Feeding device, feeding method and battery production line

Abstract

A feeding device, comprising a frame (100), a feeding tray (200) and a fool-proof mechanism (300). The frame comprises a base (110); the feeding tray is arranged on the base and can move in a first horizontal direction relative to the base, the feeding tray comprises a plurality of feeding positions (210), at least two feeding positions bearing workpieces of different specifications; and the fool-proof mechanism is arranged corresponding to at least one feeding position on the feeding tray, and is configured to limit the specifications of the workpiece borne by said feeding position. By means of the provision of the fool-proof mechanism, more accurate feeding can be achieved, and the feeding efficiency is improved. Further disclosed are a battery production line (1) comprising the feeding device and a feeding method using the feeding device.

Description

Feeding device, feeding method and battery production line

[0001] Cross-references

[0002] This application refers to Chinese patent application No. 202410183261.5 filed on February 19, 2024, entitled “Loading device, loading method and battery production line”, which is incorporated into this application in its entirety by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a loading device, a loading method and a battery production line. Background Art

[0004] Energy conservation and emission reduction are key to the sustainable development of the automotive industry. Electric vehicles, due to their energy-saving and environmentally friendly advantages, have become an important component of the sustainable development of the automotive industry. For electric vehicles, battery technology is a key factor in their development.

[0005] For large battery packs, such as energy storage batteries, it is often necessary to build a building frame to place the batteries. This requires providing a large number of workpieces with different specifications. Due to the large number of workpieces involved and the similar structural dimensions of some workpieces, loading confusion or errors may occur when multiple workpieces are loaded at the same time, which in turn affects the subsequent installation efficiency.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present application aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the background technology. To this end, one object of the present application is to provide a loading device, a loading method and a battery production line to improve the accuracy of loading.

[0008] An embodiment of a first aspect of the present application provides a loading device comprising a frame, a loading tray, and a foolproof mechanism. The frame comprises a base; the loading tray is disposed on the base and is movable relative to the base in a first horizontal direction; the loading tray comprises multiple loading positions, at least two of which carry workpieces of different specifications; the foolproof mechanism is located at at least one end of the loading tray along the first direction, and is configured to limit the specifications of the workpieces carried by the multiple loading positions.

[0009] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, by setting up an anti-fool mechanism, the specifications of the workpieces at each loading position can be limited, and the workpieces that do not meet the preset specifications of the loading position can be identified, so that the correct workpieces can be loaded through the loading position corresponding to them. To a certain extent, the loading confusion when multiple workpieces are loaded at the same time can be avoided, and the accuracy and efficiency of loading workpieces of multiple specifications at the same time can be improved.

[0010] In some embodiments, the foolproof mechanism includes multiple size limiters corresponding to the multiple loading positions. The size limiters are used to limit the size of the workpiece located at the loading position along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Thus, by providing the size limiters, workpieces can be distinguished and screened based on their size differences, improving the consistency and accuracy of workpiece loading dimensions and achieving higher reliability.

[0011] In some embodiments, the size limiter includes a stopper, and the second direction is the vertical direction. The stopper is located directly above the movement path of the workpiece at the corresponding loading position. Thus, the stopper limits the height of different workpieces, reducing the number of components required for size limiter and, to a certain extent, simplifying the size limiter structure.

[0012] In some embodiments, the stopper is fixedly connected to the frame in a vertically adjustable manner. Thus, by configuring the connection between the stopper and the frame to be vertically adjustable, adjustments can be made more conveniently based on the size of the workpiece at the corresponding loading position, resulting in more flexible workpiece loading and a wider range of applications.

[0013] In some embodiments, the size limiter includes a touch sensor, which includes a contact component and a contact switch. The contact component is movably connected to the frame and can rotate around the connection point with the frame under the action of an external force. The contact switch is constructed to send a touch signal according to the position of the contact component relative to the connection point. In the case where the two workpieces have similar heights, the erroneous workpiece will push the touch sensor to rotate a certain angle and send a touch signal when it reaches the discharge port, thereby preventing the erroneous workpiece of similar height from being violently pushed in. Therefore, the touch sensor is selected as the size limiter, which can realize the distinction and screening of different workpieces according to their heights. The touch sensor triggers an electrical signal based on the structural characteristics of the erroneous workpiece, and then limits the size specifications of the workpiece. The detection accuracy and efficiency are high, and it can promptly feedback to the feeding device whether there is a feeding error, which is conducive to the electrification of the feeding device.

[0014] In some embodiments, the size limiter also includes a limit block. The limit block and the touch sensor are simultaneously located directly above the movement path of the same loading position relative to the base, and the minimum height of the limit block is lower than the minimum height of the touch sensor. Therefore, by providing both the limit block and the touch sensor, it is possible to prevent discharge errors of the loading device to a certain extent, further improving the reliability of the loading device.

[0015] In some embodiments, the foolproofing mechanism further includes a feature detection unit located at the end of the loading station along the first direction. The feature detection unit is configured to detect whether the shape features of the workpieces at the loading station are consistent. Thus, by providing the feature detection unit, it is possible to detect whether the shape of the workpieces at the loading station conforms to the specification requirements from another dimension, thereby promptly detecting abnormal and erroneous workpieces, and further improving the reliability of the loading device.

[0016] In some embodiments, the feature detection unit includes a first transmitter and a first receiver. The first transmitter is configured to emit a first detection signal directed toward a predetermined edge position of a workpiece at an upward material level, and the first receiver is configured to receive the first detection signal. Thus, by selecting the feature detection unit as a signal transmitter and a signal receiver, real-time detection of workpiece features is possible with high accuracy and reliability, thereby reducing, to a certain extent, possible false positives or missed negatives that may occur during feature detection.

[0017] In some embodiments, the feature detection unit further includes a first reflector for reflecting the first detection signal, the first transmitter and the first receiver are both located at one end of the loading position along the first direction, and the first reflector is located at the other end of the loading position along the first direction. Thus, by further providing the first reflector, it is possible to efficiently determine that all workpieces on the loading position have consistent shape features at that location, thereby improving the efficiency and accuracy of feature detection.

[0018] In some embodiments, the foolproof mechanism further includes a fixed seat having a slot for engaging with the workpiece. At least one fixed seat is provided at each loading position, and the slots of the fixed seats at the same loading position have the same dimensions. Thus, by differentiating the interface between the fixed seat and the workpiece, it is possible to prevent the incorrect workpiece from being placed in the wrong loading position, thereby further improving the reliability of the loading device.

[0019] In some embodiments, the loading device further includes a material shortage detection unit, located at an end of the loading position along the first direction, for detecting whether the loading position is short of material. Thus, by providing the material shortage detection unit, it is possible to promptly detect a shortage of workpieces and promptly prompt the replenishment of the missing workpieces, thereby facilitating the continuous operation of the production line and improving production efficiency.

[0020] In some embodiments, the material shortage detection unit includes a second transmitter and a second receiver. The second transmitter is configured to emit a second detection signal directed toward the location of the workpiece at the upper material level, and the second receiver is configured to receive the second detection signal. Thus, by selecting the signal transmitter and signal receiver as the form of the material shortage detection unit, the characteristics of the workpiece can be detected in real time with high accuracy and reliability, thereby reducing the possibility of false positives or missed positives during material shortage detection.

[0021] In some embodiments, the material shortage detection unit further includes a reflecting portion for reflecting a second detection signal; wherein the second transmitting portion and the second receiving portion are both located at one end of the loading position along the first direction, and the second reflecting portion is located at the other end of the loading position along the first direction. Thus, when the second receiving portion receives the second detection signal reflected by the second reflecting portion, it indicates that there are no workpieces at the loading position that can block the second detection signal, thereby efficiently determining that the number of workpieces at the loading position is zero, thereby improving the efficiency of material shortage detection.

[0022] In some embodiments, the loading tray can be positioned in a pushed-in state, directly above the base, and in a pulled-out state, in which it moves in a first direction and is at least partially offset from the base. The loading device further includes a position sensor fixedly connected to the base and configured to detect the state of the loading tray. Thus, when the loading tray is in the pulled-out state, the space surrounding the loading tray is relatively open, facilitating the addition of workpieces to the loading tray. Furthermore, the loading device is provided with a position sensor that detects the state of the loading tray, thereby enabling the loading device to detect the position of the loading tray and facilitate corresponding operations.

[0023] In some embodiments, the position sensor includes a first proximity switch and a second proximity switch, each located at opposite ends of the base along a first direction. Thus, by selecting two proximity switches as the position sensor, the proximity switches can determine the position of the loading tray without contacting the loading tray. This prevents wear of the proximity switches, provides high stability and reliability, and enables long-term stable operation, reducing maintenance and replacement frequency.

[0024] The second aspect of the present application provides a battery production line, comprising the loading device of the aforementioned embodiment and an alarm unit connected to the loading device signal. The alarm unit is configured to issue an alarm signal in response to an abnormal state of the loading device; the abnormal state includes one or more of an abnormal position of the loading position, an error in loading indicated by the anti-mistake mechanism, and a shortage of material at the loading position. Thus, by providing the alarm unit, operators can be promptly informed of abnormal conditions of the loading device, thereby facilitating continuous operation of the production line and improving production efficiency.

[0025] A third aspect of the present application provides a loading method, comprising pre-adjusting a foolproof mechanism of a loading device according to the specifications of the workpiece; wherein the loading device is the loading device of the aforementioned embodiment; moving a loading tray out of a base in a first direction, placing the workpiece in a loading position of the loading tray, and then moving the loading tray back into the base. Thus, through the above steps, workpieces of different specifications can be accurately provided to the loading device, and the foolproof mechanism can then determine whether a loading error has occurred.

[0026] In some embodiments, the loading method further includes, in response to an indication of a loading error by the foolproofing mechanism of the loading device, moving the loading tray back out of the base in the first direction, replacing the incorrect workpiece on the loading tray with a correct workpiece, and then returning the loading tray to the base. In this way, the occurrence of a loading error can be efficiently detected, preventing the incorrect workpiece from entering the subsequent production or assembly process.

[0027] In some embodiments, the loading method also includes transferring the workpiece in the loading device to a preset position in response to the anti-foolproof mechanism of the loading device indicating that the loading is correct; and detecting whether the loading position is short of material, and in response to the lack of material at the loading position, replenishing the upper position with workpieces of corresponding specifications.

[0028] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of the present application. In order to more clearly understand the technical means of the present application, it can be implemented in accordance with the contents of the specification. In order to make the above and other purposes, features and advantages of the present application more obvious and easy to understand, the specific implementation methods of the present application are listed below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] In the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals throughout the multiple drawings represent the same or similar parts or elements. These drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. It should be understood that these drawings only depict some embodiments disclosed in the present application and should not be regarded as limiting the scope of the present application. In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the drawings required for use in the embodiments of the present application will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the drawings without paying creative work.

[0030] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a loading device according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0031] FIG2 is a front view of a loading device according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0032] FIG3 is a side view of a loading device according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0033] FIG4 is a top view of a loading device according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0034] FIG5 is a structural block diagram of a battery production line according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0035] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a loading method according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0036] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of the loading process of some embodiments of the present application.

[0037] Explanation of the accompanying drawings: Battery production line 1, loading device 10, workpiece 20, alarm unit 30; Frame 100, base 110; Loading tray 200, loading position 210; Anti-fool mechanism 300, size limiter 310, limit block 311, touch sensor 312, contact component 3121, contact switch 3122, feature detection unit 320, first transmitting part 321, first receiving part 322, first reflecting part 323, fixing seat 330, card slot 331, material shortage detection unit 340, second transmitting part 341, second receiving part 342, second reflecting part 343, position sensor 350, first proximity switch 351, second proximity switch 352; Loading method 500; First direction D1, second direction D2, third direction D3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The following embodiments of the technical solution of the present application will be 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 application and are therefore only examples and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application.

[0039] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this application belongs; the terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application; the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof in the specification and claims of this application and the above-mentioned figure descriptions are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions.

[0040] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the technical terms "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish different objects and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or implicitly specify the quantity, specific order, or primary and secondary relationship of the indicated technical features. In the description of the embodiments of this application, the meaning of "plurality" is more than two, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0041] 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 application. 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.

[0042] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the term "and / or" is simply a description of the association relationship between associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent the following three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the associated objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0043] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the term "multiple" refers to more than two (including two). Similarly, "multiple groups" refers to more than two groups (including two groups), and "multiple pieces" refers to more than two pieces (including two pieces).

[0044] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the technical terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or position relationship, are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the embodiments of the present application.

[0045] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, technical terms such as "installed," "connected," "connected," and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integration; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; internal connections between two components or interactions between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present application based on specific circumstances.

[0046] Currently, market developments indicate that power batteries are becoming increasingly widely used. They are not only used in energy storage systems such as hydropower, thermal, wind, and solar power plants, but are also widely used in electric vehicles like electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, and electric vehicles, as well as in military equipment and aerospace. As power battery applications continue to expand, market demand is also growing.

[0047] In the process of building the building frame to support the battery, a large number of parts need to be installed, and the specifications are various. The structural dimensions of some components may be very similar. When multiple workpieces of different specifications are loaded at the same time, loading confusion or errors may occur.

[0048] In order to solve the above problems, an embodiment of the present application proposes a loading device, which provides a plurality of loading positions for carrying different specifications, and an anti-fool mechanism for limiting the specifications of workpieces carried by the plurality of loading positions in the loading device. The anti-fool mechanism is used to respectively limit the specifications of workpieces carried by the plurality of loading positions. In this way, the simultaneous loading of workpieces of various specifications can be achieved, and the occurrence of loading confusion or errors in this process can be reduced, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of loading.

[0049] The loading device disclosed in the embodiment of the present application can be used in various scenarios of loading workpieces of multiple specifications, including but not limited to loading energy storage battery support frames.

[0050] Please refer to Figure 1, which is a schematic diagram of a loading device according to some embodiments of the present application. The loading device 10 includes a frame 100, a loading tray 200, and an anti-fool mechanism 300. The frame 100 includes a base 110. The loading tray 200 is arranged on the base 110 and can move relative to the base 110 along a horizontal first direction D1. The loading tray 200 includes a plurality of loading positions 210, and the specifications of the workpieces 20 carried by at least two loading positions 210 are different. The anti-fool mechanism 300 is arranged corresponding to at least one loading position on the loading tray 200, and the anti-fool mechanism 300 is used to respectively limit the specifications of the workpieces 20 carried by the loading positions 210.

[0051] The frame 100 serves as the basic support structure for the entire loading device 10, providing structural support and mounting locations for various components. The surface of the base 110 is generally rectangular, providing a generally flat mounting surface for the loading tray 200. The width of the base 110 is a first direction D1, and the length of the base 110 is a third direction D3. The frame 100 may also include structures for supporting or mounting other components. These structures may be integrally connected to the base 110 or completely separate and independently arranged from the base 110, thereby meeting the installation or support requirements of different components.

[0052] The loading tray 200 is arranged above the base 110 and is movably connected to the base 110. The loading tray 200 can move forward and backward relative to the base 110 along the first direction D1, so that the loading device 10 can push the workpiece 20 to be loaded along the first direction D1, completing the loading process of the workpiece 20. In some embodiments, the movably connected between the loading tray 200 and the base 110 is achieved through a slide groove or a slide rail, thereby increasing the smoothness of the forward and backward movement of the loading tray 200 and reducing the up and down bumps on the surface of the loading tray 200. In some embodiments, the movably connected between the loading tray 200 and the base 110 is achieved through a sliding screw, so that the forward and backward displacement of the loading tray 200 can be more accurately controlled. It can be understood that the present application does not impose any specific restrictions on the specific manner of the movably connected between the loading tray 200 and the base 110.

[0053] There can be one or more loading trays 200, for example, multiple loading trays 200 arranged side by side along the third direction D3. Each loading tray 200 can be provided with multiple loading positions 210, wherein at least two loading positions 210 carry workpieces 20 of different specifications, thereby enabling simultaneous loading of workpieces of various specifications.

[0054] The workpiece 20 can be of any type, such as angle steel. The specifications of the workpiece 20 refer to the structural form and size of the workpiece. The slot structure of the fixed seat of the loading position 210 corresponding to workpieces 20 of different specifications is different. In some embodiments, the number of loading positions 210 can be the same as the number of specifications of the workpiece 20.

[0055] The foolproofing mechanism 300 is located at one end of the loading tray 200 along the first direction D1. In some embodiments, the loading position 210 has an inlet end and an outlet end along the first direction D1, respectively. The loading tray 200 can move along the first direction D1 toward the inlet end to facilitate placement of workpieces 20 on the mounting base corresponding to the loading position 210. Once the mounting base of the loading position 210 is filled with workpieces, the loading tray 200 is moved above the base 110 and removed from the outlet end. The foolproofing mechanism 300 can be located at the inlet end. This allows foolproofing of workpieces on the loading position 210 during the loading and unloading process, limiting the specifications of workpieces entering the corresponding loading position 210. In other embodiments, the loading and unloading ends of the loading station 210 are located at the same end along the first direction D1, and the foolproof mechanism 300 is also located at this end. This allows the specifications or geometric dimensions of the workpieces 20 loaded by the loading station 210 to be limited, promptly identifying workpieces with incorrect specifications and ensuring the correct loading of workpieces of different specifications. The foolproof mechanism 300 can be fixedly connected to the frame 100 or fixedly connected to another structure, as long as it can limit the specifications of the workpieces loaded on the loading station 210.

[0056] Therefore, by setting up the anti-fool mechanism 300, the specifications of the workpieces at each loading position 210 can be limited, and the workpieces that do not meet the preset specifications of the loading position 210 can be identified, so that the correct workpieces can be loaded through the corresponding loading position 210. To a certain extent, the loading confusion when multiple workpieces are loaded at the same time can be avoided, and the accuracy and efficiency of loading multiple specifications of workpieces at the same time can be improved.

[0057] Referring to Figure 2 , which is a front view of a loading device according to some embodiments of the present application, the foolproof mechanism 300 includes a plurality of size limiters 310 corresponding to the plurality of loading positions 210 . The size limiters 310 are used to limit the size of the workpiece 20 positioned at the loading position 210 along a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1.

[0058] During the production or assembly of batteries or electrical devices, multiple workpieces of varying sizes may be involved. To distinguish and correctly load workpieces of varying sizes, size limits can be set at the loading station to limit the size of the workpieces at that loading station.

[0059] In some embodiments, the loading station 210 can drive the workpiece 20 located thereon to move along a first direction D1, and the size limiting unit is arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction D1 and is used to limit the projected size of the workpiece 20 along a plane perpendicular to the first direction D1. For example, if the second direction D3 is a vertical direction, the size limiting unit 310 can limit the height of the workpiece 20, or if the second direction D2 is a horizontal direction, the size limiting unit 310 can limit the width of the workpiece 20. It is understood that the second direction D2 can also be any direction perpendicular to the first direction D1, and can be set specifically according to the shape characteristics of the workpiece 20.

[0060] The size limiting member 310 may be a mechanical limiting structure or a sensor that can be used for limiting. The specific selection or combination can be based on actual needs.

[0061] In some embodiments, the number of size limiters 310 may be the same as the number of loading positions 210 , and may be arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the loading positions 210 , thereby limiting the size of the workpiece at each loading position 210 .

[0062] Therefore, by providing the size limiter 310 , workpieces can be differentiated and screened according to their sizes along the second direction, thereby improving the consistency and accuracy of workpiece loading sizes and achieving higher reliability.

[0063] Please refer to Figure 2, which is a front view of the loading device of some embodiments of the present application. The size limiter 310 may include a limit block 311, which is located directly above the moving path of the workpiece 20 at the corresponding loading position 210.

[0064] The loading station 210 carries the workpiece 20 and moves relative to the base 110 in a first direction D1. The stop block 311 is positioned directly above the workpiece 20's movement path in a second, vertical direction D2, thereby limiting the height of the workpiece 20 along the second direction D2. It is understood that if a workpiece exceeds the lowest point of the stop block 311, the loading station 210 may cause the workpiece to contact or even collide with the stop block 311, thereby alerting the operator to a loading error.

[0065] The limit block 311 is disposed above the moving path of the loading position 210 of the loading tray 200, for example, fixed to a crossbeam of the frame 100 located at the top of the loading tray, to limit the height of the workpiece entering the loading position 210. In some embodiments, the limit block 311 and the frame 100 can be movably connected to facilitate adjustment of the position of the limit block 311 in the second direction D2.

[0066] In some embodiments, given that the workpiece 20 may have different heights at different locations, a plurality of stoppers 311 may be provided for each loading station 210. The number of stoppers 311 may be determined based on the vertical shape of the workpiece 20. For example, stoppers 311 may be provided at different heights of the workpiece 20, or may be provided along the third horizontal direction D3 of the workpiece 20, thereby further enhancing the limiting effect.

[0067] Therefore, the height of different workpieces is limited by the limiting block 311 , which has a simple structure and reliable limiting, and is beneficial to the simplification of the structure of the size limiting member 310 to a certain extent.

[0068] According to some embodiments of the present application, the limiting block 311 is fixedly connected to the rack 100 in a manner that is adjustable along the height direction.

[0069] In some embodiments, the limit block 311 can be connected to the rack 100 via fasteners. The limit block 311 is provided with multiple mounting holes arranged in a vertical direction, so that the height of the limit block 311 can be adjusted according to height requirements. The limit block 311 can also be provided with a mounting slot extending in the vertical direction, so that fasteners can slide in the mounting slot to adjust the position of the limit block 311.

[0070] Therefore, by setting the connection between the limit block 311 and the frame 100 to be adjustable in the height direction, it is possible to more conveniently make corresponding adjustments according to the workpiece size of the corresponding loading position 210, making the workpiece loading more flexible and having a wider range of applications.

[0071] Please refer to Figure 3, which is a side view of a loading device according to some embodiments of the present application. The size limiter 310 includes a touch sensor 312, which includes a contact member 3121 and a contact switch 3122. The contact member 3121 is movably connected to the frame 100 and can rotate about the connection point with the frame 100 under the action of an external force. The contact switch 3122 is configured to emit a touch signal when the contact member 3121 is positioned relative to the connection point.

[0072] The workpieces to be loaded may include multiple workpieces of roughly similar sizes, which requires the size limiter 310 to have relatively high limiting accuracy. In this embodiment, if an incorrect workpiece entering one of the loading positions 210 is only slightly taller than the correct workpiece, the incorrect workpiece, driven by the loading tray 200, will contact the contact member 3121 and rotate it a certain angle, thereby triggering the contact switch 3122 to generate a touch signal, thereby indicating the presence of an incorrect workpiece in the loading position 210. In response to the aforementioned touch signal, the loading device 10 can process the incorrect workpiece, thereby preventing incorrect workpieces of similar height from being forcibly pushed in.

[0073] In some embodiments, the touch sensor 312 is fixedly connected to the frame 100 in an adjustable manner along the second direction D2, so that the loading device 10 can be applicable to more workpieces with different sizes to a certain extent.

[0074] Therefore, the size limiter 310 is selected as the touch sensor 312, which can distinguish and filter different workpieces according to their height. The touch sensor 312 triggers an electrical signal based on the dimensional characteristics of the incorrect workpiece, thereby limiting the size specifications of the workpiece. It has high detection accuracy and efficiency, and can promptly feedback to the feeding device 10 whether a feeding error has occurred, which is beneficial to the electrification of the feeding device 10.

[0075] According to some embodiments of the present application, the size limiter 310 further includes a limit block 311, and the limit block 311 and the touch sensor 312 are located directly above the moving path of the same loading position 210 relative to the base 110, and the lowest point of the limit block 311 is lower than the lowest point of the touch sensor 312.

[0076] The limit block 311 is a mechanical limit structure, and its limited height is greatly affected by its own size and position, so the limitation accuracy is limited. Moreover, when the workpiece 20 is a slender structure, the erroneous workpiece can cross the limit of the limit block 311 through a certain degree of bending deformation. In this way, the limit block 311 alone may not be able to detect the entry of the erroneous workpiece in time.

[0077] In some embodiments, the touch sensor 312 and the stopper 311 are both located on the moving path of the loading position 210 and at the feeding end of the loading position 210. In this way, the stopper 311 can be used as the first screening, and the touch sensor 312 can be used as a second screening with higher precision.

[0078] In some embodiments, the lowest point of the contact member 3121 can be slightly higher than the lowest point of the stop block 311, for example, 2-5 mm higher, to provide a double stop and prevent missed detection of excessively tall, erroneous workpieces. In some embodiments, the lowest point of the contact member 3121 can also be lower than the lowest point of the stop block 311, so that erroneous workpieces whose height is less than the limit height of the stop block 311 can be identified by the touch sensor 312.

[0079] Therefore, by simultaneously setting the limit block 311 and the touch sensor 312, the accuracy of the fool-proof detection of the size limiter 310 can be improved, and the discharge errors of the loading device 10 can be avoided to a certain extent, further improving the reliability of the loading device 10.

[0080] Referring to Figure 4 , which is a top view of the loading device according to some embodiments of the present application, the foolproofing mechanism 300 further includes a feature detection unit 320 , which is located at an end of the loading position 210 along the first direction D1 and is configured to detect whether the shape features of the workpieces located at the loading position 210 are consistent.

[0081] In some embodiments, the feature detection unit 320 can be any feature detection or feature recognition device, for example, detecting or identifying whether one or more features of all workpieces on the same loading position are consistent through visual detection, X-ray detection or other detection methods to determine whether there are erroneous workpieces.

[0082] In some embodiments, the feature detection unit 320 includes a machine vision detection system. The machine vision detection system captures images along the first direction D1 and determines in real time based on the captured images whether there are protruding features that significantly exceed the correct part outline. If a feature that significantly exceeds the correct part outline is detected, it can be determined that an erroneous workpiece with different specifications from the correct workpiece is present in the loading position 210, and a signal can be further issued to remind the operator to remove the erroneous workpiece.

[0083] The feature detection unit 320 can be located at the inlet or outlet end of the loading station 210 along the first direction D1, or can be arranged at both ends of the loading station 210 along the first direction D1. The feature detection unit 320 can be fixedly connected to the loading tray 200 so that the loading tray 200 does not interfere with the out-of-stock detection unit 340 when it moves. The number of feature detection units 320 can be the same as the number of loading stations 210, or multiple feature detection units 320 can be provided for each loading station 210, each feature detection unit 320 being used to detect features at a different location.

[0084] By setting up a feature detection unit 320, the shapes of the workpieces on multiple loading positions 210 can be identified, and it is possible to detect from another dimension whether the workpieces at the loading positions meet the specification requirements, and to promptly discover abnormal and erroneous workpieces, further improving the reliability of the loading device 10.

[0085] According to some embodiments of the present application, the feature detection unit 320 includes a first transmitting part 321 and a first receiving part 322. The first transmitting part 321 is used to emit a first detection signal around a preset edge position of the workpiece toward the upper material level 210, and the first receiving part 322 is used to receive the first detection signal.

[0086] The feature detection unit 320 may be a radiographic detection device. The first transmitting unit 321 may be located at one end of the loading station 210 along the first direction D1, and the first receiving unit 322 may be located at the other end of the loading station along the first direction D1. The first transmitting unit 321 emits a first detection signal directed toward a predetermined edge of the workpiece at the loading station 210. If there are no erroneous components with different shapes at the predetermined edge, the first receiving unit 322 will successfully receive the first detection signal. Conversely, if there are erroneous components with different shapes at the predetermined edge, the first detection signal will be blocked from entering the first receiving unit 322. Therefore, the presence of an erroneous component can be determined based on whether the first receiving unit 322 receives the first detection signal.

[0087] The preset edge position can be the location of the edge of workpieces of different specifications with a special shape or structure. The emission direction of the first detection signal is within the range of the surrounding area of ​​the preset edge position of the workpiece, which can be determined and debugged according to the shape characteristics and position relationship of the workpiece.

[0088] In some embodiments, the first detection signal may be a laser, and the first transmitting unit 321 and the first receiving unit 322 may be a laser generating unit and a laser receiving unit respectively, thereby further improving the feature detection accuracy.

[0089] Therefore, by selecting the form of the feature detection unit 320 as a signal transmitting part and a signal receiving part, the features of the workpiece can be detected in real time, and the detection accuracy and reliability are high, which can reduce the false alarms or missed alarms that may occur during feature detection to a certain extent.

[0090] According to some embodiments of the present application, the feature detection unit 320 includes a first reflecting portion 323 for reflecting the first detection signal, the first transmitting portion 321 and the first receiving portion 322 are both located at one end of the loading position 210 along the first direction D1, and the first reflecting portion 323 is located at the other end of the loading position 210 along the first direction D1.

[0091] In the first direction D1, the first transmitting portion 321 and the first receiving portion 322 can be located at one end of the loading position 210 along the first direction D1, and the first reflecting portion 323 can be located at the other end of the loading position 210 along the first direction D1. This means that all workpieces on the loading position 210 are located between the first transmitting portion 321, the first receiving portion 322, and the first reflecting portion 323 in the first direction D1. During detection, the first transmitting portion 321 emits a first detection signal. If the workpieces have consistent structural dimensions, the first detection signal can directly reach the first reflecting portion 323, which reflects the first detection signal. If the first receiving portion 322 successfully receives the first detection signal reflected by the first reflecting portion 323, this indicates that there are no abnormal structures on the loading position 210 that could block the first detection signal. Furthermore, it can be determined that all workpieces on the loading position 210 have consistent shape characteristics at this location. However, the erroneous workpiece is different from other workpieces and has an abnormal structure that blocks the first detection signal, which will cause the first detection signal to attenuate or block the first detection signal from reaching the first reflecting part, and may even directly reflect the first detection signal to the first receiving part 322 in advance. In this way, it is possible to determine whether there is an erroneous workpiece based on the receiving time or signal strength of the returned first detection signal received by the first receiving part 322, or even the failure to receive the first detection signal back.

[0092] The first reflecting portion 323 , the first emitting portion 321 and the first receiving portion 322 may all be fixedly connected to the loading tray 200 .

[0093] Therefore, by further providing the first reflective portion 323 , it is possible to efficiently determine that the shape features of all workpieces on the loading position 210 are consistent at that location, thereby improving the efficiency and accuracy of feature detection.

[0094] According to some embodiments of the present application, the anti-fool mechanism 300 also includes a fixed seat 330, which is provided with a slot 331 for engaging with a workpiece; any loading position 210 is provided with at least one fixed seat 330, and the slots 331 of the fixed seats 330 located at the same loading position 210 have the same size.

[0095] A fixing seat 330 is provided at the loading station 210 to secure the workpiece. The fixing seat 330 has a slot 331 that allows the workpiece to be snapped into the fixing seat 330. The structure of the slot 331 is designed based on the structural characteristics of the workpiece at that location. The slots 331 of the fixing seats 330 at the same loading station 210 have the same dimensions, while the slots 331 of the fixing seats 330 at different loading stations 210 can have different dimensions. This prevents the incorrect workpiece from being secured in a slot 331 that does not correspond to it.

[0096] Therefore, by differentially setting the interface form of the fixing seat 330 for engaging with the workpiece, it is possible to prevent the wrong workpiece from being placed at the wrong loading position 210 to a certain extent, thereby further improving the reliability of the loading device 10.

[0097] According to some embodiments of the present application, the loading device 10 further includes a material shortage detection unit 340 , which is located at the end of the loading position 210 along the first direction D1 , and is used to detect whether the loading position 210 is short of material.

[0098] The out-of-stock detection unit 340 can detect whether a workpiece at the loading station 210 is out of stock through visual inspection, radiographic inspection, or other detection methods. The out-of-stock detection unit 340 can be located at either or both ends of the loading station 210 along the first direction D1. The out-of-stock detection unit 340 can be fixedly connected to the loading tray 200 so that the loading tray 200 does not interfere with the out-of-stock detection unit 340 when it moves. The number of out-of-stock detection units 340 can be the same as the number of loading stations 210, and they can be arranged in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0099] In some embodiments, the material shortage detection unit 340 may include a machine vision detection system. The machine vision detection system collects images along the first direction D1 and determines in real time whether there is a material shortage based on the collected images. If a material shortage is detected, the missing workpiece is replenished.

[0100] Therefore, by providing the material shortage detection unit 340 , the shortage of workpieces can be discovered in time and the missing workpieces can be replenished in time, which is beneficial to maintaining the continuous operation of the production line and improving production efficiency.

[0101] According to some embodiments of the present application, the material shortage detection unit 340 includes a second transmitting part 341 and a second receiving part 342, the second transmitting part 341 is used to emit a second detection signal toward the position of the workpiece at the upper material level 210, and the second receiving part 342 is used to receive the second detection signal.

[0102] The material shortage detection unit 340 can be the same type of detection device as the feature detection unit 320 or a different type. The second transmitting unit 341 and the second receiving unit 342 can be respectively disposed at two ends of the loading position 210 along the first direction D1 and fixedly connected to the base 110 .

[0103] In some embodiments, the second detection signal emitted by the second transmitting unit 341 will be blocked by the workpiece at the loading position 210, so that the second receiving unit 342 cannot receive the second detection signal, or receives an attenuated second detection signal; when the loading position 210 is out of material, it means that there are no workpieces. At this time, the second receiving unit 342 can directly receive the second detection signal, so whether there is a shortage of material can be determined based on whether the second receiving unit 342 receives the second detection signal or the signal strength of the received second detection signal.

[0104] Therefore, the form of the material shortage detection unit 340 is selected as a signal transmitting part and a signal receiving part, which can perform real-time detection of the characteristics of the workpiece. At the same time, the accuracy and reliability of the detection are high, which can reduce the false alarms or missed alarms that may occur during material shortage detection to a certain extent.

[0105] According to some embodiments of the present application, the material shortage detection unit 340 also includes a reflecting part for reflecting the second detection signal; wherein, the second transmitting part 341 and the second receiving part 342 are both located at one end of the loading position 210 along the first direction D1, and the second reflecting part 343 is located at the other end of the loading position 210 along the first direction D1.

[0106] In the first direction D1, the second transmitting portion 341 and the second receiving portion 342 can be located at one end of the loading position 210 along the first direction D1, and the second reflecting portion 343 can be located at the other end of the loading position 210 along the first direction D1. This means that all workpieces on the loading position 210 are located between the second transmitting portion 341, the second receiving portion 342, and the second reflecting portion 343 in the first direction D1. When the second receiving portion 342 receives the second detection signal reflected by the second reflecting portion 343, it indicates that there are no protruding features on the loading position 210 that can block the second detection signal, and therefore, it can be determined that the number of workpieces in the loading position 210 is zero.

[0107] Therefore, when the second receiving part 342 receives the second detection signal reflected by the second reflecting part 343, it means that there is no workpiece on the loading position 210 that can block the second detection signal, so that it can be efficiently judged that the number of workpieces located on the loading position 210 is zero, thereby improving the efficiency of material shortage detection.

[0108] According to some embodiments of the present application, the loading tray 200 includes a pushed-in state located directly above the base 110, and a pulled-out state moving along the first direction D1 and at least partially offset from the base 110; the loading device 10 also includes a position sensor 350, which is fixedly connected to the base 110 and is used to detect the state of the loading tray 200.

[0109] When the loading tray 200 is in the pushed-in position, directly above the base 110, the loading tray 200 and the workpieces it carries are aligned with the foolproofing mechanism 300. The relative movement between the loading tray 200 and the foolproofing mechanism 300 in the first direction D1 allows for the determination of incorrectly loaded workpieces. When the loading tray 200 is in the pulled-out position, at least partially offset from the base 110, the space around the tray is relatively open, making it easier to add workpieces to the loading tray 200.

[0110] The position sensor 350 can be any type of sensor, such as visual detection, X-ray detection, or electrical switch detection, as long as it can detect or identify the position of the loading tray 200.

[0111] The position sensor 350 can detect the position of the loading tray 200, thereby enabling the loading device 10 to obtain the position status of the loading tray 200 so that the loading device 10 can perform corresponding operations. For example, when the loading tray 200 is in the extended state, the loading device 10 can limit the relative movement between the loading tray 200 and the foolproof mechanism 300 in the first direction D1, thereby facilitating the addition of workpieces to the loading tray 200.

[0112] Thus, when the loading tray 200 is in the extended state, the space around the loading tray 200 is relatively open, making it easier to add workpieces to the loading tray 200. Furthermore, the loading device is provided with a position sensor 350 for detecting the state of the loading tray 200, thereby enabling the loading device 10 to obtain the position state of the loading tray 200 and enabling the loading device 10 to cooperate with other processes, thereby facilitating automatic loading of the entire process.

[0113] According to some embodiments of the present application, the position sensor 350 includes a first proximity switch 351 and a second proximity switch 352 , and the first proximity switch 351 and the second proximity switch 352 are respectively located at two ends of the base 110 along the first direction D1 .

[0114] The position sensor 350 can be a proximity switch, which is a position switch that can be operated without direct mechanical contact with moving parts. When an object approaches the sensing surface of the switch to the operating distance, the switch can be activated without mechanical contact or applying any pressure, thereby driving a DC appliance or providing control instructions to a computer device.

[0115] The first proximity switch 351 and the second proximity switch 352 are respectively arranged at both ends of the base 110 along the first direction D1, so as to detect the position of the loading tray 200. In some embodiments, when the loading tray 200 is in the extended state, only the first proximity switch 351 can generate a signal, while the second proximity switch 352 does not generate a signal because it is completely offset from the loading tray 200; when the loading tray 200 is in the pushed-in state, only the second proximity switch 352 can generate a signal, while the first proximity switch 351 does not generate a signal, or the first proximity switch 351 and the second proximity switch 352 can generate signals at the same time.

[0116] Therefore, by selecting the position sensor 350 as two proximity switches, the proximity switches can determine the position status of the loading tray 200 without contacting the loading tray 200. Therefore, the proximity switches will not wear out, have high stability and reliability, can achieve long-term stable operation, and reduce maintenance and replacement frequency.

[0117] Please refer to Figure 5, which is a block diagram of the battery production line according to some embodiments of the present application. The battery production line 1 includes the loading device 10 described in the above-described embodiments of the present application and an alarm unit 30 connected to the loading device 10. The alarm unit 30 is configured to issue an alarm signal in response to an abnormal condition in the loading device 10; the abnormal condition may include one or more of the following: an abnormal position of the loading tray, an error in loading indicated by the anti-mistake mechanism, and a lack of material at the loading position.

[0118] In some embodiments, the alarm unit 30 can be connected according to the signal of the anti-fool mechanism 300, so that when the anti-fool mechanism 300 detects a loading error, a signal can be sent to the alarm unit 30, and the alarm unit 30 will issue an alarm or prompt information to remind the operator to make adjustments.

[0119] In some embodiments, the alarm unit 30 can also be connected to the material shortage detection unit 340 signal. When the material shortage detection unit 340 detects that there is a shortage of material at the loading position, it sends a signal to the alarm unit 30, and the alarm unit 30 issues an alarm or prompt information.

[0120] In some embodiments, the alarm unit 30 may also be connected to a position sensor 350 signal. When the position sensor 350 detects that the loading tray 200 is not in a preset position, it determines that the loading tray position is abnormal and sends a signal to the alarm unit 30, which then issues an alarm or prompt message. In some embodiments, the alarm unit 30 may also be connected to one or more signals of the touch sensor 312, the feature detection unit 320, the material shortage detection unit 340, and the position sensor 350 in the loading device 10. The alarm unit 30 may receive signals from different sensors and issue different alarms or prompt messages accordingly.

[0121] In some embodiments, the alarm unit 30 may be in the form of an audible or visual alarm, or may send a prompt message to a corresponding computer system or control system. It is understood that the present application does not limit the specific form of the alarm unit 30.

[0122] In some embodiments, the battery production line 1 may also include a feeding unit that supplies workpieces to the loading tray 200 of the loading device 10, and a transfer unit that moves the workpieces out of the loading device 10. The feeding unit and the transfer unit can be any form of automated equipment, such as a robot or a manipulator. The feeding unit and the transfer unit can be controlled together with the loading device 10 through the same control system, or they can be independently controlled execution units.

[0123] Therefore, by providing a loading device 10 with an anti-fool mechanism, loading errors can be discovered in time. Combined with the alarm unit 30, the operator can be informed of the abnormal conditions of the loading device 10 in time, which is conducive to maintaining continuous operation of the production line and improving production efficiency.

[0124] Please refer to Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a loading method according to some embodiments of the present application, and Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a loading process according to some embodiments of the present application. The loading method 500 includes:

[0125] Step 510: Pre-adjust the fool-proofing mechanism 300 of the loading device 10 according to the specifications of the workpiece, wherein the loading device 10 is the loading device 10 in the above embodiment of the present application.

[0126] The foolproofing mechanism 300 may include the dimension limiting member 310 described in the above embodiment, such as a limit block 311 or a touch sensor 312, or a combination thereof. Pre-adjustment refers to adjusting the positioning of the limit block 311 and / or touch sensor 312 in the second vertical direction D2 and the third horizontal direction D3 according to the workpiece specifications. The foolproofing mechanism 300 may also include a feature detection unit 320, the specific position of which is adjusted according to the shape or features of the workpiece.

[0127] Step 520 : Move the loading tray 200 out of the base 110 along the first direction D1 .

[0128] Step 530 : Place the workpiece in the loading position 210 of the loading tray 200 , and move the loading tray 200 into the base 110 .

[0129] After the loading tray 200 is moved out of the base 110, there is a relatively open space around it, which can be used by the operator and / or robot to place the workpiece in the loading position 210 and then move the loading tray 200 into the base 110. After the loading tray 200 is moved into the base 110, the loading device 10 can also determine that the loading tray 200 has been moved into the base 110 through the position sensor 350, and then determine whether a loading error has occurred through the anti-mistake mechanism 300.

[0130] Therefore, through the above steps, workpieces of different specifications can be provided to the loading device 10, and the anti-mistake mechanism 300 can be used to determine whether a loading error occurs, thereby achieving synchronous loading of workpieces of multiple specifications and improving the accuracy and efficiency of loading.

[0131] According to some embodiments of the present application, the loading method 500 also includes: in response to the anti-fool mechanism 300 of the loading device 10 indicating a loading error, moving the loading tray 200 back out of the base 110 along the first direction D1, adjusting the erroneous workpiece on the loading tray 200, and moving the loading tray 200 back into the base 110.

[0132] Adjusting the erroneous workpiece includes directly removing the erroneous workpiece or replacing it with a correct workpiece until the foolproofing mechanism 300 no longer indicates a loading error.

[0133] In this way, loading errors can be detected efficiently and adjusted accordingly, effectively reducing the risk of incorrect workpieces flowing into subsequent production or assembly.

[0134] According to some embodiments of the present application, the loading method 500 further includes:

[0135] In response to the foolproofing mechanism 300 of the loading device 10 indicating that the loading is correct, the workpiece in the loading device 10 is transferred to a preset position.

[0136] The material loading method 500 further includes: detecting whether the material loading position 210 is short of material;

[0137] In response to the upper material position 210 being out of material, the upper material position 210 is replenished with workpieces of corresponding specifications.

[0138] Transferring the workpieces in the loading device 10 to the preset position can be achieved by a manipulator or an autonomous mobile robot. Specifically, one or more workpieces can be sequentially grasped and transferred to the preset position for corresponding assembly operations.

[0139] In this way, it is possible to efficiently detect whether the loading is correct and whether the loading position 210 is short of material, and then the workpiece can be replenished in time, which is conducive to further improving the loading efficiency.

[0140] The technical solution of this application is further illustrated below through some specific embodiments.

[0141] As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 4 , the loading device 10 includes a frame 100 , a loading tray 200 and an anti-fool mechanism 300 .

[0142] The frame 100 is used to provide structural support for the entire loading device 10, and specifically includes a base 110. The surface of the base 110 is substantially rectangular, providing a substantially flat mounting surface for the loading tray 200.

[0143] The loading tray 200 is disposed on the surface of the base 110 and is movably connected to the base 110. The loading tray 200 can move back and forth relative to the base 110 along a first direction D1, thereby enabling the loading device 10 to push the workpiece 20 to be loaded along the first direction D1, completing the loading process of the workpiece 20. As shown in Figure 4, the loading device 10 includes three loading trays 200. Each loading tray 200 has multiple loading positions 210 in a third direction D3, and each loading position 210 has multiple fixed seats 330 in the first direction D1. The multiple fixed seats 330 in the first direction D1 carry workpieces of the same specifications, while the multiple loading positions 210 in the third direction D3 carry workpieces of different specifications.

[0144] The fool-proofing mechanism 300 is fixedly connected to the frame 100 and can limit the specifications or geometric dimensions of the workpiece 20 carried by each loading position 210, so that the workpiece that meets the requirements of the fool-proofing mechanism 300 is correctly loaded. The fool-proofing mechanism 300 includes a limit block 311, a touch sensor 312, and a fixed seat 330. The touch sensor 312 includes a contact component 3121 and a contact switch 3122. The limit block 311 and the touch sensor 312 are located above the same loading position 210, and the lowest point of the contact component 3121 is not lower than the lowest point of the limit block 311. The fixed seat 330 has a card slot 331 so that the workpiece can be snapped into the fixed seat 330, and different loading positions 210 have card slots 331 with different structures, thereby preventing the wrong workpiece from being fixed to an inappropriate fixed seat 330.

[0145] The fool-proofing mechanism 300 further includes a feature detection unit 320 and a material shortage detection unit 340 .

[0146] The feature detection unit 320 includes a first transmitting unit 321, a first receiving unit 322, and a first reflecting unit 323. In a first direction D1, the first transmitting unit 321 and the first receiving unit 322 are located at one end of the loading position 210 along the first direction D1, and the first reflecting unit 323 is located at the other end of the loading position 210 along the first direction D1. In a third direction D3, the first transmitting unit 321, the first receiving unit 322, and the first reflecting unit 323 can be positioned identically, all located around a preset edge of the workpiece at the loading position 210, so that the first detection signal travels along the preset edge of the workpiece. When the first receiving unit 322 receives the first detection signal reflected by the first reflecting unit 323, it indicates that there are no protruding features on the loading position 210 that could block the first detection signal, and thus, it can be determined that all workpieces at the loading position 210 have consistent shape features at that location.

[0147] The out-of-material detection unit 340 includes a second transmitting unit 341, a second receiving unit 342, and a second reflecting unit 343. In the first direction D1, the second transmitting unit 341 and the second receiving unit 342 are located at one end along the first direction D1, while the second reflecting unit 343 is located at the other end along the first direction D1. When the second receiving unit 342 receives the second detection signal reflected by the second reflecting unit 343, it indicates that there are no protruding features on the loading position 210 that could block the second detection signal. Therefore, it can be determined that the number of workpieces in the loading position 210 is zero.

[0148] The loading device 10 includes a position sensor 350, which includes a first proximity switch 351 and a second proximity switch 352. The first proximity switch 351 and the second proximity switch 352 are respectively located at the ends of the base 110 along the first direction D1. By providing these two proximity switches, the loading device can detect the position status of the loading tray 200 so that the loading device can perform corresponding operations.

[0149] As shown in FIG5 , the battery production line 1 includes the aforementioned loading device and an alarm unit 30. In response to signals from the touch sensor 312, feature detection unit 320, material shortage detection unit 340, and / or position sensor 350, the alarm unit 30 can issue various signals to alert operators.

[0150] As shown in FIG6 and FIG7, the loading method 500 includes:

[0151] Step 510: Adjust the foolproof mechanism 300 of the loading device according to the specifications of the workpiece, wherein the loading device is the loading device described above.

[0152] Step 520 : Move the loading tray 200 out of the base 110 along the first direction D1 .

[0153] Step 530 : Place the workpiece in the loading position 210 of the loading tray 200 , and move the loading tray 200 into the base 110 .

[0154] The loading method 500 further includes:

[0155] In response to the foolproof mechanism 300 of the loading device indicating a loading error, the loading tray 200 is moved out of the base 110 along the first direction D1, the incorrect workpiece on the loading tray 200 is adjusted, and the loading tray 200 is moved back into the base 110;

[0156] In response to the foolproofing mechanism 300 of the loading device indicating that the loading is correct, the loading robot is controlled to transfer the workpiece in the loading device to a preset position.

[0157] By judging whether the loading situation is correct as above and performing different subsequent operations, it is helpful to further improve production efficiency.

[0158] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the present application 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 application, and they should all be included in the scope of the claims and specification of the present application. 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. The present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions that fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A feeding device comprising Frame, including base; a loading tray, arranged on the base and movable relative to the base in a first horizontal direction, the loading tray comprising a plurality of loading positions, at least two of the loading positions carrying workpieces of different specifications; and The fool-proof mechanism is provided corresponding to at least one loading position on the loading tray, and the fool-proof mechanism is used to limit the specifications of the workpiece carried by the loading position.

2. The feeding device according to claim 1, wherein: The foolproof mechanism includes a plurality of size limiting members corresponding to a plurality of loading positions, and the size limiting members are used to limit the size of the workpiece on the loading position along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

3. The feeding device according to claim 2, wherein: The size limiting component includes a limiting block, the second direction is a vertical direction, and the limiting block is located directly above the movement path of the corresponding loading position relative to the base.

4. The feeding device according to claim 3, wherein: The limiting block is connected to the frame in a manner that it is adjustable along the second direction.

5. The feeding device according to claim 2, wherein: The size limiter includes a touch sensor, which includes a contact component and a contact switch. The contact component is movably connected to the frame and can rotate around a connection point with the frame under the action of an external force. The contact switch is constructed to send a touch signal according to the position of the contact component relative to the connection point.

6. The feeding device according to claim 5, wherein: The size limiting member further includes a limiting block, wherein the limiting block and the touch sensor are simultaneously located directly above the same loading position and the moving path relative to the base, and the lowest point of the limiting block is lower than the lowest point of the touch sensor.

7. The feeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The fool-proof mechanism also includes A feature detection unit is located at an end of the loading position along the first direction, and is used to detect whether shape features of the workpieces located at the loading position are consistent.

8. The feeding device according to claim 7, wherein: The feature detection unit includes a first transmitting part and a first receiving part. The first transmitting part is used to emit a first detection signal around a preset edge position of the workpiece at the loading position, and the first receiving part is used to receive the first detection signal.

9. The feeding device according to claim 8, wherein: The feature detection unit further includes a first reflecting portion for reflecting the first detection signal; The first transmitting portion and the first receiving portion are both located at one end of the material loading position along the first direction, and the first reflecting portion is located at the other end of the material loading position along the first direction.

10. The feeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The foolproof mechanism further comprises a fixing seat, wherein the fixing seat is provided with a slot for engaging with the workpiece; Any of the loading positions is provided with at least one of the fixing seats, and the sizes of the slots of the fixing seats located at the same loading position are the same.

11. The feeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The feeding device also includes: A material shortage detection unit is located at an end of the material loading position along the first direction, and is used to detect whether the material loading position is short of material.

12. The feeding device according to claim 11, wherein: The material shortage detection unit includes a second transmitting part and a second receiving part, the second transmitting part is used to emit a second detection signal toward the position of the workpiece at the loading position, and the second receiving part is used to receive the second detection signal.

13. The feeding device according to claim 12, wherein: The material shortage detection unit further includes a second reflecting portion for reflecting the second detection signal; The second transmitting portion and the second receiving portion are both located at one end of the loading position along the first direction, and the second reflecting portion is located at the other end of the loading position along the first direction.

14. The feeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein: The loading tray includes a pushed-in state located directly above the base, and a pulled-out state moving along the first direction and at least partially offset from the base; The loading device further comprises a position sensor, which is fixedly connected to the base and is used to detect the state of the loading tray.

15. The feeding device according to claim 14, wherein: The position sensor includes a first proximity switch and a second proximity switch, wherein the first proximity switch and the second proximity switch are respectively located at two ends of the base along the first direction.

16. A battery production line, wherein: include: The feeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 15; as well as An alarm unit is connected to the signal of the feeding device, and the alarm unit is configured to send an alarm signal in response to an abnormal state of the feeding device; the abnormal state includes one or more of an abnormal position of the feeding tray, an anti-fool mechanism indicating a feeding error, and a lack of material at the feeding position.

17. A feeding method applied to the feeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein: The method comprises: Pre-adjust the fool-proof mechanism of the loading device according to the specifications of the workpiece; Move the loading tray out of the base along the first direction; The workpiece is placed in the loading position of the loading tray, and the loading tray is moved into the base.

18. The feeding method according to claim 17, wherein: Also includes: In response to the foolproof mechanism of the loading device indicating a loading error, moving the loading tray out of the base along the first direction; The wrong workpiece on the loading tray is adjusted, and the loading tray is moved back into the base.

19. The feeding method according to claim 17 or 18, wherein: Also includes: In response to the foolproof mechanism of the loading device indicating that the loading is correct, transferring the workpiece in the loading device to a preset position; as well as Detect whether the loading position is short of material; In response to the shortage of material at the loading position, the loading position is replenished with workpieces of corresponding specifications.

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