Battery cell stacking and module loading unit

Abstract

The invention relates to a battery cell stacking and module loading unit comprising, within its structure, a cell gripper robot (1), taking and transporting battery cells from the production line with its cell gripper (1.1); the cell sequencing unit (2), ensuring proper sequencing by continuously centering the battery cells carried by the cell gripper robot (1) and rotating the sequenced battery cell stack (4) by 180° with its positioner (3.2) to the appropriate position for the next transportation process, and returning to its original position for new cell sequencing when the sequenced battery cell stack (4) is removed; and cell stack loading robot (3), taking the sequenced battery cell stack (4) from the cell sequencing unit (2) while maintaining their alignment with its stack gripper (3.1) and transporting them back to the production line after the end plates are positioned.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] BATTERY CELL STACKING AND MODULE LOADING UNIT

[0003] Technical Field :

[0004] The present invention relates to a battery cell stacking and module loading unit ensuring that battery cells are safely gripped and handled, and for sequencing and arranging them in the desired position .

[0005] State of the Art :

[0006] Batteries are devices that allow electrical energy to be stored and used when needed .

[0007] Battery cells are devices in which negative and positive electrodes conduct a chemical reaction with electrolytes .

[0008] Batteries consist of battery modules consisting of an arrangement of battery cells and battery groups consisting of an arrangement of battery modules .

[0009] Battery modules consist of many battery cells connected to each other . Cell groups consisting of 18 , 24 , or 36 cell sequences are generally used for battery modules .

[0010] End plates are positioned on the edges of the completed battery cells .

[0011] The battery cells used in the aforementioned battery cell sequences are taken from the production line and arranged in the speci fied number ( 18 , 24 , and 36 ) . However, for these sequences , the battery cells must be safely removed from the production line and gripped until the end of the process . On the other hand, the harmony and alignment of the cells must be precise .

[0012] I f the battery cells are not safely removed from the production line and / or gripped until the end of the process , the cells may fall , and deformation may occur in the cells .

[0013] Errors in the proper arrangement and alignment of the cells reduce the ef ficiency of the cell modules that are created, resulting in faulty products . As a result , proper cell positioning and sequencing af fect the modular structure ' s stability and performance .

[0014] In addition to all of this , the cells are subj ected to a certain amount of pressure during the process of removing them from the line , aligning them, and placing them on plates . Excessive pressure on the cells during process applications can result in short circuits and pose risks such as fire during production . This situation can harm both the cells and the systems involved in the process .

[0015] In this regard, it is critical that both cells are gripped and subj ected to appropriate pressure in battery cell sequences , and that they are continuously and precisely controlled throughout production .

[0016] The Object of the Invention :

[0017] This invention aims to ensure the safe transportation of battery cells from the production line to the end of the process using a cell catcher robot . Another object of the invention is to ensure that the cells are correctly and harmoniously sequenced using the stack gripper robot provided by the unit.

[0018] Another object of the invention is to create a safe process by eliminating risks such as short circuits, thanks to the unit's insulated surfaces and pressure control mechanisms.

[0019] Description of The Figures :

[0020] Figure 1. View of the cell gripper robot,

[0021] Figure 2. Front view of the cell gripper,

[0022] Figure 3. Top view of the cell gripper,

[0023] Figure 4. Top perspective view of the cell gripper,

[0024] Figure 5. View of the cell sequencing unit,

[0025] Figure 6. View of the cell bulk loading robot,

[0026] Figure 7. View of the stack gripper,

[0027] Reference Numbers:

[0028] 1. Cell gripper robot

[0029] 1.1. Cell gripper

[0030] 1.1.1. Cell gripper gripping jaws

[0031] 1.1.2. Cell gripper piston

[0032] 1.1.3. Distance sensor

[0033] 2. Cell sequencing unit

[0034] 2.1. Cell bed

[0035] 2.2. Sequencing arms

[0036] 2.3. Servo system

[0037] 2.4. Positioner

[0038] 3. Cell stack loading robot

[0039] 3.1. Stack gripper

[0040] 3.1.1. Stack gripper gripping aws

[0041] 3.1.2. Upper pressing element 3.1.3. Servo motor

[0042] 3.1.4. Ball screw

[0043] 3.1.5. Stack gripper piston

[0044] 3.1.6. Vacuum pad

[0045] 3.1.7. Rotary piston

[0046] 4. Sequenced battery cell stack

[0047] Description of the Invention:

[0048] The inventive battery cell sequencing and module loading unit comprises, within its structure, a cell gripper robot (1) , taking and transporting battery cells from the production line with its cell gripper (1.1) ; the cell sequencing unit (2) , ensuring proper sequencing by continuously centering the battery cells carried by the cell gripper robot (1) and rotating the sequenced battery cell stack (4) by 180° with its positioner (3.2) to the appropriate position for the next transportation process, and returning to its original position for new cell sequencing when the sequenced battery cell stack (4) is removed; and cell stack loading robot (3) , taking the sequenced battery cell stack (4) from the cell sequencing unit (2) while maintaining their alignment with its stack gripper (3.1) and transporting them back to the production line after the end plates are positioned.

[0049] Briefly, the inventive battery cell sequencing and module loading unit operates by taking battery cells from the production line by the cell gripper robot (1) and transporting them to the cell sequencing unit (2) , using the cell sequencing unit (2) to stack and arrange the battery cells to form the sequenced battery cell stack (4) that will form the battery module, and removing the sequenced battery cell stack (4) from the cell sequencing unit (2) by the cell stack loading robot (3) , attaching the end plates and returning it to the production line for further processing. During this process, the cell sequencing unit (2) rotates 180° after arranging the battery cells carried by the cell gripper robot (1) , and after the cell stack loading robot (3) picks up the battery cells, and then, by rotating 180° again for the cell gripper robot (1) to drop the new battery cells, it returns to its original position. In this manner, the battery cell sequencing and module loading unit operate rapidly.

[0050] The cell gripper (1.1) of the cell gripper robot (1) comprises, within its structure, the cell gripper gripping jaws (1.1.1) gripping and picking up the battery cells on the production line; the cell gripper piston (1.1.2) allowing the cell gripper gripping aws (1.1.1) to move; and the distance sensor (1.1.3) allowing the cell gripper gripping jaws (1.1.1) to adjust the distance to the batteries.

[0051] In the cell gripper (1.1) , a pneumatic piston (1.1.2) is used as the cell gripper piston.

[0052] The distance sensor (1.1.3) in the cell gripper (1.1) is a distance sensor with reflection from the object.

[0053] The cell gripper gripping jaws (1.1.1) in the structure of the cell gripper (1.1) have serrated and notched ends that provide a tight and secure grip on the battery cells without slipping and falling.

[0054] The outer surfaces of the cell gripper gripping jaws (1.1.1) that are in contact with the battery cells have insulating materials to prevent short circuits. Cestamite was used as an insulation material in our invention. The cell gripper robot (1) takes the battery cells from the production line with its cell gripper (1.1) . This process is accomplished by gripping the battery cells with the cell gripper gripping jaws (1.1.1) . The cell gripper gripping aws (1.1.1) , which open and close in tandem with the cell gripper piston (1.1.2) , perform the gripping process. The distance sensor (1.1.3) adjusts the distance between the battery cells positioned between the cell gripper gripping jaws (1.1.1) to compress them securely without applying too much pressure while also preventing them from falling or slipping.

[0055] The cell sequencing unit (2) comprises, within its structure, cell bed (2.1) forming the section where the cells are positioned; sequencing arms (2.2) , centering the cells positioned on the cell bed, ensuring that they are aligned in the same line; servo movement system (2.3) ensuring the linear movement of the cell bed (2.1) according to the sequencing arms (2.2) , and the positioner (2.4) enabling the cell sequencing unit (2) to perform a 180° rotation so that the sequenced battery cell stack (4) formed after the completion of sequencing may be easily gripped by the cell stack loading robot (3) .

[0056] To prevent short circuits, the outer surfaces of the sequencing arms (2.2) that come into contact with the battery cells are insulated. Cestamite was used as an insulation material in our invention .

[0057] Battery cells picked up by the cell gripper robot (1) are transported to the cell sequencing unit (2) and sequenced on the cell bed (2.1) . Thanks to the servo movement system (2.3) , the cell bed (2.1) moves linearly upwards, and the battery cells reach the position where the sequencing arms (2.2) reach. By intervening on each battery cell from both sides, the sequencing arms (2.2) ensure that all cells positioned on the cell bed (2.1) are aligned in the same line. After the battery cells are sequenced uniformly, by means of the servo movement system (2.3) the cell bed (2.1) moves linearly downwards and returns to its original position. When the sequencing of the battery cells is finished and the sequenced battery cell stack (4) is formed, the cell sequencing unit (2) is rotated 180° by the positioner (2.4) for the sequenced battery cell stack (4) to be picked up by the cell stack loading robot (3) .

[0058] The stack gripper (3) of the cell stack loading robot (3) comprises, within its structure, stack gripper gripping jaws

[0059] (3.1.1) , gripping and holding the sequenced battery cell stack (4) between them; an upper pressing element (3.1.2) , controlling the cells via pressing method and pressing them together with the stack gripper gripping aws (3.1.1) ; a servo motor (3.1.3) providing the movement; a ball screw (3.1.4) transmitting the movement of the servo motor (3.1.3) to the upper pressing element (3.1.2) ; a stack gripper piston (3.1.5) , providing the opening-closing movement of the gripping jaws

[0060] (3.1.1) ; vacuum pads (3.1.6) attaching the end plates by fixing them; a rotary piston (3.1.7) enabling the rotation of the vacuum pads (3.1.6) and a load cell measuring the pressure.

[0061] Stack gripper (3) , with stack gripper gripping jaws (3.1.1) within the structure, has insulated materials to prevent short circuits on the outer surfaces of the upper pressing element

[0062] (3.1.2) in contact with the battery cells. Cestamite was used as an insulation material in our invention.

[0063] The sequenced battery cell stack (4) formed by the cell sequencing unit (2) is picked up by the stack gripper (3) of the cell stack loading robot (3) . The sequenced battery cell stack (4) is gripped from the sides by the stack gripper gripping jaws (3.1.1) and from the top by the upper pressing element (3.1.2) , so that the arrangement of the sequenced battery cell stack (4) is not disturbed. The upper pressing element (3.1.2) also controls the cells via the pressing method. The movement at the cell sequencing unit (2) is provided by a servo motor. The movement of the servo motor (3.1.3) is transmitted to the upper pressing element (3.1.2) by the ball screw (3.1.4) . The opening and closing of the stack gripper gripping aws (3.1.1) is provided by the stack gripper piston (3.1.5) . If the end plates have mixed-different angles, vacuum pads (3.1.6) straighten the position of the end plates so that they can be attached to the sequenced battery cell stack (4) . The rotary piston (3.1.7) ensures the rotation of the vacuum pads. Throughout all of these operations, the load cell in the section where the sequenced battery cell stack (4) is located continuously measures the pressure to which the sequenced battery cell stack (4) is subjected, ensuring safe operation .

[0064] The inventive battery cell sequencing and module loading unit includes a cell gripper (1.1) and a stack gripper (3.1) that precisely grip the cells and ensure proper positioning for the processes. Thus, by correctly positioning and sequencing the cells, stable and efficient battery cell modules are formed.

Claims

CLAIMS1. The invention is a battery cell sequencing and module loading unit characterized that it comprises a cell gripper robot (1) , taking and transporting battery cells from the production line with its cell gripper (1.1) ; cell sequencing unit (2) , ensuring proper sequencing by continuously centering the battery cells carried by the cell gripper robot (1) and rotating the sequenced battery cell stack (4) by 180° with its positioner (3.2) to the appropriate position for the next transportation process, and returning to its original position for new cell sequencing when the sequenced battery cell stack (4) is removed; and cell stack loading robot (3) , taking the sequenced battery cell stack (4) from the cell sequencing unit (2) while maintaining their alignment with its stack gripper (3.1) and transporting them back to the production line after the end plates are positioned.

2. The cell gripper (1.1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises, within its structure, cell gripper gripping jaws (1.1.1) for gripping and picking up the battery cells on the production line; a cell gripper piston (1.1.2) for moving the cell gripper gripping aws (1.1.1) ; and a distance sensor (1.1.3) for adjusting the distance of the cell gripping jaws (1.1.1) to the battery cells.

3. The cell sequencing unit (2) according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises, within its structure, cell bed (2.1) forming the section where the cells are positioned; sequencing arms (2.2) , centering the cells positioned on the cell bed, ensuring that they are aligned in the same line; servo movement system (2.3) ensuring the linear movement of the cell bed (2.1) according to thesequencing arms (2.2) , and positioner (2.4) enabling the cell sequencing unit (2) to perform a 180° rotation so that the sequenced battery cell stack (4) formed after the completion of sequencing may be easily gripped by the cell stack loading robot (3) .

4. The stack gripper (3) according to Claim 1, characterized in that it, characterized in that comprises, within its structure, stack gripper gripping aws (3.1.1) for gripping and holding the sequenced battery cell stack (4) between them; an upper pressing element (3.1.2) , controlling the cells via pressing method and pressing them together with the stack gripper gripping jaws (3.1.1) ; a servo motor (3.1.3) providing the movement; a ball screw (3.1.4) transmitting the movement of the servo motor (3.1.3) to the upper pressing element (3.1.2) ; a stack gripper piston (3.1.5) , providing the opening-closing movement of the gripping jaws (3.1.1) ; vacuum pads (3.1.6) attaching the end plates by fixing them; a rotary piston (3.1.7) enabling the rotation of the vacuum pads (3.1.6) and a load cell measuring the pressure.

5. A cell gripper (1.1) according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, characterized in that it comprises, within its structure, cell gripper gripping jaws (1.1.1) with serrated and notched ends that ensure a firm and secure grip of the battery cells without slipping and falling.

6. A cell gripper (1.1) according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, characterized in that it comprises, within its structure, cell gripper gripping jaws (1.1.1) having an insulating material made of cestamite to prevent short circuit on the outer surfaces contacting the battery cells.

7. A cell sequencing unit (2) according to Claim 1 or Claim 3, characterized in that it comprises, within its structure, sequencing arms (2.2) having an insulating material made of cestamite to prevent short circuits on the outer surfaces contacting the battery cells.

8. A cell stack loading robot (3) according to Claim 1 or Claim 3, characterized in that it comprises, within its structure, stack gripper gripping jaws (3.1.1) and upper pressing element (3.1.2) having an insulating material made of cestamite to prevent short circuit on the outer surfaces in contact with the battery cells.

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