Switching and conveying device and production line

Abstract

A switching and conveying device and a production line. The switching and conveying device comprises a frame (11), a driving source, and a switching table (12). The switching table (12) is arranged on the frame (11). The switching table (12) comprises a driving mechanism (121), a bearing seat (123), and a plurality of conveying mechanisms (122). The driving mechanism (121) and the conveying mechanisms (122) are all arranged on the bearing seat (123). The plurality of conveying mechanisms (122) are arranged in a first direction. The driving mechanism (121) comprises a reversing assembly (1211) and a power motor (1212) provided with a power shaft. The reversing assembly (1211) is connected to the power shaft and the conveying mechanisms (122). The power shaft rotates, so that the reversing assembly (1211) drives the conveying mechanisms (122) to move in the first direction. The conveying mechanisms (122) move in the first direction so as to change the distance between every two adjacent conveying mechanisms (122) in the first direction. The driving source is connected to the bearing seat (123), so as to drive the switching table (12) to move in the first direction. In this way, one power motor can drive all the conveying mechanisms (122) to perform translational motion, thereby conveniently changing the distance between every two adjacent conveying mechanisms (122), and thus satisfying the conveying requirements of different types of battery cells.

Description

Conversion conveying equipment and production line

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This disclosure is based on the Chinese patent application with application number 202410071370.8, application date January 18, 2024, and invention name “A conversion and conveying equipment and production line”, and claims the priority of the Chinese patent application. The entire content of the Chinese patent application is hereby introduced into the present disclosure as a reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a conversion conveying device and a production line. Background Art

[0004] Batteries are increasingly being used in everyday life and production. For example, new energy vehicles equipped with batteries are already widely used, and batteries can be used to fully or partially power these vehicles. Furthermore, batteries are increasingly being used in areas such as energy storage.

[0005] During the battery production process, batteries or battery cells need to be transported from one workstation to another through conveying equipment. In related technologies, different types of batteries or battery cells have different sizes, and one conveying equipment is usually difficult to meet the conveying needs of different types of batteries or battery cells.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of this, the embodiments of the present disclosure hope to provide a conversion conveying device and a production line that can convey batteries or battery cells of different models.

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the technical solution of the embodiment of the present disclosure is implemented as follows:

[0009] In one aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a conversion conveying device, comprising:

[0010] frame;

[0011] A conversion platform is provided on the frame, the conversion platform includes a driving mechanism, a supporting seat and a plurality of conveying mechanisms, the driving mechanism and each of the conveying mechanisms are provided on the supporting seat, each of the conveying mechanisms is used to convey a column of articles, and the plurality of conveying mechanisms are arranged along a first direction, the driving mechanism includes a reversing assembly and a power motor having a power shaft, the reversing assembly connects the power shaft and each of the conveying mechanisms; the power shaft rotates so that the reversing assembly drives each of the conveying mechanisms to move along the first direction, and each of the conveying mechanisms moves along the first direction to change the distance between two adjacent conveying mechanisms along the first direction, wherein the first direction, the up-down direction and the conveying direction are perpendicular to each other;

[0012] A driving source is connected to the supporting seat to drive the conversion platform to move along the first direction.

[0013] The conversion conveying equipment provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure, the reversing component is used to convert the rotation of the power shaft into the translation of each conveying mechanism along the first direction, and the reversing component realizes the conversion of the motion mode. The reversing component connects the power shaft and the various conveying mechanisms, so that one power motor can drive all the conveying mechanisms to move linearly, which not only saves power motors and reduces costs, but also can conveniently change the distance between two adjacent conveying mechanisms, realize convenient replacement of battery cells, and meet the conveying needs of different types of battery cells. The use of a power motor to provide driving force can more accurately control the moving distance of each conveying mechanism along the first direction, with high precision and simple operation, which can effectively improve production efficiency. The supporting seat is used to carry the driving mechanism and the various conveying mechanisms, and the driving source can drive the supporting seat to drive the driving mechanism and the various conveying mechanisms to move the same stroke along the first direction at the same time.

[0014] In some embodiments, the reversing assembly includes a lead screw and a plurality of nuts, the lead screw is connected to the power shaft, each of the nuts is connected to one of the conveying mechanisms, and the lead screw is threadably engaged with the nut.

[0015] In this embodiment, the screw rotates to drive the nut to drive the corresponding connected conveying mechanism to move along the first direction. Using the screw and nut, the power motor can drive the conveying mechanism to perform reciprocating linear motion along the first direction efficiently and stably.

[0016] In some embodiments, the thread directions of at least two of the nuts are opposite.

[0017] In this embodiment, the threads of the two nuts are in opposite directions, allowing the two nuts to move in opposite directions along a first direction, thereby driving at least two conveying mechanisms to move in opposite directions along the first direction. In this way, the movement direction of the conveying mechanisms connected to the nuts can be changed by changing the thread direction of the nuts, thereby enabling a single lead screw to drive multiple conveying mechanisms to move toward or away from each other along the first direction.

[0018] In some embodiments, the lead screw is located below the conveying mechanism.

[0019] In this embodiment, the lead screw can be prevented from interfering with the movement of the battery cells above the conveying mechanism.

[0020] In some embodiments, the power motor is located on one side of the conveying mechanism along the first direction.

[0021] In this embodiment, the power motor may not occupy the space of the conversion and conveying device in the up and down directions, thereby avoiding increasing the overall height of the conversion and conveying device.

[0022] In some embodiments, the delivery mechanism includes:

[0023] base;

[0024] Converting conveyor belts;

[0025] A first shaft is arranged in the annular space of the conversion conveyor belt;

[0026] A second shaft is provided in the annular space of the conversion conveyor belt, and the first shaft and the second shaft are respectively located at two ends of the conversion conveyor belt along the conveying direction;

[0027] Two support seats are arranged on the base, and the two support seats are respectively located on both sides of the conversion conveyor belt along the first direction. The shaft end of the first shaft is detachably connected to the support seat, and the shaft end of the second shaft is detachably connected to the support seat.

[0028] In this embodiment, there is no need to remove the support seat from the base. The conversion conveyor belt can be conveniently disassembled by disassembling the first shaft and the second shaft, thereby reducing the difficulty of maintenance and replacement of the conversion conveyor belt.

[0029] In some embodiments, the support seat includes a seat body and a cover body that are detachably connected, the seat body and the cover body jointly define a mounting hole, and the shaft end of the first shaft is accommodated in the mounting hole.

[0030] In this embodiment, the base body and the cover body are split structures. When the first shaft needs to be disassembled, the cover body can be disassembled from the base body to take out the first shaft. The operation is simple and convenient.

[0031] In some embodiments, the support seat is formed with a placement groove and an entry and exit groove, the placement groove extends along the conveying direction, the entry and exit groove extends upward from the placement groove and passes through the upper end surface of the support seat, and the shaft end of the second shaft is accommodated in the placement groove.

[0032] In this embodiment, the wall of the placement slot restricts the end of the second shaft from disengaging from the placement slot, thereby detachably connecting the end of the second shaft to the support base. If the second shaft needs to be removed, the end of the second shaft can be removed through the upward-facing opening of the access slot. If the end of the second shaft needs to be assembled to the support base, the end of the second shaft can be placed back into the placement slot through the upward-facing opening of the access slot, making operation simple and convenient.

[0033] In some embodiments, the conveying mechanism includes a horizontally placed support plate, which is inserted into the annular space of the conversion conveyor belt. A portion of the support plate protrudes from the conversion conveyor belt in a first direction to form a connecting portion, and a fastener is detachably inserted into the connecting portion and the base in an up and down direction.

[0034] In this embodiment, the support plate serves to support the transfer conveyor belt. The support plate is detachably connected to the base via fasteners. When the transfer conveyor belt needs to be disassembled, the fasteners can be removed from the top and bottom, avoiding interference with other structures. This facilitates easy disassembly. The support plate is first removed and removed from the annular space, followed by the first and second shafts, and the transfer conveyor belt is removed from the first and second shafts. This prevents interference between the support plate and the transfer conveyor belt, allowing for quick assembly and disassembly.

[0035] In some embodiments, the driving source is a linear motor.

[0036] In this embodiment, a linear motor drives the transfer table to perform linear reciprocating motion along a first direction, efficiently and reliably changing the position of the transfer table along the first direction, thereby changing the positions of all conveying mechanisms in the first direction. Linear motors offer high precision and efficiency. A controller can be used to control the linear motor's operation to drive the transfer table to a set position, resulting in a high degree of automation.

[0037] Another aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure provides a production line for producing batteries, comprising any one of the conversion and conveying devices described above.

[0038] In some embodiments, the invention includes:

[0039] A first conveying device comprising at least one first conveying channel;

[0040] The second conveying device includes a plurality of second conveying channels, the number of the first conveying channels is less than the number of the second conveying channels, and the first conveying device and the second conveying device are respectively located upstream and downstream of the conversion conveying device.

[0041] In this embodiment, the first conveying channel and the second conveying channel are both used to place and convey battery cells. Each first conveying channel corresponds to a column of battery cells. Each second conveying channel corresponds to a column of battery cells. During the production process, the battery cells can flow through the first conveying device, the conversion conveying device, and the second conveying device in sequence, or the battery cells can flow through the second conveying device, the conversion conveying device, and the first conveying device in sequence. The number of first conveying channels is less than the number of second conveying channels, that is, the number of columns of battery cells conveyed by the first conveying device is less than the number of columns of battery cells conveyed by the second conveying device. The conversion conveying device can achieve matching of the number of columns of upstream and downstream battery cells, thereby improving production efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a conversion conveying device in one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of a conversion platform in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] FIG3 is an enlarged schematic diagram of point A in FIG2 ;

[0045] FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of the conversion platform shown in FIG2 from another perspective;

[0046] FIG5 is an enlarged schematic diagram of point B in FIG4 ;

[0047] FIG6 is an enlarged schematic diagram of point C in FIG4 ;

[0048] FIG7 is a schematic structural diagram of a production line in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Description of Reference Numerals

[0050] Conversion conveying device 1; frame 11; conversion platform 12; drive mechanism 121; reversing assembly 1211; screw 12111; nut 12112; power motor 1212; conveying mechanism 122; base 1221; conversion conveyor belt 1222; first shaft 1223; second shaft 1224; support seat 1225; seat body 12251; cover body 12252; mounting hole 1225a; placement groove 1225b; entry and exit groove 1225c; support plate 1226; connecting part 12261; mounting groove 12261a; supporting seat 123; drive source 13; first conveying device 2; first conveying channel 21; second conveying device 3; second conveying channel 31. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] The following embodiments of the technical solution of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the present disclosure and are therefore only examples and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0052] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0053] In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, technical terms such as "first" and "second" are only used to distinguish different objects and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number, specific order or primary and secondary relationship of the indicated technical features.

[0054] References herein to "embodiments" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments may be included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it constitute an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive of other embodiments. It is understood, both explicitly and implicitly, by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be combined with other embodiments.

[0055] The conversion conveying device 1 and the production line provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure are used to convey items, including but not limited to batteries and / or battery cells, etc.

[0056] The batteries provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be used individually. Multiple batteries can also be grouped together to form a battery pack. The batteries and battery packs can be used in, but are not limited to, electrical devices. Electrical devices include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, tablets, laptops, electric toys, power tools, vehicles, ships, or spacecraft. Spacecraft may include aircraft, rockets, space shuttles, and spacecraft.

[0057] Taking the electric device of one embodiment of the present disclosure as a vehicle as an example, the vehicle can be a fuel vehicle, a gas vehicle or a new energy vehicle. The new energy vehicle can be a pure electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle or an extended-range vehicle, etc. A battery is provided inside the vehicle, and the battery can be provided at the bottom of the vehicle or at the front or rear of the vehicle. The battery can be used to power the vehicle, for example, the battery can serve as the operating power source of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the battery can serve not only as the operating power source of the vehicle, but also as the driving power source of the vehicle, replacing or partially replacing fuel or natural gas to provide driving power for the vehicle.

[0058] The battery may be a lithium-ion battery, a sodium-lithium-ion battery, a lithium metal battery, or a lithium-sulfur battery, etc., which is not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0059] A battery includes at least one cell. A cell is the battery's energy storage component. The battery also includes a battery monitoring and management device, which monitors the cell's charge level and other parameters.

[0060] In a battery, there can be multiple cells, which can be connected in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid configuration. A hybrid configuration refers to a combination of series and parallel connections. Multiple cells can be directly connected in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid configuration. Of course, a battery can also be constructed by first connecting multiple cells in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid configuration to form a battery module, which is then connected in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid configuration to form a complete battery.

[0061] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery cell may be a secondary battery cell, which refers to a battery cell that can be recharged to activate the active material after being discharged and can be used continuously.

[0062] The battery cell may be a cylindrical battery cell, a prismatic battery cell or a battery cell of other shapes. Prismatic battery cells include square shell battery cells or polygonal prismatic battery cells, and the polygonal prismatic battery cells are, for example, hexagonal prismatic battery cells, etc., and there is no particular limitation in the present disclosure.

[0063] Exemplarily, a battery cell includes a housing, an electrode assembly, and an electrolyte, wherein the electrode assembly and the electrolyte are placed in the housing. The housing is used to encapsulate components such as the electrode assembly and the electrolyte.

[0064] For ease of description, the conversion and conveying equipment 1 and the production line provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure are described below using battery cells as an example.

[0065] During the production process, multiple rows of battery cells arranged along a first direction typically need to be conveyed synchronously. Different battery cell models may have different sizes, resulting in different spacing between adjacent rows of battery cells. Conveying equipment in related art can typically only convey two rows of battery cells with a fixed spacing. When the battery cell model needs to be changed, the conveying equipment in related art is difficult to adapt to the changed battery cell model, resulting in inconvenience in changing battery cell models during the production process.

[0066] It should be noted that a plurality of battery cells arranged along the conveying direction constitute a row of battery cells, and a plurality of rows of battery cells are arranged at intervals along the first direction, wherein the first direction, the up-down direction and the conveying direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0067] 1 to 4 , an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a conversion conveying device 1, which includes a frame 11, a conversion platform 12, and a drive source 13. The conversion platform 12 is disposed on the frame 11. The frame 11 provides support for the conversion platform 12.

[0068] Please continue to refer to Figures 1 to 4. The conversion table 12 includes a driving mechanism 121, multiple conveying mechanisms 122 and a supporting seat 123. The driving mechanism 121 and each conveying mechanism 122 are all arranged on the supporting seat 123. Each conveying mechanism 122 is used to convey a column of items, and multiple conveying mechanisms 122 are arranged along the first direction. The conveying mechanism 122 is used to convey battery cells from one workstation to another along the conveying direction. Each conveying mechanism 122 can convey a column of battery cells, wherein multiple battery cells arranged along the conveying direction are a column. Multiple conveying mechanisms 122 can convey multiple columns of battery cells. Multiple conveying mechanisms 122 are arranged in parallel along the first direction, so that multiple conveying mechanisms 122 can convey multiple columns of battery cells to move synchronously along the conveying direction.

[0069] The driving mechanism 121 includes a reversing assembly 1211 and a power motor 1212 having a power shaft. The reversing assembly 1211 connects the power shaft and each conveying mechanism 122. The power shaft rotates so that the reversing assembly 1211 drives each conveying mechanism 122 to move along a first direction.

[0070] For example, each conveying mechanism 122 moves along the first direction to change the distance along the first direction between two adjacent conveying mechanisms 122. In this way, the distance between the battery cells on each conveying mechanism 122 along the first direction can be adjusted to facilitate the conveyance of battery cells of different models.

[0071] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 1 to FIG. 4 , the driving source 13 is connected to the supporting seat 123 to drive the conversion platform 12 to move along the first direction.

[0072] The conversion conveying device 1 provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure has a reversing component 1211 for converting the rotation of the power shaft into the translation of each conveying mechanism 122 along the first direction, and the reversing component 1211 realizes the conversion of the motion mode. The reversing component 1211 connects the power shaft and each conveying mechanism 122, so that one power motor 1212 can drive all conveying mechanisms 122 to move in translation. This not only saves power motors 1212 and reduces costs, but also allows for convenient change of the distance between two adjacent conveying mechanisms 122, enabling convenient replacement of battery cells and meeting the transportation requirements of different types of battery cells. The use of the power motor 1212 to provide driving force can more accurately control the movement distance of each conveying mechanism 122 along the first direction, with high precision and simple operation, which can effectively improve production efficiency. The support seat 123 is used to support the driving mechanism 121 and each conveying mechanism 122. The driving source 13 can drive the support seat 123 to drive the driving mechanism 121 and each conveying mechanism 122 to move the same distance along the first direction at the same time.

[0073] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 1 and 2 , there are two conveying mechanisms 122. The power shaft rotates so that the reversing assembly 1211 drives the two conveying mechanisms 122 toward or away from each other in a first direction. For example, the power shaft rotates in the forward direction, causing the two conveying mechanisms 122 to move toward each other in the first direction; thereby, the distance between the two conveying mechanisms 122 decreases. The power shaft rotates in the reverse direction, causing the two conveying mechanisms 122 to move away from each other in the first direction; thereby, the distance between the two conveying mechanisms 122 increases. The two conveying mechanisms 122 convey two columns of battery cells. The two conveying mechanisms 122 move toward each other to move the two columns of battery cells toward each other, and the two conveying mechanisms 122 move away from each other to move the two columns of battery cells away from each other.

[0074] It should be noted that the forward direction and the reverse direction are two opposite directions. For example, if the forward direction is the clockwise direction, then the reverse direction is the counterclockwise direction. For another example, if the reverse direction is the clockwise direction, then the forward direction is the counterclockwise direction.

[0075] In some embodiments, the power motor 1212 may be a servo motor.

[0076] An embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a production line for producing batteries, the production line comprising the conversion and conveying device 1 according to any one of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0077] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 1 and 7 , a production line includes a first conveying device 2 and a second conveying device 3. The first conveying device 2 includes at least one first conveying channel 21. The second conveying device 3 includes multiple second conveying channels 31. The number of first conveying channels 21 is less than the number of second conveying channels 31. The first conveying device 2 and the second conveying device 3 are respectively located upstream and downstream of the conversion conveying device 1.

[0078] In this embodiment, the first conveying channel 21 and the second conveying channel 31 are both used to place and convey battery cells. Each first conveying channel 21 corresponds to a column of battery cells. Each second conveying channel 31 corresponds to a column of battery cells. During the production process, the battery cells can flow through the first conveying device 2, the conversion conveying device 1, and the second conveying device 3 in sequence, or the battery cells can flow through the second conveying device 3, the conversion conveying device 1, and the first conveying device 2 in sequence. The number of first conveying channels 21 is less than the number of second conveying channels 31, that is, the number of columns of battery cells conveyed by the first conveying device 2 is less than the number of columns of battery cells conveyed by the second conveying device 3. The conversion conveying device 1 can achieve matching of the number of upstream and downstream battery cell columns, thereby improving production efficiency.

[0079] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 2 and 3 , the reversing assembly 1211 includes a lead screw 12111 and multiple nuts 12112. The lead screw 12111 is connected to the power shaft, and each nut 12112 is connected to a conveying mechanism 122. The lead screw 12111 and the nut 12112 are threadedly engaged. The lead screw 12111 rotates, driving the nut 12112 to move the corresponding conveying mechanism 122 in a first direction. Using the lead screw 12111 and nut 12112, the power motor 1212 can drive the conveying mechanism 122 to perform reciprocating linear motion in the first direction efficiently and stably.

[0080] In one embodiment, the threads of at least two nuts 12112 are in opposite directions. For example, in some embodiments, the threads of two adjacent nuts 12112 along a first direction are in opposite directions. The opposite thread directions of the two nuts 12112 allow the two nuts 12112 to move on opposite sides of the first direction, driving at least two conveying mechanisms 122 to move on opposite sides of the first direction. In this way, the movement direction of the conveying mechanism 122 connected to the corresponding nut 12112 can be changed by changing the thread direction of the nut 12112, thereby enabling a single lead screw 12111 to drive multiple conveying mechanisms 122 to move toward or away from each other along the first direction.

[0081] For example, in one embodiment, the lead screw 12111 includes a plurality of rod segments connected in sequence along a first direction, each rod segment being formed with an external thread adapted to fit a nut 12112. If the threads of at least two nuts 12112 are in opposite directions, then the external threads of at least two rod segments are in opposite directions.

[0082] In some embodiments, multiple rod segments can be integrally formed to form the lead screw 12111. That is, the lead screw 12111 can be an integrally formed structure, and multiple external threads of different rotation directions can be formed on the integrally formed lead screw 12111. In other embodiments, multiple rod segments can be welded to form the lead screw 12111. In this way, each rod segment can be manufactured independently.

[0083] 2 and 3 , the lead screw 12111 is located below the conveying mechanism 122 . This design prevents the lead screw 12111 from interfering with the movement of the battery cells above the conveying mechanism 122 .

[0084] The specific type of the screw 12111 is not limited, and the screw 12111 can be a ball screw.

[0085] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 2 to 4 , the power motor 1212 is located on one side of the conveying mechanism 122 along a first direction. For example, nuts 12112 are disposed at the bottom of the conveying mechanism 122. A lead screw 12111 extends along the first direction and sequentially passes through all of the nuts 12112. One end of the lead screw 12111 along the first direction is connected to the power shaft. This allows the power motor 1212 to not occupy vertical space within the conversion and conveying device 1, thereby avoiding increasing the overall height of the conversion and conveying device 1.

[0086] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 2 to 6 , the conveying mechanism 122 includes a base 1221, a conversion conveyor belt 1222, a first shaft 1223, a second shaft 1224, and two support bases 1225. Exemplarily, a nut 12112 is connected to the base 1221. For example, the nut 12112 is disposed at the bottom of the base 1221.

[0087] The conversion conveyor belt 1222 is annular in structure, and the inner space enclosed by the conversion conveyor belt 1222 is an annular space. The conversion conveyor belt 1222 is used to place the battery cells and drive the battery cells to move along the conveying direction.

[0088] The first shaft 1223 is disposed within the annular space of the transfer conveyor belt 1222. The second shaft 1224 is disposed within the annular space of the transfer conveyor belt 1222. The first shaft 1223 and the second shaft 1224 are located at opposite ends of the transfer conveyor belt 1222 along the conveying direction. The first shaft 1223 and the second shaft 1224 drive the transfer conveyor belt 1222 to rotate, thereby moving the battery cells on the transfer conveyor belt 1222 from one station to another along the conveying direction.

[0089] Two support seats 1225 are provided on the base 1221, and are respectively located on both sides of the conversion conveyor belt 1222 along the first direction. The shaft ends of the first shaft 1223 and the support seats 1225 are detachably connected. The shaft ends of the second shaft 1224 and the support seats 1225 are detachably connected.

[0090] In this embodiment, if the conversion conveyor belt 1222 needs to be maintained or replaced, the first shaft 1223 and the second shaft 1224 can be removed from the support base 1225, and the conversion conveyor belt 1222 can be pulled out from the first shaft 1223 and the second shaft 1224 to complete the disassembly of the conversion conveyor belt 1222. If the conversion conveyor belt 1222 needs to be assembled to the base 1221, the first shaft 1223 and the second shaft 1224 can be inserted into the annular space and then mounted to the support base 1225 to complete the installation of the conversion conveyor belt 1222. In this way, the conversion conveyor belt 1222 can be easily disassembled by removing the first shaft 1223 and the second shaft 1224 without removing the support base 1225 from the base 1221, thereby reducing the difficulty of maintenance and replacement of the conversion conveyor belt 1222.

[0091] The shape of the annular space defined by the conversion conveyor belt 1222 is not limited. For example, with the plane perpendicular to the first direction as the projection surface, the projection shape of the annular space defined by the conversion conveyor belt 1222 is a waist circle.

[0092] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 4 and 5 , the support base 1225 includes a detachably connected base body 12251 and a cover body 12252. The base body 12251 and the cover body 12252 together define a mounting hole 1225a, within which the end of the first shaft 1223 is received. The wall of the mounting hole 1225a prevents the end of the first shaft 1223 from disengaging from the support base 1225, thereby detachably connecting the end of the first shaft 1223 to the support base 1225. The base body 12251 and the cover body 12252 are separate structures. To remove the first shaft 1223, the cover body 12252 can be removed from the base body 12251, allowing for easy and convenient removal.

[0093] The detachable connection between the cover body 12252 and the base body 12251 includes, but is not limited to, screw connection or bolt connection.

[0094] In one embodiment, both the base 12251 and the cover 12252 are formed with open slots. The open slots of the base 12251 and the open slots of the cover 12252 are joined to form the mounting hole 1225a. In other words, the ends of the first shaft 1223 are located within the two open slots, and the base 12251 and the cover 12252 jointly clamp the ends of the first shaft 1223. To remove the first shaft 1223, the cover 12252 can be removed from the base 12251, and the first shaft 1223 can be removed from the open slots of the base 12251.

[0095] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 4 and 5 , the cover 12252 is positioned above the base 12251. For example, the opening of the opening slot of the base 12251 faces upward, while the opening of the opening slot of the cover 12252 faces downward. After the cover 12252 is removed, the end of the first shaft 1223 can be positioned within the opening slot of the base 12251 below. This eliminates the need for the operator to manually support the first shaft 1223 during disassembly, reducing the difficulty of the operation.

[0096] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 4 and 6 , the support base 1225 is formed with a placement slot 1225b and an entry / exit slot 1225c. The placement slot 1225b extends along the conveying direction, while the entry / exit slot 1225c extends upward from the placement slot 1225b and penetrates the upper end surface of the support base 1225. The axial end of the second shaft 1224 is accommodated in the placement slot 1225b. The lower end of the entry / exit slot 1225c is connected to the placement slot 1225b, allowing the axial end of the second shaft 1224 to enter or exit the placement slot 1225b along the entry / exit slot 1225c.

[0097] In this embodiment, the wall of placement slot 1225b restricts the end of second shaft 1224 from disengaging from placement slot 1225b, thereby detachably connecting the end of second shaft 1224 to support base 1225. To remove second shaft 1224, the end of second shaft 1224 can be removed through the upward-facing opening of access slot 1225c. To reassemble the end of second shaft 1224 to support base 1225, the end of second shaft 1224 can be inserted into placement slot 1225b through the upward-facing opening of access slot 1225c, making this operation simple and convenient.

[0098] In one embodiment, the conversion conveyor device 1 includes a tensioning screw that is threadedly engaged with the base 1221. The tensioning screw is located on one side of the second shaft 1224 along the conveying direction, and the tensioning screw tightens or releases the second shaft 1224. Specifically, the axis of the tensioning screw extends along the conveying direction, and the tensioning screw rotates relative to the base 1221 to move closer to or further away from the second shaft 1224. The tensioning screw is used to lock the second shaft 1224 into the placement slot 1225b, thereby tensioning the conversion conveyor belt 1222. For example, the tensioning screw can be rotated away from the second shaft 1224, thereby releasing the second shaft 1224 and allowing it to be removed through the upward opening of the access slot 1225c, placing the transfer conveyor belt 1222 in a relaxed state. Alternatively, the tensioning screw can be rotated closer to and abut the second shaft 1224, preventing the second shaft 1224 from moving within the placement slot 1225b, placing the transfer conveyor belt 1222 in a tensioned state. Adjusting the second shaft 1224 with the tensioning screw tightens or loosens the transfer conveyor belt 1222. The tensioning screw has a simple structure and is easy to operate.

[0099] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 2 to 6 , the conveying mechanism 122 includes a horizontally positioned support plate 1226, which is disposed within the annular space of the transfer conveyor belt 1222. A portion of the support plate 1226 protrudes from the transfer conveyor belt 1222 in a first direction to form a connecting portion 12261. Fasteners are detachably disposed vertically between the connecting portion 12261 and the base 1221. In other words, the projection of the connecting portion 12261 on a horizontal plane is located to one side of the projection of the transfer conveyor belt 1222 on the horizontal plane in the first direction.

[0100] In this embodiment, the support plate 1226 serves to support the conversion conveyor belt 1222. The support plate 1226 is detachably connected to the base 1221 via fasteners, so that when the conversion conveyor belt 1222 needs to be disassembled, the fasteners can be removed from the top and bottom directions to avoid interference with other structures. This facilitates operation. First, the support plate 1226 is disassembled and removed from the annular space, and then the first shaft 1223 and the second shaft 1224 are disassembled and the conversion conveyor belt 1222 is removed from the first shaft 1223 and the second shaft 1224, thereby preventing the support plate 1226 from interfering with the quick disassembly and assembly of the conversion conveyor belt 1222.

[0101] Types of fasteners include, but are not limited to, screws or bolts.

[0102] Exemplarily, in one embodiment, referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 , the connecting portion 12261 is formed with a mounting groove 12261 a , the mounting groove 12261 a passes through the outer periphery of the connecting portion 12261 , and the fastener is passed through the mounting groove 12261 a .

[0103] For example, the first shaft 1223 can be driven to rotate by a conveying motor, thereby driving the conversion conveyor belt 1222 to rotate. The first conveying device 2 includes a first conveyor belt, and each first conveyor belt can correspond to at least one first conveying channel 21. The second conveying device 3 includes a second conveyor belt, and each second conveyor belt can correspond to at least one second conveying channel 31. The principle of conveying battery cells by the first and second conveyor belts can be the same as the principle of conveying battery cells by the conversion conveyor belt 1222. For example, a driving shaft and a driven shaft are respectively provided at both ends of the first conveyor belt along the conveying direction, and the driving shaft is driven to rotate by the conveying motor to rotate the first conveyor belt. The principle and structure of the rotation of the second conveyor belt can be the same as that of the first conveyor belt.

[0104] Exemplarily, in one embodiment, each first conveyor belt corresponds to two first conveying channels 21. That is, each first conveyor belt drives two rows of battery cells to move synchronously.

[0105] Exemplarily, in one embodiment, each second conveyor belt corresponds to two second conveying channels 31. That is, each second conveyor belt drives two rows of battery cells to move synchronously.

[0106] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 1-4 , the drive source 13 is connected to a support 123 to drive the conversion platform 12 to move in a first direction. The support 123 supports the drive mechanism 121 and the conveying mechanisms 122. The drive source 13 can drive the support 123 to simultaneously move the drive mechanism 121 and the conveying mechanisms 122 in the first direction. This facilitates the conversion and conveying apparatus 1 to accommodate different numbers of first and second conveying channels 21 and 31 upstream and downstream.

[0107] For example, in one embodiment, the number of first conveying channels 21 and the number of conversion conveyor belts 1222 are both M. The number of second conveying channels 31 is K times the number of conversion conveyor belts 1222. The second conveying device 3 includes K conveyor motors, each of which drives M second conveying channels 31. M and K are both positive integers not less than 2. The M first conveying channels 21 can convey M rows of battery cells. The M conversion conveyor belts 1222 can convey M rows of battery cells. M*K second conveying channels 31 can convey M*K rows of battery cells.

[0108] In this embodiment, M conversion conveyor belts 1222 can be used to achieve the conversion of different numbers of channels between M first conveying channels 21 and M*K second conveying channels 31. Taking the first conveying device 2 located upstream and the second conveying device 3 located downstream as an example, M columns of battery cells from M first conveying channels 21 enter the M conversion conveyor belts 1222. The drive source 13 drives the conversion platform 12 to move in the first direction, and the M conversion conveyor belts 1222 move together along the first direction, which can change the position of the M conversion conveyor belts 1222 in the first direction, thereby aligning different second conveying channels 31. In this way, the M conversion conveyor belts 1222 transport M*K columns of battery cells in batches to M*K second conveying channels 31 in K batches, completing the pairing between the conversion conveyor belts 1222 and the second conveying channels 31. The M*K second conveying channels 31 then synchronously transport the M*K columns of battery cells to other downstream equipment. In this way, the conversion conveyor belts 1222 can achieve the conversion of different numbers of channels, thereby improving production capacity.

[0109] Referring to Figures 1, 2, and 7, assuming that M and K are both 2, the number of first conveying channels 21 and the number of transfer conveyor belts 1222 are both 2, and the number of second conveying channels 31 is 4. The second conveying device 3 includes two conveying motors, each of which drives the rotation of two second conveying channels 31. The first conveying device 2 is located upstream, and the second conveying device 3 is located downstream. Two columns of battery cells from the two first conveying channels 21 enter the two transfer conveyor belts 1222. The drive source 13 drives the transfer platform 12 to move in the first direction, and the two transfer conveyor belts 1222 move together in the first direction, which can change the position of the two transfer conveyor belts 1222 in the first direction, thereby aligning them with different second conveying channels 31. In this way, the two transfer conveyor belts 1222 transport the four columns of battery cells in batches to the four second conveying channels 31 in two batches, completing the pairing between the two transfer conveyor belts 1222 and the four second conveying channels 31. The four second conveying channels 31 then synchronously transport the four columns of battery cells to other equipment downstream. In this way, the transition between 2 and 4 channels can be achieved through the 2 conversion conveyor belts 1222, thereby improving the efficiency of the production line.

[0110] In one embodiment, the drive source 13 is a linear motor. This linear motor can drive the transfer platform 12 to perform linear reciprocating motion along a first direction, efficiently and reliably changing the position of the transfer platform 12 along the first direction, thereby changing the positions of all conveying mechanisms 122 along the first direction. Linear motors offer high precision and efficiency. A controller can be used to control the linear motor's operation to drive the transfer platform 12 to a set position, resulting in a high degree of automation.

[0111] Exemplarily, in one embodiment, the conversion conveying device 1 includes a controller, the conversion platform 12 includes a plurality of position detection members and a plurality of sensing members, each conveying mechanism 122 is provided with a sensing member, and the plurality of position detection members are spaced apart along the first direction on the supporting seat 123. The position detection member is used to sense the sensing member to obtain the position information of the conveying mechanism 122. For example, there are two conveying mechanisms 122 and two sensing members, and the number of position detection members is five. Specifically, the power motor 1212 and the position detection member are both electrically connected to the controller, the sensing member reaches a corresponding position detection member, the position detection member generates position information, and the controller controls the power motor 1212 to operate according to the position information. The present disclosure adopts a power motor 1212. When it is necessary to adjust the distance between two adjacent conveying mechanisms 122 for different types of battery cells, the position of at least one position detection component in the first direction can be adjusted to adapt to different types of battery cells, thereby reducing the difficulty of changing the conveying equipment 1 when the battery cell is changed. The accuracy is relatively high, and there is no need to set a limit tooling to limit the moving distance of the conveying mechanism 122 along the first direction. The problem of insufficient accuracy of the conveying mechanism 122 after the distance change due to insufficient accuracy of the limit tooling will not occur.

[0112] The position detection element includes but is not limited to a slot-type photoelectric sensor.

[0113] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present disclosure, rather than to limit them. Although the present disclosure has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some or all of the technical features therein. These modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular, as long as there is no structural conflict, the various technical features mentioned in the various embodiments can be combined in any way.

Claims

1. A conversion and conveying device, comprising: A frame; A conversion table, arranged on the frame, the conversion table includes a driving mechanism, a supporting seat and a plurality of conveying mechanisms, the driving mechanism and each of the conveying mechanisms are arranged on the supporting seat, each conveying mechanism is used for conveying a row of articles, the plurality of conveying mechanisms are arranged in a first direction, the driving mechanism includes a commutation component and a power motor with a power shaft, the commutation component connects the power shaft and each of the conveying mechanisms; the power shaft rotates to enable the commutation component to drive each of the conveying mechanisms to move in the first direction, and each of the conveying mechanisms moves in the first direction to change the distance between two adjacent conveying mechanisms in the first direction, wherein the first direction, the up-down direction and the conveying direction are perpendicular to each other; A driving source, connected to the supporting seat to drive the conversion table to move in the first direction.

2. The conversion and conveying device according to claim 1, wherein, The commutation component includes a lead screw and a plurality of nuts, the lead screw is connected to the power shaft, each nut is connected to a conveying mechanism, and the lead screw is in threaded cooperation with the nuts.

3. The conversion and conveying device according to claim 2, wherein, The thread directions of at least two of the nuts are opposite.

4. The conversion and conveying device according to claim 3, wherein, The lead screw includes a plurality of rod segments connected in sequence in the first direction, each rod segment is formed with an external thread adapted to a nut, and the external thread directions of at least two of the rod segments are opposite.

5. The conversion and conveying device according to claim 4, wherein, The plurality of rod segments are integrally formed to form the lead screw.

6. The conversion and conveying device according to claim 4, wherein, The plurality of rod segments can be welded to form the lead screw.

7. The conversion and conveying device according to claim 2, wherein, The lead screw is located below the conveying mechanism.

8. The conversion and conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The power motor is located on one side of the conveying mechanism in the first direction.

9. The conversion and conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The conveying mechanism includes: A base; A conversion conveyor belt; A first shaft, passing through the annular space of the conversion conveyor belt; A second shaft, passing through the annular space of the conversion conveyor belt, the first shaft and the second shaft are respectively located at both ends of the conversion conveyor belt in the conveying direction; Two supporting seats, arranged on the base, the two supporting seats are respectively located on both sides of the conversion conveyor belt in the first direction, the shaft end of the first shaft is detachably connected to the supporting seat, and the shaft end of the second shaft is detachably connected to the supporting seat.

10. The conversion and conveying device according to claim 9, wherein, The supporting seat includes a seat body and a cover body that are detachably connected, the seat body and the cover body jointly define an installation hole, and the shaft end of the first shaft is accommodated in the installation hole.

11. The conversion conveying device according to claim 10, wherein, The cover body is located above the seat body.

12. The conversion and conveying device according to claim 9, wherein, The supporting seat is formed with a placement groove and an access groove, the placement groove extends in the conveying direction, the access groove extends upward from the placement groove and penetrates the upper end surface of the supporting seat, and the shaft end of the second shaft is accommodated in the placement groove.

13. The conversion and conveying device according to claim 9, wherein, The conversion and conveying device includes a tensioning screw, the tensioning screw is in threaded cooperation with the base, the tensioning screw is located on one side of the second shaft in the conveying direction, and the tensioning screw abuts against or releases the second shaft.

14. The conversion and conveying device according to claim 9, wherein, The conveying mechanism includes a horizontally placed support plate, the support plate passes through the annular space of the conversion conveyor belt, a part of the support plate protrudes from the conversion conveyor belt in the first direction to form a connecting portion, and a fastener is detachably passed through the connecting portion and the base in the up-down direction.

15. The conversion and conveying device according to claim 14, wherein, The connecting portion is formed with a mounting groove, the mounting groove penetrates through the outer peripheral edge of the connecting portion, and the fastener is disposed through the mounting groove.

16. The conversion and conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein, The driving source is a linear motor.

17. The conversion and conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein, The number of the conveying mechanisms is two, and the power shaft rotates to enable the commutation assembly to drive the two conveying mechanisms to approach or move away from each other in the first direction.

18. The conversion and conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein, The conversion conveying device includes a controller, the conversion table includes a plurality of position detectors and a plurality of sensors, one of the sensors is disposed on each of the conveying mechanisms, the plurality of position detectors are spaced along the first direction on the supporting seat, and the position detectors are used for sensing the sensors to obtain the position information of the conveying mechanisms.

19. A production line for producing batteries, comprising the conversion conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

20. The production line according to claim 11, wherein, Comprising: A first conveying device including at least one first conveying channel; A second conveying device including a plurality of second conveying channels, the number of the first conveying channels being less than the number of the second conveying channels, and the first conveying device and the second conveying device are respectively located upstream and downstream of the conversion conveying device.

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