Battery cell sorting device

Abstract

The utility model provides a battery cell sorting device, and belongs to the technical field of battery cell sorting, the battery cell sorting device comprises two groups of probes, the two groups of probes are arranged at equal height at intervals, the end part, used for being in contact with a pole of a battery cell, of each probe is provided with a circular arc part, and the circular arc parts of the two groups of probes are oppositely arranged; and the lifting assembly is connected with the two groups of probes and is used for driving the two groups of probes to lift. The two groups of probes are driven to descend through the lifting assembly, so that the two groups of probes are in contact with the two pole columns of the battery cell; specifically, if the battery cell is a square battery cell, the tips of the arc parts of the two groups of probes are contacted with the two poles of the battery cell and the performance test is accurately carried out, and if the battery cell is a cylindrical battery cell, the arc sections of the arc parts of the two groups of probes are contacted with the poles at the two ends of the cylindrical battery cell and the performance test is accurately carried out; by adopting the mode that the end part of the probe is provided with the arc part, the battery cell performance testing device can be suitable for performance testing of different types of battery cells, and is higher in universality, wider in applicability and higher in safety.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of battery cell sorting, and particularly to a battery cell sorting device. Background Art

[0002] Battery cell sorting refers to the process of classifying and screening battery cells according to their performance parameters, such as open circuit voltage (OCV), direct current internal resistance (DCIR), etc.

[0003] The battery cell sorting process is an important pre-step in the assembly of lithium-ion battery modules and battery packs. Battery cell sorting ensures that the battery cells in each battery pack are as consistent as possible in performance, thereby improving the electrical performance and safety performance of the battery pack.

[0004] In the prior art, for the sorting operation of battery cells, generally, an operator holds an internal resistance tester to test the battery cells. This manual testing method has poor test safety, a risk of misoperation, and thus affects the test accuracy. In addition, different test devices are required for testing square batteries and cylindrical batteries, resulting in poor versatility. Summary of the Utility Model

[0005] One technical problem to be solved by the present disclosure is the problems of poor safety, accuracy, and versatility in manually testing battery cells by holding an internal resistance tester.

[0006] To solve the above technical problems, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a battery cell sorting device, including:

[0007] Two groups of probes, the two groups of probes are arranged at the same height with an interval therebetween, and an arc portion is provided at an end of each probe for contacting the pole column of the battery cell, and the arc portions of the two groups of probes are arranged oppositely; and

[0008] A lifting assembly, the lifting assembly is connected to the two groups of probes and is used to drive the two groups of probes to lift.

[0009] In some embodiments, the lifting assembly includes:

[0010] Two groups of fixing frames, the two groups of probes are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the two groups of fixing frames;

[0011] A connecting plate, the connecting plate is arranged at the top of the two groups of fixing frames, and the two groups of fixing frames are connected to the connecting plate; and

[0012] A driving cylinder, an output end of the driving cylinder is connected to the top of the connecting plate,

[0013] The battery cell sorting device further includes a support assembly, the support assembly is connected to the driving cylinder and is used to support and fix the driving cylinder.

[0014] In some embodiments, the support assembly includes:

[0015] A cylinder bracket, one end of the cylinder bracket is connected to the driving cylinder;

[0016] A vertical plate, the vertical plate is arranged at the other end of the cylinder bracket, and the top side of the vertical plate is connected to the other end of the cylinder bracket; and

[0017] A bottom plate, the bottom plate is arranged below the probe and is connected to the bottom end of the vertical plate.

[0018] In some embodiments, a plurality of first long holes that are parallel to each other and arranged at intervals are formed in the connecting plate. The extending direction of the plurality of first long holes is parallel to the interval direction of the two groups of probes, and the two groups of fixing frames and the plurality of first long holes are connected by bolts.

[0019] In some embodiments, a plurality of second long holes that are parallel to each other and arranged at intervals are formed in the vertical plate. The second long holes extend along the length direction of the vertical plate, and the cylinder bracket and the plurality of second long holes are connected by bolts.

[0020] In some embodiments, a third long hole is formed in the bottom plate, and the vertical plate is inserted and fixedly engaged with the third long hole.

[0021] In some embodiments, the cylinder bracket is in an inverted U shape.

[0022] In some embodiments, a button box is arranged at the edge of the bottom plate away from the vertical plate, and a self-locking switch is arranged inside the button box.

[0023] In some embodiments, a solenoid valve is arranged on the top side of the vertical plate, and the solenoid valve is used to control the start and stop of the driving cylinder.

[0024] In some embodiments, each group of probes includes two probes, and the two probes are arranged in parallel.

[0025] Through the above technical solutions, the cell sorting device provided by the present disclosure starts the lifting assembly, and the lifting assembly drives the two groups of probes to descend so that the two groups of probes contact the two pole columns of the cell; specifically, when it is a square cell, the tips of the arc portions of the two groups of probes contact the two pole columns of the cell and accurately perform performance tests. When it is a cylindrical cell, the arc segments of the arc portions of the two groups of probes contact the two end pole columns of the cylindrical cell and accurately perform performance tests; by adopting the method of arranging an arc portion at the end of the probe, it can be applicable to the performance tests of different types of cells, with stronger versatility, wider applicability, and higher safety. Description of the Drawings

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for the description of the embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present disclosure. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings.

[0027] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of the battery cell sorting device disclosed in the embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 2 is an exploded structural diagram of the battery cell sorting device disclosed in the embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of the probe in the battery cell sorting device disclosed in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] Description of the reference numerals:

[0031] 1, bottom plate; 2, vertical plate; 3, cylinder bracket; 4, solenoid valve; 5, driving cylinder; 6, connecting plate; 7, first long hole; 8, fixing bracket; 9, probe; 10, button box; 11, self-locking switch; 12, second long hole; 13, arc part; 14, third long hole. Specific embodiments

[0032] The following will further describe in detail the embodiments of the present disclosure in conjunction with the drawings and embodiments. The detailed description and drawings of the following embodiments are used to exemplarily illustrate the principles of the present disclosure, but cannot be used to limit the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure can be implemented in many different forms, not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but including all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

[0033] These embodiments of the present disclosure are provided to make the present disclosure thorough and complete, and to fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. It should be noted that: unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangements of the components and steps, the components of the materials, the numerical expressions and values described in these embodiments should be interpreted as merely exemplary, rather than as limitations.

[0034] It should be noted that in the description of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, "a plurality" means greater than or equal to two; the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "inner", "outer", etc. indicate the orientation or positional relationship only for the convenience of describing the present disclosure and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be construed as a limitation of the present disclosure. When the absolute position of the object being described changes, the relative position relationship may also change accordingly.

[0035] In addition, the "first", "second", and similar terms used in this disclosure do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different parts. "Vertical" does not strictly mean vertical, but is within the allowable error range. "Parallel" does not strictly mean parallel, but is within the allowable error range. Terms such as "including" or "comprising" mean that the elements before this term cover the elements listed after this term, and do not exclude the possibility of also covering other elements.

[0036] It should also be noted that in the description of this disclosure, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "coupled" 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 directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in this disclosure can be understood according to specific circumstances. When it is described that a specific device is located between a first device and a second device, there may or may not be an intermediate device between the specific device and the first device or the second device.

[0037] All terms used in this disclosure have the same meanings as understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains, unless otherwise specifically defined. It should also be understood that terms defined in a general dictionary, such as, should be interpreted as having meanings consistent with their meanings in the context of the relevant art, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless specifically defined as such here.

[0038] Technologies, methods, and devices known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, the technologies, methods, and devices should be regarded as part of the specification.

[0039] In Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the cell sorting device may include two groups of probes 9 and a lifting assembly. Specifically, the probe 9 may include an arc portion 13.

[0040] The two groups of probes 9 are arranged at the same height with an interval therebetween. The end of each probe 9 for contacting the pole of the cell is provided with an arc portion 13, and the arc portions 13 of the two groups of probes 9 are arranged opposite to each other. Specifically, the arc segment of the arc portion 13 is the part in the middle of the arc portion 13 that is in the shape of an arc, and the tip of the arc portion 13 is the bottom part of the arc portion 13. The lifting assembly is connected to the two groups of probes 9 and is used to drive the two groups of probes 9 to lift and lower.

[0041] When it is necessary to test a prismatic battery cell, place the prismatic battery cell below two sets of probes 9. Start the lifting assembly, and the lifting assembly drives the two sets of probes 9 to descend so that the tips of the arc portions 13 of the two sets of probes 9 contact the terminal posts of the prismatic battery cell. Specifically, the two sets of probes 9 are connected to a battery cell performance testing instrument known to those skilled in the art. The testing contents of the battery cell performance testing instrument include, but are not limited to, voltage testing, short-circuit testing, internal resistance testing, etc. known to those skilled in the art. When the two sets of probes 9 (the tips of the arc portions 13) contact the two terminal posts of the prismatic battery cell, the performance of the prismatic battery cell can be tested through the battery cell performance testing instrument. When it is necessary to test a cylindrical battery cell, place the cylindrical battery cell below the two sets of probes 9, and the two ends of the cylindrical battery cell are horizontally distributed. Start the lifting assembly, and the lifting assembly drives the two sets of probes 9 to descend so that the arc segments of the arc portions 13 of the two sets of probes 9 contact the terminal posts at both ends of the cylindrical battery cell. After the arc segments of the two arc portions 13 contact the terminal posts at both ends of the cylindrical battery cell, the battery cell performance testing instrument can test the performance of the cylindrical battery cell. Specifically, the arc segments of the two arc portions 13 are arranged oppositely, which can facilitate the reliable and stable contact of the probes 9 with the terminal posts / electrode plates at both ends of the cylindrical battery cell. In addition, after the battery cell test is completed, start the lifting assembly to drive the two sets of probes 9 to rise and reset, waiting for the next test.

[0042] In traditional battery cell sorting operations, generally, a test tool is manually taken to test the battery cell. However, this test method has poor test safety and a risk of misoperation. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, by setting the arc portion 13 at the end of the probe 9, it can meet the performance tests of the terminal posts of the prismatic battery cell on the same side and the terminal posts of the cylindrical battery cell on different sides, that is, it has stronger versatility and wider applicability. And by using the lifting assembly to drive the two sets of probes 9 to lift and lower to contact the terminal posts of the battery cell, the safety is higher, the test is more convenient, and it is more accurate.

[0043] In some embodiments, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the lifting assembly may include two sets of fixing frames 8, a connecting plate 6, and a driving cylinder 5. The battery cell sorting device may further include a support assembly.

[0044] The two sets of probes 9 are respectively arranged on the opposite sides of the two sets of fixing frames 8. The connecting plate 6 is arranged on the tops of the two sets of fixing frames 8, and the two sets of fixing frames 8 are connected to the connecting plate 6. The output end of the driving cylinder 5 is connected to the top of the connecting plate 6, and the support assembly is connected to the driving cylinder 5 for supporting and fixing the driving cylinder 5.

[0045] The support assembly can support and fix the driving cylinder 5. When it is necessary to drive the two groups of probes 9 to lift and lower, the driving cylinder 5 can be started. The driving cylinder 5 drives the two groups of probes 9 to rise or fall synchronously through the connection of the connecting plate 6 and the two groups of fixing brackets 8, so as to be in contact with the two pole columns of the battery cell for testing. The method of using the driving cylinder 5 to drive the two groups of probes 9 to lift and lower is simple and convenient in structure, and stable and reliable.

[0046] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the support assembly may include a cylinder bracket 3, a vertical plate 2, and a bottom plate 1.

[0047] One end of the cylinder bracket 3 is connected to the driving cylinder 5. Specifically, one end of the cylinder bracket 3 is connected to the side wall of the driving cylinder 5. The vertical plate 2 is arranged at the other end of the cylinder bracket 3, and the top side of the vertical plate 2 is connected to the other end of the cylinder bracket 3. The bottom plate 1 is arranged below the probe 9 and is connected to the bottom end of the vertical plate 2.

[0048] The cylinder bracket 3, the vertical plate 2, and the bottom plate 1 cooperate to form a C-shaped structure, so that the two groups of probes 9 are located near the center of the bottom plate 1. And this C-shaped structure can support and make way for the battery cell, so that the battery cell is stably located below the two groups of probes 9 without corresponding interference, effectively improving the stability during the battery cell testing process.

[0049] In some embodiments, for the fixing method of the fixing bracket 8 and the connecting plate 6, it can be various forms known to those skilled in the art, such as bolt fastening, mortise and tenon structure, etc. However, in a preferred example of the present disclosure, considering the diversity of battery cell types and the universality of testing, the connection method of the fixing bracket 8 and the connecting plate 6 can be as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown. Specifically, in Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the connecting plate 6 may include a plurality of first long holes 7.

[0050] The plurality of first long holes 7 are arranged on the connecting plate 6 in parallel and at intervals. The extending direction of the plurality of first long holes 7 is parallel to the interval direction of the two groups of probes 9. The two groups of fixing brackets 8 and the plurality of first long holes 7 are connected by bolts.

[0051] When it is necessary to fixedly connect the fixing bracket 8 and the connecting plate 6, pass the bolt through the first long slot 7 and the fixing bracket 8, and tighten the bolt to fasten the connecting plate 6 and the fixing bracket 8. When it is necessary to adjust the distance between the two groups of probes 9 to perform performance tests on batteries of different sizes / types, the bolt can be loosened and moved along the first long slot 7. At the same time, the fixing bracket 8 moves accordingly until it reaches the preset position and is fastened, thereby realizing the adjustment of the distance between the two groups of fixing brackets 8, and further improving the versatility of performing performance tests on batteries of different sizes / types. In addition, the arrangement of multiple first long slots 7 can improve the stability and reliability of fixing the fixing bracket 8.

[0052] In some embodiments, for the connection manner between the cylinder bracket 3 and the vertical plate 2, it can be various forms known to those skilled in the art, such as snap connection, welding, etc. However, in a preferred example of the present disclosure, considering the height diversity of the batteries and the stroke threshold of the cylinder, the connection manner between the cylinder bracket 3 and the vertical plate 2 can be as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown. Specifically, in Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the vertical plate 2 may include a plurality of second long slots 12. Specifically, the plurality of second long slots 12 are arranged parallel to each other and at intervals on the vertical plate 2, the second long slots 12 extend along the length direction of the vertical plate 2, and the cylinder bracket 3 is connected to the plurality of second long slots 12 by bolts.

[0053] Similarly, the cylinder bracket 3 can be fixedly connected to the vertical plate 2 through the penetration and fastening of bolts. When it is necessary to adjust the initial height of the two groups of probes 9, similarly, the bolts can be moved along the second long slots 12 to adjust the initial height of the connecting plate 6 and the two groups of probes 9, thereby improving the versatility of performing performance tests on batteries of different heights. In addition, the arrangement of multiple second long slots 12 can improve the stability and reliability of fixing the cylinder bracket 3.

[0054] In some embodiments, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the bottom plate 1 may include a third long slot 14. Specifically, the third long slot 14 is opened on the bottom plate 1 and is located at one of the edges of the bottom plate 1, and the vertical plate 2 is fixedly connected to the third long slot 14 by (interference) plug-in fit. Specifically, the connection manner between the vertical plate 2 and the third long slot 14 may also include welding, bolt fixing, etc.

[0055] In some embodiments, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the shape of the cylinder bracket 3 may include an inverted U shape. Specifically, the inverted U-shaped cylinder bracket 3 can effectively increase the contact surface with the driving cylinder 5 and the vertical plate 2, thereby further improving the connection and fixing stability among the three.

[0056] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the cell sorting device may further include a button box 10 and a self-locking switch 11.

[0057] A button box 10 is provided at the edge of the bottom plate 1 away from the vertical plate 2. A self-locking switch 11 is provided inside the button box 10. The connection manner between the button box 10 and the top of the bottom plate 1 includes but is not limited to bonding, welding, etc. known to those skilled in the art. The connection manner between the self-locking switch 11 and the button box 10 includes but is not limited to clamping, surrounding and wrapping for limiting, etc. Specifically, the edge of the vertical plate 2 is the other edge relative to one of the edges of the vertical plate 2.

[0058] The button box 10 is provided at the edge away from the vertical plate 2, which is convenient for the staff to control the driving cylinder 5. And the button box 10 can protect and position-limit the self-locking switch 11 to ensure the reliability of the use of the self-locking switch 11. In addition, the button box 10 can effectively prevent accidental contact with the self-locking switch 11 and improve the safety of cell testing. Specifically, the self-locking switch 11 may include a control switch known to those skilled in the art, and the self-locking switch 11 can be used to control the start and stop of the driving cylinder 5.

[0059] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the cell sorting device may further include a solenoid valve 4. Specifically, the solenoid valve 4 is provided on the top side of the vertical plate 2, and the solenoid valve 4 is used to control the start and stop of the driving cylinder 5. Specifically, the connection manner between the self-locking switch 11 and the solenoid valve 4 includes but is not limited to lead connection. After the self-locking switch 11 is pressed, the solenoid valve 4 will be powered on and opened, and the driving cylinder 5 will start to work. At this time, even if the self-locking switch 11 is released, the driving cylinder 5 will continue to work until the self-locking switch 11 is pressed again to cut off the power and close the solenoid valve 4.

[0060] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the number of each group of probes 9 may include two. Specifically, the two probes 9 are arranged in parallel. The two probes 9 in each group can improve the convenience and stability of contact with the terminal post; in addition, when one of the probes 9 is damaged, the other probe 9 can still be used, effectively improving the reliability of the probe 9 test.

[0061] Through the above technical solution, the cell sorting device provided by the present disclosure starts the lifting component, and the lifting component drives the two groups of probes 9 to descend so that the two groups of probes 9 contact the two pole columns of the cell; specifically, when it is a square cell, the tips of the arc portions 13 of the two groups of probes 9 contact the two pole columns of the cell and perform performance tests accurately. When it is a cylindrical cell, the arc segments of the arc portions 13 of the two groups of probes 9 contact the two end pole columns of the cylindrical cell and perform performance tests accurately; by adopting the method of arranging the arc portion 13 at the end of the probe 9, it can be applicable to the performance tests of different types of cells, with stronger versatility, wider applicability, and higher safety.

[0062] So far, the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail. To avoid obscuring the concept of the present disclosure, some details well known in the art have not been described. Those skilled in the art can fully understand how to implement the technical solutions disclosed herein based on the above description.

[0063] Although some specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail by way of examples, those skilled in the art should understand that the above examples are only for illustration and not for limiting the scope of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art should understand that the above embodiments can be modified or partial technical features can be equivalently replaced without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. In particular, as long as there is no structural conflict, the technical features mentioned in each embodiment can be combined in any way.

Claims

1. A battery cell sorting device, characterized in that: include: Two groups of probes (9), the two groups of probes (9) are arranged at equal heights and spaced from each other, an end of each probe (9) for contacting a pole of a battery cell is provided with an arc portion (13), and the arc portions (13) of the two groups of probes (9) are arranged opposite to each other; and A lifting component is connected to the two groups of probes (9) and is used to drive the two groups of probes (9) to lift and lower.

2. The battery cell sorting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lifting assembly comprises: Two sets of fixing frames (8), and two sets of probes (9) are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the two sets of fixing frames (8); A connecting plate (6), the connecting plate (6) being arranged on the top of the two groups of fixing frames (8), the two groups of fixing frames (8) being connected to the connecting plate (6); and A driving cylinder (5), wherein the output end of the driving cylinder (5) is connected to the top of the connecting plate (6), The battery cell sorting device further comprises a support assembly, wherein the support assembly is connected to the driving cylinder (5) and is used to support and fix the driving cylinder (5).

3. The battery cell sorting device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The support assembly comprises: A cylinder bracket (3), one end of which is connected to the driving cylinder (5); A vertical plate (2), wherein the vertical plate (2) is arranged at the other end of the cylinder support (3), and the top side of the vertical plate (2) is connected to the other end of the cylinder support (3); and A bottom plate (1), the bottom plate (1) is arranged below the probe (9) and connected to the bottom end of the vertical plate (2).

4. The battery cell sorting device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The connecting plate (6) is provided with a plurality of first elongated holes (7) which are parallel to each other and arranged at intervals, the extension direction of the first elongated holes (7) is parallel to the spacing direction of the two groups of probes (9), and the two groups of fixing frames (8) are connected to the plurality of first elongated holes (7) by bolts.

5. The battery cell sorting device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The vertical plate (2) is provided with a plurality of second elongated holes (12) which are parallel to each other and arranged at intervals, the second elongated holes (12) extending along the length direction of the vertical plate (2), and the cylinder bracket (3) is connected to the plurality of second elongated holes (12) by bolts.

6. The battery cell sorting device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The bottom plate (1) is provided with a third elongated hole (14), and the vertical plate (2) is plug-fitted and fixed to the third elongated hole (14).

7. The battery cell sorting device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The cylinder support (3) is in an inverted U shape.

8. The battery cell sorting device according to claim 3, characterized in that: A button box (10) is arranged at an edge of the bottom plate (1) away from the vertical plate (2), and a self-locking switch (11) is arranged inside the button box (10).

9. The battery cell sorting device according to claim 3, characterized in that: A solenoid valve (4) is provided on the top side of the vertical plate (2), and the solenoid valve (4) is used to control the start and stop of the driving cylinder (5).

10. The battery cell sorting device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: Each group of probes (9) comprises two probes (9), and the two probes (9) are arranged in parallel.

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