station. After entering the welding station, welding can be carried out immediately. After welding is completed, it can leave the welding station immediately and then remove the protective cover 4. This reduces the time that the battery cell 6 stays at the welding station, reduces the waiting time of the welding equipment, improves the utilization rate of the welding equipment, and helps to improve welding efficiency.

[0072] An embodiment of the second aspect of this application provides a welding production line that includes the protective cover transfer device of the first aspect of this application.

[0073] In this embodiment of the welding production line, by adopting the protective cover transfer device of the first aspect of this application, two transfer devices 2 capable of detaching and installing the protective cover 4 are arranged, and a conveying device 3 capable of conveying the protective cover 4 is set between the two transfer devices 2. This enables the rapid return of the protective cover 4 from the loading end 101 to the unloading end 102. The battery cell 6 with the protective cover 4 is already equipped with the protective cover 4 before entering the welding station. After entering the welding station, welding can be performed immediately. After welding is completed, the battery cell 6 can leave the welding station immediately, and then the protective cover 4 can be removed. This reduces the time that the battery cell 6 stays at the welding station, reduces the waiting time of the welding equipment, improves the utilization rate of the welding equipment, and helps to improve welding efficiency, thereby improving the production efficiency of the welding production line.

[0074] The above descriptions are merely some embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. The technical features or structures in the foregoing different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined to form other specific technical solutions as needed. For those skilled in the art, this application can have various modifications and variations. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A protective cover transfer device, characterized in that: It includes a support having a loading end and a unloading end, two transfer devices respectively disposed at the loading end and the unloading end, and a conveying device disposed between the loading end and the unloading end; The loading end and the unloading end are arranged at a distance along a first direction, and the conveying device includes a fixture capable of reciprocating along the first direction; The transfer device at the loading end can remove the protective cover from the welded battery cell and pass the protective cover to the fixture. The fixture can transport the protective cover to the transfer device at the unloading end, and the transfer device at the unloading end can assemble the protective cover onto the battery cell before welding.

2. The protective cover transfer device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transfer device includes a movable module disposed on the support, and a suction component disposed on the movable end of the movable module; The suction component can hold the protective cover, and the moving module can move the suction component that holds the protective cover.

3. The protective cover transfer device according to claim 2, characterized in that: Each of the aforementioned mobile terminals is provided with at least two of the aforementioned suction components; Each of the aforementioned holding components includes an adjusting mechanism disposed on the movable end, and a magnetic attraction mechanism disposed on the output end of the adjusting mechanism. The adjusting mechanism is capable of moving the magnetic attraction mechanism along a second direction, so that the spacing between each of the magnetic attraction mechanisms is adjustable. The fixture is provided with a support portion, and the support portion corresponds one-to-one with each of the magnetic attraction mechanisms on the transfer device, and each support portion can support the protective cover respectively.

4. The protective cover transfer device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The output end is equipped with a rotating mechanism; The rotating end of the rotating mechanism is connected to the magnetic attraction mechanism, and the rotating end drives the magnetic attraction mechanism to rotate.

5. The protective cover transfer device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conveying device includes a mounting frame, a drive unit disposed on the mounting frame, and a transmission unit driven by the drive unit; The fixture consists of two parts connected to the transmission unit, which is driven by the drive unit and can drive the two fixtures to move in opposite directions.

6. The protective cover transfer device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The transmission unit includes two transmission wheels arranged along the first direction, and a transmission belt sleeved on the two transmission wheels; The power output end of the drive unit is connected to either of the transmission wheels, and the two fixtures are respectively connected to opposite sides of the transmission belt.

7. The protective cover transfer device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The protective cover is provided with at least two positioning holes, and the fixture is provided with first positioning pins corresponding to each positioning hole; and / or The protective cover is provided with at least two positioning holes, and the transfer device is provided with a second positioning pin that corresponds to each of the positioning holes.

8. The protective cover transfer device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: It also includes a material changing chamber that is fixed relative to the support; One of the aforementioned transfer devices is capable of placing the protective cover into or removing it from the material exchange bin.

9. The protective cover transfer device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The material changing chamber includes a base and at least two sets of limiting members connected to the base; Each of the limiting members is provided with a supporting part, and the supporting parts on the same group of limiting members jointly support the protective cover.

10. A welding production line, characterized in that: The welding production line includes the protective cover transfer device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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