Battery cell gripper and battery cell gripping device

Abstract

This application discloses a battery cell gripper and a battery cell clamping device. The battery cell gripper includes a clamping arm, a clamping block, and a toggle member. The clamping block is detachably mounted on the clamping end of the clamping arm, and a groove is provided on the mounting side of the clamping block. One of the clamping arm and the clamping block is provided with a protrusion, and the other clamping arm and the clamping block are provided with a limiting groove. The protrusion extends into the limiting groove to form a guiding engagement in a first direction. The protrusion and the limiting groove engage and restrict the clamping block from disengaging from the clamping arm in a second direction. The toggle member is disposed on the clamping arm, and the insertion end of the toggle member is configured to be inserted into the groove of the clamping block, thereby restricting the movement of the clamping block relative to the clamping arm in the first direction. When the toggle member is moved away from the clamping block, the insertion end of the toggle member is configured to move away from the groove of the clamping block. When the above-mentioned battery cell gripper needs to clamp battery cells of different sizes, only the clamping block needs to be replaced, which is simple to operate and has high replacement efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the technical field of battery cell module production equipment, and particularly relates to a battery cell gripper and a battery cell clamping device. Background Technology

[0002] During the production of battery cell modules, operations such as handling and positioning of the battery cells are required. These operations usually require the use of a battery cell clamping device to hold the battery cells. The battery cell clamping device typically includes a drive unit and two battery cell grippers. The drive end of the drive unit is connected to the two battery cell grippers. The drive unit drives the two battery cell grippers to move closer or further apart to clamp or release the battery cells.

[0003] However, in actual production processes, existing cell clamping devices typically require detaching the two cell clamping jaws from the drive unit when clamping cells of different sizes. Then, two new clamping jaws, matching the size of the cells to be clamped, are installed on the drive end of the drive unit. The clamping jaws and drive unit are connected by multiple screws, making screw removal and installation cumbersome and inefficient. Furthermore, a screwdriver is required; if the screwdriver is damaged or lost, the cell clamping jaw replacement cannot be completed. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a battery cell gripper to solve the above-mentioned problems of existing battery cell clamping devices. In addition, another purpose of this application is to provide a battery cell clamping device including the battery cell gripper.

[0005] To achieve this objective, the following technical solution is adopted in this application:

[0006] In a first aspect, this application proposes a battery cell gripper, which includes a gripping arm, a gripping block, and a toggle member, wherein...

[0007] The clamping block is detachably mounted on the clamping end of the clamping arm, and a groove is provided on the mounting side of the clamping block;

[0008] One of the clamping arms and clamping blocks is provided with a protrusion, and the other of the clamping arms and clamping blocks is provided with a limiting groove. The protrusion extends into the limiting groove to form a guiding fit in the first direction. The protrusion and the limiting groove cooperate to restrict the clamping block from disengaging from the clamping arm in the second direction.

[0009] The actuating element is disposed on the clamping arm, and the insertion end of the actuating element is configured to be inserted into the groove of the clamping block, thereby restricting the movement of the clamping block relative to the clamping arm in the first direction. When the actuating element is moved away from the clamping block, the insertion end of the actuating element is configured to move away from the groove of the clamping block.

[0010] The cell clamp proposed in this application restricts the clamping block from disengaging from the clamping arm in the second direction through the cooperation of the protrusion and the limiting groove, and restricts the movement of the clamping block relative to the clamping arm in the first direction through the cooperation of the actuating element and the groove. This enables the clamping block to be detachably installed at the clamping end of the clamping arm. When it is necessary to clamp cells of different sizes, simply actuate the actuating element to move the clamping block relative to the clamping arm in the first direction, then remove the clamping block from the clamping arm in the first direction, and finally install a clamping block that matches the size of the cell to be clamped. Compared with the prior art of replacing the entire clamping arm with a screwdriver, this method does not require a screwdriver or external disassembly tools, making the operation simple and the replacement efficiency high.

[0011] Optionally, the actuating element includes a pin and at least one lever, wherein,

[0012] A receiving groove is provided on the first side of the clamping end of the clamping arm;

[0013] The pin is set in the receiving groove, and the end of the pin forms the insertion end of the actuating element;

[0014] The clamping arm has at least one through hole, which is connected to the receiving groove. The first end of the lever passes through the through hole and is fixedly connected to the pin block. The second end of the lever extends out of the through hole. When the lever is moved away from the clamping block, it can drive the end of the pin block to disengage from the groove of the clamping block.

[0015] After the clamping block is installed in place by the protrusion and the limiting groove forming a guide fit along the first direction, the pin block is inserted into the groove of the clamping block by moving the lever. When the clamping block needs to be replaced, the lever is moved away from the clamping block along the second direction, thereby moving the pin block away from the clamping block, so that the pin block is completely disengaged from the groove of the clamping block. Then the clamping block can be removed from the clamping arm along the first direction. This realizes the quick replacement of the clamping block relative to the clamping arm and provides a simple and easy-to-operate toggle component.

[0016] Optionally, the actuating component also includes at least one elastic element, which is disposed in the receiving groove. The first end of the elastic element abuts against the bottom of the receiving groove, and the second end of the elastic element abuts against the pin block. The elastic force of the elastic element pushes the end of the pin block into the groove of the clamping block.

[0017] The elastic force of the elastic element keeps the end of the pin inserted in the groove of the clamping block. This prevents the clamping block from slipping off the clamping arm in the first direction, ensuring that the clamping block is reliably installed on the clamping arm.

[0018] Optionally, the battery cell clamp also includes a magnet, which is fixed at the bottom of the groove of the clamping block. When the end of the pin is inserted into the groove of the clamping block, the end of the pin is attracted to the magnet.

[0019] The magnetic attraction can also keep the end of the pin inserted in the groove of the clamping block.

[0020] Optionally, a through hole is provided on the second and third sides opposite to each other at the clamping end of the clamping arm. Two levers are provided, with each through hole corresponding to one lever. The first ends of the two levers pass through the corresponding through holes and are fixed on the opposite sides of the pin block.

[0021] By setting two levers, when disassembling the clamping block, the two levers are moved simultaneously to make the force on the pin block even, so as to avoid the pin block getting stuck in the receiving groove due to uneven force and ensure that the pin block can smoothly disengage from the groove of the clamping block. At the same time, through holes are opened on the second and third sides opposite to each other at the clamping end of the clamping arm. The levers are limited by the end of the through holes near the clamping block, thereby limiting the pin block and preventing the pin block from falling out of the receiving groove.

[0022] Optionally, a through hole is formed on the fourth side of the clamping end of the clamping arm, the fourth side being opposite to the first side, and the first end of the lever passes through the through hole and is fixed to the pin block.

[0023] By opening a through hole on the fourth side of the clamping end of the clamping arm, the direction of the lever's movement is consistent with the direction of the pin's movement, thus preventing the pin from getting stuck in the receiving groove due to uneven force and allowing the pin to smoothly disengage from the groove of the clamping block.

[0024] Optionally, a carrier is detachably mounted on the clamping end of the clamping arm, the carrier being located below the clamping block and configured to support the clamping block.

[0025] By setting up a support component, the clamping block is supported after the pin block disengages from the groove of the clamping block, thus preventing the clamping block from accidentally falling off the clamping arm.

[0026] Optionally, the clamping surface of the clamping block is fitted with a cushioning pad.

[0027] By setting a buffer pad on the clamping surface of the clamping block, the clamping block and the battery cell are in soft contact when the clamping block clamps the battery cell, which protects the battery cell; at the same time, the buffer pad also serves as an insulating barrier.

[0028] Secondly, this application also provides a battery cell clamping device, which includes a driving member, a first gripper, and a second gripper, wherein:

[0029] Both the first and second grippers use the aforementioned battery cell grippers;

[0030] The driving end of the driving member is connected to the first gripper and the second gripper, and the driving member is configured to drive the first gripper and the second gripper to move closer to or further away from each other in a second direction.

[0031] The automatic clamping and releasing of the battery cell is achieved through the cooperation of the drive unit, the first gripper, and the second gripper. At the same time, both the first gripper and the second gripper are the battery cell grippers. When clamping battery cells of different sizes, only the clamping blocks of different specifications need to be replaced, which is convenient to operate and has high replacement efficiency.

[0032] Optionally, the cell clamping device includes two limiting blocks, which are respectively installed on the clamping arms of the first and second jaws, and the limiting blocks are made of insulating material.

[0033] The limit block has a first clearance groove.

[0034] By setting limiting blocks on the first and second grippers, not only are the gripping positions of the first and second grippers limited, but the limiting blocks also serve to insulate and isolate the first and second grippers from the battery cell. By opening a first clearance groove on the limiting block, the limiting block is prevented from contacting the electrodes on the battery cell, thus protecting the electrodes.

[0035] Optionally, the cell clamping device also includes a detection component configured to detect whether there is a cell between the first and second jaws before clamping the cell, in order to control the operation of the drive unit.

[0036] Before clamping the battery cell, the detection component first detects whether there is a battery cell between the first and second grippers. If there is a battery cell, the drive unit works to drive the first and second grippers to move closer to each other to clamp the battery cell. If there is no battery cell, the drive unit does not work, thus avoiding the clamping device from clamping empty.

[0037] Optionally, the cell clamping device also includes a mounting base, a tray, and a backing plate, wherein:

[0038] Both the support plate and the backing plate are made of insulating material. Both the support plate and the backing plate are installed on the mounting base, and the surfaces of the support plate and the backing plate are perpendicular to each other.

[0039] The drive unit is mounted on the mounting base;

[0040] When the first and second grippers hold the battery cell, the battery cell rests on the support plate, and one side of the battery cell is against the support plate.

[0041] By supporting the bottom of the battery cell with a support plate, limiting one side of the battery cell with a backing plate, and clamping and positioning the battery cell from both sides through the cooperation of the first and second grippers, a battery cell clamping device with positioning function is provided. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the battery cell gripper proposed in the embodiments of this application;

[0043] Figure 2This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the clamping arm of the battery cell gripper proposed in the embodiments of this application;

[0044] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the clamping block of the battery cell gripper proposed in the embodiments of this application;

[0045] Figure 4 This is a side view schematic diagram of the clamping block of the battery cell gripper proposed in the embodiments of this application;

[0046] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the cross section along the AA direction;

[0047] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the carrier component of the battery cell clamp according to the embodiments of this application;

[0048] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the state in which the first type of battery cell clamping device (clamping block with a relatively large width) of this application clamps a battery cell;

[0049] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the battery cell clamping device;

[0050] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the second type of battery cell clamping device (clamping block with a smaller width) of this application;

[0051] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the third type of battery cell clamping device in this application;

[0052] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A schematic diagram showing the state of the battery cell being held by the battery cell clamping device.

[0053] Figures 1 to 11 The following reference numerals are included:

[0054] Battery cell gripper 10: gripping arm 11, receiving groove 110, through hole 111, limiting step 112, gripping block 12, actuating component 13, pin block 130, lever 131, elastic component 132, groove 14, protrusion 15, limiting groove 16, bearing component 17, buffer pad 18.

[0055] Cell 20:

[0056] Drive component 30:

[0057] First gripper 41, second gripper 42, clearance hole 43;

[0058] Limiting block 50, first clearance groove 51, detection component 60, transmitter 61, receiver 62, mounting base 70, base plate 71, upright plate 72, second clearance groove 73, support plate 80, and backing plate 90. Detailed Implementation

[0059] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0060] In the production process of battery cell modules, operations such as handling and positioning of the cells are required. These operations typically require the use of cell clamping devices. Existing cell clamping devices, when clamping cells of different sizes, usually involve removing two cell grippers from the drive unit as a whole, and then installing two cell grippers of the appropriate size onto the drive end of the drive unit. However, the cell grippers and the drive unit are connected by multiple screws, making screw removal and installation cumbersome and inefficient. Furthermore, a screwdriver is required; if the screwdriver is damaged or lost, the cell gripper replacement cannot be completed.

[0061] Therefore, in the first aspect, this application proposes a battery cell clamp, please refer to... Figures 1 to 7 As shown, the battery cell clamp 10 proposed in this embodiment includes a clamping arm 11, a clamping block 12, and a toggle member 13. The clamping block 12 is detachably mounted on the clamping end of the clamping arm 11, and a groove 14 is provided on the mounting side of the clamping block 12. A protrusion 15 is provided on one of the clamping arm 11 and the clamping block 12, and a limiting groove 16 is provided on the other of the clamping arm 11 and the clamping block 12. The protrusion 15 extends into the limiting groove 16 to form a first direction ( Figure 1 The protrusion 15 and the limiting groove 16 cooperate to guide and restrict the clamping block 12 in the second direction (X direction). Figure 1 The clamping block 12 is disengaged from the clamping arm 11 in the Y direction. The actuating member 13 is disposed on the clamping arm 11, and the insertion end of the actuating member 13 is configured to be inserted into the groove 14 of the clamping block 12, thereby restricting the movement of the clamping block 12 relative to the clamping arm 11 in the first direction. When the actuating member 13 is moved away from the clamping block 12, the insertion end of the actuating member 13 is configured to be moved away from the groove 14 of the clamping block 12.

[0062] As one embodiment, such as Figure 2 , 3 As shown, the clamping arm 11 has an overall "L" shaped structure, with a protrusion 15 on the clamping arm 11 and a limit groove 16 on the clamping block 12.

[0063] Specifically, the cross-section of the protrusion 15 is T-shaped, and the limiting groove 16 is a T-shaped groove that is adapted to the protrusion 15.

[0064] When it is necessary to remove the clamping block 12 from the clamping arm 11, simply move the toggle member 13 to retract the insertion end of the toggle member 13 and move it away from the groove 14 in the clamping block 12, thereby unlocking the clamping block 12. By sliding the clamping block 12 along the first direction, the clamping block 12 can be removed from the clamping arm 11.

[0065] When it is necessary to install the clamping block 12 on the clamping arm 11, the actuating member 13 is manually moved to retract its insertion end, aligning the limiting groove 16 of the clamping block 12 with the protrusion 15 of the clamping arm 11. The clamping block 12 is then pushed along the first direction, causing the limiting groove 16 and the protrusion 15 of the clamping block 12 to engage, and the limiting groove 16 to move along the length direction of the protrusion 15. After the clamping block 12 is in place, the groove 14 of the clamping block 12 is aligned with the insertion end of the actuating member 13, controlling the insertion end of the actuating member 13 to extend. The insertion end of the actuating member 13 is then inserted into the groove 14 of the clamping block 12, thus locking the clamping block 12 and preventing it from moving relative to the clamping arm 11 in the first direction. In addition, the cooperation of the T-shaped limiting groove 16 and the T-shaped protrusion 15 can prevent the clamping block 12 from disengaging from the clamping arm 11 in the second direction. The combination of the first and second direction limits ensures that the clamping block 12 is firmly and reliably installed on the clamping arm 11.

[0066] As one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, when the size of the clamping block 12 is large, the clamping block 12 can adopt a hollow structure, which reduces the weight of the clamping block 12 while ensuring stable and reliable clamping.

[0067] The battery cell clamp 10 proposed in this embodiment restricts the clamping block 12 from disengaging from the clamping arm 11 in the second direction through the cooperation of the protrusion 15 and the limiting groove 16, and restricts the movement of the clamping block 12 relative to the clamping arm 11 in the first direction through the cooperation of the actuating member 13 and the groove 14, thereby realizing the detachable installation of the clamping block 12 on the clamping end of the clamping arm 11. When it is necessary to clamp battery cells of different sizes, simply actuate the actuating member 13 to move the clamping block 12 relative to the clamping arm 11 in the first direction, then remove the clamping block 12 from the clamping arm 11 in the first direction, and finally install a clamping block 12 that matches the size of the battery cell to be clamped. That is, by replacing the clamping block 12 with different widths, the clamping of battery cells of different sizes can be achieved. The width direction of the clamping block 12 is along the second direction. Compared with the prior art of replacing the entire clamping arm with a screwdriver, no screwdriver or external disassembly tools are required, making the operation simple and the replacement efficiency high.

[0068] In another embodiment, the protrusion 15 may also be provided on the clamping block 12, and the limiting groove 16 may be provided on the clamping arm 11.

[0069] In one embodiment, the actuating member 13 includes a pin block 130 and at least one lever 131. A receiving groove 110 is provided on the first side of the clamping end of the clamping arm 11. The pin block 130 is disposed in the receiving groove 110, and the end of the pin block 130 constitutes the insertion end of the actuating member 13. At least one through hole 111 is provided on the clamping arm 11, and the through hole 111 communicates with the receiving groove 110. The first end of the lever 131 passes through the through hole 111 and is fixedly connected to the pin block 130. The second end of the lever 131 extends out of the through hole 111. When the lever 131 is moved away from the clamping block 12, the end of the pin block 130 can be disengaged from the groove 14 of the clamping block 12.

[0070] Specifically, the through hole 111 is an oblong hole or other shape that extends along the second direction, as long as the lever 131 can reciprocate in the through hole 111 along the second direction.

[0071] Specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown, a limiting surface 112 is provided on the clamping arm 11. The limiting surface 112 is located at one end of the protrusion 15 and is perpendicular to the first direction. When the clamping block 12 is installed on the clamping arm 11, the clamping block 12 is pushed along the first direction, and the limiting groove 16 moves along the length direction of the protrusion 15. After the clamping block 12 is moved into position, the end face of the clamping block 12 is exactly against the limiting surface 112. The limiting surface 112 limits the movement distance of the clamping block 12 on the clamping arm 11 along the first direction, thereby determining the installation position of the clamping block 12, and thus ensuring that the pin 130 is opposite to the groove 14 of the clamping block 12 after the clamping block 12 is moved into position.

[0072] Specifically, the four sides of the pin 130 are adapted to the four sides of the inner wall of the receiving groove 110, that is, the receiving groove 110 can not only accommodate the pin 130, but also guide the movement of the pin 130 to prevent the pin 130 from shaking during the movement.

[0073] When the lever 131 is moved toward the direction of the clamping block 12, the pin 130 moves along the inner wall of the receiving groove 110 until the end of the pin 130 is inserted into the groove 14 of the clamping block 12, thereby locking the clamping block 12.

[0074] When the lever 131 is moved away from the clamping block 12, the pin 130 moves along the inner wall of the receiving groove 110 to the end of the pin 130 away from the clamping block 12 in the groove 14, thereby unlocking the clamping block 12.

[0075] To ensure that the end of the pin 130 remains in the groove 14 of the clamping block 12 when the clamping block 12 is locked, the following two methods can be used:

[0076] In one embodiment, the actuating member 13 further includes at least one elastic member 132, which is disposed in the receiving groove 110. The first end of the elastic member 132 abuts against the bottom of the receiving groove 110, and the second end of the elastic member 132 abuts against the pin block 130. The elastic force of the elastic member 132 pushes the end of the pin block 130 into the groove 14 of the clamping block 12.

[0077] When the actuating element 13 uses the elastic element 132, if it is necessary to lock the clamping block 12, there is no need to move the lever 131 towards the clamping block 12. Simply release the lever 131, and the elastic force of the elastic element 132 can push the pin 130 into the groove of the clamping block 12, so that the end of the pin 130 remains inserted in the groove 14 of the clamping block 12. This prevents the clamping block 12 from slipping off the clamping arm 11 in the first direction, ensuring that the clamping block 12 is reliably installed on the clamping arm 11.

[0078] Specifically, the elastic element 132 is a helical spring.

[0079] As can be seen, after the clamping block 12 is installed in place by the protrusion 15 and the limiting groove 16 forming a guiding fit along the first direction, the pin 130 is inserted into the groove 14 of the clamping block 12 by the elastic force of the elastic member 132. When the clamping block 12 needs to be replaced, the lever 131 is moved away from the clamping block 12 along the second direction, thereby driving the pin 130 to compress the elastic member 132 and move away from the clamping block 12, so that the pin 130 is completely separated from the groove 14 of the clamping block 12. Then the clamping block 12 can be removed from the clamping arm 11 along the first direction. This realizes the quick replacement of the clamping block 12 relative to the clamping arm 11 and provides a lever 13 with a simple structure and convenient operation.

[0080] Alternatively, the battery cell clamp 10 also includes a magnet, which is fixed at the bottom of the groove 14 of the clamping block 12. When the end of the pin 130 is inserted into the groove 14 of the clamping block 12, the end of the pin 130 is attracted to the magnet.

[0081] When locking the clamping block 12, the lever 131 is moved toward the clamping block 12, and the end of the pin 130 is pushed into the groove 14 of the clamping block 12. The end of the pin 130 is attracted to the magnet in the groove 14, and the attraction of the magnet can also keep the end of the pin 130 inserted in the groove 14 of the clamping block 12.

[0082] In one implementation, a through hole 111 is provided on both the second and third sides opposite to the clamping end of the clamping arm 11. Two levers 131 are provided, with each through hole 111 corresponding to one lever 131. The first ends of the two levers 131 pass through the corresponding through holes 111 and are fixed to the opposite sides of the pin block 130. Specifically, the length direction of the lever 131 is along the third direction (…). Figure 1The Z-direction is perpendicular to the third direction and the first and second directions.

[0083] As can be seen, by setting two levers 131, when disassembling the clamping block 12, the two levers 131 are moved simultaneously to make the force on the pin 130 even, so as to prevent the pin 130 from getting stuck in the receiving groove 110 due to uneven force, and to ensure that the pin 130 can smoothly disengage from the groove 14 of the clamping block 12. At the same time, the through hole 111 is opened on the second and third sides opposite to each other at the clamping end of the clamping arm 11. The lever 131 is limited by the end of the through hole 111 near the clamping block 12, thereby limiting the pin 130. After the clamping block 12 is removed from the clamping arm 11, even if the hand does not touch the lever 131, the pin 130 can be prevented from falling out of the receiving groove 110 due to the limiting effect of the lever 131 by the end of the through hole 111 near the clamping block 12.

[0084] In one implementation, a through hole 111 is formed on the fourth side of the clamping end of the clamping arm 11, the fourth side being opposite to the first side. The first end of the lever 131 passes through the through hole 111 and is fixed to the pin block 130. Specifically, the length direction of the lever 131 is along the second direction.

[0085] As can be seen, by opening the through hole 111 on the fourth side of the clamping end of the clamping arm 11, the direction of the lever 131 to move is consistent with the direction of the pin 130 to move. This also prevents the pin 130 from getting stuck in the receiving groove 110 due to uneven force, and allows the pin 130 to smoothly disengage from the groove 14 of the clamping block 12.

[0086] As one implementation method, such as Figure 6 As shown, a carrier 17 is detachably mounted on the clamping end of the clamping arm 11. The carrier 17 is located below the clamping block 12 and is configured to support the clamping block 12.

[0087] Specifically, the support member 17 is a plate-shaped structure, and the support member 17 is detachably installed on the clamping end of the clamping arm 11 by fixing screws.

[0088] As can be seen, by setting the support member 17, the clamping block 12 is supported after the pin 130 is disengaged from the groove 14 of the clamping block 12, thus preventing the clamping block 12 from accidentally falling off the clamping arm 11.

[0089] for Figure 6 With this structure, after the pin 130 disengages from the groove 14 of the clamping block 12, the clamping block 12 can be pulled upwards to achieve quick removal of the clamping block 12. Figure 6The carrier 17 can also limit the position of the clamping block 12 when it is installed. That is, when the clamping block 12 is installed, the clamping block 12 is pushed down. When the clamping block 12 contacts the carrier 17, it means that the clamping block 12 is pushed into place. The pin 130 and the groove 14 in the clamping block 12 are in opposite positions. At this time, the lever 131 can be released so that the end of the pin 130 is inserted into the groove 14, thereby locking the clamping block 12.

[0090] And for Figure 1 In order to ensure quick removal of the clamping block 12, the bearing 17 can be omitted. After the pin 130 disengages from the groove 14 of the clamping block 12, the clamping block 12 can be pulled out quickly downwards.

[0091] In one embodiment, the clamping surface of the clamping block 12 is attached with a cushioning pad 18.

[0092] As can be seen, by setting a buffer pad 18 on the clamping surface of the clamping block 12, the clamping block 12 and the battery cell 20 are in soft contact when the clamping block 12 clamps the battery cell 20, which protects the battery cell 20; the buffer pad 18 can be made of silicone. At the same time, the buffer pad 18 also serves as an insulating barrier.

[0093] The battery cell gripper 10 proposed in this application embodiment has the following advantages:

[0094] 1) When it is necessary to clamp cells of different sizes, there is no need to replace the entire clamping arm 11. Only clamping blocks 12 suitable for cells of different sizes need to be configured, which is convenient for replacement and reduces production costs to a certain extent.

[0095] 2) When replacing the clamping block 12, there is no need to use a screwdriver or external disassembly tools. Simply move the toggle 13 to allow the clamping block 12 to move relative to the clamping arm 11 in the first direction. Then, remove the clamping block 12 from the clamping arm 11 in the first direction. Finally, install the clamping block 12 that matches the size of the battery cell to be clamped. The operation is simple and the replacement efficiency is high.

[0096] 3) The support member 17 can support the clamping block 12 after the pin block 130 is disengaged from the groove 14 of the clamping block 12, so as to prevent the clamping block 12 from accidentally falling off the clamping arm 11, which is highly safe.

[0097] 4) A buffer pad 18 is provided on the clamping surface of the clamping block 12 to protect the battery cell 20 and provide insulation.

[0098] Secondly, this application also proposes a battery cell clamping device, which will be described in detail below through three embodiments:

[0099] Please see Figures 7-11As shown, this application proposes a battery cell clamping device including a driving member 30, a first clamp 41, and a second clamp 42, wherein: the first clamp 41 and the second clamp 42 both adopt the battery cell clamp 10 described above; the driving end of the driving member 30 is connected to the first clamp 41 and the second clamp 42, and the driving member 30 is configured to drive the first clamp 41 and the second clamp 42 to move closer to each other or further away from each other in a second direction; the driving member 30 drives the first clamp 41 and the second clamp 42 to move closer to each other in the second direction to clamp the battery cell 20; the driving member 30 drives the first clamp 41 and the second clamp 42 to move further away from each other in the second direction to release the clamped battery cell 20.

[0100] Specifically, the drive component 30 can be a cylinder.

[0101] Specifically, the battery cell clamping device also includes a base, the fixed end of the drive member 30 is mounted on the base, and a guide assembly consisting of a linear guide rail and a slider is provided between the first gripper 41 and the second gripper 42 and the base.

[0102] The battery cell clamping device proposed in this application achieves automatic clamping and releasing of the battery cell 20 through the cooperation of the drive component 30, the first gripper 41, and the second gripper 42. Furthermore, both the first gripper 41 and the second gripper 42 utilize the aforementioned battery cell gripper 10. When clamping battery cells 20 of different sizes, only the clamping blocks 12 of different specifications need to be replaced. Figure 7 , Figure 8 The first battery cell clamping device disclosed in the paper uses a clamping block 12 with a larger width to clamp smaller battery cells 20. Figure 9 The second type of battery cell clamping device disclosed herein uses a clamping block 12 with a smaller width to clamp larger battery cells 20. The clamping block 12 is easy to replace and has high replacement efficiency.

[0103] As one implementation method, such as Figure 7 , 8 As shown in Figure 9, the battery cell clamping device includes two limiting blocks 50, which are respectively mounted on the clamping arms 11 of the first clamping jaw 41 and the second clamping jaw 42. The limiting blocks 50 are made of insulating material. A first clearance groove 51 is provided on the limiting blocks 50. When the first clamping jaw 41 and the second clamping jaw 42 clamp the battery cell 20, the two limiting blocks 50 abut against the end face of the battery cell 20 where two electrodes are provided. Each limiting block 50 corresponds to one electrode of the battery cell 20. The first clearance groove 51 is configured to prevent the limiting block 50 from contacting the corresponding electrode.

[0104] It can be seen that by setting the limiting block 50 on the first gripper 41 and the second gripper 42, not only is the clamping position of the first gripper 41 and the second gripper 42 limited; the limiting block 50 also serves to insulate and isolate the first gripper 41 and the second gripper 42 from the battery cell 20; by opening the first clearance groove 51 on the limiting block 50, the limiting block 50 is prevented from contacting the electrodes on the battery cell 20, thus protecting the electrodes.

[0105] In one embodiment, the battery cell clamping device further includes a detection component 60, which is configured to detect whether there is a battery cell 20 between the first gripper 41 and the second gripper 42 before clamping the battery cell 20, so as to control the operation of the drive unit 30.

[0106] Specifically, the detection component 60 adopts a through-beam sensor, which includes a transmitter 61 and a receiver 62. The transmitter 61 is installed on the clamping end of the clamping arm 11 of one of the first gripper 41 and the second gripper 42, and the receiver 62 is installed on the clamping end of the clamping arm 11 of the other one of the first gripper 41 and the second gripper 42. The clamping arms 11, clamping blocks 12 and buffer pads 18 of the first gripper 41 and the second gripper 42 are all provided with avoidance holes 43 for avoiding the beam emitted by the transmitter 61. The positions of the avoidance holes 43 on the clamping arms 11, clamping blocks 12 and buffer pads 18 of the first gripper 41 and the second gripper 42 are all opposite to the transmitter 61 and the receiver 62. During operation, the transmitter 61 emits a light beam. If there is a battery cell 20 between the first gripper 41 and the second gripper 42, the battery cell 20 will block the light beam, and the receiver 62 will not be able to receive the light beam emitted by the transmitter 61. That is, the through-beam sensor senses the battery cell 20 and transmits the signal to the system. The system controls the drive unit 30 to operate so as to use the first gripper 41 and the second gripper 42 to clamp the battery cell 20.

[0107] Specifically, the clamping assembly consisting of the clamping block 12 and the buffer pad 18 is provided with two rows of clearance holes 43, which are spaced apart along the first direction. Taking the first direction as vertical as an example, when the first end of the clamping assembly is installed on the clamping arm 11 with the first end facing upward, one row of clearance holes 43 on the clamping assembly is aligned with the clearance holes 43 on the clamping arm 11 to allow the beam of the through-beam sensor to pass through; when the first end of the clamping assembly is installed on the clamping arm 11 with the first end facing downward, the other row of clearance holes 43 on the clamping assembly is aligned with the clearance holes 43 on the clamping arm 11 to allow the beam of the through-beam sensor to pass through. That is, the clamping assembly is provided with two rows of clearance holes 43, so that no matter whether the first end of the clamping assembly is facing upward or downward, there is always a row of clearance holes 43 for the beam of the through-beam sensor to pass through. This means that when replacing the clamping assembly, there is no need to consider whether the clamping assembly is installed backward, and the clamping assembly can be installed whether the first end is facing upward or downward. Specifically, the detection component 60 may also be a proximity sensor, which is installed at a preset position on the first gripper 41 and / or the second gripper 42.

[0108] As can be seen, before clamping the battery cell 20, the detection component 60 first detects whether there is a battery cell 20 between the first gripper 41 and the second gripper 42. If there is a battery cell 20, the drive unit 30 works to drive the first gripper 41 and the second gripper 42 to move closer to each other to clamp the battery cell 20. If there is no battery cell 20, the drive unit 30 does not work, thus avoiding the clamping device from clamping empty.

[0109] Please see Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the third type of battery cell clamping device proposed in this application further includes a mounting base 70, a support plate 80, and a backing plate 90. The support plate 80 and the backing plate 90 are both made of insulating material. The support plate 80 and the backing plate 90 are both mounted on the mounting base 70, and the plate surfaces of the support plate 80 and the backing plate 90 are perpendicular to each other. The driving component 30 is mounted on the mounting base 70. When the first gripper 41 and the second gripper 42 clamp the battery cell 20, the battery cell 20 is supported on the support plate 80, and one side of the battery cell 20 is attached to the backing plate 90.

[0110] Specifically, the mounting base 70 has an overall "L" shaped structure. The mounting base 70 includes a base plate 71 and a vertical plate 72. The vertical plate 72 is vertically mounted on the side of the base plate 71. The support plate 80 is mounted on the top surface of the base plate 71. The driving component 30 is mounted on the back of the vertical plate 72. The backing plate 90 is mounted on the front of the vertical plate 72. The backing plate 90 and the vertical plate 72 are provided with second clearance grooves 73 for avoiding the first gripper 41 and the second gripper 42.

[0111] As can be seen, the bottom of the battery cell 20 is supported by the support plate 80, one side of the battery cell 20 is limited by the back plate 90, and the battery cell 20 is clamped on both sides by the cooperation of the first gripper 41 and the second gripper 42. This battery cell clamping device can also be used to position the battery cell 20.

[0112] The above embodiments merely illustrate the basic principles and characteristics of this application. This application is not limited to the above examples. Various changes and modifications can be made to this application without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of this application as claimed. The scope of protection of this application is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A battery cell gripper, characterized in that, The battery cell gripper includes a gripping arm, a gripping block, and a toggle element, wherein... The clamping block is detachably mounted on the clamping end of the clamping arm, and a groove is provided on the mounting side of the clamping block; One of the clamping arm and the clamping block is provided with a protrusion, and the other of the clamping arm and the clamping block is provided with a limiting groove. The protrusion extends into the limiting groove to form a guiding engagement in the first direction. The protrusion and the limiting groove engage and restrict the clamping block from disengaging from the clamping arm in the second direction. The actuating member is disposed on the clamping arm, and the insertion end of the actuating member is configured to be inserted into the groove of the clamping block, thereby restricting the movement of the clamping block relative to the clamping arm in the first direction. When the actuating member is moved away from the clamping block, the insertion end of the actuating member is configured to move away from the groove of the clamping block.

2. The cell gripper according to claim 1, characterized in that, The actuating element includes a pin and at least one lever, wherein... A receiving groove is provided on the first side of the clamping end of the clamping arm; The pin block is disposed in the receiving groove, and the end of the pin block constitutes the insertion end of the actuating member; The clamping arm has at least one through hole, which is connected to the receiving groove. The first end of the lever passes through the through hole and is fixedly connected to the pin block. The second end of the lever extends out of the through hole. When the lever is moved away from the clamping block, it can drive the end of the pin block to disengage from the groove of the clamping block.

3. The cell gripper according to claim 2, characterized in that, The actuating component further includes at least one elastic element, which is disposed in the receiving groove. The first end of the elastic element abuts against the bottom of the receiving groove, and the second end of the elastic element abuts against the pin block. The elastic force of the elastic element pushes the end of the pin block into the groove of the clamping block.

4. The cell gripper according to claim 2, characterized in that, The battery cell clamp also includes a magnet, which is fixed at the bottom of the groove of the clamping block. When the end of the pin is inserted into the groove of the clamping block, the end of the pin is attracted to the magnet.

5. The cell gripper according to claim 2, characterized in that, The clamping arm has a through hole on its second and third sides at the clamping end. There are two levers, with each through hole corresponding to one lever. The first ends of the two levers pass through the corresponding through holes and are fixed on the opposite sides of the pin block.

6. The cell gripper according to claim 5, characterized in that, The through hole is formed on the fourth side of the clamping end of the clamping arm, the fourth side being opposite to the first side, and the first end of the lever passing through the through hole and fixed to the pin block.

7. The cell gripper according to claim 1, characterized in that, A carrier is detachably mounted on the clamping end of the clamping arm. The carrier is located below the clamping block and is configured to support the clamping block.

8. The cell gripper according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping surface of the clamping block is attached with a cushioning pad.

9. A battery cell clamping device, characterized in that, The battery cell clamping device includes a driving component, a first gripper, and a second gripper, wherein: Both the first and second grippers are battery cell grippers as described in any one of claims 1-8; The driving end of the driving member is connected to the first gripper and the second gripper, and the driving member is configured to drive the first gripper and the second gripper to move closer to or further away from each other along the second direction.

10. The battery cell clamping device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The battery cell clamping device includes two limiting blocks, which are respectively installed on the clamping arms of the first and second jaws. The limiting blocks are made of insulating material. The limiting block is provided with a first clearance groove.

11. The cell clamping device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The battery cell clamping device further includes a detection component configured to detect whether there is a battery cell between the first and second jaws before clamping the battery cell, so as to control the operation of the drive unit.

12. The cell clamping device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The cell clamping device further includes a mounting base, a support plate, and a backing plate, wherein: Both the support plate and the backing plate are made of insulating material. Both the support plate and the backing plate are mounted on the mounting base, and the surfaces of the support plate and the backing plate are perpendicular to each other. The drive component is mounted on the mounting base; When the first gripper and the second gripper hold the battery cell, the battery cell is supported on the tray, and one side of the battery cell is against the tray.

Images