Cylindrical battery welding device and welding method

Abstract

A cylindrical battery welding device, comprising: a rotating assembly (1) having a longitudinal central axis and adapted to rotate around the longitudinal central axis; a plurality of battery carriers (2) arranged around the rotating assembly, wherein the rotating assembly rotates so as to drive the plurality of battery carriers to rotate around the longitudinal central axis, each battery carrier is used for clamping a battery (5), and the axis line of the battery carrier has a return state in which the axis line is parallel to the longitudinal central axis and an inclined state in which the top of the battery is away from the longitudinal central axis relative to the bottom; and a welding module (3) adapted to weld the battery when the battery carrier is in the inclined state. According to the welding device, when the battery carrier is in the inclined state, on-the-fly welding can be achieved more easily; in addition, by means of rotation of the battery, it can be ensured that the welding trajectory of the welding module is an arc, and the trajectory is simple, thereby reducing the welding difficulty.

Description

Cylindrical battery welding equipment and welding methods

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411829931.2, filed on December 12, 2024, entitled “Welding Equipment and Method for Cylindrical Batteries”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of battery processing technology, specifically to a cylindrical battery welding equipment and welding method. Background Technology

[0004] The cylindrical battery includes a casing and a cover plate disposed at an opening on one side of the casing. In related technologies, the casing and the cover plate are typically welded vertically at the top of the cylindrical battery, and during the welding process, the cylindrical battery does not rotate; instead, the welding laser moves in a circular motion along the edge of the cover plate.

[0005] In the mass production of cylindrical batteries, multiple cylindrical batteries are fixed on a turret device at the same time and rotate around the turret device. During continuous production, the turret is in a state of continuous rotation, which further increases the welding difficulty of the welding laser. As a result, the welding laser cannot completely weld along the outer edge of the cylindrical battery, making it difficult to guarantee the welding accuracy. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of this, this application provides a cylindrical battery welding device and welding method to solve the problem that welding lasers cannot accurately weld along the circular outer edge of a cylindrical battery.

[0007] In a first aspect, this application provides a cylindrical battery welding apparatus for welding the battery cover plate and the casing. The cylindrical battery welding apparatus includes:

[0008] A rotating assembly having a longitudinal central axis and adapted to rotate about the longitudinal central axis;

[0009] Multiple battery carriers are arranged around a rotating assembly. The rotating assembly rotates to drive the multiple battery carriers to rotate around a longitudinal central axis. The battery carriers are used to hold batteries. The axis of the battery carrier has a return state parallel to the longitudinal central axis and an inclined state in which the top of the battery is away from the longitudinal central axis relative to the bottom.

[0010] The welding module is suitable for welding batteries when the battery carrier is tilted.

[0011] Beneficial effects: When the battery carrier is tilted, i.e., when the battery is tilted, welding can be performed on the battery via the welding module. This makes in-flight welding easier, and the battery's rotation ensures that the welding module's welding trajectory is an arc, which is simple and reduces welding difficulty. It also makes it easier to ensure that the welding laser completely follows the outer edge of the cylindrical battery, improving the fault tolerance and effectively guaranteeing welding accuracy.

[0012] Secondly, this application also provides a cylindrical battery welding method, using the cylindrical battery welding equipment described above, the cylindrical battery welding method comprising:

[0013] Place the battery into the battery cup of the battery carrier and hold the battery with the gripper assembly;

[0014] The rotating component rotates and drives the battery carrier from the return state to the tilt state, thereby tilting the battery.

[0015] The gripper assembly drives the battery to rotate around its own axis; the welding module simultaneously welds the battery.

[0016] After welding is completed, the gripper assembly stops the battery's rotation;

[0017] The rotating component continues to rotate and drives the battery carrier from the tilted state to the return state, so as to restore the battery to the vertical state;

[0018] The gripper assembly releases its grip on the battery to allow it to be removed.

[0019] Beneficial effects: When the battery carrier 2 is tilted, i.e., when the battery is tilted, welding is performed on the battery via the welding module. This makes in-flight welding easier, and the battery's rotation ensures that the welding trajectory of the welding module is an arc, simplifying the process and reducing welding difficulty. It also makes it easier to ensure that the welding laser completely follows the outer edge of the cylindrical battery, improving the fault tolerance and effectively guaranteeing welding accuracy. By clamping the battery's circumference with grippers and causing the battery to rotate around its own axis, the laser can remain stationary while the welding module is welding the battery. The relative movement between the laser and the battery is achieved solely through the battery's rotation, completing the welding of the battery cover around its circumference. This simplifies the welding trajectory, making it easier to implement and ensuring welding accuracy and quality. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the cylindrical battery welding equipment of this application;

[0022] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the cylindrical battery welding equipment of this application;

[0023] Figure 3 is a front view of the base of this application;

[0024] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the battery carrier of this application;

[0025] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the battery carrier of this application (II).

[0026] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the battery carrier of this application;

[0027] Figure 7 is an exploded view of the battery placement platform of this application.

[0028] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Rotating assembly; 11. Base; 111. Guide groove; 1111. Parallel section; 1112. Rising section; 1113. Welding stroke section; 1114. Falling section; 12. Turret; 121. Fixing part; 2. Battery carrier; 21. Support frame; 22. Tilting drive assembly; 221. Guide wheel; 222. Follower plate; 223. Rack; 224. Gear; 225. Lifting guide rail; 226. Lead screw; 227. Translational guide rail; 228. Translational slider; 229. First hinge seat; 23. Battery placement platform; 231. Second hinge seat; 232. Sensing module; 233. Gripper assembly; 2331. Grip drive unit; 2332. Grip guide rail; 2333. Grip slider; 2334. Grip unit; 2335. Rotating roller; 235. Battery cup; 2351. Receiving groove; 2352. Cup locking component; 236. Mounting plate; 2361. Limiting block; 24. Fixing component; 25. Limiting groove; 3. Welding module; 4. Vision module; 5. Battery. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0030] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0031] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0032] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of this application described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0033] Cylindrical batteries include a casing and a cover plate located at an opening on one side of the casing. In related technologies, the casing and cover plate are typically welded vertically at the top of the cylindrical battery. During welding, the cylindrical battery does not rotate; instead, the welding laser moves in a circular motion along the edge of the cover plate. In mass production of cylindrical batteries, multiple cylindrical batteries are simultaneously fixed on a turret and rotate around it. During continuous production, the turret is in a state of continuous rotation. The trajectory of the welding laser needs to be fitted with the trajectory of the circular motion along the edge of the cover plate and the trajectory of the cylindrical battery rotating around the turret to calculate the landing point of the continuous laser motion. This further increases the welding difficulty, making it impossible for the welding laser to completely weld along the outer circular edge of the cylindrical battery, resulting in a low error tolerance and difficulty in guaranteeing welding accuracy.

[0034] The embodiments of this application are described below with reference to Figures 1 to 7.

[0035] According to an embodiment of this application, in one aspect, a cylindrical battery welding apparatus is provided for welding the cover plate and the casing of a battery 5. The cylindrical battery welding apparatus includes:

[0036] Rotating assembly 1 has a longitudinal central axis and is adapted to rotate about the longitudinal central axis;

[0037] Multiple battery carriers 2 are arranged around a rotating assembly 1. The rotating assembly 1 rotates to drive the multiple battery carriers 2 to rotate around a longitudinal central axis. The battery carriers 2 are used to hold batteries 5. The axis of the battery carriers 2 has a return state parallel to the longitudinal central axis and an inclined state in which the top of the battery 5 is away from the longitudinal central axis relative to the bottom.

[0038] Welding module 3 is adapted to weld battery 5 when battery carrier 2 is in an inclined state.

[0039] Referring to Figure 1, the longitudinal central axis of the rotating component 1 is the longitudinal central axis shown in the figure, which can be the rotation center of the rotating component 1. The axis of the battery carrier 2 is the axis of the battery carrier shown in the figure, which can be the rotation center of the battery 5.

[0040] When the rotating component 1 rotates around the longitudinal central axis, it drives multiple battery carriers 2 to rotate around the longitudinal central axis, and the battery carriers 2 rise and fall through the trajectory changes of the guide grooves. The cooperation between the guide grooves and the battery carriers 2 is described in detail below.

[0041] During the rotation of the battery carrier 2 around its longitudinal central axis, the tilting drive component 22 further causes a change in the axis of the battery carrier 2, switching the battery carrier 2 between a return state and a tilted state. Since the battery carrier 2 is used to hold the battery 5, this causes the battery 5 to switch between a return state and a tilted state. How the rotation of the battery carrier 2 around its longitudinal central axis causes a change in the axis of the battery 5 is described in detail below.

[0042] In this embodiment, the return state can specifically be the vertical state.

[0043] When the battery carrier 2 is tilted, that is, when the battery 5 is tilted, the welding module 3 welds the battery 5. This makes in-flight welding easier, and the rotation of the battery 5 ensures that the welding trajectory of the welding module is an arc, which is simple and reduces the welding difficulty. It also makes it easier to ensure that the welding laser completely follows the outer edge of the cylindrical battery, improving the fault tolerance and effectively ensuring welding accuracy. How the battery 5 rotates is described in detail below.

[0044] In some embodiments, the cylindrical battery welding equipment further includes a vision module 4 for detecting appearance defects in the battery. Both the vision module 4 and the welding module 3 are arranged circumferentially around the rotating assembly 1.

[0045] In some embodiments, the battery carrier 2 includes:

[0046] Support frame 21;

[0047] Battery placement platform 23 is suitable for holding battery 5;

[0048] The tilt drive assembly 22 is mounted on the support frame 21. One end of the tilt drive assembly 22 is connected to the rotating assembly 1, and the other end is connected to the battery placement platform 23. The tilt drive assembly 22 is adapted to drive the battery placement platform 23 to switch between a vertical state and a tilted state when it moves to a preset position following the rotating assembly 1.

[0049] The support frame 21 serves as the load-bearing unit for each component. The support frame 21 is connected to the rotating component 1 through the fixing member 24, so that the support frame 21 can always rotate with the rotating component 1.

[0050] The battery placement platform 23 is adapted to hold the battery 5, and in this embodiment, the battery placement platform 23 is adapted to rotate relative to the support frame 21 to realize the switching of the battery 5 between the return state and the tilted state.

[0051] The tilting drive component 22 is adapted to drive the battery placement platform 23 to switch between a vertical state and a tilted state when it moves to a preset position following the rotation component 1. In this embodiment, the preset position can be the lower part of the welding module 3, that is, the battery 5 rotates with the rotation component 1 and gradually switches from a vertical state to a tilted state as it approaches the welding module 3; during the welding process of the welding module 3, the battery 5 is always in a tilted state; and after the welding module 3 finishes welding, it gradually switches from a tilted state to a vertical state.

[0052] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG3, the rotating assembly 1 includes a base 11 and a turret 12 adapted to rotate relative to the base 11. A guide groove 111 is provided around the outer peripheral surface of the base 11. The guide groove 111 is sequentially formed with a parallel section 1111, a rising section 1112, a welding stroke section 1113, and a descending section 1114 along the outer peripheral surface of the base 11.

[0053] The battery carrier 2 also includes a guide wheel 221, which is movably disposed in the guide groove 111. When the guide wheel 221 travels through the rising section 1112 or the falling section 1114, it is adapted to rise or fall relative to the base 11.

[0054] In this embodiment, the guide wheel of the battery carrier 2 cooperates with the guide groove 111 arranged around the outer peripheral surface of the base 11. When the turret 12 rotates around the longitudinal central axis, the guide groove 111 and the guide wheel 221 are relatively displaced, thereby causing the guide wheel 221 to travel along the parallel section 1111, the rising section 1112, the welding stroke section 1113, and the descending section 1114 formed sequentially along the guide groove 111.

[0055] When the guide wheel travels through the rising section 1112 or the falling section 1114, the guide wheel 221 will rise and fall in the vertical direction, which will drive the rack 223 to rise and fall in the vertical direction. The movement of the rack 223 will drive the gear 224 to rotate, which will then drive the battery placement platform 23 to switch between the vertical state and the tilted state.

[0056] In some embodiments, as a specific implementation, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the tilt drive component 22 includes:

[0057] Guide wheel 221;

[0058] The follower plate 222 is connected to the guide wheel 221. When the guide wheel 221 rises or falls relative to the base 11, the follower plate 222 is adapted to move relative to the support frame 21; for example, the follower plate 222 can be raised and lowered relative to the support frame 21 in the vertical direction.

[0059] Rack 223 is mounted on follower plate 222;

[0060] Gear 224 meshes with rack 223, and rack 223 slides to drive gear 224 to rotate;

[0061] The lead screw 226 is coaxially arranged with the gear 224, and the lead screw 226 is adapted to rotate about its own axis when the gear 224 rotates;

[0062] The first hinge seat 229 is threadedly engaged with the lead screw 226, and the rotation of the lead screw 226 is adapted to drive the first hinge seat 229 to move horizontally; the first hinge seat 229 is hingedly connected to the second hinge seat 231 of the battery placement platform 23.

[0063] The support frame 21 is provided with a lifting guide rail 225, and the follower plate 222 is adapted to move along the direction guided by the lifting guide rail 225. For example, the lifting guide rail 225 can be set in the vertical direction.

[0064] By movably mounting the rack 223 on the support frame 21 and driving the rack 223 to rise and fall through the trajectory change of the guide groove 111, the rack 223 drives the gear 224 to rotate around its own axis. The lead screw 226 is coaxially mounted with the gear 224, making the lead screw 226 suitable for rotating around its own axis when the gear 224 rotates. The lead screw 226 then drives the first hinge seat 229 to translate. At the same time, since the first hinge seat 229 is hinged to the second hinge seat 231 of the battery placement platform 23, the translation of the first hinge seat 229 can drive the battery placement platform 23 to rotate around the hinge axis, allowing the battery placement platform 23 to switch between a return state and a tilted state, thereby driving the battery to switch between a return state and a tilted state.

[0065] In this embodiment, one of the first hinge seat 229 and the support frame 21 is also provided with a translational guide rail 227, and the other is also provided with a translational slider 228. So when the lead screw 226 drives the first hinge seat 229 to translate, the cooperation between the translational guide rail 227 and the translational slider 228 can make the movement path of the first hinge seat 229 more stable.

[0066] In this embodiment, the second hinge seat 231 is disposed on the mounting plate 236, and the mounting plate 236 is also provided with a limiting block 2361. The support frame 21 is also provided with a limiting groove 25. The limiting block 2361 is slidably disposed in the limiting groove 25. Guided by the limiting groove 25, the mounting plate 236 can rotate in a preset direction. The mounting plate 236 can serve as the mounting base for structural components such as the battery holder 235 and the gripper assembly 233.

[0067] In some embodiments, the length of the rack 223 is L, and the angle between the centerline of the battery 5 in the return state and the tilted state is A, satisfying: 1 / 18mm / °≤L / A≤1 / 6mm / °.

[0068] Since the lifting and lowering of rack 223 causes gear 224 to rotate around its axis, thereby causing battery placement platform 23 to switch between a return state and a tilted state, the sliding distance of rack 223 is directly related to the tilt angle of battery 5. By limiting the relationship between the length L of rack 223 and the angle A between the axis of battery 5 in the return state and the tilted state, the sliding distance of rack 223 is prevented from being too long, which would result in an excessively large tilt angle of battery 5, while the sliding distance of rack 223 is prevented from being too short, which would result in an insufficient tilt angle of battery 5.

[0069] In some embodiments, the value of A is in the range of 20°≤A≤30°.

[0070] By reasonably limiting the range of values ​​for A, the degree of cooperation between welding module 3 and battery 5 is ensured, the welding difficulty is reduced, and the welding accuracy is effectively guaranteed.

[0071] In this embodiment, the value of A can specifically be 20°, 22°, 23°, 25°, 28°, or 30°, etc.

[0072] In some embodiments, the battery placement platform 23 may be detachably connected to the tilt drive assembly 22 and the support frame 21.

[0073] The cylindrical battery welding equipment provided in the embodiments of this application adopts a partitioned design for each mechanism, which enables each mechanism to be individually controllable, easy to disassemble and debug, and easy to add auxiliary mechanisms, thus better ensuring consistency and simplifying the difficulty of centering adjustment.

[0074] In some embodiments, the battery placement platform 23 includes a gripper assembly 233, which has a fixed state for fixing the circumferential surface of the battery 5 and a rotating state for gripping the battery 5 to cause the battery 5 to rotate.

[0075] After the battery carrier 2 tilts the battery, the gripper assembly 233 clamps the circumference of the battery 5 and causes the battery 5 to rotate around its own axis. Thus, when the welding module 3 welds the battery 5, the laser can remain stationary and only the rotation of the battery 5 achieves relative movement with the laser, completing the welding of the cover plate of the battery 5 around the circumference. This simplifies the welding trajectory, makes it easier to implement, and ensures welding accuracy and quality.

[0076] In some embodiments, the gripper assembly 233 includes:

[0077] At least two clamping parts 2334 are used to clamp the battery 5;

[0078] The rotating roller 2335 is disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the clamping part 2334 facing the battery 5. In the fixed state, the rotating roller 2335 abuts against the battery 5. In the rotating state, the rotating roller 2335 rotates around its own axis to drive the battery 5 to rotate around its own axis. The axis of the rotating roller 2335 is parallel to the axis of the battery 5.

[0079] In this embodiment, the gripper assembly 233 may include two opposing gripping portions 2334, which together form a gripping area for gripping the battery 5.

[0080] A rotating roller 2335 is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the clamping part 2334 facing the battery 5. The rotating roller 2335 can be driven to rotate around its own axis as needed. There are multiple rotating rollers 2335. When multiple rotating rollers 2335 rotate in the same direction, they can drive the battery 5 to rotate around its own axis.

[0081] In some embodiments, the gripper assembly 233 further includes:

[0082] Clamping drive unit 2331;

[0083] The clamping guide rail 2332 and the clamping slider 2333 are disposed on the clamping drive unit 2331 and the other on the clamping part 2334. The clamping drive unit 2331 is adapted to drive at least two clamping parts 2334 to move closer or further apart from each other in a preset direction. This achieves the clamping and release of the battery 5.

[0084] In some embodiments, the ratio of the rotational speed of the gripper assembly 233 driving the battery 5 to rotate around its own axis to the rotational speed of the rotating assembly 1 is P, satisfying: 1 / 18≤P≤1 / 6.

[0085] By reasonably setting the ratio of the rotational speed of the battery 5 around its own axis driven by the gripper assembly 233 to the rotational speed of the rotating assembly 1, and combining it with logical operations, the rotational speed of the turret 12 is made consistent with the rotational speed of the battery 5, thereby facilitating the welding module to weld the battery 5.

[0086] In some embodiments, along the axis of the battery 5, the ratio of the height of the clamping part 2334 to the height of the battery 5 is W, satisfying: 1 / 10≤W≤1 / 3.

[0087] The height of the clamping part 2334 determines the size of the contact area between the clamping part 2334 and the circumferential outer surface of the battery. By limiting the lower limit of the ratio between the height of the clamping part 2334 and the height of the battery 5, it is possible to prevent the clamping part 2334 from being too narrow, thus preventing the clamping part 2334 from being unable to stably fix the battery. Furthermore, by limiting the upper limit of the ratio between the height of the clamping part 2334 and the height of the battery, it is possible to prevent the clamping part 2334 from being too tall, thus preventing any impact on the smooth progress of welding.

[0088] In some embodiments, the roughness R of the inner surface of the clamping part 2334 is in the range of 0.8μm≤R≤1.6μm.

[0089] The battery can be stably clamped only when the roughness of the inner surface of the clamping part 2334 is sufficient. By limiting the roughness of the inner surface of the clamping part 2334, the battery can be prevented from shaking or coming loose in the clamping state, thereby improving the clamping stability of the battery.

[0090] Specifically in this embodiment, the inner surface of the clamping part 2334 may contact the outer surface of the battery 5, or the outer surface of the battery 5 may only be contacted by the rotating roller 2335.

[0091] In some embodiments, the battery placement platform 23 is detachably connected to the gripper assembly 233.

[0092] The cylindrical battery welding equipment provided in the embodiments of this application adopts a partitioned design for each mechanism, which enables each mechanism to be individually controllable, easy to disassemble and debug, and easy to add auxiliary mechanisms, thus better ensuring consistency and simplifying the difficulty of centering adjustment.

[0093] In some embodiments, the battery carrier 2 further includes:

[0094] The battery holder 235 has a receiving groove 2351 for accommodating the battery 5;

[0095] Multiple cup locking members 2352 are arranged around the circumference of the battery cup 235; the cup locking members 2352 have a locked state that abuts against the battery 5, and a loose state that releases the lock on the battery 5 so that the battery 5 can rotate around its own axis under the drive of the gripper assembly 233.

[0096] In this embodiment, the cup locking member 2352 can be a roller that is movably arranged relative to the cup wall of the battery cup 235, and the axial direction of the roller is perpendicular to the axial direction of the battery 5. Thus, during the process of inserting or removing the battery 5 from the battery cup 235, the cup locking member 2352 can rotate around its own axis to guide the insertion or removal of the battery 5.

[0097] In some embodiments, the battery carrier 2 further includes a sensing module 232, which is directly or indirectly connected to the cup holder locking member 2352; the sensing module 232 is adapted to drive the cup holder locking member 2352 from a locked state to a loose state when the battery 5 is installed in a preset position in the battery cup holder 235.

[0098] As an optional implementation, when the battery 5 is installed into the battery holder 235 and comes into contact with the bottom of the battery holder 235, the sensing module 232 can be triggered to work, indicating that the battery 5 is installed in place, and correspondingly, the gripper assembly 233 can simultaneously clamp the battery 5.

[0099] The operation of the sensing module 232 can cause the cup holder locking component 2352 to switch from the locked state to the released state. For example, the cup holder locking component 2352 can be moved relative to the cup wall of the battery cup holder 235 through the internal structure such as the paddle, pull wire, and spring.

[0100] In some embodiments, the cup locking member 2352 is adapted to protrude in the receiving groove 2351 along the radial direction of the battery cup 235 when in the locked state, so as to abut against the battery 5; the cup locking member 2352 is also adapted to retract into the cup wall of the battery cup 235 along the radial direction of the battery cup 235 when in the released state, so as to move away from the battery 5.

[0101] In some embodiments, the sensing module 232 includes a magnetic element.

[0102] In some embodiments, the turret 12 is provided with a fixing part 121, and the battery carrier 2 is provided with a fixing member 24 connected to the fixing part 121.

[0103] In this embodiment, the rotating component 1 includes a base 11 and a turret 12 adapted to rotate relative to the base 11. A drive motor may be installed inside the base 11, and a reducer or other device may be installed between the motor and the base 11 to ensure stable output of the drive component and ensure that the turret 12 moves at a constant speed.

[0104] According to an embodiment of this application, another aspect provides a cylindrical battery welding method, using the cylindrical battery welding equipment described above. The cylindrical battery welding method includes:

[0105] The battery 5 is placed into the battery cup 235 of the battery carrier 2 and held by the gripper assembly 233;

[0106] Rotating component 1 rotates and drives battery carrier 2 from the return state to the tilt state, thereby tilting battery 5;

[0107] The gripper assembly 233 drives the battery 5 to rotate around its own axis; the welding module simultaneously welds the battery 5.

[0108] After welding is completed, the gripper assembly 233 stops the rotation of battery 5;

[0109] The rotating component 1 continues to rotate and drives the battery carrier 2 from the tilted state to the return state, so as to drive the battery 5 back to the vertical state;

[0110] The gripper assembly 233 releases its grip on the battery 5 so that the battery 5 can be removed.

[0111] When the battery carrier 2 is tilted, i.e., when the battery 5 is tilted, the battery is welded by the welding module 3. This makes in-flight welding easier, and the rotation of the battery 5 ensures that the welding trajectory of the welding module 3 is an arc, which is simple and reduces the welding difficulty. It also makes it easier to ensure that the welding laser completely welds along the outer edge of the cylindrical battery, improving the fault tolerance and effectively ensuring welding accuracy. The gripper assembly 233 clamps the battery's circumference and drives the battery to rotate around its own axis. This allows the laser to remain stationary while the welding module welds the battery. The relative movement between the laser and the battery is achieved only through the battery's rotation, completing the welding of one circle of the battery cover. This simplifies the welding trajectory, makes it easier to implement, and ensures welding accuracy and quality.

[0112] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely examples for clear illustration and are not intended to limit the implementation. Although embodiments of this application have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of this application, and all such modifications and variations fall within the scope defined by this application.

Claims

1. A cylindrical battery welding device, characterized in that, The cylindrical battery welding equipment is used for welding the cover plate and the casing of the battery (5). Rotating assembly (1) has a longitudinal central axis and is adapted to rotate about the longitudinal central axis; Multiple battery carriers (2) are arranged around the rotating assembly (1), which rotates to drive the multiple battery carriers (2) to rotate around the longitudinal central axis; the battery carriers (2) are used to hold the battery (5), and the axis of the battery carriers (2) has a return state parallel to the longitudinal central axis and an inclined state in which the top of the battery (5) is away from the longitudinal central axis relative to the bottom; The welding module (3) is adapted to weld the battery (5) when the battery carrier (2) is in an inclined state.

2. The cylindrical battery welding equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery carrier (2) includes: Support frame (21); A battery placement platform (23) is suitable for holding batteries (5); A tilt drive assembly (22) is disposed on the support frame (21). One end of the tilt drive assembly (22) is connected to the rotating assembly (1), and the other end is connected to the battery placement platform (23). The tilt drive assembly (22) is adapted to drive the battery placement platform (23) to switch between the return state and the tilt state when it moves to a preset position following the rotating assembly (1).

3. The cylindrical battery welding equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rotating assembly (1) includes a base (11) and a turret (12) adapted to rotate relative to the base (11). A guide groove (111) is arranged around the outer peripheral surface of the base (11). The guide groove (111) is formed in sequence along the outer peripheral surface of the base (11) by a parallel section (1111), a rising section (1112), a welding stroke section (1113), and a descending section (1114). The battery carrier (2) also includes a guide wheel (221), which is movably disposed in the guide groove (111); the guide wheel (221) is adapted to rise or fall relative to the base (11) when passing through the rising section (1112) or the falling section (1114).

4. The cylindrical battery welding equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that, The tilt drive assembly (22) includes: The guide wheel (221); The follower plate (222) is connected to the guide wheel (221). When the guide wheel (221) rises or falls relative to the base (11), the follower plate (222) is adapted to move relative to the support frame (21). A rack (223) is disposed on the follower plate (222); The gear (224) meshes with the rack (223), and the rack (223) slides to drive the gear (224) to rotate; A lead screw (226) is coaxially arranged with the gear (224), and the lead screw (226) is adapted to rotate about its own axis when the gear (224) rotates; The first hinge seat (229) is threadedly engaged with the lead screw (226), and the rotation of the lead screw (226) is adapted to drive the first hinge seat (229) to translate; the first hinge seat (229) is hingedly connected to the second hinge seat (231) of the battery placement platform (23).

5. The cylindrical battery welding equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that, The length of the rack (223) is L, and the angle between the centerline of the battery (5) in the return state and the tilted state is A, satisfying: 1 / 18mm / °≤L / A≤1 / 6mm / °.

6. The cylindrical battery welding equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that, The value range of A is: 20°≤A≤90°.

7. The cylindrical battery welding equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The battery placement platform (23) is detachably connected to the tilt drive assembly (22) and the support frame (21).

8. The cylindrical battery welding equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The battery placement platform (23) includes a gripper assembly (233), which has a fixed state for fixing the circumferential surface of the battery (5) and a rotating state for gripping the battery (5) to make the battery (5) rotate.

9. The cylindrical battery welding equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that, The gripper assembly (233) includes: At least two clamping parts (2334) are used to clamp the battery (5); A rotating roller (2335) is disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the clamping part (2334) facing the battery (5); in the fixed state, the rotating roller (2335) abuts against the battery (5); in the rotating state, the rotating roller (2335) rotates around its own axis to drive the battery (5) to rotate around its own axis; the axis of the rotating roller (2335) is parallel to the axis of the battery (5).

10. The cylindrical battery welding equipment according to claim 9, characterized in that, The gripper assembly (233) also includes: Clamping drive unit (2331); A clamping guide rail (2332) and a clamping slider (2333) are provided, one of which is provided in the clamping drive unit (2331) and the other is provided in the clamping unit (2334); the clamping drive unit (2331) is adapted to drive at least two of the clamping units (2334) to move closer to or further away from each other in a preset direction.

11. The cylindrical battery welding equipment according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The ratio of the rotational speed of the gripper assembly (233) driving the battery (5) to rotate around its own axis to the rotational speed of the rotating assembly (1) is P, which satisfies: 1 / 18≤P≤1 / 6.

12. The cylindrical battery welding equipment according to claim 9, characterized in that, Along the axis of the battery (5), the ratio of the height of the clamping part (2334) to the height of the battery (5) is W, which satisfies: 1 / 10≤W≤1 / 3.

13. The cylindrical battery welding equipment according to claim 9, characterized in that, The roughness R of the inner surface of the clamping part (2334) is in the range of 0.8μm≤R≤1.6μm.

14. The cylindrical battery welding equipment according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The battery placement platform (23) is detachably connected to the gripper assembly (233).

15. The cylindrical battery welding equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that, The battery carrier (2) also includes: The battery holder (235) has a receiving groove (2351) for accommodating the battery (5); Multiple cup locking members (2352) are arranged around the circumference of the battery cup (235); the cup locking members (2352) have a locked state that abuts against the battery (5) and a loosened state that releases the locking of the battery (5) so that the battery (5) can rotate around its own axis under the drive of the gripper assembly (233).

16. The cylindrical battery welding equipment according to claim 15, characterized in that, The battery carrier (2) further includes: a sensing module (232) which is directly or indirectly connected to the cup locking member (2352); the sensing module (232) is adapted to drive the cup locking member (2352) to switch from the locked state to the loosened state when the battery (5) is installed in a preset position in the battery cup (235).

17. The cylindrical battery welding equipment according to claim 15, characterized in that, The cup locking member (2352) is adapted to protrude in the receiving groove (2351) along the radial direction of the battery cup (235) in the locked state to abut against the battery (5); the cup locking member (2352) is also adapted to retract into the cup wall of the battery cup (235) along the radial direction in the loosened state to move away from the battery (5).

18. The cylindrical battery welding equipment according to claim 16, characterized in that, The sensing module (232) includes a magnetic component.

19. The cylindrical battery welding equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that, The turret (12) is provided with a fixing part (121), and the battery carrier (2) is provided with a fixing member (24) connected to the fixing part (121).

20. A method for welding cylindrical batteries, characterized in that, The cylindrical battery welding apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 19, the cylindrical battery welding method comprising: The battery (5) is placed into the battery cup (235) of the battery carrier (2) and held by the gripper assembly (233); The rotating component (1) rotates and drives the battery carrier (2) to switch from the return state to the tilt state, so as to tilt the battery (5); The gripper assembly (233) drives the battery (5) to rotate around its own axis; the welding module simultaneously welds the battery (5); After welding is completed, the gripper assembly (233) stops the rotation of the battery (5); The rotating component (1) continues to rotate and drives the battery carrier (2) to switch from the tilted state to the return state, so as to drive the battery (5) to return to the vertical state; The gripper assembly (233) releases its grip on the battery (5) so that the battery (5) can be removed.

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