Battery liquid injection apparatus and method thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a battery liquid injection equipment and a method thereof. The battery liquid injection equipment comprises a material disc, a liquid injection device, a feeding and discharging device and a liquid preparation device. The liquid injection device is distributed along the circumference of the material disc and is adapted to move under the driving of the material disc. The feeding and discharging device is located at a first position of the material disc and is used for taking and placing batteries to the liquid injection device at the first position. The liquid preparation device comprises a first driving module, a second driving module, a third driving module and a liquid preparation part. The first driving module drives the liquid preparation part to switch between an ascending position and a descending position along a first direction. The second driving module drives the liquid preparation part to move between a plurality of transverse positions along a second direction in sequence. The third driving module drives the liquid preparation part to switch between a liquid preparation position and an empty position. Thus, the structure of the liquid preparation equipment can be simplified, the space occupation, arrangement difficulty and cost of the liquid preparation equipment are reduced, and the reliability and stability of the battery liquid injection equipment are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery processing technology, and in particular to a battery electrolyte filling device and method. Background Technology

[0002] A battery cell includes a casing and an electrode assembly housed within the casing. After the electrode assembly is installed in the casing, it needs to undergo further processes such as liquid injection and formation.

[0003] In related technologies, during the electrolyte injection process, the electrolyte injection device and the electrolyte preparation device need to be matched one-to-one. The electrolyte is injected through the electrolyte injection device, and the electrolyte preparation device is used to supply electrolyte to the electrolyte injection device. The electrolyte preparation device needs to be set up one-to-one with the electrolyte injection device, which results in a high cost for battery electrolyte injection equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a battery electrolyte filling device that can reduce the number of electrolyte preparation devices and loading / unloading devices, reduce costs, and improve the reliability and stability of the battery electrolyte filling device.

[0005] This application further proposes a battery liquid injection method applicable to the aforementioned battery liquid injection equipment.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a battery electrolyte filling device, comprising: a material tray, electrolyte filling devices, a loading and unloading device, and a electrolyte preparation device. The electrolyte filling devices are spaced apart circumferentially along the material tray and are adapted to move under the drive of the material tray. The loading and unloading device is located at a first position on the material tray and is used to pick up and place batteries to the electrolyte filling device located at the first position. The electrolyte preparation device is located at a second position on the material tray.

[0007] The liquid preparation device includes: a first drive module, a second drive module, a third drive module, and a liquid preparation unit. The first drive module drives the liquid preparation unit to switch between a rising position and a falling position along a first direction. The second drive module drives the liquid preparation unit to move sequentially between multiple lateral positions along a second direction. The third drive module drives the liquid preparation unit to switch between a liquid preparation position and a clearing position.

[0008] According to the battery liquid filling equipment of the present application embodiment, on the one hand, by setting up a material tray and multiple liquid filling devices, the same loading and unloading device and the same liquid preparation device can perform loading and unloading and liquid preparation for multiple liquid filling devices, which can simplify the structure of the liquid preparation device, reduce the space occupation, layout difficulty and cost of the liquid preparation device. On the other hand, the liquid preparation device can realize the liquid preparation of multiple liquid filling cups one group at a time, which can reduce the number of liquid preparation pumps in the liquid preparation device and simplify the pipeline in the liquid preparation device, so as to further reduce the cost and improve the reliability and stability of the battery liquid filling equipment.

[0009] According to some embodiments of this application, the liquid preparation device includes: a first frame, a third drive module movably disposed on the first frame, a second drive module movably disposed on the first drive module, the first drive module movably disposed on the second drive module, and a liquid preparation section disposed on the first drive module.

[0010] In the above technical solution, the third motion plate is slidably mounted on the first frame via the third slide rail, the second motion plate is slidably mounted on the third motion plate via the second slide rail, and the first motion plate is slidably mounted on the second motion plate via the first slide rail. The first motion plate can be formed as a liquid injection section mounting plate, and the liquid injection section is mounted on the first mounting plate so that the liquid injection section can realize the liquid preparation of the liquid preparation device group by group under the drive of the first drive module, the second drive module and the third drive module, simplifying the structure of the liquid preparation device and reducing the production cost of the liquid preparation device.

[0011] According to some embodiments of this application, the liquid preparation section includes: multiple sets of liquid preparation membrane valves, liquid preparation needle valves and liquid preparation needles connected in sequence, the liquid preparation needles being adapted to extend into the liquid preparation section of the liquid preparation device, and the liquid preparation pump corresponding to each of the liquid preparation needles.

[0012] In the above technical solution, on the one hand, the backup liquid pump and the backup liquid needle correspond one-to-one, realizing backup liquid in groups while reducing the number of backup liquid pumps, so as to further reduce the cost of backup liquid device. On the other hand, it can improve the reliability and safety of backup liquid device.

[0013] According to some embodiments of this application, the liquid injection device includes: a second frame for holding a battery; a fourth drive module and a liquid injection section, wherein the fourth drive module is movably disposed on the second frame and is used to drive the liquid injection section to move toward or away from the battery.

[0014] In the above technical solution, the second frame has a support plate for placing the battery fixture. The battery is placed inside the battery fixture. The batteries inside the battery fixture can be classified as batteries to be injected, batteries in the process of injection, and batteries that have completed injection, depending on the position of the liquid injection device. The fourth drive module is set on the second support and can drive the liquid injection part to move toward the battery, so that the injection needle of the liquid injection part can be inserted into the battery under the drive of the fourth drive module to complete the airtightness test, liquid injection, and positive and negative pressure cycle, thereby reducing the difficulty of liquid injection and improving the efficiency of liquid injection.

[0015] According to some embodiments of this application, the injection unit includes: an injection cup mounting bracket, an injection cup disposed on the injection cup mounting bracket, and an injection needle, wherein the injection cup mounting bracket is connected to the fourth drive module.

[0016] In the above technical solution, the injection cup mounting bracket has multiple injection cup mounting positions, each injection cup is provided at the injection cup mounting position, and an injection needle is provided at the lower end of the injection cup. The fourth drive block drives the injection cup mounting bracket to move, so that the multiple injection cups and multiple injection needles can move synchronously, which can improve the stability and reliability of the movement of the injection part, thereby improving the injection effect of the injection part.

[0017] According to some embodiments of this application, the liquid injection section further includes a limiting structure, which is opposite to and connected to the liquid injection cup mounting bracket. The limiting structure is disposed adjacent to the battery relative to the liquid injection needle and is used to limit the battery.

[0018] In the above technical solution, the limiting structure can move synchronously towards the battery under the drive of the injection cup mounting bracket, and prioritize the contact between the injection needle and the battery to achieve battery limiting and positioning. After the battery is limited, the injection needle is further inserted into the battery, so that the insertion position of the injection needle meets the injection requirements, improving injection accuracy and further improving the injection effect. According to some embodiments of this application, the limiting structure and the injection cup mounting bracket are connected by an elastic element, and the elastic element is used to elastically push the limiting structure against the battery.

[0019] In the above technical solution, the two sides of the limiting structure can be connected to the liquid injection cup mounting bracket through elastic elements such as springs. The liquid injection cup mounting bracket pushes the limiting structure toward the battery and completes the process of limiting the battery. During this process, the spring can generate elastic deformation to reduce the probability of the battery being over-voltaged. This allows the limiting structure to elastically limit the battery at an appropriate position, reducing the probability of battery damage and improving the liquid injection yield.

[0020] According to some embodiments of this application, the injection unit further includes: a fourth drive module, a plug mounting bracket, and an injection cup plug disposed on the plug mounting bracket. The fifth drive module is disposed on the second frame, and the plug mounting bracket is connected to the fifth drive module and is adapted to drive the injection cup plug to seal the injection cup.

[0021] In the above technical solution, by setting up the liquid injection cup plug, the fifth drive module and the plug mounting bracket, the liquid injection cup can be sealed with the liquid injection cup plug after liquid preparation, so as to reduce the probability of electrode liquid being contaminated. Before liquid preparation, air tightness testing can be performed, and after liquid injection, positive and negative pressure circulation can be achieved, so as to enrich the function of the liquid injection device. Air tightness testing, liquid injection and positive and negative pressure circulation can all be achieved through the liquid injection device, which can reduce the cost of battery liquid injection equipment and improve the processing efficiency of battery liquid injection equipment.

[0022] According to some embodiments of this application, the loading and unloading device includes: a pick-and-place section and a pick-and-feed conveyor, wherein the pick-and-place section is used to pick up batteries and the pick-and-feed conveyor is used to supply batteries to be injected with liquid to a first position.

[0023] In the above technical solution, the loading and unloading device can simultaneously remove the battery that has been filled with electrolyte and pick up the battery to be filled with electrolyte. At the same time as the battery that has been filled with electrolyte is placed, the battery to be filled with electrolyte is placed into the electrolyte filling device. This allows the loading and unloading processes to be carried out synchronously, which can shorten the production cycle and improve production efficiency.

[0024] According to some embodiments of this application, the pick-and-place unit includes: a third frame, a turntable, a pick-and-place fixture, and a sixth drive module. The turntable is movably disposed on the turntable, and the sixth drive module is used to drive the turntable to move. The pick-and-place fixture is disposed on the turntable to drive the pick-and-place fixture to switch between a first pick-and-place position and a second pick-and-place position.

[0025] The above technical solution can realize the synchronous operation of loading and unloading, so as to improve processing efficiency.

[0026] According to some embodiments of this application, the pick-and-place unit further includes a seventh drive module, which is movably disposed on the third frame and connected to the turntable to drive the pick-and-place fixture to switch between a pick-and-place position and an avoidance position.

[0027] In the above technical solution, the seventh drive module can drive the turntable to rise and fall on the third frame to switch between the avoidance position and the pick-up and place position. When in the pick-up and place position, the pick-up and place clamp is located near the battery and is suitable for picking up the battery. When in the avoidance position, the pick-up and place clamp can avoid the liquid injection device and the pick-up and place material chain to reduce the probability of interference and improve the working reliability and stability of the battery liquid injection equipment.

[0028] According to some embodiments of this application, the pick-and-place clamp is movably mounted on the turntable via an eighth drive module to switch between a clamping state and a releasing state.

[0029] In the above technical solution, the release of the pick-and-place clamp between the clamping state and the release state can be realized through the eighth drive module, which can improve the reliability of the pick-and-place clamp in picking up and releasing.

[0030] According to some embodiments of this application, the loading and unloading conveyor includes: a conveyor and a battery fixture located at one end of the conveyor, the conveyor being used to transport batteries and the battery fixture being used to place batteries.

[0031] In the above technical solution, by setting up the chain and battery fixture, the batteries can be transported to or out of the first position one by one, and multiple batteries can be accommodated by the battery fixture to sort the batteries according to the pre-matching arrangement order of the liquid injection device, so as to improve the processing accuracy and processing efficiency.

[0032] According to some embodiments of this application, the material handling conveyor also includes: a fourth frame, a ninth drive module, and a tray. The tray is suitable for placing battery fixtures and is movably disposed on the fourth frame, and is suitable for moving toward or away from the liquid injection device under the drive of the ninth drive module.

[0033] In the above technical solution, after multiple batteries are loaded into the battery fixture, the tray can be driven by the ninth drive module to move to a position adjacent to the liquid injection device, so as to facilitate the picking up of the battery to be injected and placing it into the liquid injection device. Alternatively, the ninth drive module can move the injected battery to a position away from the liquid injection device, so as to facilitate the delivery of the injected battery by the chain.

[0034] According to some embodiments of this application, the tray includes a connecting plate and a support block. The connecting plate is connected to a fourth frame. The support block is movably disposed on the connecting plate via a tenth drive module. The support block is used to support the battery fixture, the battery fixture is used to carry the battery, and the pick-and-place part is adapted to pick up the battery or pick up the battery fixture.

[0035] In the above technical solution, the battery fixture is raised and lowered by the tenth drive module so that the position of the battery can be closer to the pick-and-place fixture, reducing the difficulty of picking and placing and improving the processing efficiency.

[0036] According to some embodiments of this application, the material handling chain also includes a cup, which is movably disposed on the chain or battery fixture. A guide portion is provided on the outer periphery of the cup, and a guide rail extending along the direction of movement is provided on the chain, with the guide rail and the guide portion providing guiding cooperation.

[0037] In the above technical solution, the plate chain line forms a battery transfer mechanism. It can move forward to supply the battery to be injected to the first position, or it can move in reverse to move the battery that has been injected out of the first position. The cup can hold the battery and can limit the position of the battery, which is convenient for limiting the position of the battery under different process flows. During the chain line transportation, the guide rail and the guide part cooperate to improve the stability of the movement of the battery and the cup, reduce the probability of the battery tipping over, and improve the stability of the transfer.

[0038] According to some embodiments of this application, the cup is constructed as a hollow cylinder.

[0039] In the above technical solution, the cup holder and the battery can be quickly detached by lifting the battery from the bottom, which can reduce the difficulty of disassembling or uncoupling the cup holder and the battery.

[0040] According to some embodiments of this application, a limiting flange is provided on the inner wall of the cup, and the limiting flange is used to support the battery.

[0041] In the above technical solution, holes are opened at both ends of the cup along the axis, and the size of the hole at one end is consistent with the outer wall size of the battery, so that the battery can enter the cup. A limiting flange can be provided on the inner wall of the cup. The inner diameter of the limiting flange is smaller than the outer diameter of the battery, so as to support the battery and maintain the cup in a hollow state, so as to lift the battery.

[0042] It should be noted that the side surface of the limiting flange facing the battery can be constructed as a concave surface to adapt to the shape of the battery end face and improve the limiting effect on the battery.

[0043] According to some embodiments of this application, a second guide portion is provided at the end of the cup, the second guide portion being used to guide the battery.

[0044] In the above technical solution, the second guide portion forms one end of the cup, that is, the opening of one end of the cup is in the direction away from the other end of the cup, and the opening size gradually increases to form the second guide portion. The second guide portion can perform assembly guidance during the process of the battery entering the cup, and enable the battery to automatically center itself, thereby reducing the difficulty of assembling the battery on the cup.

[0045] According to some embodiments of this application, the battery filling device further includes: a safety device and a residual liquid receiving device, the residual liquid receiving device being disposed in a third position, the safety device being disposed in a fourth position, the first position, the second position, and the third position being arranged at intervals in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, and the fourth position being located between the first position and the second position.

[0046] Secondly, this application provides a battery electrolyte filling method, comprising:

[0047] The liquid injection device is in the first position, and the loading and unloading device performs loading and unloading actions to place the battery to be injected into the liquid injection device.

[0048] The material tray drives the liquid injection device to rotate from the first position, and the liquid injection device performs an airtightness test to perform an airtightness test on the battery to be injected.

[0049] The material tray drives the liquid injection device to rotate to the second position, the liquid preparation device performs the liquid preparation action to prepare liquid for the liquid injection device, and the liquid injection device performs the liquid injection action to inject liquid into the battery to be injected.

[0050] The material tray drives the liquid injection device to rotate from the second position, and the liquid injection device performs positive and negative pressure cycle action to perform positive and negative pressure cycle on the liquid-filled battery;

[0051] The material tray drives the liquid injection device to rotate to the first position, and the loading and unloading device performs loading and unloading actions to remove the liquid-injected battery; wherein

[0052] Multiple liquid injection devices are arranged circumferentially on the material tray. They rotate from the first position to the second position in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to complete the airtightness test. Liquid preparation and injection are completed in the second position. The device rotates from the second position to the first position to complete the positive and negative pressure cycle. The battery to be injected is placed in the first position, and / or the battery to be injected is removed.

[0053] According to the battery liquid injection method of the present application embodiment, airtightness test, liquid injection and positive and negative pressure cycle can be performed sequentially, and one liquid preparation device can selectively inject liquid into multiple liquid injection devices. On the one hand, the number of liquid preparation devices in the battery liquid injection equipment can be reduced to reduce costs, simplify control logic and improve space occupation. On the other hand, the processing steps can be compacted to improve processing efficiency and improve the reliability and stability of the battery liquid injection equipment.

[0054] According to some embodiments of this application, the liquid preparation action includes:

[0055] The liquid preparation unit of the liquid preparation device switches between at least two lateral positions to prepare liquid for at least two sets of batteries to be injected; wherein the number of liquid preparation needles in the liquid preparation unit is the same as the number of liquid injection cups corresponding to each set of batteries to be injected.

[0056] In the above technical solution, the liquid preparation device in this application embodiment can prepare liquid to M injection cups each time through M liquid preparation needles, without adding pipelines, control valves and other hardware. Moreover, the control logic is simple and can realize one-to-one liquid preparation. At the same time, by switching the liquid preparation part between N transverse positions, liquid preparation of N groups of injection cups can be realized by switching positions multiple times. There is no need to set a corresponding number of liquid preparation pumps and liquid preparation needles based on the number of injection cups. This can simplify the structure of the liquid preparation device, reduce the cost of the liquid preparation device, improve the space occupation of the liquid preparation device, and improve the reliability and stability of the battery liquid filling equipment.

[0057] According to some embodiments of this application, the liquid preparation section of the liquid injection device switches between at least two lateral positions to prepare liquid for at least two sets of liquid injection cups corresponding to the batteries to be injected, including:

[0058] The liquid preparation section is in its initial position;

[0059] The first drive module of the liquid preparation device drives the liquid preparation section to switch between the rising position and the falling position along the first direction, and records the number of liquid preparations each time the liquid preparation section is in the falling position.

[0060] The second drive module of the liquid preparation device drives the liquid preparation section to move sequentially to each transverse position along the second direction;

[0061] The third drive module of the liquid preparation device drives the liquid preparation unit to switch between the liquid preparation position and the air-proof position along a third direction; wherein

[0062] When the liquid preparation unit is in a descending position along the first direction, in any lateral position along the second direction, and in a liquid preparation position along the third direction, the liquid preparation unit opens and prepares liquid for the injection cup. The first direction is the axial direction of the material tray, the second direction is tangent to the virtual outer periphery of the material tray, and the third direction is the radial direction of the material tray, or tangent to the virtual outer periphery of the material tray.

[0063] In the above technical solution, the movement of the liquid preparation unit in the first, second and third directions is realized through the first drive module, the second drive module and the third drive module, thereby enabling the liquid preparation cups in the liquid injection device to be prepared in groups, which improves the accuracy of liquid preparation, simplifies the difficulty of liquid preparation and improves the efficiency of liquid preparation.

[0064] According to some embodiments of this application, the liquid preparation section of the liquid injection device switches between at least two lateral positions to prepare liquid for at least two sets of liquid injection cups corresponding to the batteries to be injected, and further includes:

[0065] When the number of injection cycles equals the number of battery packs to be injected, the backup liquid unit returns to its initial position to avoid the injection device and resets the backup liquid cycle.

[0066] In the above technical solution, the number of injection cycles equal to the number of battery packs to be injected indicates that all injection cups in the injection device have been injected. At this time, the number of preparation cycles is reset and the preparation unit is reset to the initial position. This ensures that when the preparation unit prepares for the next injection device, the preparation unit also needs to perform the same number of preparation cycles as the injection of the battery packs to be injected, thereby improving the preparation accuracy, ensuring that multiple injection cups in the injection device can be prepared, improving the reliability of preparation, and thus improving the reliability and stability of the battery injection equipment.

[0067] According to some embodiments of this application, the airtightness test includes:

[0068] The liquid injection device is inserted into the battery to be injected, the liquid injection part is sealed, and the battery to be injected is evacuated.

[0069] In the above technical solution, by evacuating the battery to be injected with liquid to conduct an airtightness test, and by using the airtightness test to determine whether the sealing performance of the battery to be injected with liquid is intact, the battery yield and the reliability and stability of the battery injection equipment can be improved.

[0070] According to some embodiments of this application, the liquid injection device is inserted into the battery to be injected, the liquid injection part is sealed, and the battery to be injected is evacuated, specifically including:

[0071] The fourth drive module of the liquid injection device drives the limiting structure to limit the battery to be injected, and causes the liquid injection needle of the liquid injection part to be inserted into the battery to be injected.

[0072] The fifth drive module of the injection device drives the injection cup plug of the injection section to seal the injection cup;

[0073] Vacuum the battery before it is filled with electrolyte.

[0074] In the above technical solution, the battery air tightness test of the battery liquid injection device in this application embodiment is less difficult, and the air tightness test can be performed between the first position and the second position. That is, during the movement of the liquid injection device, when the liquid injection device in the second position is preparing liquid and injecting liquid, the liquid injection device in the first position and the second position are simultaneously performing air tightness test. During the same period, the liquid injection devices in different positions perform different processes, which can make full and reasonable use of time and improve production efficiency.

[0075] According to some embodiments of this application, the airtightness test further includes:

[0076] After the vacuuming of the battery to be injected is completed, the position of the substandard battery to be injected is recorded, and the fifth drive module drives the plug of the injection cup to reset.

[0077] In the above technical solution, after the airtightness test is completed, the substandard batteries to be injected are marked. After the injection cup plug is reset, the injection device can move to the second position to prepare the liquid. During the preparation process, the injection cup plug has been reset and there will be no interference, making the control method more reasonable and the processing efficiency higher.

[0078] According to some embodiments of this application, the injection action specifically includes:

[0079] The liquid injection device moves to the second position, and the liquid preparation device prepares liquid for the other liquid injection parts corresponding to the non-compliant batteries based on the position of the non-compliant batteries to be injected, and the liquid preparation is completed.

[0080] The liquid injection section opens the liquid injection membrane valve to inject liquid into the battery to be injected, and then performs a liquid injection delay.

[0081] In the above technical solution, during the liquid injection process, based on the airtightness test structure, liquid injection can be avoided for substandard batteries, thereby screening out defects, improving the quality of liquid injection, increasing the yield, and reducing safety hazards.

[0082] According to some embodiments of this application, the positive and negative pressure cycle operation includes:

[0083] After the injection delay is completed, the injection cup plug of the injection device seals the injection cup;

[0084] Open the positive pressure valve and the negative pressure valve in sequence to complete the positive and negative pressure cycle.

[0085] In the above technical solution, after the liquid injection delay is achieved and the liquid injection cup plug is pressed down and seals the liquid injection cup's preparation port, the positive pressure valve can be opened to carry out the positive pressure process and the negative pressure valve to carry out the negative pressure process. Through positive and negative pressure cycles, the battery's durability test can be achieved to ensure the battery's performance stability after liquid injection is completed.

[0086] According to some embodiments of this application, the process of sequentially opening the pressure boosting valve and the negative pressure valve to complete the positive and negative pressure cycle specifically includes:

[0087] Open the positive pressure valve. After the positive pressure process time threshold is reached, open the negative pressure valve to draw out negative pressure. After the negative pressure process time threshold is reached, move to the first position.

[0088] According to some embodiments of this application, the loading and unloading operations include:

[0089] The loading and unloading device switches between a loading / unloading position and a clearance position to avoid the feeding chain or the battery, wherein the battery includes: a battery to be injected with electrolyte and a battery that has been injected with electrolyte.

[0090] In the above technical solution, the loading and unloading device can pick up and place the battery to be injected with liquid, and complete the picking up and placing of the battery to be injected with liquid. This allows the liquid injection device in the first position to remove the battery to be injected with liquid while loading the battery to be injected with liquid, thereby improving processing efficiency. Furthermore, the probability of interference between the picking and placing part and the feeding chain is lower, which can also improve the reliability and stability of the battery liquid injection equipment.

[0091] According to some embodiments of this application, the picking and placing section of the loading and unloading device switches between a picking and placing position and an avoidance position to avoid the feeding chain of the loading and unloading device or the picking and placing of batteries, specifically including:

[0092] The pick-and-place unit switches between the first pick-and-place position and the second pick-and-place position under the drive of the sixth drive module;

[0093] Driven by the seventh drive module, the pick-and-place unit switches between the pick-and-place position and the avoidance position;

[0094] The pick-and-place unit, driven by the eighth drive module, switches between clamping and releasing states; among which...

[0095] The pick-and-place positions include a first pick-and-place position and a second pick-and-place position. The first pick-and-place position is located on the feeding chain, and the second pick-and-place position is located on the liquid injection device. When the pick-and-place part is in the first pick-and-place position and in the clamping state, it is suitable for clamping the battery to be injected with liquid. When the pick-and-place part is in the first pick-and-place position and in the released state, it is suitable for placing the battery that has been injected with liquid. When the pick-and-place part is in the second pick-and-place position and in the released state, it is suitable for placing the battery to be injected with liquid. When the pick-and-place part is in the second pick-and-place position and in the clamping state, it is suitable for clamping the battery that has been injected with liquid.

[0096] In the above technical solution, by setting up the loading and unloading device, the loading and unloading of batteries to be injected and the loading and unloading of batteries that have been injected can be realized simultaneously. At the same time as placing the batteries to be injected into the injection device, the injection device is moved out to the feeding chain, thereby improving the coordination of the battery injection equipment, increasing the loading and unloading rate, speeding up the production cycle, and improving production efficiency.

[0097] According to some embodiments of this application, the battery electrolyte filling method further includes:

[0098] The material tray drives the liquid injection device to rotate to the third position, and the residual liquid receiving device performs the residual liquid receiving action to recover the remaining electrolyte in the liquid injection device;

[0099] The material tray drives the liquid injection device to rotate to the fourth position, and the safety device executes a safety action to tilt the potentially hazardous battery towards the safety device; among which...

[0100] The first, second, and third positions are set sequentially in a counter-clockwise or clockwise direction, and the fourth position is located between the first and second positions.

[0101] In the above technical solution, by setting a residual liquid receiving device at the third position and adapting the residual liquid receiving process, the remaining electrolyte can be recycled, thereby improving the electrolyte utilization rate and reducing the electrolyte filling cost of the battery filling equipment. By setting a safety device at the fourth position and adapting the safety process, batteries with potential safety hazards can be transferred to the safety device in a timely manner, which can also improve the safety and reliability of the battery filling equipment.

[0102] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0103] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0104] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a battery electrolyte injection method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0105] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the liquid preparation process according to an embodiment of this application;

[0106] Figure 3 This is a flow chart of the liquid injection process according to an embodiment of this application;

[0107] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the battery removal process according to an embodiment of this application;

[0108] Figure 5 This is a wireframe diagram of a battery electrolyte filling device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0109] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a material tray at one angle according to an embodiment of this application;

[0110] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the material tray from another angle according to an embodiment of this application;

[0111] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the liquid preparation device according to an embodiment of this application from one angle;

[0112] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the liquid preparation device according to an embodiment of this application from another angle;

[0113] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the injection device according to an embodiment of this application from one angle;

[0114] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the liquid injection device according to an embodiment of this application from another angle;

[0115] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the pick-and-place section at one angle according to an embodiment of this application;

[0116] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the pick-and-place section from another angle according to an embodiment of this application;

[0117] Figure 14 This is a partial schematic diagram of an angle of the feeding chain according to an embodiment of this application;

[0118] Figure 15 This is a partial schematic diagram of the feeding conveyor line according to an embodiment of this application from another angle;

[0119] Figure 16 This is another partial schematic diagram of the feeding chain according to an embodiment of this application;

[0120] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of one angle of the cup according to an embodiment of this application;

[0121] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the cup holder from another angle according to an embodiment of this application.

[0122] Figure label:

[0123] Battery electrolyte filling equipment 1000,

[0124] Material tray 100, slewing bearing 110, pipeline trough 120, large plate 130, exhaust vent 140.

[0125] The system includes a liquid preparation device 200, a first frame 210, a first drive module 220, a second drive module 230, a third drive module 240, a liquid preparation section 250, a liquid preparation diaphragm valve 251, a liquid preparation needle valve 252, and a liquid preparation needle 253.

[0126] The device includes an injection unit 300, a second frame 310, a fourth drive module 320, a fifth drive module 330, an injection section 340, an injection cup mounting bracket 341, an injection cup 342, an injection needle 343, a plug mounting bracket 344, an injection cup plug 345, a limiting structure 350, and an elastic element 360.

[0127] The system includes: a loading / unloading device 400, a pick-and-place section 410, a third frame 411, a pick-and-place fixture 412, a turntable 413, a feeding chain 420, a chain 421, a guide rail 4211, a battery fixture 422, a fourth frame 423, a pallet 424, a connecting plate 4241, a support block 4242, a cup holder 425, a guide section 4251, a limiting flange 4252, a second guide section 4253, a sixth drive module 430, a seventh drive module 440, an eighth drive module 450, a ninth drive module 460, and a tenth drive module 470.

[0128] 500mm residual liquid receiving device, 600mm safety device.

[0129] First position a, second position b, third position c, fourth position d. Detailed Implementation

[0130] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0131] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used in the description of this application 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 description, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. The terms "first," "second," etc., in the description, claims, or accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order or hierarchy.

[0132] In this application, the reference to "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 in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments.

[0133] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "attachment" 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 direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0134] 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, or B existing alone. Additionally, in this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0135] In the embodiments of this application, the same reference numerals denote the same components, and for the sake of brevity, detailed descriptions of the same components are omitted in different embodiments. It should be understood that the thickness, length, width, and other dimensions of various components in the embodiments of this application shown in the accompanying drawings, as well as the overall thickness, length, width, and other dimensions of the integrated device, are merely illustrative and should not constitute any limitation on this application.

[0136] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" 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 this invention 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 this invention.

[0137] In the description of this invention, the first feature being "above" or "below" the second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or it may include the first and second features not being in direct contact but being in contact through another feature between them.

[0138] In the description of this invention, the terms "above," "over," and "on top" for the first feature and the second feature include the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicating that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature.

[0139] In this application, "multiple" means two or more (including two).

[0140] A single battery cell can be a rechargeable battery. A rechargeable battery is a battery cell that can be recharged after it has been discharged, allowing the active materials to be activated and the cell to continue to be used.

[0141] The battery cell can be a lithium-ion battery, sodium-ion battery, sodium-lithium-ion battery, lithium metal battery, sodium metal battery, lithium-sulfur battery, magnesium-ion battery, nickel-metal hydride battery, nickel-cadmium battery, lead-acid battery, etc., and the embodiments of this application are not limited to this.

[0142] In some embodiments, a battery cell may include a housing, an end cap, and an electrode assembly. The housing defines an accommodating space with an installation opening. The housing may be a pouch structure that wraps around the electrode assembly of a pouch battery, or it may be constructed as a rigid shell structure in which the electrode assembly is disposed.

[0143] For example, the housing may include a base plate and side plates. The side plates surround the periphery of the base plate and define an accommodating space with a mounting opening. Electrode assemblies and other functional components may be disposed in the accommodating space. An end cap is fitted onto the mounting opening of the housing to isolate the internal environment of the battery cell from the external environment. The shape of the end cap is adapted to the shape of the housing. The end cap may be supported by a material with a certain hardness and strength (such as aluminum alloy or carbon fiber plate). The end cap can effectively protect the safety and reliability of the internal components of the housing during compression and collision.

[0144] In some embodiments, the end cap or housing may also be provided with a pressure relief mechanism for releasing internal pressure when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell reaches a threshold. The end cap can be made of various materials, such as copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, or plastic; this application embodiment does not impose any special limitations on this. In some embodiments, an insulating element (e.g., lower plastic) may be provided on the inner side of the end cap. The insulating element can be used to isolate the electrical connection components within the housing from the end cap to reduce the risk of short circuits. For example, the insulating element can be plastic, rubber, etc., and an insulating sheet can also be provided between the electrode assembly and the housing to achieve insulation protection.

[0145] The housing is a component used to fit with the end cap to form the internal environment of a battery cell. This internal environment can accommodate electrode components, electrolyte, and other parts. The housing and end cap can be independent components. A mounting opening can be provided on the housing, and the end cap closes the opening at the mounting opening to form the internal environment of the battery cell. The housing can have various shapes and sizes, such as cuboid, cylindrical, hexagonal prism, etc. Specifically, the shape of the housing can be determined according to the specific shape and size of the electrode components. The housing can be made of various materials, such as copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, plastic, etc., and this application does not impose any special limitations on these materials.

[0146] Electrode terminals can be further disposed on the end cap or housing. The electrode assembly is the component in the battery cell where the electrochemical reaction occurs. The housing may contain one or more electrode assemblies. The electrode assembly is mainly formed by winding or stacking positive and negative electrode sheets, and a separator is usually provided between the positive and negative electrode sheets. The portions of the positive and negative electrode sheets containing active material constitute the main body of the electrode assembly, while the portions of the positive and negative electrode sheets without active material each constitute a tab. The positive and negative tabs can be located together at one end of the main body or at opposite ends of the main body. During the charging and discharging process of the battery device, the positive and negative active materials react with the electrolyte, and the tabs connect to the electrode terminals to form a current loop.

[0147] After the electrode assembly is installed in the housing, electrolyte needs to be injected into the housing. The electrolyte injection is set by a liquid injection device, and the electrolyte supply of the liquid injection device is achieved by a liquid preparation device.

[0148] In the prior art, the electrolyte injection device has multiple injection needles arranged in rows, columns or arrays to inject electrolyte into the battery to be injected. Each injection needle corresponds to an injection cup. The electrolyte preparation device is used to prepare electrolyte for the injection cup. The electrolyte preparation device has multiple preparation needles corresponding to the injection cups to prepare electrolyte for each corresponding injection cup. In some cases, each preparation needle corresponds to a preparation pump. In other cases, multiple preparation needles are prepared by the same preparation pump.

[0149] However, each injection device requires a corresponding backup device, which has a large number of backup devices and a large number of backup pumps in each backup device, resulting in high cost of backup devices. Alternatively, the same backup pump can correspond to multiple injection needles, which can reduce the number of backup pumps, but the pipeline between the backup pumps and backup needles is more complex, more difficult to control, and also more expensive.

[0150] Based on this, this application proposes a battery liquid filling device and a battery liquid filling method, which eliminates the need for a one-to-one correspondence between the liquid filling device and the liquid preparation device, thereby reducing the number of liquid preparation devices, lowering the cost of the battery liquid filling device, and improving the reliability and stability of the battery liquid filling device.

[0151] First, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the structure of each device of the battery liquid filling device 1000 of the present application embodiment will be described in detail, and the actions performed by each device will be described in detail, so as to facilitate subsequent understanding of the battery liquid filling device 1000 and the battery liquid filling method of the present application embodiment.

[0152] like Figure 5 As shown, the battery liquid injection equipment 1000 includes: a material tray 100, a loading and unloading device 400, a liquid injection device 300, a liquid preparation device 200, a residual liquid receiving device 500, and a safety device 600.

[0153] Combination Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the material tray 100 is circular, and multiple liquid injection devices 300 are arranged around its circumference, such as 6, 8, 10, or 12. The outer circumference of the material tray 100 can define a first position a, a second position b, a third position c, and a fourth position d. A loading / unloading device 400 can be arranged at the first position a. The loading / unloading device 400 is used to place the battery to be injected into the liquid injection device 300 located at the first position a, or to remove it from the liquid injection device 300 located at the first position a. After the battery is filled with electrolyte, a backup electrolyte device 200 can be installed at the second position b. The backup electrolyte device 200 is used to prepare electrolyte for the filling device 300 that has been moved to the second position b. A residual electrolyte receiving device 500 can be installed at the third position c. The residual electrolyte receiving device 500 is used to recover residual electrolyte from the filling device 300 that has been moved to the third position c. A safety device 600 can be installed at the fourth position d. The safety device is used to accommodate the faulty battery when the battery of the filling device 300 that has been moved to the fourth position d is faulty.

[0154] like Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the material tray 100 includes: a slewing bearing 110, a pipeline groove 120, a large plate 130, and an exhaust port 140. The outer periphery of the slewing bearing 110 may be provided with meshing teeth. The slewing bearing 110 is connected to the large plate 130, which is disc-shaped. The slewing bearing 110 can be powered by a drive motor and a reduction mechanism to drive the large plate 130 to rotate. Multiple liquid injection devices 300 can be installed on the large plate 130. The multiple liquid injection devices 300 are arranged at equal angles on the large plate 130. The pipeline groove 120 is installed on the large plate 130. An electric slip ring and a gas slip ring structure are provided in the central area of ​​the large plate 130. Power supply, air supply, etc. pass through the pipeline groove 120 and are connected to the corresponding liquid injection device 300. An exhaust pipe is further provided in the central area. An exhaust port 140 is opened at the top or side of the exhaust pipe to draw and collect the exhaust gas generated during the operation of the battery liquid injection equipment 1000.

[0155] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the liquid preparation mechanism 200 includes: a first frame 210, a first drive module 220, a second drive module 230, a third drive module 240, and a liquid preparation section 250. The liquid preparation section 250 includes: a liquid preparation membrane valve 251, a liquid preparation needle valve 252, and a liquid preparation needle 253.

[0156] The third drive module 240 may include a third drive unit, a third slide rail, and a third motion plate. The third motion plate is slidably mounted on the third slide rail, which is mounted on the first frame 210. The third drive unit drives the third motion plate to move relative to the third slide rail in a third direction to switch between a liquid preparation position and an air-proof position. The second drive module 230 includes a second drive unit, a second slide rail, and a second motion plate. The second slide rail is mounted on the third motion plate, and the second motion plate is slidably mounted on the second slide rail. The second drive unit drives the second motion plate to move relative to the second slide rail in a second direction. The first drive module 220 includes a first drive unit, a first slide rail, and a first motion plate. The first slide rail is mounted on the second motion plate, and the first motion plate is slidably mounted on the first slide rail. A liquid preparation section 250 is provided on the first motion plate so that the liquid preparation section 250 can move in a third direction under the drive of the third drive module 240, move in a second direction under the drive of the second drive module 230, and move in a first direction under the drive of the first drive module 220.

[0157] The first drive unit, the second drive unit, and the third drive unit can be either a pneumatic drive unit or an electric drive unit. The first direction is the axial direction of the material disk 100, the second direction is the tangential direction of the material disk 100, and the third direction is the radial direction of the material disk 100, or the third direction is the tangential direction of the material disk 100.

[0158] It should be noted that the third direction being the radial direction of the material tray 100, or tangent to the virtual outer periphery of the material tray 100, means that in some embodiments, both the second direction and the third direction are tangents of the material tray 100. That is, the first drive module 230 and the third drive module 240 can be integrated into one drive module, which can drive the liquid preparation unit 250 to switch between the liquid preparation position and the empty position. After reaching the liquid preparation position, it can switch between multiple liquid preparation positions to perform grouped liquid preparation. In other embodiments, the third direction can also be the radial direction of the material tray 100, and the liquid preparation position and the empty position are set sequentially in the radial direction of the material tray 100. The liquid preparation position is closer to the material tray 100 than the empty position. The second drive module 230 and the third drive module 240 can be two drive modules, which drive the liquid preparation unit 250 to move in different directions respectively.

[0159] The liquid preparation unit 250 includes: a liquid preparation needle mounting plate, a liquid preparation diaphragm valve 251, a liquid preparation needle valve 252, and a liquid preparation needle 253. The liquid preparation needle mounting plate is used to install the liquid preparation needle 253. The liquid preparation diaphragm valve 251, the liquid preparation needle valve 252, and the liquid preparation needle 253 are connected in sequence. The liquid preparation diaphragm valve 251 is connected to the liquid preparation supply line. When both the liquid preparation diaphragm valve 251 and the liquid preparation needle valve 252 are open, liquid preparation can be carried out to the liquid preparation cup 342 of the liquid injection device 300.

[0160] The liquid injection device 300 includes: a second frame 310, a fourth drive module 320, a fifth drive module 330, a liquid injection section 340, a limiting structure 350, and an elastic element 360.

[0161] The second frame 310 has a mounting plate extending axially along the material tray 100. A support plate is provided at the bottom of the mounting plate. The support plate can support the battery fixture 422, and the battery fixture 422 can hold batteries.

[0162] The fourth drive module 320 includes a fourth drive unit, a fourth slide rail, and a fourth motion plate. The fourth slide rail is mounted on the mounting plate, and the fourth motion plate is movably mounted on the fourth slide rail. The fourth drive unit is used to drive the fourth motion plate to move relative to the fourth slide rail. The injection part 340 is mounted on the fourth mounting plate.

[0163] like Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the injection unit 340 includes: an injection cup mounting bracket 341, an injection cup 342, an injection needle 343, a plug mounting bracket 344, and an injection cup plug 345.

[0164] The liquid injection cup mounting bracket 341 is used to mount the liquid injection cup 342. One end of the liquid injection cup 342 is connected to the liquid injection needle 343. The liquid injection needle 343 is suitable for insertion into the battery for liquid injection. The liquid injection cup mounting bracket 341 is mounted on the fourth motion plate to move synchronously with the fourth motion plate. The liquid injection cup mounting bracket 341 and the limiting structure 350 are arranged opposite to each other in the first direction, and an elastic element 360 is provided between them so that during the movement of the fourth motion plate, the limiting structure 350 can push the battery first, and the elastic element 360 can make it elastically push, reducing the probability of battery damage.

[0165] Furthermore, a plug mounting bracket 344 is disposed opposite to the injection cup mounting bracket 341. There are multiple injection cup plugs 345, all of which are mounted on the plug mounting bracket 344. The plug mounting bracket 344 is movably mounted on the fifth motion plate via the fifth drive module 330, so that the injection cup plugs 345 can move toward the injection cup 342 to seal the injection cup 342, or move away from the injection cup 342 to open the injection cup 342.

[0166] The telescopic rod of the fifth drive module 330 can be directly connected to the plug mounting bracket 344 to drive the plug mounting bracket 344 to move. Alternatively, the fifth drive module 330 includes a fifth drive unit, a fifth slide rail, and a fifth motion plate. The fifth motion plate is connected to the plug mounting bracket 344 and is movably mounted on the fifth slide rail. The fifth drive unit is used to drive the fifth motion plate to move.

[0167] The fourth and fifth drive units can be either pneumatic or electric drive units. The injection cup 342 is equipped with an injection membrane valve. When the injection membrane valve is opened, the injection needle 343 can be connected to the injection cup 342.

[0168] It is understood that the battery fixture 422 is used to place the battery, and the loading and unloading device 400 can simultaneously transfer the battery fixture 422 or only transfer the battery during the loading and unloading process. This application does not make any specific limitations.

[0169] Combination Figures 12-18 As shown, the loading and unloading device 400 includes: a pick-and-place section 410, a pick-and-feed chain 420, a sixth drive module 430, a seventh drive module 440, an eighth drive module 450, and a ninth drive module 460.

[0170] like Figure 12 and Figure 13As shown, the pick-and-place unit 410 includes: a third frame 411, a pick-and-place fixture 412, and a turntable 413. The third frame 411 extends along a first direction. The turntable 413 is rotatable relative to the third frame 411 through a sixth drive module 430. Multiple pick-and-place fixtures 412, such as two pick-and-place fixtures 412, can be set on the turntable 413. The rotation of the turntable 413 can switch between a first pick-and-place position and a second pick-and-place position, so that one of the two pick-and-place fixtures 412 can be used to pick up and place batteries in the liquid injection device 300, and the other can be used to pick up and place batteries on the feed chain 420.

[0171] The sixth drive module 430 may include a sixth drive unit, an input tooth and an output tooth. The input tooth is connected to the output shaft of the sixth drive unit, and the output tooth is connected to the turntable 413. The input tooth and the output tooth mesh so that the turntable 413 can rotate relative to the third frame 411.

[0172] The pick-and-place fixture 412 may include a gripper mounting plate and grippers. The gripper mounting plate is connected to the turntable 413. The grippers may be movably mounted on the gripper mounting plate. The eighth drive module 450 is mounted on the gripper mounting plate, and the output end of the eighth drive module 450 may be configured as a wedge structure. The mating end of the grippers may also be configured as a wedge structure. The wedge structure of the eighth drive module 450 and the wedge structure of the grippers are mated to drive one or more sets of grippers to move towards or away from each other, so that the grippers are in or out of the state. The eighth drive module 450 may be configured as a pneumatic drive module or an electric drive module. The grippers may be used to hold the battery fixture 422, or there may be multiple sets of grippers, each set of grippers being used to grip one battery.

[0173] A seventh drive module 440 is also provided between the turntable 413 and the third frame 411. The seventh drive module 440 is adapted to drive the turntable 413 to move along the first direction to raise or lower the gripper. The extension rod of the seventh drive module 440 can be directly connected to the turntable 413, and the turntable 413 can be slidably mounted on the third frame 411.

[0174] like Figure 14 , Figure 15 as well as Figure 16 As shown, the feeding conveyor 420 includes: conveyor 421, battery fixture 422, fourth frame 423, pallet 424, and cup holder 425.

[0175] The fourth frame 423 is provided with a ninth drive module 460, which includes a ninth drive unit, a ninth slide rail and a ninth motion plate. The ninth motion plate is connected to the support plate 424, or the support plate 424 is formed as the ninth motion plate. The ninth motion plate is slidably disposed on the ninth slide rail. The ninth drive unit is disposed on the fourth frame 423 and is used to drive the ninth motion plate to move relative to the ninth slide rail.

[0176] The tray 424 includes a connecting plate 4241 and a support block 4242. The connecting plate 4241 is formed as a ninth motion plate. A tenth drive module 470 is disposed on the connecting plate 4241. The support block 4242 is movably disposed on the connecting plate 4241 through the tenth drive module 470. The tray 424 is used to support the battery fixture 422. A battery can be placed in the battery fixture 422. The battery fixture 422 can move along a first direction under the drive of the support block 4242, or move along a third direction under the drive of the connecting plate 4241.

[0177] The chain 421 is located at one end of the fourth frame 423 in the third direction. The chain 421 is used to transport batteries to the fourth frame 423 or to remove batteries from the fourth frame 423. The chain 421 is provided with a guide rail 4211. The cup 425 is used to place the battery and can be guided and cooperated with the guide rail 4211 to move smoothly on the chain 421. After moving to the end of the chain 421, the battery can be placed in the battery fixture 422 and can be assembled into the liquid injection device 300 simultaneously with the battery fixture 422. Alternatively, the battery can be taken out of the liquid injection device 300 by the pick-and-place part 410 and placed into the battery fixture 422 located on the support block 4242. Then, the battery fixture 422 and the battery located therein are moved out to the end of the chain 421 by the support plate 424 structure.

[0178] The residual liquid receiving device 500 has the same structure as the existing residual liquid receiving device, and will not be described in detail in this application.

[0179] The safety device 600 can be configured as a sandbox, and when the faulty battery moves to the fourth position d with the liquid injection device 300, it can be poured into the sandbox.

[0180] Combination Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 as well as Figure 4As shown, the material tray 100 can drive the liquid injection device 300 to rotate sequentially between the first position, the fourth position, the second position, and the third position. When the liquid injection device 300 is in the first position, the loading and unloading device 400 can perform loading and unloading actions, including: removing the completed liquid-injected battery from the liquid injection device 300, and / or placing the battery to be liquid-injected into the liquid injection device 300. When the liquid injection device 300 is in the second position, the liquid preparation device 200 can perform a liquid preparation action, that is, preparing liquid into the liquid injection cup 324 of the liquid injection device 300. The liquid injection device 300 can perform a liquid injection action, that is, adding electrolyte into the battery to be liquid-injected. When the liquid injection device 300 is between the first and second positions, the liquid injection device 300 can perform an airtightness test action, that is, evacuating the battery to be liquid-injected in the liquid injection device 300, and based on a certain time threshold, the vacuum degree... The changes determine the airtightness of the battery to be injected. When the injection device 300 is in the third position, the residual electrolyte receiving device 500 can recover the remaining electrolyte in the injection cup 342. When the injection device 300 is between the second and third positions, the injection device 300 can perform positive and negative pressure cycle operation. That is, the injection device 300 applies positive and negative pressure to the battery to be injected in a cycle by closing the positive pressure valve and the negative pressure valve to complete the positive and negative pressure cycle test. The material tray 100 drives multiple injection devices 300 to pass through the first, second and third positions in sequence. If any battery in the injection device 300 is found to have a safety hazard, such as excessive temperature, the material tray 100 can drive the injection device 300 with the safety hazard to the fourth position. The safety device 600 performs a safety action, such as tilting the battery in the injection device 300 into the safety device 600.

[0181] The following is for reference. Figures 1-18 A battery electrolyte filling device 1000 and a battery electrolyte filling method according to an embodiment of the present invention are described.

[0182] like Figure 5 As shown, this application provides a battery electrolyte filling device 1000, including: a material tray 100, an electrolyte filling device 300, a loading / unloading device 400, and a electrolyte preparation device 200. The electrolyte filling devices 300 are distributed circumferentially along the material tray 100 and are adapted to move under the drive of the material tray 100; the loading / unloading device 400 is located at a first position a of the material tray 100 and is used to pick up and place batteries to the electrolyte filling device 300 located at the first position a; the electrolyte preparation device 200 is located at a second position b of the material tray 100; wherein

[0183] like Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, the liquid preparation device 200 includes: a first drive module 220, a second drive module 230, a third drive module 240, and a liquid preparation section 250. The first drive module 220 drives the liquid preparation section 250 to switch between a rising position and a falling position along a first direction. The second drive module 230 drives the liquid preparation section 250 to move sequentially between multiple lateral positions along a second direction. The third drive module 240 drives the liquid preparation section 250 to switch between a liquid preparation position and a clearing position.

[0184] Specifically, the material tray 100 is provided with multiple liquid injection devices 300 along the circumference, and the loading and unloading device 400 at the first position a places the battery to be injected into the liquid injection device 300 or removes the completed liquid injection battery from the liquid injection device 300. The liquid injection device 300 at the second position b can realize the preparation of liquid into the liquid injection cup 342 under the action of the liquid preparation device 200.

[0185] The liquid preparation device 200 includes a first drive module 220, a second drive module 230, and a third drive module 240. Through the cooperation of the first drive module 220, the second drive module 230, and the third drive module 240, the liquid preparation action is performed. The first drive module 220 can drive the liquid preparation section 250 to switch between a rising position and a falling position. That is, the liquid preparation section 250 in the falling position can prepare liquid into the injection cup 342. The third drive module 240 can make the liquid preparation section 250 avoid surrounding components or switch to the liquid preparation position. The second drive module 230 can make the liquid preparation section 250 move between multiple lateral positions, such as a first lateral position, a second lateral position, and a third lateral position, so as to realize the sequential preparation of liquid into multiple injection cups 342 in the injection section 340, thereby completing the liquid preparation action.

[0186] The second direction and the third direction can be the same. In this case, the liquid preparation position can be the first of multiple lateral movement positions, and the multiple lateral movement positions are set sequentially in the second direction. The first lateral movement position and the air-avoidance position are also set adjacent to each other in the second direction. The second drive module 230 and the third drive module 240 can be omitted. Only one drive module can be set to switch between the air-avoidance position, the liquid preparation position, and the multiple lateral movement positions. The second direction and the third direction can be different. In this case, the air-avoidance position and the liquid preparation position are set sequentially in the third direction, and the liquid preparation position and the multiple lateral movement positions are set sequentially, or the first lateral movement position is formed. The third drive module 240 is used to switch between the liquid preparation position and the air-avoidance position, and the second drive module 230 is used to switch between the multiple lateral movement positions.

[0187] In other words, when the liquid injection device 300 is in the first position a, the loading and unloading device 400 performs the loading and unloading action and places the battery to be injected into the liquid injection device 300. Then, the liquid injection device 300 moves to the second position b under the drive of the material tray 100. During the movement, the liquid injection device 300 performs the airtightness test action. After the liquid injection device 300 reaches the second position b, the liquid preparation device 200 performs the liquid preparation action. Specifically, the liquid preparation action is that the third drive module 240 drives the liquid preparation part 250 to move to the liquid preparation position, and the second drive module 230 drives the liquid preparation part 250 to switch between multiple lateral positions. When the liquid preparation part 250 is in each lateral position, the first drive module 220 drives the liquid preparation part 250 to switch from the rising position to the falling position to prepare the liquid. After the liquid preparation is completed, it resets from the falling position to the rising position. After the liquid preparation is completed in multiple lateral positions, the third drive module 240 drives the liquid preparation part 250 to reset to the avoidance position to complete the liquid preparation action.

[0188] According to the battery liquid filling device 1000 of the present application embodiment, on the one hand, by setting up the material tray 100 and multiple liquid filling devices 300, the same loading and unloading device 400 and the same liquid preparation device 200 can correspond to the loading and unloading and liquid preparation of multiple liquid filling devices 300, which can simplify the structure of the liquid preparation device, reduce the space occupation, layout difficulty and cost of the liquid preparation device. On the other hand, the liquid preparation device 200 can realize the liquid preparation of multiple liquid filling cups one group at a time, which can reduce the number of liquid preparation pumps in the liquid preparation device 200 and simplify the pipeline in the liquid preparation device 200, so as to further reduce costs and improve the reliability and stability of the battery liquid filling device 1000.

[0189] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, according to some embodiments of this application, the liquid preparation device 200 includes: a first frame 210, a third drive module 240 movably disposed on the first frame 210, a second drive module 230 movably disposed on the first drive module 220, the first drive module 220 movably disposed on the second drive module 230, and a liquid preparation section 250 disposed on the first and third drive modules 240.

[0190] Specifically, the third motion plate is slidably mounted on the first frame 210 via the third slide rail, the second motion plate is slidably mounted on the third motion plate via the second slide rail, and the first motion plate is slidably mounted on the second motion plate via the first slide rail. The first motion plate can be formed as a mounting plate for the liquid injection section 340, which is mounted on the first mounting plate. This allows the liquid injection section 340 to perform group-by-group liquid preparation for the liquid preparation device 200 under the drive of the first drive module 220, the second drive module 230, and the third drive module 240, thereby simplifying the structure of the liquid preparation device 200 and reducing the production cost of the liquid preparation device 200.

[0191] like Figure 8 As shown, according to some embodiments of this application, the liquid preparation section 250 includes: multiple sets of liquid preparation membrane valves 251, liquid preparation needle valves 252 and liquid preparation needles 253 connected in sequence. The liquid preparation needles 253 are adapted to extend into the liquid injection section 340 of the liquid injection device 300, and the liquid preparation pump corresponds to the liquid preparation needles 253 one by one.

[0192] Specifically, the backup needles 253 can be set one-to-one with the backup pumps (not shown in the figure), and the number of backup needles 253 is less than the number of injection cups 342 in the injection device 300. By preparing the backup liquid in groups, the backup liquid in all injection cups 342 can be prepared. The backup membrane valve 251, the backup needle valve 252 and the backup needles 253 are connected in sequence. So that the injection cups 342 can be injected through the backup needles 253 after the backup membrane valve 251 and the backup needle valve 252 are opened, thereby improving the safety of backup liquid.

[0193] Therefore, on the one hand, the backup liquid pump and the backup liquid needle 253 correspond one-to-one, realizing backup liquid in groups while reducing the number of backup liquid pumps, so as to further reduce the cost of backup liquid device 200. On the other hand, it can improve the reliability and safety of backup liquid device 200.

[0194] like Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, according to some embodiments of this application, the liquid injection device 300 includes: a second frame 310, a fourth drive module 320, and a liquid injection section 340. The second frame 310 is used to place the battery, and the fourth drive module 320 and the liquid injection section 340 are movably disposed on the second frame 310 and used to drive the liquid injection section 340 to move toward or away from the battery.

[0195] Specifically, the second frame 310 has a support plate for placing the battery fixture 422. The battery is placed inside the battery fixture 422. Based on the position of the liquid injection device 300, the batteries in the battery fixture 422 can be classified as batteries to be injected, batteries in the process of liquid injection, and batteries that have completed liquid injection. The fourth drive module 320 is mounted on the second support and can drive the liquid injection part 340 to move toward the battery so that the liquid injection needle 343 of the liquid injection part 340 can be inserted into the battery under the drive of the fourth drive module 320 to complete the airtightness test, liquid injection, and positive and negative pressure cycle, thereby reducing the difficulty of liquid injection and improving the efficiency of liquid injection.

[0196] It should be noted that other components can also be integrated on the liquid injection device 300 so that during the process of the liquid injection device 300 moving from the first position a to the second position b, the battery to be injected can perform other actions, or during the process of the second position b moving to the first position a, the battery that has completed liquid injection can perform other actions, so as to further improve the integration of the battery liquid injection equipment 1000, and enable the battery liquid injection equipment 1000 to complete more processes and achieve higher processing efficiency during the battery liquid injection process.

[0197] Combination Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, according to some embodiments of this application, the injection unit 340 includes: an injection cup mounting bracket 341, an injection cup 342 disposed on the injection cup mounting bracket 341, and an injection needle 343. The injection cup mounting bracket 341 is connected to the fourth drive module 320.

[0198] The injection cup mounting bracket 341 has multiple injection cup mounting positions, each injection cup 342 is provided on the injection cup mounting position, and an injection needle 343 is provided at the lower end of the injection cup 342. The fourth drive module 320 drives the injection cup mounting bracket 341 to move, so that the multiple injection cups 342 and multiple injection needles 343 can move synchronously, which can improve the stability and reliability of the movement of the injection part 340, thereby improving the injection effect of the injection part 340.

[0199] According to some embodiments of this application, the injection section 340 further includes a limiting structure 350, which is opposite to and connected to the injection cup mounting bracket 341. The limiting structure 350 is disposed adjacent to the battery relative to the injection needle 343 and is used to limit the battery.

[0200] like Figure 11 As shown, the limiting structure 350 can be a limiting sleeve or similar structure. Under the drive of the liquid injection cup mounting bracket 341, the limiting structure 350 can move synchronously toward the battery. The hollow limiting sleeve can push against the end face of the battery to prioritize the contact between the liquid injection needle 343 and the battery, thereby limiting and positioning the battery. After the battery is limited, the liquid injection needle 343 is further inserted into the battery so that the insertion position of the liquid injection needle 343 can meet the liquid injection requirements, improve the liquid injection accuracy, and further improve the liquid injection effect.

[0201] Understandably, the setting of the limit structure 350 can reduce the probability of battery movement.

[0202] exist Figure 10 and Figure 11 In the embodiments shown, according to some embodiments of this application, the limiting structure 350 is connected to the liquid filling cup mounting bracket 341 via an elastic member 360, and the elastic member 360 is used to elastically push the limiting structure 350 against the battery.

[0203] Specifically, the two sides of the limiting structure 350 can be connected to the liquid filling cup mounting bracket 341 via elastic elements 360 such as springs. For example, there are multiple limiting sleeves, each corresponding to a battery. The limiting sleeves are set on the limiting plate, which is connected to the liquid filling cup mounting bracket 341. An elastic element 360 is provided between the two. During the process of the liquid filling cup mounting bracket 341 pushing the limiting structure 350 toward the battery and completing the limiting of the battery, the spring can generate elastic deformation to reduce the probability of overvoltage of the battery. This allows the limiting structure 350 to elastically limit the battery at an appropriate position, reducing the probability of battery damage and improving the liquid filling yield.

[0204] like Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, according to some embodiments of this application, the injection unit 340 further includes: a fifth drive module 330, a plug mounting bracket 344, and an injection cup plug 345 disposed on the plug mounting bracket 344. The fifth drive module 330 is disposed on the second frame 310. The plug mounting bracket 344 is connected to the fifth drive module 330 and is adapted to drive the injection cup plug 345 to seal the injection cup 342.

[0205] The fifth drive module 330 drives the plug mounting bracket 344 to move. The plug mounting bracket 344 has multiple plug mounting positions, and each plug mounting position is provided with a liquid injection cup plug 345, so that the fifth drive module 330 can drive the liquid injection cup plug 345 to seal the liquid preparation port of the liquid injection cup 342.

[0206] Therefore, by setting up the liquid filling cup plug 345, the fifth drive module 330, and the plug mounting bracket 344, the liquid filling cup 342 after liquid preparation can be sealed by the liquid filling cup plug 345 to reduce the probability of electrode liquid being contaminated. Before liquid preparation, air tightness testing can be achieved, and after liquid filling, positive and negative pressure circulation can be achieved, thus enriching the functions of the liquid filling device 300. Air tightness testing, liquid filling, and positive and negative pressure circulation can all be achieved through the liquid filling device 300, which can reduce the cost of the battery liquid filling equipment 1000 and improve the processing efficiency of the battery liquid filling equipment 1000.

[0207] Combination Figures 12-16 As shown, according to some embodiments of this application, the loading and unloading device 400 includes: a pick-and-place section 410 and a pick-and-feed chain 420. The pick-and-place section 410 is used to pick up batteries, and the pick-and-feed chain 420 is used to supply batteries to be injected with liquid to a first position a.

[0208] Specifically, the pick-and-place unit 410 can pick up the completed battery located in the liquid filling device 300 to complete the unloading action of the completed battery, and can also pick up the battery to be filled located at the first position a and lower it to place it into the liquid filling device 300 to complete the loading action of the battery to be filled.

[0209] In other words, the loading and unloading actions are separate actions, specifically including: the loading action of the battery to be injected with electrolyte and the unloading action of the battery after the electrolyte injection is completed.

[0210] Therefore, the loading and unloading device 400 can simultaneously remove the battery that has been filled with electrolyte and pick up the battery to be filled with electrolyte, and place the battery to be filled with electrolyte into the filling device 300 at the same time as the battery that has been filled with electrolyte is placed. This allows the loading and unloading processes to be carried out synchronously, which can shorten the production cycle and improve production efficiency.

[0211] like Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, according to some embodiments of this application, the pick-and-place unit 410 includes: a third frame 411, a turntable 413, a pick-and-place fixture 412, and a sixth drive module 430. The turntable 413 is movably disposed on the turntable 413. The sixth drive module 430 is used to drive the turntable 413 to move. The pick-and-place fixture 412 is disposed on the turntable 413 to drive the pick-and-place fixture 412 to switch between a first pick-and-place position and a second pick-and-place position.

[0212] Specifically, the pick-and-place clamps 412 are arranged in at least pairs and mounted on the turntable 413. The sixth drive module 430 can drive the turntable 413 to rotate, and the turntable 413 can rotate by a preset angle each time, such as 90°, 180°, etc., so that one of the pick-and-place clamps 412 can switch from the first pick-and-place position to the second pick-and-place position, and the other pick-and-place clamp 412 can switch from the first pick-and-place position to the second pick-and-place position.

[0213] For example, the pick-and-place fixture 412 includes a first fixture and a second fixture. The first fixture and the second fixture are arranged opposite to each other on the turntable 413. The first fixture is in a first pick-and-place position and the second fixture is in a second pick-and-place position, so that the first fixture can pick up the battery to be injected with liquid at the first pick-and-place position and the corresponding second fixture can pick up the battery that has been injected with liquid at the second pick-and-place position. When the first fixture rotates to the second pick-and-place position and the second fixture rotates to the first pick-and-place position, the first fixture can place the battery to be injected with liquid to the liquid injection device 300 and the second fixture can place the battery that has been injected with liquid to the feeder 420.

[0214] This allows for the simultaneous execution of loading and unloading actions, thereby improving processing efficiency.

[0215] According to some embodiments of this application, the pick-and-place unit 410 further includes a seventh drive module 440, which is movably disposed on the third frame 411 and connected to the turntable 413 to drive the pick-and-place fixture 412 to switch between a pick-and-place position and an avoidance position.

[0216] In other words, the seventh drive module 440 can drive the turntable 413 to rise and fall on the third frame 411 to switch between a clearance position and a pick-and-place position. When in the pick-and-place position, the pick-and-place clamp 412 is located near the battery and is suitable for picking up the battery. When in the clearance position, the pick-and-place clamp 412 can avoid the liquid injection device 300 and the pick-and-place material chain 421 to reduce the probability of interference and improve the working reliability and stability of the battery liquid injection equipment 1000.

[0217] According to some embodiments of this application, the pick-and-place clamp 412 is movably mounted on the turntable 413 via an eighth drive module 450 to switch between a clamping state and a releasing state.

[0218] In other words, the eighth drive module 450 can be used to release the pick-and-place clamp 412 between the clamping state and the release state, which can improve the reliability of picking up and releasing the pick-and-place clamp 412.

[0219] It should be noted that the sixth drive module 430, the seventh drive module 440 and the eighth drive module 450 work together to drive and control the pick-up and place unit 410, so that the pick-up and place unit 410 can avoid obstacles in a reasonable position and pick up and place the battery in a reasonable position, which can improve the reliability and stability of the pick-up and place unit 410.

[0220] like Figure 14 , Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, according to some embodiments of this application, the loading and unloading conveyor 421 includes: a conveyor 421 and a battery fixture 422 located at one end of the conveyor 421. The conveyor 421 is used to transport batteries, and the battery fixture 422 is used to place batteries.

[0221] Specifically, the chain 421 can transport the battery to be injected with electrolyte to the first position a, and can also transport the battery that has been injected with electrolyte out of the first position a. The battery fixture 422 can be set at the end of the chain 421 near the first position a, so that the battery to be injected with electrolyte transported to the first position a by the chain 421 can be placed in the battery fixture 422, or the battery that has been injected with electrolyte can be transferred from the battery fixture 422 to the chain 421 and then transported out of the first position a.

[0222] Therefore, by setting up the chain 421 and the battery fixture 422, the batteries can be transported to or out of the first position a one by one, and multiple batteries can be accommodated by the battery fixture 422 to sort the batteries according to the arrangement order of the liquid injection device 300 in advance, so as to improve the processing accuracy and processing efficiency.

[0223] like Figure 14 and Figure 15As shown, according to some embodiments of this application, the material handling chain 421 further includes: a fourth frame 423, a ninth drive module 460, and a tray 424. The tray 424 is adapted to place the battery fixture 422, and the tray 424 is movably disposed on the fourth frame 423 and is adapted to move toward or away from the liquid injection device 300 under the drive of the ninth drive module 460.

[0224] Therefore, after multiple batteries are loaded into the battery fixture 422, the tray 424 can be driven by the ninth drive module 460 to move to a position adjacent to the liquid injection device 300, so as to pick up the battery to be injected and place it into the liquid injection device 300. Alternatively, the ninth drive module 460 can move the injected battery to a position away from the liquid injection device 300, so as to send the injected battery out through the chain 421.

[0225] According to some embodiments of this application, the tray 424 includes a connecting plate 4241 and a support block 4242. The connecting plate 4241 is connected to the fourth frame 423. The support block 4242 is movably disposed on the connecting plate 4241 through the tenth drive module 470. The support block 4242 is used to support the battery fixture 422. The battery fixture 422 is used to carry the battery. The pick-and-place part 410 is adapted to pick up the battery or pick up the battery fixture 422.

[0226] In this way, the battery fixture 422 is raised and lowered by the tenth drive module 470, so that the position of the battery can be closer to the pick-and-place fixture 412, reducing the difficulty of picking and placing and improving the processing efficiency.

[0227] It should be noted that in some embodiments, the pick-and-place part 410 is used to clamp the entire battery fixture 422, that is, to remove the battery fixture 422 and the battery as a whole from the liquid injection device 300, and to place the battery fixture 422 and the battery as a whole outside the liquid injection device 300 into the liquid injection device 300. In other embodiments, the pick-and-place part 410 is only used to clamp the battery, and the battery in the battery fixture 422 can be further lifted to a certain height by the lifting rod and then clamped by the pick-and-place part 410.

[0228] like Figure 16 and Figure 17 As shown, according to some embodiments of this application, the material handling chain 421 further includes a cup 425, which is movably disposed on the chain 421 or the battery fixture 422. A guide portion 4251 is provided on the outer periphery of the cup 425, and a guide rail 4211 extending along the direction of movement is provided on the chain 421. The guide rail 4211 and the guide portion 4251 are guided and cooperated.

[0229] Specifically, the chain 421 forms a battery transfer mechanism, which can move forward to supply the battery to be injected to the first position a, or move in reverse to move the battery that has been injected out of the first position a. The cup 425 can hold the battery and can limit the battery position, which is convenient for limiting the battery position under different process flows. During the transportation process of the chain 421, the guide rail 4211 and the guide part 4251 guide and cooperate to improve the stability of the movement of the battery and the cup 425, reduce the probability of the battery tipping over, and improve the stability of the transfer.

[0230] It should be noted that the battery clamping action can also be achieved by clamping the cup 425, and this application does not make specific limitations.

[0231] According to some embodiments of this application, the cup 425 is constructed as a hollow cylinder.

[0232] Therefore, by lifting the battery from the bottom, the cup holder 425 and the battery can be quickly detached, which can reduce the difficulty of disassembling or uncoupling the cup holder 425 and the battery.

[0233] like Figure 18 As shown, according to some embodiments of this application, a limiting flange 4252 is provided on the inner wall of the cup 425, and the limiting flange 4252 is used to support the battery.

[0234] Specifically, the cup 425 has holes at both ends along its axis, and the size of one end of the hole is the same as the outer wall size of the battery, so that the battery can enter the cup. A limiting flange 4252 can be provided on the inner wall of the cup. The inner diameter of the limiting flange 4252 is smaller than the outer diameter of the battery, so as to support the battery and keep the cup 425 in a hollow state, so as to lift the battery.

[0235] It should be noted that the side surface of the limiting flange 4252 facing the battery can be constructed as a concave surface to adapt to the shape of the battery end face and improve the limiting effect on the battery.

[0236] According to some embodiments of this application, a second guide portion 4253 is provided at the end of the cup 425, and the second guide portion 4253 is used to guide the battery.

[0237] Specifically, the second guide portion 4253 is formed at one end of the cup 425, that is, the opening of one end of the cup 425 is in the direction away from the other end of the cup 425, and the opening size gradually increases to form the second guide portion 4253. The second guide portion 4253 can perform assembly guidance during the process of the battery entering the cup 425, and enable the battery to automatically center itself, thereby reducing the difficulty of assembling the battery on the cup 425.

[0238] like Figure 6As shown, according to some embodiments of this application, the battery filling device 1000 further includes: a safety device 600 and a residual liquid receiving device 500. The residual liquid receiving device 500 is disposed at the third position c, and the safety device is disposed at the fourth position d. The first position a, the second position b, and the third position c are arranged at intervals in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, and the fourth position d is located between the first position a and the second position b.

[0239] Therefore, the battery filling device 1000 can further recover electrolyte through the residual liquid receiving device 500, which can reduce electrolyte waste and lower filling costs, while the safety device 600 can improve the safety of the battery filling device 1000.

[0240] The following describes the liquid injection process of a single liquid injection device 300 in detail. When the liquid injection device 300 is in the first position a, there is no battery that has been fully injected on the battery fixture 422 inside the liquid injection device 300.

[0241] The feeding chain 420 transports the batteries to be injected to the fourth frame 423, and places the batteries to be injected into the battery fixture 422.

[0242] Driven by the ninth drive module 460, the battery fixture 422 moves to a position adjacent to the liquid injection device 300, and the tenth drive module 470 lifts the battery fixture 422 and the battery to be injected.

[0243] Driven by the sixth drive module 430, the seventh drive module 440 and the eighth drive module 450, the pick-up and place fixture 412 picks up the battery to be injected in the battery fixture 422 at the first pick-up and place position, and moves to the second pick-up and place position to place the battery to be injected into the injection device 300.

[0244] The liquid injection device 300 moves from the first position a to the second position b, the liquid injection cup plug 345 seals the liquid injection cup 342, the limiting structure 350 limits the battery, and the liquid injection needle 343 is inserted into the battery. The battery is evacuated for airtightness testing.

[0245] The injection device 300 moves to the second position b, the injection cup plug 345 moves away from the injection cup 342, and the liquid preparation device 200 prepares liquid for multiple injection cups 342 under the drive of the first drive module 220, the second drive module 230 and the third drive module 240. After the liquid preparation is completed, the liquid is injected and the injection cup plug 345 seals the injection cup 342.

[0246] The liquid injection device 300 moves from the second position b to the third position c and performs positive and negative pressure cycling on the battery;

[0247] The liquid injection device 300 moves to the third position c, and the residual liquid receiving device 500 recovers the remaining electrolyte.

[0248] The liquid injection device 300 moves from the third position c back to the first position a. Under the drive of the sixth drive module 430, the seventh drive module 440 and the eighth drive module 450, the pick-up and place fixture 412 picks up the liquid-filled battery in the battery fixture 422 at the second pick-up and place position, and moves to the first pick-up and place position to place the liquid-filled battery into the battery fixture 422.

[0249] Driven by the ninth drive module 460, the battery fixture 422 and the battery move to the position of the adjacent pick-and-feed chain 420, and the pick-and-feed chain 420 will transport the liquid-filled battery out of the fourth frame 423.

[0250] Other configurations and operations of the battery liquid injection device 1000 according to embodiments of the present invention are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0251] like Figure 1 As shown, this application provides a control method for a battery electrolyte filling device 1000, including:

[0252] When the liquid injection device 300 is in the first position a, the loading and unloading device 400 performs loading and unloading actions to place the battery to be injected into the liquid injection device 300.

[0253] The material tray 100 drives the liquid injection device 300 to rotate from the first position a, and the liquid injection device 300 performs an airtightness test to perform an airtightness test on the battery to be injected.

[0254] The material tray 100 drives the liquid injection device 300 to rotate to the second position b. The liquid preparation device 200 performs the liquid preparation action to prepare liquid for the liquid injection device 300, and the liquid injection device 300 performs the liquid injection action to inject liquid into the battery to be injected.

[0255] The material tray 100 drives the liquid injection device 300 to rotate from the second position b. The liquid injection device 300 performs positive and negative pressure cycle operation to perform positive and negative pressure cycle on the liquid-filled battery.

[0256] The material tray 100 drives the liquid injection device 300 to rotate to the first position a, and the loading and unloading device 400 performs loading and unloading actions to remove the liquid-injected battery.

[0257] First, the state of the battery to be injected on the injection device 300 is specifically explained by the process of an injection device 300 moving from a first position a to a second position b and then from a second position b to a first position a.

[0258] When the liquid injection device 300 is in the first position a, the loading and unloading device 400 places multiple batteries to be injected into the liquid injection device 300, which can be arranged in rows, columns or arrays.

[0259] During the process of the liquid injection device 300 and the battery to be injected moving from the first position a to the second position b, the liquid injection device 300 simultaneously performs an airtightness test on the battery to be injected, that is, performs an airtightness test on the battery to be injected, so as to know in a timely manner whether the airtightness of the battery to be injected is good.

[0260] When the electrolyte filling device 300 and the battery to be filled are in the second position b, the electrolyte preparation device 200 prepares electrolyte for the electrolyte filling device 300, and the electrolyte filling device 300 can fill the battery to be filled with electrolyte to form a completed electrolyte filling battery.

[0261] During the process of the liquid injection device 300 and the liquid-filled battery moving from the second position b to the first position a, the liquid injection device 300 performs positive and negative pressure cycling on the liquid-filled battery to improve the stability and reliability of the liquid-filled battery by making the positive and negative pressure cycling process after the liquid injection is completed.

[0262] When the liquid injection device 300 and the liquid-injected battery move to the first position a, the loading and unloading device 400 removes the liquid-injected battery from the liquid injection device 300.

[0263] In other words, there are multiple liquid injection devices 300, which are arranged circumferentially on the material tray 100. They rotate from the first position a to the second position b in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to complete the airtightness test. Liquid preparation and injection are completed at the second position b. They rotate from the second position b to the first position a to complete the positive and negative pressure cycle. At the first position a, the battery to be injected is placed and / or the battery to be injected is removed.

[0264] It should be noted that in the battery liquid injection equipment 1000 of this application embodiment, the liquid injection device 300 can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise to switch between the first position a and the second position b, and successively complete the airtightness test of the battery to be injected, the liquid injection of the battery to be injected, and the positive and negative pressure cycle of the injected battery. On the one hand, the loading and unloading device 400 and the liquid preparation device 200 can be arranged around the material tray 100, so that the loading and unloading device 400 can complete the picking and placing of batteries in multiple liquid injection devices 300, and the liquid preparation device 200 can prepare liquid for multiple liquid injection devices 300. This can reduce the number of liquid preparation devices 200 and loading and unloading devices 400, simplify the structure of the battery liquid injection equipment 1000, improve space occupation, and reduce costs. On the other hand, the circular assembly line operation mode realizes the airtightness test, liquid injection and positive and negative pressure cycle of the battery, which can compact the processing steps and improve processing efficiency.

[0265] According to the control method of the battery liquid filling device 1000 in the embodiments of this application, airtightness testing, liquid filling, and positive and negative pressure cycling can be performed sequentially, and one liquid preparation device 200 can selectively fill multiple liquid filling devices 300. On the one hand, the number of liquid preparation devices 200 in the battery liquid filling device 1000 can be reduced to lower costs, simplify control logic, and improve space utilization. On the other hand, the processing steps can be compacted, processing efficiency can be improved, and the reliability and stability of the battery liquid filling device 1000 can be enhanced.

[0266] like Figure 2 As shown, according to some embodiments of this application, the liquid preparation action includes: the liquid preparation section 250 of the liquid preparation device 200 switching between at least two lateral positions to prepare liquid for at least two sets of liquid filling cups 342 corresponding to the batteries to be filled; wherein the number of liquid preparation needles 253 in the liquid preparation section 250 is consistent with the number of liquid filling cups 342 corresponding to each set of batteries to be filled.

[0267] For example, the liquid preparation unit 250 of the liquid preparation device 200 switches between N transverse positions, N≥2, to prepare liquid for the liquid filling cups 342 corresponding to the N groups of batteries to be filled; wherein the liquid preparation unit 250 has M liquid preparation needles 253, the liquid filling device 300 has N groups of batteries to be filled, each group of batteries to be filled has M batteries, and the number of liquid filling cups 342 corresponding to each group of batteries to be filled is M.

[0268] It should be noted that each injection device 300 contains 18 batteries to be injected, and in the embodiment with 18 injection cups 342.

[0269] In the prior art, 18 backup pumps can be set in the backup liquid device 200 to provide backup liquid to 18 injection cups 342 in a one-to-one correspondence. Although simultaneous backup liquid can be achieved, the number of backup pumps is large, the cost is high, and the backup liquid device 200 occupies a large space and is difficult to arrange. Alternatively, 6 backup pumps can be set in the backup liquid device 200, with each backup pump used to provide backup liquid to 3 injection cups 342. That is, each backup pump supplies 3 injection cups 342. Three sub-pipelines need to be set between the backup pumps and the injection cups 342 and controlled separately, which increases the number of pipelines, control valves and other hardware costs, and the control is difficult.

[0270] Based on this, this application enables the liquid preparation unit 250 of the liquid preparation device 200 to switch between N transverse positions, such as: switching between the first transverse position, the second transverse position, ... the (N-1)th transverse position, and the Nth transverse position. The number of transverse positions is consistent with the number of battery packs to be injected. The total number of batteries to be injected = (the number of battery packs to be injected N multiplied by the number of liquid preparation needles 253 M). At each transverse position, M liquid preparation needles 253 can be used to prepare liquid for M injection cups 342.

[0271] In other words, the liquid injection device 300 has multiple batteries to be injected, and the multiple batteries to be injected can be grouped for liquid preparation. The liquid preparation unit 250 has M liquid preparation needles 253, which prepare liquid for M injection cups 342 each time.

[0272] It is understood that the liquid preparation device 200 in this embodiment prepares liquid for M injection cups 342 each time through M liquid preparation needles 253, without the need to add pipelines, control valves or other hardware, and the control logic is simple. It can realize one-to-one liquid preparation. At the same time, by switching the liquid preparation unit 250 between N lateral positions, the liquid preparation of N groups of injection cups 342 can be realized by switching positions multiple times. It is not necessary to set a corresponding number of liquid preparation pumps and liquid preparation needles 253 based on the number of injection cups 342. This simplifies the structure of the liquid preparation device 200, reduces the cost of the liquid preparation device 200, improves the space occupation of the liquid preparation device 200, and improves the reliability and stability of the battery liquid filling equipment 1000.

[0273] like Figure 2 As shown, according to some embodiments of this application, the liquid preparation section 250 of the liquid injection device 300 switches between at least two lateral positions to prepare liquid for at least two sets of liquid injection cups 342 corresponding to the batteries to be injected, including:

[0274] The liquid preparation unit 250 is in the initial position;

[0275] The first drive module 220 of the liquid preparation device 200 drives the liquid preparation section 250 to switch between the rising position and the falling position along the first direction, and records the number of liquid preparations each time the liquid preparation section 250 is in the falling position.

[0276] The second drive module 230 of the liquid preparation device 200 drives the liquid preparation section 250 to move sequentially to each transverse position along the second direction;

[0277] The third drive module 240 of the liquid preparation device 200 drives the liquid preparation unit 250 to switch between the liquid preparation position and the air-avoidance position along a third direction.

[0278] Specifically, the liquid preparation unit 250 is in the initial position. The first drive module 220 of the liquid preparation device 200 drives the liquid preparation unit 250 to switch between an upward position and a downward position along a first direction. Each time the liquid preparation unit 250 is in the downward position, the number of injections is recorded as X, which is initially 0. The second drive module 230 of the liquid preparation device 200 drives the liquid preparation unit 250 to move along a second direction to the Yth transverse position, where Y = X + 1 and Y is less than or equal to N. The third drive module 240 of the liquid preparation device 200 drives the liquid preparation unit 250 to switch between a liquid preparation position and an air-avoidance position along a third direction.

[0279] When the liquid preparation unit 250 is in a descending position along the first direction, in a transverse position along the second direction, and in a liquid preparation position along the third direction, the liquid preparation unit 250 opens and prepares liquid for the injection cup 342. The first direction is the axial direction of the material tray 100, the third direction is the radial direction of the material tray 100, and the second direction is tangent to the virtual outer periphery of the material tray 100.

[0280] When the liquid preparation unit 250 is in the initial position, it is in the rising position and the air-avoiding position. When the liquid injection device 300 moves to the second position b, the liquid preparation unit 250 moves to the liquid preparation position under the drive of the third drive module 240, and switches between multiple lateral positions in sequence under the drive of the second drive module 230. In each lateral position, it is driven by the first drive module 220 to switch from the rising position to the falling position to prepare liquid. After the liquid preparation is completed, it switches back to the rising position.

[0281] For example, the lateral movement positions include a first lateral movement position, a second lateral movement position, and a third lateral movement position. The specific process of the liquid preparation unit 250 is as follows: the second drive module 230 drives the liquid preparation unit 250 to the liquid preparation position; the third drive module 240 drives the liquid preparation unit 250 to the first lateral movement position; the first drive module 220 drives the liquid injection unit 340 to the descending position for the first liquid preparation; after the first liquid preparation is completed, the first drive module 220 drives the liquid preparation unit 250 to return to the ascending position; and the third drive module 240 drives the liquid injection unit 340 to the descending position for the first liquid preparation. The injection unit 340 moves to the second transverse position, and the first drive module 220 drives the preparation unit 250 to the lower position to perform the second preparation. After the second preparation is completed, the first drive module 220 drives the preparation unit 250 to return to the upper position. The third drive module 240 drives the injection unit 340 to the third transverse position, and the first drive module 220 drives the preparation unit 250 to the lower position to perform the third injection. After the third injection is completed, the first drive module 220 drives the preparation unit 250 to return to the upper position.

[0282] Thus, the liquid preparation unit 250 can move in the first, second, and third directions through the first drive module 220, the second drive module 230, and the third drive module 240, thereby enabling the liquid preparation cups 342 in the liquid injection device 300 to be prepared in groups, which improves the accuracy of liquid preparation, simplifies the difficulty of liquid preparation, and improves the efficiency of liquid preparation.

[0283] like Figure 2 As shown, according to some embodiments of this application, the liquid preparation section 250 of the liquid injection device 300 switches between at least two lateral positions to prepare liquid for at least two sets of liquid injection cups 342 corresponding to the batteries to be injected, and further includes:

[0284] When the number of injection cycles equals the number of battery packs to be injected, the backup liquid unit 250 returns to its initial position to avoid the injection device 300 and resets the backup liquid cycle.

[0285] In other words, the number of injection cycles equal to the number of battery packs to be injected indicates that all injection cups 342 in the injection device 300 have been injected. At this time, the number of injection cycles is reset and the preparation unit 250 is reset to the initial position. This ensures that when the preparation unit 200 prepares for the next injection device 300, the preparation unit 250 also needs to perform the same number of preparation cycles equal to the number of battery packs to be injected. This improves the preparation accuracy, ensures that all injection cups 342 in the injection device 300 can be prepared, improves the reliability of preparation, and thus improves the reliability and stability of the battery injection equipment 1000.

[0286] The liquid preparation process of the liquid preparation device according to an embodiment of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0287] The liquid preparation unit 250 is in the initial position, that is, the first drive module 220 drives the liquid preparation unit 250 to the rising position, the second drive module 230 drives the liquid preparation unit 250 to the air-avoiding position, and the current liquid preparation count is 0, and the number of liquid-filled battery packs is N.

[0288] The second drive module 230 drives the liquid preparation unit 250 to move to the liquid preparation position;

[0289] In the first liquid preparation, the third drive module 240 drives the liquid preparation unit 250 to move to the first liquid preparation position, and the first drive module 220 drives the liquid preparation unit 250 to move to the lower position to start liquid preparation and record the number of liquid preparations as 1. After the liquid preparation is completed, the third drive module 240 drives the liquid preparation unit 250 to reset to the upper position. Since 1 is less than N, the second liquid preparation is performed.

[0290] For the second liquid preparation, the third drive module 240 moves the liquid preparation unit 250 to the second liquid preparation position, and the first drive module 220 moves the liquid preparation unit 250 to the lower position to start liquid preparation and record the number of liquid preparations as 2. After liquid preparation is completed, the third drive module 240 moves the liquid preparation unit 250 back to the upper position. Since 2 is less than N, the third liquid preparation is executed...

[0291] For the (N-1)th liquid preparation, the third drive module 240 drives the liquid preparation unit 250 to move to the (N-1)th liquid preparation position, the first drive module 220 drives the liquid preparation unit 250 to move to the lower position, liquid preparation begins, and the number of liquid preparations is recorded as N-1. Liquid preparation is completed, the third drive module 240 drives the liquid preparation unit 250 to reset to the upper position, N-1 < N, and the Nth liquid preparation is performed.

[0292] For the Nth liquid preparation, the third drive module 240 drives the liquid preparation unit 250 to move to the Nth liquid preparation position, and the first drive module 220 drives the liquid preparation unit 250 to move to the lower position to start liquid preparation and record the number of liquid preparations as N. After the liquid preparation is completed, the third drive module 240 drives the liquid preparation unit 250 to reset to the upper position, N = N, and the entire liquid preparation process is completed. The liquid preparation unit 250 is then reset to the initial position.

[0293] It should be noted that each time liquid is prepared, the first drive module 220, the second drive module 230 and the third drive module 240 can be equipped with a position detection module to issue an alarm when the first drive module 220, the second drive module 230 and the third drive module 240 exceed the timeout, so as to improve the reliability and stability of the liquid preparation device 200.

[0294] Simultaneously, after the preparation of electrolyte begins, the preparation pump, preparation membrane valve 251, and preparation needle valve 252 are turned on to prepare electrolyte. Before the preparation of electrolyte is completed, the preparation pump is turned off first, and the preparation membrane valve 251 and preparation needle valve 252 are turned off after a delay to ensure sufficient preparation of electrolyte and reduce electrolyte residue. At the same time, a detection module can be set to detect the closed position of the preparation needle valve 252 and preparation membrane valve 251 to ensure that their closed state is reliable, thereby reducing the probability of electrode liquid residue and electrolyte overflow and improving the quality of preparation of electrolyte.

[0295] like Figure 3 As shown, according to some embodiments of this application, the airtightness test includes:

[0296] The liquid injection device 300 inserts the liquid injection section 340 into the battery to be injected, seals the liquid injection section 340, and evacuates the battery to be injected.

[0297] Therefore, in this embodiment of the application, by evacuating the battery to be injected with liquid to conduct an airtightness test, and by determining whether the sealing performance of the battery to be injected with liquid is intact through the airtightness test, the battery with intact sealing performance can be injected with liquid, thereby improving the battery yield and the reliability and stability of the battery injection equipment 1000.

[0298] like Figure 3 As shown, according to some embodiments of this application, the liquid injection device 300's injection section 340 is inserted into the battery to be injected, the liquid injection section 340 is sealed, and the battery to be injected is evacuated, specifically including:

[0299] The fourth drive module 320 of the liquid injection device 300 drives the limiting structure 350 to limit the battery to be injected, and causes the injection needle 343 of the liquid injection part 340 to be inserted into the battery to be injected.

[0300] The fifth drive module 330 of the injection device 300 drives the injection cup plug 345 of the injection section 340 to block the injection cup 342, thereby sealing the injection cup 342.

[0301] Vacuum the battery before it is filled with electrolyte.

[0302] Specifically, during the vacuuming process of the battery to be injected, the injection needle 343 is inserted into the battery under the drive of the fourth drive module 320. The injection cup plug 345 is pressed down and seals the injection cup 342 to seal the injection port of the injection cup 342. The injection membrane plug valve is opened, the vacuum pipeline solenoid valve of the injection section 340 is opened, and the battery to be injected is evacuated. After the vacuum degree reaches the preset process value, the pressure is maintained for a certain period of time (e.g., 60s). During the pressure maintenance process, it is detected whether the vacuum degree of the battery to be injected changes, so as to record whether the airtightness of the battery to be injected meets the standard.

[0303] In this way, the battery airtightness test of the battery liquid injection device 1000 in this application embodiment is less difficult, and the airtightness test can be performed between the first position a and the second position b. That is, during the movement of the liquid injection device 300, when the liquid injection device 300 at the second position b is preparing liquid and injecting liquid, the liquid injection device 300 between the first position a and the second position b is simultaneously performing airtightness test. Within the same time period, the liquid injection devices 300 at different positions perform different processes, which can make full and reasonable use of time and improve production efficiency.

[0304] exist Figure 3 In the embodiments shown, according to some embodiments of this application, the airtightness test further includes:

[0305] After the vacuuming of the battery to be injected is completed, the position of the substandard battery to be injected is recorded, and the fifth drive module 330 drives the injection cup plug 345 to reset.

[0306] Specifically, after the airtightness test is completed, the injection membrane plug valve is closed and the pressure relief valve is opened to depressurize the injection cup 342 to atmospheric pressure and reset the injection cup plug 345.

[0307] Understandably, after the airtightness test is completed, the substandard batteries to be injected are marked. After the injection cup plug 345 is reset, the injection device 300 can move to the second position b for liquid preparation. During the liquid preparation process, the injection cup plug 345 has already been reset, so there will be no interference. This makes the control method more reasonable and the processing efficiency higher. Furthermore, since the substandard batteries to be injected are marked, they will not be injected during the subsequent liquid injection process. This can also improve the yield of the battery injection equipment 1000 and reasonably identify defective products.

[0308] like Figure 3 As shown, according to some embodiments of this application, the injection action specifically includes:

[0309] The liquid injection device 300 moves to the second position b, and the liquid preparation device 200 prepares liquid for the other liquid injection parts 340 corresponding to the substandard liquid-filled battery positions, and after the liquid preparation is completed;

[0310] The liquid injection section 340 opens the liquid injection membrane valve to inject liquid into the battery to be injected, and performs a liquid injection delay (e.g., according to the first time threshold).

[0311] Specifically, after the electrolyte preparation is completed, the electrolyte preparation unit 250 moves to the initial position to avoid obstacles, the electrolyte injection membrane valve of the injection unit 340 opens, and the electrolyte in the injection cup 342 is injected into the battery to be injected. The electrolyte injection membrane valve of the battery that does not meet the requirements is not opened so that it is not injected. After the injection is completed, the plug 345 of the injection cup is pressed down and seals the preparation port of the injection cup 342 to delay the injection.

[0312] Therefore, during the liquid injection process, based on the airtightness test structure, substandard batteries can be prevented from being injected with liquid, thereby screening out defective batteries, improving the quality of liquid injection, increasing the yield, and reducing safety hazards.

[0313] The first time threshold can be 30s, 60s, etc.

[0314] According to some embodiments of this application, the positive and negative pressure cycling operation includes:

[0315] After the injection delay is completed, the injection cup plug 345 of the injection device 300 seals the injection cup 342;

[0316] Open the positive pressure valve and the negative pressure valve in sequence to complete the positive and negative pressure cycle.

[0317] Specifically, after the liquid injection delay is achieved and the liquid injection cup plug 345 is pressed down and seals the liquid injection port of the liquid injection cup 342, the positive pressure valve can be opened to carry out the positive pressure process and the negative pressure valve to carry out the negative pressure process. Through positive and negative pressure cycles, the battery durability test can be achieved to ensure the performance stability of the battery after liquid injection is completed.

[0318] According to some embodiments of this application, the process of sequentially opening the pressure boosting valve and the negative pressure valve to complete the positive and negative pressure cycle specifically includes:

[0319] Open the positive pressure valve. After the positive pressure process time threshold is reached, open the negative pressure valve to draw out the negative pressure. After the negative pressure process time threshold is reached, move to the first position a.

[0320] Understandably, after completing the positive and negative pressure cycle, the battery with liquid filling moves to the first position a, at which point the battery with liquid filling can be removed. Meanwhile, during the process of the liquid filling device 300 moving from the second position b to the first position a, the positive and negative pressure cycle can be carried out simultaneously. Within the same time period, the liquid filling devices 300 at different positions perform different processes, which can make reasonable use of time, simplify the production cycle, and improve production efficiency.

[0321] For example: the liquid injection device 300 at the first position a loads the battery to be injected with liquid, the liquid injection device 300 between the first position a and the second position b performs an airtightness test on the battery to be injected with liquid, the liquid preparation device 200 at the second position b prepares liquid for the liquid injection device 300 at the second position b, after the liquid preparation is completed, the liquid injection device 300 injects liquid, and the liquid injection device 300 between the second position b and the first position a performs positive and negative pressure cycling on the battery after liquid injection.

[0322] It should be noted that the positive pressure process time threshold refers to the time the battery maintains a positive pressure state after the positive pressure valve is opened, and the negative pressure process time threshold refers to the time the battery maintains a negative pressure state after the negative pressure valve is opened. The positive and negative pressure cycle can be performed once or multiple times, and in each cycle, the time length corresponding to the positive and negative pressure process time thresholds is consistent, such as 30s or 60s. As shown in the figure, the liquid injection device 300 of this embodiment can simultaneously realize the airtightness test before liquid injection, liquid injection, and positive and negative pressure cycle after liquid injection. The specific process is as follows:

[0323] The battery fixture 422, on which the battery to be injected is loaded on the loading and unloading device 400, is transferred to the injection device 300.

[0324] The fifth drive module 330 drives the fifth motion plate to move, the limiting structure 350 contacts the battery first, and the elastic element 360 ensures that the battery is elastically pushed, and the injection needle 343 is inserted into the battery to be injected.

[0325] Under the drive of the fourth drive module 320, the plug 345 of the injection cup seals the liquid preparation port of the injection cup 342;

[0326] Open the injection membrane valve and open the injection cup 342 vacuum tube solenoid valve to evacuate the battery to be injected. After reaching the preset vacuum level, automatically detect the overall airtightness during the pressure holding process and record the location of the battery to be injected that does not meet the standard.

[0327] Close the injection diaphragm valve and open the pressure relief valve to restore injection cup 342 to normal pressure;

[0328] The plug 345 of the injection cup rises, and the liquid preparation device 200 prepares liquid for each injection cup 342 in turn. After the liquid preparation is completed, the liquid preparation device 200 returns to the initial position.

[0329] Open the injection membrane valve, and the injection needle 343 injects liquid into the battery to be injected, and executes the injection delay (first time threshold);

[0330] The plug 345 of the injection cup descends, sealing the liquid preparation port of the injection cup 342, and performs positive and negative pressure circulation;

[0331] The positive and negative pressure cycle has ended, and the injection is complete.

[0332] like Figure 4 As shown, according to some embodiments of this application, the loading and unloading operations include:

[0333] The loading and unloading device 400's pick-up and drop-down section 410 switches between a pick-up and drop-down position and a clearance position to avoid the pick-up and feed chain 420 or pick up and drop batteries, including batteries to be injected with electrolyte and batteries that have been injected with electrolyte.

[0334] Specifically, the picking and placing section 410 of the loading and unloading device 400 can switch between a picking and placing position and a clearance position. Both the clearance position and the picking and placing position are located in the first direction. In the clearance position, the picking and placing section 410 can be located above the liquid injection device 300, or the picking and placing section 410 can be located above the feeding chain 420, so as to achieve clearance from the feeding chain 420. This allows the feeding chain 420 to transport the battery to be injected to the battery fixture 422. After the battery to be injected is loaded into the battery fixture 422, the loading and unloading device 400 is further switched to the picking and placing position to pick up the battery to be injected. After picking up the battery to be injected, it can be further placed into the liquid injection device 300, and the battery to be injected is removed from the liquid injection device 300.

[0335] In other words, the loading and unloading device 400 can pick up and place the battery to be injected and complete the loading and unloading of the battery to be injected, so that the battery injection device 300 in the first position a can load the battery to be injected at the same time as the battery to be injected is removed, thereby improving processing efficiency. The probability of interference between the picking and placing part 410 and the feeding chain 420 is also lower, which can also improve the reliability and stability of the battery injection equipment 1000.

[0336] According to some embodiments of this application, the picking and placing section 410 of the loading and unloading device 400 switches between a picking and placing position and an avoidance position to avoid the picking and feeding chain 420 of the loading and unloading device 400 or the picking and placing of batteries, specifically including:

[0337] The pick-and-place unit 410 switches between the first pick-and-place position and the second pick-and-place position under the drive of the sixth drive module 430;

[0338] The pick-and-place unit 410 switches between the pick-and-place position and the avoidance position under the drive of the seventh drive module 440;

[0339] The pick-and-place unit 410, driven by the eighth drive module 450, switches between a clamping state and a releasing state; wherein

[0340] The pick-and-place positions include a first pick-and-place position and a second pick-and-place position. The first pick-and-place position is located on the feeding chain 420, and the second pick-and-place position is located on the liquid injection device 300. When the pick-and-place part 410 is in the first pick-and-place position and in the clamping state, it is suitable for clamping the battery to be injected with liquid. When the pick-and-place part 410 is in the first pick-and-place position and in the released state, it is suitable for placing the battery that has been injected with liquid. When the pick-and-place part 410 is in the second pick-and-place position and in the released state, it is suitable for placing the battery to be injected with liquid. When the pick-and-place part 410 is in the second pick-and-place position and in the clamping state, it is suitable for clamping the battery that has been injected with liquid.

[0341] Specifically, the sixth drive module 430 can drive the pick-and-place unit 410 to switch between a first pick-and-place position and a second pick-and-place position, so as to pick up the battery to be injected or place the battery that has been injected into liquid in the area of ​​the pick-and-place chain 420 corresponding to the first pick-and-place position, and pick up the battery that has been injected into liquid in the area of ​​the liquid injection device 300 corresponding to the second pick-and-place position, or place the battery to be injected into liquid. The seventh drive module 440 can drive the pick-and-place unit 410 to be in an avoidance position to avoid obstacles, or to be in a pick-and-place position to pick up and place the battery to be injected into liquid, or pick up and place the battery that has been injected into liquid. The eighth drive module 450 is used to clamp or release the battery by the pick-and-place unit 410.

[0342] In other words, the battery loading and unloading process of the loading and unloading device 400 is as follows:

[0343] When the pick-and-place section 410 is in a clearance position, the pick-and-feed chain 420 transports the battery to be injected to one end of the fourth frame 423 adjacent to the pick-and-place section 410, and loads the battery to be injected into the battery fixture 422. The loaded battery fixture 422 is lifted to a certain height by the drive of the tenth drive module 470.

[0344] The seventh drive module 440 drives the pick-and-place unit 410 to switch to the pick-and-place position, and the pick-and-place clamp 412 located in the first pick-and-place position switches to the clamping state to clamp the battery to be injected with liquid, and the pick-and-place clamp 412 located in the second pick-and-place position switches to the clamping state to clamp the battery after liquid injection.

[0345] After the gripping is completed, the seventh drive module 440 drives the pick-and-place unit 410 to switch to the avoidance position, the sixth drive module 430 drives the pick-and-place fixture 412 located in the first pick-and-place position to switch to the second pick-and-place position, and the pick-and-place fixture 412 located in the second pick-and-place position to switch to the first pick-and-place position.

[0346] The seventh drive module 440 drives the pick-and-place unit 410 to switch to the pick-and-place position, and the pick-and-place clamp 412 located in the first pick-and-place position switches to the release state to place the liquid-filled battery to the pick-and-feed chain 420. The pick-and-place clamp 412 located in the second pick-and-place position switches to the release state to place the battery to be liquid-filled to the liquid-filling device 300.

[0347] Therefore, by setting up the loading and unloading device 400, the loading and unloading of batteries to be injected and the loading and unloading of batteries to be injected can be realized simultaneously. At the same time as placing the batteries to be injected into the injection device 300, the injection device 300 is moved out to the feeding chain 420, thereby improving the coordination of the battery injection equipment 1000, increasing the loading and unloading speed, speeding up the production cycle, and improving production efficiency.

[0348] According to some embodiments of this application, the control method further includes:

[0349] The material tray 100 drives the liquid injection device 300 to rotate to the third position c, and the residual liquid receiving device 500 recovers the remaining electrolyte in the liquid injection device 300;

[0350] Material tray 100 drives liquid injection device 300 to rotate to the fourth position d, tilting the battery with potential safety hazards to the safety device 600; among which

[0351] The first position a, the second position b, and the third position c are set in a counterclockwise or clockwise direction, and the fourth position d is located between the first position a and the second position b.

[0352] Specifically, the battery electrolyte filling device 1000 of this application also has a third position c and a fourth position d, and the first position a, the second position b, and the third position c are arranged in a counterclockwise or clockwise direction. The fourth position d is located between the first position a and the second position b, so that the electrolyte filling device 300 can realize loading and unloading from the first position a, realize air tightness testing from the first position a to the second position b, realize electrolyte preparation and filling from the second position b to the third position c, realize positive and negative pressure circulation after electrolyte filling, and recover residual electrolyte from the electrolyte filling device 300 after the electrolyte filling is completed at the third position c. Batteries with safety hazards (such as abnormal temperature) can be moved to the fourth position d and tilted into the safety device 600 to eliminate safety hazards.

[0353] Therefore, by setting a residual electrolyte receiving device 500 at the third position c and adapting the residual electrolyte receiving process, the remaining electrolyte can be recycled, thereby improving the electrolyte utilization rate and reducing the electrolyte filling cost of the battery filling equipment 1000. By setting a safety device 600 at the fourth position d and adapting the safety process, batteries with potential safety hazards can be transferred to the safety device 600 in a timely manner, which can also improve the safety and reliability of the battery filling equipment 1000.

[0354] It is understood that the control method in this application embodiment includes: loading and unloading actions implemented by the loading and unloading device 400, and the loading and unloading actions can be performed synchronously; pre-injection airtightness test action, injection action, and positive and negative pressure circulation action after injection implemented by the injection device 300; liquid preparation action implemented by the liquid preparation device 200; electrolyte recovery step implemented by the residual liquid receiving device 500; and safety action that can be selectively implemented by the safety device 600.

[0355] For the same liquid injection device 300, the feeding action, the airtightness test before liquid injection, the liquid preparation action, the liquid injection action, the positive and negative pressure circulation action after liquid injection, the residual liquid receiving step, and the unloading action are performed sequentially to improve production efficiency. If a battery with a safety hazard is found during any step of the process, it is transferred to the safety device 600 at the fourth position d to improve the safety and reliability of the battery liquid injection equipment 1000. For multiple liquid injection devices 300, the same feeding and unloading device 400 is used for feeding and unloading, and the same liquid preparation device 200 is used for liquid preparation, which can simplify the cost of the battery liquid injection equipment 1000 and improve space occupancy.

[0356] Other configurations and operations of the battery liquid injection device 1000 according to embodiments of the present invention are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0357] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0358] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand 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 which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A battery electrolyte filling device, characterized in that, include: Material tray; The liquid injection device is distributed circumferentially along the material tray and is adapted to move under the drive of the material tray; A loading and unloading device is located at a first position on the material tray and is used to pick up and place batteries to the liquid injection device located at the first position. A liquid preparation device is located at the second position of the material tray; in The liquid preparation device includes: a first drive module, a second drive module, a third drive module, and a liquid preparation unit. The first drive module drives the liquid preparation unit to switch between a rising position and a falling position along a first direction. The second drive module drives the liquid preparation unit to move sequentially between multiple lateral positions along a second direction. The third drive module drives the liquid preparation unit to switch between a liquid preparation position and a clearing position.

2. The battery electrolyte filling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid preparation device includes: The first frame, the third drive module is movably disposed on the first frame, the second drive module is movably disposed on the first drive module, the first drive module is movably disposed on the second drive module, and the liquid preparation unit is disposed on the first drive module.

3. The battery electrolyte filling device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The liquid preparation section includes: multiple sets of liquid preparation membrane valves, liquid preparation needle valves and liquid preparation needles connected in sequence. The liquid preparation needles are adapted to extend into the liquid preparation section of the liquid injection device, and the liquid preparation pump corresponds to each liquid preparation needle.

4. The battery electrolyte filling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The injection device includes: The second rack is used to house the batteries; The fourth drive module and the liquid injection unit are provided. The fourth drive module is movably disposed on the second frame and is used to drive the liquid injection unit to move toward or away from the battery.

5. The battery electrolyte filling device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The injection unit includes: an injection cup mounting bracket, an injection cup disposed on the injection cup mounting bracket, and an injection needle. The injection cup mounting bracket is connected to the fourth drive module.

6. The battery electrolyte filling device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The liquid injection section further includes a limiting structure, which is opposite to and connected to the liquid injection cup mounting bracket. The limiting structure is disposed adjacent to the battery relative to the liquid injection needle and is used to limit the battery.

7. The battery electrolyte filling device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The limiting structure is connected to the liquid injection cup mounting bracket via an elastic element, and the elastic element is used to allow the limiting structure to elastically push against the battery.

8. The battery electrolyte filling device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The injection unit further includes: a plug mounting bracket and an injection cup plug disposed on the plug mounting bracket. The fifth drive module is disposed on the second frame. The plug mounting bracket is connected to the fifth drive module and is adapted to drive the injection cup plug to seal the injection cup.

9. The battery electrolyte filling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The loading and unloading device includes a pick-and-place section and a pick-and-feed conveyor. The pick-and-place section is used to pick up batteries, and the pick-and-feed conveyor is used to supply batteries to be injected with electrolyte to a first position.

10. The battery electrolyte filling device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The pick-and-place unit includes: a third frame, a turntable, a pick-and-place fixture, and a sixth drive module. The turntable is movably mounted on the turntable. The sixth drive module is used to drive the turntable to move. The turntable is provided with a pick-and-place fixture to switch between a first pick-and-place position and a second pick-and-place position.

11. The battery electrolyte filling device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The pick-and-place unit further includes a seventh drive module, which is movably mounted on the third frame and connected to the turntable to drive the pick-and-place fixture to switch between a pick-and-place position and an avoidance position.

12. The battery electrolyte filling device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The pick-and-place clamp is movably mounted on the turntable via the eighth drive module to switch between a clamping state and a releasing state.

13. The battery electrolyte filling device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The material handling conveyor includes: a conveyor and a battery fixture located at one end of the conveyor. The conveyor is used to transport batteries, and the battery fixture is used to place batteries.

14. The battery electrolyte filling device according to claim 13, characterized in that, The material handling chain also includes a fourth frame, a ninth drive module, and a tray. The tray is adapted to place the battery fixture and is movably disposed on the fourth frame. It is also adapted to move toward or away from the liquid injection device under the drive of the ninth drive module.

15. The battery electrolyte filling device according to claim 14, characterized in that, The tray includes a connecting plate and a support block. The connecting plate is connected to the fourth frame. The support block is movably mounted on the connecting plate via a tenth drive module. The support block is used to support the battery fixture, the battery fixture is used to carry the battery, and the pick-and-place part is adapted to pick up the battery or pick up the battery fixture.

16. The battery electrolyte filling device according to claim 14, characterized in that, The material handling chain also includes a cup, which is movably disposed on the chain or the battery fixture. A guide portion is provided on the outer periphery of the cup, and a guide rail extending along the direction of movement is provided on the chain, with the guide rail and the guide portion providing guidance and cooperation.

17. The battery electrolyte filling device according to claim 16, characterized in that, The cup holder is constructed as a hollow cylinder.

18. The battery electrolyte filling device according to claim 16, characterized in that, The inner wall of the cup is provided with a limiting flange, which is used to support the battery.

19. The battery electrolyte filling device according to claim 16, characterized in that, The end of the cup is provided with a second guide portion, which is used to guide the battery.

20. The battery electrolyte filling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery electrolyte filling device further includes a safety device and a residual electrolyte receiving device. The residual electrolyte receiving device is located at a third position, and the safety device is located at a fourth position. The first position, the second position, and the third position are arranged at intervals in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, and the fourth position is located between the first position and the second position.

21. A battery electrolyte injection method, characterized in that, The battery electrolyte injection method is applicable to the battery electrolyte injection device according to any one of claims 1-20, and the battery electrolyte injection method includes: The liquid injection device is in the first position, and the loading and unloading device performs loading and unloading actions to place the battery to be injected into the liquid injection device. The material tray drives the liquid injection device to rotate from the first position, and the liquid injection device performs an airtightness test to perform an airtightness test on the battery to be injected. The material tray drives the liquid injection device to rotate to the second position, and the liquid preparation device performs the liquid preparation action to prepare liquid for the liquid injection device. After the liquid preparation is completed, the liquid injection device performs the liquid injection action to inject liquid into the battery to be injected. The material tray drives the liquid injection device to rotate from the second position, and the liquid injection device performs positive and negative pressure cycle action to perform positive and negative pressure cycle on the liquid-filled battery; The material tray drives the liquid injection device to rotate to the first position, and the loading and unloading device performs loading and unloading actions to remove the liquid-injected battery; wherein The liquid injection device comprises multiple units, which are spaced circumferentially on the material tray. It rotates from the first position to the second position in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to complete the airtightness test. In the second position, it completes the liquid preparation and liquid injection. It rotates from the second position to the first position to complete the positive and negative pressure cycle. In the first position, it completes the placement of the battery to be injected and / or the removal of the injected battery.

22. The battery electrolyte injection method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The liquid preparation process includes: The liquid preparation unit of the liquid preparation device switches between at least two lateral positions to prepare liquid for at least two sets of liquid filling cups corresponding to the batteries to be filled; wherein the number of liquid preparation needles in the liquid preparation unit is consistent with the number of liquid filling cups corresponding to each set of batteries to be filled.

23. The battery electrolyte injection method according to claim 22, characterized in that, The liquid preparation unit of the liquid injection device switches between at least two lateral positions to prepare liquid for at least two sets of liquid injection cups corresponding to the batteries to be injected, including: The liquid preparation section is in the initial position; The first drive module of the liquid preparation device drives the liquid preparation section to switch between an upward position and a downward position along a first direction, and records the number of liquid preparations each time the liquid preparation section is in the downward position; The second drive module of the liquid preparation device drives the liquid preparation section to move sequentially to each of the said transverse positions along the second direction; The third drive module of the liquid preparation device drives the liquid preparation unit to switch between the liquid preparation position and the air-proof position along a third direction; wherein When the liquid preparation unit is in a descending position along the first direction, in any lateral position along the second direction, and in a liquid preparation position along the third direction, the liquid preparation unit opens and prepares liquid for the injection cup. The first direction is the axial direction of the material tray, the second direction is tangent to the virtual outer periphery of the material tray, and the third direction is the radial direction of the material tray, or tangent to the virtual outer periphery of the material tray.

24. The battery electrolyte injection method according to claim 23, characterized in that, The liquid preparation unit of the liquid injection device switches between at least two lateral positions to prepare liquid for at least two sets of liquid injection cups corresponding to the batteries to be injected. It also includes: When the number of injection cycles equals the number of battery packs to be injected, the backup liquid unit returns to its initial position to avoid the injection device and resets the backup liquid cycle.

25. The battery electrolyte injection method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The airtightness test includes: The liquid injection device is inserted into the battery to be injected, the liquid injection part is sealed, and the battery to be injected is evacuated.

26. The battery electrolyte injection method according to claim 25, characterized in that, The liquid injection device is inserted into the battery to be injected, the liquid injection section is sealed, and the battery to be injected is evacuated, specifically including: The fourth drive module of the liquid injection device drives the limiting structure to limit the battery to be injected, and causes the liquid injection needle of the liquid injection part to be inserted into the battery to be injected. The fifth drive module of the injection device drives the injection cup plug of the injection section to seal the injection cup; The battery to be injected with liquid is evacuated.

27. The battery electrolyte injection method according to claim 26, characterized in that, The airtightness test also includes: After the vacuuming of the battery to be injected is completed, the position of the substandard battery to be injected is recorded, and the fifth drive module drives the plug of the injection cup to reset.

28. The battery electrolyte injection method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The injection action specifically includes: The liquid injection device moves to the second position, and the liquid preparation device prepares liquid for the other liquid injection parts corresponding to the substandard liquid-filled batteries based on the substandard liquid-filled battery positions, and after the liquid preparation is completed; The liquid injection section opens the liquid injection membrane valve to inject liquid into the battery to be injected, and performs a liquid injection delay.

29. The battery electrolyte injection method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The positive and negative pressure cycle includes: After the injection delay is completed, the injection cup plug of the injection device seals the injection cup; Open the positive pressure valve and the negative pressure valve in sequence to complete the positive and negative pressure cycle.

30. The battery electrolyte injection method according to claim 29, characterized in that, The sequential opening of the pressure boosting valve and the negative pressure valve to complete the positive and negative pressure cycle specifically includes: The injection device opens the positive pressure valve. After the positive pressure process time threshold is reached, the injection device opens the negative pressure valve to draw out negative pressure. After the negative pressure process time threshold is reached, the device moves to the first position.

31. The battery electrolyte injection method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The loading and unloading operations include: The loading and unloading device switches between a loading / unloading position and a clearance position to avoid the feeding chain or the battery, wherein the battery includes: a battery to be injected with electrolyte and a battery that has been injected with electrolyte.

32. The battery electrolyte injection method according to claim 31, characterized in that, The loading and unloading device switches between a loading / unloading position and an avoidance position to avoid the loading / unloading device's feeding chain or battery loading / unloading. Specifically, this includes: The pick-and-place unit switches between a first pick-and-place position and a second pick-and-place position under the drive of the sixth drive module; The pick-and-place unit switches between the pick-and-place position and the avoidance position under the drive of the seventh drive module; The pick-and-place unit switches between a clamping state and a releasing state under the drive of the eighth drive module; wherein The pick-and-place positions include a first pick-and-place position and a second pick-and-place position. The first pick-and-place position is located on the feeding chain, and the second pick-and-place position is located on the liquid injection device. When the pick-and-place part is in the first pick-and-place position and in the clamping state, it is suitable for clamping the battery to be injected with liquid. When the pick-and-place part is in the first pick-and-place position and in the releasing state, it is suitable for placing the battery that has been injected with liquid. When the pick-and-place part is in the second pick-and-place position and in the releasing state, it is suitable for placing the battery to be injected with liquid. When the pick-and-place part is in the second pick-and-place position and in the clamping state, it is suitable for clamping the battery that has been injected with liquid.

33. The battery electrolyte injection method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The battery electrolyte filling method further includes: The material tray drives the liquid injection device to rotate to the third position, and the residual liquid receiving device performs the residual liquid receiving action to recover the remaining electrolyte in the liquid injection device; The material tray drives the liquid injection device to rotate to the fourth position, and the safety device executes a safety action to tilt the potentially hazardous battery towards the safety device; among which... The first position, the second position, and the third position are arranged sequentially in a counterclockwise or clockwise direction, and the fourth position is located between the first position and the second position.

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