A core vertical shell entering device

Abstract

This utility model discloses a vertical core insertion device, relating to the field of battery production equipment technology. Specifically, it includes: a core positioning mechanism that remains stationary during insertion to secure the core; a housing positioning mechanism that moves vertically to fit the housing onto the fixed core; a floating component integrated into the housing positioning mechanism, allowing the housing positioning mechanism to float in a horizontal plane to automatically compensate for alignment misalignment between the housing and the core when the housing positioning mechanism moves downwards; and a pressure sensor located below the stationary core positioning mechanism to monitor the resistance experienced by the core during insertion. The aim is to provide a core insertion mechanism capable of accurately monitoring insertion resistance and automatically compensating for alignment misalignment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery production equipment technology, and in particular to a vertical core insertion device. Background Technology

[0002] In the automated production of lithium batteries, core loading is a critical process, involving the insertion of wound or stacked cells into a metal casing. Currently, the industry uses a horizontal loading method, where the core is placed horizontally on a positioning platform and then pushed into the casing by a pushing mechanism. When the core is pushed horizontally on the platform, friction is generated between the bottom of the core and the platform surface. This friction is superimposed on the pressure sensor data of the pushing mechanism. This results in the pressure value detected by the sensor not being the actual resistance exerted by the casing's inner wall on the core, but rather the sum of the actual resistance and the platform's friction. Therefore, it is difficult to accurately determine whether quality defects such as scratches or jamming have occurred during the loading process based solely on pressure data. Furthermore, due to minute dimensional tolerances between different batches or individual cores and casings, traditional fixed alignment mechanisms are ill-suited to adapt to these variations. Any alignment deviation can easily damage the core or casing during loading.

[0003] Therefore, how to provide a core insertion mechanism that can accurately monitor insertion resistance and automatically compensate for alignment deviations has become an urgent technical problem to be solved. Utility Model Content

[0004] The main purpose of this utility model is to provide a core vertical insertion device, which aims to provide a core insertion mechanism that can accurately monitor insertion resistance and automatically compensate for alignment deviations.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model proposes a vertical core insertion device, comprising: The core positioning mechanism remains stationary during the core insertion process to secure it. The housing positioning mechanism moves vertically to fit the housing onto the fixed core. A floating component, integrated into the housing positioning mechanism, allows the housing positioning mechanism to float in the horizontal plane to automatically compensate for alignment misalignment between the housing and the winding core when the housing positioning mechanism moves downward; and A pressure sensor is positioned below the stationary core positioning mechanism to monitor the resistance experienced by the core during its insertion into the casing.

[0006] Preferably, the floating component includes: The first guide rail is fixed on the base plate of the housing positioning mechanism; The slider is mounted on the first guide rail; A second guide rail is disposed on the slider, and the extending direction of the second guide rail is orthogonal to the extending direction of the first guide rail; and A sliding plate is slidably connected to the slider via the second guide rail; The combination of the first guide rail and the second guide rail allows the housing positioning mechanism to float in the horizontal plane.

[0007] Preferably, the housing positioning mechanism is driven by a servo module to move along the vertical direction.

[0008] Preferably, the housing positioning mechanism further includes a positioning plate for forming an insertion channel for guiding the winding core.

[0009] Preferably, the housing positioning mechanism further includes a housing opening retainer for positioning the housing opening before insertion into the housing.

[0010] Preferably, the positioning plate has an opening, and the opening is provided with a slanted groove for guiding the winding core.

[0011] Preferably, the housing positioning mechanism further includes a positioning plate, and when the housing opening clamping plate and the positioning plate are aligned, a through-hole entry channel is formed, and the channel size formed by the housing opening clamping plate is larger than the channel size formed by the positioning plate.

[0012] Preferably, the shell opening plate has an arc-shaped opening to facilitate the flaring of the shell opening.

[0013] Preferably, the housing positioning mechanism further includes a cylinder and a push plate connected to the cylinder, the positioning plate being fixed to the push plate and driven by the cylinder.

[0014] Preferably, the housing positioning mechanism further includes a buffer for cushioning the push plate when the cylinder retracts.

[0015] The above technical solution offers the following advantages: First, by placing the pressure sensor below the stationary core positioning mechanism, the interference of friction between the core and the platform during traditional flat-lay core insertion is completely eliminated. This allows the sensor to directly and accurately reflect the true resistance of the shell to the core, enabling effective monitoring of any abnormalities such as scraping during the core insertion process based on pressure changes, thus improving the accuracy of product quality monitoring. Second, the floating component integrated into the shell positioning mechanism allows the mechanism to float freely in the horizontal plane. When there is a misalignment between the shell and the core, this component utilizes the lateral force generated when the core contacts to drive the mechanism to automatically adjust its position to achieve center alignment. This passive automatic alignment function greatly improves the mechanism's adaptability to core or shell dimensional tolerances, simplifies equipment debugging, and ensures a high success rate for core insertion. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of a vertical core insertion device provided for an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0017] Figure 2 As an embodiment of this utility model Figure 1 A side view of the structure shown.

[0018] Figure 3 As an embodiment of this utility model Figure 1 A structural schematic diagram of the mechanism shown from another angle.

[0019] Figure 4 As an embodiment of this utility model Figure 1 A magnified structural diagram of point AA.

[0020] Figure 5 As an embodiment of this utility model Figure 3 Enlarged structural diagram of section BB. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model.

[0022] In the automated production of lithium batteries, the precision and quality of the core loading process directly affect the performance and yield of the final product. In traditional flat-lay loading methods, friction is generated between the core and the positioning platform during horizontal pushing. This friction is added to the loading pressure monitoring data, causing the measured pressure value to fail to accurately reflect the resistance of the casing to the core, making it difficult to accurately determine whether there are any abnormalities such as scratches during loading. Furthermore, when there are slight differences in the dimensions of the core or casing between batches or individuals, fixed alignment mechanisms struggle to adapt to these changes, easily leading to misalignment and subsequent core damage.

[0023] This invention provides a vertical core insertion device designed to solve the aforementioned problems. Through its innovative vertical structure and floating alignment design, this mechanism significantly improves the accuracy of core insertion pressure monitoring and the adaptability of the alignment process.

[0024] Please see Figures 1 to 5This utility model provides a preferred embodiment of a vertical core insertion device. The mechanism mainly includes a core positioning mechanism that remains stationary during insertion, and a shell positioning mechanism that can move vertically. Throughout the entire process, the core is securely fixed to the core positioning mechanism, while the shell positioning mechanism moves from above, fitting the aluminum shell onto the fixed core. This design fundamentally changes the way force is transmitted.

[0025] To enable real-time and accurate monitoring of the actual resistance experienced by the core during the shell insertion process, a pressure sensor is specifically installed below the stationary core positioning mechanism. Since the core itself is stationary and there is no relative sliding friction between it and the platform, the pressure sensor's readings directly and accurately reflect the resistance exerted on the core by the shell's inner wall. Operators can accurately determine whether the shell insertion process is smooth and whether there are any abnormal pressure spikes caused by scraping, misalignment, or other issues based on the real-time pressure feedback, thereby effectively monitoring product quality.

[0026] To address the alignment misalignment issue, this mechanism cleverly integrates a floating component into its housing positioning mechanism. This floating component allows for minute adjustments to the entire housing positioning mechanism within the horizontal plane. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the floating component specifically includes a first guide rail 8 fixed to the upper surface of the substrate 1, and a slider 9 mounted on the first guide rail 8. A second guide rail 10 is further provided on the slider 9, the extension direction of which is orthogonal to the extension direction of the first guide rail 8. A sliding plate 11 is slidably connected to the slider 9 via the second guide rail 10. This orthogonal double guide rail structure allows the entire housing positioning mechanism, composed of the substrate 1 and other components thereon, to float freely in the X and Y directions. When the housing positioning mechanism moves downwards and the resulting insertion channel contacts the core below, if there is a misalignment, the core will generate a lateral force on the inner wall of the channel. This force will drive the entire housing positioning mechanism to slide on the horizontal plane until its center aligns with the core center. This passive automatic alignment function greatly improves the mechanism's adaptability to core size variations, simplifies equipment debugging, and ensures a high success rate for insertion.

[0027] The vertical lifting motion of the entire housing positioning mechanism is driven by a servo module. The servo module provides precise position and speed control, ensuring the smoothness and repeatability of the housing insertion process. The sliding plate 11 is connected to the output end of the servo module through the first connecting plate 5, thereby driving the entire housing positioning mechanism to move downwards.

[0028] The housing positioning mechanism itself also contains multiple cooperating components. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, a cylinder 2 is fixedly connected to the lower end face of the base plate 1. The end of the telescopic rod of the cylinder 2 is connected to the push plate 3, and the positioning plate 4 is fixed on the push plate 3. The positioning plate 4 is a key component that forms the shell-entry channel for guiding the core. When a shell-entry operation is required, the cylinder 2 extends, pushing the positioning plate 4 to the predetermined working position. To further reduce the risk of the core being scratched when entering the channel, the opening of the positioning plate 4 is specially designed with a slanted groove, which can effectively guide the top of the core and ensure its smooth entry.

[0029] For shell positioning, a shell opening clamping plate 12 is also provided on the side of the substrate 1. The two shell opening clamping plates 12 are connected together by a fixing block to perform initial positioning of the shell opening of the aluminum shell. In particular, the opening of the shell opening clamping plate 12 is designed to be arc-shaped. This design not only facilitates the placement of the aluminum shell by the robot arm, but also allows for slight widening of the shell opening when necessary, using tools such as suction cups, to create more favorable conditions for the entry of the core.

[0030] Once cylinder 2 pushes positioning plate 4 into place, shell opening retainer 12 and positioning plate 4 align to form a through square hole, i.e., a complete shell entry channel. To protect the shell opening from damage during core insertion, the design ensures that the square hole formed by the two shell opening retainers 12 is slightly larger than the square hole formed by the two positioning plates 4. This dimensional difference creates a guiding transition, effectively preventing the core from scraping against the inner wall of the shell or the edge of the shell opening when passing through the connection point.

[0031] In addition, to improve the smoothness of equipment operation and service life, buffers 7 are symmetrically arranged on the base plate 1. When the cylinder 2 retracts after completing its work, the push plate 3 will collide with the buffer 7, which will absorb the end impact energy and avoid damage to the cylinder and the overall structure caused by rigid impact.

[0032] The complete working process of this vertical core insertion device is described below. First, the robotic arm grasps an aluminum shell, opening downwards, and places it at the position defined by the shell opening clamping plate 12. At this time, the shell opening can be widened by an auxiliary device, and the shell opening clamping plate 12 acts as a limit. Next, the cylinder 2 fixed on the base plate 1 extends, pushing the push plate 3 and the positioning plate 4 forward to align with the shell opening clamping plate 12, forming a complete insertion channel. Subsequently, the servo module is activated, driving the entire shell positioning mechanism (connected via the first connecting plate 5) to move smoothly downwards as a single unit. The core positioning mechanism below has already fixed the core. As the machine head descends, the fixed core passes through the insertion channel from below and enters the interior of the aluminum shell. During this process, the pressure sensor continuously monitors and reports the pressure value. If there is an initial slight deviation between the channel center and the core center, the top of the core will first contact the inclined groove of the positioning plate 4. Under the combined action of the guiding effect and the insertion force, the floating assembly composed of the first guide rail 8 and the second guide rail 10 automatically adjusts the position of the entire machine head in the horizontal direction, achieving dynamic centering and ensuring a smooth insertion process. After insertion is completed, the servo module moves in the opposite direction, raising the machine head. At the same time, the cylinder 2 retracts, driving the push plate 3 to retract. The buffer 7 buffers this process. Thus, a complete vertical core insertion operation is completed.

[0033] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A vertical core insertion device, characterized in that, include: The core positioning mechanism remains stationary during the core insertion process to secure it. The housing positioning mechanism moves vertically to fit the housing onto the fixed core. A floating component, integrated into the housing positioning mechanism, allows the housing positioning mechanism to float in the horizontal plane to automatically compensate for alignment deviations between the housing and the core when the housing positioning mechanism moves downward. as well as A pressure sensor is positioned below the stationary core positioning mechanism to monitor the resistance experienced by the core during its insertion into the casing.

2. The core vertical insertion device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The floating component includes: The first guide rail is fixed on the base plate of the housing positioning mechanism; The slider is mounted on the first guide rail; A second guide rail is disposed on the slider, and the extending direction of the second guide rail is orthogonal to the extending direction of the first guide rail; and A sliding plate is slidably connected to the slider via the second guide rail; The combination of the first guide rail and the second guide rail allows the housing positioning mechanism to float in the horizontal plane.

3. The core vertical insertion device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The housing positioning mechanism is driven by a servo module to move along the vertical direction.

4. The core vertical insertion device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The housing positioning mechanism further includes a positioning plate for forming an insertion channel to guide the winding core into the housing.

5. The core vertical insertion device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The housing positioning mechanism further includes: A shell opening clamp is used to position the shell opening before insertion into the shell.

6. The core vertical insertion device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The positioning plate has an opening, and the opening is provided with a slanted groove for guiding the winding core.

7. The core vertical insertion device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The housing positioning mechanism further includes a positioning plate. When the housing opening clamping plate and the positioning plate are aligned, a through-hole entry channel is formed, and the channel size formed by the housing opening clamping plate is larger than the channel size formed by the positioning plate.

8. The core vertical insertion device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The shell opening plate has an arc-shaped opening to facilitate the flaring of the shell opening.

9. The core vertical insertion device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The housing positioning mechanism further includes a cylinder and a push plate connected to the cylinder. The positioning plate is fixed to the push plate and driven by the cylinder.

10. The core vertical insertion device as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The housing positioning mechanism also includes a buffer, which is used to cushion the push plate when the cylinder retracts.

Images