A cell gripper mechanism

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of battery cell clamping machinery, disclose a kind of battery cell clamping jaw mechanism, comprising: working connection plate, clamping jaw, horizontal drive source (such as air cylinder) and lifting drive source (such as air cylinder). At least two clamping jaws, the clamping jaw is installed in the same side of the working connection plate, and each the clamping jaw is compared with the working connection plate and is relatively arranged;Horizontal drive source, the drive component is installed in the working connection plate, and its output end is connected with each the clamping jaw transmission, for driving each the clamping jaw along the length direction of the working connection plate and moving towards or moving away, to realize the clamping or loosening of battery;Lifting drive source, the lifting drive source is installed between the output end of the horizontal drive source and the clamping jaw, and the lifting drive source is used to drive each the clamping jaw and moves up and down in vertical direction, to adjust the height position of clamping jaw, adapt different height battery pick-and-place station or battery carrying structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery cell clamping machinery technology, specifically a battery cell gripper mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] The battery cell gripper mechanism is a core component in automated battery cell production, replacing manual labor in the gripping, transfer, and precise placement of battery cells. In critical stages such as battery cell assembly and P-cell gripper mechanism / CK-package, it needs to precisely connect with each production station. Its performance directly affects the smoothness of the production line, providing crucial support for its efficient operation.

[0003] Existing battery cell gripper mechanisms still have the following problems: Most mechanisms currently use a single-drive design, typically only capable of horizontal gripping and releasing, while lifting functions often require overall movement or coordination with other actions. Therefore, when dealing with battery cell loading and unloading stations at different heights, the gripper height adjustment flexibility is relatively limited, potentially requiring frequent adjustments to the overall equipment position to adapt to the working conditions. This can increase operational complexity and impact the work cycle time.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a battery cell gripper mechanism to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] Based on the above, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a battery cell gripper mechanism to solve the problem of low battery cell clamping efficiency.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A battery cell gripper mechanism, comprising:

[0008] Working connection plate;

[0009] At least two grippers are mounted on the same side of the working connecting plate, and each gripper is arranged opposite to the working connecting plate.

[0010] A horizontal drive source is installed on the working connecting plate, and its output end is connected to each of the grippers for driving each of the grippers to move towards or away from each other along the length direction of the working connecting plate, so as to clamp or release the battery cell.

[0011] A lifting drive source is installed between the output end of the horizontal drive source and the gripper. The lifting drive source is used to drive each gripper to move up and down in the vertical direction to adjust the height position of the gripper and adapt to the battery cell pick-and-place station or battery cell carrying structure of different heights.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment of the cell gripper mechanism, it further includes at least two sets of limiters, one set installed on the side of the working connecting plate facing the gripper and located between two adjacent grippers, and the other set installed on the side of the working connecting plate facing the gripper and located at the outer end of the gripper.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment of a battery cell gripper mechanism, the output end of the horizontal drive source is connected to the lifting drive source via a mounting plate. A guide rail is mounted on the mounting plate, the gripper is mounted on the guide rail, and the gripper is slidably connected to the guide rail. The horizontal drive source drives each gripper to move vertically up and down along the guide rail.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment of a battery cell gripper mechanism, the gripper includes a connecting plate, an anti-slip plate, and a positioning plate. The connecting plate is mounted on the mounting plate, the anti-slip plate is detachably mounted on the connecting plate, the anti-slip surface of the anti-slip plate faces the workpiece, and the positioning plate is mounted opposite to the anti-slip plate.

[0015] As a preferred embodiment of the cell gripper mechanism, it also includes a material sensing sensor, which is installed at the fixed end of the working connecting plate / the horizontal drive source, and the material sensing sensor irradiates in the direction in which the gripper holds the workpiece.

[0016] As a preferred embodiment of the battery cell gripper mechanism, it further includes a support rod, which is mounted on the fixed end of the working connecting plate / the horizontal drive source. The support rod extends in the direction in which the gripper holds the workpiece, and the material sensing sensor is mounted on the support rod.

[0017] As a preferred embodiment of the cell gripper mechanism, a detection component is further included, disposed at the extreme positions of the gripper movement and between the grippers, the detection component being used to detect the horizontal and vertical positions of the grippers.

[0018] As a preferred embodiment of a battery cell gripper mechanism, the working connecting plate includes a mechanism fixed top plate and a mating plate. The horizontal drive source and the mating plate are both mounted on the mechanism fixed top plate. The mating plate has a clearance slot, and the output end of the horizontal drive source extends out of the clearance slot.

[0019] As a preferred embodiment of a battery cell gripper mechanism, the detection component includes a horizontal stroke detection element and a vertical stroke detection element. The horizontal stroke detection element is set at the limit position of the gripper moving in opposite directions in the horizontal direction, and the vertical stroke detection element is set at the limit height position of the gripper moving up or down in the vertical direction.

[0020] As a preferred embodiment of the battery cell gripper mechanism, the side of the mating plate is provided with horizontal linear holes, which are used to adjust and install the horizontal stroke detection element.

[0021] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: the dual drive structure, which uses a horizontal drive source to drive the grippers to move in opposite directions and a lifting drive source to independently drive each gripper to move up and down, enables the grippers to simultaneously clamp / release batteries in the horizontal direction and adjust their vertical height independently. This allows them to adapt to the size differences of batteries of different specifications and the staggered pick-and-place stations, improving the adaptability of the mechanism to diverse operating scenarios. At the same time, it avoids positioning errors caused by overall lifting and lowering, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of battery pick-and-place. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of a battery cell gripper mechanism in the first direction provided by this utility model;

[0023] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of the second direction in a battery cell gripper mechanism provided by this utility model;

[0024] Figure 3 An exploded view of a battery cell gripper mechanism in the first direction provided by this utility model;

[0025] Figure 4 An exploded view of a battery cell gripper mechanism in the second direction provided by this utility model;

[0026] Figure 5 An exploded view of the gripper in a battery cell gripper mechanism provided by this utility model.

[0027] The following are the labeling elements in the figure:

[0028] 1. Working connection plate;

[0029] 101. Mechanism fixing top plate; 102. Matching plate;

[0030] 3. Frame poles;

[0031] 4. Grippers;

[0032] 401. Connecting plate; 402. Anti-slip plate; 403. Positioning plate;

[0033] 5. Horizontal drive source; 6. Lifting drive source; 7. Mounting plate; 8. Guide rail; 9. Limit switch; 10. Material sensing sensor;

[0034] 11. Detection components;

[0035] 111. Horizontal travel test piece; 112. Lifting travel test piece;

[0036] 12. Hole opening; 13. Hole position. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, not the entire structure.

[0038] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0039] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0040] In the description of this embodiment, terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of description and simplification of operation, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0041] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used merely for descriptive distinction and have no specific meaning.

[0042] In one embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 1-5As shown, a battery cell gripper mechanism is provided, comprising: a working connecting plate 1, grippers 4, a horizontal drive source 5 (such as a cylinder), and a lifting drive source 6 (such as a cylinder). At least two grippers 4 are mounted on the same side of the working connecting plate 1, and each gripper 4 is arranged relative to the working connecting plate 1. The horizontal drive source 5 is mounted on the working connecting plate 1, and its output end is connected to each gripper 4 for driving each gripper 4 to move towards or away from each other along the length direction of the working connecting plate 1, thereby clamping or releasing the battery cell. The lifting drive source 6 is mounted between the output end of the horizontal drive source 5 and the grippers 4, and the lifting drive source 6 is used to drive each gripper 4 to move up and down in the vertical direction to adjust the height position of the grippers 4, adapting to battery cell loading / unloading stations or battery cell support structures of different heights.

[0043] This utility model provides a battery cell gripper 4 mechanism, which has a dual drive structure through a horizontal drive source 5 driving the gripper 4 to move in opposite directions and a lifting drive source 6 independently driving each gripper 4 to move up and down. This allows the gripper 4 to simultaneously clamp / release the battery cell in the horizontal direction, and also to adjust its vertical height independently. This adapts to the size differences of battery cells of different specifications and the staggered pick-up and drop positions, improving the adaptability of the mechanism to diverse working scenarios. At the same time, it avoids positioning errors caused by overall lifting and drop, and improves the accuracy and efficiency of battery cell pick-up and drop.

[0044] The battery cell clamping jaw 4 mechanism also includes at least two sets of limiters 9, one set installed on the side of the working connecting plate 1 facing the clamping jaw 4 and located between two adjacent clamping jaws 4, and the other set installed on the side of the working connecting plate 1 facing the clamping jaw 4 and located at the outer end of the clamping jaw 4.

[0045] The arrangement of two sets of limiters 9 (between the grippers 4 and the outer end) allows the limiters 9 between the grippers 4 to abut against the end of the battery cell to restrict axial movement, while the outer limiters 9 can pre-position the lateral position of the battery cell, thus forming a double limit protection to prevent the battery cell from shifting or moving during clamping, ensuring the stability of the battery cell's posture and improving the reliability and accuracy of the clamping mechanism.

[0046] Preferably, the output end of the horizontal drive source 5 is connected to the lifting drive source 6 via a mounting plate 7. A guide rail 8 is mounted on the mounting plate 7, and the grippers 4 are mounted on the guide rail 8, with the grippers 4 slidably connected to the guide rail 8. The horizontal drive source drives each gripper 4 to move vertically up and down along the guide rail 8. The guide rail 8 ensures precise guidance of the grippers 4 during vertical movement, preventing deviation and wobbling, thereby improving the stability and positional accuracy of the grippers 4's vertical movement, ensuring consistent posture during cell handling, and reducing the risk of cell damage due to movement deviation.

[0047] Furthermore, the gripper 4 includes a connecting plate 401, an anti-slip plate 402, and a positioning plate 403. The positioning plate 403 can limit the lateral displacement of the battery cell. The connecting plate 401 is mounted on the mounting plate 7, the anti-slip plate 402 is detachably mounted on the connecting plate 401, the anti-slip surface of the anti-slip plate 402 faces the workpiece, and the positioning plate 403 is mounted opposite to the anti-slip plate 402.

[0048] In this embodiment, the anti-slip plate 402 can be designed to be detachable by installing fasteners (such as screws). The anti-slip plate 402 is used to enhance the clamping friction. The detachable design facilitates the replacement of worn parts, thereby improving the cell clamping stability, reducing the risk of slippage, extending the service life of the mechanism, and improving maintenance convenience.

[0049] In this embodiment, raised textures can be provided on the anti-slip surface of the anti-slip plate 402. The material can be rubber, and the texture can be bonded to the anti-slip surface of the anti-slip plate 402.

[0050] Furthermore, it also includes a material sensing sensor 10, which is installed on the fixed end of the horizontal drive source 5 of the working connection plate 1. The material sensing sensor 10 shines in the direction of the gripper 4 holding the workpiece, so as to realize real-time detection of whether there is a battery cell at the gripper 4, thereby avoiding empty clamping or missed clamping, and improving the accuracy of operation.

[0051] The battery cell gripper 4 mechanism also includes a support rod 3, which is mounted on the fixed end of the horizontal drive source 5 of the working connecting plate 1. The support rod 3 extends in the direction in which the gripper 4 holds the workpiece, and the material sensing sensor 10 is mounted on the support rod 3. This avoids the mechanism components from obstructing the detection, thereby ensuring the accurate sensing of the material sensing sensor 10 and improving the detection reliability of the material sensing sensor 10.

[0052] The battery cell gripper 4 mechanism also includes a detection component 11, which is disposed at the extreme position of the gripper 4 movement and between the grippers 4. The detection component 11 is used to detect the horizontal and vertical positions of the gripper 4.

[0053] Specifically, the detection component 11 includes a horizontal stroke detection component 111 and a lifting stroke detection component 112. The horizontal stroke detection component 111 is set at the limit position of the jaw 4 moving towards or away from each other in the horizontal direction, and the lifting stroke detection component 112 is set at the limit height position of the jaw 4 rising or falling in the vertical direction.

[0054] The detection component 11 includes horizontal and vertical travel detection elements 112, which are respectively set at the horizontal and vertical movement limit positions of the gripper 4. This allows for accurate detection of the limit positions of the gripper 4 in both directions, thereby preventing the gripper 4 from overtraveling, avoiding damage to the battery cell or the mechanism, and ensuring the accuracy of the operation and the safety of the equipment.

[0055] Furthermore, the working connection plate 1 includes a mechanism fixing top plate 101 and a mating plate 102. The horizontal drive source 5 and the mating plate 102 are both mounted on the mechanism fixing top plate 101. The mating plate 102 has a clearance slot 12, and the output end of the horizontal drive source 5 extends out of the clearance slot 12. This avoids component interference and improves space utilization.

[0056] Preferably, the side of the mating plate 102 is provided with a horizontal linear hole 13, which allows the horizontal stroke detection component 111 to be continuously adjusted and fixed along the hole 13 to match the clamping limit of different diameter battery cells, thereby ensuring that the clamping force is adapted to various specifications of battery cells, avoiding over-clamping damage or loosening caused by fixed detection position, and improving the compatibility of the mechanism with multiple battery cell models.

[0057] In this embodiment, the process of the gripper 4 clamping the workpiece is as follows: the horizontal drive source 5 drives the gripper 4 to move towards each other along the length direction of the working connecting plate 1. At this time, the outer limiter 9 performs lateral pre-positioning of the battery cell. After the gripper 4 contacts the battery cell, the anti-slip surface of the anti-slip plate 402 enhances the friction through raised textures. The positioning plate 403 restricts the lateral displacement of the battery cell. The limiter 9 between the grippers 4 abuts against the end of the battery cell to prevent axial movement, thereby achieving stable clamping.

[0058] After clamping is completed, the lifting drive source 6 drives the gripper 4 to move vertically along the guide rail 8, and the lifting stroke detection component 112 monitors the height position in real time; when transferred to the target workstation, the horizontal drive source 5 drives the gripper 4 to move in opposite directions to release the battery cell, and the horizontal stroke detection component 111 ensures that the movement amplitude is adapted to the battery cell specifications.

[0059] Throughout the process, the material sensing sensor 10 confirms the cell status in real time through the detection angle extended by the support rod 3. Combined with dual stroke detection, it enables precise and controllable operation from material picking to material discharging.

[0060] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model in any way. Although the present utility model has been disclosed above with reference to a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any person skilled in the art can make some changes or modifications to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present utility model. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the present utility model without departing from the scope of the present utility model shall fall within the scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A battery cell gripper mechanism, characterized in that, include: Working connection plate; At least two grippers are mounted on the same side of the working connecting plate, and each gripper is arranged opposite to the working connecting plate. A horizontal drive source is installed on the working connecting plate, and its output end is connected to each of the grippers for driving each of the grippers to move towards or away from each other along the length direction of the working connecting plate, so as to clamp or release the battery cell. A lifting drive source is installed between the output end of the horizontal drive source and the gripper. The lifting drive source is used to drive each gripper to move up and down in the vertical direction to adjust the height position of the gripper and adapt to the battery cell pick-and-place station or battery cell carrying structure of different heights.

2. The battery cell gripper mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes at least two sets of limiters, one set installed on the side of the working connecting plate facing the gripper and located between two adjacent grippers, and the other set installed on the side of the working connecting plate facing the gripper and located at the outer end of the gripper.

3. A cell gripper mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The output end of the horizontal drive source is connected to the lifting drive source through a mounting plate. A guide rail is mounted on the mounting plate. The grippers are mounted on the guide rail and are slidably connected to the guide rail. The horizontal drive source drives each gripper to move vertically up and down along the guide rail.

4. A cell gripper mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The gripper includes a connecting plate, an anti-slip plate, and a positioning plate. The connecting plate is mounted on the mounting plate, and the anti-slip plate is detachably mounted on the connecting plate. The anti-slip surface of the anti-slip plate faces the workpiece, and the positioning plate is mounted opposite to the anti-slip plate.

5. A cell gripper mechanism according to claim 1, 2, or 4, characterized in that, It also includes a material sensing sensor, which is installed at the fixed end of the working connection plate / the horizontal drive source, and the material sensing sensor illuminates in the direction in which the gripper holds the workpiece.

6. A cell gripper mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a support rod, which is mounted on the fixed end of the working connection plate / the horizontal drive source. The support rod extends toward the direction in which the gripper holds the workpiece, and the material sensing sensor is mounted on the support rod.

7. A battery cell gripper mechanism according to claim 1, 2, 4, or 6, characterized in that, It also includes a detection component disposed at the extreme position of the gripper movement and between the grippers, the detection component being used to detect the horizontal and vertical positions of the grippers.

8. A cell gripper mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that, The working connection plate includes a mechanism fixed top plate and a mating plate. The horizontal drive source and the mating plate are both installed on the mechanism fixed top plate. The mating plate has a clearance slot, and the output end of the horizontal drive source extends out of the clearance slot.

9. A cell gripper mechanism according to claim 8, characterized in that, The detection component includes a horizontal stroke detection element and a vertical stroke detection element. The horizontal stroke detection element is set at the limit position of the jaws moving in opposite directions in the horizontal direction, and the vertical stroke detection element is set at the limit height position of the jaws rising or falling in the vertical direction.

10. A cell gripper mechanism according to claim 9, characterized in that, The mating plate has horizontal linear holes on its side, which are used to adjust and install the horizontal stroke detection element.

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