Printing apparatus

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of printing equipment, it includes transmission module;Several printing platforms are spaced apart on the transmission module along the transmission direction of the transmission module, the printing platform has at least two placement areas for placing battery piece on;Multiple positioning deviation correction stations are spaced apart along the transmission direction of the transmission module, each positioning deviation correction station is provided with positioning deviation correction module for positioning and deviation correction battery piece, printing module, located the downstream of the positioning deviation correction module, for simultaneously printing all battery piece on the printing platform.The utility model positions and adjusts deviation correction battery piece on the printing platform by the positioning deviation correction module, so that the placement position and attitude of battery piece correspond to the printing position on the printing module, so as not to adjust the position and attitude of the printing module.Such, it can realize simultaneous printing multiple battery piece, and printing efficiency is greatly improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery cell printing technology, and in particular to a printing device. Background Technology

[0002] Before printing on solar cells, the position of the cells needs to be calibrated using a camera to obtain their coordinates. These coordinates are then used to adjust the screen to ensure that the position and orientation of the solar cells are consistent with the position and orientation of the printing area on the screen. However, adjusting the screen only allows for printing one solar cell at a time, making it impossible to print multiple solar cells simultaneously, resulting in low efficiency.

[0003] In view of this, it is necessary to provide a printing device to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a printing device, comprising a transmission module; a plurality of printing platforms spaced apart on the transmission module along the transmission direction of the transmission module, each printing platform having at least two placement areas for placing battery cells; a plurality of positioning and correction stations spaced apart along the transmission direction of the transmission module, each positioning and correction station being provided with a positioning and correction module for positioning and correcting battery cells, each positioning and correction module comprising a plurality of positioning and correction work groups, the total number of positioning and correction work groups in all positioning and correction stations being the same as the number of placement areas on the printing platforms, each group of positioning and correction work groups positioning and correcting one battery cell; and a printing module located downstream of the positioning and correction modules, used to simultaneously print all battery cells on the printing platforms.

[0005] As a further improvement of this utility model, the positioning and correction module and the printing module are arranged along a first direction, and the placement area is arranged along a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0006] As a further improvement of this utility model, the positioning and correction module includes a positioning mechanism and a correction mechanism located downstream of the positioning mechanism. The positioning mechanism is used to take pictures and position the battery cells in the placement area, and the correction mechanism is used to adjust the battery cells to a preset position according to the positioning result of the positioning mechanism.

[0007] As a further improvement of this utility model, the positioning mechanism includes a base plate, an image acquisition component movably mounted on the base plate, and a driving component for driving the image acquisition component to move along the second direction; The image acquisition component includes a frame and several imaging groups mounted on the frame. Each imaging group includes two imaging units arranged along the first direction.

[0008] As a further improvement of this utility model, the correction mechanism includes an adjustment component and a plurality of suction cup components fixed on the adjustment component. The adjustment component is used to simultaneously drive the suction cup components to move up and down in the height direction, translate in the second direction, and drive the suction cup components to rotate around their vertical axis.

[0009] As a further improvement of this utility model, the correction mechanism includes an adjustment component and a plurality of suction cup components fixed on the adjustment component. The adjustment component is used to simultaneously drive the suction cup components to move up and down in the height direction, translate in the first direction and the second direction, and drive the suction cup components to rotate around their vertical axis.

[0010] As a further improvement of this utility model, a group of the imaging group and a suction cup assembly constitute a group of the positioning and correction working groups.

[0011] As a further improvement of this utility model, the positioning and correction module includes two sets of positioning and correction working groups, which are respectively used to position and correct the two spaced battery cells.

[0012] As a further improvement of this utility model, the printing module includes a printing head and a lifting assembly that drives the printing head to move along the height direction.

[0013] As a further improvement of this utility model, the transmission module has a ring transmission track; or, the two ends of the transmission module along its transmission direction are a loading area and a unloading area, respectively, and the transmission module has a first transmission track for transmitting the printing platform from the loading area to the unloading area and a second transmission track for transmitting the printing platform from the unloading area to the loading area; the number of positioning and correction stations is M, the number of printing platforms is N, and N≥2*M+4.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: This application uses the positioning and correction module to position and adjust the battery cells on the printing stage, ensuring that the placement and orientation of the battery cells correspond to the printing positions on the printing module, thus eliminating the need to adjust the position and orientation of the printing module. This allows for the simultaneous printing of multiple battery cells, significantly improving printing efficiency; the multi-station setup further enhances the positioning and correction efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and constitute a part of this invention, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description thereof, serve to explain the present invention and do not constitute an undue limitation thereof. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the printing equipment of this utility model from one perspective; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the printing equipment of this utility model from another perspective; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the printing equipment of this utility model from another perspective; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the positioning mechanism of this utility model from one perspective; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the positioning mechanism of this utility model from another perspective; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the positioning mechanism of this utility model from another perspective; Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the positioning mechanism of this utility model; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the image acquisition component of this utility model; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the image acquisition component of this utility model after the protective plate has been removed; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the first mounting plate of this utility model with an imaging unit; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the second mounting plate of this utility model with an imaging unit; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the correction mechanism of this utility model from one perspective; Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the correction mechanism of this utility model from another perspective; Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the correction mechanism of this utility model from another perspective; Figure 15 This is an exploded view of the correction mechanism of this utility model; Figure 16 This is a connection diagram of the lifting drive device, the rotary drive device, and the suction cup assembly. Figure 17 This is a connection diagram of the lifting drive device, the rotary drive device, and the suction cup assembly. Figure 18 for Figure 16 A schematic diagram of the decomposition process; Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the printing platform of this utility model; In the picture: 10. Transmission module; 20. Printing stage; 21. Placement area; 30. Positioning and correction module; 31. Positioning mechanism; 311. Substrate; 311a. First guide rail; 312. Image acquisition component; 312a. Frame; 312a-1. Top plate; 312a-2. Side plate; 312a-3. First mounting plate; 312a-31. Elongated hole; 312a-4. Second mounting plate; 312a-41. Adjustment hole; 312a-5. Protective plate; 312b. Imaging group; 312b-1. Imaging unit; 312b-11. Connecting plate; 312b-12. Camera; 312b-13. Light source; 312c. First slider; 313. Drive component; 313a. First drive motor; 313b. First drive screw; 313c. 32. First drive block; 32. Correction mechanism; 321. Horizontal drive device; 321a. Drive plate; 321a-1. Second guide rail; 322. Lifting drive device; 322a. Support frame; 322b. Second drive motor; 322c. Second drive screw; 322d. Second drive block; 323. Rotary drive device; 323a. First connecting plate; 323a-1. Second slider; 323a-2. First limiting plate; 323a-3. Second limiting plate; 323b. Rotary drive component; 323c. Second connecting plate; 323d. Elastic component; 324. Suction cup assembly; 324a. Third connecting plate; 324b. Suction cup body; 324c. Connecting column; 40. Printing module; 41. Printing head; 42. Lifting assembly; 50. Base. Detailed Implementation

[0016] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with specific embodiments and corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0017] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0018] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model 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 utility model.

[0019] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise specified and limited, it should be noted that the terms "installation", "connection" and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to mechanical or electrical connections, or internal connections between two components. They can be direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms according to the specific circumstances.

[0020] like Figures 1 to 19 As shown, the printing equipment provided by this utility model includes a transmission module 10, several printing stages 20, a positioning and correction module 30, and a printing module 40. This printing equipment can print on single battery cells, half battery cells, or multiple single battery cells or multiple half battery cells.

[0021] The transmission module 10 is used to transmit the printing stage 20; the printing stage 20 is used to carry and transmit the battery cells to be printed; the positioning and correction module 30 and the printing module 40 are spaced apart along the transmission direction of the transmission module 10, with the positioning and correction module 30 located upstream of the printing module 40. The positioning and correction module 30 is used to position and adjust the battery cells on the printing stage 20, so that the position of each battery cell on the printing stage 20 matches the printing position on the printing module 40. The printing module 40 prints on all the battery cells on the printing stage 20 simultaneously.

[0022] Compared to existing technologies that adjust the position and orientation of the printing module 40 to print on the printing stage 20, this application uses the positioning and correction module 30 to position and adjust the battery cells on the printing stage 20, ensuring that the placement and orientation of the battery cells correspond to the printing positions on the printing module 40. This eliminates the need to adjust the position and orientation of the printing module 40. Consequently, multiple battery cells can be printed simultaneously, significantly improving printing efficiency.

[0023] In this document, for ease of description, the arrangement direction of the positioning and correction module 30 and the printing module 40 is defined as the first direction, and the transmission module 10, located in the transmission segment between the positioning and correction module 30 and the printing module 40, transmits the printing stage 20 along the first direction.

[0024] In some embodiments, the two ends of the transmission module 10 along its transmission direction are a loading area and a unloading area, respectively, and the positioning and correction module 30 and the printing module 40 are located between the loading area and the unloading area. The loading area is provided with a loading device (not shown in the figure), and the unloading area is provided with an unloading device (not shown in the figure). The transmission module 10 has a first transmission track for transporting the printing stage 20 from the loading area to the unloading area, and a second transmission track for transporting the printing stage 20 from the unloading area to the loading area.

[0025] Between the loading area and the unloading area, the transmission module 10 also has a positioning correction area and a printing area, the positioning correction module 30 is located in the positioning correction area, and the printing module 40 is located in the printing area.

[0026] When the printing stage 20 is transferred to the loading area, the battery cell to be printed is placed on the printing stage 20 by the loading device. Then, the printing stage 20 is transferred to the positioning and correction station via the first transfer track. The positioning and correction module 30 collects image information of the battery cell to obtain precise position coordinate information of the battery cell, and adjusts and corrects the battery cell according to the collected position coordinate information so that the position of the corrected battery cell matches the printing position on the printing module 40. Then, the printing stage 20 is transferred to the printing area via the first transfer track, and the printing module 40 prints the battery cell on the printing stage 20. After printing, the printing stage 20 is transferred to the unloading area via the first transfer track, and the printed battery cell is unloaded from the printing stage 20 by the unloading device. Finally, the printing stage 20 is transferred to the loading area via the second transfer track, and this cycle is repeated to greatly improve the printing efficiency of the battery cell.

[0027] The first and second transmission tracks can be coplanar and parallel, and translation or transport mechanisms are provided in the loading and unloading areas to switch the printing stage 20 between the first and second transmission tracks. Alternatively, the first transmission track can be located on the top surface of the transmission module 10, and the second transmission track can be located on the side or bottom surface of the transmission module 10. The transmission section of the transmission module 10 located in the loading and unloading areas can rotate around the central axis extending in the transmission direction. Rotating the transmission section by 90 degrees switches the printing stage 20 to the second transmission track located on the side of the transmission module 10; rotating the transmission section by 180 degrees switches the printing stage 20 to the second transmission track located on the bottom surface of the transmission module 10.

[0028] Of course, in other embodiments, the transmission track of the transmission module 10 can also be set as a ring transmission track, that is, the first transmission track and the second transmission track are connected by an arc track to form a ring transmission track, which can be set horizontally or vertically.

[0029] The transmission module 10 is equipped with multiple printing stages 20, and the multiple printing stages 20 can be independently controlled for transmission and movement. Specifically, the transmission module 10 adopts a linear motor, the transmission module 10 is equipped with a stator, and the printing stages 20 are equipped with movers. The movers are moved by electromagnetic drive, and the linear motor drive is stable and has high movement accuracy.

[0030] To enable independent control and transmission movement of the multiple printing stages 20, a driving force is generated by applying current to the mover on each printing stage 20; or, the stator is designed as multiple independent segments, such as four segments corresponding to the loading area, the positioning and correction area, the printing area, and the unloading area, and each segment is individually energized to drive the printing stage 20 located in that segment to move.

[0031] The printing stage 20 has at least two placement areas 21, each holding one battery cell. The positioning and correction module 30 positions and corrects the battery cells on the printing stage 20, enabling the printing module 40 to print all battery cells on the printing stage 20 simultaneously. The placement areas 21 are arranged along a second direction, perpendicular to the first direction, facilitating the positioning and correction module 30's positioning and correction of the battery cells on the printing stage 20.

[0032] Multiple positioning and correction stations are spaced apart within the positioning and correction zone, and each positioning and correction station is equipped with a positioning and correction module 30. Each positioning and correction module 30 includes several groups of positioning and correction work groups. The total number of positioning and correction work groups in all positioning and correction stations is the same as the number of placement areas 21 on the printing stage 20. Each positioning and correction work group positions and corrects the deviation of one of the battery cells.

[0033] By setting up multiple positioning and correction stations, the printing stage 20 sequentially passes through all of these stations, thereby completing the positioning and correction of all battery cells on the printing stage 20. This avoids setting up too many positioning and correction work groups in the same station, which would result in the positioning and correction module 30 being too heavy and bulky; and it also avoids mutual interference between the positioning and correction work groups. Each positioning and correction work group positions and corrects one battery cell, thereby improving the positioning and correction efficiency and thus improving the printing efficiency of the printing equipment.

[0034] The positioning and correction module 30 includes a positioning mechanism 31 and a correction mechanism 32 located downstream of the positioning mechanism 31. The positioning mechanism 31 is used to take pictures and position the battery cells in the placement area 21. The correction mechanism 32 is used to adjust the battery cells to a preset position according to the positioning result of the positioning mechanism 31. The preset position is the projection position of the printing position on the printing module 40 onto the printing platform 20 along the height direction when the printing platform 20 moves to the printing area.

[0035] The number of positioning and correction stations is M, and the number of printing platforms 20 is N, where N ≥ 2*M + 4. The loading area has one printing platform 20, the unloading area has one printing platform 20, and the printing area has one printing platform 20. Each positioning and correction station has two printing platforms 20. One of the two printing platforms 20 at the positioning and correction station is located in the area of ​​the positioning mechanism 31, and the other is located in the area of ​​the correction mechanism 32. Another printing platform 20 is in a state of being transferred from the unloading area to the loading area. This maximizes the printing efficiency of the printing equipment.

[0036] Specifically, the positioning mechanism 31 includes a base plate 311, an image acquisition component 312 movably mounted on the base plate 311, and a driving component 313 fixedly mounted on the base plate 311. The driving component 313 is used to drive the image acquisition component 312 to move along the second direction to acquire image information of the battery cell, thereby obtaining accurate position coordinate information of the battery cell. Based on the position coordinate information of the battery cell, the position and orientation of the battery cell can be adjusted and corrected so that the position of the battery cell matches the preset position.

[0037] A first guide rail 311a is provided on the substrate 311, and the image acquisition component 312 is slidably mounted on the first guide rail 311a. By setting the first guide rail 311a to guide the movement of the image acquisition component 312, the stability of the image acquisition component 312 during the movement driven by the driving component 313 is improved.

[0038] Two first guide rails 311a are provided on the substrate 311, and the driving component 313 is located between the two first guide rails 311a, thereby further improving the stability of the driving component 313 in driving the image acquisition component 312 to move.

[0039] The image acquisition component 312 is slidably mounted on the substrate 311 via the first guide rail 311a. The image acquisition component 312 includes a frame 312a and a plurality of imaging groups 312b mounted on the frame 312a. Each imaging group 312b includes two imaging units 312b-1 arranged along the first direction. The driving component 313 is used to drive the image acquisition component 312 to move along the second direction.

[0040] When acquiring image information of the battery cell through the imaging group 312b, the driving component 313 first moves the imaging group 312b to the first side of the battery cell along the second direction, and the two imaging units 312b-1 acquire image information of two calibration points on the first side of the battery cell. Then, the driving component 313 moves the imaging group 312b to the second side of the battery cell along the second direction, and the two imaging units 312b-1 acquire image information of two calibration points on the second side of the battery cell, thereby completing the acquisition of image information of four calibration points of the battery cell.

[0041] Compared to simultaneously acquiring image information of four calibration points of the battery cell through four imaging units 312b-1, the number of imaging units 312b-1 can be reduced by half, thereby reducing the cost of the image acquisition component 312.

[0042] When the positioning mechanism 31 needs to acquire image information from multiple battery cells, the multiple battery cells can be arranged along the second direction. After the imaging group 312b acquires the image information of the four calibration points of the first battery cell, it continues to move along the second direction to acquire the image information of the four calibration points of the second battery cell, and so on, until the image information of all battery cells is acquired. Of course, the number of imaging groups 312b can also be increased to improve the efficiency of acquiring image information of the battery cells.

[0043] In one specific embodiment, at least two sets of imaging groups 312b are mounted on the frame 312a. The two sets of imaging groups 312b are arranged along the second direction. One set of imaging groups 312b is used to acquire image information of a single battery cell, thereby improving the efficiency of the positioning mechanism 31 in acquiring image information of multiple battery cells.

[0044] By arranging the imaging group 312b along the second direction, it is possible to first avoid all the imaging units 312b-1 being arranged along the first direction, which would result in the image acquisition component 312 being too large in the first direction, thus making the structure of the image acquisition component 312 more compact; secondly, the arrangement direction of the imaging group 312b is consistent with the moving direction of the image acquisition component 312, so that the image acquisition component 312 can move stably along the second direction under the driving action of the driving component 313.

[0045] The frame 312a includes a top plate 312a-1, a side plate 312a-2 fixed to the top plate 312a-1 on the side facing the substrate 311, and a first mounting plate 312a-3 slidably mounted on the top plate 312a-1. The imaging unit 312b-1 is mounted on the first mounting plate 312a-3.

[0046] The frame 312a has a frame structure. The top plate 312a-1 is shaped like a grid, which facilitates the installation of the first mounting plate 312a-3 with the imaging unit 312b-1 and reduces the weight of the top plate 312a-1. The side plate 312a-2 is used to connect to the base plate 311 and the drive assembly 313. The imaging unit 312b-1 is mounted on the first mounting plate 312a-3. By moving the first mounting plate 312a-3, the spacing between two adjacent imaging groups 312b or the spacing between two imaging units 312b-1 within the same imaging group 312b can be adjusted.

[0047] The top plate 312a-1 is provided with a sliding groove, and the first mounting plate 312a-3 is slidably installed in the sliding groove. A plurality of screw holes are spaced apart along the extension direction of the sliding groove. The first mounting plate 312a-3 is provided with an elongated hole, the extension direction of which is the same as the extension direction of the sliding groove. The first mounting plate 312a-3 is fixed by fixing bolts, which pass through the elongated hole and are connected to the screw holes. The side of the sliding groove is provided with graduations to precisely adjust the position of the first mounting plate 312a-3.

[0048] The following example illustrates that two imaging groups 312b, namely imaging group A and imaging group B, are provided on the frame 312a.

[0049] In one embodiment, two first mounting plates 312a-3 are slidably mounted on the top plate 312a-1. The two first mounting plates 312a-3 are arranged along the first direction and slidably mounted on the top plate 312a-1 along the first direction. The two imaging units 312b-1 in the same imaging group 312b are respectively mounted on the two first mounting plates 312a-3.

[0050] It is understood that the first mounting plate 312a-3 extends along the second direction, and two imaging units 312b-1 are mounted on each of the two first mounting plates 312a-3. One of the two imaging units 312b-1 belongs to imaging group A, and the other belongs to imaging group B. By moving the first mounting plate 312a-3, the spacing between the two imaging units 312b-1 in imaging group A and imaging group B can be adjusted simultaneously, so that the spacing between the two imaging units 312b-1 in the same imaging group 312b is adapted to the size of the solar cell.

[0051] The first mounting plate 312a-3 is provided with an elongated hole 312a-31 extending along the second direction, and the imaging unit 312b-1 is slidably mounted in the elongated hole 312a-31. The elongated hole 312a-31 penetrates the first mounting plate 312a-3 along the thickness direction of the first mounting plate 312a-3. By moving the imaging unit 312b-1 along the elongated hole 312a-31, the spacing between the two imaging units 312b-1 located on the first mounting plate 312a-3 can be adjusted.

[0052] When it is necessary to increase the number of imaging groups 312b, the two imaging units 312b-1 in the increased imaging group 312b are respectively installed on the two first mounting plates 312a-3, that is, the number of imaging units 312b-1 installed on the first mounting plate 312a-3 is the same as the number of imaging groups 312b.

[0053] In another embodiment, the first mounting plate 312a-3 is slidably mounted on the top plate 312a-1 along the second direction, and two imaging units 312b-1 in the same imaging group 312b are mounted on the same first mounting plate 312a-3. The number of the first mounting plates 312a-3 is the same as the number of the imaging groups 312b.

[0054] It is understood that the first mounting plate 312a-3 extends along the first direction, and one of the two first mounting plates 312a-3 is used to mount the imaging group A and the other is used to mount the imaging group B. The spacing between the imaging group A and the imaging group B can be adjusted by moving the first mounting plate 312a-3, thereby adapting to the spacing between the battery cells.

[0055] The first mounting plate 312a-3 is provided with an elongated hole 312a-31 extending along the first direction, and the imaging unit 312b-1 is slidably mounted in the elongated hole 312a-31. The elongated hole 312a-31 penetrates the first mounting plate 312a-3 along the thickness direction of the first mounting plate 312a-3. By moving the imaging unit 312b-1 along the elongated hole 312a-31, the distance between the two imaging units 312b-1 located on the first mounting plate 312a-3 can be adjusted, that is, the distance between the two imaging units 312b-1 within the same imaging group 312b can be adjusted to match the size of the battery cell.

[0056] The frame 312a also includes a second mounting plate 312a-4 that is slidably installed in the elongated hole 312a-31, and the imaging unit 312b-1 is movably installed on the second mounting plate 312a-4 along the height direction.

[0057] The top of the second mounting plate 312a-4 is threaded with a fixing bolt. The fixing bolt secures the second mounting plate 312a-4, thus fixing the imaging unit 312b-1 after adjustment. The second mounting plate 312a-4 extends vertically and has an adjustment hole 312a-41 extending vertically. The imaging unit 312b-1 moves along the adjustment hole 312a-41 to adjust its height.

[0058] The frame 312a also includes a protective plate 312a-5 disposed on its periphery, the protective plate 312a-5 being used to protect the imaging unit 312b-1 installed on the frame 312a.

[0059] The image acquisition component 312 further includes a first slider 312c fixed to the frame 312a. The first slider 312c is slidably mounted on the first guide rail 311a, which extends along the second direction. The movement of the image acquisition component 312 is guided by the cooperation of the first slider 312c and the first guide rail 311a. Specifically, the first slider 312c is disposed on the side plate 312a-2.

[0060] The imaging unit 312b-1 includes a connecting plate 312b-11, a camera 312b-12 fixed to the connecting plate 312b-11, and a light source 312b-13 located below the camera 312b-12. The connecting plate 312b-11 can move along the adjustment hole 312a-41 and its position can be locked by fixing bolts, thereby realizing the adjustment and locking of the position of the camera 312b-12. The light source 312b-13 is used to provide illumination, thereby improving the clarity of the image.

[0061] The drive assembly 313 includes a first drive motor 313a fixed on the base plate 311, a first drive screw 313b connected to the output end of the first drive motor 313a, and a first drive block 313c threadedly connected to the first drive screw 313b. The first drive block 313c is connected to the frame 312a.

[0062] The first drive screw 313b extends along the second direction, and the first drive block 313c is connected to the side plate 312a-2. The first drive motor 313a drives the first drive screw 313b to rotate, thereby causing the first drive block 313c to move along the first drive screw 313b, which in turn drives the image acquisition component 312 to move along the second direction to acquire image information of the battery cell.

[0063] Of course, in other embodiments, the drive component 313 may also be a rack and pinion or a linear motor.

[0064] The correction mechanism 32 includes an adjustment component and a suction cup component 324. The suction cup component 324 is used to pick up the battery cells on the printing stage 20. The adjustment component can drive the suction cup component 324 to move up and down in the vertical direction to pick up and place the cells. At the same time, it can adjust the position and posture of the suction cup component 324, thereby adjusting the position and posture of the battery cells on the suction cup component 324. Finally, the adjusted battery cells are placed back on the printing stage 20 according to the preset position.

[0065] In one embodiment, the adjustment component is used to simultaneously drive the suction cup assembly 324 to move up and down in the height direction, translate in the second direction, and drive the suction cup assembly 324 to rotate about its vertical axis.

[0066] Specifically, the adjustment assembly includes a horizontal drive device 321, a plurality of lifting drive devices 322 connected to the horizontal drive device 321, and a rotary drive device 323 connected to the lifting drive device 322. The horizontal drive device 321 is used to drive the lifting drive device 322 to move along the second direction, the lifting drive device 322 is used to drive the rotary drive device 323 to move along the vertical direction, and the suction cup assembly 324 is disposed on the rotary drive device 323. The rotary drive device 323 is used to drive the suction cup assembly 324 to rotate around its vertical axis.

[0067] The lifting drive device 322 drives the suction cup assembly 324 to move vertically, thereby picking up the battery cells on the printing stage 20 and repositioning the adjusted and corrected battery cells back onto the printing stage 20. The rotation drive device 323 drives the suction cup assembly 324 to rotate, thereby adjusting the posture of the battery cells. The horizontal drive device 321 drives the suction cup assembly 324 to move along the second direction, thereby adjusting the position of the battery cells.

[0068] It is understood that when the battery cell is located on the suction cup assembly 324, the position of the battery cell can be adjusted by moving the printing stage 20 along the first direction via the transmission module 10 and by moving the lifting drive device 322 along the second direction via the horizontal drive device 321; the posture of the battery cell can be adjusted by rotating the suction cup assembly 324 via the rotation drive device 323, so that the projection of the battery cell on the printing stage 20 along the height direction completely coincides with the preset position.

[0069] This application achieves the correction and adjustment of the position and orientation of the battery cells by moving the printing stage 20 in conjunction with the correction mechanism 32, thereby simplifying the structure of the correction mechanism 32 and reducing its manufacturing cost.

[0070] The horizontal drive device 321 employs a linear motor, and a drive plate 321a is connected to the mover of the horizontal drive device 321. The lifting drive device 322 is fixed to the drive plate 321a. The movement of the drive plate 321a drives the lifting drive device 322 to move along the second direction, thereby correcting the position of the battery cell on the suction cup assembly 324 in the second direction. The linear motor drive is stable and has high movement accuracy, thus enabling efficient and precise correction of the battery cell's position in the second direction.

[0071] The lifting drive device 322 includes a support frame 322a fixed on the drive plate 321a, a second drive motor 322b disposed on the support frame 322a, a second drive screw 322c connected to the output end of the second drive motor 322b, and a second drive block 322d threadedly connected to the second drive screw 322c. The second drive block 322d is connected to the rotary drive device 323.

[0072] The second drive screw 322c is vertically positioned. The second drive motor 322b drives the second drive screw 322c to rotate, thereby causing the second drive block 322d to move along the second drive screw 322c. This, in turn, drives the rotary drive device 323 connected to the second drive block 322d to move vertically, so that the suction cup assembly 324 can pick up the battery cells on the printing stage 20 and reposition the adjusted and corrected battery cells back onto the printing stage 20.

[0073] Of course, in other embodiments, the lifting drive device 322 may also be a telescopic cylinder, a gear rack or a linear motor.

[0074] The rotary drive device 323 includes a first connecting plate 323a connected to the second drive block 322d and a rotary drive component 323b mounted on the first connecting plate 323a. The rotary drive component 323b is connected to the suction cup assembly 324 to drive the suction cup assembly 324 to rotate. The vertical movement of the first connecting plate 323a drives the rotary drive component 323b to move vertically. The rotation axis of the rotary drive component 323b is connected to the suction cup assembly 324, thereby driving the suction cup assembly 324 to rotate to achieve attitude adjustment of the battery cells on the suction cup assembly 324.

[0075] The drive plate 321a is provided with a second guide rail 321a-1, and the first connecting plate 323a is provided with a second slider 323a-1 that cooperates with the second guide rail 321a-1. The cooperation of the second guide rail 321a-1 and the second slider 323a-1 guides the rotation drive device 323 to move in the vertical direction, thereby improving the stability of the rotation drive device 323 during movement.

[0076] The drive plate 321a is provided with two sets of second guide rails 321a-1, and the support frame 322a is located on the support of the two sets of second guide rails 321a-1, thereby further improving the stability of the rotary drive device 323 during movement.

[0077] The first connecting plate 323a includes a first limiting plate 323a-2 located at its top and a second limiting plate 323a-3 located at its bottom. The rotary driving device 323 further includes a second connecting plate 323c slidably installed between the first limiting plate 323a-2 and the second limiting plate 323a-3. The rotary driving member 323b is connected to the second connecting plate 323c.

[0078] The second connecting plate 323c can be slidably mounted on the first connecting plate 323a through the cooperation of the guide rail and the slider. The first limiting plate 323a-2 and the second limiting plate 323a-3 are used to limit the second connecting plate 323c. When the second connecting plate 323c is in contact with the first limiting plate 323a-2, the second connecting plate 323c is in the highest position; when the second connecting plate 323c is in contact with the second limiting plate 323a-3, the second connecting plate 323c is in the lowest position. It can be understood that, under natural conditions, the second connecting plate 323c is in the lowest position due to the influence of gravity.

[0079] When the lifting drive device 322 drives the rotating drive device 323 to move downward so that the suction cup assembly 324 picks up the battery cell on the printing stage 20, if the lifting drive device 322 continues to drive the rotating drive device 323 to move downward after the suction cup assembly 324 contacts the battery cell, the suction cup assembly 324 may apply excessive pressure to the battery cell, causing the battery cell to break.

[0080] By setting the second connecting plate 323c, this situation can be avoided. After the suction cup assembly 324 comes into contact with the battery cell, if the lifting drive device 322 continues to drive the rotating drive device 323 to move downward, the reaction force between the suction cup assembly 324 and the battery cell will cause the second connecting plate 323c to move upward, providing a buffer space for the movement of the suction cup assembly 324, thereby preventing the suction cup assembly 324 from applying excessive pressure to the battery cell and causing damage to the battery cell.

[0081] The second connecting plate 323c is L-shaped and includes a first part that is slidably installed between the first limiting plate 323a-2 and the second limiting plate 323a-3, and a second part for installing the rotary drive component 323b.

[0082] The rotary drive device 323 further includes an elastic element 323d connected between the first limiting plate 323a-2 and the second connecting plate 323c. Specifically, the elastic element 323d is connected between the first limiting plate 323a-2 and the first portion. The elastic element 323d provides cushioning for the movement of the suction cup assembly 324, thereby preventing the suction cup assembly 324 from applying excessive pressure to the battery cell, which could cause damage to the battery cell.

[0083] In some embodiments, at least two lifting drive devices 322 are connected to the horizontal drive device 321, and the horizontal drive device 321 drives the two lifting drive devices 322 to move independently in the horizontal direction, that is, in the second direction.

[0084] When two lifting drive devices 322 are connected to the horizontal drive device 321, each lifting drive device 322 is connected to the rotary drive device 323 and the suction cup assembly 324. The two lifting drive devices 322 move independently along the second direction, thereby enabling simultaneous correction and adjustment of the two battery cells.

[0085] To enable the two horizontal drive devices 321 to drive the two lifting drive devices 322 to move independently along the second direction, the horizontal drive device 321 is provided with two movers, and the two lifting drive devices 322 are respectively mounted on the two movers through the drive plate 321a. Driving force is generated by applying current to the two movers separately; or the stator of the horizontal drive device 321 is designed as two independent sections, with the two movers located on the two sections respectively. The corresponding mover is driven to move by energizing each section separately.

[0086] It should be noted that when the correction mechanism 32 simultaneously picks up two battery cells through the two suction cup assemblies 324 and corrects their alignment, the horizontal drive device 321 drives the two lifting drive devices 322 to move independently along the second direction, thereby allowing independent adjustment of the positions of the two battery cells along the second direction. The rotation drive device 323 can adjust the orientation of the two battery cells. Then, the printing stage 20 is moved along the first direction so that the projection of one battery cell along the height direction on the printing stage 20 completely coincides with the preset position. Then, the lifting drive device 322 corresponding to that battery cell is activated to place the battery cell on the printing stage 20. Then, the printing stage 20 is moved again along the first direction so that the projection of the other battery cell along the height direction on the printing stage 20 completely coincides with the preset position. Then, the lifting drive device 322 corresponding to that battery cell is activated to place the battery cell on the printing stage 20.

[0087] Of course, in other embodiments, the adjustment component may also be configured to simultaneously drive the suction cup assembly 324 to move up and down in the height direction, translate in the first direction and the second direction, and drive the suction cup assembly 324 to rotate around its vertical axis. In this case, it is not necessary to move the printing stage 20 in the first direction so that the projection of the battery cell in the height direction on the printing stage 20 completely coincides with the preset position.

[0088] The suction cup assembly 324 includes a third connecting plate 324a connected to the rotary drive component 323b, a suction cup body 324b located below the third connecting plate 324a, and a plurality of connecting posts 324c connecting the third connecting plate 324a and the suction cup body 324b. The suction cup body 324b is used to pick up battery cells. By setting the connecting posts 324c, the third connecting plate 324a and the suction cup body 324b are spaced apart, thereby facilitating the connection of vacuum tubes on the suction cup body 324b.

[0089] A set of imaging groups 312 and a suction cup assembly 324 constitute a positioning and correction working group. The number of imaging groups 312 and suction cup assemblies 324 in the same positioning and correction station are the same and correspond one-to-one, thereby positioning and correcting a battery cell.

[0090] In some embodiments, the positioning and correction module 30 includes two positioning and correction working groups. Specifically, two imaging groups 312b are mounted on the frame 312a, and two lifting drive devices 322 are connected to the horizontal drive device 321. Each lifting drive device 322 is connected to a rotation drive device 323 and a suction cup assembly 324. The two positioning and correction working groups are used to position and correct the two spaced-apart battery cells, thereby spacing the two imaging groups 312b and the two suction cup assemblies 324 apart. This provides sufficient installation space while avoiding mutual interference between the two suction cup assemblies 324.

[0091] The printing module 40 includes a printing head 41 and a lifting assembly 42 that moves the printing head 41 along the height direction. When the printing stage 20 is transferred to the printing area, all the battery cells on the printing stage 20 have already been positioned and corrected, so there is no need to adjust the position and orientation of the printing head 41. The lifting assembly 42 moves the printing head 41 downward to the printing stage 20, and the printing of all the battery cells on the printing stage 20 is completed simultaneously through the printing head 41.

[0092] The printing equipment also includes a base 50, on which the transmission module 10, the positioning and correction component 30 and the printing module 40 are all mounted.

[0093] The following example illustrates the printing process of a printing equipment having two positioning and correction stations, namely a first positioning and correction station and a second positioning and correction station, each positioning and correction module 30 including two groups of positioning and correction working groups, and the printing stage 20 having four placement areas 21: The printing stage 20 is transferred to the loading area, and the battery cell to be printed is placed on the printing stage 20 by the loading device. The loading device loads four battery cells at the same time, and the four battery cells are arranged along the second direction. The printing stage 20 is transferred to the first positioning and correction station, where the position information of the first and third battery cells is acquired by the two imaging groups 312b in the first positioning and correction station. The printing stage 20 is then transferred again, and the first and third battery cells are picked up by the two suction cup components 324. The position and orientation of the first and third battery cells are corrected by the adjustment component, and the first and third battery cells are repositioned on the printing stage 20 according to the preset position. The printing stage 20 is transferred to the second positioning and correction station, where the position information of the second and fourth battery cells is acquired by the two imaging groups 312b in the second positioning and correction station. The printing stage 20 is then transferred again, and the second and fourth battery cells are picked up by the two suction cup components 324. The position and orientation of the second and fourth battery cells are corrected by the adjustment component, and the second and fourth battery cells are repositioned on the printing stage 20 according to the preset position. The printing stage 20 is transferred to the printing area, and the printing module 40 simultaneously prints four battery cells. After printing is completed, the printing stage 20 is transferred to the unloading area, and the printed battery cells on the printing stage 20 are unloaded by the unloading device. Finally, the printing stage 20 is transferred from the unloading area to the loading area.

[0094] In summary, this application uses the positioning and correction module 30 to position and adjust the battery cells on the printing stage 20, ensuring that the placement and orientation of the battery cells correspond to the printing positions on the printing module 40, thus eliminating the need to adjust the position and orientation of the printing module 40. This enables the simultaneous printing of multiple battery cells, significantly improving printing efficiency; the multi-station setup further enhances positioning and correction efficiency.

[0095] It should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This way of describing the specification is only for clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0096] The detailed descriptions listed above are merely specific descriptions of feasible embodiments of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present utility model. All equivalent embodiments or modifications made without departing from the spirit of the present utility model should be included within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A printing apparatus, characterized in that, include: Transmission module (10); A plurality of printing stages (20) are spaced apart on the transmission module (10) along the transmission direction of the transmission module (10), and the printing stages (20) have at least two placement areas (21) for placing battery cells. Multiple positioning and correction stations are spaced apart along the transmission direction of the transmission module (10). Each positioning and correction station is equipped with a positioning and correction module (30) for positioning and correcting the battery cell. The positioning and correction module (30) includes several groups of positioning and correction work groups. The total number of the positioning and correction work groups in all the positioning and correction stations is the same as the number of the placement areas (21) on the printing stage (20). Each group of positioning and correction work groups positions and corrects one of the battery cells. The printing module (40), located downstream of the positioning and correction module (30), is used to simultaneously print all the battery cells on the printing stage (20).

2. The printing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The positioning and correction module (30) and the printing module (40) are arranged along a first direction, and the placement area (21) is arranged along a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction.

3. The printing equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that: The positioning and correction module (30) includes a positioning mechanism (31) and a correction mechanism (32) located downstream of the positioning mechanism (31). The positioning mechanism (31) is used to take pictures and position the battery cells in the placement area (21). The correction mechanism (32) is used to adjust the battery cells to a preset position according to the positioning result of the positioning mechanism (31).

4. The printing equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that: The positioning mechanism (31) includes a base plate (311), an image acquisition component (312) movably mounted on the base plate (311), and a driving component (313) for driving the image acquisition component (312) to move along the second direction. The image acquisition component (312) includes a frame (312a) and a plurality of imaging groups (312b) mounted on the frame (312a). The imaging group (312b) includes two imaging units (312b-1) arranged along the first direction.

5. The printing equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that: The correction mechanism (32) includes an adjustment component and a plurality of suction cup components (324) fixed on the adjustment component. The adjustment component is used to drive the suction cup components (324) to rise and fall in the height direction, to translate in the second direction, and to drive the suction cup components (324) to rotate around their vertical axis.

6. The printing equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that: The correction mechanism (32) includes an adjustment component and a plurality of suction cup components (324) fixed on the adjustment component. The adjustment component is used to drive the suction cup components (324) to rise and fall in the height direction, translate in the first direction and the second direction, and drive the suction cup components (324) to rotate around their vertical axis.

7. The printing equipment according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: A set of the imaging group (312b) and a suction cup assembly (324) constitute a set of the positioning correction working group.

8. The printing equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that: The positioning and correction module (30) includes two sets of positioning and correction working groups, which are used to position and correct two spaced-apart battery cells respectively.

9. The printing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The printing module (40) includes a printing head (41) and a lifting assembly (42) that drives the printing head (41) to move along the height direction.

10. The printing equipment according to any one of claims 1-6, 8, and 9, characterized in that: The transmission module (10) has a ring-shaped transmission track; or, the two ends of the transmission module (10) along its transmission direction are a loading area and a unloading area, respectively, and the transmission module (10) has a first transmission track for transmitting the printing platform (20) from the loading area to the unloading area and a second transmission track for transmitting the printing platform (20) from the unloading area to the loading area. The number of positioning and correction stations is M, and the number of printing stages (20) is N, where N≥2*M+4.

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