Battery cell testing and sorting apparatus

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of battery cell test sorting equipment including transport assembly, test assembly, unloading assembly and controller, transport assembly includes feeding conveyor belt, weighing unit and electrical performance test unit are sequentially arranged in the transport direction of feeding conveyor belt, weighing unit is used to measure the weight of battery cell on feeding conveyor belt, electrical performance test unit is used to carry out electrical performance test to battery cell, unloading assembly and test assembly are sequentially arranged along the transport direction of feeding conveyor belt, unloading assembly is configured to remove battery cell from feeding conveyor belt, test assembly and unloading assembly are electrically connected with controller, and the controller is configured to remove battery cell from feeding conveyor belt according to the weight and electrical performance test result of battery cell, which is not qualified in weight or does not pass electrical performance test, unloading assembly can remove battery cell from feeding conveyor belt after battery cell passes test assembly, which is not qualified in weight or does not pass electrical performance test, avoids manual handling of battery cell, and reduces the risk of operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery technology, specifically to a battery cell testing and sorting device. Background Technology

[0002] After lithium batteries are scrapped, they need to be disassembled and recycled. The recycling process first requires disassembling the lithium battery cells, and then milling the terminals of the cells. After milling, the terminals of the cells need to be inspected to ensure that the height of each terminal is consistent, avoiding any omissions or over-milling. The remaining capacity of the cells also needs to be tested to rule out any risk of combustion or explosion. Currently, the cell testing process is mainly manual, requiring workers to separate qualified and unqualified cells to different locations for identification.

[0003] However, as the capacity of battery cells gradually increases, the quality of the cells also improves, making manual handling of battery cells difficult and posing a greater operational risk. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides a battery cell testing and sorting device that can reduce the difficulty and risk of battery cell recycling testing.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application discloses a battery cell testing and sorting device, comprising: a transport component, a testing component, an unloading component, and a controller. The transport component includes a feeding conveyor belt for transporting battery cells. The testing component includes a weighing unit and an electrical performance testing unit, which are sequentially arranged in the transport direction of the feeding conveyor belt. The weighing unit is located below the feeding conveyor belt and is used to measure the weight of the battery cells on the feeding conveyor belt. The electrical performance testing unit includes an electrical performance tester configured to be electrically connected to the battery cells on the feeding conveyor belt to perform electrical performance testing on the battery cells. The unloading component and the testing component are sequentially arranged along the transport direction of the feeding conveyor belt. The unloading component is configured to remove the battery cells from the feeding conveyor belt. Both the testing component and the unloading component are electrically connected to the controller, which is configured to remove battery cells that are unqualified in weight or have failed the electrical performance test from the feeding conveyor belt based on the weight of the battery cells and the electrical performance test results.

[0006] With the above setup, the unloading assembly can remove battery cells that are not up to standard in weight or have failed the electrical performance test from the feeding conveyor belt after the battery cells have passed the testing assembly, thus avoiding manual handling of the battery cells and reducing operational risks.

[0007] Optionally, it also includes a scanning component, which includes a first scanning device for acquiring the identification information of the battery cell. In the transport direction of the feeding conveyor belt, the first scanning device is closer to the input end of the battery cell than the weighing unit.

[0008] With the above settings, the controller can trace the production system of the battery cell based on the cell's identification information, so as to synchronize the cell weight measurement results to the cell's production information, thus binding the cell with the weight measurement results.

[0009] Optionally, the scanning assembly also includes a second scanning device for acquiring the identification information of the battery cell. In the transport direction of the feeding conveyor belt, the second scanning device is closer to the input end of the battery cell than the electrical performance testing unit, and the weighing unit is closer to the input end of the battery cell than the second scanning device.

[0010] With the above settings, the controller can trace the battery cell's production system based on the battery cell's identification information, so as to synchronize the battery cell's electrical performance test results to the battery cell's production information, thus binding the battery cell with the electrical performance test results.

[0011] Optionally, the feeding conveyor belt includes a first feeding conveyor belt and a second feeding conveyor belt connected in sequence. The battery cell is transported from one of the first feeding conveyor belt and the second feeding conveyor belt to the other. The weighing unit is set correspondingly to the first feeding conveyor belt, and the weighing unit includes a weighing sensor located below the first feeding conveyor belt. The electrical performance testing unit is set correspondingly to the second feeding conveyor belt.

[0012] With the above settings, the first feeding conveyor belt corresponding to the weighing unit can be relatively independent of the second feeding conveyor belt and other components of the cell testing and sorting equipment, so as to avoid the vibration of the second feeding conveyor belt or other components of the cell testing and sorting equipment being transmitted to the first feeding conveyor belt and affecting the measurement accuracy of the weighing sensor, thus making the weighing result of the weighing unit on the cell more accurate.

[0013] Optionally, the unloading assembly includes a first unloading mechanism, which is located closer to the output end of the battery cell than the weighing unit in the transport direction of the feeding conveyor belt. The first unloading mechanism has a first unloading gripper located above the feeding conveyor belt and configured to remove the battery cell from the feeding conveyor belt.

[0014] With the above setup, the first unloading mechanism can avoid manual handling of battery cells, reducing operational risks. Furthermore, the controller can cooperate with the first unloading mechanism to intercept battery cells that do not meet weight requirements and remove them from the feeding conveyor belt, facilitating targeted processing of battery cells with issues such as incomplete or excessive shaving of the terminals.

[0015] Optionally, the unloading assembly further includes a first unloading conveyor belt, the transport direction of the first unloading conveyor belt having an angle with the transport direction of the feeding conveyor belt, and the first unloading conveyor belt being configured to transport the battery cells in a direction away from the feeding conveyor belt, and the first unloading gripper being configured to grip the battery cells from the feeding conveyor belt to the first unloading conveyor belt.

[0016] With the above configuration, the first unloading gripper can cooperate with the first unloading conveyor belt to remove the unqualified battery cells from the feeding conveyor belt and transport them to the battery cell testing and sorting equipment. This avoids manual handling of battery cells, reduces operational risks, and facilitates targeted treatment of battery cells with missing or excessive cutting of the terminal posts. It realizes integrated testing and sorting and improves equipment working efficiency.

[0017] Optionally, the battery cell testing and sorting equipment further includes a first photoelectric sensor, which includes a first light emitter and a first light receiver. The first light emitter and the first light receiver are disposed opposite each other on the side of the feeding conveyor belt. The first light emitter is used to emit light to the first light receiver, and the first light receiver is configured to receive the light emitted by the first light emitter. In the transport direction of the feeding conveyor belt, the first photoelectric sensor is closer to the input end of the battery cell than the weighing unit. The controller is electrically connected to the first photoelectric sensor and is configured to control the weighing unit to weigh the battery cell after the first light receiver fails to receive the light emitted by the first light emitter.

[0018] The above settings help ensure that the weighing unit's weighing results of the battery cells are relatively stable and accurate, and also help improve the working efficiency of the battery cell testing and sorting equipment.

[0019] Optionally, the electrical performance testing unit also includes a test fixture and a test probe. The test fixture is located above the feeding conveyor belt and is used to clamp the battery cell. The test probe is located on the test fixture. When the test fixture clamps the battery cell, the test probe contacts the battery cell and is electrically connected to the battery cell. The test probe is also electrically connected to the electrical performance tester so that the electrical performance tester can perform electrical performance testing on the battery cell.

[0020] With the above settings, the controller can determine whether the residual capacity of the battery cell is qualified based on the test results.

[0021] Optionally, the unloading assembly includes a second unloading mechanism that is closer to the output end of the battery cell than the electrical performance testing unit in the transport direction of the feeding conveyor belt. The second unloading mechanism has a second unloading gripper that is located above the feeding conveyor belt and is configured to remove the battery cell from the feeding conveyor belt.

[0022] With the above setup, the second unloading mechanism can avoid manual handling of battery cells, reducing operational risks. Furthermore, the controller can cooperate with the second unloading mechanism to intercept battery cells that fail the electrical performance test and remove them from the feeding conveyor belt, facilitating targeted processing of these cells.

[0023] Optionally, the cell testing and sorting equipment further includes a second photoelectric sensor, which includes a second light emitter and a second light receiver. The second light emitter and the second light receiver are disposed opposite each other on the side of the feeding conveyor belt. The second light emitter is used to emit light to the second light receiver, and the second light receiver is configured to receive the light emitted by the second light emitter. In the transport direction of the feeding conveyor belt, the second photoelectric sensor is closer to the input end of the cell than the electrical performance testing unit. The controller is electrically connected to the second photoelectric sensor and is configured to control the electrical performance testing unit to perform electrical performance testing on the cell after the second light receiver fails to receive the light emitted by the second light emitter.

[0024] The above settings help ensure that the electrical performance test results of the battery cells are relatively stable and accurate, and also help improve the working efficiency of the battery cell testing and sorting equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cell testing and sorting equipment in the first embodiment of this application; Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows another angle of the battery cell testing and sorting equipment. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cell testing and sorting equipment in the second embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cell testing and sorting equipment in the third embodiment of this application; Figure 5 for Figure 4 The diagram shows another angle of the battery cell testing and sorting equipment. Figure 6 for Figure 4 The diagram shows another angle of the battery cell testing and sorting equipment.

[0026] Explanation of icon numbers: 10-Cell testing and sorting equipment; 100-Test component; 110-Weighing unit; 111-Weighing sensor; 120-Electrical performance testing unit; 121-Electrical performance tester; 122-Test fixture; 200-Transportation component; 210-Feeding conveyor belt; 211-First feeding conveyor belt; 212-Second feeding conveyor belt; 220-Drive component; 300-Unloading component; 310-First unloading mechanism; 311-First unloading gripper; 312-First unloading bracket; 3 20-First unloading conveyor belt; 330-Second unloading mechanism; 331-Second unloading gripper; 332-Second unloading bracket; 340-Second unloading conveyor belt; 400-Controller; 500-Equipment body; 510-Power switch; 520-Air intake system; 610-First photoelectric sensor; 620-Second photoelectric sensor; 700-Weighing bracket; 800-Scanning assembly; 810-First scanning device; 820-Second scanning device; 20-cell. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, 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 a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all possible 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.

[0028] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of the terms "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0029] As used herein, terms such as “equal,” “parallel,” and “perpendicular” include the described situation and situations that are similar to the described situation, within an acceptable range of deviation, which is determined by those skilled in the art taking into account the measurement under discussion and the errors associated with the measurement of a particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, “equal” includes absolute equality and approximate equality, where an acceptable range of deviation for approximate equality may be, for example, a difference between the two equal items less than or equal to 5% of either one.

[0030] In the embodiments of this application, the directional indications used to explain the structure and movement of different components, such as up, down, left, right, front, and back, are relative. These indications are appropriate when the components are in the positions shown in the figures. However, if the description of the component positions changes, these directional indications will also change accordingly.

[0031] As mentioned in the background section, lithium batteries require disassembly and recycling after they reach the end of their lifespan. The recycling process begins with disassembling the battery cells and then milling the terminals. After milling, the terminals need to be inspected to ensure consistent height and prevent missed or excessive milling. The remaining capacity of the cells also needs to be tested to rule out any risk of explosion or combustion. Currently, cell testing is primarily manual, requiring workers to separate qualified and unqualified cells. However, as cell capacity and quality increase, manual handling becomes more difficult and carries greater operational risks.

[0032] To address the aforementioned problems, this application provides a battery cell testing and sorting device to solve the difficulties and high operational risks associated with manual handling of battery cells in related technologies.

[0033] Please refer to Figure 1 The battery cell testing and sorting equipment 10 of this application includes a transport component 200, a testing component 100, an unloading component 300, and a controller 400. Among them, the transport component 200 includes a feeding conveyor belt 210 for transporting battery cells 20.

[0034] The testing assembly 100 includes a weighing unit 110 and an electrical performance testing unit 120, which are sequentially arranged in the transport direction of the feeding conveyor belt 210. The feeding conveyor belt 210 transports the battery cells 20 sequentially to the weighing unit 110 and the electrical performance testing unit 120. The weighing unit 110 is located below the feeding conveyor belt 210 and is used to measure the weight of the battery cells 20 on the feeding conveyor belt 210. The electrical performance testing unit 120 includes an electrical performance tester 121, which is configured to be electrically connected to the battery cells 20 on the feeding conveyor belt 210 to perform electrical performance testing on the battery cells 20.

[0035] The unloading assembly 300 and the testing assembly 100 are arranged sequentially along the transport direction of the feeding conveyor belt 210. The feeding conveyor belt 210 can transport the battery cell 20, which has undergone weighing or electrical performance testing, to the unloading assembly 300. The unloading assembly 300 is configured to remove the battery cell 20 from the feeding conveyor belt 210.

[0036] The controller 400 is electrically connected to the test assembly 100 and the unloading assembly 300. The controller 400 is configured to remove battery cells 20 that are unqualified in weight or fail the electrical performance test from the feeding conveyor belt 210 based on the weight and electrical performance test results of the battery cells 20.

[0037] For example, the controller 400 may include a control circuit. The controller 400 can compare the weight of the battery cell 20 with a preset range to determine whether the weight of the battery cell 20 is acceptable. When the weight of the battery cell 20 is not within the preset range, the weight of the battery cell 20 is unacceptable, and the controller 400 can output a high level and control the unloading assembly 300 to remove the unacceptable battery cell 20 from the feeding conveyor belt 210; when the weight of the battery cell 20 is within the preset range, the weight of the battery cell 20 is acceptable, and the controller 400 can output a low level, and the unloading assembly 300 does not work.

[0038] The controller 400 can also compare the electrical performance test results of the battery cell 20 with preset values ​​to determine whether the battery cell 20 has passed the electrical performance test. In the example where the electrical performance test unit 120 is used to detect the residual capacity of the battery cell 20, when the residual capacity of the battery cell 20 is greater than the preset value, the battery cell 20 has failed the electrical performance test, and the controller 400 can output a high level and control the unloading assembly 300 to remove the battery cell 20 that has failed the electrical performance test from the feeding conveyor belt 210; when the residual capacity of the battery cell 20 is less than the preset value, the battery cell 20 has passed the electrical performance test, and the controller 400 can output a low level, and the unloading assembly 300 does not work.

[0039] Of course, the controller 400 may also include other circuits or mechanical control structures. In addition to the control method of controlling the unloading assembly 300 by outputting a high level or a low level, the controller 400 may also control the unloading assembly 300 in other ways, as long as it can remove the battery cells 20 that are unqualified in weight or fail the electrical performance test from the feeding conveyor belt 210 according to the weight and electrical performance test results of the battery cells 20.

[0040] With the above settings, the unloading component 300 can remove the battery cells 20 that are unqualified in weight or have failed the electrical performance test from the feeding conveyor belt 210 after the battery cells 20 have passed the testing component 100, thus avoiding manual handling of the battery cells 20 and reducing operational risks.

[0041] The components and technical solutions of the battery cell testing and sorting equipment 10 of this application will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0042] The cell testing and sorting equipment 10 of this application embodiment can be located at the rear end of the cell 20 electrode milling process. Please refer to... Figure 1The battery cell testing and sorting equipment 10 includes a main body 500, an electrical performance testing unit 120, a controller 400, and at least some transport components 200, all of which can be mounted on the main body 500. A weighing unit 110 can be located on one side of the main body 500 and spaced apart from it. The main body 500 can be electrically connected to the weighing unit 110, the electrical performance testing unit 120, and the controller 400, and can provide power to enable these components to operate normally. For example, the main body 500 can be equipped with a power switch 510 for controlling the power supply of the battery cell testing and sorting equipment 10.

[0043] The main body 500 may also include an air intake system 520, which can be used to draw air from the environment into the main body 500 and adjust the temperature and humidity to control the temperature and humidity of the air in the environment where the cell testing and sorting equipment 10 is located, so that the testing component 100 can test the cell 20 under relatively stable temperature and humidity conditions, which is beneficial to ensuring the accuracy of the test results of the cell 20.

[0044] Alternatively, the air intake system 520 can also be used to draw air from the environment into the main body of the device 500 to prevent contaminants such as dust, particulate matter or metal shavings from entering the main body of the device 500.

[0045] Please combine Figure 1 and Figure 2 The transport assembly 200 includes a feeding conveyor belt 210 for transporting the battery cell 20 to the weighing unit 110 and the electrical performance testing unit 120. The feeding conveyor belt 210 may include at least one device capable of transporting the battery cell 20, such as a conveyor belt, roller conveyor, or conveyor chain. The weighing unit 110 and the electrical performance testing unit 120 are arranged sequentially in the transport direction of the feeding conveyor belt 210. The controller 400 can be electrically connected to the transport assembly 200 and control the transport assembly 200 to transport the battery cell 20 to the weighing unit 110 or the electrical performance testing unit 120.

[0046] In one example, the weighing unit 110 is closer to the input terminal of the battery cell 20 than the electrical performance testing unit 120. Accordingly, the feeding conveyor belt 210 first transports the battery cell 20 to the weighing unit 110, and then transports the battery cell 20 to the electrical performance testing unit 120. In another example, the electrical performance testing unit 120 is closer to the input terminal of the battery cell 20 than the weighing unit 110. Accordingly, the feeding conveyor belt 210 first transports the battery cell 20 to the electrical performance testing unit 120, and then transports the battery cell 20 to the weighing unit 110. The following embodiments of this application will be described using the example of the weighing unit 110 being closer to the input terminal of the battery cell 20 than the electrical performance testing unit 120.

[0047] The weighing unit 110 includes a weighing sensor 111, which is located below the feeding conveyor belt 210. When the feeding conveyor belt 210 transports the battery cell 20 above the weighing sensor 111, the weighing sensor 111 can measure the weight of the battery cell 20.

[0048] In one embodiment, the load cell 111 has an elastic body that contacts the feeding conveyor belt 210. When the feeding conveyor belt 210 transports the battery cell 20 above the load cell 111, the feeding conveyor belt 210 is subjected to force and strain, which can be transmitted to the elastic body, causing the elastic body to strain as well. Thus, the load cell 111 can detect the weight of the battery cell 20 by the strain of the elastic body.

[0049] The elastomer can be in direct contact with the feeding conveyor belt 210, or it can be in contact with the feeding conveyor belt 210 through a structure that can transmit the force on the feeding conveyor belt 210 to the elastomer. In some implementations, the load cell 111 can include at least one of a single-point sensor, a cantilever beam sensor, or a pressure sensor. In some implementations, the measurement accuracy of the load cell 111 can be ±0.02%.

[0050] It is understandable that when the terminals of cell 20 have issues such as missing or excessive milling, or a large milling error (e.g., greater than 1g), the weight test result of cell 20 will differ from that of a qualified cell 20 that does not exhibit these issues. For example, a cell 20 with missing terminals will weigh more than a cell 20 that meets the weight requirements, while a cell 20 with excessive terminals will weigh less than a cell 20 that meets the weight requirements.

[0051] Therefore, the controller 400 can be electrically connected to the weighing unit 110 to receive the measurement results of the weight of the battery cell 20, and determine whether there are any omissions or over-shavings in the terminals of the battery cell 20 based on the measurement results, so that the terminal heights of different battery cells 20 are equal or approximately equal, in order to avoid omissions or errors that may occur during manual visual inspection.

[0052] In one embodiment, please continue to refer to Figure 1 The battery cell testing and sorting equipment 10 also includes a first photoelectric sensor 610, which can be used to detect whether a battery cell 20 has entered the feeding conveyor belt 210. In the transport direction of the feeding conveyor belt 210, the first photoelectric sensor 610 is closer to the input end of the battery cell 20 than the weighing unit 110. That is, the battery cell 20 on the feeding conveyor belt 210 is transported to the weighing unit 110 after passing the first photoelectric sensor 610.

[0053] The first photoelectric sensor 610 is located on the side of the feeding conveyor belt 210 and includes a first light emitter and a first light receiver. The first light emitter and the first light receiver are disposed opposite each other on both sides of the feeding conveyor belt 210, and the arrangement direction of the first light emitter and the first light receiver forms an angle with the transport direction of the feeding conveyor belt 210. For example, the first light emitter and the first light receiver can be arranged in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the feeding conveyor belt 210.

[0054] A first light transmitter emits light to a first light receiver, which is configured to receive the light emitted by the first light transmitter. When a battery cell 20 enters the feeding conveyor belt 210, the battery cell 20 blocks the light emitted by the first light transmitter, preventing the first light receiver from receiving the light.

[0055] The controller 400 can be electrically connected to the first photoelectric sensor 610. When the first light receiver does not receive the light emitted by the first light transmitter, the controller 400 can determine that a battery cell 20 has entered the feeding conveyor belt 210, and control the feeding conveyor belt 210 to transport the battery cell 20 to the weighing unit 110, and control the weighing unit 110 to weigh the battery cell 20.

[0056] The above settings help ensure that the weighing results of the weighing unit 110 on the battery cell 20 are relatively stable and accurate, and also help improve the working efficiency of the battery cell testing and sorting equipment 10.

[0057] In another embodiment, the first light emitter and the first light receiver can be located on the same side of the feeding conveyor belt 210. The first light emitter emits light upwards onto the feeding conveyor belt 210. When the battery cell 20 passes the first light emitter, the battery cell 20 reflects the light emitted by the first light emitter and transmits the light to the first light receiver. After the first light receiver receives the light emitted by the first light emitter, the controller 400 can determine that a battery cell 20 has entered the feeding conveyor belt 210, and control the feeding conveyor belt 210 to transport the battery cell 20 to the weighing unit 110, and control the weighing unit 110 to weigh the battery cell 20.

[0058] Of course, the sensors used to detect whether a battery cell 20 has entered the feeding conveyor belt 210 are not limited to photoelectric sensors. In other embodiments, the battery cell testing and sorting equipment 10 may also detect whether a battery cell 20 has entered the feeding conveyor belt 210 using at least one of sensors such as inductive sensors, light sensors, or vision sensors.

[0059] In one embodiment, the feeding conveyor belt 210 may include a first feeding conveyor belt 211 and a second feeding conveyor belt 212 connected in sequence, and the battery cell 20 is transported from one of the first feeding conveyor belt 211 and the second feeding conveyor belt 212 to the other.

[0060] The first feeding conveyor belt 211 can be correspondingly set with the weighing unit 110, and the second feeding conveyor belt 212 can be correspondingly set with the electrical performance testing unit 120. The battery cell 20 can be transported from the first feeding conveyor belt 211 to the second feeding conveyor belt 212. The first photoelectric sensor 610 can be set on the first feeding conveyor belt 211 and used to detect whether the battery cell 20 enters the first feeding conveyor belt 211. The weighing sensor 111 can be located below the first feeding conveyor belt 211, and the elastic body of the weighing sensor 111 is in contact with the first feeding conveyor belt 211.

[0061] With the above settings, the first feeding conveyor belt 211 corresponding to the weighing unit 110 can be relatively independent of the second feeding conveyor belt 212 and other components of the cell testing and sorting equipment 10, so as to avoid the vibration of the second feeding conveyor belt 212 or other components of the cell testing and sorting equipment 10 being transmitted to the first feeding conveyor belt 211 and affecting the measurement accuracy of the weighing sensor 111, so that the weighing result of the weighing unit 110 on the cell 20 is more accurate.

[0062] In the above example, the cell testing and sorting equipment 10 may further include a weighing bracket 700 for supporting the first feeding conveyor belt 211, and the weighing bracket 700 may be spaced apart from the main body 500. The first feeding conveyor belt 211, the weighing unit 110, and the first photoelectric sensor 610 can all be mounted on the weighing bracket 700. Thus, the weighing sensor 111 and the first feeding conveyor belt 211 can be relatively independent of other components of the cell testing and sorting equipment 10, thereby improving the measurement accuracy of the weighing sensor 111 and making the weighing result of the cell 20 more accurate.

[0063] In one example, the transport assembly 200 may further include a drive member 220 that is driveably connected to the first feeding conveyor belt 211, the drive member 220 being used to drive the first feeding conveyor belt 211 to transport the battery cell 20. The drive member 220 may be disposed on the first feeding conveyor belt 211, or the drive member 220 may also be disposed on the weighing bracket 700. In some implementations, the drive member 220 may include at least one of a DC motor, an AC motor, or a hydraulic motor.

[0064] The controller 400 can be electrically connected to the drive unit 220 and control the drive unit 220 to drive the first feeding conveyor belt 211 to transport the battery cell 20. For example, when the first photoelectric sensor 610 detects that a battery cell 20 has entered the first feeding conveyor belt 211, the controller 400 controls the drive unit 220 to drive the first feeding conveyor belt 211 to transport the battery cell 20 above the weighing sensor 111. The controller 400 can also be electrically connected to the weighing sensor 111 to obtain the weighing result of the weighing sensor 111 and determine whether the weight of the battery cell 20 is qualified based on the weighing result.

[0065] In some implementations, the transport direction of the first feeding conveyor belt 211 can be parallel to the transport direction of the second feeding conveyor belt 212, and the first feeding conveyor belt 211 and the second feeding conveyor belt 212 can be arranged in a straight line. In other implementations, there can be an angle between the transport direction of the first feeding conveyor belt 211 and the transport direction of the second feeding conveyor belt 212.

[0066] Please combine Figure 1 and Figure 2 The electrical performance testing unit 120 includes an electrical performance tester 121, a test fixture 122, and test probes. The test probes are mounted on the test fixture 122 and electrically connected to the electrical performance tester 121. The test fixture 122 is located above the feeding conveyor belt 210, and may be located to the side of the feeding conveyor belt 210. The electrical performance tester 121 may be located above the feeding conveyor belt 210 and the test fixture 122.

[0067] When the feeding conveyor belt 210 transports the battery cell 20 to the electrical performance testing unit 120, the test fixture 122 can adjust the position and clamp the battery cell 20, and make the test probe on the test fixture 122 contact the battery cell 20, thereby electrically connecting the battery cell 20 to the electrical performance tester 121. The electrical performance tester 121 is used to perform electrical performance tests on the battery cell 20 to detect the residual capacity of the battery cell 20. The controller 400 can be electrically connected to the electrical performance tester 121 to receive the detection result of the residual capacity of the battery cell 20, and determine whether the residual capacity of the battery cell 20 is qualified based on the detection result. The controller 400 can also be electrically connected to the test fixture 122 to control the test fixture 122 to adjust the position and clamp the battery cell 20.

[0068] Of course, the electrical performance testing unit 120 is not limited to detecting the residual capacity of the battery cell 20. The electrical performance testing unit 120 can also detect the internal resistance, open-circuit voltage, or self-discharge rate of the battery cell 20 using the electrical performance tester 121, test fixture 122, and test probes. For example, the controller 400 can determine whether the battery cell 20 has passed the electrical performance test based on the voltage of the battery cell 20 detected by the electrical performance tester 121. For instance, when the voltage of the battery cell 20 is less than 2.7V, the controller 400 determines that the battery cell 20 has passed the electrical performance test.

[0069] In some implementations, the test fixture 122 may include a first fixture and a second fixture disposed opposite each other on both sides of the feeding conveyor belt 210. When the battery cell 20 is transported between the first fixture and the second fixture, both the first fixture and the second fixture may move relative to the feeding conveyor belt 210 toward the battery cell 20 and abut against the battery cell 20 to adjust the position of the battery cell 20 and clamp the battery cell 20.

[0070] In one embodiment, the cell testing and sorting device 10 further includes a second photoelectric sensor 620. In the transport direction of the feeding conveyor belt 210, the second photoelectric sensor 620 is closer to the input end of the cell 20 than the electrical performance testing unit 120, and the second photoelectric sensor 620 can be located between the weighing unit 110 and the electrical performance testing unit 120. That is, the cell 20 on the feeding conveyor belt 210 can be transported to the electrical performance testing unit 120 after sequentially passing through the weighing unit 110 and the second photoelectric sensor 620. The second photoelectric sensor 620 can be used to detect whether a cell 20 has entered the second feeding conveyor belt 212. For example, the second photoelectric sensor 620 can be disposed on the second feeding conveyor belt 212 and used to detect whether a cell 20 has entered the second feeding conveyor belt 212.

[0071] The second photoelectric sensor 620 is located on the side of the second feeding conveyor belt 212 and includes a second light emitter and a second light receiver. The second light emitter and the second light receiver are disposed opposite each other on both sides of the second feeding conveyor belt 212, and the arrangement direction of the second light emitter and the second light receiver forms an angle with the transport direction of the second feeding conveyor belt 212. For example, the second light emitter and the second light receiver can be arranged in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the second feeding conveyor belt 212.

[0072] The second light transmitter emits light to the second light receiver, which is configured to receive the light emitted by the second light transmitter. When a battery cell 20 enters the second feeding conveyor belt 212, the battery cell 20 blocks the light emitted by the second light transmitter, preventing the second light receiver from receiving the light.

[0073] The controller 400 can be electrically connected to the second photoelectric sensor 620. When the second light receiver does not receive the light emitted by the second light transmitter, the controller 400 can determine that a battery cell 20 has entered the second feeding conveyor belt 212, and control the second feeding conveyor belt 212 to transport the battery cell 20 to the electrical performance testing unit 120, and control the electrical performance testing unit 120 to perform electrical performance testing on the battery cell 20.

[0074] The above settings help ensure that the electrical performance test results of the electrical performance test unit 120 on the battery cell 20 are relatively stable and accurate, and also help improve the working efficiency of the battery cell test and sorting equipment 10.

[0075] In another embodiment, the second light emitter and the second light receiver can be located on the same side of the second feeding conveyor belt 212. The second light emitter emits light upwards onto the second feeding conveyor belt 212. When the battery cell 20 passes the second light emitter, the battery cell 20 reflects the light emitted by the second light emitter and transmits the light to the second light receiver. After the second light receiver receives the light emitted by the second light emitter, the controller 400 can determine that a battery cell 20 has entered the second feeding conveyor belt 212, and control the second feeding conveyor belt 212 to transport the battery cell 20 to the electrical performance testing unit 120, and control the electrical performance testing unit 120 to perform electrical performance testing on the battery cell 20.

[0076] Of course, the sensor used to detect whether a battery cell 20 has entered the second feeding conveyor belt 212 is not limited to a photoelectric sensor. In other embodiments, the battery cell testing and sorting equipment 10 may also detect whether a battery cell 20 has entered the second feeding conveyor belt 212 using at least one of the following sensors: an inductive sensor, a light sensor, or a vision sensor.

[0077] Please refer to Figure 3 The battery cell testing and sorting equipment 10 also includes an unloading assembly 300. The unloading assembly 300 and the testing assembly 100 are arranged sequentially along the transport direction of the feeding conveyor belt 210 and are used to remove the battery cells 20 from the feeding conveyor belt 210. For example, the unloading assembly 300 can be closer to the output end of the battery cell 20 than the testing assembly 100. The battery cell 20 can be transported to the unloading assembly 300 after passing through the weighing unit 110 and the electrical performance testing unit 120. The controller 400 can be electrically connected to the unloading assembly 300 and control the unloading assembly 300 to remove the battery cells 20 that are unqualified in weight or have failed the electrical performance test from the feeding conveyor belt 210. Correspondingly, the feeding conveyor belt 210 can transport the battery cells 20 that are qualified in weight and have passed the electrical performance test to outside the battery cell testing and sorting equipment 10. For example, the battery cells 20 can be transported to other equipment located downstream of the battery cell testing and sorting equipment 10.

[0078] With the above settings, the unloading component 300 can remove the battery cells 20 that are unqualified in weight or have failed the electrical performance test from the feeding conveyor belt 210 after the battery cells 20 have passed the testing component 100, thus avoiding manual handling of the battery cells 20 and reducing operational risks.

[0079] In one embodiment, the unloading assembly 300 includes a first unloading mechanism 310, which is located closer to the output end of the battery cell 20 than the weighing unit 110 in the transport direction of the feeding conveyor belt 210. That is, the battery cell 20 on the feeding conveyor belt 210 is transported to the first unloading mechanism 310 after passing through the weighing unit 110.

[0080] The first unloading mechanism 310 has a first unloading gripper 311 located above the feeding conveyor belt 210. The first unloading gripper 311 can move relative to the feeding conveyor belt 210 to grip the battery cell 20 on the feeding conveyor belt 210 and remove the battery cell 20 from the feeding conveyor belt 210. The controller 400 can be electrically connected to the first unloading gripper 311 and control the first unloading gripper 311 to remove the battery cell 20 that does not meet the weight requirements from the feeding conveyor belt 210, so that the battery cell 20 that meets the weight requirements can continue to be transported to the electrical performance testing unit 120, and to prevent the battery cell 20 that does not meet the weight requirements from being transported to the electrical performance testing unit 120.

[0081] With the above settings, the first unloading mechanism 310 can avoid manual handling of the battery cells 20, reducing operational risks. Furthermore, the controller 400 can cooperate with the first unloading mechanism 310 to intercept battery cells 20 that are not up to weight and remove them from the feeding conveyor belt 210, facilitating subsequent targeted processing of battery cells 20 with issues such as incomplete or excessive cutting of the electrode posts.

[0082] In some implementations, the first unloading mechanism 310 may also include a first unloading bracket 312, which is located above the feeding conveyor belt 210. The first unloading gripper 311 may be mounted on the first unloading bracket 312 and move relative to the first unloading bracket 312 to grip the battery cell 20.

[0083] In one example, the first unloading bracket 312 may be equipped with a chain, a gear, and a motor. The gear is rotatably mounted on the first unloading bracket 312, the chain is wound around the gear, and the motor is connected to the gear drive and is used to drive the gear and chain to rotate. The first unloading gripper 311 may be mounted on the chain to move relative to the first unloading bracket 312 under the drive of the chain.

[0084] In another example, a linear motor may be provided on the first unloading bracket 312, and the first unloading gripper 311 may be mounted on the mover of the linear motor so as to move relative to the first unloading bracket 312 under the drive of the linear motor.

[0085] In the above example, the first unloading mechanism 310 can be installed on the weighing bracket 700 and used to clamp the battery cell 20 on the first feeding conveyor belt 211, or the first unloading mechanism 310 can also be installed on the equipment body 500 and used to clamp the battery cell 20 on the second feeding conveyor belt 212.

[0086] In one embodiment, the unloading assembly 300 further includes a first unloading conveyor belt 320, which may include at least one device capable of transporting the battery cells 20, such as a conveyor belt, roller conveyor, or conveyor chain. The transport direction of the first unloading conveyor belt 320 forms an angle with the transport direction of the feeding conveyor belt 210; for example, the transport direction of the first unloading conveyor belt 320 may be perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the transport direction of the feeding conveyor belt 210. The first unloading conveyor belt 320 is configured to transport the battery cells 20 in a direction away from the feeding conveyor belt 210 to transport substandard battery cells 20 outside the battery cell testing and sorting equipment 10.

[0087] In the transport direction of the feeding conveyor belt 210, the first unloading conveyor belt 320 is closer to the output end of the battery cell 20 than the weighing unit 110, and is correspondingly set with the first unloading gripper 311. The first unloading gripper 311 is configured to clamp the battery cell 20 from the feeding conveyor belt 210 to the first unloading conveyor belt 320.

[0088] With the above configuration, the first unloading gripper 311 can cooperate with the first unloading conveyor belt 320 to remove the unqualified battery cells 20 from the feeding conveyor belt 210 and transport them to the battery cell testing and sorting equipment 10. This avoids manual handling of the battery cells 20, reduces operational risks, and facilitates targeted treatment of battery cells 20 with missing or excessive cutting of the electrode post. This achieves integrated testing and sorting and improves equipment efficiency.

[0089] In one example, the first unloading conveyor belt 320 can be used to hold three battery cells 20. Of course, in other examples, the first unloading conveyor belt 320 can also be used to hold two, four, or other numbers of battery cells 20.

[0090] In one embodiment, the unloading assembly 300 includes a second unloading mechanism 330, which can be mounted on the equipment body 500. In the transport direction of the feeding conveyor belt 210, the second unloading mechanism 330 is closer to the output end of the battery cell 20 than the electrical performance testing unit 120. That is, the battery cell 20 on the feeding conveyor belt 210 is transported to the second unloading mechanism 330 after passing through the electrical performance testing unit 120.

[0091] The second unloading mechanism 330 has a second unloading gripper 331 located above the feeding conveyor belt 210. The second unloading gripper 331 can move relative to the feeding conveyor belt 210 to grip the battery cell 20 on the feeding conveyor belt 210 and remove the battery cell 20 from the feeding conveyor belt 210. The controller 400 can be electrically connected to the second unloading gripper 331 and control the second unloading gripper 331 to remove the battery cell 20 that has failed the electrical performance test from the feeding conveyor belt 210, so that the feeding conveyor belt 210 can transport the battery cell 20 that meets the weight requirements and has passed the electrical performance test to the outside of the battery cell testing and sorting equipment 10.

[0092] With the above configuration, the second unloading mechanism 330 can avoid manual handling of the battery cells 20, reducing operational risks. Furthermore, the controller 400 can cooperate with the second unloading mechanism 330 to intercept battery cells 20 that have failed the electrical performance test and remove them from the feeding conveyor belt 210, facilitating subsequent targeted processing of these cells.

[0093] In some implementations, the second unloading mechanism 330 may further include a second unloading bracket 332, which may be installed on the equipment body 500 and located above the feeding conveyor belt 210. A second unloading gripper 331 may be installed on the second unloading bracket 332 and move relative to it to grip the battery cell 20 and remove it from the feeding conveyor belt 210. The movement of the second unloading gripper 331 on the second unloading bracket 332 can refer to the movement of the first unloading gripper 311 on the first unloading bracket 312, and will not be repeated here.

[0094] In one embodiment, the unloading assembly 300 further includes a second unloading conveyor belt 340, which may include at least one device capable of transporting the battery cells 20, such as a conveyor belt, roller conveyor, or conveyor chain. The transport direction of the second unloading conveyor belt 340 forms an angle with the transport direction of the feeding conveyor belt 210; for example, the transport direction of the second unloading conveyor belt 340 may be perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the transport direction of the feeding conveyor belt 210. Furthermore, the transport direction of the second unloading conveyor belt 340 may be parallel or approximately parallel to the transport direction of the first unloading conveyor belt 320. The second unloading conveyor belt 340 is configured to transport the battery cells 20 in a direction away from the feeding conveyor belt 210 to transport battery cells 20 that have failed the electrical performance test to the outside of the battery cell testing and sorting equipment 10.

[0095] In the transport direction of the feeding conveyor belt 210, the second unloading conveyor belt 340 is closer to the output end of the battery cell 20 than the electrical performance testing unit 120. The second unloading conveyor belt 340 is correspondingly arranged with the second unloading gripper 331, which is configured to pick up the battery cell 20 from the feeding conveyor belt 210 and transfer it to the second unloading conveyor belt 340.

[0096] With the above configuration, the second unloading gripper 331 can cooperate with the second unloading conveyor belt 340 to remove the battery cells 20 that have failed the electrical performance test from the feeding conveyor belt 210 and transport them to the battery cell testing and sorting equipment 10. This avoids manual handling of the battery cells 20, reduces operational risks, and facilitates targeted processing of the battery cells 20 that have failed the electrical performance test. This achieves integrated testing and sorting and improves equipment efficiency.

[0097] In one example, the second unloading conveyor belt 340 can be used to hold three battery cells 20. Of course, in other examples, the second unloading conveyor belt 340 can also be used to hold two, four, or other numbers of battery cells 20.

[0098] In the example above, such as Figure 3 As shown, the unloading assembly 300 can simultaneously have a first unloading mechanism 310 and a second unloading mechanism 330. Therefore, the cell testing and sorting equipment 10 can unload and distinguish between cells 20 that fail the weight test and cells 20 that fail the electrical performance test, achieving integrated testing and sorting and improving equipment efficiency. Simultaneously, it avoids manual handling of the cells 20, reducing operational difficulty and improving the safety of the cell testing and sorting equipment 10. Of course, as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the unloading assembly 300 may also have only the second unloading mechanism 330.

[0099] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 The battery cell testing and sorting equipment 10 also includes a scanning component 800, which includes a first scanning device 810 for acquiring the identification information of the battery cell 20. In the transport direction of the feeding conveyor belt 210, the first scanning device 810 is closer to the input end of the battery cell 20 than the weighing unit 110. Therefore, the first scanning device 810 can scan and acquire the identification information of the battery cell 20 before it is transported to the weighing unit 110.

[0100] The controller 400 is electrically connected to the first scanning device 810 and can trace the production system of the battery cell 20 according to the identification information of the battery cell 20, so as to synchronize the measurement result of the weight of the battery cell 20 to the production information of the battery cell 20, and bind the battery cell 20 with the weight measurement result.

[0101] In some implementations, the first scanning device 810 may include at least one of a barcode scanner, a barcode reader, or an industrial camera. The first scanning device 810 may be mounted on a weighing support 700 to avoid workers manually scanning the battery cell 20 by holding the first scanning device 810, thus reducing the intensity of their work.

[0102] In one embodiment, the scanning assembly 800 further includes a second scanning device 820 for acquiring identification information of the battery cell 20. In the transport direction of the feeding conveyor belt 210, the second scanning device 820 is positioned closer to the input end of the battery cell 20 than the electrical performance testing unit 120. Therefore, the second scanning device 820 can scan and acquire the identification information of the battery cell 20 before it is transported to the electrical performance testing unit 120.

[0103] The controller 400 is electrically connected to the second scanning device 820 and can trace the production system of the battery cell 20 according to the identification information of the battery cell 20, so as to synchronize the electrical performance test results of the battery cell 20 to the production information of the battery cell 20, thus binding the battery cell 20 with the electrical performance test results.

[0104] In some implementations, the second scanning device 820 may include at least one of a barcode scanner, a barcode reader, or an industrial camera. The second scanning device 820 may be mounted on the main body 500 to avoid workers manually scanning the battery cell 20 with the first scanning device 810, thus reducing workload.

[0105] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments 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 they can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or make equivalent substitutions for some or as many of the technical features as possible; 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 cell testing and sorting device, characterized in that, include: A transport assembly, the transport assembly including a feeding conveyor belt for transporting battery cells; The testing component includes a weighing unit and an electrical performance testing unit, which are sequentially arranged in the transport direction of the feeding conveyor belt. The weighing unit is positioned below the feeding conveyor belt and is used to measure the weight of the battery cells on the feeding conveyor belt. The electrical performance testing unit includes an electrical performance tester configured to be electrically connected to the battery cells on the feeding conveyor belt to perform electrical performance testing on the battery cells. An unloading assembly and a testing assembly are arranged sequentially along the transport direction of the feeding conveyor belt, the unloading assembly being configured to remove the battery cell from the feeding conveyor belt; The controller, the testing component and the unloading component are both electrically connected to the controller, and the controller is configured to remove the battery cells that are unqualified in weight or fail the electrical performance test from the feeding conveyor belt based on the weight and electrical performance test results of the battery cells.

2. The cell testing and sorting equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a scanning component, which includes a first scanning device for acquiring the identification information of the battery cell. In the transport direction of the feeding conveyor belt, the first scanning device is closer to the input end of the battery cell than the weighing unit.

3. The cell testing and sorting equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The scanning component also includes a second scanning device for acquiring the identification information of the battery cell. In the transport direction of the feeding conveyor belt, the second scanning device is closer to the input end of the battery cell than the electrical performance testing unit, and the weighing unit is closer to the input end of the battery cell than the second scanning device.

4. The cell testing and sorting equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The feeding conveyor belt includes a first feeding conveyor belt and a second feeding conveyor belt connected in sequence, and the battery cell is transported from one of the first feeding conveyor belt and the second feeding conveyor belt to the other; The weighing unit is configured corresponding to the first feeding conveyor belt, and the weighing unit includes a weighing sensor located below the first feeding conveyor belt; The electrical performance testing unit is set up in correspondence with the second feeding conveyor belt.

5. The cell testing and sorting equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The unloading assembly includes a first unloading mechanism, which is located closer to the output end of the battery cell than the weighing unit in the transport direction of the feeding conveyor belt. The first unloading mechanism has a first unloading gripper located above the feeding conveyor belt and configured to remove the battery cell from the feeding conveyor belt.

6. The cell testing and sorting equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that, The unloading assembly further includes a first unloading conveyor belt, the transport direction of the first unloading conveyor belt having an angle with the transport direction of the feeding conveyor belt, and the first unloading conveyor belt being configured to transport the battery cell in a direction away from the feeding conveyor belt. The first unloading gripper is configured to grip the battery cell from the feeding conveyor belt and transfer it to the first unloading conveyor belt.

7. The cell testing and sorting equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that, The battery cell testing and sorting equipment also includes a first photoelectric sensor, which includes a first light emitter and a first light receiver. The first light emitter and the first light receiver are disposed opposite each other on the side of the feeding conveyor belt. The first light emitter is used to emit light to the first light receiver, and the first light receiver is configured to receive the light emitted by the first light emitter. In the transport direction of the feeding conveyor belt, the first photoelectric sensor is closer to the input end of the battery cell than the weighing unit. The controller is electrically connected to the first photoelectric sensor, and the controller is configured to control the weighing unit to weigh the battery cell after the first light receiver fails to receive light emitted by the first light emitter.

8. The cell testing and sorting equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The electrical performance testing unit also includes a test fixture and test probes; The test fixture is located above the feeding conveyor belt and is used to clamp the battery cell. The test probe is disposed on the test fixture. When the test fixture clamps the battery cell, the test probe contacts the battery cell and is electrically connected to the battery cell. The test probe is also electrically connected to the electrical performance tester so that the electrical performance tester can perform electrical performance tests on the battery cell.

9. The cell testing and sorting equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that, The unloading assembly includes a second unloading mechanism, which is located closer to the output end of the battery cell than the electrical performance testing unit in the transport direction of the feeding conveyor belt. The second unloading mechanism has a second unloading gripper located above the feeding conveyor belt and configured to remove the battery cell from the feeding conveyor belt.

10. The cell testing and sorting equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that, The cell testing and sorting equipment also includes a second photoelectric sensor, which includes a second light emitter and a second light receiver. The second light emitter and the second light receiver are disposed opposite each other on the side of the feeding conveyor belt. The second light emitter is used to emit light to the second light receiver, and the second light receiver is configured to receive the light emitted by the second light emitter. In the transport direction of the feeding conveyor belt, the second photoelectric sensor is closer to the input end of the cell than the electrical performance testing unit. The controller is electrically connected to the second photoelectric sensor, and the controller is configured to control the electrical performance testing unit to perform electrical performance testing on the battery cell after the second light receiver fails to receive light emitted by the second light emitter.

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