A transfer mechanism and a battery pack loading device

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of battery manufacturing, in particular to a transfer mechanism and a battery pack loading device. The transfer mechanism comprises a transfer base, at least one set of bearing assemblies and a first driving assembly. Each set of bearing assemblies comprises two load carriers slidingly arranged on the transfer base along a first horizontal direction. Each load carrier comprises a support beam and a plurality of bearing blocks arranged on the support beam along a second horizontal direction. Adjacent two bearing blocks form a gap. The second horizontal direction is perpendicular to the first horizontal direction. The first driving assembly is configured to drive the two load carriers in each set of bearing assemblies to approach or move away from each other, so that the battery pack is clamped or released by the bearing blocks. The transfer mechanism is arranged between a carrying mechanism and a connection mechanism and is used for buffering the battery pack, so that the carrying mechanism does not need to stop and wait during the round trip of transporting the battery pack by the connection mechanism, thereby improving the production efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery manufacturing technology, and in particular to a transfer mechanism and a battery pack feeding device. Background Technology

[0002] After processing, the battery packs need to be transported to containers for loading. Currently, this is typically done using gantry cranes or forklifts to move the battery packs to a designated transfer platform, from which they are then transported to the container. However, the transfer platform needs to move several meters from its designated location to reach the container, and the handling equipment must wait for the platform to deliver the previous battery pack to the container and return to its designated location before placing the next battery pack on it. Therefore, the handling equipment needs to stop and wait during the transfer between the transfer platform and the container, resulting in low production efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0003] The first objective of this application is to provide a transfer mechanism to solve the technical problem that existing handling mechanisms require downtime during round trips to and from the connecting platform, resulting in low production efficiency.

[0004] A transfer mechanism is provided between a handling mechanism for transporting battery packs and a connecting mechanism for delivering battery packs to a container. The transfer mechanism includes a transfer base, at least one set of load-bearing components, and a first drive assembly, wherein: Each load-bearing assembly includes two load-bearing components that are slidably disposed on the transfer base along a first horizontal direction. Each load-bearing component includes a support beam and a plurality of load-bearing blocks that are spaced apart on the support beam along a second horizontal direction. A gap is formed between two adjacent load-bearing blocks for inserting components of the handling mechanism to clamp the battery pack. The second horizontal direction is perpendicular to the first horizontal direction. The first drive assembly is configured to drive two load members in each set of load assemblies to approach or move away from each other, so as to clamp or release the battery pack through each load block. When there are two or more load-bearing components, the multiple load-bearing components are arranged sequentially along the first horizontal direction.

[0005] The transfer mechanism provided in this application has the following advantages: (1) The transfer mechanism is set between the handling mechanism and the connecting mechanism and is used to buffer the battery pack, so that the handling mechanism does not need to stop and wait during the round trip of the connecting mechanism to transport the battery pack, thereby improving production efficiency. (2) The number of load-bearing components can be flexibly adjusted according to actual needs, so that the transfer mechanism can meet a variety of production needs. (3) The two load-bearing components in each set of load-bearing components realize the automatic adjustment of the distance between them under the drive of the first drive component. On the one hand, it can accurately position the battery pack on the transfer mechanism, and on the other hand, it can adapt to clamp battery packs of different widths and sizes, improving the versatility of the transfer mechanism.

[0006] In some embodiments, the first drive assembly includes a plurality of first drive sources, a plurality of output gears, and a rack, wherein: the plurality of first drive sources are disposed on a plurality of material carriers in a one-to-one correspondence, and each first drive source has an output gear connected to its power output end; the rack extends along a first horizontal direction and is fixed on a transfer base, and the rack is meshed with the plurality of output gears respectively.

[0007] The above technical solution allows each loading component to be driven independently, and the movement of two loading components in the same group is not affected by each other. This allows for flexible control of the position of each loading component on the transfer base, enabling switching between more operating modes. For example, the first drive assembly can control the movement of two loading components in the same group towards or away from each other to clamp or release the battery pack. It can also control the synchronous translation of the two loading components in the same group along the first horizontal direction to adjust the position of the battery pack between them.

[0008] In some embodiments, each bearing block is slidably disposed on the support beam along a second horizontal direction, and each bearing block is provided with fasteners for locking and releasing its position on the support beam.

[0009] The advantages of adopting the above technical solution are as follows: First, since the position of each bearing block on the support beam can be slidably adjusted along the second horizontal direction, the total length of all bearing blocks on the support beam can be adjusted to accommodate battery packs of different lengths; Second, the gap between two adjacent bearing blocks can be adjusted according to the size of the components of the conveying mechanism that hold the battery pack.

[0010] In some embodiments, each set of carrier components further includes two guide limiting structures disposed opposite each other along a second horizontal direction. The two guide limiting structures and the two material carriers together form a material carrying area for carrying and limiting the battery pack. Each guide limiting structure includes a limiting rod and a guide block disposed on the limiting rod. The first end of the limiting rod is slidably disposed on one of the material carriers along the second horizontal direction. The first end of the limiting rod is provided with a fastener for locking and releasing its position on the material carrier. The second end of the limiting rod extends toward the other material carrier.

[0011] The above settings can be used to adapt to battery packs of different lengths and sizes.

[0012] The second objective of this application is to provide a battery pack loading device, which includes the transfer mechanism, transport mechanism, and connection mechanism described in any of the above claims, wherein: the connection mechanism includes a connection base, a connection platform, a second drive assembly, and a third drive assembly; the connection platform is slidably disposed on the connection base in a vertical direction; the second drive assembly is configured to drive the connection platform to rise and fall on the connection base; the third drive assembly is configured to drive the connection base to translate horizontally below each set of load-bearing components in a first horizontal direction; when the connection platform translates to directly below any set of load-bearing components, the second drive assembly is configured to drive the connection platform to rise, so that the connection platform passes through the gap between the two load-bearing components and receives the battery pack held by the two load-bearing components.

[0013] The battery pack loading device provided in this application improves production efficiency by incorporating a transfer mechanism between the conveying mechanism and the connecting mechanism to buffer the battery packs. This eliminates the need for the conveying mechanism to stop and wait during the round trip of the battery packs transported by the connecting mechanism. Furthermore, improvements to the connecting mechanism enable it to automatically receive the battery packs from the transfer mechanism, achieving a fully automated battery pack loading process.

[0014] In some embodiments, the connection mechanism further includes a fifth drive source, and the connection platform includes two trays, wherein: the two trays are spaced apart on the connection base along a first horizontal direction, and at least one of the two trays is slidably disposed on the connection base along the first horizontal direction, and the top surfaces of the two trays are coplanar and form the bearing surface of the connection platform; the fifth drive source is configured to drive the two trays to approach or move away from each other along the first horizontal direction, so that the bearing surface of the connection platform can adapt to accept battery packs of different widths and improve the versatility of the device.

[0015] In some embodiments, the second drive assembly includes two pallet brackets and a second drive source, wherein: the two pallet brackets are spaced apart on the docking base along a first horizontal direction, and the docking platform is slidably disposed between the two pallet brackets along a vertical direction; the second drive source is a piston cylinder or electric cylinder that extends and retracts along a vertical direction, and the two ends of the second drive source along the vertical direction are respectively connected to one of the pallet brackets and the docking platform.

[0016] The above settings enable the docking platform to move up and down on the docking base.

[0017] In some embodiments, each pallet bracket is provided with a limiting boss; when the docking platform descends to its limit position, the limiting boss protrudes vertically from the bearing surface of the docking platform.

[0018] When the connecting platform descends to its limit position using the above technical solution, the limiting protrusions on the two tray supports are located on both sides of the battery pack on the connecting platform in the first horizontal direction. Thus, the battery pack can be limited by the two limiting protrusions to prevent the battery pack from falling off the connecting platform.

[0019] In some embodiments, each tray bracket is provided with an auxiliary support surface at its top; when the docking platform is lowered to its extreme position, the auxiliary support surface is coplanar with the bearing surface of the docking platform and supports the bottom edge of the battery pack on the docking platform.

[0020] When the above technical solution is adopted, the auxiliary support surface on the pallet bracket and the bearing surface on the connecting platform jointly support the battery pack when the connecting platform is lowered to the limit position. This can increase the support area of ​​the connecting mechanism for the battery pack and improve the stability of the battery pack during the transfer process.

[0021] In some embodiments, when the docking platform includes two trays, the two tray supports are slidably disposed on the docking base along the first horizontal direction, and the two trays are slidably disposed on the two tray supports in the vertical direction in a one-to-one correspondence. A second drive source is connected between each tray and the corresponding tray support, and a fifth drive source is connected between each tray support and the docking base. The fifth drive source is a piston cylinder or electric cylinder that extends and retracts along the first horizontal direction.

[0022] The above technical solution enables the two trays to slide vertically and horizontally on the docking base, respectively. Furthermore, since each tray support is driven by a separate fifth drive source, the movement of the two trays in the first horizontal direction is not interfered with by each other, allowing the position of the battery pack on the docking base to be flexibly controlled.

[0023] In some embodiments, a fourth drive assembly is provided between at least one material carrier in each set of carrier components and the transfer base. The fourth drive assembly includes a first slide and a fourth drive source. The first slide is slidably disposed on the transfer base in a first horizontal direction. The material carrier is slidably mounted on the first slide in a vertical direction. The fourth drive source is a piston cylinder that extends and retracts in a vertical direction. The two ends of the fourth drive source in the vertical direction are respectively connected to the first slide and the material carrier.

[0024] The fourth drive component can control the material loading and unloading mechanism to make space avoidance in the vertical direction, thereby reducing the vertical space occupied by the transfer mechanism. This makes it applicable to factories with limited space and also shortens the vertical travel of the unloading platform, thus speeding up the transfer efficiency.

[0025] In some embodiments, when the docking platform descends to its extreme position, the vertical distance between the bearing surface of the docking platform and the loading component is greater than the height of the battery pack on the docking platform. This embodiment does not require controlling the loading component to make spatial clearance with the docking mechanism, and therefore does not require a fourth drive component.

[0026] In some embodiments, the third drive assembly includes a ground rail extending along a first horizontal direction and a third drive source. The two opposite ends of the ground rail along the first horizontal direction are a loading end and a unloading end, respectively. The loading end of the ground rail passes through the transfer base and is located below the bearing assembly. The connecting base is slidably disposed on the ground rail along the first horizontal direction. The third drive source is connected to the connecting base through a transmission structure.

[0027] During operation, the third drive source drives the docking base to slide along the first horizontal direction on the ground rail, thereby transporting the battery pack on the transfer mechanism into the container.

[0028] In some embodiments, the third drive component is an AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle), and the docking base is mounted on the AGV's body. The technical solution of using an AGV to transport battery packs does not require strict adherence to a predetermined track, allowing for flexible adjustment of the battery pack's loading position. Attached Figure Description

[0029] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0030] Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the transfer mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 2 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the material carrier and the fourth drive assembly provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 3 for Figure 2 A 3D diagram from another angle; Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the battery pack feeding device provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 5 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the connecting mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application after removing the third drive component; Figure 6 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the connecting mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application after removing the third drive component and one side plate; Figure 7 A schematic diagram illustrating the motion principle of the battery pack feeding device provided in this application embodiment.

[0031] icon: 1-Transfer mechanism; 11-Transfer base; 12-Bearing component; 121-Loading component; 1211-Support beam; 1212-Bearing block; 1213-Adjusting guide rail; 122-Guide limiting structure; 1221-Limiting rod; 1222-Guide block; 13-First drive assembly; 131-First drive source; 132-Output gear; 133-Rack; 14-Fourth drive assembly; 141-First slide; 142-Fourth drive source; 15-First guide assembly; 16-Second guide assembly; 2-Transportation mechanism; 3-Connecting mechanism; 31-Connecting base; 32-Connecting platform; 321-Pattern; 33-Second drive assembly; 331-Pattern bracket; 332-Second drive source; 333-Limiting boss; 334-Auxiliary support surface; 34-Third drive assembly; 341-Ground rail; 35-Fifth drive source; 36-Third guide assembly; 37-Fourth guide assembly; 100-battery pack. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The technical solutions of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0033] It should be noted that in the description of this application, the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used solely for the convenience of describing this application and for 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. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0034] It should be noted that, in the description of this application, the terms "connection" and "installation" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or a connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0035] To address the technical problem of low production efficiency caused by the need for the handling mechanism to stop and wait during the round trip to the connecting platform in existing technologies, one embodiment of this application provides a transfer mechanism 1. The transfer mechanism 1 is disposed between the handling mechanism 2 for handling the battery pack 100 and the connecting mechanism 3 for delivering the battery pack 100 to the container, as described above. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The transfer mechanism 1 includes a transfer base 11, at least one set of bearing components 12, and a first drive assembly 13. Each set of bearing components 12 includes two material carriers 121 slidably disposed on the transfer base 11 along a first horizontal direction. Each material carrier 121 includes a support beam 1211 and a plurality of bearing blocks 1212 spaced apart on the support beam 1211 along a second horizontal direction. A gap is formed between two adjacent bearing blocks 1212 for inserting components (e.g., forklift forks, lifting claws of a lifting device, grippers of a robot) of the handling mechanism 2 to clamp the battery pack 100. The second horizontal direction is perpendicular to the first horizontal direction. The first drive assembly 13 is configured to drive two material carriers 121 in each set of bearing components 12 to approach or move away from each other, so as to clamp or release the battery pack 100 through each bearing block 1212. Figure 1 Only one set of bearing components 12 is shown. When there are two or more sets of bearing components 12, multiple sets of bearing components 12 are arranged sequentially along the first horizontal direction.

[0036] The transit agency 1 provided in this application has the following advantages: (1) During the operation, the handling mechanism 2 of the previous process (the handling mechanism 2 can be one of forklift, gantry crane, or handling robot) first sends the battery pack 100 to the transfer mechanism 1 for buffering. Then the handling mechanism 2 can pick up the next battery pack 100. The connecting mechanism 3 picks up the battery pack 100 on the transfer mechanism 1 and transports the battery pack 100 to the container. In this way, the handling mechanism 2 does not need to stop and wait during the round trip of the connecting mechanism 3 transporting the battery pack 100, thereby improving production efficiency.

[0037] (2) Each set of bearing components 12 can carry one battery pack 100. The number of bearing components 12 can be flexibly adjusted according to actual needs (such as the feeding frequency of battery pack 100 and the round-trip time of the connecting mechanism 3 to transport battery pack 100), so that the transfer mechanism 1 can meet a variety of production needs. (3) Each set of bearing components 12 includes two material carriers 121. The two material carriers 121 automatically clamp or release the battery pack 100 under the drive of the first drive component 13, thereby accurately positioning the battery pack 100 on the transfer mechanism 1, so that the connecting mechanism 3 can smoothly receive the battery pack 100 on the transfer mechanism 1. In addition, the position of the two material carriers 121 on the transfer base 11 can be adjusted along the first horizontal direction, so that the distance between the two material carriers 121 can be adapted to clamp battery packs 100 of different widths, thereby improving the versatility of the transfer mechanism 1.

[0038] Optionally, the first drive assembly 13 includes a plurality of first drive sources 131, which can be one of a motor, a cylinder, an electric cylinder, or a hydraulic cylinder. In some embodiments, each first drive source 131 is drivenly connected to a material carrier 121 and configured to drive the material carrier 121 to slide along a first horizontal direction on the transfer base 11. In other embodiments, each first drive source 131 is drivenly connected to two material carriers 121 in the same group and configured to drive the two material carriers 121 in the same group to move towards each other or away from each other. In the two embodiments described above, the former has the advantage that each material carrier 121 is driven independently, and the movement of two material carriers 121 in the same group is not affected by each other. This allows for flexible control of the position of each material carrier 121 on the transfer base 11, enabling switching between more operating modes. For example, through the first drive assembly 13, the movement of two material carriers 121 in the same group towards or away from each other can be controlled to clamp or release the battery pack 100. It can also control the synchronous translation of two material carriers 121 in the same group along the first horizontal direction to adjust the position of the battery pack 100 between them. The latter embodiment has the advantage that the number of first drive sources 131 is smaller (half that of the former), resulting in lower manufacturing costs.

[0039] For example, the first driving component 13 can be implemented in the following ways: The first implementation method is (i.e., the implementation method provided in this embodiment): Refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The first drive assembly 13 includes a plurality of first drive sources 131, a plurality of output gears 132, and a rack 133, wherein: the plurality of first drive sources 131 are respectively disposed on a plurality of material carriers 121, and the power output end of each first drive source 131 is connected to an output gear 132; the rack 133 extends along the first horizontal direction and is fixed on the transfer base 11, and the rack 133 is meshed with the plurality of output gears 132 respectively.

[0040] The second implementation involves a first drive source 131 that is a motor. The motor body is mounted on the transfer base 11, and the motor's output shaft is connected to two load members 121 in the same group via a ball screw structure. Specifically, the motor's output shaft is connected to a lead screw in the ball screw structure, which has a first part and a second part of the lead screw with opposite thread directions. Nuts on the first part and the second part of the lead screw are fixedly connected to the two load members 121 in the same group. The ball screw structure described above can also be replaced with one of the following bidirectional linear transmission structures: belt type, chain type, gear + double rack type, etc.

[0041] The third implementation is as follows: the first driving source 131 is a double-headed cylinder that extends and retracts along the first horizontal direction, and the two ends of the double-headed cylinder along the first horizontal direction are respectively connected to two material carriers 121 in the same group. Continue to refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this embodiment, the material carrier 121 has a strip-shaped configuration with its length direction parallel to the second horizontal direction. To ensure smooth movement of the material carrier 121, two sets of first drive components 13 are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the transfer base 11 along the second horizontal direction. Specifically, each material carrier 121 has a first drive source 131 installed at both ends along the second horizontal direction. The first drive source 131 is a motor, and the motor body is installed on the corresponding material carrier 121. An output gear 132 is fixedly mounted on the output shaft of the motor. A rack 133 is installed on both sides of the upper end face of the transfer base 11 along the second horizontal direction. Each rack 133 extends along the first horizontal direction and meshes with the output gears 132 of the same group in sequence. Furthermore, to limit the movement trajectory of the material carrier 121, the tooth surfaces of the two racks 133 can be arranged opposite to each other or opposite to each other.

[0042] In some embodiments, to further limit the movement trajectory of the loading component 121, the transfer mechanism 1 further includes a first guide component 15. The first guide component 15 includes a first slide rail and a plurality of first sliders. The first slide rail extends along a first horizontal direction and is fixed on the transfer base 11. Each first slider is slidably disposed on the first slide rail in sequence. Each loading component 121 is provided with one or two or more first sliders.

[0043] Reference Figure 2In some embodiments, each support block 1212 is slidably disposed on the support beam 1211 along a second horizontal direction, and each support block 1212 is provided with fasteners for locking and releasing its position on the support beam 1211. Specifically, the upper end face of each support beam 1211 has an adjustment guide rail 1213 extending along the second horizontal direction, and a plurality of support blocks 1212 are slidably disposed on the adjustment guide rail 1213 along its extension direction; the bottom of the support block 1212 has a limiting groove fitted on the adjustment guide rail 1213, and the groove wall of the limiting groove is threaded with a locking screw. When the locking screw on the bearing block 1212 abuts against the adjusting guide rail 1213, the position of the bearing block 1212 on the support beam 1211 is locked; when the locking screw on the bearing block 1212 is screwed away from the adjusting guide rail 1213, the position of the bearing block 1212 on the support beam 1211 is released, and at this time, the position of the bearing block 1212 can be slidably adjusted.

[0044] The advantages of the above technical solution are as follows: First, since the position of each bearing block 1212 on the support beam 1211 can be slidably adjusted along the second horizontal direction, the total length of all bearing blocks 1212 on the support beam 1211 can be adjusted to accommodate battery packs 100 of different lengths; Second, the gap between two adjacent bearing blocks 1212 can also be adjusted according to the size of the components of the handling mechanism 2 that hold the battery pack 100 (such as the forks of a forklift, the lifting claws of a lifting device, and the grippers of a robot).

[0045] In this embodiment, the support block 1212 is generally L-shaped, and has a horizontal surface for supporting the bottom edge of the battery pack 100 and a vertical surface for abutting against one side of the battery pack 100. When the battery pack 100 is clamped on the two carriers 121, the battery pack 100 is simultaneously subjected to an upward supporting force and a clamping force to both sides.

[0046] Continue to refer to Figure 1 In some embodiments, each set of supporting components 12 further includes two guide limiting structures 122 disposed opposite to each other along a second horizontal direction. The two guide limiting structures 122 and the two material carriers 121 together form a material carrying area for supporting and limiting the battery pack 100. Figure 1As shown, the guide limiting structure 122 and the material carrier 121 are arranged in an alternating pattern of long and short lengths to form a rectangular material carrier area, and respectively limit the four sides of the rectangular battery pack 100. Further, each guide limiting structure 122 includes a limiting rod 1221 and a guide block 1222 disposed on the limiting rod 1221. The first end of the limiting rod 1221 is slidably disposed on one of the material carriers 121 along a second horizontal direction. The first end of the limiting rod 1221 is provided with a fastener for locking and releasing its position on the material carrier 121, and the second end of the limiting rod 1221 extends toward the other material carrier 121. The number of guide blocks 1222 on each limiting rod 1221 can be adaptively adjusted, and the position of the guide blocks 1222 on the limiting rod 1221 can also be adjusted along the first horizontal direction.

[0047] Specifically, in each set of bearing components 12, two guide limiting structures 122 are respectively disposed on both sides of all bearing blocks 1212 in the second horizontal direction. The bottom of the first end of the limiting rod 1221 also has a limiting groove that fits onto the adjusting guide rail 1213. The groove wall of the limiting groove is threaded with a locking screw. The adjustment method of the limiting rod 1221 is the same as the adjustment method of the bearing block 1212 described above.

[0048] Optionally, in each set of supporting components 12, the two guide limiting structures 122 are disposed on the same material carrier 121, or the two guide limiting structures 122 are disposed on two different material carriers 121. In this embodiment, the two guide limiting structures 122 are disposed on the same material carrier 121.

[0049] Continue to refer to Figure 1 and 2 In some embodiments, a fourth drive assembly 14 is provided between at least one material carrier 121 in each set of bearing assemblies 12 and the transfer base 11. The fourth drive assembly 14 includes a first slide 141 and a fourth drive source 142. The first slide 141 is slidably disposed on the transfer base 11 along a first horizontal direction, and the material carrier 121 is slidably mounted on the first slide 141 in a vertical direction under the drive of the fourth drive source 142. Optionally, the fourth drive source 142 is a motor or a piston cylinder (including a pneumatic cylinder, an electric cylinder, or a hydraulic cylinder).

[0050] In this embodiment, a fourth drive assembly 14 is provided between one of the material carriers 121 in each set of bearing components 12 and the transfer base 11. That is, in each set of bearing components 12, one material carrier 121 has two degrees of freedom: sliding in a first horizontal direction and sliding in a vertical direction, while the other material carrier 121 only has one degree of freedom: sliding in the first horizontal direction. In another embodiment, a fourth drive assembly 14 is provided between each of the two material carriers 121 in each set of bearing components 12 and the transfer base 11. That is, each of the two material carriers 121 in each set of bearing components 12 has two degrees of freedom: sliding in a first horizontal direction and sliding in a vertical direction.

[0051] The fourth drive component 14 can control the lifting or lowering of the corresponding loading component 121 on the transfer base 11, thereby controlling the height position of the loading component 121 to meet more operational needs. For example, when the connecting mechanism 3 needs to receive the battery pack 100 from below the carrying component 12, the loading component 121 can use its lifting mechanism to make spatial clearance in the height direction. As another example, in embodiments where the two loading components 121 in each group of carrying components 12 have two degrees of freedom—sliding along a first horizontal direction and sliding along a vertical direction—the height position of the loading area in each group of carrying components 12 can be adjusted to accommodate differences in the descent height of different lifting devices.

[0052] Reference Figure 3 In this embodiment, the fourth drive assembly 14 includes a first slide block 141 and a fourth drive source 142. The first slide block 141 is slidably disposed on the transfer base 11 (specifically on the first guide rail in the first guide assembly 15) along the first horizontal direction. The material carrier 121 is slidably mounted on the first slide block 141 along the vertical direction. The fourth drive source 142 is a piston cylinder (specifically an electric cylinder) that extends and retracts along the vertical direction. The two ends of the fourth drive source 142 along the vertical direction are respectively connected to the first slide block 141 and the material carrier 121. Each first slide block 141 includes a base plate and a support plate erected on the base plate. A first drive source 131 is mounted on the upper end surface of the base plate. The output shaft of the first drive source 131 passes through the base plate from top to bottom and is connected to the rack 133 through the output gear 132. A first slider is mounted on the lower end surface of the base plate.

[0053] In this embodiment, the loading component 121 has a strip-shaped configuration with its length direction parallel to the second horizontal direction. In order to make the loading component 121 with lifting and lowering freedom move smoothly, a set of fourth drive components 14 are respectively provided at the two opposite ends of the loading component 121 with lifting and lowering freedom in the second horizontal direction.

[0054] In some embodiments, in order to restrict the lifting trajectory of the loading component 121 with lifting freedom, a second guide assembly 16 is provided between each first slide block 141 and the corresponding loading component 121. The second guide assembly 16 includes a second slide rail and a second slider. The second slide rail extends vertically and is fixed to the support plate of the first slide block 141, and the second slider is slidably disposed on the second slide rail and fixed to the corresponding loading component 121 (specifically, the support beam 1211).

[0055] A second aspect of this application provides a battery pack feeding device, referring to... Figure 4 The battery pack loading device includes a transfer mechanism 1, a handling mechanism 2, and a connecting mechanism 3. The connecting mechanism 3 includes a connecting base 31, a connecting platform 32, a second drive assembly 33, and a third drive assembly 34. The connecting platform 32 is slidably mounted vertically on the connecting base 31. The second drive assembly 33 is configured to drive the connecting platform 32 to rise and fall on the connecting base 31. The third drive assembly 34 is configured to drive the connecting base 31 to translate horizontally below each set of supporting components 12. Figure 7 When the docking platform 32 is moved to directly below any set of supporting components 12, the second drive component 33 is configured to drive the docking platform 32 to rise so that the docking platform 32 passes through the gap between the two material carriers 121 of the supporting component 12 and receives the battery pack 100 held by the two material carriers 121.

[0056] The battery pack loading device provided in this application improves production efficiency by incorporating a transfer mechanism 1 for buffering the battery pack 100 between the conveying mechanism 2 and the connecting mechanism 3. This eliminates the need for the conveying mechanism 2 to stop and wait during the round trip of the battery pack transported by the connecting mechanism 3. Furthermore, by improving the connecting mechanism 3, it is possible for the connecting mechanism 3 to automatically receive the battery pack 100 from the transfer mechanism 1, thus achieving a fully automated loading process for the battery pack 100.

[0057] Optionally, the handling mechanism 2 can be one of a forklift, a gantry crane, or a handling robot. In this embodiment, the handling mechanism 2 is specifically an AGV forklift (Automated Guided Vehicle).

[0058] In this embodiment, the third drive assembly 34 includes a ground rail 341 extending along a first horizontal direction and a third drive source. The ground rail 341 has a loading end and a unloading end at opposite ends along the first horizontal direction. The loading end of the ground rail 341 passes through the transfer base 11 and is located below the bearing assembly 12. The connecting base 31 is slidably mounted on the ground rail 341 along the first horizontal direction. The third drive source is connected to the connecting base 31 via a transmission structure. Further, the third drive source is a motor. The body of the third drive source is fixed to the ground by a mounting base. The output shaft of the third drive source is connected to the connecting base 31 via a belt or chain linear transmission structure. During operation, by controlling the forward and reverse rotation of the third drive source, the connecting base 31 is driven to slide along the ground rail 341 along the first horizontal direction, thereby transporting the battery pack 100 on the transfer mechanism 1 into the container.

[0059] In some other embodiments, the third drive component 34 is an AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle), and the docking base 31 is mounted on the AGV body. Compared to the technical solution of this embodiment, the technical solution of using an AGV to transport the battery pack 100 does not require strictly following a predetermined track to transport the battery pack 100, and the packing position of the battery pack 100 can be flexibly adjusted.

[0060] Reference Figure 5 In some embodiments, the connecting mechanism 3 further includes a fifth drive source 35. The connecting platform 32 includes two trays 321, wherein the two trays 321 are spaced apart on the connecting base 31 along a first horizontal direction, and at least one of the two trays 321 is slidably disposed on the connecting base 31 along the first horizontal direction. The top surfaces of the two trays 321 are coplanar and form the bearing surface of the connecting platform 32 (i.e., the top surface of the connecting platform 32). The fifth drive source 35 is configured to drive the two trays 321 to approach or move away from each other along the first horizontal direction, so that the bearing surface of the connecting platform 32 can adapt to accept battery packs 100 of different widths, thereby improving the versatility of the device. Optionally, the fifth drive source 35 is a motor or a piston cylinder.

[0061] In this embodiment, two trays 321 are slidably disposed on the connecting base 31 along a first horizontal direction. In other embodiments, one tray 321 is fixedly mounted on the connecting base 31, and the other tray 321 is slidably disposed on the connecting base 31 along the first horizontal direction. Both of the above embodiments can achieve the purpose of adjusting the distance between the two trays 321.

[0062] Reference Figure 6In some embodiments, the second drive assembly 33 includes two pallet supports 331 and a second drive source 332, wherein: the two pallet supports 331 are spaced apart on the docking base 31 along a first horizontal direction, and the docking platform 32 is slidably disposed between the two pallet supports 331 along a vertical direction; the second drive source 332 is a piston cylinder (specifically an electric cylinder) that extends and retracts along a vertical direction, and the two ends of the second drive source 332 along the vertical direction are respectively connected to one of the pallet supports 331 and the docking platform 32.

[0063] In this embodiment, the docking platform 32 includes two trays 321, two tray supports 331 that are slidably mounted on the docking base 31 along a first horizontal direction, and two trays 321 that are slidably mounted on the two tray supports 331 in a vertical direction. A second drive source 332 is connected between each tray 321 and its corresponding tray support 331, and a fifth drive source 35 is connected between each tray support 331 and the docking base 31. The fifth drive source 35 is a piston cylinder (specifically an electric cylinder) that extends and retracts along the first horizontal direction. By adopting the above technical solution, the two trays 321 are respectively equipped with two degrees of automation: sliding vertically and sliding horizontally on the docking base 31. Furthermore, since each tray support 331 is driven by a separate fifth drive source 35, the movement of the two trays 321 in the first horizontal direction is not interfered with by each other, so that the position of the battery pack 100 on the docking base 31 can be flexibly controlled.

[0064] In this embodiment, the cylinder body of the fifth drive source 35 (electric cylinder) is fixed on the connecting base 31, and the piston rod end of the fifth drive source 35 is fixed on the corresponding support plate bracket 331. When the length of the fifth drive source 35 is long, an avoidance through hole can be provided on the support plate bracket 331 so that the fifth drive source 35 passes through one of the support plate brackets 331 and connects to the other support plate bracket 331.

[0065] Optionally, the number of second drive sources 332 between each tray 321 and its corresponding tray bracket 331 can be one, two, or more, and the number of second drive sources 332 can be increased or decreased according to the length of the tray 321. The number of fifth drive sources 35 between each tray bracket 331 and the connecting base 31 can be one, two, or more, and the number of fifth drive sources 35 can be increased or decreased according to the length of the tray bracket 331. In this embodiment, the number of fifth drive sources 35 between each tray bracket 331 and the connecting base 31 is specifically two, and the two fifth drive sources are respectively connected to both sides of the tray bracket 331 along the second horizontal direction.

[0066] In some embodiments, in order to limit the movement trajectory of the pallet 321 on the pallet bracket 331, a third guide component 36 is provided between the pallet 321 and the pallet bracket 331. The third guide component 36 includes a third slide rail and a third slider. The third slide rail extends in the vertical direction and is fixed on the pallet bracket 331, and the third slider is slidably disposed on the third slide rail and fixed to the pallet 321. In some embodiments, in order to limit the movement trajectory of the pallet 321 on the connecting base 31, the connecting mechanism 3 further includes a fourth guide component 37. The fourth guide component 37 includes a fourth slide rail and a plurality of fourth sliders. The fourth slide rail extends along a first horizontal direction and is fixed on the connecting base 31. Each fourth slider is slidably disposed on the fourth slide rail in sequence. Each pallet bracket 331 is provided with one or two or more fourth sliders.

[0067] In some other embodiments, the docking platform 32 can be a one-piece structure, with two tray supports 331 fixedly mounted on the docking base 31. This embodiment does not include a fifth drive source 35, and the bearing surface of the docking platform 32 does not have an adjustable size function.

[0068] Continue to refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 In some embodiments, each tray bracket 331 is provided with a limiting boss 333. For example... Figure 7 As shown, when the connecting platform 32 descends to its limit position, the limiting protrusion 333 protrudes vertically from the bearing surface of the connecting platform 32. At this time, the limiting protrusions 333 on the two tray brackets 331 are located on both sides of the battery pack 100 on the connecting platform 32 in the first horizontal direction. Thus, the battery pack 100 can be limited by the two limiting protrusions 333 to prevent the battery pack 100 from falling off the connecting platform 32.

[0069] In some embodiments, each tray bracket 331 has an auxiliary support surface 334 on its top. For example... Figure 7 As shown, when the connecting platform 32 descends to its limit position, the auxiliary support surface 334 is coplanar with the bearing surface of the connecting platform 32 and supports the bottom edge of the battery pack 100 on the connecting platform 32, thereby increasing the support area of ​​the connecting mechanism 3 on the battery pack 100 and improving the stability of the battery pack 100 during the transfer process.

[0070] In this embodiment, the number of carrying components 12 is one set. One of them, near the connecting mechanism 3, has a fourth drive component 14 between the loading component 121 and the transfer base 11. The fourth drive component 14 includes a first slide 141 and a fourth drive source 142. The fourth drive source 142 is a piston cylinder that extends and retracts in the vertical direction. The two ends of the fourth drive source 142 in the vertical direction are respectively connected to the first slide 141 and the loading component 121. The other loading component 121 near the conveying mechanism 2 does not have a fourth drive component 14 between it and the transfer base 11.

[0071] Reference Figure 7 Taking the conveying process of a battery pack 100 as an example, the working process of the battery pack feeding device provided in this embodiment is as follows: Step 1: The conveying mechanism 2 delivers the battery pack 100 into the gap between the two material carriers 121. The first drive assembly 13 drives the two material carriers 121 to approach each other, so that each bearing block 1212 clamps the battery pack 100.

[0072] Step two, the third drive assembly 34 drives the docking base 31 and the components on the docking base 31 to move to the left and directly below the support assembly 12. Then the second drive assembly 33 drives the docking platform 32 to rise. During this process, the docking platform 32 passes through the gap between the two material carriers 121 and receives the battery pack 100 held by the two material carriers 121.

[0073] Step 3: The first drive component 13 drives the two material carriers 121 to move away from each other, so that each carrier block 1212 releases the battery pack 100 and the distance between the two material carriers 121 is greater than the width of the battery pack 100.

[0074] Step four: the fourth drive assembly 14 drives the right-side loading component 121 to rise, and the second drive assembly 33 drives the docking platform 32 to descend to its limit position. At this time, the distance between the docking platform 32 and the right-side loading component 121 in the height direction is greater than the height of the battery pack 100.

[0075] Step 5: The third drive assembly 34 drives the docking base 31 and the components on the docking base 31 to move to the right to leave the transfer mechanism 1. Since the distance between the docking platform 32 and the loading component 121 on the right side in the height direction is greater than the height of the battery pack 100, the loading component 121 on the right side will not obstruct the translation of the docking base 31.

[0076] As can be seen from the above description, in this embodiment, the fourth drive component 14 controls the material carrier 121 to make space avoidance with the docking mechanism 3 in the vertical direction, thereby reducing the space occupied by the transfer mechanism 1 in the vertical direction, which can be applied in factories with limited space. At the same time, it also shortens the vertical travel of the docking platform 32 and speeds up the transfer efficiency.

[0077] In some embodiments where the number of supporting components 12 is two or more, a fourth drive component 14 is respectively provided between each material carrier 121 and the transfer base 11. In the above embodiments, during operation, through steps one to five described above, the connection base 31 carrying the battery pack 100 can be moved horizontally below each supporting component 12.

[0078] In some other embodiments, when the docking platform 32 descends to its extreme position, the vertical distance between the bearing surface of the docking platform 32 and the material carrier 121 is greater than the height of the battery pack 100 on the docking platform 32. This embodiment does not require controlling the material carrier 121 to make spatial clearance with the docking mechanism 3, and the fourth drive assembly 14 can be omitted.

[0079] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A transfer mechanism, characterized in that, The transfer mechanism is disposed between the handling mechanism for transporting the battery pack and the connecting mechanism for delivering the battery pack to the container. The transfer mechanism includes a transfer base, at least one set of load-bearing components, and a first drive component, wherein: Each of the load-bearing components includes two load-bearing parts that are slidably disposed on the transfer base along a first horizontal direction. Each load-bearing part includes a support beam and a plurality of load-bearing blocks that are spaced apart on the support beam along a second horizontal direction. A gap is formed between two adjacent load-bearing blocks for inserting a component of the transport mechanism to clamp the battery pack. The second horizontal direction is perpendicular to the first horizontal direction. The first drive component is configured to drive two of the load members in each set of the carrier components to approach or move away from each other, so as to clamp or release the battery pack by each of the carrier blocks; When the number of the supporting components is two or more, the multiple sets of supporting components are arranged sequentially along the first horizontal direction.

2. The transfer mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first drive assembly includes multiple first drive sources, multiple output gears, and a rack, wherein: Multiple first drive sources are respectively arranged on multiple material carriers, and each first drive source has a power output terminal connected to an output gear; The rack extends along the first horizontal direction and is fixed on the transfer base, and the rack is respectively meshed with and connected to a plurality of output gears.

3. The transfer mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the bearing blocks is slidably disposed on the support beam along the second horizontal direction, and each of the bearing blocks is provided with fasteners for locking and releasing its position on the support beam.

4. The transfer mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the bearing components further includes two guide limiting structures arranged opposite each other along the second horizontal direction. The two guide limiting structures and the two material carriers together form a material carrying area for bearing and limiting the battery pack. Each of the guide limiting structures includes a limiting rod and a guide block disposed on the limiting rod. The first end of the limiting rod is slidably disposed on one of the material carriers along the second horizontal direction. The first end of the limiting rod is provided with a fastener for locking and releasing its position on the material carrier. The second end of the limiting rod extends toward the other material carrier.

5. A battery pack feeding device, characterized in that, The battery pack loading device includes a transfer mechanism, a conveying mechanism, and a connecting mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The connecting mechanism includes a connecting base, a connecting platform, a second driving component, and a third driving component. The connecting platform is slidably disposed on the connecting base in a vertical direction. The second driving component is configured to drive the connecting platform to rise and fall on the connecting base. The third driving component is configured to drive the connecting base to translate horizontally below each set of the bearing components in the first horizontal direction. When the docking platform is moved directly below any set of the carrying components, the second drive component is configured to drive the docking platform to rise so that the docking platform passes through the gap between the two carrying components and receives the battery pack held by the two carrying components.

6. The battery pack feeding device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The docking mechanism further includes a fifth drive source, and the docking platform includes two trays, wherein: Two trays are spaced apart on the connecting base along the first horizontal direction, and at least one of the two trays is slidably disposed on the connecting base along the first horizontal direction. The top surfaces of the two trays are coplanar and form the bearing surface of the connecting platform. The fifth drive source is configured to drive the two trays to approach or move away from each other along the first horizontal direction, so that the bearing surface of the docking station can be adapted to receive battery packs of different widths.

7. The battery pack feeding device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The second drive assembly includes two tray supports and a second drive source, wherein: Two of the tray supports are spaced apart on the connecting base along the first horizontal direction, and the connecting platform is slidably disposed between the two tray supports along the vertical direction; The second drive source is a piston cylinder or electric cylinder that extends and retracts in a vertical direction, and the two ends of the second drive source in the vertical direction are respectively connected to one of the tray brackets and the docking platform.

8. The battery pack feeding device according to claim 7, characterized in that, Each of the tray supports is provided with a limiting boss; when the docking platform is lowered to the limit position, the limiting boss protrudes vertically from the bearing surface of the docking platform; And / or, each of the tray brackets is provided with an auxiliary support surface on its top; when the docking platform is lowered to its limit position, the auxiliary support surface is coplanar with the bearing surface of the docking platform and supports the bottom edge of the battery pack on the docking platform; And / or, when the docking platform includes two trays, the two tray supports are slidably disposed on the docking base along the first horizontal direction, and the two trays are slidably disposed on the two tray supports in a vertical direction in a one-to-one correspondence. A second drive source is connected between each tray and the corresponding tray support, and a fifth drive source is connected between each tray support and the docking base. The fifth drive source is a piston cylinder or electric cylinder that extends and retracts along the first horizontal direction.

9. The battery pack feeding device according to claim 5, characterized in that, A fourth drive assembly is provided between at least one of the material carriers in each group of the bearing assemblies and the transfer base. The fourth drive assembly includes a first slide and a fourth drive source. The first slide is slidably disposed on the transfer base along the first horizontal direction. The material carrier is slidably mounted on the first slide along the vertical direction. The fourth drive source is a piston cylinder that extends and retracts along the vertical direction. The two ends of the fourth drive source along the vertical direction are respectively connected to the first slide and the material carrier. Alternatively, when the docking platform descends to its limit position, the vertical distance between the bearing surface of the docking platform and the material carrier is greater than the height of the battery pack on the docking platform.

10. The battery pack feeding device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The third drive assembly includes a ground rail extending along the first horizontal direction and a third drive source. The two opposite ends of the ground rail along the first horizontal direction are a loading end and a unloading end, respectively. The loading end of the ground rail passes through the transfer base and is located below the bearing assembly. The docking base is slidably disposed on the ground rail along the first horizontal direction. The third drive source is connected to the docking base through a transmission structure. Alternatively, the third drive component is an AGV trolley, and the docking base is mounted on the body of the AGV trolley.

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