Lower support device, gripping device, manufacturing line, and replacement method for lower support device type

Abstract

This disclosure relates to the battery technology and provides a lower support device, a gripping device, a manufacturing line, and a method for replacing a type of lower support device, the lower support device comprising a plurality of mounting units, a group of lower support devices, and a plurality of replacement mechanisms. One mounting unit comprises two mounting bases spaced apart along a first direction, the plurality of mounting units are spaced apart along a second direction, the group of lower support devices comprises a plurality of lower support plates spaced apart along the second direction, each lower support plate corresponds to two mounting bases of one mounting unit, and both ends of each lower support plate along the first direction are detachably connected to one replacement mechanism, the replacement mechanism is detachably connected to a mounting base, the first direction and the second direction being perpendicular to each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross-Reference to Related Applications This application is filed based on a Chinese patent application with application number 202311320714.6, filing date October 12, 2023, and titled "Lower Support Device, Gripping Device, Production Line, and Lower Support Device Type Replacement Method", claims priority to said Chinese patent application, and the entire content of said Chinese patent application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular, to a lower support device, a gripping device, a production line, and a method for replacing the type of the lower support device.

Background Art

[0003] Battery modules are increasingly widely applied in daily life and industry. For example, new energy vehicles equipped with battery modules have been widely used, and battery modules are also increasingly used in the energy storage field and the like. In new energy vehicles equipped with battery modules, the battery modules can be used to provide all or part of the power.

[0004] In the process of manufacturing and assembling battery modules on a production line, it is necessary to move and assemble the battery modules. Due to the large mass of the battery modules, the risk of dropping is prone to occur. In the related art, the bottom of the battery module is supported by a lower support plate to provide lower support for the battery module and prevent the battery module from dropping. However, battery modules of different models usually correspond to different lower support plates, and a single production line is difficult to adapt to mixed-flow production of battery modules of different models.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In view of this, it is desirable that embodiments of the present disclosure provide a lower support device, a gripping device, a manufacturing line, and a method for replacing lower support devices that can provide lower support protection for battery modules of different types.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical proposals of the embodiments of this disclosure are implemented as follows.

[0007] One embodiment of the present disclosure discloses a lower support device. The lower support device is A plurality of mounting units, each of which includes two mounting bases spaced apart along a first direction, and a plurality of mounting units spaced apart along a second direction, A lower support group, the lower support group includes a plurality of lower support plates, the plurality of lower support plates are installed at intervals along a second direction, and each lower support plate corresponds to two mounting bases of one mounting unit in the lower support group, The present invention includes a plurality of interchangeable mechanisms, each of which both ends of the lower support plate along a first direction are detachably connected to one of the interchangeable mechanisms, and the interchangeable mechanisms are detachably connected to the mounting base, wherein the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0008] In the above proposed technology, multiple lower support plates are installed at intervals in the second direction, and each lower support plate corresponds to two mounting bases of one mounting unit. This allows for lower support of the battery module in both the first and second directions, preventing it from falling during movement and protecting it to a certain extent, thus providing high safety. One replacement mechanism is detachably connected to both ends of each lower support plate, and the replacement mechanism is detachably connected to the mounting base. In mixed production of different types of battery modules, when supplying materials to different types of battery modules, this disclosure allows for lower support of different types of battery modules by swapping the position of the replacement mechanism on the mounting base. Furthermore, by swapping the lower support groups, it can be adapted to different types of battery modules. Additionally, by connecting the replacement mechanisms to corresponding positions and swapping different lower support groups, the system can be combined to adapt to different types of battery modules, making it convenient and flexible.

[0009] In one embodiment, the mounting base has multiple locking positions and / or the number of the lower support groups is multiple, and the replacement mechanism can be detachably connected to the locking positions of the mounting base.

[0010] In the above proposed technology, when supplying materials to battery modules of different types in mixed-model production, the present disclosure allows for lower support to be provided for battery modules of different types by changing the locking position on the mounting base of the replacement mechanism, and can be adapted to battery modules of different types by changing different lower support groups. Furthermore, the replacement mechanism can be connected to the corresponding locking position and combined to adapt to battery modules of different types by changing different lower support groups, making it convenient and flexible.

[0011] In one embodiment, the multiple locking positions are installed with gaps between them in the vertical direction.

[0012] In the above proposed technology, the replacement mechanism can be connected to a corresponding locking position, thereby accommodating battery modules with different heights along the vertical direction.

[0013] In one embodiment, the replacement mechanism includes a first locking member and an adjustment member, the adjustment member having a first locking hole, the mounting base having a first positioning hole at the locking position, and the first locking member being drilled in the first locking hole and the first positioning hole so as to removably connect the adjustment member to the locking position.

[0014] In the above proposed technology, a removable connection is achieved by the method of a first locking member, a first locking hole, and a first positioning hole, resulting in a simple structure that is easy to implement.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first locking member is an insertion pin, the first locking hole and the first positioning hole both extend in the second direction, and the first locking member is inserted into the first locking hole and the first positioning hole in the second direction.

[0016] In the above proposed technology, by pulling the insertion pin along the second direction, the insertion pin can be removed from the first lock hole and the first positioning hole at the current lock position. Subsequently, the replacement mechanism and the lower support plate connected to the replacement mechanism can be moved synchronously along the vertical direction to the first positioning hole at the corresponding lock position. After that, the insertion pin can be inserted into the first lock hole and the first positioning hole at the corresponding lock position. Thus, the insertion and removal method of the insertion pin enables rapid replacement without the need for a stop line, can be adapted to battery modules of different heights along the vertical direction, is highly efficient and low-cost.

[0017] In one embodiment, the replacement mechanism includes a second locking member and an adjustment member, the adjustment member having a second locking hole, and the lower support plate having a second positioning hole at one end along the vertical direction, and the second locking member is drilled in the second locking hole and the second positioning hole so as to detachably connect the lower support plate and the adjustment member.

[0018] In the above proposed technology, if it is necessary to replace the lower support plate to accommodate a different battery module model, the replacement of the lower support plate can be completed quickly and efficiently by first identifying the corresponding lower support plate, then detaching the second locking member from the second locking hole and the second positioning hole in the current lower support plate, removing the current lower support plate, then replacing it with the corresponding lower support plate, and finally drilling the second locking member into the second locking hole and the second positioning hole in the corresponding lower support plate.

[0019] In one embodiment, the second locking member is an insertion pin, the second locking hole and the second positioning hole both extend in the vertical direction, and the second locking member is inserted into the second locking hole and the second positioning hole from top to bottom.

[0020] In the above proposed technology, when it is necessary to replace the lower support plate, the insertion pin can be pulled upward to remove it from the second locking hole and the second positioning hole in the current lower support plate, then the current lower support plate can be removed, then the corresponding lower support plate can be replaced, and finally the insertion pin can be inserted downward into the second locking hole and the second positioning hole in the corresponding lower support plate. In this way, the insertion and removal method of the insertion pin enables quick replacement without the need for a stop line, is compatible with different types of battery modules, and is highly efficient.

[0021] In one embodiment, a position limiting groove is formed in the adjustment member, the end of the lower support plate along the first direction is arranged as a position limiting portion having the second positioning hole, the position limiting portion is located within the position limiting groove and abuts against the lower surface of the position limiting groove, and the second locking hole is located above the position limiting groove and communicates with the position limiting groove.

[0022] In the above proposed technology, when it is necessary to replace the lower support plate, the insertion pin is pulled upward, then the position limiting portion of the current lower support plate is removed from the position limiting groove, and then the position limiting portion of the corresponding lower support plate is placed in the position limiting groove to complete the pre-installation and pre-positioning of the lower support plate. In this way, on the one hand, the position limiting groove and the position limiting portion can achieve accurate positioning during the connection process, avoiding misalignment or displacement, and the insertion pin can be easily aligned and inserted using the second positioning hole, reducing the time required to replace the lower support plate and enabling faster replacement of the lower support plate. On the other hand, the position limiting fit between the position limiting groove and the position limiting portion can provide extra support and fixation, reducing the occurrence of loosening or shaking of the lower support plate during the process of supporting the battery module from below, resulting in high operational stability.

[0023] In one embodiment, a mounting opening communicating with the position limiting groove is formed on one side of the adjustment member along the second direction, and the position limiting portion enters the position limiting groove along the second direction via the mounting opening.

[0024] In the above proposed technology, when it is necessary to replace the lower support plate, the position limiting part can be guided and inserted into the position limiting groove from the mounting opening. After insertion to the predetermined position, the second positioning hole, the second locking hole, and the insertion pin are aligned. At this time, the insertion pin can be directly inserted into the second positioning hole, completing the installation of the lower support plate. This results in a faster and more efficient replacement speed for the lower support plate.

[0025] In one embodiment, the lower support device includes a reader-writer and an electronic tag, the reader-writer is installed on the exchange mechanism, the electronic tag is installed on the lower support plate, and the reader-writer can sense and identify the electronic tag.

[0026] In the above technical solution, when the position limiting portion on the lower support plate is inserted into the position limiting groove, the reader-writer can identify the electronic tag located in the position limiting portion to determine the model number of the lower support plate. In this way, safety detection for the replacement of the lower support plate is realized, the occurrence of incorrect replacement is avoided, and the accuracy of the lower support plate replacement can be improved.

[0027] In one embodiment, the lower support device includes a position detection member, the position detection member is installed on the mounting base, and the position detection member is used to detect the lock position where the exchange mechanism is located.

[0028] In the above technical solution, the position detection member can realize safety detection for lower support replacement, avoid the occurrence of incorrect replacement, and improve the accuracy of lower support replacement.

[0029] Another aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure discloses a gripping apparatus comprising a gripper and the lower support device according to any one of the above embodiments, wherein the gripper is arranged to be able to grip or release a battery module, and in a state where the gripper grips the battery module, the lower support device can provide lower support to the battery module.

[0030] A further aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure further discloses a production line for producing batteries, comprising the gripping apparatus in the above embodiments.

[0031] A further aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure discloses a method for replacing the type of the lower support device in the above embodiments for apparatus control, the method comprising: In response to the completion of the replacement of the above-mentioned lower support device type, the reader / writer reads the first product type recorded on the electronic tag, the electronic tag is installed in the lower support group of the lower support device, and the reader / writer is installed in the replacement mechanism of the lower support device. This involves comparing the first product type read from the manufacturing management system server with the second product type obtained, The system includes the following: in response to the reading of the first product type not matching the acquisition of the second product type, a first warning message is output, which is used to request the replacement of the lower support device type.

[0032] In one embodiment, the above method is The position detection result transmitted from the position detection member is acquired, and the position detection member is installed on the mounting base of the lower support device, and the position detection result is used to indicate whether or not the lower support device is in a preset position. In response to the above position detection result indicating that the lower support device is not in the above-preset position, a second warning message is output, and the second warning message is used to request that the lower support device be reset. The system includes outputting a third notification message in response to the position detection result indicating that the lower support device is in the preset position, and the third notification message being used to notify the user to manually replace the lower support device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0033] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a vehicle provided by one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a lower support device provided in another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a magnified schematic view of area A in Figure 2. [Figure 4]This is a schematic flowchart of a method for replacing a lower support device type provided in one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This is a schematic flowchart of a method for replacing a lower support device type provided in another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] This is a schematic flowchart of a method for replacing a lower support device type provided in yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Explanation of the symbols Vehicle 1000, battery 100, controller 200, motor 300, lower support device 1, lower support group 11, lower support plate 111, position limiting part 1111, connecting part 1112, lower support part 1113, first rod 11131, second rod 11132, mounting base 12, first positioning hole 12a, replacement mechanism 13, first locking member 131, adjustment member 132, position limiting groove 132a, mounting opening 132b, connecting plate 1321, moving plate 1322, second locking member 133, position detection member 14, iron piece 15, first cylinder 16, first plate member 17, second plate member 18, third plate member 19, second cylinder 20. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0035] The following describes in detail embodiments of the technical proposal of this disclosure, with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are provided solely as examples to clarify the technical proposal of this disclosure and should not be used to limit the scope of the claims of this disclosure.

[0036] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art of the Disclosure. The terms used herein are solely for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the Disclosure. The terms “including” and “having” and any variations thereof in the description of the Disclosure and the drawings above are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0037] In the description of the embodiments of this disclosure, technical terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” are merely used to distinguish different subjects, and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the quantity, specific order, and priority of the technical features being referred to.

[0038] As used herein, “Examples” means that any particular feature, structure, or property described in conjunction with an Example may be included in at least one Example of this Disclosure. Each occurrence of such phrase in the Specification does not necessarily refer to the same Example, nor do they represent mutually exclusive, independent, or substitutable Examples. Those skilled in the art will understand, both explicitly and implicitly, that the Examples described herein may be combined with other Examples.

[0039] The following provides a detailed explanation of this disclosure.

[0040] The lower support device 1 provided by the embodiments of this disclosure is used for lower support protection of a battery module. To clarify the lower support device 1 of this disclosure, the battery module of this disclosure will be introduced before describing the lower support device 1 of this disclosure.

[0041] Batteries are becoming increasingly widespread in daily life and industry. They are used not only in energy storage systems such as hydroelectric, thermal, wind, and solar power plants, but also in many other fields, including vehicles, such as electric transportation equipment like electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, and electric cars, as well as aerospace.

[0042] The batteries provided by the embodiments of this disclosure can be used in, but are not limited to, energy storage power systems, vehicles, ships, or aircraft, or other electrical devices.

[0043] The batteries provided by the embodiments of this disclosure may be used as a battery module by assembling multiple battery cells. The battery module can be used in, but is not limited to, energy storage power systems, vehicles, ships, or aircraft. By using a battery module, a higher total energy can be provided. Furthermore, since the battery module is formed by housing multiple sets of battery cells in a sealed case, it has more reliable dustproof and waterproof performance, making it applicable to scenarios where it is used in harsher, wetter, and even submerged environments.

[0044] Embodiments of this disclosure provide an electrical device including the battery or battery module for providing electrical energy, which may be, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, tablet, laptop computer, electric toy, power tool, electric scooter, electric vehicle, ship, or aerospace. Among these, electric toys may include stationary or mobile electric toys, such as game consoles, electric vehicle toys, electric ship toys, and electric airplane toys, and aerospace may include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and spacecraft.

[0045] In the following embodiments, for the sake of explanation, the electrical device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described as a vehicle 1000. The following description will be given with reference to the drawings.

[0046] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a vehicle 1000 provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure. The vehicle 1000 may be a fuel cell vehicle, a gas vehicle, or a new energy vehicle, and the new energy vehicle may be a pure electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a range extender vehicle, etc. As shown in Figure 1, a battery 100 is installed inside the vehicle 1000, and the battery 100 may be installed at the bottom, front, or rear of the vehicle 1000. The battery 100 may be used to power the vehicle 1000, for example, the battery 100 can function as the operating power source for the vehicle 1000. The vehicle 1000 may further include a controller 200 and a motor 300, the controller 200 controlling the battery 100 to supply power to the motor 300, and is used, for example, to meet the operating power needs of the vehicle 1000 during starting, navigation, and driving.

[0047] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the battery 100 can not only function as an operating power source for the vehicle 1000, but can also provide driving force to the vehicle 1000 by replacing or partially replacing fuel or natural gas as a driving power source for the vehicle 1000.

[0048] The battery module includes at least one battery cell. The battery cell is an energy storage component of the battery 100. The battery module includes a battery monitoring and management device for monitoring the amount of electricity in the battery cell, etc. The battery module forms a battery pack after being boxed.

[0049] In battery 100, there may be multiple battery cells, and the multiple battery cells may be connected in series, in parallel, or in series-parallel. Series-parallel connection refers to the presence of both series and parallel connections among the multiple battery cells. The multiple battery cells may be directly connected in series, in parallel, or in series-parallel. Of course, battery 100 may first form a battery module by connecting multiple battery cells in series, in parallel, or in series-parallel, and the multiple battery modules may be further integrated by connecting them in series, in parallel, or in series-parallel.

[0050] The battery 100 may further include other structures, for example, the battery 100 may further include bus members for realizing electrical connections between a plurality of battery cells.

[0051] In the embodiments of this disclosure, the battery cell may be a secondary battery, which refers to a battery cell that can be used continuously by activating the active material through charging after the battery cell has been discharged.

[0052] The battery cell may be a lithium-ion battery, sodium-ion battery, sodium-lithium-ion battery, lithium metal battery, sodium metal battery, lithium-sulfur battery, magnesium-ion battery, nickel-metal hydride battery, nickel-cadmium battery, lead-acid battery, etc., and the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to these.

[0053] The battery cell may be cylindrical, prismatic, or of other shapes. A prismatic battery cell includes a rectangular parallelepiped or polygonal prismatic battery cell, and a polygonal prismatic battery cell is, for example, a hexagonal prismatic battery cell, and the disclosure is not particularly limited.

[0054] Exemplary, a battery cell includes a top cover, casing, electrode assembly, electrolyte, and insulating film. The top cover and casing are used to enclose components such as the electrode assembly and electrolyte. The upper side of the casing has a communication opening, the electrode assembly and electrolyte are placed inside the casing, and the top cover covers the communication opening of the casing. The outer surface of the casing is covered with an insulating film. The insulating film serves an insulating purpose and can also protect the surface of the casing from scratches.

[0055] The electrode assembly includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator. During the charging and discharging process of the battery cell, active ions (e.g., lithium ions) repeatedly insert into and remove from between the positive and negative electrodes. The separator is placed between the positive and negative electrodes and can prevent a short circuit between them while simultaneously allowing the passage of active ions.

[0056] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly includes tabs from which current can be drawn from the electrode assembly. The tabs include a positive electrode tab and a negative electrode tab.

[0057] The electrode terminals may be directly connected to the tab or indirectly connected to the tab via an adapter member. The electrode terminals may be directly connected to the tab or indirectly connected to the tab via an adapter member. The electrode terminals may be mounted on the top cover or on the casing.

[0058] Mixed-model production refers to the manufacturing and assembly of battery modules of different types on the same production line. Different battery modules may have different bottom shapes and / or different external dimensions. Exemplary, different external dimensions may refer to different three-dimensional dimensions.

[0059] In related technologies, the lower support plate is usually fixed to the mounting base, making it difficult to replace and adjust the position of the lower support plate, and hindering mixed production of battery modules of different types.

[0060] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a lower support device 1, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, which includes a lower support group 11, a plurality of mounting units, and a plurality of replacement mechanisms 13. One mounting unit includes two mounting bases 12 spaced apart in a first direction, and the plurality of mounting units are spaced apart in a second direction.

[0061] The lower support group 11 includes a plurality of lower support plates 111, which are installed at intervals in a second direction, and each lower support plate 111 corresponds to two mounting bases 12 of one mounting unit.

[0062] Each lower support plate 111, along the first direction, is detachably connected to a single replacement mechanism 13, which is detachably connected to the mounting base 12, the first direction and the second direction being perpendicular to each other.

[0063] The lower support device 1 provided by this disclosure has multiple lower support plates 111 spaced apart in a second direction, and each lower support plate 111 corresponds to two mounting bases 12 of a single mounting unit, thereby providing lower support to the battery module in both the first and second directions, preventing the battery module from falling during movement, protecting the battery module to a certain extent, and providing high safety. One replacement mechanism 13 is detachably connected to both ends of each lower support plate 111, and the replacement mechanism 13 is detachably connected to the mounting base, so in mixed production of different types of battery modules, when supplying materials to different types of battery modules, this disclosure can provide lower support to different types of battery modules by changing the position of the replacement mechanism 13 on the mounting base 12, and can also be adapted to different types of battery modules by changing the lower support group 11, and can also be combined to adapt to different types of battery modules by connecting the replacement mechanism 13 to the corresponding position and changing different lower support plates 111, making it convenient and flexible.

[0064] What needs to be explained is that "up" is the direction toward the ceiling, and "down" is the direction opposite to "up." The first direction, the second direction, and the up-down direction are perpendicular to each other, and the three together constitute a three-dimensional vertical coordinate system. The first direction may be the X direction in Figure 2, the second direction may be the Y direction in Figure 2, and the up-down direction may be the Z direction in Figure 2.

[0065] In some embodiments, the shape of the lower support plate 111 of the same lower support group 11 may be the same, while the shape of the lower support plate 111 of different lower support groups 11 may be different. In this way, by replacing the lower support group 11, it is possible to accommodate battery modules with different bottom shapes.

[0066] For example, in one embodiment, the shape of the mounting base 12 is not limited, and for instance, the mounting base 12 may be a rectangular plate extending in the vertical direction.

[0067] What needs to be explained is that in the embodiments of this disclosure, "multiple" includes two or more numbers.

[0068] As an example, in one embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the number of mounting bases 12 is not limited; for example, there may be four mounting bases 12, and two mounting bases 12 are installed spaced apart along a first direction to form one mounting unit, and two mounting units are installed spaced apart along a second direction, so that the four mounting bases 12 surround a roughly hexahedral space.

[0069] As an example, in one embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the number of lower support plates 111 is not limited, and for example, there may be two lower support plates 111, which are spaced apart along the second direction, with both ends of each lower support plate 111 corresponding to one mounting base 12, and in this way, lower support can be provided to two positions of the battery module along the second direction, and stability is good.

[0070] Exemplary, in one embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the number of replacement mechanisms 13 is not limited; for example, there may be four replacement mechanisms 13, and replacement mechanisms 13 may be installed at both ends of each lower support plate 111 along the first direction. In this way, two lower support plates 111 can be connected to four mounting bases 12 via four replacement mechanisms 13 to provide lower support for the battery module.

[0071] In one embodiment, the mounting base has multiple locking positions and / or there are multiple lower support groups, and the replacement mechanism can be detachably connected to the locking positions of the mounting base.

[0072] Thus, in mixed-model production of battery modules of different types, when supplying materials to battery modules of different types, the present disclosure allows for lower support to be provided for battery modules of different types by changing the locking position of the replacement mechanism on the mounting base, and can be adapted to battery modules of different types by changing different lower support groups. Furthermore, the replacement mechanism can be combined to fit different battery modules by connecting it to the corresponding locking position and changing different lower support groups, making it convenient and flexible.

[0073] In one embodiment, multiple locking positions are installed with spacing in the vertical direction. In this way, the replacement mechanism 13 can be connected to the corresponding locking positions to accommodate battery modules with different heights along the vertical direction.

[0074] Exemplaryly, in one embodiment, the locking positions are not limited; for example, there may be two locking positions, spaced apart along the vertical direction. As can be understood, there may be three, four, five, or the like locking positions.

[0075] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the exchange mechanism 13 includes a first locking member 131 and an adjustment member 132. The adjustment member 132 has a first locking hole, and the mounting base 12 has a first positioning hole 12a at the locked position. The first locking member 131 is drilled within the first locking hole and the first positioning hole 12a to detachably connect the adjustment member 132 to the locked position. The method of the first locking member 131, the first locking hole, and the first positioning hole 12a enables a detachable connection, resulting in a simple and easy-to-implement structure.

[0076] Exemplary, in one embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, multiple locking positions correspond to multiple first positioning holes 12a, the multiple first positioning holes 12a are spaced apart along the vertical direction, and there may be only one first locking hole. In this way, when it is necessary to provide lower support for battery modules of different heights along the vertical direction, the lower support can be replaced by first determining the corresponding locking position, then detaching the first locking member 131 from the first locking hole and the first positioning hole 12a at the current locking position, then synchronously moving the replacement mechanism 13 and the lower support plate 111 connected to the replacement mechanism 13 along the vertical direction to the first positioning hole 12a at the corresponding locking position, and finally drilling the first locking member 131 into the first locking hole and the first positioning hole 12a at the corresponding locking position.

[0077] What needs to be explained is that since the same lower support plate 111 is connected to the two mounting bases 12 by two replacement mechanisms, the two corresponding first locking members 131 on the same lower support plate 111 can be removed simultaneously, thus preventing deformation of the lower support plate 111 when adjusting a single replacement mechanism 13.

[0078] Exemplary, in one embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the adjustment member 132 includes a connecting plate 1321 and a movable plate 1322, the connecting plate 1321 has a first locking hole formed therein, the connecting plate 1321 is connected to the movable plate 1322, the connecting plate 1321 is installed on one side of the mounting base 12 along the second direction, and the movable plate 1322 is installed on one side of the mounting base 12 along the first direction, and the entire adjustment member 132 has a substantially "L" shape.

[0079] In one embodiment, the first locking member 131 is an insertion pin, and both the first locking hole and the first positioning hole 12a extend along the second direction, and the first locking member 131 is inserted into the first locking hole and the first positioning hole 12a along the second direction. In this way, by pulling the insertion pin along the second direction, the insertion pin is removed from the first locking hole and the first positioning hole 12a at the current locking position, and then the replacement mechanism 13 and the lower support plate 111 connected to the replacement mechanism 13 are moved synchronously along the vertical direction to the first positioning hole 12a at the corresponding locking position, and then the insertion pin can be inserted into the first locking hole and the first positioning hole 12a at the corresponding locking position. In this way, the insertion and removal method of the insertion pin enables rapid replacement without the need for a stop line, can be adapted to battery modules of different heights along the vertical direction, is highly efficient and low cost.

[0080] Exemplary, in one embodiment, a slide rail is formed on one of the movable plate 1322 and the mounting base 12, and a slider is formed on the other of the movable plate 1322 and the mounting base 12, the slider slides with the slide rail, the slide rail extends along the vertical direction, for example, the slider is formed on the side of the mounting base 12 closer to the movable plate 1322, and the slide rail is formed on the side of the movable plate 1322 closer to the mounting base 12, in this way, when the insertion pin is pulled out along the second direction from the first lock hole and the first positioning hole 12a in the current lock position, the sliding between the slide rail and the slider This enables vertical movement, and on the one hand, the slide rail can provide a stable and precise movement path, allowing the slider to slide easily on the slide rail, making the entire movement process more precise and controllable. On the other hand, the slide rail can provide extra support and stability, preventing the slider from shaking or becoming unstable during movement. Furthermore, by using the slide rail and slider in combination, the operator can directly control the direction and speed of movement of the slider or slide rail, and move quickly and accurately to the corresponding locked position.

[0081] Exemplary, in one embodiment, the replacement mechanism 13 includes a spring, which is fitted onto the insertion pin. The portion of the insertion pin fitted with the spring is located in the first lock hole, and the diameter of the spring is larger than the diameter of the first lock hole. Thus, when the insertion pin is pulled along the second direction and the insertion pin is released from the first positioning hole 12a, the insertion pin drives the spring to move, preventing the spring from penetrating the first lock hole. The spring presses against the circumferential wall of the first lock hole, and at this time, the spring deforms under pressure, storing potential energy due to its elastic force. When the replacement mechanism 13 moves to the corresponding lock position, it loosens the insertion pin, the spring restores its deformation, and converts the potential energy due to its elastic force into kinetic energy, pushing the insertion pin and inserting it into the first positioning hole 12a at the corresponding lock position. Thus, there is no need to remove the insertion pin from the first lock hole and search for the insertion pin each time, making operation convenient and further saving replacement time.

[0082] In one embodiment, the exchange mechanism 13 includes a second locking member 133 and an adjustment member 132, the adjustment member 132 having a second locking hole, and a second positioning hole being formed at one end of the lower support plate 111 along the vertical direction, and the second locking member 133 being drilled in the second locking hole and the second positioning hole so as to detachably connect the lower support plate 111 and the adjustment member 132.

[0083] For example, the second locking hole may be formed in the movable plate 1322, and if it is necessary to replace the lower support plate 111 to fit a different type of battery module, the replacement of the lower support plate 111 can be completed quickly and efficiently by first identifying the corresponding lower support plate 111, then detaching the second locking member 133 from the second locking hole and the second positioning hole in the current lower support plate 111, removing the current lower support plate 111, then replacing the corresponding lower support plate 111, and finally drilling the second locking member 133 into the second locking hole and the second positioning hole in the corresponding lower support plate 111.

[0084] What needs to be explained is that since the same lower support plate 111 is connected to the two mounting bases 12 by two replacement mechanisms, the two corresponding second locking members 133 on the same lower support plate 111 can be removed simultaneously, thus preventing deformation of the lower support plate 111 when adjusting a single replacement mechanism 13.

[0085] In one embodiment, the second locking member 133 is an insertion pin, and both the second locking hole and the second positioning hole extend in the vertical direction, and the second locking member 133 is inserted into the second locking hole and the second positioning hole from top to bottom.

[0086] For example, the second locking hole may be formed on the top surface of the movable plate 1322. In this way, when it is necessary to replace the lower support plate 111, the insertion pin can be pulled upward to remove it from the second locking hole and the second positioning hole in the current lower support plate 111. Then the current lower support plate 111 can be removed, then the corresponding lower support plate 111 can be replaced, and finally the insertion pin can be inserted downward into the second locking hole and the second positioning hole in the corresponding lower support plate 111. Thus, the insertion and removal method of the insertion pin enables quick replacement without the need for a stop line, is compatible with different types of battery modules, and is highly efficient.

[0087] Exemplary, in one embodiment, the replacement mechanism 13 includes a spring, which is fitted onto an insertion pin. The portion of the insertion pin to which the spring is fitted is located within a second lock hole. The outer diameter of the spring is larger than the diameter of the second lock hole. In this way, when the insertion pin is pulled upward and the insertion pin detaches from the second positioning hole, the spring is driven to move. The spring cannot detach from the second lock hole, and the spring presses against the circumferential wall of the second lock hole. The spring deforms under pressure, storing potential energy due to its elastic force. When replacing the corresponding lower support plate 111, the insertion pin is loosened, the spring returns to its original shape, and the potential energy due to the detachment elastic force is converted into kinetic energy, pushing the insertion pin into the second positioning hole of the corresponding lower support plate 111. In this way, it is not necessary to remove the insertion pin from the second lock hole and search for it each time, making operation convenient and further saving replacement time.

[0088] In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, a position limiting groove 132a is formed in the adjustment member 132, and the end of the lower support plate 111 along the first direction is arranged as a position limiting portion 1111 having a second positioning hole, the position limiting portion 1111 is located within the position limiting groove 132a and abuts against the lower surface of the position limiting groove 132a, and the second locking hole is located above the position limiting groove 132a and communicates with the position limiting groove 132a.

[0089] Exemplary, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the lower support plate 111 includes a position limiting portion 1111, a connecting portion 1112, and a lower support portion 1113, wherein the position limiting portion 1111 has a second positioning hole, the connecting portion 1112 extends vertically and connects the position limiting portion 1111 and the lower support portion 1113, the lower support portion 1113 is for supporting the battery module, a position limiting groove 132a is formed on the side of the movable plate 1322 near the position limiting portion 1111, a second locking hole is formed on the top surface of the movable plate 1322 and the second locking hole communicates with the position limiting groove 132a.

[0090] Here, if it is necessary to replace the lower support plate 111, the insertion pin is pulled upward, then the position limiting portion 1111 on the current lower support plate 111 is removed from the position limiting groove 132a, and then the position limiting portion 1111 on the corresponding lower support plate 111 is placed in the position limiting groove 132a to complete the pre-installation and pre-positioning of the lower support plate 111. In this way, on the one hand, the position limiting groove 132a and the position limiting portion 1111 can achieve accurate positioning during the connection process, avoiding misalignment or displacement, and the insertion pin can be easily aligned and inserted using the second positioning hole, reducing the replacement time for the lower support plate 111 and enabling a faster replacement speed for the lower support plate 111. On the other hand, the position limiting fit between the position limiting groove 132a and the position limiting portion 1111 can provide extra support and fixation, reducing the occurrence of loosening or shaking of the lower support plate 111 during the process of supporting the battery module from below, and providing high operational stability.

[0091] Exemplary, in one embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the lower support portion 1113 includes a first rod 11131 and a second rod 11132, one end of the first rod 11131 is connected to the side of the connecting portion 1112 away from the position limiting portion 1111, and the other end of the first rod 11131 is connected to the second rod 11132, and the first rod 11131 extends along the second direction such that the entire lower support portion 1113 takes on a substantially "L" shape, thereby increasing the support surface for the battery module and preventing it from falling when the battery module moves.

[0092] In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, a mounting opening 132b communicating with a position limiting groove 132a is formed on one side of the adjustment member 132 along the second direction, and the position limiting portion 1111 enters the position limiting groove 132a along the second direction via the mounting opening 132b. In this way, when it is necessary to replace the lower support plate 111, the position limiting portion 1111 can be guided and inserted into the position limiting groove 132a from the mounting opening 132b. After being inserted to a predetermined position, the second positioning hole, the second locking hole, and the insertion pin are aligned, and at this time the insertion pin can be directly inserted into the second positioning hole, completing the installation of the lower support plate 111, and the replacement speed of the lower support plate 111 is further increased and more efficient.

[0093] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the lower support device 1 includes a position detection member 14, which is installed on a mounting base 12, and the position detection member 14 is used to detect the locked position where the exchange mechanism 13 is located.

[0094] For example, the position detection member 14 may be a photoelectric sensor, and the photoelectric sensor may be installed on a side of the mounting base 12 that is offset from the first positioning hole 12a, thus avoiding interference when the exchange mechanism 13 moves along the vertical direction. The number of photoelectric sensors is not limited; for example, one photoelectric sensor may be installed at the corresponding position of each first positioning hole 12a. The lower support device 1 includes an iron piece 15, which may be installed on the side of the movable plate 1322 away from the mounting opening 132b. When the replacement mechanism 13 and the lower support plate 111 connected to the replacement mechanism 13 are moved synchronously along the vertical direction to the first positioning hole 12a at the corresponding lock position, it is possible to determine whether the movable plate 1322 has moved back to its original position by whether or not the iron piece 15 on the movable plate 1322 obstructs the position detection member 14 corresponding to the first positioning hole 12a at the corresponding lock position. If the iron piece 15 obstructs the position detection member 14, the position detection member 14 transmits the detected obstruction information to the control device in the form of a position detection result and outputs a second warning message. At this time, the first lock member 131 can be directly drilled into the first positioning hole 12a at the lock position corresponding to the first lock hole. In this way, safe detection of lower support replacement can be achieved, the occurrence of lower support replacement can be avoided, and the accuracy of lower support replacement can be improved.

[0095] For example, the second warning message may be a text broadcast, a light notification, and / or a text notification.

[0096] In one embodiment, the lower support device 1 may further include a reader / writer and an electronic tag, the reader / writer being installed in the exchange mechanism 13, the electronic tag being installed on the lower support plate 111, and the reader / writer being able to read and write the electronic tag.

[0097] For example, the reader / writer may be installed in the movable plate 1322, and the electronic tag may be installed in the position limiting section 1111. When the position limiting section 1111 of the lower support plate 111 is inserted into the position limiting groove 132a, the reader / writer can identify the electronic tag located in the position limiting section 1111 and determine the model number of the lower support plate 111. In this way, safe detection of replacement of the lower support plate 111 can be achieved, the occurrence of incorrect replacement can be avoided, and the accuracy of replacement of the lower support plate 111 can be improved.

[0098] For example, by using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to communicate wirelessly between the electronic tag and the reader / writer, the reader / writer can identify the lower support plate 111 without contacting it. Furthermore, the RFID chip can store a large amount of information, such as the manufacturer, lot number, model number, and external dimensions of the lower support plate 111. This information can be easily read, updated, and managed, providing convenience for product updates.

[0099] In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the lower support device 1 includes a first cylinder 16, a first plate member 17, and a second plate member 18, wherein the second plate member 18 is slidably connected to a mounting base 12 in the vertical direction, and both ends of the first cylinder 16 are respectively connected to the second plate member 18 of two mounting bases 12 that are spaced apart in a second direction, and the second plate member 18 is slidably connected to the first plate member 17 in a second direction, and the piston rod of the first cylinder 16 can extend or retract, and the two mounting bases 12 can move relative to or opposite to each other in a second direction.

[0100] In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the lower support device 1 includes a second cylinder 20 and a third plate 19, the second cylinder 20 being installed along the vertical direction and connected to the second plate 18, the third plate 19 being installed on the mounting base 12 and located below the second cylinder 20, the piston rod of the second cylinder 20 being connected to the third plate 19, the piston rod of the second cylinder 20 being extendable or retractable, and the mounting base 12 being movable along the vertical direction.

[0101] Embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a gripping device comprising a gripper and a lower support device 1 in any embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the gripper is configured to grip or release a battery module, and the lower support device can provide lower support to the battery module while the gripper is gripping the battery module. After the gripper grips the battery module, the second cylinder 20 is driven by its piston rod to extend, and the mounting base 12 moves downward until the lower support plate 111 stops below the battery module along the vertical direction, and then the first cylinder 16 is driven by its piston rod to retract, and the mounting bases 12, which are spaced apart along the second direction, move in opposition to each other until the two lower support plates 111 stop directly below the battery module, at which point the gripping and lower support of the battery module is completed.

[0102] Embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a gripping robot comprising a robot body and a gripping device according to any embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the robot body is configured to rotate and / or move the gripping device. In this manner, when gripping a battery module, the robot body drives the gripping device to move it above the battery module, grips the battery module with the gripper, and then the lower support device 1 provides lower support to the battery module.

[0103] Embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a manufacturing line for producing batteries, including the gripping device in the above embodiment. In the manufacturing line provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure, tray-mounted battery modules can be transported to subsequent processing locations.

[0104] Furthermore, the manufacturing line may further include a transport line, which may include a transport line for transporting trays, and may further include a transport line for transporting battery modules to be gripped. The transport line for the battery modules to be gripped transports the battery modules to be gripped to the vicinity of the gripping device, and these battery modules can be gripped by a gripper or the like and placed on a tray.

[0105] For example, the conveying line may be a conveying belt, a strip-shaped object such as a belt, a series of parallel roller shafts, or a series of chains.

[0106] The manufacturing line utilizes an automated system to quickly grasp and position battery modules, resulting in greater efficiency. Furthermore, because the battery modules are placed on trays, these trays can be directly used to transport the modules to the next processing unit.

[0107] Based on the above embodiment, the gripping device may be controlled by a control device, for example, the control device may be a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), thereby further providing an embodiment of the present disclosure that replaces the lower support device type in the above embodiment and is applied to the control device, as shown in Figure 4, the above method Step S401, in response to the completion of the replacement of the lower support device type described above, the reader / writer reads the first product type recorded on the electronic tag, the electronic tag is installed in the lower support group of the lower support device, and the reader / writer is installed in the replacement mechanism of the lower support device. Step S402 involves comparing the first product type read from the Manufacturing Execution System (MES) server with the second product type obtained, In response to the reading of the first product type above not matching the acquisition of the second product type above, a first warning message is output, the first warning message being used to request the replacement of the lower support type, the first warning message may be a text broadcast, a light notification and / or a text notification.

[0108] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 5, the above method is Step S404 involves acquiring the position detection result transmitted from the position detection member, the position detection member being installed on the mounting base of the lower support device, and the position detection result being used to indicate whether or not the lower support device is in a preset position. Step S405 is used to request that the lower support device be reset, in response to the position detection result indicating that the lower support device is not in the preset position, a second warning message is output, and the second warning message is used to request that the lower support device be reset. Step S406 further includes outputting a third notification message in response to the position detection result indicating that the lower support device is at the preset position, the third notification message being used to notify the user to manually replace the lower support device.

[0109] Based on the embodiments described above, embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a method for replacing the lower support device type, as shown in Figure 6, Step S601: The PLC device calls the MES server interface to obtain the product type currently being manufactured, for example, A. The PLC device reads the product type, for example B, recorded on the electronic tag via a reader / writer in step S602. The PLC device performs step S603, which determines whether product type A obtained from the MES server matches product type B that it has read, If they match, the process proceeds to step S604 and operates normally; if the acquired product type A and the read product type B do not match, the process proceeds to step S605, further including the step of the PLC device outputting a first warning message, the first warning message being used to request replacement of the lower support device type.

[0110] In some embodiments, the PLC device displays warning messages, for example, a first warning message and / or a second warning message, on the HMI (Human Machine Interface) interface. After viewing the warning message, if the worker on the production line decides to dismiss the warning, they perform a dismissal operation on the HMI interface. In this way, the PLC device knows that the corresponding warning has been dismissed based on the worker's dismissal operation.

[0111] In step S606, after outputting the first warning message, the PLC device determines whether the lower support device is in a preset position (i.e., whether it is in its original position).

[0112] In some embodiments, a position detection member is used to detect whether the lower support device is in a preset position and to transmit the detection result to the PLC device. If the lower support device is not in the preset position, the process proceeds to step S608, where the PLC device outputs a second warning message, which is used to request that the lower support device be reset so that it is in the preset position. If the lower support device is in the preset position, the process proceeds to step S607, where the lower support device is to be manually replaced or its position adjusted to complete the replacement.

[0113] In step S609, after the replacement of the lower support unit is complete, the PLC unit reads the product type recorded on the electronic tag, for example, C, again. The PLC unit then determines whether the product type A obtained from the MES server matches the product type C it read. If they match, it operates normally. If the obtained product type A and the read product type C do not match, the PLC unit outputs the first warning message again until the replacement of the lower support unit is successful.

[0114] What needs to be explained is that the PLC device can also control the drive devices in the gripping device, such as cylinders and servo motors, and for example, it can control the start or stop of operation of the first cylinder and / or the second cylinder.

[0115] The above embodiments are used solely to illustrate the technical concepts of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit them. While the present disclosure has been described in detail with reference to the embodiments described above, those skilled in the art will understand that they may still modify the technical concepts described in the embodiments described above, or replace some or all of their technical features equally, and that such modifications or replacements should not deviate from the essence of the corresponding technical concepts within the scope of the technical concepts of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and should all be included within the scope of the specification of the present disclosure. In particular, any of the technical features mentioned in each embodiment can be combined in any way, provided that they are not structurally contradictory.

Claims

1. Lower support device, A plurality of mounting units, each of which includes two mounting bases spaced apart along a first direction, and a plurality of mounting units spaced apart along a second direction, A lower support group, the lower support group includes a plurality of lower support plates, the plurality of lower support plates are installed at intervals along a second direction, and each lower support plate corresponds to two mounting bases of one mounting unit in the lower support group, A plurality of interchangeable mechanisms, each of the lower support plates having both ends along a first direction detachably connected to one of the interchangeable mechanisms, the interchangeable mechanism being detachably connected to the mounting base, the plurality of interchangeable mechanisms having a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to each other, Lower support device.

2. The mounting base has multiple locking positions and / or the number of the lower support groups is multiple, and the replacement mechanism can be detachably connected to the locking positions of the mounting base. The lower support device according to claim 1.

3. Multiple locking positions are installed with spacing between them in the vertical direction. The lower support device according to claim 2.

4. The replacement mechanism includes a first locking member and an adjustment member, the adjustment member having a first locking hole, the mounting base having a first positioning hole at the locking position, and the first locking member being drilled within the first locking hole and the first positioning hole so as to removably connect the adjustment member to the locking position. The lower support device according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The first locking member is an insertion pin, and both the first locking hole and the first positioning hole extend along the second direction, and the first locking member is inserted into the first locking hole and the first positioning hole along the second direction. The lower support device according to claim 4.

6. The replacement mechanism includes a second locking member and an adjustment member, the adjustment member having a second locking hole, and the lower support plate having a second positioning hole at one end along the vertical direction, and the second locking member is drilled in the second locking hole and the second positioning hole so as to detachably connect the lower support plate and the adjustment member. The lower support device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The second locking member is an insertion pin, and both the second locking hole and the second positioning hole extend in the vertical direction, and the second locking member is inserted into the second locking hole and the second positioning hole from top to bottom. The lower support device according to claim 6.

8. A position limiting groove is formed in the adjustment member, the end of the lower support plate along the first direction is arranged as a position limiting portion having the second positioning hole, the position limiting portion is located within the position limiting groove and abuts against the lower surface of the position limiting groove, the second locking hole is located above the position limiting groove and communicates with the position limiting groove. The lower support device according to claim 7.

9. On one side of the adjusting member along the second direction, a mounting opening is formed that communicates with the position limiting groove, and the position limiting portion enters the position limiting groove along the second direction via the mounting opening. The lower support device according to claim 8.

10. The lower support device includes a reader / writer and an electronic tag, the reader / writer is installed in the exchange mechanism, the electronic tag is installed on the lower support plate, and the reader / writer can sense and identify the electronic tag. A lower support device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The lower support device includes a position detection member, which is installed on the mounting base, and the position detection member is used to detect the locked position in which the exchange mechanism is located. The lower support device according to claim 2 or 3.

12. A gripping device comprising a gripper and a lower support device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the gripper is arranged to grip or release a battery module, and the lower support device can provide lower support to the battery module when the gripper is gripping the battery module. gripping device.

13. A gripping device according to claim 12 for manufacturing a battery, including Manufacturing line.

14. A method for replacing the lower support device type according to claim 1, used for controlling the device, In response to the completion of the replacement of the lower support device type, the reader / writer reads the first product type recorded on the electronic tag, the electronic tag is installed in the lower support group of the lower support device, and the reader / writer is installed in the replacement mechanism of the lower support device. This involves comparing the first product type read from the manufacturing management system server with the second product type obtained, In response to the reading of a first product type not matching the acquired second product type, a first warning message is output, which is used to request the replacement of the lower support device type. method.

15. The position detection result transmitted from the position detection member is acquired, and the position detection member is installed on the mounting base of the lower support structure, and the position detection result is used to indicate whether or not the lower support device is in a preset position. In response to the position detection result indicating that the lower support device is not in the preset position, a second warning message is output, and the second warning message is used to request that the lower support device be reset. The system includes outputting a third notification message in response to the position detection result indicating that the lower support device is at the preset position, and the third notification message being used to notify the system to manually replace the lower support device. The method according to claim 14.

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