Automatic sorting and grouping equipment for large cell lithium batteries

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of lithium battery production, and concretely relates to big electric core lithium battery automatic sorting group tray equipment, include: support structure, be equipped with the first slide rail of arrangement along X axle direction on the support structure, be equipped with the second slide rail of arrangement along Y axle direction on the first slide rail, sorting conveying track, set up below the first slide rail and second slide rail. The sorting group tray equipment that the utility model proposes has at least one input track and multiple output tracks, and the input track is used for placing the turnover box containing the electric core of the tray to be sorted, and the output track is used for placing the turnover box after sorting the tray, utilizes the end picking device that can be in three axial direction displacement, picks the electric core in the turnover box that has not sorted the tray, and then puts into the target turnover box according to the electric core grade respectively, and the degree of automation is high, is applicable to big electric core lithium battery automatic production line, reduces the error rate of group tray, ensures the performance consistency and safety of different group battery pack.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of lithium battery production technology, and more specifically to an automatic sorting and traying equipment for large-cell lithium batteries. Background Technology

[0002] The current market has relatively small energy storage capacity for battery cells. To meet the market's demand for different lithium batteries, it is necessary to produce battery cells with larger energy storage capacity, such as the 54173 large battery cell (173mm long * 54mm wide * 500mm high, weighing 12kg). Because the production of large battery cells for lithium batteries requires similar performance, it can improve the overall efficiency and lifespan, and avoid problems caused by individual battery performance differences, such as overcharging, over-discharging, or capacity imbalance. Therefore, after production, large battery cells need to be sorted and arranged.

[0003] It should be understood that the sorting and traying process involves marking the tested battery cells into several grades according to their performance. In this step, battery cells of the same grade need to be reassembled into a tray. However, compared to small battery cells, these large battery cells are large in size and heavy in weight. Due to the large workload and low efficiency of manual sorting and traying, an automatic sorting and traying device for large battery cells has become an urgent need for automated production lines. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the technical problems existing in the cell assembly process of current technologies, this utility model proposes an automatic sorting and assembly device for large-cell lithium batteries, comprising:

[0005] A support structure, wherein a first slide rail is provided on the support structure along the X-axis direction, and a second slide rail is provided on the first slide rail along the Y-axis direction;

[0006] The sorting and conveying track is located below the first and second slide rails;

[0007] The clamping component is connected to the second slide rail and can move along the X and Y directions;

[0008] The sorting and conveying track includes at least one input track and multiple output tracks. The clamping component is configured to pick up the target battery cell in the turnover box on the input track and transfer it to the turnover box on the corresponding output track.

[0009] Preferably, the plurality of output tracks and at least one input track are arranged along the Y-axis direction, and the transmission direction of each input track and output track is the X-axis direction.

[0010] Preferably, the plurality of output tracks are divided into two parts, and are located on both sides of the input track.

[0011] Preferably, the battery cells are defined as being divided into N grades, wherein the number of output rails is greater than N.

[0012] Preferably, the clamping component includes a Z-axis drive structure and a clamping mechanism located at the end of the Z-axis drive structure. The clamping mechanism is configured to include a clamping position and an open position. When the clamping structure is in the open position, it can extend along the outer wall of the battery cell. When the clamping structure is in the clamping position, it can clamp the battery cell.

[0013] Preferably, the end of the clamping mechanism is further provided with a support structure, which includes a telescopic cylinder and a baffle. When the clamping structure is in the clamping position, the baffle is driven by the telescopic cylinder to extend to the bottom of the battery cell.

[0014] Preferably, the turnover box is configured to accommodate M rows of battery cells, where M is a plural number, and the Z-axis drive structure includes a first Z-axis drive component and a second Z-axis drive component, the spacing between the first Z-axis drive component and the second Z-axis drive component matching the width of a battery cell.

[0015] Preferably, the entrance of the input track is located on the first side in the Y-axis direction, and the exit of the output track is located on the second side in the Y-axis direction.

[0016] Preferably, the contact surface between the clamping structure and the battery cell is provided with a silicone layer.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this utility model are:

[0018] The sorting and traying equipment proposed in this utility model has at least one input track and multiple output tracks. The input track is used to place the turnover box containing the battery cells to be sorted, and the output track is used to place the turnover box after sorting. Using an end-effector that can move in three axes, the battery cells in the unsorted turnover box are picked up and then placed into the target turnover box according to the battery cell grade. It has a high degree of automation and is suitable for automated production lines of large-cell lithium batteries. It reduces the traying error rate and ensures the performance consistency and safety of battery packs of different grades. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component shown in the various figures may be denoted by the same reference numeral. For clarity, not every component is labeled in each figure. Embodiments of various aspects of the present invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the automatic sorting and grouping equipment for large-cell lithium batteries shown in this utility model;

[0021] Figure 2This is a top view of the automatic sorting and grouping device for large-cell lithium batteries shown in this utility model;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the clamping component shown in this utility model;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the positional distribution of the multiple output tracks and one input track as illustrated in this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To better understand the technical content of this utility model, specific embodiments are provided below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0025] Combination Figure 1 As shown, this utility model proposes an automatic sorting and traying device for large-cell lithium batteries, including a support structure 100, a sorting and conveying track 200 and a clamping component 300. The support structure 100 is provided with a first slide rail 110 arranged along the X-axis direction, and the first slide rail 110 is provided with a second slide rail 120 arranged along the Y-axis direction.

[0026] In an optional embodiment, two parallel first slide rails 110 are supported by multiple support columns. The two first slide rails 110 together with the support rod form a rectangular shape. The second slide rail 120 can move along the X-axis on the surface of the first slide rail 110, so that the second slide rail 120 can move to any position of the first slide rail 110.

[0027] Optionally, the first slide rail 110 is provided with a rack, and the two ends of the second slide rail 120 are equipped with drive motors, the output ends of which are provided with gears. The second slide rail 120 is driven to move on the first slide rail 110 by the meshing of the gear and rack.

[0028] Furthermore, the sorting conveyor track 200 is disposed below the first slide rail 110 and the second slide rail 120, and the sorting conveyor track 200 includes at least one input track 210 and multiple output tracks 220.

[0029] Optionally, both the input track 210 and the output track 220 are located within the rectangular area enclosed by the two first slide rails 110 and the support rod.

[0030] Preferably, the plurality of output tracks 220 and at least one input track 210 are arranged along the Y-axis direction, and the transmission direction of each input track 210 and output track 220 is the X-axis direction.

[0031] Furthermore, the clamping component 300 is connected to the second slide rail 120 and can move along the X and Y directions.

[0032] Thus, the clamping component 300 can move in the X-axis direction and move above any output track 220 or input track 210.

[0033] Furthermore, the clamping component 300 is configured to pick up the target battery cell in the turnover box 400 on the input track 210 and transfer it to the turnover box 400 on the corresponding output track 220.

[0034] It should be understood that the turnover box 400 contains battery cells of multiple grades marked after charge and discharge test data. Since assembling battery cells with different electrical performance will cause the electrical performance of the entire battery pack to decrease, it is necessary to assemble all battery cells with similar or consistent electrical performance separately.

[0035] During this process, the target battery cell is picked up from the turnover box 400 by the clamping component 300 and then transferred to the turnover box 400 on the corresponding output track 220.

[0036] For example, if the turnover box 400 contains six grades of battery cells (such as grades A, B, C, D, E, and F), after the clamping component 300 picks up a grade A battery cell, it transfers it to the output track 220 corresponding to the grade A battery cell. After the clamping component 300 picks up a grade B battery cell, it transfers it to the output track 220 corresponding to the grade B battery cell, and so on. Thus, all output tracks 220 contain only battery cells of a single grade for use in the next process.

[0037] Optionally, each cell is equipped with an electronic tag that marks the cell grade and can be identified by machine vision. The clamping component 300 is equipped with an identification device so that the clamping component 300 can identify the grade of the cell when picking it up.

[0038] In this way, the error rate of battery pack assembly can be reduced, and the performance consistency and safety of different battery pack groups can be ensured.

[0039] In an optional embodiment, the plurality of output tracks 220 are divided into two parts, which are located on opposite sides of the input track 210.

[0040] Thus, the input track 210 is located in the middle of multiple output tracks 220. When the clamping component 300 picks up the target battery cell from the turnover box 400 on the input track 210, it has a shorter moving distance, whether it is transferring A, B, C on the left or D, E, F on the right, and can achieve a higher sorting speed.

[0041] Furthermore, the battery cells are defined as being divided into N grades, where the number of output rails 220 is greater than N.

[0042] Specifically, the battery cells are divided into 6 grades, and there are 8 output rails 220. Six of the output rails 220 correspond to the output rails 220 of grade A, B, C, D, E, and F battery cells, respectively. The other two serve as backup channels that can be activated in case of abnormalities to improve redundancy in response to unexpected situations.

[0043] In a specific embodiment, combined with Figure 4 As shown, the first output track 224, the second output track 223, and the third output track 222 are located on the first side of the input track 210, the fourth output track 225, the fifth output track 226, and the sixth output track 227 are located on the second side of the input track, and the first spare output track 221 and the second spare output track 228 are located on the outermost side.

[0044] In the above embodiments, combined with Figure 3 As shown, the clamping component 300 includes a Z-axis drive structure and a clamping mechanism 330 located at the end of the Z-axis drive structure. The clamping mechanism 330 is configured to include a clamping position and an open position. When the clamping structure 330 is in the open position, it can extend along the outer wall of the battery cell. When the clamping structure 330 is in the clamping position, it can clamp the battery cell.

[0045] The clamping mechanism 330 includes a drive cylinder and a pair of grippers. When the pair of grippers are close to each other, they are in a clamping position, and when the pair of grippers are far apart, they are in an open position.

[0046] Preferably, the inner wall of the pair of grippers that contacts the battery cell is provided with a silicone layer to protect the battery cell, especially to prevent damage to the surface of the battery cell during clamping.

[0047] Furthermore, in order to prevent the battery cell from falling off during the clamping process, the end of the clamping mechanism 330 is also provided with a support structure 340. The support structure 340 includes a telescopic cylinder and a baffle. When the clamping structure 330 is in the clamping position, the baffle is driven by the telescopic cylinder to extend to the bottom of the battery cell.

[0048] In this way, by extending the baffle under the battery cell, the battery cell can be prevented from falling off during the transfer process.

[0049] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, the turnover box 400 is configured to accommodate M rows of battery cells (4 rows in the figure), where M is a plural number. The Z-axis drive structure includes a first Z-axis drive component 310 and a second Z-axis drive component 320. The spacing between the first Z-axis drive component 310 and the second Z-axis drive component 320 matches the width of a battery cell.

[0050] Thus, the clamping structure 330 at the end of the first Z-axis drive component 310 clamps the first column of battery cells, and the clamping structure 330 at the end of the second Z-axis drive component 320 clamps the third column of battery cells. After both are clamped, they are transferred to the turnover box 400 of the corresponding output track 220 according to the grade of the two battery cells. This process is repeated. After the first and third columns are picked up, the second and fourth columns are picked up to improve the efficiency of the tray sorting.

[0051] In the above embodiment, the entrance of the input track 210 is located on the first side in the Y-axis direction, and the exit of the output track 220 is located on the second side in the Y-axis direction.

[0052] In this way, the automated equipment can be fed into the turnover box 400 with dividers from the inlet of the input track 210, that is, the first side in the Y-axis direction. After being divided into different levels by the clamping component 300, it can be sent out from the outlet of multiple output tracks 220, that is, the second side in the Y-axis direction. This is conducive to the automated equipment completing the connection between the upper and lower processes.

[0053] Based on the above embodiments, the sorting and traying equipment proposed in this utility model has at least one input track and multiple output tracks. The input track is used to place the turnover box containing the battery cells to be sorted, and the output track is used to place the turnover box after sorting. Using an end-effector capable of displacement in three axes, the battery cells in the unsorted turnover box are picked up and then placed into the target turnover box according to the battery cell grade. It has a high degree of automation, is suitable for automated production lines of large-cell lithium batteries, reduces the traying error rate, and ensures the performance consistency and safety of battery packs of different grades.

[0054] Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains can make various modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of this invention shall be determined by the claims.

Claims

1. An automatic sorting and traying device for large-cell lithium batteries, characterized in that, include: A support structure (100) is provided with a first slide rail (110) arranged along the X-axis direction, and a second slide rail (120) arranged along the Y-axis direction on the first slide rail (110). The sorting and conveying track (200) is located below the first slide rail (110) and the second slide rail (120); The clamping component (300) is connected to the second slide rail (120) and is movable in the X and Y directions; The sorting and conveying track (200) includes at least one input track (210) and multiple output tracks (220). The clamping component (300) is configured to pick up the target battery cell in the turnover box (400) on the input track (210) and transfer it to the turnover box (400) on the corresponding output track (220).

2. The automatic sorting and traying equipment for large-cell lithium batteries according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of output tracks (220) and at least one input track (210) are arranged along the Y-axis direction, and the transmission direction of each input track (210) and output track (220) is the X-axis direction.

3. The automatic sorting and traying equipment for large-cell lithium batteries according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multiple output tracks (220) are divided into two parts, which are located on both sides of the input track (210).

4. The automatic sorting and traying equipment for large-cell lithium batteries according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery cells are defined as being divided into N grades, where the number of output rails (220) is greater than N.

5. The automatic sorting and traying equipment for large-cell lithium batteries according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping component (300) includes a Z-axis drive structure and a clamping mechanism (330) located at the end of the Z-axis drive structure. The clamping mechanism (330) is configured to include a clamping position and an open position. When the clamping structure (330) is in the open position, it can extend along the outer wall of the battery cell. When the clamping structure (330) is in the clamping position, it can clamp the battery cell.

6. The automatic sorting and traying equipment for large-cell lithium batteries according to claim 5, characterized in that, The clamping mechanism (330) is further provided with a support structure (340) at its end. The support structure (340) includes a telescopic cylinder and a baffle. When the clamping structure (330) is in the clamping position, the baffle is driven by the telescopic cylinder to extend to the bottom of the battery cell.

7. The automatic sorting and traying equipment for large-cell lithium batteries according to claim 1, characterized in that, The turnover box (400) is configured to accommodate M rows of battery cells, where M is a plural number. The Z-axis drive structure includes a first Z-axis drive component (310) and a second Z-axis drive component (320), and the spacing between the first Z-axis drive component (310) and the second Z-axis drive component (320) matches the width of a battery cell.

8. The automatic sorting and traying equipment for large-cell lithium batteries according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The entrance of the input track (210) is located on the first side in the Y-axis direction, and the exit of the output track (220) is located on the second side in the Y-axis direction.

9. The automatic sorting and traying equipment for large-cell lithium batteries according to claim 5, characterized in that, The contact surface between the clamping structure (330) and the battery cell is provided with a silicone layer.

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