Battery cell gripper water cart

Abstract

This utility model discloses a battery cell gripper water cart, including a mounting base, a rotating body, grippers, a gripper drive at the feeding position, and a gripper drive at the unloading position. The rotating body includes a rotating arm and a rotating drive, which are mounted on the mounting base. The rotating drive drives the rotating arm to rotate. Several grippers are evenly arranged along the circumference of the rotating arm. Each gripper includes a fixed clamping plate, a movable clamping plate, a hinge plate, and an elastic element. The fixed clamping plate is fixedly connected to the rotating arm by a mounting rod. The hinge plate is rotatably connected to the fixed clamping plate. The movable clamping plate is disposed on the hinge plate. Both the fixed and movable clamping plates have a flexible protective layer on their clamping surfaces. This novel battery cell gripper water cart combines high transfer capacity, high clamping stability, strong compatibility, and process detection capabilities, meeting the needs of large-scale, high-precision, and flexible battery production.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of lithium battery production technology, specifically to a battery cell clamp waterwheel. Background Technology

[0002] In the mass production of lithium batteries, cell transfer is a crucial link connecting core processes such as electrode manufacturing, cell assembly, and testing, directly impacting production efficiency, cell quality, and production line stability. In the current industry context, existing cell clamping water trucks are increasingly unable to meet the demands of industry upgrading.

[0003] Disadvantages of existing battery cell clamping water trucks: 1. Poor clamping stability: Battery cells (especially soft-pack and ultra-thin cells) are structurally fragile. Existing clamps mostly use rigid clamping or single buffer designs, which can easily lead to cell displacement, corner damage, or even falling off during rapid transfer and start-up / stopping. This results in poor cell appearance, damage to the internal structure, affecting cell quality, and even causing safety hazards. 2. Insufficient equipment compatibility: Power battery models iterate rapidly, and cell sizes (length, width, thickness) vary greatly. Existing transfer equipment is usually only compatible with a single size specification of cell. When producing different battery models, the entire clamping mechanism needs to be replaced, resulting in frequent operations and increased equipment costs. Utility Model Content

[0004] This invention provides a battery cell gripper water cart to solve the problem of poor gripping stability in existing battery cell transfer equipment.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is:

[0006] A battery cell gripper waterwheel, comprising:

[0007] Mounting base;

[0008] A rotating body includes a rotating arm and a rotating drive component, which are mounted on the mounting base. The rotating drive component is used to drive the rotating arm to rotate.

[0009] A plurality of grippers are evenly arranged along the circumference of the rotating arm. Each gripper includes a fixed clamping plate, a movable clamping plate, a hinge plate, and an elastic element. The fixed clamping plate is fixedly connected to the rotating arm by a mounting rod. The hinge plate is rotatably connected to the fixed clamping plate. The movable clamping plate is disposed on the hinge plate. When the hinge plate rotates relative to the fixed clamping plate, the movable clamping plate moves closer to or away from the fixed clamping plate. The clamping surfaces of both the fixed clamping plate and the movable clamping plate are provided with a flexible protective layer. The elastic element is used to provide a restoring force to drive the hinge plate to reset after an external force drives the hinge plate to rotate.

[0010] A material feeding position gripper drive is installed on the mounting base. When the gripper moves to the material feeding position of the rotating arm, the material feeding position gripper drive is used to drive the hinge plate of the gripper to rotate.

[0011] Multiple material-picking gripper drivers arranged side-by-side along the length of the rotating arm are mounted on the mounting base. When the gripper moves to the material-picking position of the rotating arm, the material-picking gripper drivers drive the hinge plate of the gripper to rotate.

[0012] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the movable clamping plate is provided with a first boss and a second boss. The first boss is rotatably connected to the top of the hinge plate, and the second boss contacts the side wall of the hinge plate. The movable clamping plate is inclined relative to the hinge plate.

[0013] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, a third protrusion is provided on the movable clamping plate. When the movable clamping plate rotates relative to the hinge plate to a preset angle, the third protrusion abuts against the top of the hinge plate to prevent the movable clamping plate from continuing to rotate.

[0014] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the rotating arm is provided with 48 rows of grippers, and each row is provided with two grippers.

[0015] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the material feeding gripper drive includes a mounting base, a first cylinder, and a first lifting drive plate. The mounting base is fixedly connected to the mounting base. The first cylinder is mounted on the mounting base. The first lifting drive plate is disposed at the extended end of the first cylinder. The first cylinder is used to drive the first lifting drive plate to rise and fall. The first lifting drive plate contacts the rollers disposed at the bottom of the hinge plate of the gripper.

[0016] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the material handling gripper drive includes a mounting plate, a second cylinder, and a second lifting drive plate. The mounting plate is fixedly connected to the mounting base. The second cylinder is mounted on the mounting base. The second lifting drive plate is located at the extended end of the second cylinder. The second cylinder is used to drive the second lifting drive plate to rise and fall. The second lifting drive plate contacts the rollers located at the bottom of the hinge plates of the plurality of grippers.

[0017] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the rotating arm includes a drive shaft, a drive sprocket, a driven shaft, a driven sprocket, and an annular chain. The drive shaft and the driven shaft are both mounted on the mounting base through bearing seats. The drive shaft is provided with drive sprockets at both ends, and the driven shaft is provided with driven sprockets at both ends. Two annular chains are provided, and the two annular chains are respectively connected to the drive sprocket and the driven sprocket located on the same side.

[0018] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the rotary drive component includes a servo motor and a planetary reducer. The servo motor is connected to the drive shaft of the rotary arm through the planetary reducer, and an encoder is installed on the drive shaft.

[0019] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, both the feeding position and the picking position of the rotating body are equipped with position detection sensors, which are used to detect the position of the rotating arm.

[0020] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, battery cell detection components are provided at both ends of the rotating body, and the battery cell detection components include through-beam sensors and diffuse reflection sensors.

[0021] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: At the feeding position, the feeding position gripper drive mechanism drives the hinge plate of the gripper to rotate, thereby moving the movable clamping plate away from the fixed clamping plate. This opens the gripper, facilitating the insertion of the battery cell. After the feeding position gripper drive mechanism leaves the hinge plate, the movable clamping plate is driven to reset and clamp the battery cell under the action of the elastic element. Because both the fixed and movable clamping plates have flexible protective layers on their clamping surfaces, the clamping of the battery cell is stable and does not damage the battery cell. Furthermore, this utility model adopts a separate gripper and gripper drive mechanism, which reduces the load on the rotating body and saves costs. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0023] Figure 1 This is an assembly diagram of a battery cell gripper water truck according to the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the hidden gripper.

[0025] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the rotating arm;

[0026] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the middle gripper;

[0027] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the feeding position gripper drive component;

[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the cooperation relationship between the gripper and the feed position gripper drive component in this utility model;

[0029] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A sectional view;

[0030] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the gripper drive component at the material picking position;

[0031] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the cooperation relationship between the gripper and the gripper drive component at the material handling position in this utility model;

[0032] Figure 10 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the detection component.

[0033] Reference numerals: 1. Mounting base; 2. Rotating body; 201. Driven sprocket; 202. Driven shaft; 203. Bearing housing; 204. Drive shaft; 205. Drive sprocket; 206. Annular chain; 207. Servo motor; 3. Gripper; 301. Fixed clamping plate; 302. Hinge plate; 303. First pivot; 304. Torsion spring; 305. Roller; 306. Mounting rod; 307. Second pivot; 308. Movable clamping plate; 309. Second boss; 310. First boss; 311. Third boss; 312. Silicone pad; 4. Detection assembly; 401. Position detection sensor; 402. 403. First detection bracket; 404. First through-beam sensor; 405. Second through-beam sensor; 406. Diffuse reflection sensor; 407. Second detection bracket; 508. Material feeding position gripper drive; 509. First lifting drive plate; 5000. First linear bearing; 501. First guide shaft; 502. First movable joint; 503. First cylinder; 504. Hydraulic buffer; 505. Mounting base; 606. Material picking position gripper drive; 601. Second lifting drive plate; 602. Second linear bearing; 603. Second guide shaft; 604. Second movable joint; 605. Second cylinder; 606. Mounting plate. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The following will clearly and completely describe the concept, specific structure, and technical effects of this utility model in conjunction with embodiments and accompanying drawings, so as to fully understand the purpose, features, and effects of this utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, not all of them. Other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without creative effort are all within the scope of protection of this utility model. Furthermore, all connections / connections involved in the patent do not simply refer to direct contact between components, but rather to the ability to form a better connection structure by adding or reducing connecting accessories according to specific implementation conditions. For example, fixed connections / fixed installations can use screw connections, bolt connections, pin connections, key connections, adhesive connections, mortise and tenon connections, welding, riveting, etc., as needed. For detachable connections, screw connections, bolt connections, threaded connections, snap-fit ​​connections, mortise and tenon connections, Velcro connections, etc., can be used as needed. The various technical features in this utility model can be combined interactively without contradicting each other.

[0035] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 This utility model provides a battery cell gripper 3 waterwheel, including a mounting base 1, a rotating body 2, grippers 3, a detection component 4, a feeding position gripper drive 5, and a picking position gripper drive 6, wherein the mounting base 1 is used to mount the various components. The rotating body 2 includes a rotating arm and a rotating drive, the rotating arm and the rotating drive are mounted on the mounting base 1, and a plurality of grippers 3 are evenly arranged along the circumference of the rotating arm. The rotating drive drives the rotating arm to rotate, thereby driving the grippers 3 to move cyclically along the waterwheel path.

[0036] Preferably, the rotating arm is provided with 48 rows of grippers 3, and each row is provided with 2 grippers 3, for a total of 96 grippers 3. That is, the single transfer capacity of the waterwheel in this embodiment is increased to 96 battery cells, which greatly improves the battery cell operation efficiency per unit time and meets the needs of large-scale battery cell production.

[0037] Specifically, refer to Figure 3The rotating arm includes a drive shaft 204, a drive sprocket 205, a driven shaft 202, a driven sprocket 201, and an annular chain 206. Both the drive shaft 204 and the driven shaft 202 are mounted on the mounting base 1 via bearing seats 203. The drive shaft 204 has drive sprockets 205 at both ends, and the driven shaft 202 has driven sprockets 201 at both ends. Two annular chains 206 are provided, each connected to a drive sprocket 205 and a driven sprocket 201 located on the same side. The two annular chains 206 are parallel and can simultaneously support the gripper 3, improving structural stability. The rotation drive includes a servo motor 207 and a planetary reducer. The servo motor 207 is connected to the drive shaft 204 of the rotating arm via the planetary reducer. The servo motor 207 drives the drive shaft 204 to rotate, thereby driving the rotating arm to move the gripper 3 cyclically along the waterwheel path.

[0038] Furthermore, an encoder is installed on the drive shaft 204, which enables real-time position feedback. At the same time, a position detection switch is installed at each stop position (feeding position and picking position) for verification, ensuring precise control of the rotational position.

[0039] In this embodiment, refer to Figure 4 The gripper 3 includes a fixed clamping plate 301, a movable clamping plate 308, a hinge plate 302, and an elastic element. The fixed clamping plate 301 is fixedly connected to the rotating arm by a mounting rod 306. Specifically, the two ends of the mounting rod 306 are fixedly connected to the chain 206. The fixed clamping plate 301 has an L-shaped structure, and the horizontal section of the fixed clamping plate 301 is fixedly connected to the mounting rod 306. The hinge plate 302 is rotatably connected to the fixed clamping plate 301. Specifically, the hinge plate 302 includes an integrally formed mounting section, a connecting section, and a driving section. The connecting section is hinged to the horizontal section of the fixed clamping plate 301 via a first pivot 303. The mounting section is connected to one end of the connecting section and is inclined upwards to form a clamping space between itself and the vertical section of the fixed clamping plate 301. The driving section is connected to the other end of the connecting section and is inclined downwards. Thus, when an external force drives the end of the driving section, it can drive the hinge plate 302 to rotate relative to the fixed clamping plate 301 to adjust the size of the clamping space. The movable clamping plate 308 is disposed on the hinge plate 302. Thus, when the hinge plate 302 rotates relative to the fixed clamping plate 301, the movable clamping plate 308 can move closer to or further away from the fixed clamping plate 301 to realize the clamping or releasing action of the gripper 3. The elastic element is a torsion spring 304, which is sleeved on the first pivot 303 and connected to the fixed clamping plate 301 and the hinge plate 302, so as to provide a restoring force to drive the hinge plate 302 to reset after the hinge plate 302 is rotated by an external force.

[0040] Furthermore, both the clamping surfaces of the fixed clamping plate 301 and the movable clamping plate 308 are provided with flexible protective layers. Specifically, the vertical section of the fixed clamping plate 301 is provided with a silicone pad 312, and the movable clamping plate 308 is made of rubber. In this way, the fixed clamping plate 301 and the movable clamping plate 308 have good stability when clamping the battery cell, and do not damage the battery cell.

[0041] In the preferred embodiment, refer to Figure 4 The movable clamping plate 308 is provided with a first boss 310 and a second boss 309. The first boss 310 is rotatably connected to the top of the hinge plate 302 via a second pivot 307, and the second boss 309 contacts the side wall of the hinge plate 302. The movable clamping plate 308 is inclined relative to the hinge plate 302. Because the second boss 309 forms a gap between the bottom of the movable clamping plate 308 and the hinge plate 302, causing the movable clamping plate 308 to be inclined outward, even if the opening width of the clamping jaw 3 is greater than the internal width of the clamping jaw 3, the opening angle of the clamping jaw 3 can reach 30° in actual production. This provides compatibility for the clamping jaw 3 and can adapt to differences in cell size (length, width, thickness).

[0042] Furthermore, the movable clamping plate 308 is provided with a third protrusion 311. When the movable clamping plate 308 rotates relative to the hinge plate 302 to a preset angle, the third protrusion 311 abuts against the top of the hinge plate 302 to prevent the movable clamping plate 308 from continuing to rotate, thereby preventing the movable clamping plate 308 from tipping over and improving the stability of the structure.

[0043] In the embodiments, reference is made to Figure 5 The material feeding gripper drive 5 includes a mounting base 507, a first guide shaft 503, a first linear bearing 502, a first cylinder 505, and a first lifting drive plate 501. The mounting base 507 is fixedly connected to the mounting base 1. The first guide shaft 503 is vertically mounted on the mounting base 507. The first lifting drive plate 501 is slidably connected to the first guide shaft 503 through the first linear bearing 502. The first cylinder 505 is mounted on the mounting base 507. The extended end of the first cylinder 505 is connected to the first lifting drive plate 501 through a first movable joint 504, thereby driving the first lifting drive plate 501 to rise and fall when the first cylinder 505 extends or retracts.

[0044] Preferably, a hydraulic buffer 506 is provided at the bottom of the first lifting drive plate 501 to provide a buffering effect when the first lifting drive plate 501 descends.

[0045] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7The first lifting drive plate 501 contacts the roller 305 at the bottom of the hinge plate 302 of the gripper 3. When the first cylinder 505 drives the first lifting drive plate 501 to move upward, it drives the roller 305 to move upward, thereby driving the hinge plate 302 to rotate, opening the gripper 3 to facilitate discharging or retrieving the battery cell. The rotation of the hinge plate 302 also causes the torsion spring 304 to deform. When the first cylinder 505 drives the first lifting drive plate 501 to move downward, the first lifting drive plate 501 no longer pushes the roller 305. Under the restoring force of the torsion spring 304, the hinge plate 302 rotates back, causing the gripper 3 to close and clamp the battery cell.

[0046] In the embodiments, reference is made to Figure 8 The material handling gripper drive 6 includes a mounting plate 606, a second guide shaft 603, a second linear bearing 602, a second cylinder 605, and a second lifting drive plate 601. The mounting plate 606 is fixedly connected to the mounting base 1. The second guide shaft 603 is vertically mounted on the mounting plate 606. The second lifting drive plate 601 is slidably connected to the second guide shaft 603 via the second linear bearing 602. The second cylinder 605 is mounted on the mounting plate 606. The extended end of the second cylinder 605 is connected to the second lifting drive plate 601 via a second movable joint 604, thereby driving the second lifting drive plate 601 to rise and fall when the second cylinder 605 extends or retracts.

[0047] Reference Figure 9 The second lifting drive plate 601 contacts the roller 305 at the bottom of the hinge plate 302 of the gripper 3. When the second cylinder 605 drives the second lifting drive plate 601 to move upward, it drives the roller 305 to move upward, thereby driving the hinge plate 302 to rotate, opening the gripper 3 to facilitate discharging or retrieving the battery cell. The rotation of the hinge plate 302 also causes the torsion spring 304 to deform. When the second cylinder 605 drives the second lifting drive plate 601 to move downward, the second lifting drive plate 601 no longer pushes the roller 305. Under the restoring force of the torsion spring 304, the hinge plate 302 rotates back, causing the gripper 3 to close and clamp the battery cell.

[0048] It can be understood that, since the overhead crane needs to remove 96 battery cells at the same time when picking up materials, the 96 grippers 3 are driven to open simultaneously by multiple gripper drive units 6 at multiple picking positions. In order to improve structural stability and save costs, the second lifting drive plate 601 contacts the rollers 305 of the multiple rows of grippers 3 at the same time to drive the multiple rows of grippers 3 to open simultaneously, while the first lifting drive plate 501 only needs to drive a single row of grippers 3 to open.

[0049] In this embodiment, refer to Figure 10 The detection component 4 includes a positioning detection sensor 401 and a cell detection component 4. The positioning detection sensor 401 is located at the feeding and picking positions of the rotating body 2 to provide a positioning indication when the gripper 3 moves to the feeding and picking positions. The cell detection component 4 includes a first through-beam sensor 403, a second through-beam sensor 404, and a diffuse reflection sensor 405, located at both ends of the rotating body 2. Specifically, a first detection bracket 402 and a second detection bracket 406 are provided at both ends of the rotating body 2. The first detection bracket 402 is provided with the transmitting ends of the first through-beam sensor 403 and the second through-beam sensor 404, and the second detection bracket 406 is provided with the receiving ends of the first through-beam sensor 403 and the second through-beam sensor 404. Diffuse reflection sensors 405 are provided at both ends of the second detection bracket 406. In this way, the status of the cell is detected by the first through-beam sensor 403, the second through-beam sensor 404, and the diffuse reflection sensor 405 to ensure that incoming material errors and cell misalignment can be detected in a timely manner.

[0050] The above is a detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present utility model. However, the present utility model is not limited to the described embodiments. Those skilled in the art can make various equivalent modifications or substitutions without departing from the spirit of the present utility model. All such equivalent modifications or substitutions are included within the scope defined by the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A battery cell gripper waterwheel, characterized in that, include: Mounting base; The rotating body includes a rotating arm and a rotating drive component, wherein the rotating arm and the rotating drive component are mounted on the mounting base, and the rotating drive component is used to drive the rotating arm to rotate. A plurality of grippers are evenly arranged along the circumference of the rotating arm. Each gripper includes a fixed clamping plate, a movable clamping plate, a hinge plate, and an elastic element. The fixed clamping plate is fixedly connected to the rotating arm by a mounting rod. The hinge plate is rotatably connected to the fixed clamping plate. The movable clamping plate is disposed on the hinge plate. When the hinge plate rotates relative to the fixed clamping plate, the movable clamping plate moves closer to or away from the fixed clamping plate. The clamping surfaces of both the fixed clamping plate and the movable clamping plate are provided with a flexible protective layer. The elastic element is used to provide a restoring force to drive the hinge plate to reset after an external force drives the hinge plate to rotate. A material feeding position gripper drive is installed on the mounting base. When the gripper moves to the material feeding position of the rotating arm, the material feeding position gripper drive is used to drive the hinge plate of the gripper to rotate. Multiple material-picking gripper drivers arranged side-by-side along the length of the rotating arm are mounted on the mounting base. When the gripper moves to the material-picking position of the rotating arm, the material-picking gripper drivers drive the hinge plate of the gripper to rotate.

2. The battery cell clamp waterwheel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The movable clamping plate is provided with a first protrusion and a second protrusion. The first protrusion is rotatably connected to the top of the hinge plate, and the second protrusion is in contact with the side wall of the hinge plate. The movable clamping plate is inclined relative to the hinge plate.

3. A battery cell clamp waterwheel according to claim 2, characterized in that: The movable clamping plate is provided with a third protrusion. When the movable clamping plate rotates relative to the hinge plate to a preset angle, the third protrusion abuts against the top of the hinge plate to prevent the movable clamping plate from continuing to rotate.

4. A battery cell clamp waterwheel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotating arm has 48 rows of grippers, with two grippers in each row.

5. A battery cell clamp waterwheel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The material feeding position gripper drive includes a mounting base, a first cylinder, and a first lifting drive plate. The mounting base is fixedly connected to the mounting base. The first cylinder is mounted on the mounting base. The first lifting drive plate is disposed at the extended end of the first cylinder. The first cylinder is used to drive the first lifting drive plate to rise and fall. The first lifting drive plate contacts the rollers disposed at the bottom of the hinge plate of the gripper.

6. A battery cell clamp waterwheel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The material handling gripper drive includes a mounting plate, a second cylinder, and a second lifting drive plate. The mounting plate is fixedly connected to the mounting base. The second cylinder is mounted on the mounting plate. The second lifting drive plate is located at the extended end of the second cylinder. The second cylinder is used to drive the second lifting drive plate to rise and fall. The second lifting drive plate contacts rollers located at the bottom of the hinge plates of the multiple grippers.

7. A battery cell clamp waterwheel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotating arm includes a drive shaft, a drive sprocket, a driven shaft, a driven sprocket, and an annular chain. The drive shaft and the driven shaft are both mounted on the mounting base via bearing seats. The drive shaft has drive sprockets at both ends, and the driven shaft has driven sprockets at both ends. There are two annular chains, and the two annular chains are respectively connected to the drive sprocket and the driven sprocket located on the same side.

8. A battery cell clamp waterwheel according to claim 7, characterized in that: The rotary drive component includes a servo motor and a planetary reducer. The servo motor is connected to the drive shaft of the rotary arm through the planetary reducer, and an encoder is mounted on the drive shaft.

9. A battery cell clamp waterwheel according to claim 8, characterized in that: Both the feeding and unloading positions of the rotating body are equipped with position detection sensors, which are used to detect the position of the rotating arm.

10. A battery cell clamp waterwheel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotating body has cell detection components at both ends, and the cell detection components include through-beam sensors and diffuse reflection sensors.

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