Detection mechanism and battery production line

Abstract

A detection mechanism and a battery production line, comprising a conveying unit (100) for conveying a to-be-detected piece (900), a first detection unit (300) for detecting the temperature of the to-be-detected piece (900), and a triggering unit (400) for detecting the distance between the first detection unit (300) and the to-be-detected piece (900), and when the distance between the first detection unit (300) and the to-be-detected piece (900) is lower than a preset distance value, the triggering unit (400) controls the conveying unit (100) to stop conveying.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a testing facility and a battery production line. Background Technology

[0002] Battery cells need to undergo temperature testing before being placed in the warehouse to ensure product performance. In related technologies, temperature testing agencies often only test a single item for battery cells and have poor versatility, which cannot well meet the temperature testing requirements in production. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a testing mechanism and battery production line to address the problem of poor universality of current equipment in testing individual battery cells.

[0004] A first aspect of this application provides a testing mechanism for testing a workpiece under test, comprising: a conveying unit for conveying the workpiece under test; a first testing unit for detecting the temperature of the workpiece under test; and a triggering unit for detecting the distance between the first testing unit and the workpiece under test; when the distance between the first testing unit and the workpiece under test is lower than a preset distance value, the triggering unit controls the conveying unit to stop conveying.

[0005] In one embodiment, the detection mechanism includes a second detection unit; the second detection unit is used to detect the temperature of the top surface of the test piece; and the first detection unit is used to detect the temperature of the side surface of the test piece.

[0006] In one embodiment, the detection mechanism includes a frame, with the first detection unit movably disposed on the side of the frame; the second detection unit movably disposed on the top of the frame; and the conveying unit passing through the frame.

[0007] In one embodiment, the first detection unit includes a first moving component, a second moving component, and a first temperature probe. The first moving component is movably disposed on the frame along the X-axis, the second moving component is movably disposed on the first moving component along the Y-axis, and the first temperature probe is movably disposed on the second moving component along the Z-axis.

[0008] In one embodiment, the conveying unit is disposed within the frame along the X-axis direction.

[0009] In one embodiment, the triggering unit is disposed on one side or opposite sides of the first temperature probe along the X-axis direction.

[0010] In one embodiment, the first moving component includes a first driver, a slide rail, and a slider, the slide rail extending along the X-axis and fixed to the frame, and the first driver being capable of driving the slider to reciprocate relative to the slide rail.

[0011] In one embodiment, the first moving component includes a cable chain, through which the first drive is electrically connected to an external source.

[0012] In one embodiment, the second moving component includes a second driver and a movable element; the second driver is fixed on the slider and is capable of driving the movable element to reciprocate along the Y-axis.

[0013] In one embodiment, the second moving component includes a sensor for sensing the position of the moving part along the Y-axis.

[0014] In one embodiment, the second moving component includes a guide rod extending along the Z-axis and a fixing frame, the guide rod being disposed on the moving part; the fixing frame being movably disposed on the guide rod, and the first temperature probe being fixed on the fixing frame.

[0015] In one embodiment, the triggering unit includes a micro switch and a controller; the micro switch is used to detect the distance between the first detection unit and the device under test; the micro switch is signal-connected to the controller, and when the distance between the first detection unit and the device under test is lower than a preset distance value, the controller controls the conveying unit to stop conveying.

[0016] In one embodiment, the testing mechanism further includes a third testing unit; the third testing unit is disposed on the top of the frame and is used to perform insulation withstand voltage testing on the electrode terminals on the top surface of the test piece.

[0017] In one embodiment, the detection mechanism further includes a third detection unit, which includes a probe plate, a fixing plate, and a third driver; the fixing plate is mounted on the top of the frame; the probe plate is movably disposed relative to the fixing plate; the third driver is used to drive the probe plate to approach or move away from the electrode terminals on the top surface of the test piece along the Z-axis direction; the probe plate is used to perform insulation withstand voltage testing on the electrode terminals on the top surface of the test piece.

[0018] In one embodiment, the detection mechanism includes a second detection unit; the second detection unit is used to detect the temperature of the top surface of the test piece; the second detection unit is disposed on the probe plate; when the probe plate comes into contact with the electrode terminals on the top surface of the test piece, the second detection unit detects the temperature of the electrode terminals on the top surface of the test piece.

[0019] In one embodiment, the second detection unit includes at least one second temperature probe, which is a contact temperature probe.

[0020] A second aspect of this application provides a battery production line, including the aforementioned testing facility.

[0021] The beneficial effects are as follows: The testing mechanism and battery production line of this application embodiment transport the test piece by setting up a conveying unit and a first testing unit to replace manual temperature detection of the test piece. By setting up a trigger unit to detect the distance between the first testing unit and the test piece, it can be ensured that the test piece and the first testing unit are always kept at a suitable detection distance, making the measurement data more accurate. Furthermore, when the distance between the test piece and the first testing unit is too close, the trigger unit can control the conveying unit to stop conveying, avoiding large temperature data errors. In addition, it can also prevent interference between the test piece and the first testing unit in a timely manner, making the testing mechanism more versatile.

[0022] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of this application. In order to better understand the technical means of this application and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, and to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of this application more obvious and understandable, the following are specific embodiments of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments of this application will be briefly described below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the drawings without creative effort. In the drawings:

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the testing mechanism in an embodiment of this application.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the first detection unit and the triggering unit in an embodiment of this application.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the first detection unit and the triggering unit according to an embodiment of this application, wherein the first moving component is omitted.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the testing mechanism and the test piece in an embodiment of this application, wherein the frame is omitted.

[0028] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0029] Conveying unit-100, second detection unit-200, second temperature probe-210, first detection unit-300, first temperature probe-310, first moving component-320, first driver-321, slide rail-322, slider-323, drag chain-324, second moving component-330, second driver-331, moving part-332, sensor-333, guide rod-334, fixing frame-335, triggering unit-400, micro switch-410, frame-500, third detection unit-600, probe plate-610, fixing plate-620, third driver-630, test piece-900, electrode terminal-910. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The embodiments of the technical solution of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this application and are therefore merely examples, and should not be used to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0031] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application; the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, in the specification, claims, and foregoing description of the drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0032] In the description of the embodiments of this application, if the technical terms such as "first" and "second" appear, these terms are used only for descriptive purposes to distinguish different objects, and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number, specific order or primary and secondary relationship of the indicated technical features.

[0033] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0034] In the description of the embodiments in this application, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0035] In the description of the embodiments of this application, if the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two (including two), such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified. Similarly, if the term "multiple sets" appears, "multiple sets" refers to two or more sets (including two sets), and if the term "multiple pieces" appears, "multiple pieces" refers to two or more pieces (including two pieces).

[0036] In the description of the embodiments of this application, if the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc. appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this application.

[0037] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the technical terms "installation," "connection," "joining," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0038] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0039] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0040] Currently, judging from market trends, the application of power batteries is becoming increasingly widespread. Power batteries are not only used in energy storage systems such as hydropower, thermal power, wind power, and solar power plants, but also widely applied in electric vehicles such as electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, and electric cars, as well as in aerospace and other fields. With the continuous expansion of power battery applications, market demand is also constantly increasing.

[0041] During the assembly line production process, battery cells require a series of tests, including but not limited to terminal temperature detection on the top surface of the battery cell, battery cell voltage, and insulation withstand voltage performance between battery cells. These tests are a crucial safety checkpoint for battery cells and are essential for ensuring product safety. The inventors have noted that due to the size differences between different types of battery cells, the conveying unit transports the cells to the corresponding testing stations. However, the distance and position of the areas to be tested vary depending on the thickness, height, or angle of the battery cells at the testing station. Furthermore, in the testing mechanism, if the temperature detection unit is used for multiple types of battery cells simultaneously, excessively large or small distances between the precision temperature probe and the area to be tested will affect the accuracy of the detection. Moreover, interference between the precision temperature probe and the battery cell can cause damage, resulting in poor versatility.

[0042] To alleviate the issue of poor versatility, the applicant discovered that by setting up a trigger unit, the battery cells conveyed by the transport unit can be inspected at the inspection station, thereby improving versatility. Furthermore, simultaneously inspecting the surface temperature of the battery cell's side and the terminal temperature of the battery cell's top surface at the same station improves inspection efficiency.

[0043] Based on the above considerations, the inventors, after in-depth research, designed a testing mechanism that can be used to test battery cells. By transporting the battery cells to the corresponding testing station, the temperature of the battery cells can be detected. Considering that there are positional differences in the battery cells during the transportation process, the distance between the battery cells and the testing mechanism can be controlled to prevent collisions or positional deviations.

[0044] The battery disclosed in this application refers to a single physical module comprising one or more battery cells to provide higher voltage and capacity. For example, the battery mentioned in this application may include a battery pack, etc. Some batteries may include a separate housing for encapsulating one or more battery cells or multiple battery modules. The housing can prevent liquids or other foreign objects from affecting the charging or discharging of the battery cells. Of course, some batteries may not include the aforementioned separate housing, and the battery cells or battery modules may be directly placed in the battery mounting compartment of the electrical device, i.e., the battery mounting compartment serves as the housing.

[0045] The batteries disclosed in this application can be used, but are not limited to, in electrical devices such as vehicles, ships, or aircraft. A power system for such an electrical device can be constructed using battery cells and batteries as disclosed in this application.

[0046] In this application embodiment, the battery cell may include lithium-ion secondary batteries, lithium-ion primary batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries, sodium-lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, or magnesium-ion batteries, etc., and this application embodiment is not limited to these. The battery cell may be cylindrical, flat, cuboid, or other shapes, etc., and this application embodiment is not limited to these. Battery cells are generally divided into three types according to the packaging method: cylindrical cells, square cells, and pouch cells, and this application embodiment is not limited to these.

[0047] In this embodiment of the application, a single battery cell may include a casing, an electrode assembly, and an electrolyte.

[0048] The housing may have functional components such as electrode terminals, which can be used to electrically connect to the electrode assembly for outputting or inputting electrical energy into the battery cell. The internal environment formed within the housing can accommodate the electrode assembly, electrolyte, and other components.

[0049] Electrode assemblies are the components within a single battery cell where electrochemical reactions occur. One or more electrode assemblies may be contained within the casing. Electrode assemblies are primarily formed by winding or stacking positive and negative electrode plates, and typically a separator is placed between the positive and negative electrode plates.

[0050] The positive electrode sheet includes a positive current collector and a positive active material layer. The positive active material layer is coated on the surface of the positive current collector, and the positive current collector without the positive active material layer protrudes from the positive current collector with the positive active material layer. The positive current collector without the positive active material layer serves as the positive electrode tab. Taking a lithium-ion battery as an example, the material of the positive current collector can be aluminum, and the positive active material can be lithium cobalt oxide, lithium iron phosphate, ternary lithium, or lithium manganese oxide, etc.

[0051] The negative electrode sheet includes a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode active material layer. The negative electrode active material layer is coated on the surface of the negative electrode current collector, and the negative electrode current collector without the negative electrode active material layer protrudes from the negative electrode current collector with the negative electrode active material layer. The negative electrode current collector without the negative electrode active material layer serves as the negative electrode tab. The material of the negative electrode current collector can be copper, and the negative electrode active material can be carbon or silicon, etc.

[0052] The separator can be made of PP (polypropylene) or PE (polyethylene), etc. Furthermore, the electrode assembly can be a wound structure or a stacked structure; the embodiments of this application are not limited to these.

[0053] To ensure that the battery can withstand high currents without melting, multiple positive electrode tabs and multiple negative electrode tabs are stacked together. During the charging and discharging process, the positive and negative active materials react with the electrolyte, and the tabs connect the electrode terminals to form a current loop.

[0054] The first aspect of this application provides a testing mechanism for testing a test piece 900, the testing items of which may include, but are not limited to, temperature. The test piece 900 may be a single battery cell, an electrode assembly, or a battery. For ease of understanding, in the following embodiments, the test piece 900 is illustrated as one or more single battery cells.

[0055] See Figures 1 to 4 As shown, a detection mechanism includes: a conveying unit 100, a first detection unit 300, and a triggering unit 400.

[0056] The conveying unit 100 is used to convey the test piece 900. Specifically, the conveying unit 100 is equipped with one or more carriers, each carrier having a positioning groove 110 suitable for carrying the test piece 900. The conveying unit 100 moves along a predetermined path, enabling the test piece 900 carried by the carrier to move along the predetermined path and to the testing station in the testing mechanism, thereby ensuring that the test piece 900 at the testing station can be successfully tested by the first testing unit 300 and that loading and unloading can be smoothly achieved. For example, the conveying unit 100 can be a conveyor belt, a slide rail, a magnetic levitation track, etc.

[0057] The first detection unit 300 is used to detect the temperature of the test piece 900.

[0058] Combination Figure 4As shown, the trigger unit 400 is used to detect the distance A between the first detection unit 300 and the workpiece 900 under test. When the distance A between the first detection unit 300 and the workpiece 900 under test is lower than a preset distance value, the trigger unit 400 controls the conveying unit 100 to stop conveying. The preset distance value can be set according to the different models and types of the workpiece 900 under test, and the value can be predetermined through a limited number of data accumulations, theoretical calculations, or given by the designer.

[0059] Thus, by conveying the test piece 900 through the conveying unit 100 and combining it with the first detection unit 300, the test piece 900 can be detected instead of manually. By setting the trigger unit 400 to detect the distance A between the first detection unit 300 and the test piece 900, it can be ensured that the test piece 900 and the first detection unit 300 are always kept at a suitable detection distance, making the measurement data more accurate. Furthermore, when the distance between the test piece 900 and the first detection unit 300 is too close, the trigger unit 400 can control the conveying unit 100 to stop conveying, avoiding large errors in temperature data. In addition, it can also prevent interference between the test piece 900 and the first detection unit 300 in a timely manner, making the detection mechanism more versatile.

[0060] In related technologies, the temperature detection of the large surface of the battery cell side and the terminal temperature detection of the battery cell top surface are completed in two separate stations, resulting in low space utilization.

[0061] In some embodiments, the detection mechanism includes a second detection unit 200; the second detection unit 200 is used to detect the temperature of the top surface of the test piece 900; and the first detection unit 300 is used to detect the temperature of the side surface of the test piece 900.

[0062] The second detection unit 200 can be used to detect the temperature of the top surface of the test piece 900. That is, after the test piece 900 is conveyed to the detection station by the conveying unit 100, the second detection unit 200 performs temperature detection on the test piece 900 at the detection station. The detection areas include: the top surface of the shell of the test piece 900 (i.e., the upper end surface of the shell with electrode terminals 910; correspondingly, the lower end surface of the shell without terminals can be considered as the bottom surface), and at least one of the components provided on the top surface (including but not limited to electrode terminals 910, explosion-proof pressure relief valves, etc.). The temperature detection here can be performed using a contact temperature sensor or an infrared temperature sensor.

[0063] The first detection unit 300 is used to detect the temperature of the side surface of the test piece 900. That is, after the test piece 900 is conveyed to the detection station by the conveying unit 100, the first detection unit 3000 performs temperature detection on the test piece 900 at the detection station. The detection areas include: the side surface of the test piece 900's casing, and at least one component located on the side surface. It should be noted that if the test piece 900 is a square battery cell, the casing of the test piece 900 includes multiple enclosing side surfaces connecting the top and bottom surfaces of the casing; among these, the side surfaces with a relatively larger area are called large side surfaces, and those with a relatively smaller area are called connecting surfaces. If the test piece 900 is a cylindrical battery cell, the circumferential surface connecting the top and bottom surfaces of the casing is called a side surface.

[0064] The test piece 900 is transported by the conveying unit 100. Combined with the second detection unit 200 on the top and the first detection unit 300 on the side, the temperature detection of the top and side surfaces of the test piece 900 can be performed instead of manually. The detection items are more numerous, more comprehensive and more efficient, avoiding safety accidents caused by defects in the test piece 900 and improving safety performance.

[0065] In some embodiments, see Figure 1 As shown, the testing mechanism includes a frame 500, a first testing unit 300 movably disposed on the side of the frame 500, a second testing unit 200 movably disposed on the top of the frame 500, and a conveying unit 100 passing through the frame 500.

[0066] The first detection unit 300 may include a first moving component 320, a second moving component 330, and a first temperature probe 310. The first moving component 320 is movably disposed on the frame 500 along the X-axis, the second moving component 330 is movably disposed on the first moving component 320 along the Y-axis, and the first temperature probe 310 is movably disposed on the second moving component 330 along the Z-axis.

[0067] Thus, the first temperature probe 310 on the first detection unit 300 can adjust its position through the first moving component 320 and the second moving component 330, thereby maintaining the distance A between the first temperature probe 310 and the test piece 900 within a suitable range and ensuring the detection accuracy of the first temperature probe 310. When the distance A between the first temperature probe 310 and the test piece 900 is lower than a preset distance value, the trigger unit 400 controls the conveying unit 100 to stop conveying, avoiding large errors in the temperature data of the first temperature probe 310, and also promptly preventing interference between the test piece 900 and the first temperature probe 310.

[0068] Optionally, the first temperature probe 310 is an infrared temperature probe. Infrared temperature probes have certain requirements for measurement distance. When the device under test 900 changes model or its posture is tilted, if the infrared temperature probe is too close to the device under test 900, the trigger unit 400 can be set to promptly control the conveying unit 100 to stop conveying, thus avoiding large errors in temperature data from the infrared temperature probe. It can also promptly prevent collisions between the device under test 900 and the first detection unit 300, ultimately preventing damage to the detection mechanism.

[0069] It should be noted that in the various embodiments of this application, the direction from the top surface of the test piece 900 to the bottom surface is the Z-axis direction. The X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction intersect each other, and the intersection angle can be 90° or slightly larger or smaller. Typically, the test piece 900 can be set vertically. In this case, the Z-axis direction is the vertical direction, and the X-axis direction and Y-axis direction can be two perpendicularly intersecting horizontal directions in the horizontal plane.

[0070] In some embodiments, see Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the trigger unit 400 includes a micro switch 410 and a controller (not shown); the micro switch 410 is used to detect the distance A between the first detection unit 300 and the test piece 900; the micro switch 410 is signal-connected to the controller, and when the distance between the first detection unit 300 and the test piece 900 is lower than a preset distance value, the controller controls the conveying unit 100 to stop conveying.

[0071] Specifically, the controller of the trigger unit 400 can be a CPU; the controller can be connected to the second temperature probe 210 of the second detection unit 200 (mentioned below), the first temperature probe 310 of the first detection unit 300 (mentioned below), and the micro switch 410 to collect corresponding data; the controller controls the first driver 321 of the first moving component 320 (mentioned below), the second driver 331 of the second moving component 330 (mentioned below), and the third driver 630 of the third detection unit 600 (mentioned below); in this way, the controller coordinates the actions of each moving component according to the collected corresponding data.

[0072] In some embodiments, see Figure 1 The conveying unit 100 shown is installed within the frame 500 along the X-axis. Thus, when the workpiece 900 is conveyed to the corresponding testing station along the X-axis, the first testing unit 3000 performs temperature detection on the side surface of the workpiece 900; the second testing unit 200 performs temperature detection on the top surface of the workpiece 900 at the testing station. This replaces manual temperature detection of the top and side surfaces of the workpiece 900, providing more comprehensive and efficient detection.

[0073] In some embodiments, see Figure 2 As shown, the trigger unit 400 can be set on one side or opposite sides of the first temperature probe 310 along the X-axis direction.

[0074] Specifically, the micro switch 410 of the triggering unit 400 can be located on one side of the first temperature probe 310 along the X-axis. The conveying unit 100 transports the test piece 900 to one side along the X-axis, so that the micro switch 410 can detect the test piece 900 on the conveying unit 100 before the first temperature probe 310, thus preventing collision.

[0075] Combination Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the microswitch 410 of the trigger unit 400 can be positioned on opposite sides of the first temperature probe 310 along the X-axis. The conveying unit 100 transports the test piece 900 to either side along the X-axis. Thus, regardless of which side the conveying unit 100 is transporting to, the microswitch 410 can detect the test piece 900 on the conveying unit 100 before the first temperature probe 310, preventing collisions. This is beneficial for the normal operation of the battery production line or for reversing the conveyor belt in other situations.

[0076] In some embodiments, see Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the first moving component 320 includes a first driver 321, a slide rail 322 and a slider 323. The slide rail 322 extends along the X-axis and is fixed to the frame 500. The slider 323 is slidably disposed on the slide rail 322. The first driver 321 can drive the slider 323 to reciprocate relative to the slide rail 322.

[0077] The first driver 321 can be a servo motor or a cylinder. Taking a servo motor as an example, using a PLC (not shown) to control the first driver 321 results in higher motion accuracy. In this way, the slider 323 can be precisely driven to move relative to the slide rail 322 along the X-axis, thereby adjusting the position of the second moving component 330 and the first temperature probe 310 in the X-axis direction.

[0078] In some embodiments, see Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the second moving component 330 includes a second driver 331 and a movable member 332; the second driver 331 is fixed on the slider 323, and the second driver 331 can drive the movable member 332 to reciprocate along the Y-axis direction. The first temperature probe 310 is movably disposed at the end of the movable member 332 along the Z-axis direction.

[0079] The movable component 332 can be a rod or a plate; the second actuator 331 can be a cylinder or a servo motor. Taking a cylinder as an example, the telescopic rod in the cylinder body of the second actuator 331 is set along the Y-axis direction. When air is supplied to the second actuator 331, the telescopic rod of the second actuator 331 drives the movable component 332 to extend along the Y-axis direction, combined with... Figure 4 As shown, the movable part 332 drives the first temperature probe 310 to move to the left along the Y-axis, which is equivalent to moving closer to the device under test 900; when air is drawn into the second actuator 331, the telescopic rod of the second actuator 331 drives the movable part 332 to retract along the Y-axis, combined with Figure 4 As shown, the movable part 332 drives the first temperature probe 310 to move to the right along the Y-axis, which is equivalent to moving away from the test piece 900.

[0080] Thus, when the type or model of the test piece 900 on the battery production line is changed, the distance A between the first temperature probe 310 and the test piece 900 along the Y-axis can be adjusted in a timely manner by setting the second driver 331 and the moving part 332, so that the test piece 900 and the first detection unit 300 are always kept at a suitable detection distance, making the measurement data more accurate and avoiding unnecessary collisions.

[0081] Optionally, see Figure 1 As shown, the first moving component 320 includes a cable chain 324, and the first driver 321 is electrically connected to the outside via the cable chain 324. The cable chain 324 houses cables or air hoses for use by the first driver 321 and the second driver 331. During the reciprocating movement of the slider 323 relative to the slide rail 322, the cable chain 324 provides traction and protection for the cables or air hoses, thereby extending the service life of the detection mechanism.

[0082] Optionally, the second driver 331 may be a servo motor, and the second moving component 330 includes a sensor 333 for sensing the position of the moving part 332 along the Y-axis.

[0083] Sensor 333 can be a photoelectric sensor or an electromagnetic sensor. The second moving component 330 may include three sensors 333, which are arranged sequentially along the Y-axis on the body of the second driver 331 to sense the position of the moving part 332 along the Y-axis. The position of the middle sensor 333 along the Y-axis can be set as the origin; the position of the sensor 333 furthest from the first moving component 320 along the Y-axis is the farthest point where the moving part 332 extends along the Y-axis, at which point the distance A is the smallest; the position of the sensor 333 closest to the first moving component 320 along the Y-axis is the closest point where the moving part 332 retracts along the Y-axis, at which point the distance A is the largest.

[0084] With three sensors 333, the position of the second driver 331 can be flexibly controlled by the PLC, and the position of both ends can be precisely controlled by the origin.

[0085] In some embodiments, see Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the second moving component 330 includes a guide rod 334 extending along the Z-axis and a fixing frame 335. The guide rod 334 is mounted on the movable component 332. The fixing frame 335 is movably mounted on the guide rod 334, and the first temperature probe 310 is fixed on the fixing frame 335.

[0086] Specifically, the guide rod 334 is typically positioned at the end of the movable part 332 to prevent collision between the protruding movable part 332 and the test piece 900. The first temperature probe 310 is fixed to the mounting bracket 335. The micro switch 410 can be mounted on the mounting bracket 335 via bolts or other structures, and is located on one or both sides of the first temperature probe 310 along the X-axis direction.

[0087] Thus, when the first moving component 320 and the second moving component 330 adjust the distance in the X-axis and Y-axis directions, and the fixed frame 335 adjusts the distance relative to the guide rod 334 in the Z-axis direction, the micro switch 410 can adjust its position in the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis directions together with the first temperature probe 310. Moreover, the micro switch 410 and the first temperature probe 310 remain relatively fixed to ensure that the micro switch 410 can detect the test piece 900 on the conveying unit 100 before the first temperature probe 310, thus preventing collision.

[0088] In some embodiments, the triggering unit 400 further includes an alarm device (not shown), and the controller controls the connection of the alarm device.

[0089] Specifically, when the distance A between the first detection unit 300 and the test piece 900 is lower than the preset distance value, the controller controls the conveying unit 100 to stop conveying and can control the alarm device to issue a corresponding alarm to remind the operator to troubleshoot the fault.

[0090] In some embodiments, see Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the testing mechanism also includes a third testing unit 600; the third testing unit 600 is located on the top of the frame 500 and is used to perform insulation withstand voltage testing on the electrode terminals 910 on the top surface of the test piece 900.

[0091] During insulation withstand voltage testing, the third detection unit 600 applies a voltage to the device under test 900. This voltage is maintained for a specified period of time, and then the leakage current is checked to see if it remains within the specified range, thus determining whether there is a short circuit between the positive and negative terminals of the battery cell. Generally, the applied voltage is 800 to 1500V.

[0092] In some embodiments, see Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the third detection unit 600 includes a probe plate 610, a fixing plate 620, and a third driver 630; the fixing plate 620 is mounted on the top of the frame 500; the probe plate 610 is movably disposed relative to the fixing plate 620; the third driver 630 is used to drive the probe plate 610 to approach or move away from the electrode terminal 910 on the top surface of the test piece 900 along the Z-axis direction; the probe plate 610 is used to perform insulation withstand voltage testing on the electrode terminal 910 on the top surface of the test piece 900.

[0093] The probe plate 610 can be a metallic conductor plate, such as a copper plate, copper-clad steel plate, aluminum plate, etc.

[0094] The probe plate 610 is located below the fixed plate 620 along the Z-axis direction and is movably set.

[0095] The third driver 630 can be a cylinder or a motor. A guide cylinder 621 can be provided on the fixed plate 620. One end of the guide post 640 is connected to the probe plate 610. The guide post 640 can be inserted into the guide cylinder 621. When the third driver 630 drives the probe plate 610, the guide post 640 is guided by the guide cylinder 621 to make the probe plate 610 approach or move away from the electrode terminal 910 on the top surface of the test piece 900 along the Z-axis direction.

[0096] Thus, when the probe plate 610 contacts the electrode terminal 910 of the device under test 900, a preset voltage is applied to the probe plate 610 by the power supply component (not shown) in the third detection unit 600 and maintained for a certain period of time. Then, it is detected whether the leakage current is kept within the specified range to determine whether there is a short circuit between the positive and negative terminals of the battery cell. In this embodiment, the preset voltage is 1000V.

[0097] Once the insulation withstand voltage test is complete, the probe plate 610 moves upward along the Z-axis and separates from the electrode terminal 910 of the test piece 900.

[0098] In some embodiments, the second detection unit 200 is disposed on the probe plate 610; when the probe plate 610 comes into contact with the electrode terminal 910 on the top surface of the test piece 900, the second detection unit 200 performs temperature detection on the electrode terminal 910 on the top surface of the test piece 900.

[0099] Specifically, when the probe plate 610 contacts the electrode terminal 910 of the test piece 900, the second temperature probe 210 of the second detection unit 200 also contacts the electrode terminal 910. The third detection unit 600 performs an insulation withstand voltage test on the test piece 900, and the second temperature probe 210 of the second detection unit 200 performs temperature detection on the electrode terminal 910 on the top surface of the test piece 900, thereby improving detection efficiency and production cycle time. At the same time, it can also combine different detection mechanisms in related technologies, so that the detection mechanism of this application can achieve three functions in one machine.

[0100] In some embodiments, the second detection unit 200 includes at least one second temperature probe 210.

[0101] Typically, there are 2 to 10 second temperature probes 210 on the second detection unit 200, depending on the number of electrode assemblies in the battery cell. Each second temperature probe 210 is connected to a controller signal. When the probe plate 610 contacts the electrode terminal 910 of the device under test 900, the multiple second temperature probes 210 can measure the temperature of the terminals on different electrode assemblies.

[0102] In various embodiments of this application, the second temperature probe 210 can be a contact temperature probe, which has the advantages of high detection accuracy and high temperature resistance.

[0103] In some other embodiments, the second temperature probe 210 may also be an infrared temperature probe, depending on the design.

[0104] A second aspect of this application provides a battery production line, including the aforementioned testing facility.

[0105] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0106] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An inspection mechanism for inspecting a workpiece (900), characterized by, The detection mechanism comprises: a conveying unit (100) for conveying the to-be-detected member (900); a first detection unit (300) for detecting the temperature of the to-be-detected member (900); and a triggering unit (400) for detecting the distance between the first detection unit (300) and the to-be-detected member (900); when the distance between the first detection unit (300) and the to-be-detected member (900) is lower than a preset distance value, the triggering unit (400) controls the conveying unit (100) to stop conveying. The first detection unit (300) comprises a first moving assembly (320), a second moving assembly (330) and a first temperature probe (310), the detection mechanism comprises a rack (500), the first moving assembly (320) is movably arranged on the rack (500) along the X-axis direction, the second moving assembly (330) is movably arranged on the first moving assembly (320) along the Y-axis direction, and the first temperature probe (310) is movably arranged on the second moving assembly (330) along the Z-axis direction.

2. The detection mechanism of claim 1, wherein, The detection mechanism comprises a second detection unit (200); the second detection unit (200) is used for detecting the temperature of the top surface of the to-be-detected member (900); and the first detection unit (300) is used for detecting the temperature of the side surface of the to-be-detected member (900).

3. The detection mechanism of claim 2, wherein, The first detection unit (300) is movably arranged on the side of the rack (500); the second detection unit (200) is movably arranged on the top of the rack (500); and the conveying unit (100) is arranged in the rack (500).

4. The detection mechanism of claim 1, wherein, The conveying unit (100) is arranged in the rack (500) along the X-axis direction.

5. The detection mechanism according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that, The triggering unit (400) is arranged on one side or opposite sides of the first temperature probe (310) along the X-axis direction.

6. The detection mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first moving assembly (320) comprises a first driver (321), a sliding rail (322) and a sliding block (323); the sliding rail (322) extends along the X-axis direction and is fixed to the rack (500); and the first driver (321) can drive the sliding block (323) to reciprocally move relative to the sliding rail (322).

7. The detection mechanism of claim 6, wherein, The first moving assembly (320) comprises a drag chain (324); and the first driver (321) is electrically connected to the outside through the drag chain (324).

8. The detection mechanism of claim 6, wherein, The second moving assembly (330) comprises a second driver (331) and a movable member (332); the second driver (331) is fixed to the sliding block (323); and the second driver (331) can drive the movable member (332) to reciprocally move along the Y-axis direction.

9. The detection mechanism of claim 8, wherein, The second moving assembly (330) comprises an inductor (333); and the inductor (333) is used for sensing the position of the movable member (332) along the Y-axis direction.

10. The detection mechanism of claim 8, wherein, The second moving assembly (330) comprises a guide rod (334) extending along the Z-axis direction and a fixing frame (335), the guide rod (334) is arranged on the movable element (332), and the fixing frame (335) is movably arranged on the guide rod (334), and the first temperature probe (310) is fixed on the fixing frame (335).

11. The detection mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The trigger unit (400) comprises a micro switch (410) and a controller, the micro switch (410) is used for detecting the distance between the first detection unit (300) and the workpiece (900), and the micro switch (410) is in signal connection with the controller, and when the distance between the first detection unit (300) and the workpiece (900) is lower than a preset distance value, the controller controls the conveying unit (100) to stop conveying.

12. The detection mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The detection mechanism further comprises a third detection unit (600), the third detection unit (600) is arranged on the top of the rack (500) and is used for performing insulation withstand voltage detection on the electrode terminal (910) on the top surface of the workpiece (900).

13. The detection mechanism of claim 3, wherein, The detection mechanism further comprises a third detection unit (600), the third detection unit (600) comprises a probe plate (610), a fixing plate (620) and a third driver (630). The fixing plate (620) is arranged on the top of the rack (500), the probe plate (610) is movably arranged relative to the fixing plate (620), and the third driver (630) is used for driving the probe plate (610) to approach or move away from the electrode terminal (910) on the top surface of the workpiece (900) along the Z-axis direction. The probe plate (610) is used for performing insulation withstand voltage detection on the electrode terminal (910) on the top surface of the workpiece (900).

14. The detection mechanism of claim 13, wherein, The detection mechanism comprises a second detection unit (200), the second detection unit (200) is used for performing temperature detection on the top surface of the workpiece (900), and the second detection unit (200) is arranged on the probe plate (610). When the probe plate (610) approaches the electrode terminal (910) on the top surface of the workpiece (900), the second detection unit (200) performs temperature detection on the electrode terminal (910) on the top surface of the workpiece (900).

15. The detection mechanism of claim 2 or 14, wherein, The second detection unit (200) comprises at least one second temperature probe (210), and the second temperature probe (210) is a contact type temperature probe.

16. A battery production line, characterized by The detection mechanism comprises the detection mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 15. The detection mechanism comprises the detection mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

Images