A smart scheduling optimization method to alleviate the waiting time for AB core cutting and assembly

Abstract

This invention discloses an intelligent scheduling optimization method to alleviate the problem of AB core waiting time in the cutting and assembly process. The method includes transporting the battery cells produced by different groups of cutting machines to their respective material handling lines. After each group of AB cores is matched, they are further processed by the assembly machines at the downstream end of the current material handling line. When a cutting machine in any material handling line stops, a lifting assembly is used to transport the full-load core trays of the current material handling line to other material handling lines via an elevated material handling line for AB core matching and further processing. This invention alleviates equipment downtime caused by AB core waiting time on different lines through intelligent scheduling, achieving transfer and cross-line transport, improving the operating efficiency of assembly equipment, minimizing cutting machine downtime, increasing overall line capacity, reducing manufacturing costs, and reducing manual handling. Reasonable cycle time settings and logical planning can reduce the impact of cutting and assembly downtime on production, making the cutting and assembly process more efficient and stable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of logistics line optimization scheduling technology, and in particular to an intelligent scheduling optimization method for alleviating the waiting time for materials in the cutting and assembly of AB cores. Background Technology

[0002] Cutting and coiling assembly is a core process in lithium battery production and a crucial pre-production step. Improving overall equipment efficiency and increasing production capacity are key priorities in this process. Cutting and coiling mainly involves laser cutting and winding. Laser cutting utilizes a laser to cut the positive and negative electrode coils, creating the tabs. Winding involves winding the positive and negative electrode coils and the separator together into a core. Depending on the winding method, all cores consist of two types: A cores and B cores (the positive electrode of A core is paired with the positive electrode of B core, and the negative electrode of A core is paired with the negative electrode of B core). Each cutting and coiling machine corresponds to one winding method. In the actual production line layout, A and B cutting and coiling machines are arranged alternately. A set of A cores must be matched with a set of B cores simultaneously to proceed to the next assembly stage for production. If either A or B cores are missing from the same material flow line, assembly will experience material shortages, leading to equipment downtime. Simultaneously, unmatched cores will accumulate on the material flow line, causing blockages and halting the corresponding cutting and coiling machine on that line. The independent existence of different logistics lines, which do not affect each other before entering the assembly process, can lead to a situation where one side of the roll core is over-buried and clogged, while another logistics line may lack the roll core for that side and be waiting for material. Currently, the production line uses manual transfer of pallet roll cores to other logistics lines or unloading, which is labor-intensive and cannot be handled in a timely manner, causing the cutting machine to stop, resulting in low overall equipment efficiency, a significant impact on the overall production capacity of the line, and an increase in manufacturing costs. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology. To achieve the above objective, an intelligent scheduling optimization method is adopted to alleviate the waiting time for AB core cutting and assembly, so as to solve the problems mentioned in the background technology.

[0004] A smart scheduling optimization method for alleviating the waiting time for AB core cutting and assembly includes the following steps:

[0005] Step S1: The battery cells produced by the different groups of slitting machines are transported to each group of logistics lines. After each group of AB cores is matched, they are further processed by the assembly process machines at the back end of the current logistics line.

[0006] Step S2: When the slitting machine in any of the logistics lines stops, the fully loaded core pallets of the current logistics line are transported via an elevated logistics line to the waiting lines of other logistics lines for AB core matching before further processing. By using grouped logistics lines to handle cells from different slitting machines, the flexibility and efficiency of the production line are improved. AB core matching ensures accurate cell pairing, providing a stable quality foundation for subsequent assembly processes. This solves the production interruption problem caused by slitting machine shutdowns, improving the reliability and continuity of the production line. The lifting assembly enables rapid scheduling of fully loaded core pallets, reducing production waiting time.

[0007] As a further aspect of the present invention, the specific steps in step S1 include:

[0008] The battery cells produced by the three sets of slitting machines are respectively transported to each set of logistics lines, wherein the logistics lines include a first logistics line, a second logistics line, and a third logistics line;

[0009] If the slitting machine for AB cores on each logistics line is operating normally, then match one set of A cores and one set of B cores in the first logistics line, the second logistics line, and the third logistics line.

[0010] After each set of AB cores is matched, they are further processed by the assembly machines at the back end of the current logistics line. This clarifies the specific configuration of the logistics line and the core matching process, providing clear guidance for actual operation. The parallel processing of three sets of slitting machines further improves the production line's capacity and efficiency.

[0011] As a further aspect of the present invention, the specific steps in step S2 include:

[0012] If any A core or B core cutting machine stops, and the other cutting machines on the current logistics line are feeding full pallets, then the full pallets of another A core or B core will be transported to the rear assembly line on the logistics line.

[0013] When pallets accumulate, the lifting assembly at the back end recognizes that there are fully loaded pallets waiting on the back-end logistics line. The lifting assembly then starts and lifts the fully loaded core pallet located at the lifting assembly station to the fifth logistics buffer line. On the fifth logistics buffer line, it is transported counterclockwise to other logistics lines. Meanwhile, the lifting assemblies corresponding to other logistics lines recognize whether there are fully loaded core pallets waiting on the back end of that side and determine whether there is a need for unloading.

[0014] If there is a need to unload materials, the lifting assembly will be activated, and the fully loaded core tray will be moved down for conveying.

[0015] If there is no need to unload, release the fully loaded core tray and continue to transport it counterclockwise to other logistics lines on the fifth and sixth logistics buffer lines.

[0016] Until the fifth and sixth logistics buffer lines, the buffer cores are transported below the lifting assembly to each logistics line to match the other side of the core. Through the intelligent scheduling of the lifting assembly, fully loaded pallets can be quickly transferred between different logistics lines, improving the flexibility and adaptability of the production line. This solves the production bottleneck problem caused by pallet accumulation and ensures the smooth operation of the production line.

[0017] As a further aspect of the present invention: the lifting assembly, in each set of material handling lines, can identify whether there are fully loaded core trays waiting in the downstream conveyor line leading to assembly, and can both raise and lower the conveyor for either A core or B core in the event of material blockage. This improves the intelligence level of the lifting assembly, enabling it to flexibly schedule operations according to the actual conditions of the production line. It solves the material blockage problem and ensures the stable operation of the production line.

[0018] As a further aspect of the present invention: the fifth and sixth logistics buffer lines form a closed-loop return flow capable of buffering fully loaded core trays, and intersect with the logistics lines for unloading from multiple cutting and rolling equipment. The upward and downward conveying of the core trays is achieved via an elevator. The setting of the logistics buffer lines enables effective buffering and scheduling of fully loaded trays, improving the storage and scheduling capacity of the production line. The closed-loop return flow ensures the recycling of trays and reduces resource waste.

[0019] As a further aspect of the present invention: the fifth and sixth logistics buffer lines form a closed-loop return flow and cooperate with the elevator assembly to transport the core trays in a counter-clockwise or clockwise direction. This clarifies the cooperation method between the logistics buffer lines and the elevator assembly, providing clear guidance for actual operation. By specifying the transport direction, the orderly flow of trays between the logistics lines is ensured.

[0020] As a further aspect of the present invention: determining the priority of the elevator, and determining the priority of conveying the blocked material flow line upward and the priority of conveying the material-deficient material flow line downward by the material buffer line;

[0021] When intelligent scheduling is enabled, only one type of core tray—either core A or core B—is scheduled at any given time. By setting priorities, the scheduling efficiency and fairness of the production line are ensured. This solves the production chaos caused by improper scheduling and improves the stability and controllability of the production line.

[0022] As a further aspect of the present invention: when multiple sets of different roll cutters are arranged in parallel lines along the flow line direction of the logistics line, the fifth and sixth logistics buffer lines above the logistics line are extended according to actual requirements.

[0023] The fifth and sixth logistics buffer lines, along with the lower logistics lines, transport core trays via a lifting assembly, optimizing the allocation between multiple logistics lines. The parallel layout and extended logistics buffer lines enhance the scalability and flexibility of the production line. This adapts to varying production scales and demands, providing a strong guarantee for the long-term stable operation of the production line.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following technical advantages:

[0025] Using the above technical solution, in step S1, battery cells produced by different slitting machines are grouped and transported to their respective logistics lines. After the A and B cores are matched, they are further processed by the assembly machines at the back end of the logistics line, achieving orderly production and efficient assembly of battery cells. Step S2 addresses potential downtime of the slitting machines on the logistics line by designing a solution that uses a lifting assembly to quickly transfer fully loaded core pallets to other waiting logistics lines via an elevated logistics line, ensuring continuous matching and processing of battery cells and avoiding production interruptions. This not only improves the automation and efficiency of battery cell production and ensures the continuous and stable operation of the production line, but also effectively addresses the production challenges caused by equipment failures. By flexibly scheduling fully loaded pallets, production waiting time is minimized, improving the overall reliability and flexibility of the production line. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the steps of the intelligent scheduling optimization method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the intelligent scheduling process according to an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the logistics line structure according to an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the conveying direction of the logistics line according to an embodiment of this application.

[0031] In the diagram: 1. First logistics line; 2. Second logistics line; 3. Third logistics line; 4. Roll cutter; 5. Fifth logistics buffer line; 6. Sixth logistics buffer line; 7. Assembly equipment; 8. Fully loaded core tray; 9. First elevator; 10. Second elevator; 11. Third elevator; 12. Fourth elevator. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field based on the embodiments of the present invention without making any creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0033] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this embodiment of the invention, an intelligent scheduling optimization method for alleviating the waiting time for AB core cutting and assembly includes the following steps:

[0034] Step S1: The battery cells produced by the different groups of slitting machines 4 are respectively transported to each group of logistics lines. After each group of AB cores is matched, they are further processed by the assembly process machines at the back end of the current logistics line. The specific steps include:

[0035] The battery cells produced by the three sets of slitting machines 4 are respectively transported to each set of logistics lines, wherein the logistics lines include the first logistics line 1, the second logistics line 2, and the third logistics line 3.

[0036] If the slitting machine 4 of the AB cores on each logistics line is operating normally, then a set of A cores and a set of B cores in the first logistics line 1, the second logistics line 2, and the third logistics line 3 will be matched.

[0037] After each set of AB cores is matched, it is then further processed by the assembly process machine at the back end of the current logistics line.

[0038] In this embodiment, as Figure 3 As shown in the diagram, the three sets of slitting machines 4 produce battery cells that are respectively transported to the first logistics line 1, the second logistics line 2, and the third logistics line 3. If the AB slitting machines 4 on each logistics line are operating normally, each AB core can be matched and then assembled by the machines at the back end of the line for further processing. If a slitting machine stops working, the problem will be solved in the subsequent step S2.

[0039] Step S2: When the coil cutter 4 of any logistics line stops, the fully loaded coil core tray 8 of the current logistics line is transported via an overhead logistics line to the waiting line of another logistics line for AB coil core matching before further processing. The specific steps include:

[0040] like Figure 4 As shown, the diagram illustrates the transport direction of the logistics line.

[0041] If any of the A-core or B-core cutting machines 4 stops, and the other cutting machines 4 on the current logistics line are feeding full pallets, then the full pallets of another A-core or B-core are transported to the rear assembly line on the logistics line.

[0042] When pallets accumulate, the lifting assembly at the back end recognizes that there are fully loaded pallets waiting on the back-end logistics line. The lifting assembly then starts and lifts the fully loaded core pallet 8 located at the lifting assembly station to the fifth logistics buffer line 5. On the fifth logistics buffer line 5, it is transported counterclockwise to other logistics lines. Meanwhile, the lifting assemblies corresponding to other logistics lines recognize whether there are fully loaded pallets waiting on the back end of the core and determine whether there is a need for unloading.

[0043] If there is a need to unload materials, the lifting assembly will be activated, and the fully loaded core tray 8 will be moved down for conveying.

[0044] If there is no need to unload, release the fully loaded core tray 8 and continue to transport it counterclockwise to other logistics lines on the fifth logistics buffer line 5 and the sixth logistics buffer line 6.

[0045] Until the fifth logistics buffer line 5 and the sixth logistics buffer line 6, the buffer cores pass under the elevator assembly to each group of logistics lines, where they are matched with the other side of the core.

[0046] In this embodiment, if the cutting machine 4 of a certain (A side or B side) core in the first logistics line 1 stops, the other cutting machines 4 on the line will unload full pallets. According to the cycle operation logic, the stoppage causes the efficiency of this line to be less than that of the other side. The cutting machine 4 on the other side continues to produce cores, which accumulate and block the logistics line. The first elevator 9 at the rear end of the first logistics line 1 recognizes that there are full pallets waiting on the rear logistics line. Then the first elevator 9 starts and lifts the full core pallet 8 located at the elevator station to the fifth logistics buffer line 5. The full core pallet 8 is then transported to the second logistics line 2 along the fifth logistics buffer line 5.

[0047] The second elevator 10 identifies whether there is a fully loaded pallet waiting at the rear end of the second logistics line 2 logistics line to determine whether there is a material unloading requirement.

[0048] If there is a need for unloading, the second elevator 10 is started, the pneumatic block is raised, and the full-load core tray 8 on the fifth logistics buffer line 5 is moved down and transported to the second logistics line 2, matching the other core and transporting it to the assembly line.

[0049] If there is no need to unload, the pneumatic barrier is released, allowing the fully loaded core tray 8 to be transported along the fifth logistics buffer line 5 to the third logistics line 3.

[0050] The third elevator 11 identifies whether there is a fully loaded pallet waiting at the rear end of the third logistics line 3 to determine whether there is a material unloading requirement.

[0051] If there is a need for unloading, the third elevator 11 is started, the pneumatic block is raised, and the full-load core tray 8 on the fifth logistics buffer line 5 is moved down and transported to the third logistics line 3, matching the other core and transporting it to the assembly.

[0052] If there is no need to unload, the pneumatic barrier is released, allowing the fully loaded core tray 8 to be conveyed along the sixth logistics buffer line 6.

[0053] The fully loaded core tray 8 passes through the fourth elevator. The fourth elevator identifies whether there is a fully loaded core tray waiting at the rear end of the first logistics line 1, and determines whether there is a need for unloading.

[0054] If there is a need for unloading, the fourth elevator is activated, the pneumatic barrier is raised, and the fully loaded core tray 8 on the sixth logistics buffer line 6 is moved down and transported to the first logistics line 1, where it is matched with another core and transported to the assembly line.

[0055] If there is no need to unload materials, the pneumatic barrier is released, allowing the fully loaded core tray 8 to be transported along the fifth logistics buffer line 5 via the first elevator 9.

[0056] Until the fifth logistics buffer line 5 and the sixth logistics buffer line 6, the buffer cores pass under the elevator to each group of logistics lines to match the other side of the core.

[0057] In this embodiment, the lifting assembly can identify fully loaded core trays 8 waiting in the downstream assembly logistics lines, and can both lift and lower cores (A or B) in case of material blockage. Furthermore, the fifth logistics buffer line 5 and the sixth logistics buffer line 6 form a closed-loop return flow that can buffer fully loaded core trays 8, and intersect with the logistics lines of multiple cutting and rolling equipment. The lifting assembly enables the lifting and lowering of the core trays.

[0058] In this embodiment, the fifth logistics buffer line 5 and the sixth logistics buffer line 6 form a closed-loop return flow and cooperate with the elevator assembly to transport the core tray in a counterclockwise or clockwise direction.

[0059] In this embodiment, the priority of the elevator is determined, as well as the priority of the material blockage logistics line being conveyed upward and the priority of the material shortage logistics line being conveyed downward by the material buffer line.

[0060] When intelligent scheduling is enabled, only one type of core tray, either core A or core B, can be scheduled at the same time.

[0061] In this embodiment, multiple sets of different roll cutters 4 are arranged in parallel lines along the flow line direction of the logistics line, and the fifth logistics buffer line 5 and the sixth logistics buffer line 6 above the logistics line are extended according to actual requirements.

[0062] The fifth logistics buffer line 5 and the sixth logistics buffer line 6, together with the logistics lines below, transport core trays through an elevator assembly to optimize the allocation between multiple logistics lines.

[0063] Specifically, this can be achieved in three sets of cutting and rolling logistics lines, but the application is not limited to this. When multiple sets of cutting and rolling equipment are arranged in parallel along the production line, the fifth logistics buffer line 5 and the sixth logistics buffer line 6 above are appropriately extended. The fifth logistics buffer line 5 and the logistics line below are connected by a lifting structure to transport the core trays, thereby realizing intelligent allocation and optimization between multiple sets of logistics lines.

[0064] In this embodiment, the pneumatic block can be a telescopic cylinder that drives the baffle to move up and down, so as to block the moving full-load core tray 8, and realize the full-load core tray 8 to flow into the elevator station and move up or down for conveying, or continue to move forward.

[0065] All the elevators on the logistics line can adopt the same structure and be driven by cylinders. However, the operation of each elevator is independent, which can realize transfer and cross-line transportation. Transfer between different directions or different lines can be achieved by direct setting.

[0066] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents, all of which should be included within the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

1. A smart scheduling optimization method for alleviating the waiting time for materials in AB core cutting and assembly, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step S1: The battery cells produced by the different groups of slitting machines are transported to each group of logistics lines. After each group of AB cores is matched, they are further processed by the assembly process machines at the back end of the current logistics line. Step S2: When the slitting machine of any logistics line stops, the fully loaded core tray of the current logistics line is transported via an overhead logistics line to the waiting line of another logistics line for AB core matching and further processing. The specific steps include: If any A core or B core cutting machine stops, and the other cutting machines on the current logistics line are feeding full pallets, then the full pallets of another A core or B core will be transported to the rear assembly line on the logistics line. When pallets accumulate, the lifting assembly at the back end recognizes that there are fully loaded pallets waiting on the back-end logistics line. The lifting assembly then starts and lifts the fully loaded core pallet located at the lifting assembly station to the fifth logistics buffer line. On the fifth logistics buffer line, it is transported counterclockwise to other logistics lines. Meanwhile, the lifting assemblies corresponding to other logistics lines recognize whether there are fully loaded core pallets waiting on the back end of that side and determine whether there is a need for unloading. If there is a need to unload materials, the lifting assembly will be activated, and the fully loaded core tray will be moved down for conveying. If there is no need to unload, release the fully loaded core tray and continue to transport it counterclockwise to other logistics lines on the fifth and sixth logistics buffer lines. Until the fifth and sixth logistics buffer lines, the buffer cores pass under the elevator assembly to each logistics line and are matched with another core. The fifth and sixth logistics buffer lines form a closed-loop return flow that can buffer fully loaded core trays.

2. The intelligent scheduling optimization method for alleviating the waiting time for AB core cutting and assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The specific steps in step S1 include: The battery cells produced by the three sets of slitting machines are respectively transported to each set of logistics lines, wherein the logistics lines include a first logistics line, a second logistics line, and a third logistics line; If the slitting machine for AB cores on each logistics line is operating normally, then match one set of A cores and one set of B cores in the first logistics line, the second logistics line, and the third logistics line. After each set of AB cores is matched, it is then further processed by the assembly process machine at the back end of the current logistics line.

3. The intelligent scheduling optimization method for alleviating the waiting time for AB core cutting and assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, In each group of logistics lines, the lifting assembly can identify that there are fully loaded core trays waiting in the logistics line that is being transported to the assembly line at the back end, and can lift and lower core A or core B in the event of material blockage.

4. The intelligent scheduling optimization method for alleviating the waiting time for AB core cutting and assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, It intersects with the logistics line of multiple cutting and rolling equipment, and uses a lift to realize the upward and downward conveying of the core tray.

5. The intelligent scheduling optimization method for alleviating the waiting time for AB core cutting and assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The fifth and sixth logistics buffer lines form a closed-loop return flow and cooperate with the elevator assembly to transport the core trays in a counterclockwise or clockwise direction.

6. The intelligent scheduling optimization method for alleviating the waiting time for AB core cutting and assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, Determine the priority of the elevator, and determine the priority of conveying blocked material upwards and the priority of conveying material-deficient material downwards by the material buffer line; When intelligent scheduling is enabled, only one type of core tray, either core A or core B, can be scheduled at the same time.

7. The intelligent scheduling optimization method for alleviating material shortages during AB core cutting and assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, When multiple sets of different roll cutters are arranged in parallel lines along the flow line of the logistics line, and the fifth and sixth logistics buffer lines above the logistics line are extended according to actual requirements; The fifth and sixth logistics buffer lines, together with the logistics lines below, transport core trays via an elevator assembly, enabling optimized allocation among multiple logistics lines.

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