Welding spot disassembling full-automatic laser cutting machine and using method thereof

Abstract

The welding spot disassembling full-automatic laser cutting machine comprises a rack, a roller conveying line, an AGV trolley, an X-axis module, a Y-axis module and a laser cutting assembly, the rack is provided with a discharging opening, the roller conveying line is arranged in the rack, one end of the roller conveying line penetrates out of the rack and extends to the outer side of the rack, and the other end of the roller conveying line is arranged on the rack; the roller conveying line is arranged on the rack, the AGV is arranged on the roller conveying line and matched with the roller conveying line, the AGV moves along the roller conveying line and is used for transferring battery packs into the rack, the X-axis module is arranged in the rack, the Y-axis module is arranged in the rack and is arranged on the X-axis module, the X-axis module is used for driving the Y-axis module to move in the left-right direction, and the Y-axis module is used for driving the Y-axis module to move in the left-right direction. The laser cutting assembly is arranged in the rack and arranged on the Y-axis module, and the Y-axis module drives the laser cutting assembly to move in the front-back direction. The device has the advantages that the labor intensity of workers is reduced, the efficiency is high, and full-automatic disassembly can be realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of laser cutting technology, specifically relating to a fully automatic laser cutting machine for disassembling weld joints and its usage method. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the dismantling methods for retired new energy vehicle power battery packs vary depending on the product type: CTM battery packs primarily involve "disassembling the modules first, then milling the module solder joints"; CTP / CTB battery packs mostly employ manual operation, specifically using an electric drill with woodworking drill bits to mill and drill the solder joints one by one, or using an angle grinder to manually cut the solder joint busbars. After 2026, CTP / CTB battery packs will face large-scale retirement, but China currently lacks mature dismantling technology for these battery packs and the necessary specialized dismantling equipment.

[0003] Currently, a typical CTP battery pack contains 80 to 130 lithium batteries with 160-260 positive and negative electrode welding points. Manually handling one welding point takes approximately 15 seconds, compared to laser cutting which takes less than 4 seconds. This is inefficient, unsafe, and labor-intensive. Prolonged operation and human fatigue increase the risk of safety hazards, such as short circuits, battery damage leading to electrolyte leakage, etc., causing both safety risks and battery loss. Furthermore, the compact welding point structure of CTP batteries makes manual disassembly inaccurate. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention provides a fully automatic laser cutting machine for disassembling weld joints that reduces the labor intensity of workers, is highly efficient, and can be fully automatically disassembled, as well as a method for using it.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: Fully automatic laser cutting machine for solder joint disassembly, including: The frame is equipped with a feeding port; A roller conveyor line is installed inside the frame, with one end of the roller conveyor line extending out of the frame to the outside of the frame; An AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) is installed on and adapted to a roller conveyor line. The AGV moves along the roller conveyor line and is used to transfer battery packs into the frame. The X-axis module is located inside the frame; The Y-axis module is located inside the frame and is mounted on the X-axis module. The X-axis module is used to drive the Y-axis module to move in the left and right directions. The laser cutting component is located inside the frame and mounted on the Y-axis module. The Y-axis module drives the laser cutting component to move in the front-to-back direction. The AGV trolley is also used to transport the battery packs transferred to the frame to the Y-axis module and to transport the cut battery packs to the unloading port. The laser cutting component is used to position and laser cut the battery packs transported by the AGV trolley to the Y-axis module.

[0006] Preferably, the X-axis module is an X-axis gear and rack module, and the Y-axis module is a Y-axis gear and rack module.

[0007] Preferably, the laser cutting assembly includes a Z-axis module, a CCD camera, a pulsed laser generator, and a galvanometer. The CCD camera, pulsed laser generator, and galvanometer are all mounted on the Z-axis module, which is mounted on the Y-axis module and drives the Z-axis module to move in the front-back direction. The CCD camera is used for visual positioning, the pulsed laser generator is used for laser cutting the battery pack transported by the AGV to the Y-axis module, and the galvanometer is used for guiding the laser cutting path. The Z-axis module drives the CCD camera, pulsed laser generator, and galvanometer to move in the vertical direction.

[0008] Preferably, it also includes a first housing and a second housing. The first housing is disposed inside the frame and fitted onto the Z-axis module, CCD camera, pulsed laser generator and galvanometer, and the second housing is fitted onto the frame.

[0009] Preferably, it also includes a gas transmitter, which is installed in the frame and is used to detect leakage of electrolyte in the battery pack.

[0010] This invention also discloses a method for using the aforementioned fully automatic laser cutting machine for weld joint disassembly, comprising the following steps: S1. The AGV trolley starts working and moves to the roller conveyor line outside the frame, and then the battery pack to be disassembled is placed on the AGV trolley; S2, the AGV trolley continues to start working, transporting the battery pack into the frame and then onto the Y-axis module; S3, CCD camera starts, CCD camera visually locates the position of battery pack; S4. X-axis module starts, X-axis module starts and drives adjustment of Y-axis module position, Y-axis module starts and drives adjustment of laser cutting component position, Z-axis module starts and drives adjustment of pulse laser generator and galvanometer position. S5, the pulsed laser generator and galvanometer are started and working. The galvanometer guides the laser cutting path, and the pulsed laser generator performs laser cutting. S6. Cutting completed. The pulsed laser generator and galvanometer are reset. The AGV trolley transports the laser-cut battery pack to the unloading port for unloading.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: (1) High degree of automation, greatly reducing labor intensity: The battery pack is automatically transferred by AGV trolley, the X / Y / Z axis module is combined with CCD vision positioning to realize the fully automatic position adjustment of the laser cutting component, and the pulse laser generator and galvanometer work together to complete the welding point cutting. No manual intervention is required throughout the process, which completely changes the traditional manual disassembly mode and significantly reduces the labor intensity of operators. (2) Significantly improved disassembly efficiency: The pulsed laser generator takes no more than 4 seconds to cut a single weld point, which is more than 3 times more efficient than the 15 seconds per weld point for manual disassembly; combined with the high-speed displacement of the XYZ axis module and the rapid path guidance of the galvanometer, it can achieve continuous and efficient cutting of multiple weld points, meeting the needs of large-scale battery pack disassembly. (3) High cutting precision and reduced battery loss: The visual positioning accuracy of the CCD camera can reach the micron level. Combined with the high-precision transmission of the X / Y / Z axis gear rack module and the precise path guidance of the galvanometer, it ensures that the laser beam is accurately applied to the welding point and avoids damage to the battery cell body. The pulse characteristics of the pulsed laser can reduce the heat-affected zone, further reduce battery loss and improve battery recycling rate. (4) Comprehensive safety protection and controllable risks: The second cover forms a closed working space to isolate laser radiation and dust; the first cover protects the core optical components to ensure stable operation of the equipment; the gas transmitter monitors electrolyte leakage in real time and realizes automatic shutdown in abnormal situations. A safety protection system is built from three aspects: working environment, equipment protection and risk warning to solve the safety hazards such as short circuit and electrolyte leakage that exist in manual disassembly. In summary, the present invention has the advantages of reducing the labor intensity of workers, high efficiency, and fully automated disassembly. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the laser cutting assembly of the present invention; The components include: frame 1, roller conveyor line 2, AGV trolley 3, X-axis module 4, Y-axis module 5, Z-axis module 6, CCD camera 7, pulsed laser generator 8, galvanometer 9, first housing 10, and second housing 11. Detailed Implementation

[0013] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments.

[0014] The components of the embodiments of the invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can typically be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention.

[0015] 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.

[0016] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for 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 invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0017] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0018] Example 1 In this embodiment, a fully automatic laser cutting machine for disassembling solder joints with reasonable structure, high degree of automation, high disassembly accuracy, and high safety and reliability, as well as its usage method, are proposed. This enables efficient disassembly of battery pack solder joints, reduces reliance on manual labor, and avoids safety risks and battery damage during the disassembly process.

[0019] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the fully automatic laser cutting machine for disassembling weld joints includes a frame 1, a roller conveyor line 2, an AGV trolley 3, an X-axis module 4, a Y-axis module 5, and a laser cutting assembly. The frame 1 serves as the mounting foundation and support frame for the equipment of the present invention. The frame 1 is provided with a feeding port for discharging the disassembled battery pack. The roller conveyor line 2 is disposed inside the frame 1, with one end of the roller conveyor line 2 extending out of the frame 1 to the outside of the frame 1. The roller conveyor line 2 is horizontally disposed inside the frame 1, with one end extending out of the frame 1 to the outside of the frame 1, forming a feeding channel for the battery pack and providing a stable displacement track for the AGV trolley 3. The AGV trolley 3 is disposed on the roller conveyor line 2 and is connected to the roller conveyor line 5. The AGV trolley 3 is adapted to the roller conveyor line 2 and moves along the roller conveyor line 2. The AGV trolley 3 is used to transfer battery packs into the frame 1. That is, the AGV trolley 3 is adapted to the roller conveyor line 2 and can move freely along the roller conveyor line 2. Its core function is to transfer battery packs - it can both receive battery packs to be disassembled on the outside of the frame 1 and transport them to a designated position inside the frame 1, and after disassembly, it can transport the battery packs to the unloading port to complete the discharge, realizing the automated transfer of battery packs. The AGV trolley 3 is also known as an automated guided vehicle or automated guided transport vehicle. The AGV trolley is used to load goods automatically or manually and moves them along a set route. An industrial vehicle that automatically or manually loads and unloads goods by driving or towing a cargo trolley to a designated location. Powered by batteries, it can precisely travel and stop at designated locations under computer monitoring, according to path planning and operational requirements, completing a series of operational functions. The X-axis module 4 is located within the frame 1. Specifically, the X-axis module 4 is fixedly installed inside the frame 1 and uses an X-axis gear and rack module with high-precision transmission characteristics. It drives the Y-axis module 5 to move in the left-right direction (horizontal X-axis), realizing the lateral position adjustment of the laser cutting components. The Y-axis module 5 is located within the frame 1 and mounted on the X-axis module 4. The X-axis module 4 drives the Y-axis module 5 to move in the left-right direction, that is, Y... The Y-axis module 5 is mounted on the X-axis module 4 and arranged perpendicularly to it. It adopts a Y-axis gear and rack module, and its power output end is connected to the laser cutting component to drive the laser cutting component to move in the front-back direction (horizontal Y direction). It works with the X-axis module 4 to adjust the planar position of the laser cutting component. The laser cutting component is set in the frame 1 and is mounted on the Y-axis module 5. The Y-axis module 5 drives the laser cutting component to move in the front-back direction. The AGV trolley 3 is also used to transport the battery packs transferred to the frame 1 to the Y-axis module 5 and to transport the cut battery packs to the unloading port. The laser cutting component is used to position and laser cut the battery packs transported by the AGV trolley 3 to the Y-axis module 5.

[0020] Please continue to refer to Figure 2The laser cutting assembly includes a Z-axis module 6, a CCD camera 7, a pulsed laser generator 8, and a galvanometer 9. The CCD camera 7, the pulsed laser generator 8, and the galvanometer 9 are all mounted on the Z-axis module 6. The Z-axis module 6 is mounted on the Y-axis module 5, and the Y-axis module 5 drives the Z-axis module 6 to move in the front-back direction. The CCD camera 7 is used for visual positioning. The pulsed laser generator 8 is used to perform laser cutting on the battery pack transported by the AGV trolley 3 to the Y-axis module 5. The galvanometer 9 is used for guiding the laser cutting path. The Z-axis module 6 drives the CCD camera 7, the pulsed laser generator 8, and the galvanometer 9 to move in the vertical direction.

[0021] Specifically, the laser cutting component of this invention, as the core operating unit, is installed on the Y-axis module 5, including a Z-axis module 6, a CCD camera 7, a pulsed laser generator 8, and a galvanometer 9. The CCD camera 7, pulsed laser generator 8, and galvanometer 9 are all integrated and installed on the Z-axis module 6. The Z-axis module 6 drives the three components to move in the vertical direction (Z-axis) to achieve precise adjustment of the cutting height. The CCD camera 7 is used for visual positioning of the solder joints of the battery pack to be disassembled, the pulsed laser generator 8 is used to output high-energy laser pulses to cut the solder joints, and the galvanometer 9 is used to guide the laser beam along a preset path to ensure accurate cutting trajectory.

[0022] The present invention also includes a first cover 10 and a second cover 11 for protection. The first cover 10 is disposed inside the frame 1 and fitted on the Z-axis module 6, CCD camera 7, pulsed laser generator 8 and galvanometer 9, for protecting the core optical components from dust and external force damage. The second cover 11 is fitted on the frame 1 to form a closed working space on the frame 1, isolating dust and laser radiation generated during the cutting process and ensuring a safe working environment.

[0023] The present invention also includes a gas transmitter, which is installed inside the frame 1. The gas transmitter is used to detect leakage of the electrolyte in the battery pack. When the concentration of organic gas volatilized from the electrolyte exceeds the standard, the equipment of the present invention can be shut down in conjunction with the invention to avoid safety accidents. The electrolyte in the battery pack is mostly organic ester compounds (such as ethylene carbonate and dimethyl carbonate), which are volatile. When the pulsed laser generator 8 accidentally cuts into the battery casing, the internal casing of the battery pack is damaged, which will cause the electrolyte to leak and volatilize into organic gas. The gas transmitter configured in the present invention can quickly detect changes in gas concentration. When the concentration exceeds the safety threshold, the system of the present invention determines it as an "electrolyte leakage accident" and immediately triggers a triple emergency action: stopping laser emission, resetting the galvanometer 9, and locking the entire equipment.

[0024] The Y-axis module 5 of the present invention is also provided with a clamping component for clamping the battery pack or a blowing dust removal component for blowing dust. For example, the clamping component for clamping the battery pack can be a pneumatic clamping component. The pneumatic clamping component is prior art, and its specific structure will not be described in detail. In order to ensure the safety of laser cutting, the pneumatic clamping component or the blowing dust removal component for blowing dust is provided with components such as a pressure sensor. The pneumatic clamping component or the blowing dust removal component for blowing dust needs to be driven by stable air pressure. The pressure sensor monitors the air pressure value of the pipeline in real time. When the air pressure is lower than the preset threshold, it is determined that the pneumatic system is malfunctioning (which may cause the clamp to loosen or the dust removal to fail). The system automatically triggers a stop command to prohibit laser emission (that is, to prohibit the pulse laser generator 8 from working).

[0025] The present invention undoubtedly also includes an overall circuit control system (main control system), such as a PLC control system. Within this circuit control system, the present invention also includes a power failure detection and emergency energy storage unit. When a sudden power failure occurs, the protection program is immediately activated—saving the current cutting coordinate parameters, controlling the galvanometer 9 to reset to a safe position, driving the pulse laser generator 8 to lift off the surface of the battery pack, and locking the present invention to prevent damage to the battery pack or the present invention due to parameter loss or component misalignment when the equipment is restarted.

[0026] The frame 1 of this invention is also equipped with components such as displacement sensors. The size and energy density of the laser spot of the pulsed laser generator 8 during laser cutting are directly related to the distance (cutting height) from the pulsed laser generator 8 to the welding point. If the distance is too close, the battery cell will be easily burned; if it is too far, the welding point cannot be cut through. The displacement sensor can detect the actual distance between the pulsed laser generator 8 and the surface of the battery pack welding point in real time, compare it with the preset optimal cutting height, calculate the deviation value, and automatically drive the Z-axis module 6 to adjust the position of the pulsed laser generator 8 to correct the height deviation.

[0027] This invention also discloses a method for using the aforementioned fully automatic laser cutting machine for weld joint disassembly, comprising the following steps: S1. The AGV trolley 3 starts working and moves to the roller conveyor line 2 outside the frame 1. Then, the battery pack to be disassembled is placed on the AGV trolley 3. During this process, the battery pack to be disassembled can be placed on the AGV trolley 3 by manual labor or robotic arms. S2. The AGV trolley 3 continues to start working and transports the battery pack into the frame 1 and onto the Y-axis module 5. Specifically, the AGV trolley 3 moves along the roller conveyor line 2 into the frame 1 and accurately transports the battery pack to be disassembled to the corresponding work station of the Y-axis module 5, completing the positioning and placement of the battery pack. S3, CCD camera 7 is started. CCD camera 7 visually locates the position of the battery pack. Specifically, CCD camera 7 is started to perform a comprehensive visual scan of the battery pack on the work station, identify and locate the three-dimensional coordinates of all welding points, and transmit the positioning data to the main control system of the equipment of this invention to form a cutting path plan. S4. The X-axis module 4 is started, and the X-axis module 4 drives the adjustment of the position of the Y-axis module 5. The Y-axis module 5 is started, and the Y-axis module 5 drives the adjustment of the position of the laser cutting component. The Z-axis module 6 is started, and the Z-axis module 6 drives the adjustment of the position of the pulsed laser generator 8 and the galvanometer 9. That is, the main control system of the present invention synchronously starts the X-axis module 4, the Y-axis module 5 and the Z-axis module 6 according to the positioning data of the CCD camera 7: the X-axis module 4 drives the Y-axis module 5 to move along the X direction, the Y-axis module 5 drives the laser cutting component to move along the Y direction, and the Z-axis module 6 drives the pulsed laser generator 8 and the galvanometer 9 to move along the Z direction. The three work together to adjust the output end of the pulsed laser generator 8 to the optimal cutting position of each welding point. S5, the pulsed laser generator 8 and the galvanometer 9 start working. The galvanometer 9 guides the laser cutting path, and the pulsed laser generator 8 performs the laser cutting. That is, the pulsed laser generator 8 and the galvanometer 9 start synchronously. The galvanometer 9 guides the laser beam to move according to the preset cutting path, and the pulsed laser generator 8 outputs high-energy laser pulses to melt or vaporize the metal busbar of the solder joint, realizing the precise cutting of a single solder joint; the cutting operation of all solder joints is completed in sequence according to the positioning order. S6. Cutting completed. The pulsed laser generator 8 and galvanometer 9 are reset. The AGV trolley 3 transports the laser-cut battery pack to the unloading port for unloading. That is, after all weld points are cut, the pulsed laser generator 8 stops working. The galvanometer 9, Z-axis module 6, Y-axis module 5, and X-axis module 4 are reset to their initial positions in sequence. The AGV trolley 3 starts, picks up the disassembled battery pack, moves along the roller conveyor line 2 to the unloading port, and sends the battery pack out of the frame 1, completing the entire disassembly process.

[0028] This invention is highly adaptable and meets mainstream needs. It is designed for the high-density, compact solder joint structure of CTP / CTB type battery packs. Through flexible and adjustable laser parameters (power, pulse frequency, etc.) and three-dimensional adjustable cutting components, it can be adapted to CTP / CTB type battery packs of different specifications (80-130 cells, 160-260 solder joints).

[0029] This embodiment does not impose any limitation on the shape, material, structure, etc. of the present invention. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention shall fall within the protection scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fully automatic laser cutting machine for weld joint disassembly, characterized in that, include: The frame is equipped with a feeding port; A roller conveyor line is installed inside the frame, with one end of the roller conveyor line extending out of the frame to the outside of the frame; An AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) is installed on and adapted to a roller conveyor line. The AGV moves along the roller conveyor line and is used to transfer battery packs into the frame. The X-axis module is located inside the frame; The Y-axis module is located inside the frame and is mounted on the X-axis module. The X-axis module is used to drive the Y-axis module to move in the left and right directions. The laser cutting component is located inside the frame and mounted on the Y-axis module. The Y-axis module drives the laser cutting component to move in the front-to-back direction. The AGV trolley is also used to transport the battery packs transferred to the frame to the Y-axis module and to transport the cut battery packs to the unloading port. The laser cutting component is used to position and laser cut the battery packs transported by the AGV trolley to the Y-axis module.

2. The fully automatic laser cutting machine for weld joint disassembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The X-axis module is an X-axis gear and rack module, and the Y-axis module is a Y-axis gear and rack module.

3. The fully automatic laser cutting machine for weld joint disassembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The laser cutting assembly includes a Z-axis module, a CCD camera, a pulsed laser generator, and a galvanometer. The CCD camera, pulsed laser generator, and galvanometer are all mounted on the Z-axis module, which is mounted on the Y-axis module and drives the Z-axis module to move in the front-back direction. The CCD camera is used for visual positioning, the pulsed laser generator is used for laser cutting the battery pack transported by the AGV to the Y-axis module, and the galvanometer is used for guiding the laser cutting path. The Z-axis module drives the CCD camera, pulsed laser generator, and galvanometer to move in the vertical direction.

4. The fully automatic laser cutting machine for weld joint disassembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: It also includes a first housing and a second housing. The first housing is set inside the frame and is fitted onto the Z-axis module, CCD camera, pulsed laser generator and galvanometer, while the second housing is fitted onto the frame.

5. The fully automatic laser cutting machine for weld joint disassembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: It also includes a gas transmitter, which is installed in the frame and is used to detect leakage of electrolyte in the battery pack.

6. The method of using the fully automatic laser cutting machine for weld joint disassembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. The AGV trolley starts working and moves to the roller conveyor line outside the frame, and then the battery pack to be disassembled is placed on the AGV trolley; S2, the AGV trolley continues to start working, transporting the battery pack into the frame and then onto the Y-axis module; S3, CCD camera starts, CCD camera visually locates the position of battery pack; S4. X-axis module starts, X-axis module starts and drives adjustment of Y-axis module position, Y-axis module starts and drives adjustment of laser cutting component position, Z-axis module starts and drives adjustment of pulse laser generator and galvanometer position. S5, the pulsed laser generator and galvanometer are started and working. The galvanometer guides the laser cutting path, and the pulsed laser generator performs laser cutting. S6. Cutting completed. The pulsed laser generator and galvanometer are reset. The AGV trolley transports the laser-cut battery pack to the unloading port for unloading.

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