Automatic sorting equipment for retired power battery cells

Abstract

The utility model relates to automatic sorting equipment for retired power battery cells, and belongs to the field of sorting equipment, the automatic sorting equipment comprises a rack, a conveying assembly used for conveying the battery cells and a positioning assembly used for determining the orientation of the battery cells, the conveying assembly is arranged on the rack, and the positioning assembly is erected on the rack; a first support and a second support are sequentially arranged on the machine frame in the conveying direction of the conveying assembly, a first detection plate and a second detection plate which are opposite in moving direction are connected to the first support and the second support in a sliding mode, a positive electrode contact piece is arranged on the first detection plate, and a negative electrode contact piece is arranged on the second detection plate. The moving direction of the first detection plate located on the first support is opposite to the moving direction of the first detection plate located on the second support. The positive electrode contact pieces and the negative electrode contact pieces which are arranged in a crossed mode facilitate testing of the battery cells in different directions, the step of additionally arranging a reversing mechanism is omitted, and therefore the sorting efficiency of the sorting equipment is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of sorting equipment, and in particular to automated sorting equipment for retired power battery cells. Background Technology

[0002] A power battery system typically consists of battery cells, a battery management system (BMS), a cooling system, a heat dissipation system, and related components such as wiring harnesses, wiring harness housings, housing structural parts, and mechanical parts. During production or recycling, battery cells need to be sorted according to their voltage levels.

[0003] Currently, battery cell sorting devices mainly consist of a frame and a testing structure. The testing structure primarily comprises positive and negative electrode plates, which are connected to the positive and negative terminals of the battery cell, respectively. These plates are typically connected to external voltage testing instruments to determine the cell's category based on the measured voltage value. Since the direction of the battery cells needs to be manually controlled by workers, a steering mechanism is usually added to the frame to reverse the cells' orientation. During the steering mechanism's operation, the conveyor belt used to transport the cells needs to be paused to allow the reversed cells to be placed back onto the conveyor belt.

[0004] In the actual sorting process, the added reversing mechanism can easily cause the cell conveying to stop, resulting in a decrease in the overall sorting efficiency of the sorting equipment, which needs to be improved. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides an automated sorting device for retired power battery cells.

[0006] The automated sorting equipment for retired power battery cells provided in this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] An automated sorting device for retired power battery cells includes a frame, a conveying assembly for conveying the cells, and a positioning assembly for determining the orientation of the cells. The conveying assembly is mounted on the frame, and the positioning assembly is mounted on the frame. A first support and a second support are sequentially arranged on the frame along the conveying direction of the conveying assembly. A first detection plate and a second detection plate with opposite moving directions are slidably connected to both the first and second supports. The first detection plate is provided with a positive electrode contact, and the second detection plate is provided with a negative electrode contact. The moving direction of the first detection plate on the first support is opposite to the moving direction of the first detection plate on the second support.

[0008] By adopting the above technical solution, the conveying component transports the battery cell to the positioning component, which determines the orientation of the battery cell to determine the movement of the first and second detection plates on the first or second bracket. The positive and negative contacts abut against the positive and negative electrodes of the corresponding battery cell to detect the voltage of the battery cell, reducing the extra time spent on reversing the battery cell and thus improving the sorting efficiency of the sorting equipment.

[0009] Preferably, both the first support and the second support are equipped with a first cylinder and a second cylinder, the output end of the first cylinder is connected to the first detection plate, and the output end of the second cylinder is connected to the second detection plate.

[0010] By adopting the above technical solution, the first cylinder controls the movement of the first detection plate at the corresponding position, and the second cylinder controls the movement of the second detection plate at the corresponding position. The positive electrode contact on the first detection plate contacts the positive electrode of the battery cell, and the negative electrode contact on the second detection plate contacts the negative electrode of the battery cell, so as to detect the voltage of the battery cell, and at the same time facilitate the movement of the first detection plate and the second detection plate.

[0011] Preferably, the positioning component includes a positioning frame, a driving component, and a movable plate. The positioning frame is mounted on a frame, the driving component is mounted on the positioning frame, one side of the movable plate is connected to the driving component, and the other side is slidably connected to the positioning frame. A camera is provided on the side of the movable plate closest to the frame.

[0012] By adopting the above technical solution, when the conveying component transports the battery cell to the positioning frame, the driving component controls the moving plate to move, the moving plate controls the camera to move, and the camera scans the battery cell to determine the orientation of the battery cell, which facilitates the subsequent movement of the first detection plate and the second detection plate at the corresponding position.

[0013] Preferably, a plurality of balls are embedded on the side of the movable plate near the positioning frame, and each ball abuts against the positioning frame.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, during the movement of the moving plate, the rolling balls change the sliding friction between the moving plate and the positioning frame into rolling friction, reducing the friction between the moving plate and the positioning frame, thereby improving the stability of the moving plate during movement.

[0015] Preferably, the driving component includes a first driving wheel, a second driving wheel, and a driving belt. The first driving wheel and the second driving wheel are both rotatably connected to the positioning frame. The driving belt is wound around the first driving wheel and the second driving wheel. The positioning frame is equipped with a control motor, and the output end of the control motor is coaxially connected to the first driving wheel.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, the control motor controls the rotation of the first drive wheel, the first drive wheel controls the rotation of the drive belt, and the drive belt simultaneously controls the rotation of the second drive wheel and the movement of the moving plate. At this time, the moving plate can control the movement of the camera to determine the actual orientation of the battery cell.

[0017] Preferably, a sorting frame is provided on the side of the frame away from the positioning frame, a sorting box is rotatably connected to the sorting frame, a first box is provided on one side of the sorting frame and a second box is provided on the other side, and a control component for controlling the sorting box is provided on the sorting frame.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, the conveying component transports the tested battery cells to the sorting rack, and the control component controls the rotation of the sorting frame according to the test results of the battery cells, so as to transport the tested battery cells to the corresponding first box or the corresponding second box, which provides convenience for collecting the tested battery cells.

[0019] Preferably, the control component includes a third cylinder and a control plate. The third cylinder is vertically mounted on the sorting frame, and a control slot is provided on the sorting frame. The control plate is slidably connected in the control slot, and the output end of the third cylinder is rotatably connected to the control plate.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solution, the control board of the third cylinder slides along the control groove. The movement of the control board can control the rotation of the sorting frame, and the sorting frame can deliver the battery cells to the first box or the second box, thus facilitating the rotation of the sorting frame.

[0021] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:

[0022] 1. By setting up a positioning component and a first detection plate and a second detection plate with opposite moving directions, the positioning component determines the actual orientation of the battery cell. The first detection plate and the second detection plate at the corresponding positions move, so that the positive electrode contact and the negative electrode contact are in contact with the positive and negative electrodes of the battery cell at the corresponding positions. This reduces the extra time spent on the step of reversing the orientation of the battery cell, thereby improving the sorting efficiency of the sorting equipment.

[0023] 2. By incorporating ball bearings, the sliding friction between the moving plate and the positioning frame is transformed into rolling friction, reducing the frictional force between the moving plate and the positioning frame, thereby improving the stability of the moving plate during movement;

[0024] 3. By setting up a sorting frame, a first box, and a second box, the sorting frame transports the tested cells to the first or second box, making it convenient to collect the tested cells. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the sorting rack and the sorting frame in an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the positioning frame and the machine frame in an embodiment of this application.

[0028] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Frame; 11. First support; 12. Second support; 13. First cylinder; 14. Second cylinder; 15. Drive motor; 2. Conveying assembly; 21. First conveying roller; 22. Second conveying roller; 23. Conveyor belt; 231. Groove; 3. Positioning assembly; 31. Positioning frame; 311. Control motor; 32. Moving plate; 321. Camera; 322. Ball bearing; 33. First drive wheel; 34. Second drive wheel; 35. Drive belt; 4. First detection plate; 41. Positive contact; 5. Second detection plate; 51. Negative contact; 6. Sorting frame; 61. Sorting box; 611. Control groove; 612. Rubber pad; 7. Control assembly; 71. Third cylinder; 72. Control board; 8. First box; 9. Second box. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-3 This application will be described in further detail.

[0030] This application discloses an automated sorting device for retired power battery cells. (Refer to...) Figure 1 An automated sorting device for retired power battery cells includes a frame 1, a conveying assembly 2 for conveying the cells, and a positioning assembly 3 for determining the orientation of the cells. The conveying assembly 2 is mounted on the frame 1, and the positioning assembly 3 is mounted on the frame 1. A first support 11 and a second support 12 are sequentially fixed on the frame 1 along the conveying direction of the conveying assembly 2. A first detection plate 4 and a second detection plate 5 with opposite moving directions are slidably connected to both the first support 11 and the second support 12. The first detection plate 4 has a positive electrode contact 41, and the second detection plate 5 has a negative electrode contact 51. The moving direction of the first detection plate 4 on the first support 11 is opposite to that of the first detection plate 4 on the second support 12.

[0031] The conveying component 2 conveys the battery cell to the positioning component 3 to determine the orientation of the battery cell. The positive electrode contact 41 and negative electrode contact 51 on the first detection plate 4 and the second detection plate 5, which are located at different positions on the first bracket 11 and the second bracket 12, cooperate with the positive and negative electrodes on the battery cell to detect the voltage of the battery cell. This reduces the need for additional steps to reverse the orientation of the battery cell, saves some time, and thus improves the sorting efficiency of the sorting equipment.

[0032] Reference Figure 1To facilitate control of the first detection board 4 and the second detection board 5, a first cylinder 13 and a second cylinder 14 are fixed on both the first bracket 11 and the second bracket 12. The output end of the first cylinder 13 is connected to the first detection board 4, and the output end of the second cylinder 14 is connected to the second detection board 5. Furthermore, each positive contact 41 and negative contact 51 is externally connected to a voltage detector.

[0033] When the battery cell moves to the corresponding position, the first cylinder 13 controls the first detection plate 4 to move, and the second cylinder 14 controls the second detection plate 5 to move, so that the positive contact 41 abuts against the positive terminal of the battery cell and the negative contact 51 abuts against the negative terminal of the battery cell, so as to detect the voltage of the battery cell.

[0034] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The conveying assembly 2 includes a first conveying roller 21, a second conveying roller 22, and a conveyor belt 23. Both the first and second conveying rollers 21 and 22 are rotatably connected to the frame 1, and the conveyor belt 23 is wound around the first and second conveying rollers 21 and 22. A drive motor 15 is fixed on the frame 1, and the output end of the drive motor 15 is coaxially fixed with the first conveying roller 21. Furthermore, to improve the stability of the conveyor belt 23 during transport, several grooves 231 are formed on the conveyor belt 23. These grooves 231 limit the movement of the battery cells, reducing the possibility of battery cell misalignment during transport.

[0035] The drive motor 15 controls the rotation of the first conveyor roller 21, which in turn drives the conveyor belt 23 to rotate. The conveyor belt 23 then controls the rotation of the second conveyor roller 22. As the conveyor belt 23 moves, the battery cell can be sequentially moved to the positioning component 3, the first bracket 11, and the second bracket 12.

[0036] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 3 The positioning component 3 includes a positioning frame 31, a driving component, and a moving plate 32. The positioning frame 31 is mounted on the frame 1, and the driving component is mounted on the positioning frame 31. One side of the moving plate 32 is connected to the driving component, and the other side is slidably connected to the positioning frame 31. A camera 321 is fixed on the side of the moving plate 32 closest to the frame 1.

[0037] The driving component includes a first driving wheel 33, a second driving wheel 34, and a driving belt 35. Both the first driving wheel 33 and the second driving wheel 34 are rotatably connected to the positioning frame 31. The driving belt 35 is wound around the first driving wheel 33 and the second driving wheel 34. A control motor 311 is fixed on the positioning frame 31, and the output end of the control motor 311 is coaxially connected to the first driving wheel 33.

[0038] When the conveyor belt 23 moves the battery cell to the positioning frame 31, the control motor 311 controls the first drive wheel 33 to rotate, the first drive wheel 33 controls the drive belt 35 to rotate, the drive belt 35 controls the moving plate 32 to move, the moving plate 32 controls the camera 321 to move, and the camera 321 scans the battery cell to determine its orientation, facilitating the subsequent movement of the first detection plate 4 and the second detection plate 5 at the corresponding positions. The first drive wheel 33 and the second drive wheel 34 are configured as synchronous pulleys, and the drive belt 35 is configured as a synchronous toothed belt.

[0039] Reference Figure 3 In order to improve the stability of the camera 321 when it moves, a number of balls 322 are embedded on the side of the moving plate 32 near the positioning frame 31, and each ball 322 abuts against the positioning frame 31.

[0040] During the movement of the movable plate 32, the ball bearing 322 changes the sliding friction between the movable plate 32 and the positioning frame 31 into rolling friction, reducing the friction between the movable plate 32 and the positioning frame 31, thereby improving the stability of the movable plate 32 during movement.

[0041] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 A sorting frame 6 is provided on the side of the frame 1 away from the positioning frame 31, and a sorting box 61 is rotatably connected to the sorting frame 6. A first box 8 is provided on one side of the sorting frame 6, and a second box 9 is provided on the other side. A control component 7 for controlling the sorting box 61 is provided on the sorting frame 6.

[0042] The control assembly 7 includes a third cylinder 71 and a control plate 72. The third cylinder 71 is fixed vertically on the sorting frame 6. A control slot 611 is provided on the sorting frame 61, and the control plate 72 is slidably connected in the control slot 611. The output end of the third cylinder 71 is rotatably connected to the control plate 72.

[0043] The conveyor belt 23 moves the inspected battery cells to the sorting frame 61. The output end of the third cylinder 71 extends or retracts according to the inspection results of the battery cells, that is, the output end of the third cylinder 71 controls the control board 72 to move along the control groove 611. During the movement of the control board 72, the sorting frame 61 is rotated to move the battery cells into the first box 8 or the second box 9, thus facilitating the collection of battery cells.

[0044] Reference Figure 1 A rubber pad 612 is attached to the sorting frame 61. The rubber is soft, so that the battery cells that fall onto the sorting frame 61 are not easily damaged.

[0045] The implementation principle of the automated sorting equipment for retired power battery cells in this application embodiment is as follows: After the positioning component 3 determines the actual orientation of the cell, the conveying component 2 conveys the cell to the first support 11 or the second support 12. The first detection plate 4 and the second detection plate 5 move so that the positive electrode contact 41 abuts against the positive electrode of the cell and the negative electrode contact 51 abuts against the negative electrode of the cell to detect the voltage of the cell. This reduces the additional steps of reversing the cell, saves some time, and thus improves the sorting efficiency of the sorting equipment.

[0046] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. An automated sorting device for retired power battery cells, characterized in that: The device includes a frame (1), a conveying assembly (2) for conveying battery cells, and a positioning assembly (3) for determining the orientation of battery cells. The conveying assembly (2) is mounted on the frame (1), and the positioning assembly (3) is mounted on the frame (1). The frame (1) is provided with a first support (11) and a second support (12) in sequence along the conveying direction of the conveying assembly (2). The first support (11) and the second support (12) are slidably connected with a first detection plate (4) and a second detection plate (5) with opposite moving directions. The first detection plate (4) is provided with a positive electrode contact (41), and the second detection plate (5) is provided with a negative electrode contact (51). The moving direction of the first detection plate (4) located on the first support (11) is opposite to the moving direction of the first detection plate (4) located on the second support (12).

2. The automated sorting equipment for retired power battery cells according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first support (11) and the second support (12) are each equipped with a first cylinder (13) and a second cylinder (14). The output end of the first cylinder (13) is connected to the first detection plate (4), and the output end of the second cylinder (14) is connected to the second detection plate (5).

3. The automated sorting equipment for retired power battery cells according to claim 1, characterized in that: The positioning component (3) includes a positioning frame (31), a driving component and a moving plate (32). The positioning frame (31) is mounted on the frame (1). The driving component is mounted on the positioning frame (31). One side of the moving plate (32) is connected to the driving component and the other side is slidably connected to the positioning frame (31). A camera (321) is provided on the side of the moving plate (32) closest to the frame (1).

4. The automated sorting equipment for retired power battery cells according to claim 3, characterized in that: The movable plate (32) has a plurality of balls (322) embedded on the side near the positioning frame (31), and each ball (322) abuts against the positioning frame (31).

5. The automated sorting equipment for retired power battery cells according to claim 3, characterized in that: The driving component includes a first driving wheel (33), a second driving wheel (34), and a driving belt (35). The first driving wheel (33) and the second driving wheel (34) are rotatably connected to the positioning frame (31). The driving belt (35) is wound around the first driving wheel (33) and the second driving wheel (34). The positioning frame (31) is equipped with a control motor (311), and the output end of the control motor (311) is coaxially connected to the first driving wheel (33).

6. The automated sorting equipment for retired power battery cells according to claim 3, characterized in that: The frame (1) is provided with a sorting frame (6) on the side away from the positioning frame (31). A sorting frame (61) is rotatably connected to the sorting frame (6). A first box (8) is provided on one side of the sorting frame (6) and a second box (9) is provided on the other side. A control component (7) for controlling the sorting frame (61) is provided on the sorting frame (6).

7. The automated sorting equipment for retired power battery cells according to claim 6, characterized in that: The control component (7) includes a third cylinder (71) and a control plate (72). The third cylinder (71) is arranged vertically on the sorting frame (6). The sorting frame (61) has a control slot (611). The control plate (72) is slidably connected in the control slot (611). The output end of the third cylinder (71) is rotatably connected to the control plate (72).

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