Appearance detection device for echelon recovery of lithium batteries

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of lithium batteries, and discloses an appearance detection device for echelon recovery of lithium batteries, which comprises a support with an H-shaped section, and the support comprises a horizontal support plate and side plates mounted on two sides of the support plate; the two clamping modules are symmetrically arranged and have the degree of freedom of synchronous inward translation or synchronous outward translation, a plurality of clamping sleeves are arranged on the clamping modules, and the clamping sleeves have the degree of freedom of rotation along the axes of the clamping sleeves; the clamping driving mechanism is used for driving the clamping module to be folded inwards or unfolded outwards synchronously, two adapter plates are symmetrically arranged on the clamping module, and the clamping module is installed on the adapter plates; the conveying belt is arranged between the two clamping modules; the rotation driving mechanism is connected to the clamping sleeves and drives the clamping sleeves on the two sides to rotate synchronously; and the visual system is arranged above the clamping module. The utility model aims to realize the automatic detection of the appearance of the cylindrical lithium battery and improve the appearance detection efficiency and accuracy of the lithium battery.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of lithium batteries, in particular to an appearance detection device for cascade recycling of lithium batteries. Background Art

[0002] Power lithium batteries are the power source for new energy vehicles. With the increasing popularity of new energy vehicles, the use of power batteries has also increased year by year. Since the service life of power lithium batteries is approximately six years, when the remaining capacity of the lithium battery falls below 80%, it needs to be replaced from the new energy vehicle. To fully realize the use and economic value of lithium batteries, these retired lithium batteries are screened and reorganized for cascade utilization. During the screening process, retired lithium batteries are tested to eliminate lithium batteries that do not meet the recycling requirements based on appearance, residual energy, voltage, internal resistance, etc.

[0003] The first step in lithium battery testing is to eliminate defective products with defects such as bulging, leakage, deformation, and cracks through visual inspection. Lithium battery recycling is usually carried out in batches. Manual visual inspection is inefficient and easily influenced by human subjective consciousness, resulting in inconsistent judgment standards and unable to guarantee the accuracy of the results. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to solve the above problems and provide an appearance inspection device for lithium battery recycling, which can automatically complete the appearance inspection of cylindrical lithium batteries and improve the efficiency and accuracy of lithium battery appearance inspection.

[0005] To solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides a technical solution: a visual inspection device for lithium battery recycling, comprising: a bracket with an H-shaped cross-section, the bracket including a horizontal support plate and side plates mounted on both sides thereof; two symmetrically arranged clamping modules for fixing both ends of a battery cell and driving the battery cell to rotate, the clamping modules having the freedom to synchronously translate inward or outward, and the clamping modules being provided with a plurality of clamping sleeves having the freedom to rotate along their axes; a clamping drive mechanism for driving the clamping modules to synchronously close inward or open outward, the clamping drive mechanism comprising two symmetrically arranged and openable adapter plates, the clamping modules being mounted on the adapter plates; a conveyor belt for transporting battery packs to be inspected, disposed between the two clamping modules, the conveyor belt being capable of delivering battery cells into the clamping areas of the clamping modules; a rotation drive mechanism connected to the clamping sleeves and driving the clamping sleeves on both sides to rotate synchronously; and a vision system disposed above the clamping modules for identifying visual defects on the outer circumference of the battery cell and feeding back the location of the defective battery cell to a control system.

[0006] The appearance inspection device uses a clamping drive mechanism to close the adapter plate inward, thereby driving the clamping module to clamp the two ends of the battery cell. The rotation drive mechanism then drives the clamping sleeve to rotate synchronously, so that each position on the outer circumference of the battery cell passes through the visual system's field of view. The visual system continuously photographs and compares the outer circumference of the battery cell, automatically identifying unqualified battery cells and feeding back to the control system, allowing the control system to remove unqualified battery cells in subsequent sorting steps. This device can replace human workers in the outer circumference appearance inspection of cylindrical lithium batteries, improving appearance inspection efficiency. The visual system identifies appearance defects, avoiding omissions. At the same time, appearance defects can be objectively judged according to set judgment criteria, ensuring the accuracy and consistency of inspection results.

[0007] Furthermore, the clamping drive mechanism includes a first motor mounted below the support plate, a first limit seat mounted above the support plate, two first racks centrally symmetrically mounted within the first limit seat and having translational freedom, and a first gear shaft mounted between the two first racks. The output shaft of the first motor passes through the support plate and is connected to the first gear shaft. The first gear on the first gear shaft meshes with the first racks on both sides, respectively. The adapter plates are each fixed to one end of one of the first racks, so that the rotation of the first gear shaft can drive the adapter plates to open and close. Its function is to achieve the opening and closing of the two adapter plates through the cooperation between the first gear and the two first racks centrally symmetrically arranged, thereby ensuring the synchronization of the movement of the two adapter plates.

[0008] Furthermore, the clamping module includes a second stopper, a second rack mounted within the second stopper and having translational freedom, a second gear shaft meshing with the second rack, and a plurality of driven gear shafts. The clamping sleeve is mounted on the free ends of the second gear shaft and the driven gear shafts, and the other free end of the second gear shaft is connected to the rotation drive mechanism. The clamping sleeve's function is to synchronize the rotation of the clamping sleeve through the engagement of the second rack with the second gear shaft and the driven gear shafts.

[0009] The transmission gear of the second end is connected with the gear train of the driven gear of the first gear and the transmission gear of the driven gear is connected with the gear train of the driven gear of the third gear. Its function is to drive the clamping sleeves on both sides to rotate in the same direction through the rotation drive mechanism, so that the battery cell can be rotated under the clamping of the corresponding clamping sleeve to complete the appearance inspection. The second gear shaft is provided with a sliding part with a flat position so that it can slide with the clamping module while ensuring the connection with the third driven wheel, ensuring that the third driven wheel can drive the second gear shaft to rotate in the clamped state.

[0010] Furthermore, at least one guide shaft is installed between the side plates, the guide shaft passing through the adapter plate, and a linear bearing is installed between the adapter plate and the outer circumference of the guide shaft. Its function is to guide the linear motion of the adapter plate through the guide shaft, so that it slides smoothly and smoothly.

[0011] Furthermore, the visual system includes a camera bracket and an industrial camera mounted on the camera bracket, wherein the industrial camera is connected to a control system and functions to automatically inspect the appearance of the battery cell through the industrial camera.

[0012] Furthermore, a baffle is provided on the top of the side panel, which covers the clamping modules. The field of view of the industrial camera covers the space between the two clamping modules. The baffle is used to shield the clamping modules and other components below it, thereby reducing interference with the visual system.

[0013] Furthermore, the first limit seat is symmetrically provided with a first rack limit slot, into which the first rack is mounted. The first gear shaft is provided with an extension section, and a first bearing is mounted between the extension section and the inner wall of the first limit seat. This serves to make the overall structure of the clamping drive mechanism more compact and ensure smooth rotation of the first gear shaft.

[0014] Furthermore, the second limit seat is provided with a second rack limit slot, into which the second rack is mounted. The second limit seat is provided with stepped holes at positions corresponding to the second gear shaft and the driven gear shaft. A second bearing is mounted in each stepped hole. The second gear shaft is provided with a rotating portion fixed to the inner race of the second bearing, and the free end of the driven gear shaft is fixed to the inner race of the second bearing. This serves to make the clamping module compact and ensure smooth rotation of the second gear shaft and the driven gear shaft.

[0015] Furthermore, the clamping sleeve is made of soft rubber material, and the distance between the two clamping sleeves is less than the length of the battery cell. Its function is to ensure the clamping quality of the battery cell and prevent the clamping sleeve from damaging the battery cell during the clamping process.

[0016] Combined with the above technical solutions, compared with the existing technology, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0017] The present invention provides an appearance inspection device for lithium battery recycling that can automatically convey the battery pack to be inspected, clamp and synchronously rotate the battery cells. The device also uses a visual system to inspect and analyze the appearance of the outer circumference of the rotating battery cells, quickly and accurately identifying battery cells with defects such as bulging, leakage, deformation, and cracks and providing feedback to the control system. This improves the efficiency of appearance inspection of cylindrical lithium batteries and the accuracy of the inspection results. During the inspection process, the rotation drive mechanism simultaneously drives the second gear shafts on both sides to rotate, ensuring the consistency of the rotation of the clamping sleeves at both ends of the battery cell. This allows the battery cell to rotate smoothly during the appearance inspection process, and the visual system can fully inspect the outer circumference of the battery cell, further ensuring the accuracy of the inspection results. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of an appearance inspection device for lithium battery recycling described in the utility model.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of another perspective of the appearance inspection device for lithium battery recycling described in the utility model.

[0020] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of an appearance inspection device for lithium battery recycling described in the utility model.

[0021] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A locally enlarged schematic diagram of position A in the middle.

[0022] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A partial enlarged schematic diagram of position B in the middle.

[0023] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of the installation positions of the clamping mechanism and the rotation drive mechanism described in the present utility model.

[0024] Figure 7 It is an exploded view of the clamping module described in the present utility model.

[0025] Among them: 1- bracket, 11- support plate, 12- side plate, 121- baffle, 13- guide shaft, 14- linear bearing, 2- clamping drive mechanism, 21- first motor, 22- first gear shaft, 221- first gear, 222- extension section, 23- first limit seat, 231- first rack limit groove, 24- first rack, 25- first bearing, 26- adapter plate, 3- rotation drive mechanism, 31- motor seat, 32- second motor, 33- driving wheel, 34- first driven wheel, 35- first synchronous belt, 36- rotating shaft, 37- driven wheel Driven assembly, 371-second driven wheel, 372-third driven wheel, 373-second synchronous belt, 38-flange-connected bearing, 4-conveyor belt, 5-vision system, 51-camera bracket, 52-industrial camera, 6-clamping module, 61-second limit seat, 611-second rack limit groove, 612-step hole, 62-second rack, 63-second gear shaft, 631-rotating part, 632-sliding part, 64-driven gear shaft, 65-clamping sleeve, 66-second bearing, 7-battery pack to be tested, 71-battery holder, 72-battery cell. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] In order to explain the technical features and the achieved objectives and effects of the present invention in detail, the present invention is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0027] Please see the attached Figure 1-7A device for inspecting the appearance of lithium batteries for recycling comprises: a bracket 1 having an H-shaped cross section, the bracket 1 comprising a horizontal support plate 11 and side plates 12 mounted on both sides thereof; two clamping modules 6 symmetrically arranged between the two side plates 12 for fixing the two ends of a battery cell 72 and driving the battery cell 72 to rotate; the clamping modules 6 having the freedom to translate synchronously inward or outward; the clamping modules 6 being provided with a plurality of clamping sleeves 65, each having the freedom to rotate along its axis; a clamping drive mechanism 2 for driving the clamping modules 6 to synchronously close inward or open outward; the clamping drive mechanism 2 comprising two symmetrically arranged and openable adapter plates 26 , the clamping module 6 is installed on the adapter plate 26; a conveyor belt 4 is arranged between the two clamping modules 6 for transmitting the battery pack 7 to be tested, and the battery pack 7 to be tested includes a battery holder 71 and the conveyor belt 4 can deliver the battery cell 72 into the clamping area of the clamping module 6, wherein the battery holder 71 is used to limit the battery cell 72 so that a stable distance is maintained between the battery cells 72; a rotation drive mechanism 3 is connected to the clamping sleeve 65 and drives the clamping sleeves 65 on both sides to rotate synchronously; a visual system 5 is arranged above the clamping module 6 for identifying the appearance defects of the outer circumference of the battery cell 72 and feeding back the position of the defective battery cell 72 to the control system (not shown in the figure).

[0028] In the above embodiment, the battery pack 7 to be inspected is transferred to the inspection position between the clamping modules 6 via the conveyor belt 4, so that the battery holder 71 is located directly below the visual system 5. At this time, each battery cell 72 corresponds to the clamping sleeves 65 on both sides thereof. The clamping drive mechanism 2 drives the adapter plates 26 on both sides to move inward simultaneously, and the adapter plates 26 drive the clamping modules 6 on both sides to move inward simultaneously, so that the clamping sleeves 65 clamp the battery cell 72 from both ends. After clamping is completed, the rotation drive mechanism 3 simultaneously drives the clamping sleeves 65 on both sides to rotate synchronously, so that the outer circumference of the battery cell 72 rotates at a uniform speed into the inspection area of the visual system 5 to complete the appearance inspection. After the inspection is completed, the rotation drive mechanism 3 stops working, and the clamping drive mechanism 2 drives the adapter plates 26 on both sides to move outward simultaneously, so that the clamping module 6 is away from the two ends of the battery cell 72, so that the conveyor belt 4 can transport the inspected battery holder 71 to the next inspection station.

[0029] Based on the above embodiment, the clamping drive mechanism 2 includes a first motor 21 installed under the support plate 11, a first limit seat 23 installed above the support plate 11, two first racks 24 installed in the first limit seat 23 in a centrally symmetrical manner and having translational freedom, and a first gear shaft 22 installed between the two first racks 24. The output shaft of the first motor 21 passes through the support plate 11 and is connected to the first gear shaft 22. The first gear 221 on the first gear shaft 22 is respectively engaged with the first racks 24 on both sides. The adapter plates 26 are each fixed at one end of one of the first racks 24, so that the rotation of the first gear shaft 22 can drive the adapter plate 26 to open and close. The first motor 21 drives the first gear shaft 22 to rotate, so that the first gear 221 simultaneously drives the two first racks 24 meshing with it to make reverse linear motion, thereby realizing the opening and closing of the adapter plate 26, and ensuring the synchronization of the movement of the adapter plates 26 on both sides. The first limit seat 23 is used to install and limit the first rack 24 and the first gear shaft 22, so that the overall structure of the clamping drive mechanism 2 is more compact and the appearance is simpler.

[0030] Based on the above embodiment, the clamping module 6 includes a second limit seat 61, a second rack 62 mounted within the second limit seat 61 and having translational freedom, a second gear shaft 63 meshing with the second rack 62, and a plurality of driven gear shafts 64. The clamping sleeve 65 is mounted on the free ends of the second gear shaft 63 and the driven gear shaft 64, and the other free end of the second gear shaft 63 is connected to the rotation drive mechanism 3. The meshing relationship between the second rack 62, the second gear shaft 63, and the driven gear shaft 64 enables them to maintain synchronous movement. When the rotation drive mechanism 3 drives the second gear shafts 63 on both sides to rotate, it also drives the clamping sleeves 65 on both sides to rotate synchronously, ensuring consistent rotation of the clamping sleeves 65 and ensuring smooth rotation of the battery cells 72 during the appearance inspection process.

[0031] Based on the above embodiment, the rotation drive mechanism 3 includes a motor base 31 installed under the support plate 11, a second motor 32 installed on the motor base 31, a driving wheel 33 installed on the output shaft of the second motor 32, a rotating shaft 36 passing through the two side plates 12, a first driven wheel 34 installed on the rotating shaft 36 and located on the inner side of the side plate 12, a first synchronous belt 35 installed on the driving wheel 33 and the first driven wheel 34, and a driven assembly 37 symmetrically installed at both ends of the rotating shaft 36 and located on the outer side of the side plate 12. A flange-connected bearing is installed at a position on the outer side of the side plate 12 corresponding to the second gear shaft 63. 38. The inner ring of the flange-connected bearing 38 is provided with a sleeve. The driven assembly 37 includes a second driven wheel 371 installed at one end of the rotating shaft 36, a third driven wheel 372 installed on the sleeve of the flange-connected bearing 38, and a second synchronous belt 373 installed between the second driven wheel 371 and the third driven wheel 372. The second gear shaft 63 is provided with a sliding portion 632 with a flat position. The sliding portion 632 passes through the third driven wheel 372 and extends outward and the extension distance is not less than the stroke of the clamping module 6. A through hole matching the cross-section of the sliding portion 632 is opened in the third driven wheel 372. A belt drive method is adopted so that the second motor 32 can simultaneously drive the second gear shafts 63 on both sides to rotate. The third driven wheel 372 is installed on the sleeve of the flange-connected bearing 38 so that it can rotate smoothly. The sliding part 632 with a flat position and extending outward is used to enable it to slide in the third driven wheel 372, ensuring that the sliding part 632 always passes through the third driven wheel 372. When the clamping module 6 is closed inward, the third driven wheel 372 can drive the sliding part 632 to rotate.

[0032] Based on the above embodiment, at least one guide shaft 13 is installed between the side plates 12. The guide shaft 13 passes through the adapter plate 26, and a linear bearing 14 is installed between the adapter plate 26 and the outer circumference of the guide shaft 13. The guide shaft 13 guides the translation of the adapter plate 26, and the cooperation between the linear bearing 14 and the guide shaft 13 allows the adapter plate 26 to slide more smoothly.

[0033] Based on the above embodiment, the vision system 5 includes a camera bracket 51 and an industrial camera 52 mounted on the camera bracket 51. The industrial camera 52 is connected to a control system. The industrial camera 52 identifies appearance defects in the battery cells 72, which allows for more objective and efficient screening of defective products compared to manual identification. To more accurately identify appearance defects in the battery cells 72, a light source may be provided around the industrial camera 52.

[0034] Based on the above embodiment, a baffle 121 is provided on the top of the side panel 12. The baffle 121 covers the clamping modules 6, and the field of view of the industrial camera 52 covers the space between the two clamping modules 6. The baffle 121 shields the components below it, thereby preventing these components from interfering with the industrial camera 52 and making the overall appearance of the detection device more concise. To further improve the detection effect of the industrial camera 52, the upper surface of the baffle 121 can be spray-painted white.

[0035] Based on the above embodiment, the first limiting seat 23 is symmetrically provided with a first rack limiting groove 231, the first rack 24 is mounted within the first rack limiting groove 231, and the first gear shaft 22 is provided with an extension section 222. A first bearing 25 is mounted between the extension section 222 and the inner wall of the first limiting seat 23. The cooperation between the first bearing 25 and the extension section 222 allows the first gear shaft 22 to rotate more smoothly.

[0036] Based on the above embodiment, a second rack limiting groove 611 is provided on the second limiting seat 61, and the second rack 62 is installed in the second rack limiting groove 611. The second limiting seat 61 is provided with a stepped hole 612 at positions corresponding to the second gear shaft 63 and the driven gear shaft 64. A second bearing 66 is installed in the stepped hole 612, and a rotating part 631 is provided on the second gear shaft 63. The rotating part 631 is fixed to the inner ring of the second bearing 66, and the free end of the driven gear shaft 64 is fixed to the inner ring of the second bearing 66.

[0037] Based on the above embodiment, the clamping sleeve 65 is made of a soft rubber material, and the distance between the clamping sleeves 65 on both sides is less than the length of the battery cell 72. The use of a soft rubber material to make the clamping sleeve 65 allows it to stably clamp the two ends of the battery cell 72 through elastic contact during the clamping process, preventing rigid contact from damaging the battery cell 72. The distance between the clamping sleeves 65 on both sides is less than the length of the battery cell 72, which ensures that all clamping sleeves 65 on both sides can clamp the corresponding battery cell 72, avoiding processing errors or installation errors that affect the clamping effect. For example, the cross-section of the clamping sleeve 65 is circular, which can avoid the protruding positive electrode during clamping, further ensuring the stability of the clamping.

[0038] The above description of the present invention and its embodiments is non-limiting. The accompanying drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention, and the actual structure is not limited thereto. Persons skilled in the art will be inspired by the above description and may make various modifications, improvements, and substitutions without departing from the concept of the present invention, all of which shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A lithium battery recycling appearance inspection device, characterized in that: include: The bracket has an H-shaped cross section and includes a horizontal support plate and side plates installed on both sides; Two clamping modules are symmetrically arranged and have the freedom to translate synchronously inward or outward, and are used to fix the two ends of the battery cell and drive the battery cell to rotate. The clamping modules are provided with a plurality of clamping sleeves, and the clamping sleeves have the freedom to rotate along their axes; A clamping drive mechanism, used to drive the clamping modules to close inward or open outward synchronously, comprising two symmetrically arranged and closable adapter plates, on which the clamping modules are mounted; A conveyor belt is provided between the two clamping modules and is used to transport the battery pack to be inspected so that the battery cells can enter the clamping area of the clamping modules; A rotation drive mechanism is connected to the clamping sleeve and drives the clamping sleeves on both sides to rotate synchronously; The vision system is arranged above the clamping module and is used to identify the appearance defects of the outer circumference of the battery cell and feed back the position of the defective battery cell to the control system.

2. The appearance inspection device for lithium battery recycling according to claim 1, characterized in that: The clamping drive mechanism includes a first motor installed under the support plate, a first limit seat installed above the support plate, two first racks installed in the first limit seat in a centrally symmetrical manner and having translational freedom, and a first gear shaft installed between the two first racks. The output shaft of the first motor passes through the support plate and is connected to the first gear shaft. The first gear on the first gear shaft is respectively engaged with the first racks on both sides. The adapter plates are each fixed to one end of one of the first racks, so that the rotation of the first gear shaft can drive the adapter plate to open and close.

3. The appearance inspection device for lithium battery recycling according to claim 1, characterized in that: The clamping module includes a second limit seat, a second rack installed in the second limit seat and having translational freedom, a second gear shaft meshing with the second rack, and a plurality of driven gear shafts. The clamping sleeve is installed at the free ends of the second gear shaft and the driven gear shaft, and the other free end of the second gear shaft is connected to the rotation drive mechanism.

4. The appearance inspection device for lithium battery recycling according to claim 3, characterized in that: The transmission gear of the second end is connected with the gear train of the driven gear of the first gear and the driven gear of the third gear is connected with the gear train of the driven gear of the third gear.

5. The appearance inspection device for lithium battery recycling according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least one guide shaft is installed between the side plates. The guide shaft passes through the adapter plate. A linear bearing is installed between the adapter plate and the outer circumference of the guide shaft.

6. The appearance inspection device for lithium battery recycling according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vision system includes a camera bracket and an industrial camera mounted on the camera bracket, and the industrial camera is connected to a control system.

7. The appearance inspection device for recycling lithium batteries according to claim 6, characterized in that: A baffle is provided on the top of the side panel, and the baffle covers the clamping module. The field of view of the industrial camera covers the space between the two clamping modules.

8. The appearance inspection device for lithium battery recycling according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first limiting seat is symmetrically provided with a first rack limiting groove, the first rack is installed in the first rack limiting groove, the first gear shaft is provided with an extension section, and a first bearing is installed between the extension section and the inner wall of the first limiting seat.

9. The appearance inspection device for lithium battery recycling according to claim 3, characterized in that: A second rack limiting groove is provided on the second limiting seat, and the second rack is installed in the second rack limiting groove. Step holes are provided on the second limiting seat at positions corresponding to the second gear shaft and the driven gear shaft, and a second bearing is installed in the step hole. A rotating part is provided on the second gear shaft, and the rotating part is fixed to the inner ring of the second bearing. The free end of the driven gear shaft is fixed to the inner ring of the second bearing.

10. The appearance inspection device for lithium battery recycling according to claim 1, characterized in that: The clamping sleeve is made of soft rubber material, and the distance between the clamping sleeves on both sides is less than the length of the battery cell.

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