Battery cell CT detection mechanism and automatic detection system

Abstract

The utility model discloses a cell CT detection mechanism and an automatic detection system, and relates to the technical field of cell production. The battery cell CT detection mechanism comprises a CT detection machine which is provided with a detection area; the detection platform comprises a rotating assembly and clamping assemblies, the rotating assembly is configured to rotate around an axis extending up and down, the rotating assembly is provided with at least two stations in the circumferential direction of the axis of the rotating assembly, each station is provided with the clamping assembly used for fixing a battery cell, and the clamping assemblies are configured to rotate around the axis extending up and down relative to the rotating assembly. The battery cell enters and exits from the detection area; wherein detection platforms are arranged on two opposite sides of the detection area. According to the utility model, the detection efficiency of the battery cell can be improved, so that the speed of CT detection work can be matched with a battery cell manufacturing production line.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of battery cell production, and in particular to a battery cell CT detection mechanism and an automatic detection system. Background Art

[0002] Compared with wound batteries, laminated batteries have more advantages in energy density, internal structure stability, safety, lifespan, and space utilization. However, laminated batteries have higher process requirements. The lamination process requires each pole piece to be cut twice, and one battery cell involves dozens of cuts. Each cut carries the risk of burrs on the cross section of the pole piece, which easily leads to defective products. Moreover, during lamination, problems such as misalignment, pole piece twisting and rotation may occur, thus affecting the quality of the battery.

[0003] After the stacking process of the battery cells is completed, the quality inspection process of the battery cells needs to be carried out. Among them, the neatness inspection of the battery cells is usually carried out with the help of CT inspection equipment. However, the existing CT inspection equipment has the following technical problems: the inspection speed is very slow, the inspection efficiency is low, and it is difficult to match the speed of the battery manufacturing production line. Utility Model Content

[0004] The utility model aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the utility model proposes a battery cell CT detection mechanism and an automated detection system, which can improve the detection efficiency of the battery cell.

[0005] The first embodiment of the utility model provides a battery cell CT detection mechanism, which includes:

[0006] A CT inspection machine having an inspection area;

[0007] The detection platform includes a rotating assembly and a clamping assembly, wherein the rotating assembly is configured to rotate around an axis extending up and down, and the rotating assembly is provided with at least two stations along the circumference of the axis, and each of the stations is provided with a clamping assembly for fixing the battery cell, and the clamping assembly is configured to rotate relative to the rotating assembly around the axis extending up and down, so that the battery cell enters and exits the detection area;

[0008] Wherein, the detection platforms are arranged on opposite sides of the detection area.

[0009] The battery cell CT detection mechanism according to the embodiment of the first aspect of the utility model has at least the following beneficial effects: detection platforms are respectively arranged on both sides of the detection area of ​​the CT detection machine, and the two detection platforms can work simultaneously to cooperate with the CT detection machine to complete the battery cell neatness detection work, and can perform CT detection on two battery cells entering the detection area at the same time, thereby improving the detection efficiency.

[0010] Moreover, when the battery cell is placed on the workstation on the rotating component and fixed by the clamping component, the rotating component can drive the clamping component to rotate together with the battery cell, so that the battery cell on one of the workstations is close to the detection area. Then, the clamping component is rotated clockwise and counterclockwise by a certain angle respectively to enable the battery cell to enter the detection area, thereby realizing rapid CT detection of the four corners of the battery cell; then, through the rotation operation of the rotating component, the battery cells on each workstation are sent to the detection area in turn to complete the CT detection work. Such a design can help to realize the feeding and unloading of the workstations on the detection platform during the battery cell CT detection process, speed up the detection speed, and further improve the detection efficiency.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present invention, the rotating assembly includes a rotating plate and a first rotating member, the output end of the first rotating member is connected to the rotating plate to drive the rotating plate to rotate around an axis extending up and down, and the workstations are provided at opposite ends of the rotating plate.

[0012] In some embodiments of the present invention, the clamping assembly includes a clamp and a second rotating member, the second rotating member is disposed on the rotating plate, and the output end of the second rotating member is connected to the clamp to drive the clamp to rotate around an axis extending up and down.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present invention, the detection platform further includes a linear drive component, and an output end of the linear drive component is connected to the rotating component to drive the rotating component to move in a horizontal direction.

[0014] The second aspect of the present invention provides an automated detection system, which includes:

[0015] The battery cell CT detection mechanism as described in the embodiment of the first aspect;

[0016] Feed conveyor line;

[0017] Discharging conveyor line;

[0018] The first handling robot is configured to transfer the battery cells from the feeding conveyor line to the clamping assembly, and to transfer the battery cells from the clamping assembly to the discharging conveyor line. The first handling robot is provided on opposite sides of the battery cell CT detection mechanism.

[0019] The automated detection system according to the embodiment of the second aspect of the utility model has at least the following beneficial effects: first handling robots are arranged on opposite sides of the battery cell CT detection mechanism, and the two first handling robots respectively perform feeding and unloading operations for the corresponding detection platforms; the first handling robots can transport the battery cells on the feeding conveyor line and place them on the unloaded workstations of the detection platform, and transport the battery cells that have completed CT detection from the detection platform and place them on the unloading conveyor line. Such a design can realize automatic feeding and automatic unloading of the detection platform when automatically performing battery cell CT detection, thereby improving the degree of automation and detection efficiency.

[0020] In some embodiments of the utility model, the automated detection system also includes a reflux conveyor line and a second handling robot for transferring battery cells, the feed conveyor line and the discharge conveyor line are arranged side by side, one end of the reflux conveyor line is connected to the feed conveyor line, and the other end is connected to the discharge conveyor line to form a circulating conveyor line, the circulating conveyor line is provided with a plurality of trays for supporting battery cells, the reflux conveyor line is provided with a loading station and an unloading station, and the loading station and the unloading station are both provided with the second handling robot.

[0021] In some embodiments of the present invention, the automated detection system further includes a DR detection device, the reflux conveying line is provided with a DR detection station, and the DR detection station is provided with the DR detection device.

[0022] In some embodiments of the utility model, the automated inspection system also includes a third handling robot, an NG pull belt assembly and a scanning device for scanning the identification code of the battery cell; the reflux conveyor line is provided with a feeding scanning station, a discharging scanning station and a sorting station, the DR inspection station, the discharging scanning station, the sorting station, the unloading station, the loading station and the feeding scanning station are arranged in sequence, the feeding scanning station and the discharging scanning station are both provided with the scanning device, and the third handling robot is configured to transfer NG battery cells from the tray on the sorting station to the NG pull belt assembly.

[0023] In some embodiments of the present invention, the NG pull belt assembly includes an upper NG pull belt, a lower NG pull belt, a linear drive component and a fourth handling robot, the upper NG pull belt and the lower NG pull belt are arranged relative to each other in an upper and lower direction, the linear drive component is configured to drive the upper NG pull belt to move horizontally relative to the lower NG pull belt, the reflux conveyor line is provided with a re-inspection station, and the re-inspection station is located between the loading station and the feeding scanning station, and the fourth handling robot is configured to transfer the battery cells on the upper NG pull belt or the lower NG pull belt to the tray on the re-inspection station.

[0024] In some embodiments of the utility model, the automated inspection system also includes a fifth handling robot, the reflux conveyor line is provided with a replenishing station, the replenishing station is located between the sorting station and the unloading station, a temporary storage station is provided on one side of the replenishing station, and the fifth handling robot is configured to transfer qualified battery cells between the replenishing station and the temporary storage station.

[0025] Other features and advantages of the utility model will be described in the following description, and partly become apparent from the description, or understood by practicing the utility model. The purpose and other advantages of the utility model can be realized and obtained by the structures specifically pointed out in the description, claims and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a battery cell CT detection mechanism provided according to an embodiment of the utility model;

[0027] Figure 2 is a top view of an automated detection system provided according to an embodiment of the utility model;

[0028] Figure 3 It is a structural schematic diagram of an NG pull belt assembly in an automated detection system provided according to an embodiment of the utility model;

[0029] Figure numerals: 100, CT detector; 110, detection ring; 120, X-ray emitter; 130, detector; 140, drive motor; 200, detection platform; 210, rotating plate; 220, fixture; 230, second rotating member; 240, first rotating member; 250, linear drive assembly; 310, battery cell; 320, tray; 400, first handling robot; 510, feeding conveyor line; 520, discharging conveyor line; 530, first corner conveyor line; 540, first Second corner conveyor line; 550, feeding conveyor line; 560, loading robot; 570, unloading robot; 610, first code scanning device; 620, second code scanning device; 700, DR detection device; 810, third handling robot; 820, NG pull belt assembly; 821, upper NG pull belt; 822, lower NG pull belt; 823, slider; 824, guide rail; 825, linear drive member; 826, baffle; 830, fifth handling robot; 840, fourth handling robot. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, and examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and cannot be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0031] In the description of the present invention, it is to be understood that a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

[0032] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or it can be an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0033] Reference below Figures 1 to 3 The following describes the cell CT detection mechanism and the automated detection system provided according to the embodiment of the utility model. It can be understood that: Figure 2 The arrow in the figure indicates the direction of movement of the tray.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, the battery cell CT detection mechanism according to the embodiment of the first aspect of the utility model can improve the detection efficiency of the battery cell 310, so that the speed of the CT detection process can match the speed of the battery cell 310 manufacturing production line, thereby improving the production capacity of the battery cell 310.

[0035] The cell CT detection mechanism has a first direction, a second direction and an up-down direction, wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction and the up-down direction respectively, and the second direction is perpendicular to the up-down direction. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the first direction is the left-right direction and the second direction is the front-back direction.

[0036] The battery cell CT detection mechanism includes a CT detection machine 100 and a detection platform 200 .

[0037] The CT inspection machine 100 has an inspection area, and opening structures are provided on opposite sides of the inspection area. The shape and size of the opening structure are not limited, as long as the battery cell 310 can enter the inspection area through the opening structure, so that the CT inspection machine 100 can perform a neatness inspection on the battery cell 310.

[0038] In this embodiment, the two opening structures are respectively located on both sides of the CT detector 100 in the left and right directions. The CT detector 100 includes a bracket, a detection ring 110 and a drive motor 140. Among them, the detection ring 110 and the drive motor 140 are both arranged on the bracket, and the inner side of the detection ring 110 is provided with an X-ray emitter 120 and a detector 130, and the X-ray emitter 120 and the detector 130 are arranged oppositely and jointly define a detection area. The X-ray emitter 120 can generate X-rays and emit X-rays to the battery cells 310 in the detection area, and the detector 130 can receive the X-rays after penetrating the battery cells 310. Moreover, the detection ring 110 can rotate relative to the bracket around an axis extending left and right, and the outer peripheral surface of the detection ring 110 is provided with a gear ring, and the output shaft of the drive motor 140 is provided with a gear, which is meshed and connected with the gear ring. The drive motor 140 can drive the detection ring 110 to rotate during operation and adjust the position of the X-ray emitter 120.

[0039] It is understandable that the CT detection machine 100 is a prior art, and the present embodiment does not improve the specific structure of the CT detection machine 100. Therefore, those skilled in the art should understand its structure and working principle, and no further detailed description is given here.

[0040] Two opposite sides of the detection area are provided with detection platforms 200. The detection platform 200 includes a rotating component and a clamping component.

[0041] The rotating assembly is configured to rotate around an axis extending in the up-down direction, and the rotating assembly is provided with at least two stations along the circumference of its axis. The number of stations can be set according to actual conditions. Multiple stations can be arranged on the rotating assembly in a uniform or non-uniform arrangement. Each station is provided with a clamping assembly, which is used to fix the battery cell 310, and the clamping assembly is configured to rotate relative to the rotating assembly around an axis extending in the up-down direction, so that the battery cell 310 on the station can enter and exit the detection area through the opening structure.

[0042] In this embodiment, there are two detection platforms 200, one of which is located on the left side of the CT detection machine 100, and the other is located on the right side of the CT detection machine 100. The detection platform 200 can deliver the battery cell 310 into the detection area of ​​the CT detection machine 100 to perform a neatness detection on the battery cell 310. Two workstations are provided on each rotating assembly, and the two workstations are symmetrically arranged about the rotation axis of the rotating assembly.

[0043] It can be understood that by rotating the rotating component clockwise or counterclockwise, each workstation on the rotating component can be close to the opening structure of the CT detection machine 100, and then, by rotating the clamping component clockwise or counterclockwise, the cut end of the battery cell 310 on the workstation can be extended into the detection area, allowing the CT detection machine 100 to perform an evenness detection on the battery cell 310.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, the rotating components located on both sides of the CT inspection machine 100 work, so that the battery cell 310 on one of the workstations of the inspection platform 200 is close to the opening structure of the CT inspection machine 100. Then, when the clamping component located on the left side of the CT inspection machine 100 drives the battery cell 310 to rotate a certain angle in the clockwise direction, one of the cut ends of the battery cell 310 moves into the inspection area; at the same time, the clamping component located on the right side of the CT inspection machine 100 drives the battery cell 310 to rotate a certain angle in the counterclockwise direction, so that one of the cut ends of the battery cell 310 also moves into the inspection area. Therefore, the CT inspection machine 100 can perform neatness inspection on the battery cells 310 on the left and right sides at the same time. Subsequently, the clamping component located on the left side of the CT inspection machine 100 rotates counterclockwise, and the clamping component located on the right side of the CT inspection machine 100 rotates clockwise, so that the other cut end of the battery cell 310 moves into the inspection area, thereby completing the CT (Computed Tomography) inspection of the two cut ends of the battery cell 310.

[0045] Then, the rotating assembly rotates a certain angle to bring the battery cell 310 on another station closer to the detection area for CT detection. At this time, the battery cell 310 that has completed CT detection can be removed from the station, and the battery cell 310 to be detected can be placed on the station, so that the battery cell 310 can be unloaded and loaded during the CT detection process, which is conducive to improving the detection efficiency.

[0046] In a specific embodiment, the structure of the rotating assembly includes a rotating plate 210 and a first rotating member 240. The output end of the first rotating member 240 is connected to the rotating plate 210. When the first rotating member 240 is running, the output end of the first rotating member 240 can drive the rotating plate 210 to rotate around an axis extending in the up-down direction. Stations are provided at opposite ends of the rotating plate 210.

[0047] It is understandable that the first rotating member 240 may be a rotating drive device such as a combination of a rotating cylinder, a motor and a transmission structure, wherein the transmission structure may be a coupling, a gear structure, etc. The first rotating member 240 is located below the rotating plate 210, and a rotating shaft is provided at the center of the rotating plate 210. The output end of the first rotating member 240 is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft of the rotating plate 210, and the two stations are symmetrically arranged about the rotating shaft. Therefore, when the first rotating member 240 rotates 180° each time, the battery cell 310 on the station moves to the opening structure of the CT detection machine 100.

[0048] In a specific embodiment, the structure of the clamping assembly includes a clamp 220 and a second rotating member 230. The second rotating member 230 is disposed on the rotating plate 210, and the second rotating member 230 is fixed relative to the rotating plate 210. The output end of the second rotating member 230 is connected to the clamp 220, and when the second rotating member 230 is running, the output end of the second rotating member 230 can drive the clamp 220 to rotate around an axis extending in the up-down direction.

[0049] It is understandable that the second rotating member 230 may also be a rotating drive device such as a combination of a rotating cylinder, a motor and a transmission structure. The second rotating member 230 is located below the fixture 220, and a rotating shaft is provided at the center of the fixture 220. The output end of the second rotating member 230 is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft of the fixture 220. Therefore, when the second rotating member 230 rotates clockwise and counterclockwise by a certain angle, the battery cell 310 on the fixture 220 can extend into the detection area.

[0050] The function of the clamp 220 is to clamp and fix the battery cell 310. The clamp 220 can be an electric clamp 220 or a pneumatic clamp 220. Taking the pneumatic clamp 220 as an example, the clamp 220 includes a support plate, at least one group of clamp blocks and a driving member, each group of clamp blocks includes two clamp blocks arranged opposite to each other, and the driving member is arranged on the support plate and can drive the two opposite clamp blocks to approach each other to clamp the battery cell 310, or drive the two opposite clamp blocks to move away from each other to release the battery cell 310.

[0051] In the battery cell CT detection mechanism provided by the embodiment of the utility model, since the detection platforms 200 are respectively arranged on both sides of the detection area of ​​the CT detection machine 100, the two detection platforms 200 can work at the same time to send the battery cells 310 to be detected into the detection area, and cooperate with the CT detection machine 100 to complete the neatness detection of the battery cells 310, so that the CT detection machine 100 can perform CT detection on the two battery cells 310 entering the detection area at the same time, thereby increasing the detection amount of the CT detection machine 100 each time, allowing the CT detection machine 100 to handle more battery cell 310 detection work within a certain period of time, thereby improving the detection efficiency.

[0052] Moreover, for each inspection platform 200, the battery cell 310 to be inspected is placed on the station on the rotating component by manual handling or automatic handling by a manipulator, so that the battery cell 310 is clamped and fixed by the clamping component; then, the rotating component drives all the clamping components together with the battery cell 310 to rotate together, so that the battery cell 310 on one of the stations is close to the inspection area of ​​the CT inspection machine 100; then, the clamping component is rotated clockwise and counterclockwise by a certain angle respectively, so that the battery cell 310 is pushed into the inspection area through the opening structure, so that the X-ray can irradiate the battery cell 310, thereby realizing the rapid CT inspection of the four corners of the battery cell 310. After the inspection of the battery cell 310 on one station is completed, the battery cell 310 on the next station is sent to the opening structure of the inspection area through the rotation operation of the rotating component to complete the CT inspection. Such a design can help to simultaneously feed and unload materials to the workstations on the testing platform 200 during the testing process of the battery cell 310CT, saving time, thereby speeding up the testing speed and further improving the testing efficiency.

[0053] In some embodiments, Figure 1 As shown, the detection platform 200 further includes a linear drive assembly 250. The output end of the linear drive assembly 250 is connected to the rotating assembly. When the linear drive assembly 250 is running, the output end of the linear drive assembly 250 can drive the rotating assembly to move in the horizontal direction.

[0054] It is understandable that the linear drive assembly 250 can be a linear drive device such as an electric cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, a linear module, etc. In the present embodiment, the linear drive assembly 250 is a linear module and is arranged on a support, and the rotating assembly is arranged on the slide of the linear module, and the slide of the linear module can move in the front-rear direction. Since two workstations are arranged on the rotating assembly, and two battery cells 310 are carried by the tray 320 when producing the battery cells 310, when the two battery cells 310 on the tray 320 are transported by a manipulator, the rotating assembly can be driven by the linear drive assembly 250 to drive the clamping assembly to move horizontally together, so that the manipulator can place the two battery cells 310 on the two clamping assemblies in sequence.

[0055] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the automated detection system according to the second embodiment of the utility model includes a feed conveyor line 510, a discharge conveyor line 520, a first handling robot 400 and a cell CT detection mechanism of the first embodiment.

[0056] The function of the feed conveyor line 510 is to deliver the battery cell 310 to be tested to the first handling robot 400, so as to facilitate the first handling robot 400 to carry the battery cell 310 to the testing platform 200 of the battery cell CT testing mechanism. The function of the discharge conveyor line 520 is to send away the tested battery cell 310. The feed conveyor line 510 and the discharge conveyor line 520 can be a belt conveyor line, a roller conveyor line or a chain conveyor line. The feed conveyor line 510 and the discharge conveyor line 520 can transport multiple trays 320, and the trays 320 are provided with accommodating slots for accommodating the battery cells 310.

[0057] In this embodiment, each tray 320 is provided with two receiving slots.

[0058] The first handling manipulators 400 are provided on opposite sides of the cell CT detection mechanism. The number of the first handling manipulators 400 corresponds to the detection platform 200 one by one, and the first handling manipulators 400 are used to feed and unload the workstations on the detection platform 200. The first handling manipulators 400 are configured to transfer the cell 310 from the feeding conveyor line 510 to the clamping assembly of the detection platform 200, and transfer the cell 310 from the clamping assembly to the unloading conveyor line 520.

[0059] It can be understood that the first handling robot 400 can carry the battery cell 310 by adsorption or clamping. Specifically, the first handling robot 400 includes a driving mechanism and a grasping component, wherein the driving mechanism can be a multi-axis robot arm or a two-dimensional motion module or a three-dimensional module, and the grasping component can be a vacuum suction cup or a pneumatic clamp.

[0060] In this embodiment, two first handling manipulators 400 are respectively located on the left and right sides of the battery cell CT detection mechanism, and each first handling manipulator 400 can drive the battery cell 310 to move in the front-to-back direction and the up-down direction respectively to complete the feeding and unloading work. At this time, the feeding conveyor line 510 and the unloading conveyor line 520 can be set on one side of the first handling manipulator 400 in the front-to-back direction. The feeding conveyor line 510 and the unloading conveyor line 520 are provided with a blocker, which can be electric or pneumatic. Through the setting of the blocker, the tray 320 can be positioned to facilitate the first handling manipulator 400 to carry out the handling of the battery cell 310.

[0061] In some examples, the feed conveyor line 510 and the discharge conveyor line 520 adopt a ring-shaped conveying structure, so that the trays 320 on the feed conveyor line 510 and the trays 320 on the discharge conveyor line 520 can be circulated and used. In other examples, the feed conveyor line 510 and the discharge conveyor line 520 are connected to form a main conveyor line, so when the battery cell 310 detection starts, the first handling robot 400 transfers the battery cell 310 from the tray 320 on the main conveyor line to the detection platform 200; after completing the battery cell 310 detection work, the first handling robot 400 places the battery cell 310 from the detection platform 200 on the tray 320 on the main conveyor line.

[0062] In the automated detection system provided by the embodiment of the utility model, since the first handling manipulators 400 are arranged on the opposite sides of the battery cell CT detection mechanism, the two first handling manipulators 400 respectively perform feeding and unloading work for the corresponding detection platform 200. During the entire battery cell 310 CT detection work, each first handling manipulator 400 can transport the battery cell 310 on the feeding conveyor line 510 and place it on the unloaded station of the detection platform 200, and can transport the battery cell 310 that has completed the CT detection from the detection platform 200 and place it on the unloading conveyor line 520; through such a design, when the battery cell 310 CT detection is automatically performed, the automatic feeding and unloading work of the detection platform 200 can be realized, saving manpower input, and improving the automation degree and detection efficiency of the system.

[0063] In some embodiments, Figure 2 As shown, the automated detection system also includes a reflux conveyor line and a second handling robot.

[0064] The feed conveyor line 510 and the discharge conveyor line 520 are arranged side by side, one end of the return conveyor line is connected to the feed conveyor line 510, and the other end of the return conveyor line is connected to the discharge conveyor line 520, thereby forming a circular conveyor line. A plurality of trays 320 are arranged on the circular conveyor line, and the function of the trays 320 is to support the battery cells 310. The plurality of trays 320 can move along the circular conveyor line and play the role of transporting the battery cells 310. By setting up the circular conveyor line, the trays 320 can make a circular motion and can be recycled.

[0065] The reflux conveyor line is provided with a loading station and an unloading station, and both the loading station and the unloading station are provided with a second handling robot. The second handling robot is used to transfer the battery cell 310. The structure of the second handling robot is the same as that of the first handling robot 400.

[0066] In this embodiment, the two second handling robots are defined as a loading robot 560 and a unloading robot 570, wherein the loading robot 560 is correspondingly arranged at the loading station, and the loading robot 560 can carry and transfer the battery cells 310 to be tested on the feeding conveyor line 550 to the empty tray 320 at the loading station, and the unloading robot 570 is correspondingly arranged at the unloading station, and the unloading robot 570 can carry and transfer the tested battery cells 310 at the unloading station to the feeding conveyor line 550, and the empty tray 320 will move to the loading station to reload the tray 320. The feeding conveyor line 550 can deliver the manufactured battery cells 310 to the automated testing system, and deliver the tested battery cells 310 to the next process.

[0067] The reflux conveyor line includes a first corner conveyor line 530 and a second corner conveyor line 540. The inlet end of the first corner conveyor line 530 is vertically connected to the outlet end of the discharging conveyor line 520, the outlet end of the first corner conveyor line 530 is vertically connected to the inlet end of the second corner conveyor line 540, and the outlet end of the second corner conveyor line 540 is horizontally connected to the inlet end of the feeding conveyor line 510.

[0068] It is understandable that the first corner conveyor line 530 and the second corner conveyor line 540 are provided with a lifting mechanism at the 90° corner position. The lifting mechanism is a prior art, and those skilled in the art should understand its specific structure and working principle. For example, the lifting mechanism mainly includes a lifting component and a conveyor, wherein the lifting component can be a cylinder, a screw motor, etc., and the conveyor can be a belt conveyor, so that the first corner conveyor line 530 and the second corner conveyor line 540 can both realize the 90° transfer of the tray 320. Between the first corner conveyor line 530 and the discharge conveyor line 520, a lifting mechanism or a handling manipulator can be provided to transfer the tray 320 on the discharge conveyor line 520 together with the battery cell 310 to the first corner conveyor line 530.

[0069] It is understandable that when there is a vacant position on the discharge conveyor line 520, the first handling robot 400 will carry and transfer the empty pallet 320 from the feed conveyor line 510 to the discharge conveyor line 520. In addition, in addition to the blocker, a lifting mechanism can also be provided on the feed conveyor line 510 and the discharge conveyor line 520 to lift the pallet 320.

[0070] In some embodiments, Figure 2 As shown, the automated detection system also includes a DR detection device 700 .

[0071] The reflow conveyor line is provided with a DR inspection station, and the DR inspection station is provided with a DR inspection device 700. After the CT inspection is completed, the tray 320 carrying the battery cell 310 is moved from the unloading conveyor line 520 to the DR inspection station, at which time the DR inspection device 700 is enabled to perform a DR (Digital Radiography) inspection on the battery cell 310 to detect whether there are foreign objects in the battery cell 310.

[0072] It is understandable that the number of DR inspection stations and DR inspection devices 700 is not limited to one. In order to allow the DR inspection device 700 to perform DR inspection on the two battery cells 310 on the tray 320 respectively, the inspection area of ​​the DR inspection device 700 can be designed to be large, or a driving mechanism such as a linear module can be used to drive the DR inspection device 700 to move, so that the DR inspection device 700 can inspect the two battery cells 310 on the tray 320 in turn.

[0073] Of course, it is not ruled out that two DR detection devices 700 are set up in sequence along the conveying direction of the reflux conveyor line, one DR detection device 700 performs DR detection on one battery cell 310 on the tray 320, and the other DR detection device 700 performs DR detection on another battery cell 310 on the tray 320.

[0074] In some embodiments, Figure 2 As shown, the automated detection system also includes a third handling robot 810, an NG pull belt assembly 820 and a code scanning device.

[0075] The return conveyor line is equipped with a feeding scanning station, a discharging scanning station and a sorting station. Among them, the DR detection station, the discharging scanning station, the sorting station, the unloading station, the loading station and the feeding scanning station are arranged in sequence along the conveying direction of the return conveyor line, and the spacing between them can be set according to actual conditions, and no specific limitation is made here.

[0076] Both the feeding scanning station and the discharging scanning station are provided with a scanning device, and the function of the scanning device is to scan the identification code of the battery cell 310. It is understandable that the identification code of the battery cell 310 can be a one-dimensional barcode or a two-dimensional barcode, which can be scanned and identified by the scanning device. It is understandable that the identification code can be used as a traceability code so that the automated detection system can read and write data, such as CT detection qualified or unqualified. Specifically, the scanning device can be a scanning gun.

[0077] In this embodiment, the two scanning devices are respectively defined as a first scanning device 610 and a second scanning device 620, wherein the first scanning device 610 is correspondingly arranged above the feeding scanning station to scan the battery cells 310 on the feeding scanning station, and the second scanning device 620 is correspondingly arranged above the discharging scanning station to scan the battery cells 310 on the discharging scanning station.

[0078] The third handling robot 810 is set corresponding to the sorting station. The third handling robot 810 is configured to transfer NG (Not Good) battery cells 310 from the tray 320 on the sorting station to the NG pull belt assembly 820, so as to facilitate the subsequent staff to process the NG battery cells 310. At the same time, the qualified battery cells 310 can be transported by the unloading robot 570 and transferred to the feeding conveyor line 550 for the next processing step, thereby realizing the sorting of NG battery cells 310 and qualified battery cells 310. The NG pull belt assembly 820 is set on one side of the reflux conveyor line. The structure of the third handling robot 810 can be the same as that of the first handling robot 400.

[0079] It can be understood that when the tray 320 carries the battery cell 310 to be inspected and moves to the feed scanning station, the first scanning device 610 will scan the battery cell 310 and transmit the scanning information to the automated detection system. Then, the host computer of the automated detection system will read and write data and add the information of the first CT detection to the data of the identification code on the battery cell 310.

[0080] After the CT test is completed, the upper computer of the automatic detection system will add the CT test result information to the data of the identification code on the battery cell 310, such as the CT test is qualified, or the CT test is unqualified. Subsequently, after the DR test is completed, the automatic detection system will add the DR test result information to the data of the identification code on the battery cell 310, such as the DR test is qualified, or the DR test is unqualified.

[0081] Next, when the tray 320 carries the inspected battery cells 310 and moves to the unloading scanning station, the second scanning device 620 will scan the battery cells 310. Similarly, the automated inspection system will identify the inspection results of the battery cells 310 and transfer the unqualified battery cells 310 from the tray 320 to the NG pull tape assembly 820, while the qualified battery cells 310 will move with the tray 320 to the unloading station.

[0082] In a specific embodiment, Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the NG pull belt assembly 820 includes an upper NG pull belt 821 , a lower NG pull belt 822 , a linear drive component 825 and a fourth transport robot 840 .

[0083] The upper NG belt 821 and the lower NG belt 822 are arranged opposite to each other in the upper and lower layers. It can be understood that the upper NG belt 821 and the lower NG belt 822 are belt conveyors. The lengths of the upper NG belt 821 and the lower NG belt 822 can be set according to actual conditions. The upper NG belt 821 and the lower NG belt 822 are connected by a sliding connection, so that the upper NG belt 821 can move horizontally relative to the lower NG belt 822.

[0084] The linear drive member 825 is configured to drive the upper NG belt 821 to move horizontally relative to the lower NG belt 822, so that the upper NG belt 821 and the lower NG belt 822 can be staggered by a certain space in the horizontal direction, so as to facilitate the third handling robot 810 to place the NG battery cell 310 on the upper NG belt 821 or the lower NG belt 822. It can be understood that the linear drive member 825 can be a linear drive device such as an electric cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, a linear module, etc.

[0085] In this embodiment, there is a certain height distance between the upper NG belt 821 and the lower NG belt 822, a slider 823 is provided at the bottom of the upper NG belt 821, and a guide rail 824 is provided correspondingly to the lower NG belt 822, the slider 823 is adapted to be connected with the guide rail 824, the linear drive 825 is a linear module, and is provided on the lower NG belt 822, the lower NG belt 822 can provide support for the upper NG belt 821 and the linear drive 825, and under the driving action of the linear drive 825, the upper NG belt 821 will stably move along the guide rail 824. The extension direction of the guide rail 824 can be consistent with the extension direction of the upper NG belt 821 and the extension direction of the lower NG belt 822, and both are extended along the front-back direction.

[0086] In this embodiment, since the upper NG belt 821 temporarily stores the battery cells 310 with unqualified results of the first CT test, and the lower NG belt 822 temporarily stores the battery cells 310 with unqualified results of the DR test, baffles 826 are provided at the head and the tail of the upper NG belt 821, and the baffles 826 can block the battery cells 310 on the upper NG belt 821 to prevent the battery cells 310 from falling due to the conveying effect of the upper NG belt 821 or during the horizontal movement of the upper NG belt 821. Of course, the lower NG belt 822 can also be provided with baffles 826.

[0087] It is understandable that in other embodiments, the baffle 826 is not provided on the lower NG pull belt 822, and the length of the lower NG pull belt 822 is greater than that of the upper NG pull belt 821, so that the battery cells 310 with unqualified DR test results can be transported to the processing area for processing by staff.

[0088] The return conveyor line is provided with a re-inspection station, which is arranged between the loading station and the feeding scanning station. In this embodiment, the re-inspection station and the sorting station are arranged relative to each other in the front-to-back direction, and the upper NG pull belt 821 is located between the sorting station and the re-inspection station.

[0089] The fourth handling robot 840 is arranged corresponding to the re-inspection station, and is configured to transfer the battery cells 310 on the upper NG pull tape 821 or the lower NG pull tape 822 to the tray 320 on the re-inspection station. The fourth handling robot 840 and the first handling robot 400 may be identical in structure.

[0090] In this embodiment, since the upper NG belt 821 temporarily stores the battery cells 310 that failed the first CT test, they need to be re-inspected. Therefore, the fourth handling robot 840 transfers the battery cells 310 on the upper NG belt 821 to the tray 320 on the re-inspection station. Then, at the feeding scanning station, the second scanning device 620 will scan the battery cell 310, and then the automated inspection system will recognize that the battery cell 310 will undergo a second CT test. Only the battery cells 310 with qualified re-inspection results can be moved to the unloading station; and the battery cells 310 with unqualified re-inspection results are transferred to the lower NG belt 822 by the third handling robot 810. It is understandable that before the third handling robot 810 places the battery cells 310 at the re-inspection station, the loading robot 560 will suspend the loading work and free up an empty tray 320 so that the tray 320 can carry the two NG battery cells 310 transported by the third handling robot 810.

[0091] In some embodiments, Figure 2 As shown, the automated detection system also includes a fifth handling robot 830 .

[0092] The reflux conveyor line is provided with a refilling station, which is arranged between the sorting station and the unloading station. The refilling station is arranged adjacent to the sorting station. A temporary storage station is provided on one side of the refilling station, which is located outside the conveying plane of the reflux conveyor line, and the temporary storage station can store a battery cell 310. Specifically, the temporary storage station can be provided by a support platform.

[0093] The fifth handling robot 830 is arranged corresponding to the refilling station, and is configured to transfer qualified battery cells 310 between the refilling station and the temporary storage station. The fifth handling robot 830 and the first handling robot 400 may have the same structure.

[0094] It is understandable that when there is only one qualified battery cell 310 on the tray 320 at the refilling station, the qualified battery cell 310 is transported and transferred to the temporary storage station by the fifth handling robot 830. When there is only one qualified battery cell 310 on the tray 320 at the refilling station, the fifth handling robot 830 is used to transport and transfer the battery cell 310 at the temporary storage station to the tray 320 at the refilling station, so that each tray 320 carries a qualified battery cell 310, ensuring that in each unloading process, the unloading robot 570 can simultaneously transport two qualified battery cells 310 on the tray 320 and transfer them to the feeding conveyor line 550. When the third handling robot 810 only transports one NG battery cell 310 to the tray 320 at the sorting station, then there is only one qualified battery cell 310 on the tray 320 moved to the refilling station, and at this time, the fifth handling robot 830 will start working.

[0095] The automated detection system of the embodiment of the utility model has a reasonable structural design, which can greatly improve the overall detection speed. Moreover, the battery cell CT detection mechanism, the first handling robot 400, and the DR detection device 700 are arranged in the area surrounded by the circulating conveyor line, which can save space in the workshop.

[0096] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "illustrative embodiments", "examples", "specific examples", or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the utility model. In this specification, the schematic representation of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner.

[0097] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations may be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, and that the scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A battery cell CT detection mechanism, characterized in that: include: A CT inspection machine having an inspection area; The detection platform includes a rotating assembly and a clamping assembly, wherein the rotating assembly is configured to rotate around an axis extending up and down, and the rotating assembly is provided with at least two stations along the circumference of the axis, and each of the stations is provided with a clamping assembly for fixing the battery cell, and the clamping assembly is configured to rotate relative to the rotating assembly around the axis extending up and down, so that the battery cell enters and exits the detection area; Wherein, the detection platforms are arranged on opposite sides of the detection area.

2. The battery cell CT detection mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotating assembly includes a rotating plate and a first rotating member. The output end of the first rotating member is connected to the rotating plate to drive the rotating plate to rotate around an axis extending up and down. The workstations are provided at opposite ends of the rotating plate.

3. The battery cell CT detection mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The clamping assembly includes a clamp and a second rotating member, wherein the second rotating member is disposed on the rotating plate, and an output end of the second rotating member is connected to the clamp to drive the clamp to rotate around an axis extending up and down.

4. The battery cell CT detection mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The detection platform also includes a linear drive component, and an output end of the linear drive component is connected to the rotating component to drive the rotating component to move in a horizontal direction.

5. An automated detection system, characterized in that: include: The battery cell CT detection mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4; Feed conveyor line; Discharging conveyor line; The first handling robot is configured to transfer the battery cells from the feeding conveyor line to the clamping assembly, and to transfer the battery cells from the clamping assembly to the discharging conveyor line. The first handling robot is provided on opposite sides of the battery cell CT detection mechanism.

6. The automated detection system according to claim 5, characterized in that: It also includes a reflux conveyor line and a second handling robot for transferring battery cells. The feed conveyor line and the discharge conveyor line are arranged side by side. One end of the reflux conveyor line is connected to the feed conveyor line, and the other end is connected to the discharge conveyor line to form a circulating conveyor line. A plurality of trays for supporting battery cells are provided on the circulating conveyor line. The reflux conveyor line is provided with a loading station and an unloading station. Both the loading station and the unloading station are provided with the second handling robot.

7. The automated detection system according to claim 6, characterized in that: It also includes a DR detection device. The reflux conveying line is provided with a DR detection station, and the DR detection station is provided with the DR detection device.

8. The automated detection system according to claim 7, characterized in that: It also includes a third handling robot, an NG pull belt assembly and a scanning device for scanning the identification code of the battery cell; the reflux conveyor line is provided with a feeding scanning station, a discharging scanning station and a sorting station, the DR detection station, the discharging scanning station, the sorting station, the unloading station, the loading station and the feeding scanning station are arranged in sequence, the feeding scanning station and the discharging scanning station are both provided with the scanning device, and the third handling robot is configured to transfer NG battery cells from the tray on the sorting station to the NG pull belt assembly.

9. The automated detection system according to claim 8, characterized in that: The NG pull belt assembly includes an upper NG pull belt, a lower NG pull belt, a linear drive component and a fourth transport robot. The upper NG pull belt and the lower NG pull belt are arranged relative to each other in an upper and lower direction. The linear drive component is configured to drive the upper NG pull belt to move horizontally relative to the lower NG pull belt. The reflux conveyor line is provided with a re-inspection station, which is located between the loading station and the feeding scanning station. The fourth transport robot is configured to transfer the battery cells on the upper NG pull belt or the lower NG pull belt to the tray on the re-inspection station.

10. The automated detection system according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that: It also includes a fifth handling robot. The reflux conveyor line is provided with a feeding station, which is located between the sorting station and the unloading station. A temporary storage station is provided on one side of the feeding station. The fifth handling robot is configured to transfer qualified battery cells between the feeding station and the temporary storage station.

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