Battery cell grading and caching device and method

Abstract

The application provides a battery cell grading and caching device and method. The battery cell grading and caching device comprises a grading conveying mechanism, a grading caching mechanism, a first conveying mechanism and a second conveying mechanism. The grading conveying mechanism comprises a base and N conveying belts arranged side by side on the base and extending from the feeding end of the grading conveying mechanism to the discharging end of the grading conveying mechanism. The N conveying belts are used to realize grading conveying of N types of battery cells with different grades. The grading caching mechanism is arranged at the discharging end of the grading conveying mechanism. The first conveying mechanism is used to convey battery cells to be cached to the corresponding conveying belts according to the grades. The second conveying mechanism is used to pick up the battery cells to be cached from the conveying belts and store the picked battery cells in the grading caching mechanism according to the grades. The application can realize grading conveying and caching of battery cells with different grades.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery manufacturing, and more particularly to a cell grading and buffering device and method. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional cell conveying devices can only convey cells in two categories: qualified and unqualified. However, as those skilled in the art are familiar with, cell classification involves far more than just two categories. Simply dividing cells into two categories for conveying is not conducive to the mass production of multi-category batteries.

[0003] In addition, traditional cell delivery devices directly transport the chips to the downstream workstations or material boxes, which cannot achieve chip grading and buffering, thus reducing battery production efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To solve at least one of the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides a battery cell grading and buffering device, the technical solution of which is as follows:

[0005] A battery cell grading and buffering device includes a grading and conveying mechanism, a grading and buffering mechanism, a first transport mechanism, and a second transport mechanism, wherein:

[0006] The grading conveying mechanism includes a base and N conveyor belts arranged side by side on the base, extending from the loading end of the grading conveying mechanism to the unloading end of the grading conveying mechanism. The N conveyor belts are used to realize the grading conveying of battery cells of different grades N, where N is a natural number ≥2.

[0007] The grading buffer mechanism is located at the unloading end of the grading conveyor mechanism;

[0008] The first conveying mechanism is used to transport the battery cells to be buffered to the corresponding feed end of the conveyor belt according to their gear positions;

[0009] The second handling mechanism is used to pick up the battery cells to be buffered from the unloading end of the conveyor belt and store the picked-up battery cells in the grading buffer mechanism according to their grade.

[0010] By cooperating with the grading conveying mechanism, the grading buffering mechanism, the first transport mechanism and the second transport mechanism, the battery cell grading buffering device of the present invention can realize the grading conveying and buffering of battery cells of various grades.

[0011] In some embodiments, the grading conveying mechanism sequentially forms a loading area, a conveying area, and a unloading area along the conveying direction of the conveyor belt; the grading conveying mechanism further includes a first blocking mechanism disposed in the loading area and located above the conveyor belt, a second blocking mechanism disposed in the conveying area and located above the conveyor belt, and a third blocking mechanism disposed in the unloading area and located above the conveyor belt.

[0012] By setting up retaining mechanisms in various areas of the conveyor belt, the battery cells carried on the conveyor belt can be confined to the conveyor belt, preventing the battery cells from bouncing off or slipping off the conveyor belt.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first baffle mechanism includes N+1 baffles arranged side by side along the conveying direction of the conveyor belt, with a conveyor belt arranged between each pair of adjacent baffles.

[0014] By setting the first baffle mechanism, not only can the battery cells in the feeding area be confined to the conveyor belt, but the feeding guide can also be provided so that the battery cells can fall accurately into the conveyor belt between the adjacent baffles.

[0015] In some embodiments, the third blocking mechanism is slidably connected to the base and configured to slide back and forth between a blocking position and an open position; the third blocking mechanism includes N blocking bars arranged side by side along the conveying direction of the conveyor belts, corresponding one-to-one with the N conveyor belts; when the third blocking mechanism slides to the blocking position, the N conveyor belts are blocked one by one by the N blocking bars; when the third blocking mechanism slides to the open position, the N conveyor belts expose the N blocking bars; the cell sorting and buffering device also includes a blocking mechanism driving device disposed on the base for driving the third blocking mechanism to slide.

[0016] By configuring the third blocking mechanism, the conveyor belt in the unloading area can be both blocked and exposed. When the conveyor belt is exposed, the second handling mechanism can easily pick up the battery cells from the conveyor belt, while when the conveyor belt is blocked, the battery cells carried on the conveyor belt are confined to the conveyor belt by the third blocking mechanism.

[0017] In some embodiments, the battery cell sorting and buffering device further includes N sets of battery cell lifting mechanisms, each corresponding to one of the N conveyor belts, disposed in the unloading area and located below the conveyor belts. The battery cell lifting mechanisms are used to lift the battery cells carried on the corresponding conveyor belts upward.

[0018] By setting up a cell lifting mechanism, the cells can be lifted off the conveyor belt, making it easier for the second handling mechanism to pick up the chips.

[0019] In some embodiments, the cell lifting mechanism includes a first lifting cylinder, a support plate, a second lifting cylinder, and a lifting plate, wherein: the support plate is connected to the drive end of the first lifting cylinder; the second lifting cylinder is mounted on the support plate; the lifting plate is connected to the drive end of the second lifting cylinder, the lifting plate extends along the conveying direction of the conveyor belt, and a plurality of cell receiving slots are formed on the lifting plate along the extending direction of the lifting plate.

[0020] A simple battery cell lifting mechanism is provided, which can simultaneously lift several battery cells from the conveyor belt.

[0021] In some embodiments, the battery cell sorting and buffering device further includes N sets of battery cell blocking mechanisms, each corresponding to one of the N conveyor belts, disposed in the conveying area and located below the conveyor belt. The battery cell blocking mechanism includes a third lifting cylinder and a stop block connected to the drive end of the third lifting cylinder. When the third lifting cylinder lifts the stop block upward, the stop block extends upward to the corresponding conveyor belt to block the battery cells carried on the conveyor belt.

[0022] By setting up a cell blocking mechanism, when a predetermined number of cells on the conveyor belt enter the unloading area, the cell blocking mechanism is lifted upward to block other cells on the input belt from entering the unloading area, thereby ensuring that the second conveying mechanism can pick up the predetermined number of cells from the conveyor belt in the unloading area.

[0023] In some embodiments, the second baffle mechanism includes a horizontally arranged baffle plate, the baffle plate is provided with at least one set of blocking grooves, the blocking grooves include N blocking grooves that correspond one-to-one with the N sets of battery cell blocking mechanisms and pass through the baffle plate, the width of the blocking grooves is smaller than the width of the battery cell and the baffle block; when the third lifting cylinder lifts the baffle block upward, the baffle block passes through the corresponding blocking groove upward.

[0024] A simple second blocking mechanism is provided, which can confine the battery cells located in the conveying area to the conveyor belt. Furthermore, by providing blocking grooves on the second blocking mechanism that correspond one-to-one with the N sets of battery cell blocking mechanisms, the battery cell blocking mechanisms can smoothly perform their blocking actions.

[0025] In some embodiments, both the first and second conveying mechanisms include a bracket, a slide rail, a connecting plate, a lifting mechanism, and a cell picking mechanism, wherein: the slide rail is connected to the bracket along a conveying direction perpendicular to the conveyor belt and is located above the conveyor belt; the connecting plate is slidably connected to the slide rail and can slide back and forth along the slide rail; the lifting mechanism is disposed on the connecting plate; the cell picking mechanism is connected to the drive end of the lifting mechanism, and the cell picking mechanism is configured to simultaneously pick up a plurality of cells arranged in a row.

[0026] A simple and easy-to-control handling mechanism is provided, which can quickly pick up and transport several battery cells arranged in a row.

[0027] In some embodiments, the battery cell pickup mechanism includes a mounting bracket and a plurality of battery cell picking components, wherein: the mounting bracket is connected to the drive end of the lifting mechanism and extends along the conveying direction of the conveyor belt; the plurality of battery cell picking components are mounted side by side on the mounting bracket along the extension direction of the mounting bracket, and each battery cell picking component can pick up one battery cell.

[0028] By configuring the cell pickup mechanism, it is possible to simultaneously pick up multiple cells.

[0029] In some embodiments, the grading and buffering mechanism includes a material frame and a material tray disposed within the material frame, wherein: the material frame includes a top-open feeding area and a buffer area located on one or both sides of the feeding area, and each material tray is slidably connected within the material frame to achieve position switching between the feeding area and the buffer area; after the second conveying mechanism picks up the battery cell to be buffered from the conveyor belt, it stores the battery cell in the material tray, and each battery cell in each material tray has the same grade.

[0030] By configuring the tiered buffer mechanism, the cells can be stored in tiers.

[0031] The present invention also provides a cell grading and buffering method, which includes:

[0032] The first handling mechanism transports the battery cells to be buffered to the corresponding conveyor belts on the graded conveyor mechanism according to their grade;

[0033] The conveyor belt of the grading conveyor mechanism transports the battery cells toward the grading buffer mechanism;

[0034] The second handling mechanism picks up battery cells from the conveyor belt and stores them in the sorting buffer mechanism according to their grade.

[0035] The battery cell grading and buffering method provided by this invention realizes the grading, delivery and buffering of battery cells of various grades. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the battery cell grading and buffering device of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the graded conveying mechanism in this invention from a first-view perspective.

[0038] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the graded conveying mechanism in this invention from a second perspective.

[0039] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the graded conveying mechanism in this invention from a third perspective.

[0040] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the material blocking mechanism in this invention from a first-view perspective;

[0041] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the material blocking mechanism in this invention from a second perspective;

[0042] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the material blocking mechanism in this invention from a third perspective;

[0043] Figure 8This is a schematic diagram of the lifting mechanism in this invention from a first-view perspective;

[0044] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the lifting mechanism in this invention from a second perspective;

[0045] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the blocking mechanism in the present invention;

[0046] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the battery cell picking component in the conveying mechanism of the present invention from a first perspective.

[0047] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the battery cell picking component in the conveying mechanism of the present invention from a second perspective.

[0048] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the battery cell picking component in the conveying mechanism of the present invention from a third perspective.

[0049] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the storage mechanism in this invention;

[0050] Figures 1 to 14 Includes:

[0051] The components include: a graded conveying mechanism 10, a base 11, a conveyor belt 12, a first blocking mechanism 13, a second blocking mechanism 14, a third blocking mechanism 15, a blocking mechanism drive device 16, a battery cell lifting mechanism 17, a battery cell blocking mechanism 18, a first lifting cylinder 171, a support plate 172, a second lifting cylinder 173, a lifting plate 174, a third lifting cylinder 181, and a blocking block 182.

[0052] 20, graded buffer mechanism, 21, feeding area, 22, buffer area, 23, material tray, 24, material tray drive device;

[0053] First conveying mechanism 30, second conveying mechanism 40, bracket 31, slide rail 32, connecting plate 33, lifting mechanism 34, cell picking mechanism 35, mounting bracket 351, lifting cylinder 352, suction component 353, cell separation groove 354, sensor 355;

[0054] Battery cell 100. Detailed Implementation

[0055] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0056] Traditional cell conveying devices can only separate cells into two categories: qualified and unqualified. However, as those skilled in the art are familiar with, cell classification involves far more than just two categories. Simply dividing cells into two categories for separate conveying is not conducive to the mass production of multi-category batteries. Furthermore, traditional cell conveying devices directly deliver chips to subsequent workstations or material bins, failing to achieve chip-level buffering and reducing battery production efficiency.

[0057] In view of this, the present invention provides a battery cell grading and buffering device, which can realize the grading, conveying and buffering of battery cells of various grades.

[0058] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the battery cell grading and buffering device in an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 2 to 4 The diagram shows the structural schematics of the graded conveying mechanism in this embodiment of the invention from three different perspectives.

[0059] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the cell grading and buffering device in this embodiment of the invention includes a grading and conveying mechanism 10, a grading and buffering mechanism 20, a first transport mechanism 30, and a second transport mechanism 40. Wherein:

[0060] The grading and buffering mechanism 20 includes a base 11 and N conveyor belts 12 extending from the loading end to the unloading end of the grading and conveying mechanism 10, which are arranged side-by-side on the base 11. The N side-by-side conveyor belts 12 are used to gradate and convey N different grades of battery cells, where N is a natural number ≥ 2. In this embodiment, the grading and conveying mechanism 10 has six conveyor belts 12, meaning that it can gradate and convey six different grades of battery cells.

[0061] The grading buffer mechanism 20 is installed at the unloading end of the grading conveyor mechanism 10.

[0062] The first transport mechanism 30 is used to transport the battery cells to be buffered to the loading end of the corresponding conveyor belt 12 according to their grade. In this embodiment, the first transport mechanism 30 transports six different grades of battery cells to six conveyor belts 12 according to their grade. Each conveyor belt 12 then transports the corresponding grade of battery cells toward the graded buffering mechanism 20 at the unloading end.

[0063] The second handling mechanism 40 is used to pick up the battery cells to be buffered from the unloading end of the conveyor belt 12 and store the picked-up battery cells in the grading buffer mechanism 20 according to their grade.

[0064] As can be seen, the cell grading and buffering device provided in this embodiment of the invention can realize the grading, delivery and buffering of cells of two or more different grades, thereby improving the production efficiency of multi-grade batteries.

[0065] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, optionally, the segmented conveying mechanism 10 sequentially forms a loading area, a conveying area, and a unloading area along the conveying direction of the conveyor belt (as indicated by the arrow in the figure). Correspondingly, the segmented conveying mechanism 10 also includes a first blocking mechanism 13 disposed in the loading area and above the conveyor belt 12, a second blocking mechanism 14 disposed in the conveying area and above the conveyor belt 12, and a third blocking mechanism 15 disposed in the unloading area and above the conveyor belt 12. By setting the first blocking mechanism 13, the second blocking mechanism 14, and the third blocking mechanism 15, the battery cells carried on the conveyor belt can be confined to the conveyor belt 12, preventing the battery cells from bouncing off or slipping off the conveyor belt 12.

[0066] Figures 5 to 7 The diagram shows the structural schematics of the first stop mechanism 13, the second stop mechanism 14, and the third stop mechanism 15 from three different perspectives. Figures 5 to 7 As shown, optionally, the first baffle mechanism 13 includes N+1 baffles arranged side-by-side along the conveying direction of the conveyor belt 12. Specifically, a conveyor belt 12 is provided between every two adjacent baffles, meaning that a conveyor belt 12 is exposed between every two adjacent baffles. In this embodiment, a total of seven baffles are provided. By configuring the first baffle mechanism 13 in this way, the battery cells carried on the conveyor belt 12 in the feeding area are all confined to the conveyor belt 12 by the baffles on both sides, thereby preventing the battery cells from slipping off the sides of the conveyor belt 12. In addition, the baffles also provide feeding guidance, so that the battery cells to be buffered can fall accurately onto the conveyor belt 12 between adjacent baffles.

[0067] Continue to refer to Figures 5 to 7 Optionally, the second baffle mechanism 14 includes a horizontally arranged baffle plate, the distance between which is slightly larger than the size of the battery cell and the conveyor belt 12 below. Thus, the battery cell carried on the conveyor belt 12 in the conveying zone is confined to the conveyor belt 12 by the baffle plate, preventing the battery cell from bouncing off during transport.

[0068] Continue to refer to Figures 5 to 7 Optionally, the third blocking mechanism 15 is slidably connected to the base 11 and configured to slide back and forth between a predetermined blocking position and a predetermined open position. The third blocking mechanism 15 includes N blocking bars arranged side by side along the conveying direction of the conveyor belts 12, corresponding one-to-one with the N conveyor belts. In this embodiment, a total of six blocking bars are provided, each corresponding one-to-one with one of the six conveyor belts 12, and the distance between each blocking bar and the corresponding conveyor belt 12 is slightly larger than the size of the battery cell.

[0069] When the third material blocking mechanism slide 15 slides to the material blocking position, the N conveyor belts are blocked one by one by the N blocking bars. In this way, the battery cells carried on the conveyor belt 12 in the unloading area are limited to the conveyor belt 12 by the corresponding blocking bars.

[0070] When the third baffle mechanism 15 slides to the open position, each baffle bar is misaligned with the corresponding conveyor belt 12, thus exposing the baffle bars on each conveyor belt. At this time, the second handling mechanism 40 can smoothly pick up the battery cells from the conveyor belt 12.

[0071] Optionally, in order to drive the third stop mechanism 15 to slide back and forth between the stop position and the open position, the dividing conveying mechanism 10 also includes a stop mechanism drive device 16 disposed on the base 11 for driving the third stop mechanism 15 to slide. The stop mechanism drive device 16 can be any known drive device, such as a cylinder, a motor, etc.

[0072] like Figures 2 to 3 As shown, optionally, the grading conveying mechanism 10 also includes N sets of battery cell lifting mechanisms 17 located below the conveyor belts 12 in the unloading area, corresponding one-to-one with the N conveyor belts 12. The battery cell lifting mechanisms 17 are used to lift the battery cells carried on the corresponding conveyor belts 12 upwards. In this embodiment, a total of six sets of battery cell lifting mechanisms 17 are provided, each corresponding one-to-one with the six conveyor belts 12. Each set of battery cell lifting mechanisms 17 can lift several battery cells on the corresponding conveyor belt 12 above it upwards away from the conveyor belt 12, thereby facilitating the second handling mechanism 40 to pick up these battery cells.

[0073] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, optionally, the cell lifting mechanism 17 includes a first lifting cylinder 171, a support plate 172, a second lifting cylinder 173, and a lifting plate 174, wherein: the support plate 172 is connected to the drive end of the first lifting cylinder 171; the second lifting cylinder 173 is mounted on the support plate 172; the lifting plate 174 is connected to the drive end of the second lifting cylinder 173, the lifting plate 174 extends along the conveying direction of the conveyor belt 12, and a plurality of cell receiving slots are formed on the lifting plate 174 along the extending direction of the lifting plate 174, each cell receiving slot being able to accommodate one cell.

[0074] The lifting plate 174 of the battery cell lifting mechanism 17 is located near the edge of the conveyor belt 12. Optionally, the lifting stroke and lifting speed of the first lifting cylinder 171 are both greater than those of the second lifting cylinder 173. When it is necessary to lift the battery cell carried on the conveyor belt 12 upwards, the first lifting cylinder 171 first quickly lifts the support plate 172 upwards, thereby lifting the lifting plate 174 upwards to a predetermined target position near the conveyor belt 12. Then, the second lifting cylinder 173 slowly lifts the lifting plate 174, causing the lifting plate 174 to lift the battery cell away from the conveyor belt 12. Since the lifting plate 174 has several battery cell receiving slots along its extension direction, during the lifting process, the battery cells arranged on the conveyor belt 12 can fall one by one into the battery cell receiving slots and finally be lifted away from the conveyor belt 12.

[0075] Since the second conveying mechanism 40 can only pick up and transport a predetermined number of battery cells at a time, it is necessary to control the battery cell conveying process to ensure that the number of battery cells carried on the conveyor belt 12 in the unloading area does not exceed the predetermined number when the second conveying mechanism 40 picks up battery cells.

[0076] Based on this consideration, optional, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the grading conveying mechanism 10 also includes N sets of battery cell blocking mechanisms 18 that are disposed in the conveying area and located below the conveyor belt 12 and correspond one-to-one with the N conveyor belts 12. In this embodiment, a total of six sets of battery cell blocking mechanisms 18 are provided, each corresponding to one-to-one with the six conveyor belts 12. Each set of battery cell blocking mechanisms 18 can block the battery cells on the corresponding conveyor belt 12 located above it, thereby preventing the battery cells located in the conveying area from entering the unloading area.

[0077] like Figure 10 As shown, optionally, the cell blocking mechanism 18 includes a third lifting cylinder 181 and a stop block 182 connected to the drive end of the third lifting cylinder 18. When the third lifting cylinder 181 lifts the stop block 182 upward, the stop block 182 extends upward out of the conveyor belt 12, thereby blocking the cells located in the conveying area, preventing these cells from being conveyed to the unloading area by the conveyor belt 12.

[0078] To prevent the baffle block 182 from colliding with the baffle plate of the second baffle mechanism 14 during the lifting process, optionally, the baffle plate is provided with at least one set of blocking grooves. The blocking groove set includes N blocking grooves that penetrate the baffle plate and correspond one-to-one with the N sets of battery cell blocking mechanisms 18. The width of the blocking grooves is smaller than the width of the battery cell and the baffle block 182. In this embodiment, a total of three sets of blocking grooves are provided, which are arranged along the conveying direction of the conveyor belt 12. Each set of blocking grooves includes six blocking grooves, which correspond one-to-one with the six sets of battery cell blocking mechanisms 18.

[0079] Since the baffle plate of the second baffle mechanism 14 is provided with a blocking groove corresponding to the conveyor belt 12, when the third lifting cylinder 181 lifts the baffle block 182 upward, the baffle block 182 can pass through the corresponding blocking groove upward, so as not to touch the baffle plate.

[0080] Furthermore, since the width of the blocking groove is smaller than the width of the battery cell, the battery cell can be confined on the conveyor belt 12 by the baffle plate during the conveying process, and will not pop out of the blocking groove.

[0081] The first transport mechanism 30 and the second transport mechanism 40 can be any known transport mechanism capable of gripping and picking up battery cells. The structures of the first transport mechanism 30 and the second transport mechanism 40 can be the same or different.

[0082] like Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the first conveying mechanism 30 and the second conveying mechanism 40 have the same structure, components, and working principle. Of course, the dimensions and local details of the corresponding components may differ. For simplicity, this specification uses the same names and labels for the corresponding components of the first conveying mechanism 30 and the second conveying mechanism 40.

[0083] like Figure 1 As shown, both the first conveying mechanism 30 and the second conveying mechanism 40 include a bracket 31, a slide rail 32, a connecting plate 33, a lifting mechanism 34, and a battery cell pickup mechanism 35. Specifically: the slide rail 32 is connected to the bracket 31 along a direction perpendicular to the conveyor belt 12 and is located above the conveyor belt 12. The connecting plate 33 is slidably connected to the slide rail 32 and can slide back and forth along the slide rail 32. The lifting mechanism 34 is mounted on the connecting plate 33. The battery cell pickup mechanism 35 is connected to the drive end of the lifting mechanism 34, and the battery cell pickup mechanism 35 is configured to simultaneously pick up several battery cells arranged in a row.

[0084] The process by which the first conveying mechanism 30 loads the battery cells to be buffered onto the conveyor belt 12 is as follows: The connecting plate 33 slides to the battery cell storage position away from the loading end of the grading conveyor mechanism 10, and the lifting mechanism 34 drives the battery cell picking mechanism 35 to descend, bringing the battery cell picking mechanism 35 closer to the battery cells. Next, the battery cell picking mechanism 35 picks up several battery cells arranged in a row belonging to the same grade, the lifting mechanism 34 drives the battery cell picking mechanism 35 to rise, the connecting plate 33 slides to the loading end of the grading conveyor mechanism 10 and ensures that the battery cells picked up by the battery cell picking mechanism 35 are aligned with the corresponding conveyor belt 12, the lifting mechanism 34 descends again, the battery cell picking mechanism 35 releases the battery cells, and the battery cells fall onto the corresponding conveyor belt 12.

[0085] The process of the second conveying mechanism 40 loading and unloading the battery cells to be buffered from the conveyor belt 12 is as follows: The connecting plate 33 slides to the unloading end of the grading conveyor mechanism 10, aligning the battery cell picking mechanism 35 with the corresponding conveyor belt 12. The lifting mechanism 34 drives the battery cell picking mechanism 35 to descend, bringing it closer to the rows of battery cells carried on the conveyor belt 12. Then, the battery cell picking mechanism 35 picks up the battery cell, the lifting mechanism 34 drives the battery cell picking mechanism 35 to rise, the connecting plate 33 slides above the grading buffer mechanism 20, the lifting mechanism 34 descends again, the battery cell picking mechanism 35 releases the battery cell, and the battery cell falls into the grading buffer mechanism 20.

[0086] like Figures 11 to 13Optionally, the battery cell pickup mechanism 35 includes a mounting bracket 351 and a plurality of battery cell picking components. The mounting bracket 351 is connected to the drive end of the lifting mechanism 34 and extends along the conveying direction of the conveyor belt 12. The plurality of battery cell picking components are mounted side-by-side on the mounting bracket 351 along its extension direction, and each component can pick up one battery cell.

[0087] Optionally, a cell separation groove 354 is provided at the lower end of the mounting bracket 351 corresponding to the position of each cell picking component. When the lifting mechanism 34 drives the cell picking mechanism 35 to move toward the cell, the lower end of the mounting bracket 351 first contacts the cells arranged in a row. Under the push of the mounting bracket 351, the cells move, and finally the cells to be picked up enter a cell separation groove 354. In this way, it is ensured that the cells to be picked up are all located directly below a cell picking component, thereby realizing the accurate picking up of the cells by the cell picking component.

[0088] Optionally, a sensor 355 is also provided above each cell separation slot 354. When a cell is present in the cell separation slot 354, the sensor 355 generates a sensing signal and sends the signal to the corresponding cell picking component, which then performs a picking action. That is, not all cell picking components perform the picking action; only those cell picking components with cells present below them perform the cell picking action.

[0089] Optionally, the battery cell suction device includes a lifting cylinder 352 connected to a mounting bracket 351 and a suction component 353 mounted on a telescopic rod of the lifting cylinder 352. The lifting cylinder 352 drives the suction component 353 to rise and fall, thereby realizing the suction and release of the battery cell.

[0090] As mentioned above, after the second handling mechanism 40 picks up the battery cells to be cached from the unloading end of the conveyor belt 12, it stores the picked-up battery cells in the grading and caching mechanism 20 according to their grade.

[0091] Optionally, the grading and caching mechanism 20 has at least N caching areas, each caching cell belonging to the same grade. With this configuration, the second transport mechanism 40 needs to move to different caching areas to unload cells of different grades. This makes the control process of the second transport mechanism 40 more complex. Therefore, this embodiment of the invention provides a grading and caching mechanism 20, using which the unloading position of the second transport mechanism 40 is the same for cells of different grades.

[0092] Specifically, such as Figure 14As shown, the grading and buffering mechanism 20 includes a material frame 21 and material trays 24 disposed within the material frame 21. The material frame 21 includes a top-open feeding area 22 and buffer areas 23 located on one or both sides of the feeding area. Each material tray 24 is slidably connected within the material frame 21 to achieve position switching between the feeding area 22 and the buffer area 23. The second conveying mechanism 40 picks up the battery cells to be buffered from the conveyor belt 12 and stores the battery cells in the material trays 24 that have slid to the feeding area. Of course, during the feeding and buffering process, it is necessary to ensure that the battery cells in each material tray 2 are at the same grade.

[0093] In this embodiment, as Figure 14 As shown, buffer areas 23 are provided on both sides of the feeding area 22. Two stacked material trays 24 are slidably connected in one buffer area 23, and four stacked material trays 24 are slidably connected in the other buffer area 23. The six material trays 24 are used to buffer a different grade of battery cell. When the second conveying mechanism 40 moves the battery cell to be buffered to the feeding area 22, the material tray 24 corresponding to the battery cell slides into the feeding area 22 to receive the battery cell released from the second conveying mechanism 40, and then the material tray 24 slides back into the buffer area 23.

[0094] Optionally, the grading buffer mechanism 20 may also include a tray drive 25 for driving the tray 24 to slide.

[0095] The present invention has been described above in sufficient detail and with certain specificities. Those skilled in the art should understand that the descriptions in the embodiments are merely exemplary, and all changes made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention should fall within the protection scope of the invention. The scope of protection claimed by the present invention is defined by the claims, and not by the above descriptions in the embodiments.

Claims

1. A cell grading and buffering device, characterized in that, The cell grading and buffering device includes a grading conveying mechanism, a grading buffering mechanism, a first transport mechanism, and a second transport mechanism, wherein: The graded conveying mechanism includes a base and N conveyor belts arranged side by side on the base, extending from the loading end of the graded conveying mechanism to the unloading end of the graded conveying mechanism. The N conveyor belts are used to realize the graded conveying of N different grades of battery cells, where N is a natural number ≥ 2. The grading buffer mechanism is located at the unloading end of the grading conveyor mechanism; The first conveying mechanism is used to transport the battery cells to be buffered to the corresponding feeding end of the conveyor belt according to the gear position; The second handling mechanism is used to pick up the battery cells to be buffered from the unloading end of the conveyor belt and store the picked-up battery cells in the grading buffer mechanism according to their grade. Both the first and second transport mechanisms include a bracket, a slide rail, a connecting plate, a lifting mechanism, and a cell pickup mechanism, wherein: The slide rail is connected to the bracket along a conveying direction perpendicular to the conveyor belt and is located above the conveyor belt; The connecting plate is slidably connected to the slide rail and can slide back and forth along the slide rail; The lifting mechanism is mounted on the connecting plate; The cell picking mechanism is connected to the drive end of the lifting mechanism, and the cell picking mechanism is configured to pick up several cells arranged in a row at the same time. The cell pickup mechanism includes a mounting bracket and several cell picking components, wherein: The mounting bracket is connected to the drive end of the lifting mechanism, and the mounting bracket extends along the conveying direction of the conveyor belt; The plurality of cell-collecting components are mounted side by side on the mounting bracket along the extension direction of the mounting bracket, and each of the cell-collecting components can collect one cell. The lower end of the mounting bracket is provided with a cell separation groove corresponding to the position of each cell suction component; The graded buffer mechanism includes a material frame and a material tray disposed within the material frame, wherein: The material frame includes a top-open feeding area and a buffer area located on one or both sides of the feeding area. Each of the material trays is slidably connected within the material frame to achieve position switching between the feeding area and the buffer area. After the second handling mechanism picks up the battery cell to be buffered from the conveyor belt, it stores the battery cell in the material tray, and the battery cells in each material tray have the same gear.

2. The cell grading and buffering device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The graded conveying mechanism sequentially forms a loading area, a conveying area, and a unloading area along the conveying direction of the conveyor belt; The graded conveying mechanism further includes a first blocking mechanism disposed in the loading area and above the conveyor belt, a second blocking mechanism disposed in the conveying area and above the conveyor belt, and a third blocking mechanism disposed in the unloading area and above the conveyor belt.

3. The cell grading and buffering device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first baffle mechanism includes N+1 baffles arranged side by side along the conveying direction of the conveyor belt, with a conveyor belt arranged between each pair of adjacent baffles.

4. The cell grading and buffering device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The third material-stopping mechanism is slidably connected to the base and configured to slide back and forth between a material-stopping position and an open position; The third blocking mechanism includes N blocking bars arranged side by side along the conveying direction of the conveyor belt, corresponding to each of the N conveyor belts. When the third blocking mechanism slides to the blocking position, the N conveyor belts are blocked by the N blocking bars. When the third blocking mechanism slides to the open position, the N conveyor belts expose the N blocking bars. The graded conveying mechanism also includes a material blocking mechanism driving device disposed on the base for driving the third material blocking mechanism to slide.

5. The cell grading and buffering device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The grading conveying mechanism also includes N sets of battery cell lifting mechanisms that are disposed in the unloading area and located below the conveyor belt, each corresponding to one of the N conveyor belts. The battery cell lifting mechanisms are used to lift the battery cells carried on the corresponding conveyor belts upward.

6. The cell grading and buffering device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The cell lifting mechanism includes a first lifting cylinder, a support plate, a second lifting cylinder, and a lifting plate, wherein: The support plate is connected to the drive end of the first lifting cylinder; The second lifting cylinder is mounted on the support plate; The lifting plate is connected to the drive end of the second lifting cylinder. The lifting plate extends along the conveying direction of the conveyor belt, and a plurality of cell receiving slots are formed on the lifting plate along the extending direction of the lifting plate.

7. The cell grading and buffering device as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The graded conveying mechanism also includes N sets of battery cell blocking mechanisms that are disposed in the conveying area and located below the conveyor belt and correspond one-to-one with the N conveyor belts. The battery cell blocking mechanism includes a third lifting cylinder and a blocking block connected to the drive end of the third lifting cylinder. When the third lifting cylinder lifts the baffle block upwards, the baffle block extends upwards to the corresponding conveyor belt to block the battery cells carried on the conveyor belt.

8. The cell grading and buffering device as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The second material blocking mechanism includes a horizontally arranged material blocking plate. The material blocking plate is provided with at least one set of blocking grooves. The blocking grooves include N blocking grooves that penetrate the material blocking plate and correspond one-to-one with the N sets of battery cell blocking mechanisms. The width of the blocking grooves is smaller than the width of the battery cell and the material blocking block. When the third lifting cylinder lifts the baffle block upwards, the baffle block passes through the corresponding blocking groove upwards.

9. A cell grading and buffering method, characterized in that, Implemented by the cell grading and buffering device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the cell grading and buffering method includes: The first handling mechanism transports the battery cells to be buffered to the corresponding conveyor belts on the graded conveyor mechanism according to their grade; The conveyor belt of the grading conveyor mechanism transports the battery cells toward the grading buffer mechanism; The second handling mechanism picks up battery cells from the conveyor belt and stores the picked-up battery cells in the sorting and buffering mechanism according to their grade.

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