Battery sorting system

Abstract

The utility model discloses a battery sorting system, including host computer, sorting carousel, sorting channel and residual detection sensor, wherein: sorting carousel is used for conveying the cup that holds the electric core to sorting channel, residual detection sensor sets up in the side of sorting channel, and in the position of the S*K+1 cup corresponding with the starting position of the grabbing position of sorting channel, is used for detecting whether there is cup in the position of the S*K+1 cup of sorting channel, K is the cup number of once grabbing in the grabbing position, and S is positive integer, host computer is connected with residual detection sensor communication, is used for determining whether the battery sorting system is unusual according to the detection result of residual detection sensor. Host computer obtains the detection result of residual detection sensor, can judge whether the cup number in sorting channel is unusual, and judges whether the sorting system is unusual, effectively solves the sorting error caused by the cup number unusual, improves the accuracy of sorting system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery delivery technology, and to, but is not limited to, a battery sorting system. Background Technology

[0002] During battery production, the battery's electrical performance parameters need to be measured, and the batteries are sorted into different grades or categories based on these parameters. Sorted batteries are typically placed in the same trays for subsequent assembly and use. To avoid friction between cylindrical batteries and the conveyor line, trays are usually used for transport. During battery sorting, the trays are conveyed to the gripping position via a conveyor in the sorting channel, where a robotic arm or other gripping device removes the batteries from the trays and places them into the pallets.

[0003] However, during the battery sorting process, problems such as material jamming at the gripping position or data corruption caused by manual intervention often occur, which in turn leads to an abnormal number of cups in the sorting channel, resulting in sorting errors. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, the battery sorting system provided in this application embodiment can effectively solve the sorting error problem caused by abnormal number of cups, and improve the accuracy and reliability of the sorting system.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a battery sorting system, comprising a host computer, a sorting turntable, a sorting channel, and a residue detection sensor, wherein:

[0006] The sorting turntable is used to convey a cup containing battery cells to the sorting channel;

[0007] The residue detection sensor is located on the side of the sorting channel and at the position corresponding to the S*K+1th cup holder starting from the gripping position of the sorting channel. It is used to detect whether there is a cup holder at the position of the S*K+1th cup holder in the sorting channel, where K is the number of cup holders gripped at the gripping position at one time and S is a positive integer.

[0008] The host computer is communicatively connected to the residual detection sensor and is used to determine whether the battery sorting system is abnormal based on the detection results of the residual detection sensor.

[0009] As an optional implementation, the system further includes a discharge detection sensor and a full-load detection sensor, wherein:

[0010] The discharge detection sensor is set at the discharge port of the sorting turntable and is used to detect the number of cups conveyed by the sorting turntable to the sorting channel to obtain a first detection result, so as to control the number of cups input to the sorting turntable to be N*K, where N is a positive integer;

[0011] The full material detection sensor is set on the side of the sorting channel and at the position corresponding to the M*Kth cup with the gripping position of the sorting channel as the starting position. It is used to detect whether the sorting channel includes M*K cups and obtain a second detection result, where M is a positive integer less than or equal to 2.

[0012] The host computer is communicatively connected to the discharge detection sensor and the full-load detection sensor, and is also used to determine whether the battery sorting system is abnormal based on the detection results of the residual detection sensor, the first detection result, and the second detection result.

[0013] As an optional implementation, when S is 1, the residue detection sensor is positioned on the side of the sorting channel at the (K+1)th cup corresponding to the grasping position of the sorting channel. The host computer determines whether the battery sorting system is abnormal based on the detection results of the residue detection sensor, the first detection result, and the second detection result, including:

[0014] Receive the first detection result from the discharge detection sensor and determine the number of input cups as K;

[0015] Receive the second detection result from the full-load detection sensor and the detection result from the residual detection sensor;

[0016] If, based on the second detection result, it is determined that there are currently K cups in the sorting channel, and the detection result of the residual detection sensor indicates that there is a cup at the position of the (K+1)th cup, then it is determined that there is an anomaly in the battery sorting system.

[0017] As an optional implementation, when S is 2, the residue detection sensor is positioned on the side of the sorting channel at the position corresponding to the 2K+1th cup starting from the gripping position of the sorting channel. The host computer determines whether the battery sorting system is abnormal based on the detection results of the residue detection sensor, the first detection result, and the second detection result, including:

[0018] Receive the first detection result from the discharge detection sensor and determine that the number of input cups is 2K;

[0019] Receive the second detection result from the full-load detection sensor and the detection result from the residual detection sensor;

[0020] If, based on the second detection result, it is determined that there are currently 2K cups in the sorting channel, and the detection result of the residual detection sensor indicates that there is a cup at the position of the 2K+1th cup, then it is determined that there is an anomaly in the battery sorting system.

[0021] As an optional implementation, each set of full-load detection sensors includes two through-beam photoelectric sensors, wherein:

[0022] When there is one sorting channel, the two through-beam photoelectric sensors are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the sorting channel, and their positions correspond to the radial sides of the same cup.

[0023] When there are two sorting channels, the two through-beam photoelectric sensors are respectively disposed on the outer side of the two sorting channels. The outer side is the side of the two sorting channels that are opposite to each other, and the optical axes of the two sensors are aligned with the same axial position.

[0024] As an optional implementation, when the number of sorting channels is two, the battery sorting system further includes a one-to-two mechanism, wherein a counting sensor is provided at the inlet of each sorting channel, wherein:

[0025] The one-to-two separation mechanism is located between the inlet of one of the sorting channels and the outlet of the sorting turntable, and is used to transport the cup at the outlet of the sorting turntable to the inlet of the two sorting channels.

[0026] The counting sensor is used to detect the number of cups entering the corresponding sorting channel and send the number of cups to the host computer, so that the host computer controls the one-to-two mechanism to stop conveying cups according to the number of cups.

[0027] As an optional implementation, the battery sorting system further includes two sets of position detection sensors. The first set of position detection sensors is located on the side of the sorting channel and at the position corresponding to the first cup at the gripping position of the sorting channel, for detecting whether there is a cup at the position corresponding to the first cup. The second set of position detection sensors is located on the side of the sorting channel and at the position corresponding to cups M*K apart from the feed inlet of the sorting channel, for detecting whether there is a cup at the position corresponding to cups M*K apart from the feed inlet of the sorting channel.

[0028] As an optional implementation, the battery sorting system further includes a cup scanning device and a cell scanning device. The cup scanning device is used to read the cup code of the cup, and the cell scanning device is used to read the cell code. The host computer is also used to bind the cup code with the cell code of the corresponding cell in the cup.

[0029] As an optional implementation, the battery sorting system further includes a programmable logic controller (PLC). The PLC is used to upload the cup code read by the cup scanning device in the sorting turntable and the sorting station number corresponding to the cup to the host computer to verify the data stored in the PLC.

[0030] As an optional implementation, the PLC is also used to upload the cup code of the cup holder at the sorting channel grab position to the host computer. The host computer is used to query the corresponding battery level according to the cup code and compare whether the station level corresponding to the sorting channel is consistent with the battery level. If they are inconsistent, the host computer outputs an alarm prompt message.

[0031] The PLC is also used to upload the cup code corresponding to the battery cell placed in the tray to the host computer. The host computer is also used to query whether the cell code of the battery cell has been bound to the tray code of the tray according to the cup code. If it has been bound, the host computer outputs an alarm prompt message.

[0032] Compared with related technologies, the embodiments of this application have at least the following beneficial effects:

[0033] The battery sorting system provided in this application embodiment, by setting a residue detection sensor at the position corresponding to the S*K+1th cup with the grasping position as the starting position of the sorting channel, can effectively identify whether there is an abnormality in the number of cups in the sorting channel by analyzing the detection results of the residue detection sensor through the upper computer when the number of cups transported by the sorting turntable to the sorting channel is N*K, and determine whether the battery sorting system is abnormal. It can detect and handle abnormal situations in a timely manner, effectively solve the sorting error problem caused by abnormal number of cups, and improve the accuracy and reliability of the sorting system. Attached Figure Description

[0034] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0035] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the battery sorting system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the sensor installation location provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 3 Another schematic diagram showing the sensor mounting location provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the battery sorting system provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0039] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the sorting process of the battery sorting system provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0040] Key reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1-Host computer; 2-Sorting turntable; 3-Sorting channel; 4-Residue detection sensor; 5-Discharge detection sensor; 6-Full material detection sensor; 7-Cup holder; 8-Divider mechanism; 9-Counting sensor; 10-First group of position detection sensors; 11-Second group of position detection sensors; 12-Grabbing position; 13-Blocking cylinder; 201, 301-First group of position detection sensors; 202, 302-First group of full material detection sensors; 303-Second group of full material detection sensors; 204, 305-Second group of position detection sensors; 203, 304-Residue detection sensor; 401-Disassembly machine; 402-Leakage machine; 403-Manual visual inspection device; 404-Cup holder barcode scanner; 405-Battery cell barcode scanner; 406-Feed buffer mechanism; 407-Sorting turntable; 408-Abnormal handling channel; 409-Empty cup buffer mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0042] In this application, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "middle," "vertical," "horizontal," "lateral," and "longitudinal" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily for the purpose of better describing this application and its embodiments, and are not intended to limit the indicated device, element, or component to having a specific orientation, or to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation.

[0043] Furthermore, in addition to indicating location or positional relationship, some of the aforementioned terms may also have other meanings. For example, the term "above" may also be used in some cases to indicate a certain dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0044] Furthermore, the terms "installation," "setup," "equipped with," "connection," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or an internal connection between two devices, components, or parts. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0045] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are primarily used to distinguish different devices, elements, or components (which may be the same or different in specific type and construction), and are not intended to indicate or imply the relative importance or quantity of the indicated devices, elements, or components. Unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0046] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described below with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0047] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the battery sorting system provided in an embodiment of this application. The battery sorting system includes a host computer 1, a sorting turntable 2, a sorting channel 3, and a residual detection sensor 4. The sorting turntable 2 is used to transport a cup 7 containing battery cells to the sorting channel 3.

[0048] The host computer 1, acting as the control center of the battery sorting system, is responsible for receiving signals from various sensors and issuing control commands according to a preset program to coordinate the operation of each component. The sorting turntable 2 rotates via a drive device, such as a motor and transmission mechanism, and sequentially transports the cups 7 containing the battery cells to the entrance of the sorting channel 3. The host computer 1 can also communicate with the sorting turntable 2 to control its rotation speed.

[0049] The residue detection sensor 4 is set on the side of the sorting channel 3 and at the position corresponding to the S*K+1th cup 7 starting from the gripping position of the sorting channel 3. It is used to detect whether there is a cup 7 at the position of the S*K+1th cup 7 in the sorting channel 3, where K is the number of cups gripped at the gripping position at one time and S is a positive integer.

[0050] In some embodiments, the residue detection sensor 4 can be a photoelectric sensor or a through-beam sensor. When the residue detection sensor 4 detects a cup 7 at the position of the (S*K+1)th cup 7 starting from the gripping position of the sorting channel 3, the sensor can output a high level. Conversely, a low level output indicates that there is no cup 7 at that position. For example, the residue detection sensor 4 can be set on the side of the sorting channel 3 at the position corresponding to the (K+1)th cup 7, or it can also be set on the side of the sorting channel 3 at the position corresponding to the (2K+1)th cup 7.

[0051] The host computer 1 is communicatively connected to the residue detection sensor 4 and is used to determine whether the battery sorting system is malfunctioning based on the detection results of the residue detection sensor 4. In some embodiments, if the residue detection sensor 4 detects residue in the tray 7, it is determined that the battery sorting system is malfunctioning.

[0052] In some embodiments, the battery sorting system further includes a discharge detection sensor 5 and a full-load detection sensor 6. The discharge detection sensor 5 is set at the discharge port of the sorting turntable 2 and is used to detect the number of cups 7 conveyed by the sorting turntable 2 to the sorting channel 3 to obtain a first detection result, so as to control the number of cups 7 input to the sorting turntable 2 to be N*K, where K is the number of cups grabbed at the gripping position at one time, K can also be the number of cells required for a group of batteries, and N is a positive integer.

[0053] In some embodiments, the discharge detection sensor 5 can be a photoelectric sensor or a through-beam sensor. When the cup 7 passes through the discharge detection sensor 5, the light is blocked, and the sensor outputs a pulse signal. By counting these pulse signals, the number of cups 7 that have passed through can be accurately counted, thereby obtaining the first detection result.

[0054] In this embodiment, K can be set to 13. When the discharge detection sensor 5 detects that the number of cups 7 input to the sorting turntable 2 is 13*N, it sends the first detection result to the host computer 1, and the host computer 1 controls the sorting turntable 2 to stop running.

[0055] Multiple sets of full-material detection sensors 6 are set on the side of the sorting channel 3, at the position corresponding to the M*Kth cup 7 starting from the gripping position of the sorting channel, to detect whether the sorting channel 3 includes M*K cups 7, and obtain a second detection result, where M is a positive integer less than or equal to 2. Figure 1 (Only one set is shown in the image)

[0056] In some embodiments, the number of full-load detection sensors can be set to three or more groups, which is not limited in this application embodiment. On the side of the sorting channel 3, starting from the gripping position of the sorting channel 3, a group of full-load detection sensors 6 is installed every K cups 7. For example, if K=13, then a group of full-load detection sensors 6 is installed at the 13th, 26th, and 39th cups 7. Each group of full-load detection sensors 6 corresponds to a value of M, for example, M=1, 2, 3. In some embodiments, the full-load detection sensors 6 can be photoelectric sensors, through-beam sensors, or capacitive sensors, etc., which is not limited in this application embodiment. It should be understood that... Figure 1 The sensor installation locations and quantities shown are for illustrative purposes only. In actual applications, the number of sensors can be increased or decreased according to specific needs.

[0057] The host computer 1 is connected to the discharge detection sensor 5, the full material detection sensor 6, and the residue detection sensor 4. It is used to determine whether the battery sorting system is abnormal based on the detection results of the residue detection sensor, the first detection result, and the second detection result.

[0058] In some embodiments, the sensor can communicate directly with the host computer 1 via a communication interface such as RS485, RS232, or Ethernet, sending the detection results to the host computer 1. In other embodiments, the sensor's output signal can be connected to the input port of a programmable logic controller (PLC). The PLC obtains the detection results by reading the sensor's signal and transmits the results to the host computer 1. The host computer 1 determines whether the number of cups 7 in the sorting channel 3 is abnormal based on the first detection result, the second detection result, and the detection result of the residual detection sensor, thereby determining whether the battery sorting system is malfunctioning.

[0059] By setting a residual detection sensor at the position corresponding to the S*K+1th cup with the gripping position as the starting position of the sorting channel 3, and by using the discharge detection sensor 5 to determine that the number of cups conveyed from the sorting turntable 2 to the sorting channel 3 is N*K, the host computer 1 can analyze the detection results of the full material detection sensor 6 and the residual detection sensor 4 to further identify whether there is an abnormality in the number of cups 7 in the sorting channel 3, and determine whether the battery sorting system is abnormal. This allows for timely detection and handling of abnormal situations, effectively solving the sorting error problem caused by the abnormal number of cups 7, and improving the accuracy and reliability of the sorting system.

[0060] Please see Figure 2 , Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the sensor installation position provided in an embodiment of this application. In some embodiments, when S is 1, the residual detection sensor 203 is disposed on the side of the sorting channel 3 at the position corresponding to the (K+1)th cup 7 starting from the gripping position of the sorting channel 3, and the full-load detection sensor 202 is disposed on the side of the sorting channel 3 at the position corresponding to the Kth cup starting from the gripping position of the sorting channel. The host computer 1 determines whether the battery sorting system is abnormal based on the detection results of the residual detection sensor, the first detection result, and the second detection result, including:

[0061] Receive the first detection result from the discharge detection sensor 5 and determine the number of input cups 7 as K;

[0062] Receive the second detection result from the full material detection sensor 202 and the detection result from the residual material detection sensor 203;

[0063] If the second detection result determines that there are currently K cups 7 in the sorting channel 3, and the detection result of the residual detection sensor 204 indicates that there is a cup 7 at the position of the (K+1)th cup 7, then it is determined that there is an anomaly in the battery sorting system.

[0064] In this embodiment, the battery sorting system performs sorting operations using K cups 7 as a group. It can be understood that the position of the first cup 7 in the sorting channel 3 is the cup 7 furthest from the sorting turntable 2. The sorting channel 3 extends from the position corresponding to the first cup 7 to the position corresponding to the Kth cup 7, forming the gripping position of the sorting channel 3. A robotic arm or other gripping device removes K battery cells from the cups 7 and places them into a tray at the gripping position.

[0065] Figure 2 In the schematic diagram of sensor installation positions shown, the first set of position detection sensors 201 is located on the side of the sorting channel 3, at the position corresponding to the first cup 7 at the gripping position 12 of the sorting channel, and is used to detect whether there is a cup 7 at the position corresponding to the first cup 7. The second set of position detection sensors 204 is located on the side of the sorting channel 3, at a distance of K cups 7 from the feed inlet of the sorting channel, and is used to detect whether there is a cup 7 at a distance of K cups 7 from the feed inlet of the sorting channel. The position detection sensors can be photoelectric sensors or through-beam sensors, and this application does not limit them. The residue detection sensor 203 is located on the side of the sorting channel 3, at the position corresponding to the (K+1)th cup 7 starting from the gripping position 12 of the sorting channel 3, and is used to detect whether there is a cup 7 at the position of the (K+1)th cup 7.

[0066] In this embodiment, the host computer 1 determines the number of input cups 7 to be K based on the first detection result of the discharge detection sensor 5. This means that K cups move to the gripping position within the sorting channel 3. The host computer 1 receives the second detection result of the full material detection sensor 202 and the detection result of the residual detection sensor 203 to determine if the number of cups 7 discharged each time is abnormal. If the second detection result determines that there are currently K cups 7 in the sorting channel 3, and the residual detection sensor 203 indicates that a cup 7 exists at the (K+1)th cup 7 starting from the gripping position 12 in the sorting channel, then there are multiple cups 7 in the sorting channel 3. If the second detection result determines that there are currently no K cups 7 in the sorting channel 3, then there are fewer cups 7 in the sorting channel 3.

[0067] By setting a residual detection sensor 204 on the side of the sorting channel 3, and combining the detection results of the discharge detection sensor 5 and the full material detection sensor 202, the host computer 1 can accurately determine whether the number of cups 7 in the sorting channel 3 is abnormal, and determine whether there is an abnormality in the battery sorting system.

[0068] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is another schematic diagram of the sensor installation position provided in an embodiment of this application. In some embodiments, when S is 2, the residual detection sensor 304 is disposed on the side of the sorting channel 3 and at the position corresponding to the 2K+1th cup 7 starting from the gripping position 12 of the sorting channel 3. The host computer 1 determines whether the battery sorting system is abnormal based on the detection result of the residual detection sensor, the first detection result, and the second detection result, including:

[0069] Receive the first detection result from the discharge detection sensor 5 and determine that the number of input cups 7 is 2K;

[0070] Receive the second detection result from the full material detection sensor 303 and the detection result from the residual material detection sensor 304;

[0071] If the second detection result determines that there are currently 2K cups 7 in the sorting channel 3, and the detection result of the residual detection sensor 304 indicates that there is a cup 7 at the position of the 2K+1th cup 7, then it is determined that there is an anomaly in the battery sorting system.

[0072] Figure 3 In the sensor installation diagram shown, the battery sorting system includes a first set of position detection sensors 301, a first set of full-load detection sensors 302, a second set of full-load detection sensors 303, a residual detection sensor 304, and a second set of position detection sensors 305. The installation position of the first set of position detection sensors 301 is... Figure 2The locations shown are the same and will not be repeated here. The first set of full material detection sensors 302 is set on the side of the sorting channel 3 and at the position corresponding to the Kth cup 7 starting from the gripping position 12 of the sorting channel 3. The second set of full material detection sensors 303 is set on the side of the sorting channel 3 and at the position corresponding to the 2Kth cup 7 starting from the gripping position 12 of the sorting channel 3. The residual detection sensor 304 is set on the side of the sorting channel 3 and at the position corresponding to the 2K+1th cup 7 starting from the gripping position 12 of the sorting channel 3, and is used to detect whether there is a cup 7 at the position of the 2K+1th cup 7. The second set of arrival detection sensors 305 is set on the side of the sorting channel 3 and at the position corresponding to the cup 7 at a distance of 2K from the feed inlet of the sorting channel, and is used to detect whether there is a cup 7 at the position corresponding to the cup 7 at a distance of 2K from the feed inlet of the sorting channel.

[0073] In this embodiment, the host computer 1 determines that the number of input cups 7 is 2K based on the first detection result of the discharge detection sensor 5. This means that the 2K cups move to the gripping position 12 within the sorting channel 3. The host computer 1 receives the second detection result of the full material detection sensor 303 and the detection result of the residual material detection sensor 304 to determine if the number of cups 7 discharged each time is abnormal. If the second detection result determines that there are currently 2K cups 7 in the sorting channel 3, and the residual material detection sensor 304 indicates that a cup 7 exists at the position of the 2K+1th cup 7 starting from the gripping position of the sorting channel, then there are multiple cups 7 in the sorting channel 3. If the second detection result determines that there are currently no 2K cups 7 in the sorting channel 3, then there are fewer cups 7 in the sorting channel 3.

[0074] In some embodiments, each set of full-load detection sensors 6 includes two through-beam photoelectric sensors, wherein: when there is only one sorting channel 3, the two through-beam photoelectric sensors are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the sorting channel 3, and their positions correspond to the radial sides of the same cup 7.

[0075] For example, a through-beam photoelectric sensor can be fixed to the side wall of the sorting channel 3 by a bracket, ensuring that the optical axis of the sensor intersects perpendicularly with the moving path of the cup 7. When the cup 7 enters the sorting channel 3 and reaches the sensor's detection position, the through-beam photoelectric sensor detects the presence of the cup 7 by emitting and receiving light. If the full-material detection sensor 6 detects the presence of the cup 7, it sends a signal to the host computer 1. The host computer 1 determines whether the sorting channel 3 is full based on the signal status and performs corresponding control operations. Optionally, if there is only one sorting channel 3, each set of full-material detection sensors 6 may include one through-beam photoelectric sensor. By setting the full-material detection sensor 6, accurate detection of the full-material status of the cup 7 in the sorting channel 3 is achieved.

[0076] When there are two sorting channels 3, two through-beam photoelectric sensors are respectively set on the outside of the two sorting channels 3. The outside is the side of the two sorting channels 3 that is opposite to each other, and the optical axes of the two sensors are aligned with the same axial position.

[0077] By installing a through-beam photoelectric sensor on the outside of each of the two sorting channels 3, it is possible to simultaneously detect whether the two sorting channels 3 are full, thereby improving the operating efficiency of the battery sorting system.

[0078] For example, such as Figure 1 As shown, when there are two sorting channels 3, the battery sorting system also includes a one-to-two sorting mechanism 8, wherein:

[0079] The one-to-two mechanism 8 is set between the inlet of one of the sorting channels 3 and the outlet of the sorting turntable 2, and is used to transport the cup 7 at the outlet of the sorting turntable 2 to the inlet of both sorting channels 3.

[0080] In some embodiments, the one-to-two separation mechanism 8 includes a variable guiding device that distributes the cups 7 to two sorting channels 3 by changing the guiding direction. The guiding direction of the guiding device can be changed by a cylinder or a motor. The one-to-two separation mechanism 8 can quickly and efficiently distribute the cups 7 to the two sorting channels 3, reducing the accumulation of cups 7 at the discharge port of the sorting turntable 2 and improving the sorting efficiency of the battery sorting system.

[0081] For example, such as Figure 1 As shown, when there are two sorting channels 3, a counting sensor 9 is installed at the inlet of each sorting channel 3. The counting sensor 9 is used to detect the number of cups 7 entering the corresponding sorting channel 3 and send the number of cups 7 to the host computer 1 so that the host computer 1 can control the one-to-two mechanism 8 to stop conveying the cups 7 according to the number of cups 7.

[0082] In some embodiments, the counting sensor 9 can be a photoelectric sensor or a through-beam sensor. The host computer 1 can preset a target counting threshold for each sorting channel 3. The counting sensor 9 at the feed inlet of the sorting channel 3 can send the number of cups 7 counted in the corresponding sorting channel 3 to the host computer 1. When the sensor count reaches the threshold, the host computer 1 immediately sends a command to the one-to-two mechanism 8 to stop feeding the cups 7, thus avoiding overfeeding in the sorting channel 3. For example, the one-to-two mechanism 8 can feed 3 sets of cups 7 into one of the sorting channels 3 at a time, with each set containing 13 cups 7. When the number of cups 7 counted in the sorting channel 3 reaches the target counting threshold, the host computer 1 can control the one-to-two mechanism 8 to stop feeding the cups 7 into the current sorting channel 3, or it can feed the cups 7 into another sorting channel 3.

[0083] The real-time monitoring function of the counting sensor 9 enables the host computer 1 to obtain the number of cups 7 in the sorting channel 3 in real time, adjust the operating status of the one-to-two mechanism 8 in a timely manner, avoid excessive feeding in the sorting channel 3, and accurately control the number of cups 7 in the sorting channel 3.

[0084] For example, such as Figure 1 As shown, the battery sorting system also includes multiple blocking cylinders 13. The blocking cylinders 10 are located on the side of the sorting channel 3. The full material detection sensor 6, the first set of position detection sensors 10, and the second set of position detection sensors 11 are located on the blocking cylinders 13. When there is one or two sets of full material detection sensors, the host computer 1 is also used to control the blocking component of the blocking cylinder 13 to extend to the sorting channel 3 according to the second detection result of the multiple sets of full material detection sensors 6, so as to block the M*K+1th cup 7 moving in the sorting channel 3, where M is a positive integer less than or equal to 2.

[0085] In this embodiment, when the sorting turntable 2 has just started feeding, the host computer 1 controls the splitting mechanism 8 to release K or 2K cups. When the second set of position detection sensors 11 detects that there is a cup 7 at a position corresponding to the inlet of the sorting channel at a distance of K or 2K cups, the host computer 1 controls the blocking component of the corresponding blocking cylinder 13 to extend into the sorting channel 3 according to the detection result of the second set of position detection sensors 11. When the number of cups counted by the counting sensor 9 is K or 2K, the host computer 1 controls the blocking component of the blocking cylinder 13 to retract, allowing the cup 7 to continue moving. When cup 7 moves to the gripping position 12 of the sorting channel, the residue detection sensor 4 automatically detects whether cup 7 is present at the (K+1)th cup position starting from the gripping position 12 of the sorting channel 3, or at the (2K+1)th cup position starting from the gripping position 12 of the sorting channel 3. If cup 7 is not present, it indicates that the number of cups being fed into the sorting channel 3 is normal. If cup 7 residue is detected, it indicates that the number of cups being fed into the sorting channel 3 is abnormal. The host computer 1 will display a pop-up prompting for material cleaning. At this time, the sorting turntable 2 stops feeding material and performs material cleaning at the one-to-two mechanism 8, gripping position 12, sorting channel 3, etc. In some embodiments, the residue detection sensor 4 can also be set at the position corresponding to the (N*K+1)th cup starting from the gripping position 12 of the sorting channel 3, where N is a positive integer. This application does not limit this. In some embodiments, the one-to-two mechanism 8 stops feeding after feeding 130*N cups. After the battery cells in the cups are picked up, it checks whether there are any cups left. If the number of cups in the last group is abnormal, the host computer 1 will pop up a prompt to clean up the material.

[0086] In some embodiments, the blocking cylinder 13 may be a standard pneumatic cylinder, driven by an air source to extend and retract the blocking component. The blocking component may be mounted on the piston rod of the cylinder, typically a baffle or a stop bar. The shape and size of the baffle or stop bar are designed according to the dimensions of the sorting channel 3 and the cup holder 7 to ensure accurate blocking of the movement of the cup holder 7.

[0087] The full-material detection sensor 6 can be fixed on the blocking cylinder 13. Each time the cup 7 passes the position corresponding to the full-material detection sensor 6, it triggers the full-material detection sensor 6 to count. It can be understood that the host computer 1 determines whether the cups 7 in the sorting channel 3 are full based on the number of cups 7 detected by the full-material detection sensor 6. If full, the host computer 1 controls the blocking component of the blocking cylinder 13 to extend into the sorting channel 3, blocking the movement of the cups 7. When the sorting operation needs to continue, the host computer 1 controls the piston rod of the blocking cylinder 13 to retract, allowing the cups 7 to continue moving.

[0088] By setting the full material detection sensor 6 on the blocking cylinder 13, the host computer 1 can accurately control the blocking component to extend based on the second detection results of multiple full material detection sensors 6, so as to block the movement of the cup 7, avoid the position of the cup 7 at the gripping position from shifting, and facilitate the gripping device to take out the battery cell from the cup 7 at the gripping position.

[0089] For example, please refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the battery sorting system provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the sorting process of the battery sorting system provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 As shown, the battery sorting system includes a tray removal machine 401, a leakage machine 402, a manual visual inspection device 403, a cup barcode scanner 404, a cell barcode scanner 405, a feeding buffer mechanism 406, a sorting turntable 407, an abnormality handling channel 408, and an empty cup buffer mechanism 409.

[0090] In some embodiments, the produced unsorted battery cells are loaded into a tray. During the tray transfer process, a tray disassembly machine 401 disassembles the multiple battery cells loaded into the tray and places each battery cell into a cup 7. The cup 7 is then conveyed to a leakage machine 402 via a conveying device. The leakage machine 402 is used to detect whether the battery cells in the cup 7 are leaking. After leakage detection, the battery cells in the cup 7 are conveyed to a manual visual inspection device 403 via a conveying device for manual visual inspection. A cup barcode scanner 404 is used to identify the cup code of the cup 7 after manual visual inspection and upload the cup code to the host computer 1. A battery cell barcode scanner 405 is used to identify the battery cell code after manual visual inspection and upload the battery cell code to the host computer 1. The host computer 1 binds the battery cell code to the cup code of the cup 7 containing the battery cell and assigns a corresponding sorting station to each cup 7. The host computer 1 sends the sorting station number corresponding to each cup 7 to the PLC.

[0091] The feeding buffer mechanism 406 is located between the sorting turntable 407 and the cell scanning device 405. It is used to buffer the batteries and the cup 7 before battery sorting. By controlling the opening and closing of the valve or door of the feeding buffer mechanism 406, the batteries and the cup 7 are temporarily stored in the buffer tank, which can ensure that the sorting turntable 407 will not stop during the sorting process due to untimely material supply, thus ensuring the stability of the battery sorting process.

[0092] The battery sorting system includes multiple sorting turntables 407, each corresponding to a different sorting channel. Each turntable 407 is equipped with a cup-scanning device 404, which can identify the cup code of the cups 7 passing through the turntable 407 and transport the cup to the corresponding sorting channel based on the cup code. In some embodiments, the PLC is used to upload the cup code of the cup 7 read by the cup-scanning device 404 within the turntable 407 and the corresponding sorting station number of the cup 7 to the host computer 1 for verification, ensuring that the data stored in the PLC is consistent with the data stored in the host computer 1.

[0093] If the data is consistent, the sorting turntable 407 transports the cups 7 to the corresponding sorting channel 3. Within sorting channel 3, the quantity of cups 7 is checked for abnormalities. If an abnormality is found, exception handling is performed. After the gripping position is full, the PLC uploads the cup code of the cups 7 at gripping position 12 of the sorting channel to the host computer 1. The host computer 1 uses the cup code to query the corresponding battery grade and compares the grade of the workstation in sorting channel 3 with the battery grade. If they are inconsistent, the host computer 1 outputs an alarm message to ensure that the corresponding battery grade matches the workstation grade. This exception handling can resolve sorting errors caused by turntable malfunctions. If no abnormalities are found after verification by the host computer, the robotic arm picks up the battery cell and places it into the tray. The PLC uploads the cup code corresponding to the battery cell placed in the tray to host computer 1 for verification. Host computer 1 is also used to query whether the battery cell code has been bound to the tray code based on the cup code. If it has been bound, host computer 1 outputs an alarm message. By checking whether there are already bound batteries, host computer 1 can solve the problems of incorrect number of binding trays and duplicate binding.

[0094] After the host computer 1 detects an abnormality in the battery sorting system and prompts for material removal, it can use a gripping device to grab the turntable 407, the one-to-two mechanism 8, and the cups 7 remaining in the sorting channel 3, and transfer them to a designated location. Alternatively, the remaining cups 7 can be removed manually. Prompting timely material removal via pop-up windows prevents abnormalities from affecting subsequent battery sorting and ensures the accuracy of the battery sorting results.

[0095] In some embodiments, the battery sorting system further includes an anomaly handling channel 408, which is used to buffer abnormally numerous cups 7 that appear in the sorting channel 3 during the cleaning process. Buffering them in a separate channel prevents them from mixing with normal materials, further preventing sorting errors.

[0096] In some embodiments, the tray 7 containing the battery cells, after being sorted through the sorting channel 3, can be processed by the tray assembly machine at the sorting station. Figure 4 (Not shown in the image) The cells are assembled into a tray. Optionally, there may be multiple sorting stations and tray assembly machines, with one tray assembly machine corresponding to each sorting station.

[0097] In some embodiments, the battery sorting system also includes an empty cup buffer mechanism 409, which is used to buffer the empty cups after the battery pack is completed and to transport the empty cups to the unpacking machine 401 via a conveying device so that the battery cells can be placed in the cups to complete the subsequent battery sorting process.

[0098] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them; although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A battery sorting system, characterized in that, It includes a host computer (1), a sorting turntable (2), a sorting channel (3), and a residue detection sensor (4), wherein: The sorting turntable (2) is used to convey a cup (7) containing battery cells to the sorting channel (3); The residual detection sensor (4) is located on the side of the sorting channel (3) and at the position corresponding to the S*K+1th cup (7) starting from the gripping position (12) of the sorting channel (3). It is used to detect whether there is a cup (7) at the position of the S*K+1th cup (7) of the sorting channel (3), where K is the number of cups gripped at the gripping position (12) at one time and S is a positive integer. The host computer (1) is communicatively connected to the residual detection sensor (4) and is used to determine whether the battery sorting system is abnormal based on the detection result of the residual detection sensor (4).

2. The battery sorting system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The system also includes a discharge detection sensor (5) and a full-load detection sensor (6), wherein: The discharge detection sensor (5) is set at the discharge port of the sorting turntable (2) to detect the number of cups (7) conveyed by the sorting turntable (2) to the sorting channel (3) and obtain a first detection result so as to control the number of cups (7) input to the sorting turntable (2) to be N*K, where N is a positive integer; The full material detection sensor (6) is set on the side of the sorting channel (3) and at the position corresponding to the M*Kth cup (7) with the gripping position (12) of the sorting channel (3) as the starting position. It is used to detect whether the sorting channel (3) includes M*K cups (7) and obtain a second detection result, where M is a positive integer less than or equal to 2. The host computer (1) is communicatively connected to the discharge detection sensor (5) and the full material detection sensor (6), and is also used to determine whether the battery sorting system is abnormal based on the detection results of the residual detection sensor (4), the first detection result and the second detection result.

3. The battery sorting system according to claim 2, characterized in that, When S is 1, the residual detection sensor (4) is located on the side of the sorting channel (3) at the position corresponding to the (K+1)th cup (7) starting from the gripping position (12) of the sorting channel (3). The host computer (1) determines whether the battery sorting system is abnormal based on the detection result of the residual detection sensor (4), the first detection result, and the second detection result, including: Receive the first detection result from the discharge detection sensor (5) and determine the number of input cups (7) as K; Receive the second detection result from the full material detection sensor (6) and the detection result from the residual material detection sensor (4); If, based on the second detection result, it is determined that there are currently K cups (7) in the sorting channel (3), and the detection result of the residual detection sensor (4) indicates that there is a cup (7) at the position of the (K+1)th cup (7), it is determined that there is an abnormality in the battery sorting system.

4. The battery sorting system according to claim 2, characterized in that, When S is 2, the residual detection sensor (4) is located on the side of the sorting channel (3) at the position corresponding to the 2K+1th cup (7) starting from the gripping position (12) of the sorting channel (3). The host computer (1) determines whether the battery sorting system is abnormal based on the detection result of the residual detection sensor (4), the first detection result, and the second detection result, including: Receive the first detection result from the discharge detection sensor (5) and determine that the number of input cups (7) is 2K; Receive the second detection result from the full material detection sensor (6) and the detection result from the residual material detection sensor (4); If, based on the second detection result, it is determined that there are currently 2K cups (7) in the sorting channel (3), and the detection result of the residual detection sensor (4) indicates that there is a cup (7) at the position of the 2K+1 cup (7), it is determined that there is an anomaly in the battery sorting system.

5. The battery sorting system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each set of full-load detection sensors (6) includes two through-beam photoelectric sensors, wherein: When there is only one sorting channel (3), the two through-beam photoelectric sensors are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the sorting channel (3), and their positions correspond to the radial sides of the same cup (7); When there are two sorting channels (3), the two through-beam photoelectric sensors are respectively disposed on the outside of the two sorting channels (3). The outside is the side of the two sorting channels (3) that are opposite to each other and the optical axes of the two sensors are aligned with the same axial position.

6. The battery sorting system according to claim 4, characterized in that, When there are two sorting channels (3), the battery sorting system further includes a one-to-two mechanism (8), and a counting sensor (9) is provided at the inlet of each sorting channel (3), wherein: The one-to-two separation mechanism (8) is located between the inlet of one of the sorting channels (3) and the outlet of the sorting turntable (2), and is used to transport the cup (7) at the outlet of the sorting turntable (2) to the inlet of the two sorting channels (3). The counting sensor (9) is used to detect the number of cups (7) entering the corresponding sorting channel (3) and send the number of cups (7) to the host computer (1) so that the host computer (1) controls the one-to-two mechanism (8) to stop conveying the cups (7) according to the number of cups (7).

7. The battery sorting system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery sorting system also includes two sets of position detection sensors. The first set of position detection sensors (10) is set on the side of the sorting channel (3) and at the position corresponding to the first cup (7) of the sorting channel gripping position (12), and is used to detect whether there is a cup (7) at the position corresponding to the first cup (7). The second set of position detection sensors (11) is set on the side of the sorting channel (3) and at the position corresponding to the M*K cups (7) at the sorting channel inlet, and is used to detect whether there is a cup (7) at the position corresponding to the M*K cups (7) at the sorting channel inlet.

8. The battery sorting system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery sorting system also includes a cup scanning device (404) and a cell scanning device (405). The cup scanning device (404) is used to read the cup code of the cup (7), and the cell scanning device (405) is used to read the cell code. The host computer (1) is also used to bind the cup code with the cell code of the corresponding cell in the cup (7).

9. The battery sorting system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery sorting system also includes a programmable logic controller (PLC). The PLC is used to upload the cup code of the cup (7) read by the cup scanning device (404) in the sorting turntable (2) and the sorting station number corresponding to the cup (7) to the host computer (1) to verify the data stored in the PLC.

10. The battery sorting system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The PLC is also used to upload the cup code of the cup holder (7) of the sorting channel grab position (12) to the host computer (1). The host computer (1) is used to query the corresponding battery level according to the cup holder code and compare whether the station level corresponding to the sorting channel (3) is consistent with the battery level. If they are inconsistent, the host computer (1) outputs an alarm prompt message. The PLC is also used to upload the cup code corresponding to the battery cell placed in the tray to the host computer (1). The host computer (1) is also used to query whether the cell code of the battery cell has been bound to the tray code of the tray according to the cup code. If it has been bound, the host computer (1) outputs an alarm prompt message.

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