Automatic lithium battery core shell separating device

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of lithium battery core shell automatic separation device, including setting on the platform upper and voltage detection mechanism, horizontal moving mechanism, tab side push shear mechanism, tail push shear mechanism, core shell separation mechanism and push shell mechanism, horizontal moving mechanism is sequentially through upper and voltage detection mechanism, tab side push shear mechanism, tail push shear mechanism and core shell separation mechanism setting, to make horizontal moving mechanism respectively with upper and voltage detection mechanism, tab side push shear mechanism, tail push shear mechanism, core shell separation mechanism and push shell mechanism cooperation, cutting and separation are carried out to battery;The application is optimized by several function different mechanisms, and each mechanism is orderly parallel operation, and does not affect each other, so that the automatic separation device can cut, shell core separation and other operations to a variety of specifications of battery, not only can guarantee the quality of product, guarantee the safety of operator, but also can meet the production needs, improve work efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of lithium battery recycling equipment technology, specifically, to an automatic separation device for lithium battery cells and shells. Background Technology

[0002] Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable batteries that primarily function by the movement of lithium ions between the positive and negative electrodes. With the widespread use of lithium-ion batteries in production and daily life, the recycling and reuse of used lithium-ion batteries has become an urgent problem to solve. As a major form of lithium-ion battery, the prismatic battery, with its high recycling value, is completely encased in a thin aluminum or steel shell, posing a significant challenge to battery recycling companies.

[0003] Currently, the common practice in the market is to use a cutting blade to saw open the aluminum shell and then manually remove the battery cell. However, the rapid evaporation of the electrolyte can harm the health of operators and poses serious hidden dangers such as low production efficiency, excessive aluminum shavings, high noise levels, easy damage to the battery cell, and significant safety risks.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for an automatic shell-core separation device that can reduce operator hazards, improve production efficiency, lower production costs, ensure production quality, and be safe and reliable to overcome the above-mentioned defects. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an automatic lithium battery cell-shell separation device to solve the problems of the existing technology that uses a cutting blade to cut open the aluminum shell and then manually removes the battery cell. During the removal of the lithium battery cell, the rapid evaporation of the electrolyte can easily cause harm to the health of the operator. In addition, the manual operation method has the problems of low efficiency and high safety risks.

[0006] The present invention solves the above problems through the following technical solution:

[0007] An automatic lithium battery cell-shell separation device includes a feeding and voltage detection mechanism, a lateral movement mechanism, a tab-side pushing and shearing mechanism, a tail-end pushing and shearing mechanism, a cell-shell separation mechanism, and a shell-pushing mechanism, all mounted on a platform. The lateral movement mechanism sequentially passes through the feeding and voltage detection mechanism, the tab-side pushing and shearing mechanism, the tail-end pushing and shearing mechanism, and the cell-shell separation mechanism, so that the lateral movement mechanism cooperates with the feeding and voltage detection mechanism, the tab-side pushing and shearing mechanism, the tail-end pushing and shearing mechanism, the cell-shell separation mechanism, and the shell-pushing mechanism to cut and separate the battery.

[0008] During operation, the batteries that need to be separated from their cores and shells are sequentially transferred from the feeding and voltage detection mechanism to the tab-side push-shear mechanism, the tail push-shear mechanism, the core-shell separation mechanism, and the shell-pushing mechanism via the transverse transfer mechanism. The tab-side push-shear mechanism and the tail push-shear mechanism cut off the battery tabs and tail respectively. The core-shell separation mechanism separates the battery cells and empty shells inside the battery. Finally, the shell-pushing mechanism pushes the empty shells away from the platform.

[0009] As a further improvement, the feeding and voltage detection mechanism includes a feeding bin, a voltage detection device, a feeding mechanism, and a battery ejection mechanism. The feeding bin is located above the feeding mechanism. One end of the feeding mechanism is equipped with a voltage detection device and a battery ejection mechanism. The feeding mechanism is used to eject the batteries from the feeding bin. The voltage detection device is used to detect the voltage of the ejected batteries. The battery ejection mechanism is used to discharge batteries that do not need to be separated.

[0010] As a further improvement, the feeding bin is provided with a tail end clamping plate, a discharge limiting plate and at least one material level sensor. The tail end clamping plate is located on the rear side of the feeding bin and can move back and forth. The discharge limiting plate is embedded in the front side of the feeding bin and is used to block the batteries so that they are pushed out one by one. At least one material level sensor is used to detect the number of batteries remaining in the feeding bin.

[0011] The feeding mechanism is equipped with a connected battery feeding plate and a feeding magnetic coupling cylinder. The feeding magnetic coupling cylinder drives the battery feeding plate to move back and forth reciprocally.

[0012] The battery ejection mechanism includes a lifting cylinder A, a material ejection magnetic coupling cylinder, and a battery ejection plate. The material ejection magnetic coupling cylinder and the battery ejection plate are positioned above the lifting cylinder A, and the battery ejection plate is connected to the end of the material ejection magnetic coupling cylinder away from the lifting cylinder A. The material ejection magnetic coupling cylinder and the battery ejection plate reciprocate up and down under the drive of the lifting cylinder A; the battery ejection plate reciprocates left and right under the drive of the material ejection magnetic coupling cylinder.

[0013] As a further improvement, the lateral movement mechanism includes a lateral movement module, a mounting bracket, a scraper assembly, and a vertical lifting cylinder. The lateral movement module, the scraper assembly, and the vertical lifting cylinder are mounted on the mounting bracket. The lateral movement module is connected to the vertical lifting cylinder. The scraper assembly is connected to the lower end of the vertical lifting cylinder. The scraper assembly is driven by the vertical lifting cylinder to move up and down. The vertical lifting cylinder and the scraper assembly are driven by the lateral movement module to move reciprocally left and right, so as to realize the position control of the battery located below the lateral movement mechanism.

[0014] As a further improvement, the tab-side push-shear mechanism includes a push-positioning component and a shearing mechanism. The push-positioning component and the shearing mechanism are arranged opposite to each other on both sides of the transverse movement mechanism. The push-positioning component pushes the battery located at the tab-side push-shear mechanism into or out of the shearing mechanism and cuts off the battery tab through the shearing mechanism.

[0015] As a further improvement, the tail push-shear mechanism includes a push assembly and a shearing positioning mechanism. The push assembly and the shearing positioning mechanism are arranged opposite to each other on both sides of the transverse movement mechanism. The push assembly pushes the battery located at the tail push-shear mechanism into or pulls it out of the shearing positioning mechanism, and the shearing positioning mechanism cuts off the tail of the battery.

[0016] As a further improvement, the core-shell separation mechanism includes a core-pushing assembly, a lifting and centering assembly, a pressing cylinder, and an adjusting device. The adjusting device is located below the pressing cylinder and is driven by the pressing cylinder to complete reciprocating up-and-down movement. The core-pushing assembly and the lifting and centering assembly are arranged perpendicularly to each other below the adjusting device, with the core-pushing assembly extending out of the adjusting device. The lifting and centering assembly clamps and centers the battery located at the core-shell separation mechanism, the adjusting device presses the battery and limits its left and right movement, and the core-pushing assembly pushes out the battery cells.

[0017] As a further improvement, the core pusher assembly is provided with a core pusher plate, a core pusher cylinder and a linear guide rail. The core pusher plate is set on the linear guide rail and connected to the core pusher cylinder. Under the joint action of the core pusher cylinder and the linear guide rail, the core pusher plate realizes a reciprocating linear movement back and forth to extend into the lower side of the adjustment device.

[0018] The lifting and centering assembly is equipped with a lifting cylinder B, a centering positioning pin, and a centering cylinder. The centering cylinder is connected to the lifting cylinder B and the centering positioning pin respectively. The centering cylinder and the centering positioning pin are driven by the lifting cylinder B to move up and down back and forth. The centering positioning pin is driven by the centering cylinder to achieve the centering positioning of the battery.

[0019] The adjustment device includes an adjustment panel, a locking handle, an adjustment handwheel, a left-right rotating trapezoidal lead screw, a lead screw nut, a proximity switch, a toothed pressure bar, a buffer pad, and a tail end baffle. The locking handle passes vertically through the adjustment panel. The adjustment handwheel, left-right rotating trapezoidal lead screw, lead screw nut, proximity switch, toothed pressure bar, buffer pad, and tail end baffle are located on the lower side of the adjustment panel. The rotating adjustment handwheel is perpendicularly connected to the locking handle, and the left-right rotating trapezoidal lead screw is rotatably connected to the rotating adjustment handwheel. The other end of the left-right rotating trapezoidal lead screw is threaded to a lead screw nut. A slider structure that moves with the lead screw nut is sleeved on the lead screw nut. The slider structure cooperates with a slide rail structure located on the lower side of the adjustment panel. The slider structure is equipped with a toothed pressure bar, a buffer pad, and a tail end baffle. The end of the toothed pressure bar is connected to the tail end baffle. Rotating the adjustment handwheel causes the left-right rotating lead screw to rotate, driving the lead screw nut and toothed pressure bar to adjust their left and right positions. The locking handle locks the left-right rotating trapezoidal lead screw, thereby limiting and fixing the left and right sides of the battery with the toothed pressure bar.

[0020] As a further improvement, the automatic separation device is also equipped with a protective cover.

[0021] As a further improvement, the protective housing includes a lower part of the protective housing located below the platform and an upper part of the protective housing located above the platform. The lower part of the protective housing is provided with a tab receiving drawer, an empty shell transmission line and a battery cell transmission line, and the upper part of the protective housing is provided with several visual inspection doors and ventilation vents.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages and beneficial effects:

[0023] 1. The present invention has a simple structure, consisting of several mechanisms with different functions that are optimized and integrated. These mechanisms operate in an orderly and parallel manner without affecting each other, enabling the automatic separation device to perform operations such as cutting and separating the casing and core of batteries of various specifications. The present invention not only ensures product quality but also meets production needs, thereby saving costs and improving work efficiency.

[0024] 2. This invention employs various servo electric cylinder structures for positioning and shearing, allowing for the selection of different battery lengths to be sheared via programming. Furthermore, the high positioning accuracy and fast response of the servo electric cylinder structure ensures that the internal battery cells are not damaged during shearing, guaranteeing product quality and improving operational efficiency.

[0025] 3. This invention offers high operator safety during battery cutting and separation. Only one operator is required during the loading process to remove the casing from the batteries, significantly reducing labor costs and operator workload. Furthermore, the operator is positioned on one side of the equipment from the outside, preventing contact between the operator and the internal moving parts and ensuring operator safety during production.

[0026] 4. The present invention adopts a shearing method in the battery shell removal process, which has the advantages of no waste, low noise, neat cut without burrs, and high cutting precision compared with the shell cutting method of circular saw or strip saw.

[0027] 5. The present invention is equipped with a voltage detection device in the feeding and voltage detection mechanism, which can discharge batteries with excessive voltage in advance to prevent the risk of battery explosion, fire, smoke and other safety hazards caused by short circuit during the shearing process due to excessive residual power in the battery.

[0028] 6. This invention adopts a modular design, which is simple, reliable, and allows for optimized combinations of different functions. Furthermore, there is no interference between the modules, and the equipment can produce four batteries simultaneously, each completing processes such as material discharge, electrode tab cutting, tail cutting, core-shell separation, and casing pushing, effectively improving equipment production efficiency and cycle time, and increasing equipment utilization.

[0029] 7. This invention allows for easy switching of production batches. By setting the battery's external dimensions to control the transmission distance of each stage, batteries of different specifications are quantitatively cut and then separated into shells and cores. This makes the equipment compatible with batteries of different lengths, widths, and heights, thus improving the versatility of the invention and facilitating its use in flexible mixed-line production.

[0030] 8. This invention enables harmless production by installing a protective enclosure around the equipment. An exhaust vent is located above the enclosure, which can be connected to external environmental treatment equipment to treat the volatile electrolyte gases generated during production and discharge them harmlessly. Simultaneously, the protective enclosure isolates operators from the internal operating mechanisms of the equipment, ensuring operator safety and occupational health. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the internal overall structure of an automatic lithium battery cell-shell separation device in this embodiment;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the feeding and voltage detection mechanism in this embodiment;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the transverse movement mechanism in this embodiment;

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the electrode side pushing and shearing mechanism in this embodiment;

[0035] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the tail-end pushing and shearing mechanism in this embodiment;

[0036] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the core-shell separation mechanism and the shell-pushing mechanism in this embodiment;

[0037] Figure 7This is a schematic diagram of the adjustment device in this embodiment;

[0038] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the protective cover in this embodiment.

[0039] Figure label:

[0040] 1. Feeding and voltage detection mechanism; 2. Lateral movement mechanism; 3. Tab-side pushing and shearing mechanism; 4. Tail-end pushing and shearing mechanism; 5. Core-shell separation mechanism; 6. Shell pushing mechanism; 7. Protective cover; 8. Platform; 11. Feeding bin; 12. Voltage detection device; 13. Feeding mechanism; 14. Battery ejection mechanism; 21. Lateral movement module; 22. Mounting bracket; 23. Scraper assembly; 24. Vertical lifting cylinder; 31. Pushing and positioning assembly; 32. Shearing mechanism; 41. Pushing assembly; 42. Shearing positioning. Mechanism; 51. Core pushing assembly; 52. Lifting and centering assembly; 53. Pressing cylinder; 54. Adjustment device; 61. Shell pushing cylinder; 71. Visual inspection door; 72. Cell transmission line; 73. Empty shell transmission line; 74. Electrode receiving drawer; 75. Vent; 111. Tail end clamping plate; 112. Discharge limit plate; 113. Material level sensor; 121. Positive and negative electrode connecting copper plate; 131. Battery loading plate; 132. Loading magnetic coupling cylinder; 141. Lifting cylinder A; 142. Unloading magnetic coupling cylinder ; 143. Battery ejection plate; 231. Battery scraper A; 232. Battery scraper B; 233. Battery scraper C; 234. Battery scraper D; 311. Push positioning electric cylinder; 312. Magnetic coupling cylinder gripper A; 313. Battery push plate A; 321. Shearing electric cylinder A; 322. Scissors A; 323. Buffer cylinder; 324. Pressing cylinder A; 411. Push electric cylinder; 412. Battery push plate B; 413. Buffer spring; 414. Magnetic coupling cylinder gripper B; 421. Shearing electric cylinder B; 422. Scissors B; 423. Positioning electric cylinder; 424. Pressing cylinder B; 511. Pusher plate; 512. Pusher cylinder; 513. Linear guide rail; 521. Lifting cylinder B; 522. Centering positioning pin; 523. Centering cylinder; 541. Locking handle; 542. Adjusting handwheel; 543. Left and right rotating trapezoidal lead screw; 544. Lead screw nut; 545. Proximity switch; 546. Toothed pressure bar; 547. Buffer pad; 548. Tail end baffle; 549. Slider structure; 550. Slide rail structure. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0042] Example:

[0043] Combined with appendix Figure 1-8 As shown, an automatic lithium battery cell-shell separation device mainly consists of a feeding and voltage detection mechanism 1, a transverse mechanism 2, a tab-side pushing and shearing mechanism 3, a tail-end pushing and shearing mechanism 4, a cell-shell separation mechanism 5, a shell-pushing mechanism 6, and a protective cover 7, all mounted on a platform 8. The transverse mechanism 2 is sequentially installed through the feeding and voltage detection mechanism 1, the tab-side pushing and shearing mechanism 3, the tail-end pushing and shearing mechanism 4, and the cell-shell separation mechanism 5, so that the transverse mechanism cooperates with the feeding and voltage detection mechanism, the tab-side pushing and shearing mechanism, the tail-end pushing and shearing mechanism, the cell-shell separation mechanism, and the shell-pushing mechanism to cut and separate the battery.

[0044] During operation, the batteries that need to be separated from their cores and shells are sequentially transferred from the feeding and voltage detection mechanism to the tab-side push-shear mechanism, the tail push-shear mechanism, the core-shell separation mechanism, and the shell-pushing mechanism via the transverse transfer mechanism. The tab-side push-shear mechanism and the tail push-shear mechanism cut off the battery tabs and tail respectively. The core-shell separation mechanism separates the battery cells and empty shells inside the battery. Finally, the shell-pushing mechanism pushes the empty shells away from the platform.

[0045] Furthermore, the feeding and voltage detection mechanism 1 mainly consists of a feeding bin 11, a voltage detection device 12, a feeding mechanism 13, and a battery ejection mechanism 14. The feeding bin is located above the feeding mechanism. The feeding mechanism is equipped with a voltage detection device 12 and a battery ejection mechanism 14 at one end. The feeding mechanism is used to push out the batteries in the feeding bin. The voltage detection device is used to detect the voltage of the pushed-out batteries. The battery ejection mechanism is used to discharge batteries that do not need to be separated. Batteries that need to be separated are transported to the tab-side push-shear mechanism 3 by the battery scraper of the transverse mechanism 2 located above the feeding mechanism 13.

[0046] Specifically, the feed hopper 11 is equipped with a tail end clamping plate 111, a discharge limiting plate 112, and material level sensors 113. The tail end clamping plate 111 is located on the rear side of the feed hopper, and its rear end is connected to a guide post that is sleeved on a linear bearing, allowing it to move back and forth. The discharge limiting plate 112 is fitted into the front side of the feed hopper, and it has an elongated hole that mates with bolts on the feed hopper. By adjusting the fit between the bolts and the elongated hole, the discharge limiting plate can move up and down. Multiple material level sensors 113 are positioned vertically on the right side of the discharge limiting plate to detect the number of remaining batteries in the feed hopper 11.

[0047] The voltage detection device 12 is equipped with a positive and negative copper plate 121 for detecting battery voltage data and uploading it to the system in real time, so that the system can start and operate each mechanism according to the detection results.

[0048] The feeding mechanism 13 consists of a battery feeding plate 131 and a feeding magnetic coupling cylinder 132. The battery feeding plate is located on the upper side of the feeding magnetic coupling cylinder and is used to drive the battery feeding plate 131 to move back and forth in a reciprocating manner through the feeding magnetic coupling cylinder 132, so as to push out the batteries in the feeding bin one by one.

[0049] The battery ejection mechanism 14 consists of a lifting cylinder A141, a discharge magnetic coupling cylinder 142, and a battery ejection plate 143. The discharge magnetic coupling cylinder 142 and the battery ejection plate 143 are positioned above the lifting cylinder A141, and the battery ejection plate 143 is connected to the end of the discharge magnetic coupling cylinder 142 away from the lifting cylinder A141. The discharge magnetic coupling cylinder 142 and the battery ejection plate 143 move reciprocally up and down under the drive of the lifting cylinder A141; the battery ejection plate 143 moves reciprocally left and right under the drive of the discharge magnetic coupling cylinder 142.

[0050] If the voltage detection device 12 detects that the battery voltage meets the shearing requirements, the battery ejection mechanism 14 will not operate. If the voltage detection device 12 detects that the battery voltage does not meet the shearing requirements, the lifting cylinder A141 will lift the battery ejection plate 143 from the bottom of the table, and the material ejection magnetic coupling cylinder 142 will drive the battery ejection plate 143 to move and eject the battery, so as to prevent the battery with excessive charge from igniting and exploding during the shearing process, which would affect the safety of the equipment.

[0051] Furthermore, the transverse mechanism 2 mainly consists of a transverse module 21, a mounting bracket 22, a scraper assembly 23, and a vertical lifting cylinder 24. The transverse module 21 is mounted on the mounting bracket 22, and the scraper assembly 23 and the vertical lifting cylinder 24 are located inside the mounting bracket. The transverse module 21 is connected to the vertical lifting cylinder 24, and the scraper assembly 23 is connected to the lower end of the vertical lifting cylinder 24. The scraper assembly 23 moves up and down under the drive of the vertical lifting cylinder 24. The transverse module 21 drives the vertical lifting cylinder 24 and the scraper assembly 23 to move reciprocally left and right. The scraper assembly 23 has several battery scrapers on its lower side, including battery scraper A231, battery scraper B232, battery scraper C233, and battery scraper D234. The battery scrapers A231, B232, C233, and D234 move the batteries of each mechanism to the next process, realizing battery transfer between different workstations within the equipment. For example, the scraper assembly 23 has a battery scraper D234 that scrapes the battery from the feeding and voltage detection mechanism 1 to the tab-side push-shear mechanism 3, a battery scraper C233 that scrapes the battery from the tab-side push-shear mechanism 3 to the tail push-shear mechanism 4, a battery scraper B232 that scrapes the battery from the tail push-shear mechanism 4 to the core-shell separation mechanism 5, and a battery scraper A231 that scrapes the battery from the core-shell separation mechanism 5 to the shell-pushing mechanism 6. The left end of the scraper assembly 23 is positioned above the battery ejection mechanism 14 and is used to move the battery after it has been tested by the feeding and voltage detection mechanism 1 into the next process via the battery scraper.

[0052] The tab-side push-shear mechanism 3 mainly consists of a push-positioning component 31 and a shearing mechanism 32. The shearing mechanism 32 is located at the front end of the push-positioning component 31 and is located within the mounting bracket 22. The push-positioning component and the shearing mechanism are positioned opposite each other on both sides of the transverse movement mechanism. The push-positioning component pushes the battery located at the tab-side push-shearing mechanism into or out of the shearing mechanism and cuts off the battery tab through the shearing mechanism.

[0053] The jacking and positioning assembly 31 mainly consists of a jacking and positioning electric cylinder 311, a magnetic coupling cylinder gripper A312, and a battery pusher plate A313. The magnetic coupling cylinder gripper A312 and the battery pusher plate A313 are located at one end of the jacking and positioning electric cylinder 311. The jacking and positioning electric cylinder 311 drives the magnetic coupling cylinder gripper A312 and the battery pusher plate A313 to move back and forth. The magnetic coupling cylinder gripper A312 is equipped with a friction pad to achieve clamping and opening actions. The shearing mechanism 32 mainly consists of a shearing electric cylinder A321, shears A322, a buffer cylinder 323, and a pressing cylinder A324. The lower end of the shearing cylinder A is connected to the scissors A. The shearing cylinder A321 drives the scissors A322 to move up and down to complete the shearing action. The buffer cylinder 323 is located on the lower front side of the scissors A to realize the back-and-forth reciprocating movement of the push plate connected to the buffer cylinder. The pressing cylinder A324 is located on the lower rear side of the scissors A to realize the pressing action.

[0054] When the battery arrives at station 3 of the push-and-cut mechanism on the tab side, the push-and-position electric cylinder 311 drives the magnetic coupling cylinder gripper A312 and the battery push plate A313 to move. The movement distance varies according to the battery size, ensuring the cut length is controllable and preventing damage to the internal battery cells. When the battery is pushed by the push-and-position assembly 31, the buffer cylinder 323 presses the battery tail end against the battery push plate A313 for accurate positioning. After the battery push plate A313 extends to its position, the pressing cylinder A324 extends to press the battery tail end firmly. Subsequently, the cutting cylinder A321 drives the shears A322 to cut the battery downwards, neatly cutting off the tab side. After the tab side is cut off, the magnetic coupling cylinder gripper A312 on the push-and-position assembly 31 clamps the battery and, driven by the push-and-position electric cylinder 311, pulls the battery back to its initial position at the station.

[0055] Furthermore, the tail push-shear mechanism 4 mainly consists of two parts: the push assembly 41 and the shearing positioning mechanism 42. The shearing positioning mechanism 42 is located at the rear end of the push assembly 41 and is located in the mounting bracket 22, on both sides of the other structures of the transverse mechanism 2. The push assembly pushes the battery located at the tail push-shear mechanism into or out of the shearing positioning mechanism and cuts off the tail of the battery through the shearing positioning mechanism.

[0056] The push assembly 41 mainly consists of a push electric cylinder 411, a battery push plate B412, a buffer spring 413, and a magnetic coupling cylinder gripper B414. One end of the push electric cylinder 411 is equipped with a magnetic coupling cylinder gripper B414, a battery push plate B412, and a buffer spring 413. The push electric cylinder 411 drives the magnetic coupling cylinder gripper B414, the battery push plate B412, and the buffer spring 413 to move back and forth. The magnetic coupling cylinder gripper B414 is equipped with a friction pad to achieve clamping and opening actions. The shearing positioning mechanism 42 mainly consists of a shearing electric cylinder B421, scissors B422, a positioning electric cylinder 423, and a pressing cylinder B424. Scissors B422 are mounted at one end of the shearing electric cylinder B421, driving the scissors B422 to move up and down to complete the shearing action. The shearing electric cylinder B421 is perpendicular to the positioning electric cylinder 423, which is located below and behind the scissors B422. The positioning electric cylinder 423 moves back and forth to achieve the positioning function. The pressing cylinder B424 is located below and in front of the scissors B422, performing the pressing action.

[0057] When the battery reaches station 4 of the tail-end push-shearing mechanism, the push-cylinder 411 drives the magnetic coupling cylinder gripper B414 and the battery pusher plate B412 to move, moving different distances according to the battery size. Simultaneously, the positioning cylinder 423 on the shearing positioning mechanism 42 extends to a fixed position to position the front end of the battery. The buffer spring 413 on the push assembly 41 is compressed, pressing the battery tail end firmly against the positioning cylinder 423 to prevent damage to the battery cells. When the battery is pushed by the push assembly 41, the positioning cylinder 423 positions the front end of the battery tail end, ensuring accurate positioning. After the battery pusher plate B412 extends to its position, the pressing cylinder B424 extends to press the front of the battery firmly. Then, the shearing cylinder B421 drives the shears B422 to cut the battery downwards, neatly cutting off the battery tail end. After the battery tail end is cut off, the magnetic coupling cylinder gripper B414 on the push assembly 41 clamps the battery and, driven by the push-cylinder 411, pulls the battery back to its initial position at the station.

[0058] Furthermore, the core-shell separation mechanism 5 mainly consists of a core-pushing assembly 51, a lifting and centering assembly 52, a pressing cylinder 53, and an adjusting device 54, and is mainly located on the right side of the mounting bracket 22. The adjusting device 54 is located at the lower end of the pressing cylinder 53, and is driven by the pressing cylinder 53 to complete the reciprocating up-and-down movement of the adjusting device 54. The core-pushing assembly 51 and the lifting and centering assembly 52 are vertically arranged below the adjusting device 54, with the lifting and centering assembly 52 located below the adjusting device 54. The core-pushing assembly 51 extends out of the adjusting device 54. The lifting and centering assembly clamps and centers the battery located at the core-shell separation mechanism, and the adjusting device presses the battery and limits its left and right movement. The core-shell separation action is completed by the core-pushing assembly.

[0059] The core pusher assembly 51 is equipped with a core pusher plate 511, a core pusher cylinder 512, and a linear guide rail 513. The core pusher plate 511 moves back and forth in a linear motion under the power drive of the core pusher cylinder 512 and the guidance of the linear guide rail 513, so as to extend into the lower side of the adjustment device 54, so that the core pusher assembly 51 penetrates into the battery and pushes the battery cell onto the battery cell transmission line 72.

[0060] The lifting and centering assembly 52 is equipped with a lifting cylinder B521, a centering positioning pin 522, and a centering cylinder 523. The centering cylinder 523 is connected to the lifting cylinder B521 and the centering positioning pin 522. The centering cylinder 523 and the centering positioning pin 522 move up and down under the drive of the lifting cylinder B521. The centering positioning pin 522 completes the centering and positioning function of the workpiece under the power drive of the centering cylinder 523.

[0061] The adjusting device 54, driven by the downward pressing cylinder 53, completes the clamping of the battery. The adjusting device 54 is equipped with a locking handle 541, an adjusting handwheel 542, a left and right rotating trapezoidal lead screw 543, a lead screw nut 544, a proximity switch 545, a toothed pressure bar 546, a buffer pad 547, and a tail end baffle 548. A locking handle 541 passes vertically through the adjustment panel. An adjustment handwheel 542, a left-right rotating trapezoidal lead screw 543, a lead screw nut 544, a proximity switch 545, a toothed pressure bar 546, a buffer pad 547, and a tail end baffle 548 are located on the lower side of the adjustment panel. The rotating adjustment handwheel 542 is perpendicularly connected to the locking handle 541, and the left-right rotating trapezoidal lead screw 543 is rotatably connected to the rotating adjustment handwheel 542. A lead screw nut 544 is threaded to the other end of the left-right rotating trapezoidal lead screw 543. A slider structure 549, which moves with the lead screw nut, is sleeved on the lead screw nut 544. The slider structure 549 is located on the adjustment handwheel 542. The slide rail structure 550 on the lower side of the panel is matched with the slider structure, which is equipped with a toothed pressure bar 546, a buffer pad 547 and a tail baffle 548. The end of the toothed pressure bar 546 is connected to the tail baffle 548. Rotating the adjustment handwheel 542 causes the left and right rotating screw 543 to rotate, which drives the screw nut 544 to complete the relative movement, thereby realizing the distance adjustment of the toothed pressure bar 546 in the left and right directions. The locking handle 541 can lock the left and right rotating trapezoidal screw 543, thereby realizing the left and right limit fixation of the toothed pressure bar on the battery. The proximity switch 545 can detect in real time whether the battery is pressed during the pressing of the adjustment device 54 and proceed to the next core pushing action.

[0062] Preferably, the push-shell mechanism 6 is connected to the core-shell separation mechanism 5 and includes a push-shell cylinder 61. Under the power drive of the push-shell cylinder 61, the push-shell mechanism 6 moves back and forth in the front and rear directions, and the empty battery shell located at one end of the push-shell mechanism 6 is pushed onto the transmission line 73 by the push-shell cylinder 61.

[0063] Furthermore, the protective housing 7 is provided with a lower part of the protective housing located below the platform and an upper part of the protective housing located above the platform. The lower part of the protective housing is provided with a tab receiving drawer 74, an empty shell transmission line 73, and a cell transmission line 72, etc. The upper part of the protective housing is provided with several visual inspection doors 71 and exhaust vents 75, etc. The visual inspection doors 71 are located on opposite sides of the protective housing. The cell transmission line 72 and the empty shell transmission line 73 are located under the side without the visual inspection door, and the tab receiving drawer 74 is located under the side with the visual inspection door. The visual inspection doors 71 are used to observe the internal condition of the equipment during normal operation or to inspect the equipment when it is stopped. The cell transmission line 72 is used to transport the separated cells to the next process. The empty shell transmission line 73 is used to transport the separated empty shells to the next process. The tab receiving drawer 74 is used to collect the tabs cut off during shell cutting. The exhaust vent 75 is used to connect to external environmental protection equipment and discharge the evaporated electrolyte inside the equipment.

[0064] An automatic lithium battery cell-shell separation device, the specific operation process of which is as follows:

[0065] S101. Stack batteries of the same model and size and neatly place them into the storage box 11;

[0066] S102, the battery feeding plate 131 pushes out the batteries one by one, while the voltage detection device 12 detects the battery voltage; unqualified batteries are discharged from the equipment, and if the voltage meets the requirements, the next step is performed.

[0067] S103, the transverse mechanism 2 descends and moves laterally, scraping the battery into the tab side and pushing the shearing mechanism 3;

[0068] S104, The top-push positioning component 31 pushes the battery into the corresponding position under the shearing mechanism 32 according to the battery size to ensure that the battery cell is not damaged, and pushes the buffer cylinder 323 back an appropriate distance.

[0069] S105, the downward pressing cylinder A324 descends to press the battery tightly, and the buffer cylinder 323 retracts;

[0070] S106, the scissors A322, driven by the shearing cylinder A321, cut downwards to remove the corresponding length from the battery tab side, exposing one side of the battery cell.

[0071] S107, the magnetic coupling cylinder gripper A312 clamps the battery and, driven by the push positioning electric cylinder 311, pulls the battery back to the initial position of the workstation;

[0072] S108, the transverse mechanism 2 descends and moves laterally, scraping the battery into the tail push-shear mechanism 4.

[0073] S109, the push cylinder 411 below the shearing positioning mechanism 42 extends, and at the same time, the push assembly 41 pushes the battery into the shearing positioning mechanism 42 according to the battery size, and presses the buffer spring 413 on the push assembly 41.

[0074] S110, the downward pressing cylinder B424 descends to press the battery firmly, and the positioning cylinder 423 retracts.

[0075] S111 and scissors B422, driven by the shearing cylinder B421, cut downwards to remove the corresponding length from the tail of the battery, thus exposing the front and back sides of the battery cell.

[0076] S112, the magnetic coupling cylinder gripper B414 clamps the battery and, driven by the push cylinder 411, pulls the battery back to the initial position of the workstation.

[0077] S113, the transverse mechanism 2 descends and moves laterally, scraping the battery into the core-shell separation mechanism 5.

[0078] S114, the lifting and centering component 52 clamps the battery and centers it, the pressing cylinder 53 drives the adjusting device 54 to move downward to press the battery, and the toothed pressure bar 546 restricts the battery in the left and right directions.

[0079] S115, the pusher assembly 51 pushes the battery cells inside the battery onto the cell transmission line 72.

[0080] S116, the adjusting device 54 rises, the lifting and centering component 52 retracts, and the core pushing component 51 retracts.

[0081] S117, The transverse mechanism 2 descends and moves laterally, scraping the empty battery casing into the push-casing mechanism 6.

[0082] S118, the push-shell cylinder 61 pushes the empty battery casing onto the empty casing transmission line 73.

[0083] S119, from S100 to S118, repeat the action, and up to four battery cells can be separated at the same time, thus realizing continuous production of battery cell separation.

[0084] S120, the cell transmission line 72 and the empty shell transmission line 73 continue to operate, transmitting the separated cells and empty shells to the next work station.

[0085] This invention not only smoothly completes the battery cutting, core pushing, and shell pushing processes, but also replaces manual labor and meets the needs of mixed-line production methods that require flexibility and easy switching between multiple models and sizes. It improves efficiency, reduces production costs, and minimizes occupational hazards for operators. Due to the high precision of the positioning method, it ensures that the internal battery cells are not damaged during the cutting process, thus improving production quality.

[0086] Although the present invention has been described herein with reference to illustrative embodiments, the above embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention, and the implementation of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. It should be understood that those skilled in the art can devise many other modifications and implementations, which will fall within the scope and spirit of the principles disclosed in this application.

Claims

1. An automatic separation device for lithium battery cells and casings, characterized in that, The system includes a feeding and voltage detection mechanism, a lateral movement mechanism, a tab-side push-shear mechanism, a tail-end push-shear mechanism, a core-shell separation mechanism, and a shell-pushing mechanism, all mounted on a platform. The lateral movement mechanism is sequentially positioned through the feeding and voltage detection mechanism, the tab-side push-shear mechanism, the tail-end push-shear mechanism, and the core-shell separation mechanism, so that the lateral movement mechanism cooperates with the feeding and voltage detection mechanism, the tab-side push-shear mechanism, the tail-end push-shear mechanism, the core-shell separation mechanism, and the shell-pushing mechanism to cut and separate the battery. During operation, the battery that needs to be separated from the core and shell is sequentially transferred from the feeding and voltage detection mechanism to the tab-side push-shear mechanism, the tail push-shear mechanism, the core-shell separation mechanism, and the shell-pushing mechanism via the transverse transfer mechanism. The tab-side push-shear mechanism and the tail push-shear mechanism cut off the battery tabs and tail respectively. The core-shell separation mechanism separates the battery cells and empty shells inside the battery. Then, the shell-pushing mechanism pushes the empty shells away from the platform. The core-shell separation mechanism includes a core-pushing assembly, a lifting and centering assembly, a pressing cylinder, and an adjusting device. The adjusting device is located below the pressing cylinder and is driven by the pressing cylinder to complete reciprocating up-and-down movement. The core-pushing assembly and the lifting and centering assembly are arranged perpendicularly to each other below the adjusting device, with the core-pushing assembly extending out of the adjusting device. The lifting and centering assembly clamps and centers the battery located at the core-shell separation mechanism, the adjusting device presses the battery and limits its left and right movement, and the core-pushing assembly pushes out the battery cells. The core pusher assembly is provided with a core pusher plate, a core pusher cylinder and a linear guide rail. The core pusher plate is set on the linear guide rail and connected to the core pusher cylinder. Under the joint action of the core pusher cylinder and the linear guide rail, the core pusher plate realizes a reciprocating linear movement back and forth to extend into the lower side of the adjustment device. The lifting and centering assembly is equipped with a lifting cylinder B, a centering positioning pin, and a centering cylinder. The centering cylinder is connected to the lifting cylinder B and the centering positioning pin respectively. The centering cylinder and the centering positioning pin are driven by the lifting cylinder B to move up and down back and forth. The centering positioning pin is driven by the centering cylinder to achieve the centering positioning of the battery. The adjustment device includes an adjustment panel, a locking handle, an adjustment handwheel, a left-right rotating trapezoidal lead screw, a lead screw nut, a proximity switch, a toothed pressure bar, a buffer pad, and a tail end baffle. The locking handle passes vertically through the adjustment panel. The adjustment handwheel, left-right rotating trapezoidal lead screw, lead screw nut, proximity switch, toothed pressure bar, buffer pad, and tail end baffle are located on the lower side of the adjustment panel. The rotating adjustment handwheel is perpendicularly connected to the locking handle, and the left-right rotating trapezoidal lead screw is rotatably connected to the rotating adjustment handwheel. The other end of the left-right rotating trapezoidal lead screw is threaded to a lead screw nut. A slider structure that moves with the lead screw nut is sleeved on the lead screw nut. The slider structure cooperates with a slide rail structure located on the lower side of the adjustment panel. The slider structure is equipped with a toothed pressure bar, a buffer pad, and a tail end baffle. The end of the toothed pressure bar is connected to the tail end baffle. Rotating the adjustment handwheel causes the left-right rotating lead screw to rotate, driving the lead screw nut and toothed pressure bar to adjust their left and right positions. The locking handle locks the left-right rotating trapezoidal lead screw, thereby limiting and fixing the left and right sides of the battery with the toothed pressure bar.

2. The automatic lithium battery cell-shell separation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feeding and voltage detection mechanism includes a feeding bin, a voltage detection device, a feeding mechanism, and a battery ejection mechanism. The feeding bin is located above the feeding mechanism. One end of the feeding mechanism is equipped with a voltage detection device and a battery ejection mechanism. The feeding mechanism is used to eject the batteries from the feeding bin. The voltage detection device is used to detect the voltage of the ejected batteries. The battery ejection mechanism is used to discharge batteries that do not need to be separated.

3. The automatic lithium battery cell-shell separation device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The feeding bin is equipped with a tail end clamping plate, a discharge limiting plate, and at least one material level sensor. The tail end clamping plate is located on the rear side of the feeding bin and can move back and forth. The discharge limiting plate is embedded on the front side of the feeding bin and is used to block the batteries so that they are pushed out one by one. At least one material level sensor is used to detect the number of batteries remaining in the feeding bin. The feeding mechanism is equipped with a connected battery feeding plate and a feeding magnetic coupling cylinder. The feeding magnetic coupling cylinder drives the battery feeding plate to move back and forth reciprocally. The battery ejection mechanism includes a lifting cylinder A, a material ejection magnetic coupling cylinder, and a battery ejection plate. The material ejection magnetic coupling cylinder and the battery ejection plate are positioned above the lifting cylinder A, and the battery ejection plate is connected to the end of the material ejection magnetic coupling cylinder away from the lifting cylinder A. The material ejection magnetic coupling cylinder and the battery ejection plate reciprocate up and down under the drive of the lifting cylinder A; the battery ejection plate reciprocates left and right under the drive of the material ejection magnetic coupling cylinder.

4. The automatic lithium battery cell-shell separation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lateral movement mechanism includes a lateral movement module, a mounting bracket, a scraper assembly, and a vertical lifting cylinder. The lateral movement module, scraper assembly, and vertical lifting cylinder are mounted on the mounting bracket. The lateral movement module is connected to the vertical lifting cylinder. The scraper assembly is connected to the lower end of the vertical lifting cylinder. The scraper assembly is driven by the vertical lifting cylinder to move up and down. The vertical lifting cylinder and scraper assembly are driven by the lateral movement module to move reciprocally left and right, so as to achieve position control of the battery located below the lateral movement mechanism.

5. The automatic lithium battery cell-shell separation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tab-side push-shear mechanism includes a push-positioning component and a shearing mechanism. The push-positioning component and the shearing mechanism are arranged opposite to each other on both sides of the transverse movement mechanism. The push-positioning component pushes the battery located at the tab-side push-shear mechanism into or out of the shearing mechanism and cuts off the battery tab through the shearing mechanism.

6. The automatic lithium battery cell-shell separation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tail push-shear mechanism includes a push component and a shearing positioning mechanism. The push component and the shearing positioning mechanism are arranged opposite to each other on both sides of the transverse mechanism. The push component pushes the battery located at the tail push-shear mechanism into or pulls it out of the shearing positioning mechanism, and the shearing positioning mechanism cuts off the tail of the battery.

7. An automatic lithium battery cell-shell separation device according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The automatic separation device is also equipped with a protective cover.

8. The automatic lithium battery cell-shell separation device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The protective housing includes a lower part located below the platform and an upper part located above the platform. The lower part of the protective housing is equipped with a tab receiving drawer, an empty shell transmission line, and a battery cell transmission line, while the upper part of the protective housing is equipped with several visual inspection doors and ventilation vents.

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