Material transfer apparatus

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of battery cell feeding technology and discloses a material transfer device, including: a picking component, a lifting drive structure, a conveying component, and a transfer component; multiple lifting drive structures are connected to multiple picking components in a one-to-one correspondence, and the multiple lifting drive structures are arranged to avoid each other; the conveying component includes a conveying structure with a picking position formed on the conveying structure; multiple lifting drive structures are all connected to the transfer component, and the transfer component moves the lifting drive structure, thereby driving the multiple picking components to carry the material away from the conveying structure respectively. Each picking component of this utility model corresponds to one lifting drive structure, and each picking component picks up the target material one by one from the same picking position, avoiding interference problems when the transfer components lift and lower simultaneously, and achieving precise control of the material picking and placing position; the multiple picking components and the multiple lifting drive structures are independent of each other, improving the reliability and stability of the entire device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery cell feeding technology, specifically to material transfer equipment. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of new energy sources, the demand for battery cells is constantly increasing. Early battery cell feeding equipment had a low degree of automation and required a lot of manual intervention, such as manual clamping and transferring of battery cells, which was inefficient and prone to human error. Now, by introducing advanced drive systems, control systems and sensors, feeding equipment can realize a series of operations such as automatic feeding, unloading and detection of battery cells.

[0003] In existing technologies, multiple grippers on a robotic arm simultaneously grasp materials from multiple locations. However, in this method, the grippers are prone to interference during lifting and lowering, which can affect the accuracy of material grasping, potentially damaging the materials and reducing processing efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, the present invention provides a material transfer device to solve the problem that multiple grippers easily interfere with each other during lifting and picking up materials, which can easily damage the materials and affect processing efficiency.

[0005] In a first aspect, this utility model provides a material transfer device, comprising: a material picking component, a lifting drive structure, a conveying component, and a transfer component; multiple material picking components are provided; multiple lifting drive structures are provided, each lifting drive structure being connected to a corresponding material picking component, and the multiple lifting drive structures being arranged to avoid each other; the conveying component includes a conveying structure, on which a material picking position is formed; multiple lifting drive structures are all connected to the transfer component, and the transfer component is adapted to move the lifting drive structure and drive the multiple material picking components to respectively carry the material away from the material picking position from the conveying structure.

[0006] Beneficial effects: Each material handling component corresponds to a lifting drive structure, which can independently control the lifting and lowering actions of the material handling component. Each material handling component picks up the target material one by one from the same material handling position, avoiding interference problems caused by the simultaneous lifting and lowering of transfer components, and achieving precise control of the material handling position. Multiple material handling components and multiple lifting drive structures are independent of each other. If a material handling component or lifting drive structure fails, it will not affect the normal operation of other material handling components and lifting drive structures, thereby improving the reliability and stability of the entire equipment.

[0007] In one optional embodiment, the conveying assembly has intersecting first and second directions, the conveying structure is adapted to convey material along the first direction, the conveying structure has a first side and a second side along the second direction, the conveying assembly further includes a stop block and a conveying stop edge, the stop block and the conveying stop edge are both connected to the conveying structure, the stop block is disposed downstream of the conveying structure along the first direction, the stop block has an abutment surface formed on one side along the first direction, the abutment surface is adapted to abut against the material, and the conveying stop edge is disposed on the first side and abuts against the abutment surface on one side along the first direction.

[0008] Beneficial effects: By using blocks and conveyor sidewalls to guide materials to the picking position, primary positioning of the materials is achieved, so that the picking component can accurately pick up the materials.

[0009] In one alternative embodiment, the conveying assembly further includes a proximity sensor disposed on the stop, with at least a portion of the proximity sensor exposed on the abutment surface.

[0010] Beneficial effects: By setting up proximity sensors, when the material enters the picking position and comes into contact with the contact surface, the proximity sensors provide an electrical signal to the conveying structure, controlling the conveying structure to stop moving, thereby improving the automation level of the material transfer equipment.

[0011] In one optional embodiment, the conveying assembly further includes a positioning cylinder disposed on the second side and connected to the conveying structure. The positioning cylinder includes a driving part adapted to abut against the material and to drive the material to the picking position.

[0012] Beneficial effects: By setting a positioning cylinder, the material is pushed into the picking position, achieving secondary positioning of the material so that the picking component can accurately pick up the material.

[0013] In one optional embodiment, a guide slope is formed on the side of the conveying stop near the positioning cylinder. The end of the conveying stop near the stop block is the first end, and the end of the conveying stop away from the stop block is the second end. The guide slope is disposed near the second end and is inclined from the first end to the second end towards the side away from the positioning cylinder.

[0014] Beneficial effect: By setting a guide ramp, when the material moves from the second end to the first end, it is guided to be accurately positioned at the picking position.

[0015] In one optional embodiment, the transfer assembly further includes a variable pitch structure and a transfer structure, the transfer structure being connected to the variable pitch structure, the variable pitch structure including a sliding portion, and a plurality of lifting drive structures being respectively connected to the sliding portion.

[0016] Beneficial effects: By setting up a variable pitch structure, the spacing between multiple lifting drive structures can be adjusted according to actual needs, improving the adaptability of material transfer equipment.

[0017] In one optional embodiment, the variable pitch structure includes a slider, a slide rail, and a variable pitch drive module. Multiple sliders are provided, forming the sliding part. The multiple sliders are slidably disposed on the slide rail. The multiple sliders are connected to multiple lifting drive structures in a one-to-one correspondence. The variable pitch drive module is connected to the multiple sliders in a transmission connection. The transfer structure is connected to the slide rail.

[0018] Beneficial effects: Multiple sliders are controlled by the variable pitch drive module to adjust the spacing between multiple lifting drive structures.

[0019] In one alternative implementation, the transfer structure is a robotic arm or a three-axis module.

[0020] In one optional embodiment, the material handling assembly includes a support and an adsorption structure, the adsorption structure being connected to the support, the support being connected to the lifting drive structure, one end of the adsorption structure being adapted to communicate with a negative pressure source, and the other end of the adsorption structure being adapted to pick up material.

[0021] Beneficial effects: The material is picked up through the adsorption structure with high precision. The adsorption force is evenly distributed on the surface of the material, which can keep the material stable during the picking process and prevent it from shaking or falling.

[0022] In one optional embodiment, the support has a waist-shaped hole, and a plurality of adsorption structures are provided, with the plurality of adsorption structures disposed within the waist-shaped hole.

[0023] Beneficial effects: By setting the waist-shaped hole, the position of the adsorption structure in the waist-shaped hole can be adjusted to match different materials, thereby improving the adaptability of the material transfer equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the material transfer device according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the conveying assembly according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0027] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A magnified view of part A in the diagram;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the variable pitch structure according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the material handling component and lifting drive structure according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0030] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0031] 10. Material handling assembly; 11. Support; 111. Waist-shaped hole; 12. Adsorption structure; 20. Lifting drive structure; 30. Conveying assembly; 31. Conveying structure; 311. Material handling position; 312. Conveyor belt; 313. Base; 32. Stop block; 321. Abutment surface; 33. Conveying sidewall; 331. Guide slope; 34. Proximity sensor; 35. Positioning cylinder; 40. Transfer assembly; 41. Variable pitch structure; 411. Slider; 412. Slide rail; 413. Variable pitch drive module; 42. Transfer structure; 50. Battery cell; X, first direction; Y, second direction. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0033] The following is combined Figures 1 to 5 The following describes embodiments of the present invention.

[0034] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a material transfer device is provided, including a material picking component 10, a lifting drive structure 20, a conveying component 30, and a transfer component 40; multiple material picking components 10 are provided; multiple lifting drive structures 20 are provided, and the multiple lifting drive structures 20 are connected to the multiple material picking components 10 in a one-to-one correspondence, and the multiple lifting drive structures 20 are arranged to avoid each other; the conveying component 30 includes a conveying structure 31, on which a material picking position 311 is formed; the multiple lifting drive structures 20 are all connected to the transfer component 40, and the transfer component 40 is adapted to move the lifting drive structures 20 and drive the multiple material picking components 10 to respectively carry the material away from the conveying structure 31 from the material picking position 311.

[0035] In the material transfer device of this embodiment, each picking component 10 corresponds to a lifting drive structure 20, which can independently control the lifting action of the picking component 10. Each picking component 10 picks up the target material one by one from the same picking position 311, avoiding the interference problem when the transfer components 40 lift and lower simultaneously, and realizing precise control of the material picking and placing position. The multiple picking components 10 and the multiple lifting drive structures 20 are independent of each other. If a picking component 10 or lifting drive structure 20 fails, it will not affect the normal operation of other picking components 10 and lifting drive structures 20, thereby improving the reliability and stability of the entire device.

[0036] It should be noted that in related technologies, multiple grippers are often used on robotic arms to simultaneously grasp materials in multiple different positions. However, in practical applications, because multiple grippers deploy and move simultaneously, interference between the grippers is very likely to occur during the material handling operation. For example, when materials are densely distributed in different positions, the gripper arms may collide with each other or the gripping parts may obstruct each other as the grippers approach their respective target materials.

[0037] In this embodiment, multiple lifting drive structures 20 are connected to multiple material picking components 10 in a one-to-one correspondence. Each material picking component 10 picks up the target material from the material picking position 311, avoiding interference when the transfer components 40 are raised and lowered at the same time, and realizing precise control of the material picking and placing position.

[0038] Specifically, in this embodiment, the lifting drive structure 20 is a lifting cylinder, and the cylinder's drive rod is connected to the material handling assembly 10; in this embodiment, the material transferred is a battery cell 50.

[0039] It should be noted that, using the material transfer equipment of this embodiment, the material handling component 10 can not only unload the battery cell 50 into the material tray, but also load the battery cell 50 into the multi-station mold.

[0040] Specifically, in this embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, there are four material handling components 10 and four lifting drive structures 20.

[0041] Of course, in other alternative embodiments, the number of material handling components 10 and lifting drive structures 20 can be selected according to the actual situation.

[0042] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the conveying assembly 30 has intersecting first direction X and second direction Y. The conveying structure 31 is adapted to convey materials along the first direction X. The conveying structure 31 has a first side and a second side along the second direction Y. The conveying assembly 30 also includes a stop block 32 and a conveying stop edge 33. Both the stop block 32 and the conveying stop edge 33 are connected to the conveying structure 31. The stop block 32 is disposed downstream of the conveying structure 31 along the first direction X. The stop block 32 has an abutment surface 321 formed on one side along the first direction X. The abutment surface 321 is adapted to abut against the material. The conveying stop edge 33 is disposed on the first side and abuts against the abutment surface 321 on one side along the first direction X.

[0043] Specifically, the conveying structure 31 includes a conveyor belt 312 and a base 313. The conveyor belt 312 is rotatably mounted on the base 313. The stop block 32 and the conveying edge 33 are both connected to the base 313. The stop block 32 and the conveying edge 33 are spaced apart from the conveyor belt 312 to avoid affecting the conveying of the conveyor belt 312.

[0044] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 As shown, the stop block 32 is located on the leftmost side of the transmission belt. The conveyor belt 312 drives the material to move to the left. When the material moves to the leftmost side of the conveyor belt 312, the material contacts the contact surface 321 of the stop block 32, and the material is limited to the picking position 311.

[0045] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the conveyor belt 312 transfers materials from right to left. Therefore, the position of the stop block 32 is equivalent to the downstream of the conveyor belt 312. It can be understood that when the conveyor belt 312 transfers materials from left to right, the rightmost position of the conveyor belt 312 is equivalent to the downstream of the conveyor belt 312.

[0046] It is worth noting that the material is guided to the picking position 311 by the stop block 32 and the conveyor side 33, so that the picking component 10 can pick up the material accurately.

[0047] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the conveying assembly 30 also includes a proximity sensor 34, which is disposed on the stop 32, with at least a portion of the proximity sensor 34 exposed on the contact surface 321. The proximity sensor 34 is electrically connected to the conveying structure 31.

[0048] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, the proximity sensor 34 passes through the stop block 32 along the first direction X and is exposed on the contact surface 321.

[0049] Of course, in other alternative embodiments, an embedding groove can be formed on the contact surface 321 to embed the proximity sensor 34 entirely into the embedding groove.

[0050] It is worth noting that by setting a proximity sensor 34, when the material enters the material picking position 311 and comes into contact with the contact surface 321, the proximity sensor 34 provides an electrical signal to the conveying structure 31 to control the conveying structure 31 to stop moving, thereby improving the automation level of the material transfer equipment.

[0051] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the conveying assembly 30 also includes a positioning cylinder 35, which is disposed on the second side and connected to the conveying structure 31. The positioning cylinder 35 includes a driving part, which is adapted to contact the material and drive the material to the picking position 311.

[0052] Specifically, when the proximity sensor 34 detects that the material is in contact with the contact surface 321, the conveyor belt 312 stops moving. At this time, the drive unit of the positioning cylinder 35 extends, and the material moves under the drive of the drive unit until the material comes into contact with the conveying sidewall 33 and the drive unit on both sides along the second direction Y, thus completing the secondary positioning calibration of the material.

[0053] It should be noted that during the movement of the material on the conveyor belt 312, the material may rotate and deviate after contacting the conveyor sidewall 33. Therefore, it is necessary to further fine-calibrate the initial positioning of the stop block 32 and the conveyor sidewall 33.

[0054] It should be noted that the positions where the drive parts of the conveying sidewall 33 and the positioning cylinder 35 come into contact with the material can be made of elastic material, thereby protecting the outer shell of the material.

[0055] It is worth noting that by setting a positioning cylinder 35, the material is pushed into the picking position 311, thereby achieving secondary positioning of the material so that the picking component 10 can accurately pick up the material.

[0056] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, a guide slope 331 is formed on the side of the conveying baffle 33 near the positioning cylinder 35. The end of the conveying baffle 33 near the stop block 32 is the first end, and the end of the conveying baffle 33 away from the stop block 32 is the second end. The guide slope 331 is set near the second end. The guide slope 331 is inclined from the first end to the second end towards the side away from the positioning cylinder 35.

[0057] It should be noted that when the material is placed on the right side of the conveyor belt 312, the material may interfere with the conveyor sidewall 33, which may cause the material to be stuck or blocked.

[0058] It is worth noting that by setting the guide ramp 331, when the material moves from the second end to the first end, the material is guided to be accurately positioned at the material pick-up position 311.

[0059] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the transfer assembly 40 also includes a pitch-changing structure 41 and a transfer structure 42. The transfer structure 42 is connected to the pitch-changing structure 41. The pitch-changing structure 41 includes a sliding part, and a plurality of lifting drive structures 20 are respectively connected to the sliding part.

[0060] It is worth noting that by setting the variable pitch structure 41, the spacing between multiple lifting drive structures 20 can be adjusted according to actual needs, thereby improving the adaptability of the material transfer equipment.

[0061] In one embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the variable pitch structure 41 includes a slider 411, a slide rail 412, and a variable pitch drive module 413. Multiple sliders 411 are provided, forming a sliding part. The multiple sliders 411 are slidably disposed on the slide rail 412. The multiple sliders 411 are connected to multiple lifting drive structures 20 in a one-to-one correspondence. The variable pitch drive module 413 is connected to the multiple sliders 411 respectively for transmission. The transfer structure 42 is connected to the slide rail 412.

[0062] Specifically, there are four sliders 411, and each of the four sliders 411 is connected to one of the four lifting drive structures 20. The variable pitch drive module 413 controls the sliding of the four sliders 411 respectively to control the distance between the sliders 411, thereby achieving the purpose of variable pitch.

[0063] It is worth noting that multiple sliders 411 are controlled by the variable pitch drive module 413 to adjust the spacing between multiple lifting drive structures 20.

[0064] It should be noted that in other alternative implementations, the distance between materials can also be controlled by a cam pitch control module to achieve pitch variation.

[0065] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the transfer structure 42 is a robotic arm.

[0066] Of course, in other alternative embodiments, the transfer structure 42 can also be a three-axis module, and the three-dimensional motion of the three-axis module can drive the variable pitch structure 41 to change position.

[0067] In one embodiment, such as Figure 5As shown, the material handling assembly 10 includes a support 11 and an adsorption structure 12. The adsorption structure 12 is connected to the support 11, and the support 11 is connected to the lifting drive structure 20. One end of the adsorption structure 12 is adapted to be connected to a negative pressure source, and the other end of the adsorption structure 12 is adapted to absorb materials.

[0068] Specifically, the adsorption structure 12 is a suction cup.

[0069] Of course, in other alternative embodiments, the adsorption structure 12 can also be a suction plate.

[0070] It is worth noting that the material is picked up by the adsorption structure 12 with high accuracy and the adsorption force is evenly distributed on the surface of the material, which can keep the material stable during the picking process and prevent it from shaking or falling.

[0071] It should be noted that in other alternative embodiments, the adsorption structure 12 can also be replaced by grippers to directly grasp the material.

[0072] In one embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, the bracket 11 has a waist-shaped hole 111, and several adsorption structures 12 are provided, with several adsorption structures 12 disposed in the waist-shaped hole 111.

[0073] Specifically, such as Figure 5 As shown, a material handling component 10 is provided with two adsorption structures 12.

[0074] Of course, in other alternative embodiments, the number of adsorption structures 12 can be adjusted according to the actual situation.

[0075] It should be noted that the size, weight and adsorption points of various materials may be different. For example, when the weight of the material is too large, if only a single adsorption structure 12 is provided, the negative pressure suction generated by the adsorption structure 12 may be less than the weight of the material itself. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the number of adsorption structures 12. The position of the adsorption structure 12 in the waist-shaped hole 111 can also be adjusted to deal with the situation where the adsorption points of the material change.

[0076] It is worth noting that by setting the waist-shaped hole 111, the position of the adsorption structure 12 in the waist-shaped hole 111 can be adjusted to match different materials, thereby improving the adaptability of the material transfer equipment.

[0077] In the material transfer device of this embodiment, firstly, the battery cell 50 is transported by the conveyor belt 312. After the battery cell 50 abuts against the stop block 32, the proximity sensor 34 senses that the battery cell 50 is in position, and the conveyor belt 312 stops rotating. Then, the drive part of the positioning cylinder 35 extends and pushes the battery cell 50 until the material abuts against the conveyor side 33 and the drive part on both sides along the second direction Y. After that, the robot arm drives the variable pitch structure 41 to move above the battery cell 50, the drive rod of the lifting drive structure 20 extends, the adsorption structure 12 descends, and after the adsorption structure 12 contacts the battery cell 50, it starts to draw negative pressure to complete the adsorption of the battery cell 50. The drive rod of the lifting drive structure 20 retracts, the adsorption structure 12 rises, and the conveyor belt 312 starts to rotate. The above steps are repeated to complete the picking of all the battery cells 50 by the adsorption structures 12. Finally, the variable pitch drive module 413 controls the sliding of each slider 411 and controls the distance between the sliders 411 to adjust the spacing between the battery cells 50 to be consistent within the material tray.

[0078] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the present invention.

Claims

1. A material transfer device, characterized in that, include: Material handling components (10), wherein multiple material handling components (10) are provided; The lifting drive structure (20) is provided in multiple ways. Each of the multiple lifting drive structures (20) is connected to a multiple material picking component (10) in a one-to-one correspondence. The multiple lifting drive structures (20) are arranged to avoid each other. The conveying assembly (30) includes a conveying structure (31) on which a material pick-up position (311) is formed; The transfer component (40) is connected to multiple lifting drive structures (20). The transfer component (40) is adapted to move the lifting drive structure (20) and drive multiple material picking components (10) to respectively carry the material away from the material picking position (311) from the conveying structure (31).

2. The material transfer device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conveying assembly (30) has intersecting first direction (X) and second direction (Y). The conveying structure (31) is adapted to convey materials along the first direction (X). The conveying structure (31) has a first side and a second side along the second direction (Y). The conveying assembly (30) also includes a stop (32) and a conveying edge (33). The stop (32) and the conveying edge (33) are both connected to the conveying structure (31). The stop (32) is disposed downstream of the conveying structure (31) along the first direction (X). The stop (32) has an abutment surface (321) formed on one side along the first direction (X). The abutment surface (321) is adapted to abut against the material. The conveying edge (33) is disposed on the first side and abuts against the abutment surface (321) on one side along the first direction (X).

3. The material transfer device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The conveying assembly (30) also includes a proximity sensor (34) disposed on the stop (32), with at least a portion of the proximity sensor (34) exposed on the contact surface (321).

4. The material transfer device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The conveying assembly (30) further includes a positioning cylinder (35), which is disposed on the second side and connected to the conveying structure (31). The positioning cylinder (35) includes a driving part, which is adapted to contact the material and drive the material to move to the picking position (311).

5. The material transfer device according to claim 4, characterized in that, A guide slope (331) is formed on the side of the conveying baffle (33) near the positioning cylinder (35). The end of the conveying baffle (33) near the stop block (32) is the first end, and the end of the conveying baffle (33) away from the stop block (32) is the second end. The guide slope (331) is set near the second end, and the guide slope (331) is inclined from the first end to the second end towards the side away from the positioning cylinder (35).

6. The material transfer device according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The transfer assembly (40) further includes a pitch structure (41) and a transfer structure (42). The transfer structure (42) is connected to the pitch structure (41). The pitch structure (41) includes a sliding part, and a plurality of lifting drive structures (20) are respectively connected to the sliding part.

7. The material transfer device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The variable pitch structure (41) includes a slider (411), a slide rail (412), and a variable pitch drive module (413). Multiple sliders (411) are provided, and the multiple sliders (411) form the sliding part. The multiple sliders (411) are slidably disposed on the slide rail (412). The multiple sliders (411) are connected to the multiple lifting drive structures (20) one by one. The variable pitch drive module (413) is connected to the multiple sliders (411) respectively. The transfer structure (42) is connected to the slide rail (412).

8. The material transfer device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The transfer structure (42) is a robotic arm or a three-axis module.

9. The material transfer device according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The material handling component (10) includes a support (11) and an adsorption structure (12). The adsorption structure (12) is connected to the support (11), and the support (11) is connected to the lifting drive structure (20). One end of the adsorption structure (12) is adapted to be connected to a negative pressure source, and the other end of the adsorption structure (12) is adapted to absorb material.

10. The material transfer device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The bracket (11) has a waist-shaped hole (111), and a plurality of adsorption structures (12) are provided, with the plurality of adsorption structures (12) disposed in the waist-shaped hole (111).

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