A tip clamping type battery cell jig and a battery cell cover combining device

Abstract

The utility model relates to a kind of tip clamping type electric core fixture and electric core cover combination device, tip clamping type electric core fixture includes jig base, at least two groups of clamping units are provided on the jig base, each clamping unit includes a motor and a group of clamping pieces, the motor drives the clamping piece whole towards or away from the side of electric core movement;The clamping piece includes two clamping blocks arranged side by side along the extension direction of the side of electric core, the cross-sectional area of the clamping block gradually decreases along its direction of movement towards electric core, and the one end forms the tip for contacting with the side wall of electric core.The utility model provides a kind of tip clamping type electric core fixture and electric core cover combination device, by improving jig structure and driving mode, improve the precision and safety of electric core clamping, while through integrated device design, improve the automation level and production efficiency of electric core production.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery manufacturing equipment technology, and in particular to a jig for clamping battery cells and a battery cell capping device including the jig. Background Technology

[0002] In the battery cell manufacturing process, it is usually necessary to assemble the casing and the battery cell. In the existing production process, the battery cell is picked up from the material tray by a robotic arm, placed on the battery cell fixture for positioning, then the casing is placed on top of the battery cell, pressed together by a pressing mechanism, and finally fixed by welding.

[0003] In practical applications, it has been found that the existing battery cell fixtures have a large contact area between the clamping components and the side surface of the battery cell. During clamping and transport, relative friction may occur between the clamping components and the battery cell surface, posing a risk of scratching the battery cell surface. In addition, some fixtures use pneumatic drive, which may have room for further improvement in terms of clamping accuracy and control stability. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, the present invention provides a tip-clamping battery cell fixture to improve the problems of battery cell surface scratches and clamping accuracy that may exist in the prior art.

[0005] The objective of this utility model is achieved through the following technical solution: A tip-gripping battery cell fixture includes a fixture base on which at least two sets of clamping units are disposed. Each set of clamping units includes a motor and a set of clamping members. The motor drives the clamping members to move toward or away from the side of the battery cell. The clamping members include two clamping blocks arranged side by side along the side extension direction of the battery cell. The cross-sectional area of ​​the clamping blocks gradually decreases along their moving direction toward the battery cell, and one end of each clamping block forms a tip for contacting the sidewall of the battery cell.

[0006] By employing a multi-unit clamping design driven by a motor, precise multi-directional clamping of the battery cell can be achieved. Each clamping unit contains two parallel clamping blocks, a layout that increases clamping stability. The gradually decreasing cross-sectional area of ​​the clamping blocks creates pointed ends, reducing the contact area with the battery cell sidewalls and thus lowering the risk of scratching the cell surface during clamping. The motor-driven movement of the entire clamping assembly provides more precise control; by adjusting the motor's operating parameters, fine-tuning of clamping force and position can be achieved. This design not only helps protect the battery cell's appearance quality but also improves the repeatability of clamping operations, providing a reliable positioning reference for subsequent processes. The overall fixture has a rational structural layout, with each clamping unit working collaboratively to ensure stable fixation of the battery cell during processing.

[0007] Preferably, the tip has an abutment plane that contacts the side wall of the battery cell.

[0008] The pointed contact surface design provides stable support while maintaining a small contact area. The planar contact of the contact surface allows for a more uniform distribution of clamping force, avoiding stress concentration and further reducing potential damage to the cell surface. This structure retains the advantages of point contact in reducing friction, while improving clamping reliability through the planar contact of the contact surface, helping to maintain the stability of the cell position during transportation and processing.

[0009] Preferably, the clamping unit is provided in four groups, which are respectively arranged in the four lateral positions of the battery cell.

[0010] Four clamping units simultaneously grip the battery cell from four directions, providing omnidirectional clamping that improves clamping stability and reliability. Uniform force in four directions effectively prevents displacement or rotation of the battery cell during processing, ensuring precise positioning. This layout adapts to the clamping needs of most square battery cells, offering good versatility. The coordinated operation of the four clamping units can also compensate for variations in battery cell dimensional tolerances, improving the fixture's adaptability to different product specifications and enhancing the production line's flexible manufacturing capabilities.

[0011] Preferably, each of the clamping units is driven by an independent motor.

[0012] The independent drive design allows each clamping unit to be controlled and adjusted individually, providing greater control flexibility and precision. Independent drives allow for adjustment of the clamping force and position of each unit according to actual needs, accommodating cells of different sizes and shapes. When the cell exhibits slight irregularities or dimensional deviations, the system can automatically compensate and adjust to ensure a uniform distribution of clamping force. This design also improves system reliability; a failure in a single unit will not affect the normal operation of other units.

[0013] Preferably, the motor is a servo motor.

[0014] This further clarifies the specific type of motor. Using a servo motor enables high-precision closed-loop control of the clamping displacement and clamping force, thereby more accurately controlling the opening position and force. This effectively avoids damage to the battery cells due to excessive force or inaccurate positioning, improving the jig's operability and reliability.

[0015] Preferably, the tip of the clamping block is provided with a removable wear-resistant pad.

[0016] The design incorporates a removable, wear-resistant pad at the tip. This pad, made of wear-resistant materials such as engineering plastics or soft alloys with a lower hardness than the cell casing, serves as a consumable component in direct contact with the cell, providing further isolation and cushioning to reduce the risk of scratches on the cell surface. The removable design facilitates quick replacement after pad wear, reducing long-term maintenance costs and downtime for the fixture, and improving the economic efficiency and sustainability of the system.

[0017] Preferably, a battery cell capping device includes a tip-clamping battery cell fixture as described above, and also includes a linear module for transporting the battery cell, wherein the tip-clamping battery cell fixture is mounted on a sliding seat of the linear module.

[0018] Integrating advanced cell fixtures with a linear module conveying system forms a complete cell processing solution. The linear modules provide precise linear positioning capabilities, ensuring accurate cell transfer between workstations. This integrated design automates cell clamping, positioning, and conveying, improving production efficiency and reducing manual intervention. The entire system exhibits excellent coordination, providing a reliable hardware foundation for high-quality cell processing.

[0019] Preferably, it further includes a shell and cover transfer and positioning mechanism, a first robotic arm for picking up and placing the shell and cover, and a second robotic arm for closing the shell and cover with the battery cell; the first robotic arm is used to transfer the shell and cover to the shell and cover transfer and positioning mechanism for positioning, and the second robotic arm is used to pick up the material from the shell and cover transfer and positioning mechanism and press the shell and cover onto the battery cell held by the tip-clamping battery cell fixture.

[0020] By coordinating dual robotic arms with a transfer and positioning mechanism, specialized division of labor and refined operation are achieved in the shell and cap processing. The first robotic arm is responsible for initial picking, placing, and transferring, while the second robotic arm specializes in high-precision cap-closing operations. This division of labor improves the operational accuracy and efficiency of each step. The transfer and positioning mechanism provides precise pre-positioning for the shell and cap, ensuring that the shell and cap are in the ideal position and posture before closing, thus improving the success rate and quality stability of cap closing.

[0021] Preferably, it also includes a barcode scanning mechanism disposed on the movement path of the first robotic arm for scanning the cover.

[0022] The introduction of the barcode scanning mechanism enables automatic product information collection and quality traceability. By scanning barcodes during the transport of the casing, a complete product data archive can be established, achieving digital management of the production process. When quality issues arise, the specific product batch and production stage can be quickly traced, providing data support for quality analysis and process improvement, and enhancing the level of intelligent production management.

[0023] Preferably, it also includes a cell testing mechanism, which is at least one of a casing tracking testing mechanism or an adhesive bonding quality testing mechanism.

[0024] Integrated inspection capabilities enable real-time monitoring of product quality during production, allowing for the timely detection and handling of defective products. Case opening tracking ensures that the size and position of the cell case openings meet requirements, while adhesive tape quality inspection checks the adhesion of surface tape. This online inspection method reduces reliance on external inspection devices, increases the automation level of the production line, helps ensure product consistency and reliability, and reduces quality risks.

[0025] Working principle: After being picked up and scanned by a robotic arm, the battery cells are placed on a tip-gripping cell fixture. Each clamping unit moves towards the battery cell under motor drive, clamping it by contacting the side of the cell with its tip. The housing cover, after being picked up and scanned by the first robotic arm, is transferred to a housing cover transfer and positioning mechanism for positioning, and then picked up and pressed onto the battery cell by the second robotic arm. After the cover is closed, the fixture is transported by a linear module to the welding station for welding.

[0026] The advantages of this utility model compared to the prior art are: This utility model presents a tip-gripping battery cell fixture that improves the precision and safety of battery cell clamping by refining the fixture structure and driving method. Simultaneously, its integrated device design enhances the automation level and production efficiency of battery cell manufacturing. The use of a clamping block design with a tapered cross-section reduces the contact area between the clamping components and the battery cell surface, helping to reduce the risk of scratches on the battery cell surface. The motor-driven method provides more precise clamping force and position control, contributing to improved clamping stability. The design of multiple independently driven clamping units adapts to battery cells of different sizes and specifications, improving the device's versatility. The integrated battery cell capping device design automates the clamping, positioning, inspection, and welding operations of the battery cells, improving production efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a tip-clamping battery cell fixture according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A magnified view of region A in the middle.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of a battery cell cover device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a partial structural diagram of a battery cell cover device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Labeling explanation: 1 Fixture base, 2 Clamping component, 21 Clamping block, 211 Tip, 2111 Abutting plane, 3 Motor, 4 Linear module, 5 Shell cover transfer and positioning mechanism, 6 First robot arm, 7 Second robot arm, 8 Scanning mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0034] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0035] It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures. In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the figures, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this application is in use, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly understood by those skilled in the art. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not 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 application.

[0036] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other.

[0037] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example 1

[0038] This embodiment provides a tip-clamping battery cell fixture, including a fixture base 1. The fixture base 1 is provided with four sets of clamping units, which are respectively arranged in the four lateral positions of the battery cell. Each set of clamping units includes a motor 3 and a set of clamping members 2. The motor 3 drives the clamping members 2 to move toward or away from the side of the battery cell. The clamping members 2 include two clamping blocks 21 arranged side by side along the extension direction of the side of the battery cell. The cross-sectional area of ​​the clamping blocks 21 gradually decreases along their moving direction toward the battery cell, and one end of them forms a tip 211 for contacting the side wall of the battery cell.

[0039] Four clamping units simultaneously clamp the battery cell from four directions, improving clamping stability and reliability. Uniform force in four directions effectively prevents displacement or rotation of the battery cell during processing, ensuring precise positioning. This layout adapts to the clamping needs of most square battery cells, offering good versatility. The coordinated operation of the four clamping units also compensates for variations in battery cell dimensional tolerances, improving the fixture's adaptability to different product specifications and enhancing the production line's flexible manufacturing capabilities. Each clamping unit contains two parallel clamping blocks 21, increasing clamping stability. The gradually decreasing cross-sectional area of ​​the clamping blocks 21 creates a pointed tip 211 at their ends, reducing the contact area with the battery cell sidewalls and minimizing the risk of scratches on the battery cell surface during clamping. The motor 3 drives the entire clamping unit 2, providing more precise control. Adjusting the motor 3's operating parameters allows for fine control of clamping force and position. This design not only helps protect the appearance quality of the battery cells but also improves the repeatability of clamping operations, providing a reliable positioning reference for subsequent processes. The overall fixture has a reasonable structural layout, and the various clamping units can work together to ensure the stable fixation of the battery cells during processing.

[0040] In this embodiment, each clamping unit is driven by an independent motor 3.

[0041] The independent drive design allows each clamping unit to be controlled and adjusted individually, providing greater control flexibility and precision. Independent drives allow for adjustment of the clamping force and position of each unit according to actual needs, accommodating cells of different sizes and shapes. When the cell exhibits slight irregularities or dimensional deviations, the system can automatically compensate and adjust to ensure a uniform distribution of clamping force. This design also improves system reliability; a failure in a single unit will not affect the normal operation of other units.

[0042] In this embodiment, the tip 211 has an abutment plane 2111 that contacts the side wall of the battery cell.

[0043] The abutment plane 2111 design of the tip 211 provides stable support while maintaining a small contact area. The planar contact of the abutment plane 2111 allows for a more uniform distribution of clamping force, avoiding stress concentration and further reducing potential damage to the cell surface. This structure retains the advantages of point contact in reducing friction, while improving clamping reliability through the planar contact of the abutment plane 2111, helping to maintain the stability of the cell position during transportation and processing.

[0044] In this embodiment, motor 3 is a servo motor.

[0045] The specific type of motor 3 is further defined. Using a servo motor enables high-precision closed-loop control of the displacement and clamping force of the clamping component 2, thereby more accurately controlling the opening position and force, effectively avoiding damage to the battery cell due to excessive force or inaccurate position, and improving the operability and reliability of the fixture.

[0046] In this embodiment, a removable wear-resistant pad is provided on the tip 211 of the clamping block 21.

[0047] The 211-tip design incorporates a removable wear-resistant pad. This pad, made of wear-resistant materials such as engineering plastics or soft alloys with a lower hardness than the cell casing, serves as a consumable component in direct contact with the cell, providing further isolation and cushioning to reduce the risk of scratches on the cell surface. The removable design facilitates quick replacement after pad wear, reducing long-term maintenance costs and downtime for the fixture, and improving the economic efficiency and sustainability of the system. Example 2

[0048] This embodiment provides a battery cell capping device, including a tip-clamping battery cell fixture as in Embodiment 1, and a linear module 4 for transporting the battery cell. The tip-clamping battery cell fixture is mounted on a sliding seat of the linear module 4.

[0049] Integrating advanced cell fixtures with the linear module 4 conveying system forms a complete cell processing solution. The linear module 4 provides precise linear positioning capabilities, ensuring accurate cell transfer between workstations. This integrated design automates cell clamping, positioning, and conveying, improving production efficiency and reducing manual intervention. The entire system exhibits excellent coordination, providing a reliable hardware foundation for high-quality cell processing.

[0050] In this embodiment, it also includes a shell cover transfer and positioning mechanism 5, a first robotic arm 6 for picking up and placing the shell cover, and a second robotic arm 7 for closing the shell cover and the battery cell; the first robotic arm 6 is used to transfer the shell cover to the shell cover transfer and positioning mechanism 5 for positioning, and the second robotic arm 7 is used to pick up the material from the shell cover transfer and positioning mechanism 5 and press the shell cover onto the battery cell held by the tip clamping type battery cell fixture.

[0051] The collaboration between dual robotic arms and a transfer positioning mechanism enables specialized division of labor and refined operation in the shell and cap processing. The first robotic arm 6 is responsible for initial picking, placing, and transferring the shell, while the second robotic arm 7 specializes in high-precision cap-closing operations. This division of labor improves the accuracy and efficiency of each step. The transfer positioning mechanism 5 provides precise pre-positioning for the shell and cap, ensuring they are in the ideal position before closing, thus improving the success rate and quality stability of the cap-closing process.

[0052] In this embodiment, a barcode scanning mechanism 8 is also provided on the movement path of the first robotic arm 6 for scanning the cover.

[0053] The introduction of the barcode scanning mechanism 8 enables automatic product information collection and quality traceability. By scanning barcodes during the shell and cover transportation process, a complete product data archive can be established, realizing digital management of the production process. When quality problems occur, the specific product batch and production stage can be quickly traced, providing data support for quality analysis and process improvement, and enhancing the level of intelligent production management.

[0054] In this embodiment, a cell testing mechanism is also included, which is at least one of a casing opening tracking testing mechanism or an adhesive bonding quality testing mechanism.

[0055] Integrated inspection capabilities enable real-time monitoring of product quality during production, allowing for the timely detection and handling of defective products. Case opening tracking ensures that the size and position of the cell case openings meet requirements, while adhesive tape quality inspection checks the adhesion of surface tape. This online inspection method reduces reliance on external inspection devices, increases the automation level of the production line, helps ensure product consistency and reliability, and reduces quality risks.

[0056] Working principle: After being picked up and scanned by the loading robot, the battery cell is placed on the tip-gripping battery cell fixture. Each set of clamping units moves towards the battery cell under the drive of motor 3, and clamps it by contacting the side of the battery cell through the tip 211. After being picked up and scanned by the first robot 6, the casing is transferred to the casing transfer and positioning mechanism 5 for positioning, and then picked up and pressed onto the battery cell by the second robot 7. After the casing is closed, the fixture is transported to the welding station by the linear module 4 for welding.

[0057] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A tip-clamping battery cell fixture, comprising a fixture base (1), characterized in that, The fixture base (1) is provided with at least two sets of clamping units. Each set of clamping units includes a motor (3) and a set of clamping members (2). The motor (3) drives the clamping members (2) to move toward or away from the side of the battery cell. The clamping members (2) include two clamping blocks (21) arranged side by side along the side extension direction of the battery cell. The cross-sectional area of ​​the clamping blocks (21) gradually decreases along its moving direction toward the battery cell, and one end of the clamping block (21) forms a tip (211) for contacting the side wall of the battery cell.

2. The tip-clamping cell fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tip (211) has an abutment plane (2111) that contacts the side wall of the cell.

3. The tip-clamping cell fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping unit is provided in four sets, which are respectively arranged in the four lateral positions of the battery cell.

4. The tip-clamping cell fixture according to claim 3, characterized in that, Each set of clamping units is driven by an independent motor (3).

5. The tip-clamping cell fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The motor (3) is a servo motor.

6. The tip-clamping cell fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, A removable wear-resistant pad is provided on the tip (211) of the clamping block (21).

7. A battery cell cover closing device, characterized in that, The device includes a tip-clamping cell fixture as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, and further includes a linear module (4) for transporting the cell, the tip-clamping cell fixture being mounted on a sliding seat of the linear module (4).

8. The battery cell capping device according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a shell cover transfer and positioning mechanism (5), a first robotic arm (6) for picking up and placing the shell cover, and a second robotic arm (7) for closing the shell cover and the battery cell; the first robotic arm (6) is used to transfer the shell cover to the shell cover transfer and positioning mechanism (5) for positioning, and the second robotic arm (7) is used to pick up the material from the shell cover transfer and positioning mechanism (5) and press the shell cover onto the battery cell held by the tip clamping battery cell fixture.

9. The battery cell cover closing device according to claim 8, characterized in that, It also includes a barcode scanning mechanism (8) set on the movement path of the first robotic arm (6) for scanning the cover.

10. The battery cell capping device according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a cell testing mechanism, which is at least one of a casing tracking testing mechanism or an adhesive bonding quality testing mechanism.

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