Battery cell height measuring device

Abstract

The utility model provides a device for measuring the height of a battery cell. The device comprises a rack, a transfer assembly and a measuring assembly, wherein the transfer assembly and the measuring assembly are arranged in the rack; the transferring assembly comprises a plurality of battery cell jigs which are arranged at intervals in the first direction, and the battery cell jigs are used for bearing and positioning the battery cells; the measuring assembly comprises at least one group of detection pieces arranged at intervals in the first direction, each group of detection pieces comprises two detection cameras, and the two detection cameras are arranged on the two opposite sides of the battery cell jig respectively and used for photographing the two opposite ends of the battery cell in the second direction respectively so as to obtain the height of the battery cell; and the two detection cameras in each group of detection pieces can move along the first direction relative to the battery cell jig. According to the utility model, the problems of low measurement efficiency and large measurement error of the existing cell height measurement device are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery production equipment technology, and more specifically, to a battery cell height measuring device. Background Technology

[0002] Batteries, as energy storage devices, are widely used in various electronic products. As the basic unit of a battery, the performance of the battery cell is crucial to the overall performance of the battery, and the height error of the cell can affect the battery's capacity, lifespan, and safety.

[0003] Existing technologies typically use specialized tools, such as calipers, vernier calipers, or digital micrometers, which can accurately measure the height of battery cells. While these tools can achieve the goal of accurately detecting the height of battery cells, they usually require manual handling of the cell, placing it on a flat surface, and then manually measuring its height using these tools. This measurement method is highly dependent on manual labor, has low measurement efficiency, and is difficult to meet the production needs of enterprises. Furthermore, different operators using different measurement techniques can lead to significant measurement errors. Utility Model Content

[0004] This invention aims to solve the problems of low measurement efficiency and large measurement error in existing battery cell height measuring devices.

[0005] To solve the above problems, this utility model provides a battery cell height measuring device, comprising:

[0006] The frame and the transfer and measurement components disposed inside the frame;

[0007] The transfer assembly includes a plurality of cell fixtures spaced apart along a first direction, the cell fixtures being used to carry and position the cells;

[0008] The measuring component includes at least one set of detection elements spaced apart along a first direction. Each set of detection elements includes two detection cameras. The two detection cameras are respectively located on opposite sides of the battery cell fixture. The two detection cameras are respectively used to take pictures of the two ends of the battery cell that are arranged opposite each other along a second direction to obtain the height of the battery cell. Both detection cameras in each set of detection elements can move relative to the battery cell fixture along the first direction.

[0009] The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0010] Furthermore, the measuring assembly also includes a support base, on which each set of the detection elements is disposed. The support base is slidably connected to the frame, and the support base can move relative to the frame along the first direction.

[0011] Furthermore, the support base includes two support portions and a connecting portion connecting the two support portions. The two detection cameras of each set of detection components are respectively disposed on the two support portions, and there is a space between the two support portions through which the battery cell fixture can pass.

[0012] Furthermore, the measuring component also includes a first driving member, which is disposed between the frame and the support base and connected to the support base. The first driving member is used to drive the support base to move relative to the frame along the first direction.

[0013] Furthermore, the battery cell fixture includes a first battery cell fixture and a second battery cell fixture arranged opposite to each other along a third direction. The first battery cell fixture is fixedly mounted on the frame, and the second battery cell fixture can move along the third direction to approach or move away from the first battery cell fixture.

[0014] Furthermore, the first cell fixture is provided with a first receiving groove, and the second cell fixture is provided with a second receiving groove. The first receiving groove and the second receiving groove are arranged opposite to each other, and the first receiving groove and the second receiving groove can position the cell.

[0015] Furthermore, the first cell fixture has a flexible material covering one side surface of the first receiving groove; and / or, the second cell fixture has a flexible material covering one side surface of the second receiving groove.

[0016] Furthermore, the transfer assembly also includes a connecting plate, on which each of the second cell fixtures is disposed, and the connecting plate is movable along the third direction, so that each of the second cell fixtures moves along the third direction.

[0017] Furthermore, the transfer assembly also includes a second drive member and a connecting rod, the connecting rod connecting the second drive member and the connecting plate, the second drive member driving the connecting plate to move in a third direction via the connecting rod.

[0018] Furthermore, the frame includes two fixed seats and a connecting frame connecting the two fixed seats. The two supporting parts are slidably connected to the fixed seats respectively, and there is a space between the two fixed seats for the second battery cell fixture to pass through. The fixed seats are marble fixed seats, and the connecting frame is a marble connecting frame.

[0019] The battery cell height measuring device of this invention, by setting multiple battery cell fixtures on the transfer assembly, can simultaneously measure the height of multiple battery cells, which improves the efficiency of battery cell height measurement. The battery cell fixtures carry and position the battery cells, keeping them stationary and improving the accuracy of repeated battery cell height measurements. Two detection cameras take pictures of opposite ends of the battery cell to obtain the shoulder height and total height of the battery cell, thus measuring the battery cell height. The two detection cameras work together to measure the battery cell height, resulting in high measurement accuracy and avoiding the problem of large measurement errors caused by different manual measurement methods. In addition, the two detection cameras in each set of detection components can move relative to the battery cell fixtures along a first horizontal direction, keeping the battery cells stationary and reducing the jitter error caused by battery cell movement, which further improves the accuracy of battery cell height measurement. Furthermore, by placing the transfer assembly and the measuring assembly inside the frame, the influence of vibrations generated by other mechanisms on the battery cell height measuring device can be isolated, which further improves the measurement accuracy. The battery cell height measuring device provided by this utility model can quickly measure the shoulder height and total height of the battery cell. Its measurement rate can reach up to 80PPM, and the measurement accuracy can be stably maintained at over 99%. Moreover, the battery cell height measuring device has high stability and the failure rate can be controlled within 2%. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the battery cell height measuring device provided in the embodiments of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the frame provided in the embodiment of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the transfer component provided in the embodiment of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a top view of the measuring component provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solution of this utility model will be clearly and thoroughly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In addition, in the description of this utility model, "at least one" means one or more, and "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0025] In this specification, the term "as an alternative embodiment" means that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one alternative embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same implementation or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0026] Combination Figures 1 to 4 As shown, this embodiment provides a cell height measuring device, including: a frame 10 and a transfer assembly 20 and a measuring assembly 30 disposed inside the frame 10, wherein:

[0027] The transfer assembly 20 includes components along a first horizontal direction (i.e. Figure 3 Multiple battery cell fixtures 21 are spaced apart along the x-axis (first direction) in the middle. The battery cell fixtures 21 are used to carry the battery cell 1 and position the battery cell 1.

[0028] The measuring assembly 30 includes at least one set of detection elements 31 spaced apart along a first horizontal direction. Each set of detection elements 31 includes two detection cameras 311, which are respectively located on opposite sides of the cell fixture 21. The two detection cameras 311 are used to measure the cell 1 along a second horizontal direction (i.e., Figure 4 The two detection cameras 311 in each set of detection components 31 can move relative to the battery cell fixture 21 in the first horizontal direction to obtain the height of the battery cell 1.

[0029] The battery cell height measuring device provided in this embodiment, by setting multiple battery cell fixtures on the transfer assembly, can simultaneously measure the height of multiple battery cells, which is beneficial to improving the efficiency of battery cell height measurement. The battery cell fixtures carry and position the battery cells, keeping them in a stationary state and improving the accuracy of repeated battery cell height measurements. Two detection cameras take pictures of opposite ends of the battery cell to obtain the shoulder height and total height of the battery cell, thus measuring the battery cell height. The two detection cameras work together to measure the battery cell height, resulting in high measurement accuracy and avoiding the problem of large measurement errors caused by different manual measurement methods. In addition, the two detection cameras in each set of detection components can move relative to the battery cell fixtures along a first horizontal direction, keeping the battery cells in a stationary state and reducing the jitter error caused by battery cell movement, which is beneficial to further improving the accuracy of battery cell height measurement. Furthermore, by placing the transfer assembly and the measuring assembly inside the frame, the influence of vibrations generated by other mechanisms on the battery cell height measuring device can be isolated, which is beneficial to further improving the measurement accuracy. The cell height measuring device provided in this embodiment can quickly measure the shoulder height and total height of the cell. Its measurement rate can reach up to 80PPM, and the measurement accuracy can be stably maintained at over 99%. Moreover, the cell height measuring device has high stability and the failure rate can be controlled within 2%.

[0030] In this embodiment, the shoulder height of the battery cell refers to the height of the non-terminal portion of the battery cell 1, and the total height refers to the overall height of the battery cell 1 from bottom to top, including the height of the battery cell 1 body and the terminal height.

[0031] Based on the above embodiments, as an optional implementation, the detection camera is a 3D line scan camera. A line scan laser is projected onto the end and terminal of the battery cell 1, and the shoulder height and total height of the battery cell 1 are calculated using triangulation. This embodiment does not further explain the specific working principle of calculating the shoulder height and total height of the battery cell 1 using triangulation.

[0032] Based on the above embodiments, as an optional implementation, the measuring assembly 30 further includes a support base 32, on which each group of detection elements 31 is disposed. The support base 32 is slidably connected to the frame 10, and the support base 32 can move relative to the frame 10 along a first horizontal direction. Thus, by setting the support base 32 to be slidably connected to the frame 10, both detection cameras 311 in each group of detection elements 31 disposed on the support base 32 can move relative to the cell fixture 21 along the first horizontal direction to take pictures of the end of the cell 1. Since each group of detection elements 31 is disposed on the support base 32, each group of detection elements 31 can move synchronously along the first horizontal direction, enabling orderly measurement of the detection elements 31, avoiding repeated measurement of some cells 1, which affects measurement efficiency, and also enabling measurement of the shoulder height and total height of all cells 1, avoiding missed detections.

[0033] Based on the above embodiments, as an optional implementation method, combined with Figure 4 As shown, the support base 32 includes two support portions 321 and a connecting portion 322 connecting the two support portions 321. Two detection cameras 311 of each set of detection components 31 are respectively mounted on the two support portions 321. A slider is provided on the surface of each support portion 321 facing away from the detection camera 311. There is a space between the two support portions 321 through which the power core fixture 21 can pass. For clarity, one support portion 321 is named the first support portion, and the other support portion 321 is named the second support portion. Similarly, one detection camera 311 in each set of detection components 31 is named the first detection camera, and the other detection camera 311 is named the second detection camera. The first detection camera is mounted on the first support portion, and the second detection camera is mounted on the second support portion. The first and second support portions are connected by the connecting portion 322, and there is a space between the first and second support portions through which the power core fixture 21 can pass. Therefore, by setting two support parts 321 to support the two detection cameras 311 in each group of detection pieces 31, the two ends of the battery cell 1 can be photographed and detected simultaneously. By connecting the two support parts 321 through the connecting part 322, the synchronicity of the two detection cameras 311 in each group of detection pieces 31 can be ensured, thereby further improving the detection accuracy of each group of detection pieces 31 and thus improving the detection accuracy. By setting a space between the two support parts 321 that allows the battery cell fixture 21 to pass through, the battery cell fixture 21 can be avoided, so that the battery cell 1 and the detection camera 311 can be located at the same height, which makes it easier for the detection camera 311 to take pictures of the ends of the battery cell 1, which is conducive to further improving the detection accuracy.

[0034] Based on the above embodiments, as an optional implementation, the two support portions 321 and the connecting portion 322 are integrally formed and connected, thereby improving the structural stability of the support base 32 and further improving the detection accuracy. Of course, in another optional implementation, the two support portions 321 and the connecting portion 322 are separately formed and connected.

[0035] In this embodiment, each group of detection elements 31 is spaced apart on the support base 32 along the first horizontal direction. The number of detection elements 31 on the support plate 32 can be determined according to the number of cell fixtures 21 in the transfer assembly 20. As an optional implementation, if the number of cell fixtures 21 in the transfer assembly 20 is 2N, then the number of detection elements 31 is N, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. Thus, each detection element 31 performs photographic detection on the ends of two cells 1, which not only improves the accuracy and efficiency of the measurement but also reduces the number of detection cameras 311, thereby reducing measurement costs. Of course, those skilled in the art can also adjust the number of detection elements 31 according to the actual situation, such as each detection element 31 performing photographic detection on the end of one cell 1, or each detection element 31 performing photographic detection on the ends of three, four, or more cells 1.

[0036] Based on the above embodiments, as an optional implementation, the measuring component 30 further includes a first driving member 33. The first driving member 33 is disposed between the frame 10 and the support base 32, and is connected to the support base 32. The first driving member 33 is used to drive the support base 32 to move relative to the frame 10 in a first horizontal direction. The first driving member 33 being disposed between the frame 10 and the support base 32 can reduce the space occupied by the cell height measuring device. As an optional implementation, the first driving member 33 is a linear motor.

[0037] Based on the above embodiments, as an optional implementation method, combined with Figure 3 As shown, the battery cell fixture 21 includes components along the vertical direction (i.e., Figure 3 A first battery cell fixture 211 and a second battery cell fixture 212 are positioned opposite each other along the z-axis (or third direction) of the machine frame 10. The first battery cell fixture 211 is fixedly mounted on the frame 10, and the second battery cell fixture 212 can move vertically to approach or move away from the first battery cell fixture 211. Thus, the second battery cell fixture 212 carries the battery cell 1 whose height is to be measured. The second battery cell fixture 212 moves closer to the first battery cell fixture 211, allowing the first and second fixtures to engage to position the battery cell 1, facilitating the inspection camera 311 to photograph and inspect the end of the battery cell 1. After the height of the battery cell 1 is measured, the second battery cell fixture 212 moves away from the first battery cell fixture 211 to facilitate the subsequent transfer of the battery cell 1 after its height measurement.

[0038] Specifically, the first cell fixture 211 is provided with a first receiving groove, and the second cell fixture 212 is provided with a second receiving groove. The second receiving groove can be V-shaped, trapezoidal, or arc-shaped. The lower circumferential surface of the cell 1 is received in the second receiving groove, so that the second cell fixture 212 carries the cell 1 and limits the cell 1 in the horizontal direction to prevent the cell 1 from rolling in the horizontal direction. The first receiving groove and the second receiving groove are arranged opposite to each other. The first receiving groove can be V-shaped, trapezoidal, or arc-shaped, and the upper circumferential surface of the cell 1 can be received in the first receiving groove. The first receiving groove and the second receiving groove can surround the cell 1 and limit the cell 1 in the vertical direction to prevent the cell 1 from moving in the vertical direction. Thus, by providing a first receiving groove on the first cell fixture 211 and a second receiving groove on the second cell fixture 212, the position of the cell 1 can be positioned to prevent the cell 1 from moving during the measurement process and affecting the accuracy of the measurement.

[0039] Based on the above embodiments, as an optional implementation, the surface of the first cell fixture 211 with the first receiving groove is covered with a flexible material, and / or, the surface of the second cell fixture 212 with the second receiving groove is covered with a flexible material. Thus, the flexible material is soft and has good cushioning properties, preventing the first cell fixture 211 and the second cell fixture 212 from squeezing or damaging the surface of the cell 1 when enclosing it. It should be noted that in this embodiment, at least the surface of the second cell fixture with the second receiving groove needs to be covered with a flexible material to avoid damage to the surface of the cell 1 caused by the driving force during the vertical movement of the second cell fixture. As a preferred implementation, both the surface of the first cell fixture with the first receiving groove and the surface of the second cell fixture with the second receiving groove are covered with a flexible material. As an optional implementation, the flexible material can be silicone, foam, or sponge, etc.

[0040] Based on the above embodiments, as an optional implementation, the transfer assembly 20 further includes a connecting plate 22, on which each second cell fixture 212 is disposed. The connecting plate 22 is movable in the vertical direction, allowing each second cell fixture 212 to move synchronously in the vertical direction. Thus, the connecting plate 22 enables the synchronous movement of each second cell fixture 212, achieving synchronous positioning and measurement of multiple cells 1, which improves measurement efficiency.

[0041] Based on the above embodiments, as an optional implementation, the transfer assembly 20 further includes a second driving member 24 and a connecting rod 23. The connecting rod 23 connects the second driving member 24 and the connecting plate 22. The second driving member 24 drives the connecting plate 22 to move vertically via the connecting rod 23. The connecting rod 23 is an inclined connecting rod, capable of converting the horizontal movement of the second driving member 24 into vertical movement, so that the connecting plate 22 drives each of the second cell fixtures 212 to move vertically. In this embodiment, the inclination angle of the connecting rod 23 is not further limited; those skilled in the art can adjust it according to actual conditions. As an optional implementation, the second driving member 24 is a cylinder.

[0042] Based on the above embodiments, as an optional implementation method, combined with Figure 2 As shown, the frame 10 includes two fixed seats 11 and a connecting frame 12 connecting the two fixed seats 11. Two support parts 321 are slidably connected to the two fixed seats 11 respectively, and there is a space between the two fixed seats 11 for the second battery cell fixture 212 to pass through. Specifically, for ease of description, one fixed seat 11 is named the first fixed seat and the other fixed seat 11 is named the second fixed seat. The first fixed seat is provided with a first slide rail, and the slider on the first support part is slidably connected to the first slide rail. The second fixed seat is provided with a second slide rail, and the slider on the second support part is slidably connected to the second slide rail. Thus, by setting two fixed seats 11, the second battery cell fixture 212 can be avoided, so that the battery cell 1 and the inspection camera 311 can be located at the same height, which facilitates the inspection camera 311 to take pictures of the end of the battery cell 1, which is beneficial to further improve the accuracy of inspection. Connecting the two fixed seats 11 through the connecting frame 12 can improve the stability of the frame 10.

[0043] Based on the above embodiments, as an optional implementation, the fixing base 11 is a marble fixing base, and the connecting frame 12 is a marble connecting frame. Thus, the frame 10 is a marble frame. Using a marble frame can reduce the transmission of vibrations generated by the power source, which is beneficial for further improving the measurement accuracy.

[0044] Based on the above embodiments, as an optional implementation, the second drive member 24 can be disposed between the two fixed seats 11 to further reduce the space occupied by the cell height measuring device.

[0045] Based on the above embodiments, as an optional implementation, a camera controller 40 is provided on the frame 10. The camera controller 40 is electrically connected to each detection camera 311 and is used to control each detection camera 311 to take pictures of the end of the battery cell 1 and calculate the shoulder height data and total height data of each battery cell 1. In this embodiment, the specific type of camera controller 40 is not further limited, and those skilled in the art can determine it according to the actual situation.

[0046] The following is combined Figures 1 to 4 The working principle of the cell height measuring device provided in this embodiment is explained as follows:

[0047] After cell 1 is transferred to the second cell fixture 212, the second drive member 24 drives the connecting plate 22 to move vertically via the connecting rod 23. The connecting plate 22 drives each second cell fixture 212 to move vertically until the upper surface of cell 1 contacts the first cell fixture 211, completing the positioning of cell 1. Subsequently, the first drive member 33 drives the support base 32 to move relative to the frame 10 in the first horizontal direction, so that the detection camera 311 on the support base 32 takes pictures of the two ends of cell 1 to obtain the shoulder height data and total height data of cell 1. After the measurement is completed, the first drive member 33 drives the support base 32 to reset, so that the detection camera 311 is reset, the second drive member 24 drives the connecting plate 22 to reset, so that the second cell fixture 212 is reset, and continues to detect the next batch of cells 1 transferred to the second cell fixture 212.

[0048] Although the disclosure is as stated above, the scope of protection of this disclosure is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, and all such changes and modifications will fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A battery cell height measuring device, characterized in that, include: The frame and the transfer and measurement components disposed inside the frame; The transfer assembly includes a plurality of cell fixtures spaced apart along a first direction, the cell fixtures being used to carry and position the cells; The measuring component includes at least one set of detection elements spaced apart along a first direction. Each set of detection elements includes two detection cameras. The two detection cameras are respectively located on opposite sides of the battery cell fixture. The two detection cameras are respectively used to take pictures of the two ends of the battery cell that are arranged opposite each other along a second direction to obtain the height of the battery cell. Both detection cameras in each set of detection elements can move relative to the battery cell fixture along the first direction. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

2. The cell height measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The measuring assembly also includes a support base, on which each set of the detection elements is disposed. The support base is slidably connected to the frame and can move relative to the frame along the first direction.

3. The cell height measuring device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The support base includes two support parts and a connecting part connecting the two support parts. The two detection cameras of each set of detection components are respectively installed on the two support parts, and there is a space between the two support parts for the battery cell fixture to pass through.

4. The cell height measuring device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The measuring assembly further includes a first driving member disposed between the frame and the support base, and the first driving member is connected to the support base. The first driving member is used to drive the support base to move relative to the frame along the first direction.

5. The cell height measuring device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The battery cell fixture includes a first battery cell fixture and a second battery cell fixture arranged opposite each other along a third direction. The first battery cell fixture is fixedly mounted on the frame, and the second battery cell fixture can move along the third direction to approach or move away from the first battery cell fixture.

6. The cell height measuring device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first cell fixture is provided with a first receiving groove, and the second cell fixture is provided with a second receiving groove. The first receiving groove and the second receiving groove are arranged opposite to each other, and the first receiving groove and the second receiving groove can position the cell.

7. The cell height measuring device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first cell fixture has one side surface of the first receiving groove covered with a flexible material; and / or, the second cell fixture has one side surface of the second receiving groove covered with a flexible material.

8. The cell height measuring device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The transfer assembly also includes a connecting plate, on which each of the second cell fixtures is disposed. The connecting plate is movable along the third direction, thereby allowing each of the second cell fixtures to move along the third direction.

9. The cell height measuring device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The transfer assembly further includes a second drive member and a connecting rod, the connecting rod connecting the second drive member and the connecting plate, the second drive member driving the connecting plate to move in a third direction via the connecting rod.

10. The cell height measuring device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The frame includes two fixed seats and a connecting frame connecting the two fixed seats. The two supporting parts are slidably connected to the fixed seats respectively, and there is a space between the two fixed seats for the second battery cell fixture to pass through. The fixing base is a marble fixing base, and the connecting frame is a marble connecting frame.

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