Identifying a type of battery

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for identifying a type of battery intended for a recycling process. The method according to the invention is characterised at least by the following steps: - (S1) providing a database which, for a plurality of battery types, comprises a first target value belonging to the respective battery type, wherein additionally, at least one battery-specific second target value of the respective battery type is assigned to each first target value; - (S2) detecting a first actual value of the battery to be identified, said first actual value corresponding to the database; - (S3) determining the second target value for the battery by means of a comparison of the detected first actual value with the first target values of the database; and - (S4) detecting a battery-specific second actual value of the battery to be identified, said second actual value corresponding to the database, wherein the identification of the type of battery is characterised as successful if the second actual value matches the determined second target value. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for recycling a battery and to a device for identifying a type of battery.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Type identification of a battery

[0003] The invention relates to a method according to the preamble of patent claim 1, a recycling method according to the preamble of patent claim 12 and a device according to the preamble of patent claim 13.

[0004] Batteries, such as storage batteries in electric vehicles, must be disposed of, recycled, or converted to a second-life application at the end of their service life. For this purpose, the batteries are disassembled and processed in appropriate recycling facilities.

[0005] Particularly for disassembly or further processing, reliable type identification of the battery, i.e., reliable identification of the respective battery type, is required. Only if each battery delivered is clearly and reliably identified can it subsequently be assigned to the correct work steps. For example, type identification is an essential prerequisite for providing the correct procedural instructions and disassembly instructions.

[0006] Furthermore, it is necessary to know the cell type installed inside the battery. This is because the different cell chemistries should be processed as homogeneously as possible during final recycling. It is particularly not advantageous to melt lithium cells together with lead batteries. Even for lithium cells, it is advantageous to avoid mixtures, for example, with regard to the LFP and LTO types.

[0007] According to the state of the art, type identification is typically carried out manually, as quantities are currently still small. In the future, very large return quantities of several thousand tons of batteries are expected, making automatic identification of the batteries necessary. According to the state of the art, only housing markings, i.e. identification codes arranged on the battery, are used for automatic identification. However, these may be missing, damaged, or contain incorrect data. This could lead to the wrong tools being used for disassembly, which compromises the operational reliability of the recycling process.

[0008] The present invention is based on the object of providing an improved type identification for batteries.

[0009] The object is achieved by a method having the features of independent patent claim 1, by a method having the features of independent patent claim 12, and by a device having the features of independent patent claim 13. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent patent claims.

[0010] The method according to the invention for the type identification of a battery intended for a recycling process is characterized by at least the following steps:

[0011] - Providing a database which, for a plurality of battery types, comprises a first setpoint value associated with the respective battery type, wherein at least one battery-specific second setpoint value of the respective battery type is additionally assigned to each first setpoint value;

[0012] - Recording a first actual value of the battery to be identified corresponding to the database;

[0013] - Determining the second target value for the battery by comparing the recorded first actual value with the first target values ​​of the database; and

[0014] - Recording a battery-specific second actual value of the battery to be identified corresponding to the database, whereby the type identification of the battery is marked as successful if the second actual value corresponds to the determined second target value.

[0015] The method according to the invention and / or one or more functions, features and / or steps of the method according to the invention and / or one of its embodiments can be computer-aided.

[0016] According to the invention, a database is used which has a respective first target value for a plurality of batteries or a plurality of battery types, wherein a battery-specific second target value is additionally assigned to each first target value. The first target value is preferably a type-specific code, for example an identification code arranged on the battery. Dimensions and / or further physical and / or structural features of the respective battery can be used as battery-specific second target values. According to the invention, the database is made available for the further method.

[0017] By means of the database, each battery or battery type included is assigned, in addition to the first target value, a property (second target value) that is characteristic of the battery or battery type. According to the invention, this further property or this further feature of the battery is used additionally, i.e. in addition to the first target value, for type identification. The second target value thus symbolically enables a technical four-eyes principle (multi-parameter testing) for type identification, so that the type of the respective battery can be determined more reliably. In this sense, by checking the second target value, i.e. by a redundant test, confirmation of the first target value, which basically already determines the battery type, can be enabled. Several data sources are therefore used as input data for type identification.According to the method, for a given battery, a first actual value corresponding to the database of the battery to be identified is first recorded. A first actual value corresponds to the database if the first target value is the same technical / physical value. For example, if the first target value is an identification code on the battery, then an identification code located on the battery is also recorded as the first actual value.

[0018] The second target value corresponding to the first actual value is then determined by comparing the recorded first actual value with the database, i.e. by comparing it with the first target values. In other words, it is analyzed which first target value the recorded first actual value corresponds to. By determining the first target value from the database corresponding to the first actual value, the second target value is also determined due to the structure of the database according to the invention. For example, a suitable basic battery type (first target value) is determined using the first actual value. In this case, a battery weight determined by the comparison is assigned to the battery type (first target value) according to the database as a second target value, for example.

[0019] In a further step of the method, a battery-specific second actual value of the battery to be identified, which corresponds to the database, is recorded, whereby the type identification of the battery is marked as successful if the second actual value corresponds to the determined second target value.

[0020] In the above example, the battery weight is recorded as the second actual value and compared with the second target value (target battery weight) stored in the database and determined based on the determined battery type (first target value). If the recorded battery weight (second actual value) matches the target battery weight (second target value), the type identification is marked as successful or is successful. In the above example, the second actual value or the second target value is used to verify the battery type determined based on the identification code.

[0021] In summary, the method provides an automated multi-parameter test of the battery type, which uses not only the battery's identification code, but also other features / properties of the battery, such as the battery weight. Only when both actual values ​​match their respective target values ​​is a type identification reliable for a recycling process and successful within the meaning of the present invention.

[0022] The method according to the invention for recycling a battery is characterized in that the battery or its battery type is identified by means of a method according to the present invention and / or one of its embodiments.

[0023] In particular, the recycling process includes a disassembly process, i.e. the battery is intended for disassembly.

[0024] Similar, equivalent and equally effective advantages and / or embodiments of the recycling method according to the invention result from the method according to the invention for type identification.

[0025] The device according to the invention for the type identification of a battery intended for a recycling process comprises a database, a computing unit and a recording unit. The device according to the invention is characterized in that

[0026] - the database for several battery types comprises a first setpoint value associated with the respective battery type, wherein at least one battery-specific second setpoint value of the respective battery type is additionally assigned to each first setpoint value;

[0027] - the recording unit is designed to record a first actual value of the battery to be identified, corresponding to the database;

[0028] - the computing unit is designed to determine the second target value for the battery by comparing the detected first actual value with the first target values ​​of the database; and

[0029] - the detection unit is designed to detect a battery-specific second actual value of the battery to be identified, corresponding to the database, wherein the computing unit is designed to mark the type identification of the battery as successful if the second actual value corresponds to the determined second target value.

[0030] Similar, equivalent and equally effective advantages and / or configurations of the device according to the invention result from the method according to the invention for type identification.

[0031] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the type identification of the battery is marked as unsuccessful if the second actual value does not agree with the second target value.

[0032] This advantageously ensures that if the type identification is unsuccessful, no recycling or recycling process of the battery, for example disassembly of the battery, takes place.

[0033] In an advantageous development of the invention, in the event of an unsuccessful type identification, a further first target value is determined by comparing the second actual value with the database.

[0034] In other words, it is advantageously determined which first target value and thus which battery type belongs to the recorded second actual value according to the database. This makes it possible to provide an alternative battery type with regard to the first actual value or the first target value. In other words, an alternative identification to the first actual value is determined. This is advantageous if, for example, an ID label of a battery from one manufacturer has been applied to a battery from another manufacturer, for example unintentionally during transport of the battery. If the type identification were to take place solely on the basis of the ID label, as in the prior art, this would result in incorrect identification. According to the present method, this is detected and, in addition, an alternative identification can be provided.This identified alternative battery type can, for example, be assumed to be reliable or subjected to further manual testing.

[0035] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, if the type identification is unsuccessful, a further test is carried out, in particular an additional manual test.

[0036] This can further improve the reliability of type identification. Manual testing is carried out, for example, by an on-site inspector.

[0037] In an advantageous development of the invention, an identification code of the respective battery is used as the first target value.

[0038] In other words, a battery type is first determined by comparing the identification code with the database. In the database, at least one additional technical / physical characteristic of the battery is then assigned to the identification code or battery type (second target value).

[0039] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a code applied to the battery to be identified is used as the identification code.

[0040] The code can be designed as a housing marking of the battery, for example an ID label, in particular a QR code, an engraving or another machine-readable and detectable identification code.

[0041] Alternatively, a code on a delivery note of the battery to be identified is preferably used as the identification code.

[0042] The code can be captured by scanning the delivery note.

[0043] In an advantageous development of the invention, a dimension, an outer contour, a weight and / or a color of the battery is / are used as the battery-specific second target value.

[0044] Advantageously, the above-mentioned variables can be efficiently recorded and evaluated technically.

[0045] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a relative arrangement of plug connections and / or a number of screw holes of the battery are / is used as the battery-specific second target value.

[0046] This can advantageously further improve the reliability of type identification.

[0047] In an advantageous development of the invention, the database comprises a plurality of battery-specific second setpoint values ​​for each first setpoint value, wherein a plurality of second actual values ​​for the battery to be identified are recorded in accordance with the plurality of second setpoint values.

[0048] In other words, several battery-specific properties / characteristics / variables are advantageously used to verify or confirm the battery type determined by comparing the first actual value with the first target value. This advantageously further improves the reliability of type identification.

[0049] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the type identification of the battery is marked as partially successful if only one of the second actual values ​​does not agree with the associated determined second target value.

[0050] In other words, all of the second actual values ​​except for one second actual value match their corresponding second target values. This means that the type identification is partially confirmed or partially successful. For example, all of the external dimensions could match, but the weight does not. The cause could be, for example, the installation of cells from a different manufacturer as part of a model change. In this case, the limited identification would confirm that it is a special battery, for example a VW 13, but the year of manufacture and the production line - sometimes different factories use subcomponents from different suppliers - cannot be determined with certainty. In this case, too, a further manual check is planned and necessary.

[0051] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments described below and from the drawing. The figure schematically shows a flow diagram of a method according to one embodiment of the invention. Similar, equivalent, or equivalently effective elements may be provided with the same reference numerals in the figure.

[0052] The figure shows a flow diagram of a method for type identification of a battery, that is to say a method for determining the battery type of a battery, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] In this case, the battery is intended for a recycling process, particularly a disassembly process. This requires prior type identification.

[0054] According to the illustrated embodiment, in a first step S1 of the method, a database is provided that includes an identification code (first target value) associated with the respective battery type for several battery types. In addition, at least one battery-specific second target value, i.e., a battery-specific technical parameter, is assigned to each identification code for the respective battery. The database can be provided, for example, by a computing unit.

[0055] In a second step S2 of the method, an actual identification code of the battery to be identified is recorded. This can be done, for example, using a recording unit. The identification code is applied, in particular, to the battery in the form of a QR code, an ID label, and / or an engraving. Alternatively or additionally, the identification code can be recorded using a delivery note for the battery, for example, by scanning the delivery note.

[0056] According to a third step S3 of the method, the second target value for the battery is determined by comparing the detected identification code (first actual value) with the identification codes stored in the database (first target values). In other words, a check is carried out to determine which identification code, and thus which battery type, the detected identification code matches. This determines a battery type that is generally suitable for the battery. A second target value, for example, a target battery weight, is assigned to the determined identification code in the database.

[0057] In a fourth step S4 of the method, a battery-specific second actual value corresponding to the database, in this case the actual battery weight, of the battery to be identified is recorded, wherein the type identification of the battery is marked as successful if the recorded actual battery weight (second actual value) corresponds to the target battery weight (second target value) previously determined by the recorded identification code.

[0058] In other words, according to the present embodiment, for each battery or battery type, in addition to the labeling (identification codes), several additional characteristic properties and features, which can advantageously be measured or verified using simple technical means, are used for type identification. These are stored as a reference in the database and are used during identification as a symbolic "second opinion" in the technical sense, or as a multi-parameter test.

[0059] For this purpose, for example, a generally suitable battery type is identified using the delivery note or a printed code. Once this has been done, a list of second target values ​​characteristic of this battery is retrieved from the database. These can include, for example, the dimensions, the outer contour, the weight and / or the color of the battery. Furthermore, the position and orientation of a special connector on the housing, the number and position of screw holes and any other individually measurable technical feature can be used. A device according to the invention can, by means of a recording unit, for example a 3D scanner and / or a camera, record the values / quantities determined in this way and, by means of a computing unit, compare them with the second target values ​​stored or filed in the database.

[0060] This advantageously provides a method for battery type identification, in which input measurement data from several different sources, preferably ID features from documents and labels as well as technical characteristics of the battery, are automatically compared with target values ​​of a provided data set using a target / actual comparison. The method, or rather the linking of the actual values ​​with the respective target values, can be carried out by means of a computing unit of the device. For this purpose, the computing unit comprises, in particular, a suitably trained and configured neural network.

[0061] Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail by means of the preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples and other variations can be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0062] Reference symbol list

[0063] 51 first step

[0064] 52 second step S3 third step

[0065] S4 fourth step

Claims

Patent claims 1. A method for the type identification of a battery intended for a recycling process, characterized by the steps: - (Sl) providing a database which, for a plurality of battery types, comprises a first target value associated with the respective battery type, wherein at least one battery-specific second target value of the respective battery type is additionally assigned to each first target value; - (S2) recording a first actual value of the battery to be identified corresponding to the database; - (S3) determining the second target value for the battery by comparing the recorded first actual value with the first target values ​​of the database; and - (S4) Recording a battery-specific second actual value of the battery to be identified corresponding to the database, whereby the type identification of the battery is marked as successful if the second actual value corresponds to the determined second target value.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the type identification of the battery is marked as unsuccessful if the second actual value does not match the second target value.

3. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that if the type identification is unsuccessful, a further first target value is determined by comparing the second actual value with the database.

4. Method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that if the type identification is unsuccessful, a further test, in particular an additional manual test, is carried out.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an identification code of the respective battery is used as the first target value.

6. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that a code applied to the battery to be identified is used as the identification code.

7. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that a code on a delivery note of the battery to be identified is used as the identification code.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a dimension, an outer contour, a weight and / or a color of the battery is / are used as the battery-specific second target value.

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a relative arrangement of plug connections and / or a number of screw holes of the battery is / are used as the battery-specific second target value.

10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the database comprises a plurality of battery-specific second target values ​​for each first target value, wherein a plurality of second actual values ​​for the battery to be identified are recorded in accordance with the plurality of second target values.

11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that the type identification of the battery is marked as partially successful if only one of the second actual values ​​does not agree with the associated determined second target value.

12. A method for recycling a battery, characterized in that the battery is identified by means of a method according to one of the preceding claims.

13. Device for the type identification of a battery intended for a recycling process, comprising a database, a computing unit and a recording unit, characterized in that - the database for a plurality of battery types comprises a first target value associated with the respective battery type, wherein at least one battery-specific second target value of the respective battery type is additionally assigned to each first target value; - the recording unit is designed to record a first actual value of the battery to be identified corresponding to the database; - the computing unit is designed to determine the second target value for the battery by comparing the detected first actual value with the first target values ​​of the database; and - the detection unit is designed to detect a battery-specific second actual value of the battery to be identified, corresponding to the database, wherein the computing unit is designed to mark the type identification of the battery as successful if the second actual value corresponds to the determined second target value.

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