Code-scanning-based battery cell replacement system, control method and battery production line

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of batteries. Disclosed are a code-scanning-based battery cell replacement system, a control method and a battery production line. The code-scanning-based battery cell replacement system can improve the production efficiency of battery cells. The code-scanning-based battery cell replacement system comprises a test apparatus, an identification apparatus and a replacement apparatus, wherein the test apparatus comprises a test mechanism, which is used for testing battery cells; the identification apparatus is connected to the test apparatus and is used for acquiring identification information of the battery cells, the identification information being associated with test results of the battery cells; and the replacement apparatus is connected to the test apparatus and comprises a replacement mechanism, which is electrically connected to the identification apparatus and is used for replacing on the basis of the identification information a battery cell to be replaced.

Description

Battery cell scanning and replacement system, control method, and battery production line

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This disclosure is based on the Chinese patent application with application number 202311536012.1, application date November 17, 2023, and invention name “Battery Cell Scanning and Replacement System, Control Method and Battery Production Line”, and claims the priority of the Chinese patent application. The entire content of the Chinese patent application is hereby introduced into this disclosure as a reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a battery cell scanning and replacement system, a control method, and a battery production line. Background Art

[0004] Batteries are being used more and more widely in life and industry. For example, new energy vehicles equipped with batteries have been widely used. In addition, batteries are also being increasingly used in energy storage fields.

[0005] During battery production, individual cells must be tested to ensure that each one meets usage requirements. During this testing process, unqualified cells are inevitably encountered. These unqualified cells must be promptly replaced to minimize the risk of substandard battery modules. In related art, replacing unqualified cells is typically done manually, which can impact battery production efficiency.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present disclosure provides a battery cell scanning and replacement system, a control method, and a battery production line, which can improve the production efficiency of battery cells.

[0008] A first aspect of the present disclosure provides a battery cell scanning and replacement system, which includes: a testing device, an identification device and a replacement device; wherein the testing device includes a testing mechanism, which is used to test the battery cell; the identification device is connected to the testing device, and the identification device is used to obtain identification information of the battery cell, and the identification information is associated with the test result of the battery cell; the replacement device is connected to the testing device, and the replacement device includes a replacement mechanism, which is electrically connected to the identification device, and the replacement mechanism is used to replace the battery cell to be replaced according to the identification information.

[0009] The battery cell scanning and replacement system provided by the present disclosure is provided with a test device including a test mechanism, and the battery cell can be tested by the test mechanism, which can improve the efficiency of testing the battery cell. In addition, an identification device connected to the test device is provided, and the identification information of the battery cell can be obtained through the identification device, so that the identification information of the battery cell can be bound with the data of the test result of the battery cell, so that the association relationship between the identification information of the battery cell and the test result can be established, and the production data, process data, etc. of the battery cell can also be bound with the identification information of the battery cell, so as to facilitate the tracing of various data generated in the production process of the battery cell. At the same time, a replacement device connected to the test device is also provided, and the replacement mechanism in the replacement device is electrically connected to the identification device. The replacement mechanism can be controlled by the identification information associated with the test result to quickly and accurately replace the battery cell to be replaced that fails the test, thereby improving the production efficiency of the battery cell.

[0010] In a possible implementation of the present disclosure, the test device also includes a test bracket and a test longitudinal drive mechanism; the test longitudinal drive mechanism is movably arranged on the test bracket along a first direction, and the test mechanism and the identification device are both installed on the test longitudinal drive mechanism; driven by the test longitudinal drive mechanism, the test mechanism and the identification device can both move along the first direction.

[0011] This technical solution, because the test device is provided with a test bracket, other components can be installed and supported by the test bracket, and the test device can be installed at the test station by the test bracket. At the same time, a test longitudinal drive mechanism is movably provided on the test bracket, and the test mechanism and identification device can be installed on the test longitudinal drive mechanism. The test mechanism and identification device can then be driven by the test longitudinal drive mechanism to move in a first direction, thereby enabling testing of battery cells located at different positions.

[0012] In a possible implementation of the present disclosure, the identification device includes an identification component and an identification vertical drive component; the identification component is installed on the identification vertical drive component for obtaining identification information; the identification vertical drive component is installed on the test longitudinal drive mechanism, and the identification vertical drive component is used to drive the identification component to move along a third direction in a direction close to or away from the battery cell; the third direction has an angle with the first direction.

[0013] This technical solution, because the identification device is provided with an identification component, can use the identification component to identify the identification mark on the battery cell, thereby obtaining the identification information of the battery cell. At the same time, the identification device is also provided with an identification vertical drive component, and the identification component is installed on the identification vertical drive component. The identification component can be driven by the identification vertical drive component to move along a third direction, thereby adjusting the distance between the identification component and the battery cell. This allows the identification component to quickly and accurately collect identification marks on battery cells of various sizes, helping to improve the applicability and recognition efficiency of the identification device.

[0014] In one possible implementation of the present disclosure, the testing mechanism includes a testing assembly and a testing vertical drive assembly; the testing assembly is installed on the testing vertical drive assembly for testing the battery cell; the testing vertical drive assembly is installed on the testing longitudinal drive mechanism, and the testing vertical drive assembly is used to drive the testing assembly to move along a third direction in a direction close to or away from the battery cell so that the testing assembly abuts against or separates from the battery cell; the third direction has an angle with the first direction.

[0015] This technical solution, because a test assembly is provided in the test mechanism, the test assembly can be used to perform corresponding test items on the battery cells. Furthermore, a test vertical drive assembly is provided in the test mechanism, and the test assembly is mounted on the test vertical drive assembly. The test assembly can be driven by the test vertical drive assembly to move in a third direction, thereby allowing the test assembly to abut or separate from battery cells of different sizes and specifications, thereby improving the applicability of the test mechanism.

[0016] In a possible implementation of the present disclosure, the test vertical drive assembly includes a vertical power assembly, a vertical power assist assembly and a vertical guide assembly; one end of the vertical guide assembly is installed on the test longitudinal drive mechanism, and the other end is connected to the test assembly, for guiding the test assembly to move along a third direction; one end of the vertical power assembly is connected to the test longitudinal drive mechanism, and the other end is connected to the test assembly, for driving the test assembly to move along the third direction; one end of the vertical power assist assembly is connected to the test longitudinal drive mechanism, and the other end is connected to the test assembly, and under the action of the vertical power assist assembly, the test assembly has a tendency to move along the third direction toward the test longitudinal drive mechanism.

[0017] This technical solution, because a vertical guide assembly is provided in the test vertical drive assembly, the vertical guide assembly can limit the movement direction of the test assembly relative to the test longitudinal drive mechanism to a third direction. In addition, a vertical power assembly is provided between the test assembly and the test longitudinal drive mechanism, and the vertical power assembly can provide driving force to the test assembly, thereby driving the test assembly to move along the third direction. At the same time, a vertical power assist assembly is provided between the test assembly and the test longitudinal drive mechanism, and the vertical power assist assembly can reduce the amount of driving force that the vertical power assembly needs to provide to the test assembly, thereby reducing the load of the vertical power assembly and thus extending the service life of the vertical power assembly.

[0018] In a possible implementation of the present disclosure, the testing mechanism also includes a testing transverse drive assembly, one end of which is mounted on the testing vertical drive assembly, the testing assembly is connected to the testing transverse drive assembly, and the testing transverse drive assembly is used to drive the testing assembly to move along a second direction; the second direction has an angle with the first direction and the third direction respectively.

[0019] This technical solution, since a test transverse drive assembly is provided in the test mechanism and the test assembly is installed on the test transverse drive assembly, the test assembly can be driven to move along the second direction by the test transverse drive assembly, so that the position of the test assembly relative to the battery cell can be adjusted in the second direction, so that the test assembly can be in a position relative to the battery cell in the second direction.

[0020] In a possible implementation of the present disclosure, the testing mechanism also includes a testing longitudinal drive assembly, the testing assembly includes a first test piece and a second test piece; the first test piece is fixedly arranged on the testing transverse drive assembly; the second test piece is slidingly arranged on the testing transverse drive assembly; one end of the testing longitudinal drive assembly is connected to the testing transverse drive assembly, and the other end is connected to the second test piece, and the testing longitudinal drive assembly is used to drive the second test piece to move in the first direction in a direction close to or away from the first test piece.

[0021] This technical solution, because the test assembly is configured to include a first test piece and a second test piece, and the second test piece is slidably arranged along the first direction on the test transverse drive assembly, the second test piece can be moved along the first direction. At the same time, a test longitudinal drive assembly is provided between the test transverse drive assembly and the second test piece, and the test longitudinal drive assembly can be used to drive the second test piece to move toward or away from the first test piece, thereby adjusting the spacing between the second test piece and the first test piece. Furthermore, the spacing between the second test piece and the first test piece can be adapted to the spacing between poles on battery cells of different sizes and specifications, thereby improving the applicability of the test mechanism.

[0022] In a possible implementation of the present disclosure, the testing device also includes a test lifting mechanism, which includes a test lifting bracket, a test lifting guide assembly, a test lifting drive assembly and a test lifting limit assembly; one end of the test lifting guide assembly is connected to the test bracket, and the other end is connected to the test lifting bracket, the test lifting guide assembly is used to guide the test lifting bracket to move along a third direction, and the test lifting bracket is used to support the module tray; one end of the test lifting drive assembly is connected to the test lifting guide assembly, and the other end is connected to the test lifting bracket, and the test lifting drive assembly is used to drive the test lifting bracket to move along the third direction; the test lifting limit assembly is installed on the test bracket, and is used to limit the position of the module tray relative to the test bracket.

[0023] This technical solution, because the test device is provided with a test lifting mechanism, the test lifting mechanism can lift the module tray in the third direction to limit the module tray in the third direction. At the same time, the test lifting mechanism is provided with a test lifting limit assembly, which can limit the position of the module tray relative to the test bracket in the second direction.

[0024] In a possible implementation of the present disclosure, the replacement device also includes a replacement bracket and a replacement longitudinal drive mechanism; the replacement longitudinal drive mechanism is movably arranged on the replacement bracket along the first direction, the replacement mechanism is connected to the replacement longitudinal drive mechanism, and the replacement longitudinal drive mechanism is used to drive the replacement mechanism to move relative to the replacement bracket along the first direction.

[0025] This technical solution, because the replacement device is provided with a replacement bracket, other components can be installed and carried by the replacement bracket, and the replacement device can be installed at the replacement station where the battery cell to be replaced is to be replaced. At the same time, a replacement longitudinal drive mechanism is movably provided on the replacement bracket, and the replacement mechanism can be installed on the replacement longitudinal drive mechanism. The replacement mechanism can then be driven by the replacement longitudinal drive mechanism to move in a first direction, thereby allowing the battery cell to be replaced at a different position.

[0026] In a possible implementation of the present disclosure, the replacement device also includes a replacement transverse drive assembly, which is installed on the replacement longitudinal drive mechanism. The replacement mechanism is connected to the replacement transverse drive assembly, and the replacement transverse drive assembly is used to drive the replacement mechanism to move along the second direction.

[0027] This technical solution, since a replacement transverse drive assembly is provided in the replacement device and the replacement mechanism is connected to the replacement transverse drive assembly, the replacement mechanism can be driven to move along the second direction by the replacement transverse drive assembly, so that the position of the replacement mechanism relative to the spare battery cell and the battery cell to be replaced can be adjusted in the second direction, so that the replacement mechanism can be in a position relative to the spare battery cell and the battery cell to be replaced in the second direction.

[0028] In a possible implementation of the present disclosure, the replacement device also includes a replacement vertical drive assembly, which is installed on the replacement horizontal drive assembly, and the replacement mechanism is installed on the replacement vertical drive assembly, and the replacement vertical drive assembly is used to drive the replacement mechanism to move along a third direction.

[0029] This technical solution, since a replacement vertical drive assembly is provided in the replacement device and the replacement mechanism is installed on the replacement vertical drive assembly, the replacement mechanism can be driven to move along a third direction by the replacement vertical drive assembly, thereby making the replacement mechanism approach or move away from the battery cell to be replaced or the spare battery cell along the third direction.

[0030] In a possible implementation of the present disclosure, the replacement mechanism includes a collection component and a gripper component; the collection component is used to obtain identification information of the spare battery cell; and the gripper component is used to grab or release the battery cell.

[0031] This technical solution, because the replacement mechanism is equipped with a collection component, it can collect the identification mark on the spare battery cell through the collection component, thereby obtaining the spare battery cell's identification information, and thus the spare battery cell's test data and production data. At the same time, the replacement mechanism is equipped with a gripper component, which can grasp or release the battery cell to be replaced and the spare battery cell, thereby removing the battery cell to be replaced from the module tray and placing the spare battery cell into the module tray.

[0032] In a possible implementation of the present disclosure, the replacement device also includes a storage mechanism, which includes a storage bracket, a storage tray and a storage guide assembly; the storage bracket is installed on the replacement bracket; the storage guide assembly is installed on the storage bracket and extends along the second direction; the storage tray is installed on the storage guide assembly, and the storage tray can move along the second direction through the storage guide assembly.

[0033] This technical solution, because a storage bracket is provided in the storage mechanism, a storage tray can be placed on the storage bracket. Furthermore, a storage guide assembly is provided between the storage tray and the storage bracket, which enables the storage tray to move in a second direction relative to the replacement bracket. This allows the storage tray to be moved away from the replacement mechanism to facilitate placement of spare batteries on the storage tray, and allows the storage tray to be moved closer to the replacement mechanism.

[0034] In a possible implementation of the present disclosure, the storage tray includes a positioning member, a clamping member and a clamping drive assembly; the positioning member is installed on the storage guide assembly; one end of the clamping drive assembly is connected to the storage guide assembly, and the other end is connected to the clamping member, and the clamping drive assembly is used to drive the clamping member to move toward or away from the positioning member to clamp or release the battery cell.

[0035] This technical solution, by providing positioning members and clamping members within the storage tray, allows the positioning members and clamping members to form a storage space, allowing the battery cells to be placed in a defined location. Furthermore, the clamping members are mounted on a clamping drive assembly, which can be driven by the clamping drive assembly to clamp and secure battery cells of varying sizes.

[0036] In a possible implementation of the present disclosure, the replacement device also includes a replacement jacking mechanism, which includes a replacement jacking bracket, a replacement jacking assembly and a release assembly; one end of the replacement jacking assembly is connected to the replacement bracket, and the other end is connected to the replacement jacking bracket, and the replacement jacking assembly is used to drive the replacement jacking bracket to move along a third direction, and the replacement jacking bracket is used to support the module tray; the release assembly is installed on the replacement jacking bracket, and is used to drive the tray clamp on the module tray to move, so that the module tray releases its clamping of the battery cell.

[0037] This technical solution, because the replacement device is equipped with a replacement lifting mechanism, it can limit the module tray by the replacement lifting mechanism, so that the module tray stops at a specific position relative to the replacement mechanism. At the same time, the replacement lifting mechanism is equipped with a release assembly, which can drive the tray clamping member on the module tray to move, thereby allowing the module tray to release its grip on the battery cell, thereby facilitating the gripper assembly in the replacement mechanism to grasp the battery cell to be replaced.

[0038] A second aspect of the present disclosure provides a battery production line, which includes: a battery cell assembly system, a battery cell scanning and replacement system provided by any one of the above items, and a storage system; wherein the battery cell assembly system is used to assemble battery cells to obtain battery cells to be tested; and the storage system is used to store battery cells that have completed test items.

[0039] The battery production line provided by the present disclosure, since it includes the battery cell scanning and replacement system provided by any of the above items, has the same technical effect, which is to facilitate the traceability of various data generated during the production process of the battery cell, and to improve the production efficiency of the battery cell, thereby improving the production efficiency of the battery.

[0040] A third aspect of the present disclosure provides a control method for a battery cell scanning and replacement system, which includes a host computer, a controller, an identification device, a testing device and a replacement device, wherein the testing device has a testing mechanism and the replacement device has a replacement mechanism; the control method for the battery cell scanning and replacement system includes: when the battery cell to be tested arrives at a preset position, controlling the identification device to obtain identification information of the battery cell to be tested; wherein a plurality of battery cells to be tested are placed on a battery cell tray; controlling the testing mechanism to test the battery cell to be tested and obtain test results of the battery cell to be tested; binding the test results of the battery cell to be tested with the identification information; and controlling the replacement mechanism to replace the battery cell to be replaced based on the identification information.

[0041] This technical solution, because the control identification device obtains the identification information of the battery cell to be tested, it can determine the identification information of each battery cell to be tested on the module tray, so that each battery cell to be tested can be uniquely identified through the identification information. In addition, the control test mechanism performs test items on the battery cell to be tested, and the test results of the battery cell to be tested can be obtained. The test results of the battery cell to be tested are also bound to the identification information. The test data including the test results of each battery cell can be searched through the identification information, thereby facilitating the traceability of the battery cell test process. At the same time, based on the identification information of the battery cell to be tested, the control replacement mechanism replaces the battery cell to be replaced, which can improve the accuracy and replacement efficiency of the battery cell to be replaced. This is conducive to improving the production efficiency of the battery cell.

[0042] In a possible implementation of the present disclosure, the test results of the battery cell to be tested are bound to the identification information, including: the testing organization sends the test results of the battery cell to be tested to the controller; the controller binds the identification information of the battery cell to be tested to the test results of the battery cell to be tested, and uploads the bound identification information and test results to the host computer.

[0043] This technical solution, since the controller is electrically connected to the identification device and the test device respectively, can reduce the data transmission path and the number of transmissions by binding the identification information and test results of the battery cell to be tested through the controller, thereby improving the efficiency of binding the identification information and test results.

[0044] In a possible implementation of the present disclosure, the replacement mechanism includes a collection component and a gripper component; controlling the replacement mechanism to replace the battery cell to be replaced includes: controlling the gripper component to grab the battery cell to be replaced based on the identification information of the battery cell to be replaced; controlling the collection component to collect the identification information of the spare battery cell; controlling the gripper component to grab the spare battery cell and place the spare battery cell in a replacement position, which is the position of the battery cell to be replaced on the module tray.

[0045] This technical solution improves the accuracy and efficiency of grasping the replacement battery cell by controlling the gripper assembly to grasp the replacement battery cell based on the identification information of the replacement battery cell. Furthermore, by controlling the acquisition assembly to collect the identification information of the spare battery cell, the identification information of the spare battery cell can be bound to data such as the test results of the spare battery cell, facilitating the traceability of the spare battery cell test results. Furthermore, by controlling the gripper assembly to place the spare battery cell in the replacement position, the speed and accuracy of the placement of the spare battery cell can be increased, thereby improving the efficiency of replacing the replacement battery cell.

[0046] In one possible implementation of the present disclosure, the gripper assembly is controlled to grip the battery cell to be replaced, including: the testing mechanism sends the test result of the battery cell to be tested to the controller; when the controller determines that the test result is unqualified, the controller sends a gripping instruction to the gripper assembly, and the gripping instruction carries the identification information of the battery cell to be replaced that matches the unqualified test result; the gripper assembly responds to the gripping instruction and grips the battery cell to be replaced that matches the identification information.

[0047] This technical solution can improve the accuracy and efficiency of grasping the battery cell to be replaced because it controls the gripper assembly to grasp the battery cell to be replaced based on the test results of the battery cell to be tested.

[0048] In a possible implementation of the present disclosure, the control acquisition component collects the identification information of the spare battery cell, including: the acquisition component sends the identification information of the spare battery cell to the controller; the controller binds the identification information of the spare battery cell with the test result of the spare battery cell, and uploads the bound identification information and test result to the host computer.

[0049] This technical solution binds the identification information and test results of the spare battery cells through the controller. After the spare battery cells are placed on the module tray and the multiple battery cells on the module tray are assembled into a battery module in the subsequent process, the test results and other data of the spare battery cells can be traced through the identification information of the spare battery cells.

[0050] In a possible implementation of the present disclosure, the control method of the battery cell scanning and replacement system also includes: generating a battery cell data set of the battery cell, the battery cell data set including at least one of the following: battery cell identification information, test results, battery cell process data and battery cell production data; generating module identification information of the battery cell module, the battery cell module including multiple battery cells; binding the module identification information with the battery cell data sets of multiple battery cells.

[0051] In a possible implementation of the present disclosure, module identification information of a battery cell module is generated, including: a controller generates the module identification information and sends the module identification information to a host computer; the module identification information is bound to a battery cell data set of multiple battery cells, including: the host computer binds the module identification information to the battery cell data set of multiple battery cells included in the battery cell module to obtain the bound module identification information, and sends the bound module identification information to the controller; the controller can control the battery cell scanning and replacement system to process the battery cell module based on the bound module identification information.

[0052] This technical solution generates a cell dataset based on the cell's identification information, test results, process data, and production data. This identification information can be used to obtain the cell dataset, facilitating the tracing of all cell data. Simultaneously, module identification information is generated for a cell module containing multiple cells, and this module identification information is bound to the cell datasets for the multiple cells. This module identification information can then be used to obtain the cell datasets for all cells in the module, facilitating the tracing of all data for each cell module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description of the preferred embodiment below. The accompanying drawings are for illustration purposes only and are not to be considered as limiting the present disclosure. The same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to denote the same components. In the drawings:

[0054] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a battery production line provided by the present disclosure;

[0055] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of a testing device and an identification device in a battery cell scanning and replacement system provided by the present disclosure;

[0056] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of a replacement device in a battery cell scanning and replacement system provided by the present disclosure;

[0057] FIG4 is a first structural diagram of a testing mechanism in an identification device and a testing device provided by the present disclosure;

[0058] FIG5 is a second structural diagram of the testing mechanism in the identification device and the testing device provided by the present disclosure;

[0059] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of a test lifting mechanism in the test device provided by the present disclosure;

[0060] FIG7 is a schematic structural diagram of a replacement mechanism in a replacement device provided by the present disclosure;

[0061] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of a storage mechanism in a replacement device provided by the present disclosure;

[0062] FIG9 is a schematic structural diagram of a replacement jacking mechanism in the replacement device provided by the present disclosure;

[0063] FIG10 is a flow chart illustrating a control method of a battery cell scanning and replacement system according to the present disclosure;

[0064] FIG11 is a second flow chart of a control method of a battery cell scanning and replacement system provided by the present disclosure;

[0065] FIG12 is a third flow chart of a control method of a battery cell scanning and replacement system provided by the present disclosure;

[0066] FIG13 is a fourth flow chart of the control method of the battery cell scanning and replacement system provided by the present disclosure.

[0067] Description of reference numerals:

[0068] 1-Testing device; 11-Testing mechanism; 111-Testing assembly; 1111-First test piece; 1112-Second test piece; 112-Testing vertical drive assembly; 1121-Vertical power assembly; 1122-Vertical assist assembly; 1123-Vertical guide assembly; 113-Testing lateral drive assembly; 114-Testing longitudinal drive assembly; 1141-Adjusting drive member; 1142-Pushing member; 115-First connecting member; 12-Testing bracket; 13-Testing longitudinal drive mechanism; 131-First drive assembly; 132-First guide assembly; 133-First bearing bracket; 14-Testing jacking mechanism; 141-Testing jacking bracket; 142-Testing jacking guide assembly; 143-Testing jacking drive assembly; 144-Testing jacking limit assembly; 2-Replacement device; 21-Replacement mechanism; 211-Collection assembly; 212 - gripper assembly; 22-replacement bracket; 23-replacement longitudinal drive mechanism; 231-second drive assembly; 232-second guide assembly; 233-second bearing bracket; 24-replacement lateral drive assembly; 25-replacement vertical drive assembly; 26-storage mechanism; 261-storage bracket; 262-storage tray; 2621-positioning member; 2622-clamping member; 2623-clamping drive assembly; 263-storage guide assembly; 264-tray bracket; 265-detection grating; 266-indication assembly; 27-replacement jacking mechanism; 271-replacement jacking bracket; 272-replacement jacking assembly; 273-release assembly; 3-identification device; 31-identification assembly; 32-identification vertical drive assembly; 4-circulation device; 5-module tray; 6-battery cell; 7-storage system; A-first direction; B-second direction; C-third direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0069] The following embodiments of the technical solution of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the present disclosure and are therefore only examples and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0070] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs; the terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure; the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof in the specification of the present disclosure and the above-mentioned drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions.

[0071] In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, technical terms such as "first," "second," and "third" are used solely to distinguish different objects and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or to implicitly specify the quantity, specific order, or primary and secondary relationship of the technical features indicated. In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, "plurality" means more than two, unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0072] References herein to "embodiments" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments may be included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it constitute an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive of other embodiments. It is understood, both explicitly and implicitly, by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be combined with other embodiments.

[0073] In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the term "and / or" is simply a description of an association relationship between associated objects, indicating that three possible relationships exist. For example, X and / or Y can represent the following three situations: X exists alone, X and Y exist simultaneously, and Y exists alone. Furthermore, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the associated objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0074] In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the orientations or positional relationships indicated by technical terms such as "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", and "circumferential" are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present disclosure and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed, operated or used in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be understood as limiting the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0075] In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, technical terms such as "installed," "connected," "connect," and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integration; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and can refer to internal connectivity between two components or interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present disclosure based on specific circumstances.

[0076] In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the technical term "contact" should be understood in a broad sense, and can be direct contact, contact through an intermediate medium layer, contact with essentially no interaction force between the two contacting parties, or contact with interaction force between the two contacting parties.

[0077] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in detail.

[0078] Currently, new energy batteries are increasingly being used in everyday life and industry. They are not only used in energy storage systems such as hydropower, thermal power, wind power, and solar power plants, but are also widely used in electric vehicles like electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, and electric cars, as well as in a variety of fields such as aerospace. As the application of power batteries continues to expand, market demand is also growing.

[0079] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the battery may be a battery module or battery pack comprising a plurality of battery cells (sometimes also referred to as battery cells). A battery cell refers to a basic unit that can realize the mutual conversion of chemical energy and electrical energy, and can be used to make a battery module or battery pack, thereby being used to supply power to an electrical device. The battery cell may be a secondary battery, which refers to a battery cell that can be activated by charging the active material after the battery cell is discharged and can continue to be used. The battery cell may be a lithium-ion battery, a sodium-ion battery, a sodium-lithium-ion battery, a lithium metal battery, a sodium metal battery, a lithium-sulfur battery, a magnesium-ion battery, a nickel-hydrogen battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, a lead-acid battery, etc., and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0080] During the production process of the battery cells that make up the battery, various performance tests can be performed on the battery cells using testing equipment to determine whether the performance of the battery cells meets the design requirements. In the event that some unqualified battery cells are detected, the unqualified battery cells need to be replaced. The unqualified battery cells can be removed from a battery cell module, and then a qualified spare battery cell can be placed in the vacant position. In the related art, unqualified battery cells are replaced manually. This replacement method has problems such as untimely replacement and replacement errors, which will affect the efficiency of battery cell testing and thus the production efficiency of the battery.

[0081] During the battery cell testing process, a large amount of test data is generated. For example, when performing open circuit voltage (OCV) testing, internal resistance testing, squeeze testing, and capacity testing on a battery cell, each test generates some test data. A large amount of production data is also generated. For example, when a battery cell passes through multiple test stations, each test station generates some production data. By tracing the test data and production data generated during the battery cell production process, the production process of the battery cell can be understood and the quality of the battery cell can be effectively monitored. Therefore, establishing a traceability method for battery cells will help improve the quality and efficiency of the battery production process management.

[0082] The embodiment of the present disclosure provides a battery cell scanning and replacement system. Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 3, Figure 1 shows a schematic structural diagram of the battery production line provided by the present disclosure, Figure 2 shows a schematic structural diagram of the testing device and the identification device in the battery cell scanning and replacement system provided by the present disclosure, and Figure 3 shows a schematic structural diagram of the replacement device in the battery cell scanning and replacement system provided by the present disclosure. The battery cell scanning and replacement system provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a testing device 1, an identification device 3 and a replacement device 2; wherein the testing device 1 includes a testing mechanism 11, and the testing mechanism 11 is used to test the battery cell; the identification device 3 is connected to the testing device 1, and the identification device 3 is used to obtain the identification information of the battery cell, and the identification information is associated with the test result of the battery cell; the replacement device 2 is connected to the testing device 1, and the replacement device 2 includes a replacement mechanism 21, and the replacement mechanism 21 is electrically connected to the identification device 3, and the replacement mechanism 21 is used to replace the battery cell to be replaced according to the identification information.

[0083] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, during the production process of battery cells, multiple tests need to be performed on the battery cells. A test device 1 can be provided in the battery cell scanning and replacement system, and the test device 1 includes a test mechanism 11. Corresponding test pieces can be provided in the test mechanism 11 according to different test needs. For example, the test piece can be a measuring piece for performing an OCV test on the battery cell; the test piece can also be a measuring piece for performing an internal resistance test on the battery cell; and the test piece can also be a measuring piece for performing a capacity test on the battery cell. The embodiment of the present disclosure does not limit the measurement items of the test mechanism 11.

[0084] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, before testing the battery cell, it is necessary to know which battery cell is being tested, that is, each battery cell needs to be identified. An identification device 3 can be provided in the battery cell scanning and replacement system to identify each battery cell through the identification device 3. For example, the identification device 3 can be a device with an image recognition function, which can identify each battery cell by collecting the identification mark on the battery cell. The identification mark on the battery cell includes the identification information of the battery cell, and the identification information is used to uniquely identify a battery cell. The identification mark on the battery cell can be a QR code, a barcode or a digital code, etc.

[0085] For example, after completing the test items on the battery cell, the test result data of the battery cell can be bound to the identification information of the battery cell. In other words, the test result data of the battery cell is stored in a storage location associated with the identification information of the battery cell, and the test result data of the battery cell can be obtained through the identification information of the battery cell. At the same time, the production data of the battery cell, process data, and other data involved in the production process can also be bound to the identification information of the battery cell.

[0086] In another example, as shown in FIG1 , the identification device 3 can be connected to the test device 1 via a transfer device 4, so that the identified battery cells can be transported to the test device 1 via the transfer device 4. As shown in FIG2 , the identification device 3 can also be integrated with the test device 1, that is, the identification device 3 can be installed on the test device 1, and the battery cells can also be identified first and then tested. The presently disclosed embodiment does not limit the location of the identification device 3.

[0087] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, in the process of testing the battery cells, it is inevitable that the battery cells that fail the test will appear. Therefore, a replacement device 2 can be provided in the battery cell scanning and replacement system, and the replacement device 2 can be connected to the testing device 1 through the circulation device 4, so that the battery cells that have completed the test process can be transported to the replacement device 2 through the circulation device 4. A replacement mechanism 21 can be provided in the replacement device 2 to replace the battery cells that need to be replaced on the module tray 5 through the replacement mechanism 21. During replacement, the battery cells that fail the test can be taken out from the module tray 5, and the spare battery cells can be placed in the corresponding positions on the module tray 5.

[0088] Exemplarily, the replacement mechanism 21 can be electrically connected to the identification device 3 so that the replacement mechanism 21 can replace the battery cell to be replaced according to the identification information. For example, the replacement mechanism 21 and the identification device 3 can both be electrically connected to the controller to electrically connect the replacement mechanism 21 and the identification device 3. After the test of the battery cell is completed, since the test result data of the battery cell has been bound to the identification information of the battery cell, a replacement instruction carrying the identification information of the battery cell to be replaced can be issued to the replacement mechanism 21. In response to the replacement instruction, the replacement mechanism 21 can accurately and quickly determine the position of the battery cell to be replaced on the module tray 5, thereby accurately completing the replacement of the battery cell to be replaced.

[0089] The battery cell scanning and replacement system provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure is provided with a test device 1 including a test mechanism 11. The battery cell can be tested by the test mechanism 11, which can improve the efficiency of testing the battery cell. In addition, an identification device 3 connected to the test device 1 is provided, and the identification information of the battery cell can be obtained through the identification device 3. In this way, the identification information of the battery cell can be bound to the data of the test result of the battery cell, so that an association relationship between the identification information of the battery cell and the test result can be established. The production data, process data, etc. of the battery cell can also be bound to the identification information of the battery cell, which is convenient for tracing back the various data generated in the production process of the battery cell. At the same time, a replacement device 2 connected to the test device 1 is also provided, and the replacement mechanism 21 in the replacement device 2 is electrically connected to the identification device 3. The replacement mechanism 21 can be controlled to quickly and accurately replace the battery cell to be replaced that fails the test through the identification information associated with the test result, thereby improving the production efficiency of the battery cell.

[0090] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 4 and 5, Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the test mechanism in the identification device and the test device provided by the present disclosure, and Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the test mechanism in the identification device and the test device provided by the present disclosure. As shown in Figures 2, 4 and 5, the test device 1 provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure also includes a test bracket 12 and a test longitudinal drive mechanism 13; wherein the test longitudinal drive mechanism 13 is movably arranged on the test bracket 12 along the first direction A, and the test mechanism 11 and the identification device 3 are both installed on the test longitudinal drive mechanism 13; driven by the test longitudinal drive mechanism 13, the test mechanism 11 and the identification device 3 are both able to move along the first direction A.

[0091] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, a test bracket 12 may be provided in the test device 1 to carry and install other components in the test device 1. For example, the test bracket 12 may be provided as a frame structure.

[0092] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, in order to enable the testing mechanism 11 to test the battery cells over a larger range, a longitudinal test drive mechanism 13 may be provided in the testing device 1. The longitudinal test drive mechanism 13 may be mounted on the testing bracket 12, and both the testing mechanism 11 and the identification device 3 may be mounted on the longitudinal test drive mechanism 13 so as to drive the testing mechanism 11 and the identification device 3 to move along a first direction A through the longitudinal test drive mechanism 13. The first direction A may be a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the module tray 5 carrying the battery cells flows between the testing device 1 and the replacement device 2, or a direction close to perpendicular thereto.

[0093] For example, as shown in Figures 2, 4, and 5, the longitudinal test drive mechanism 13 can be configured to include a first drive assembly 131, a first guide assembly 132, and a first support bracket 133. The first support bracket 133 is used to mount and support the test mechanism 11, the identification device 3, and the like. Both the test mechanism 11 and the identification device 3 can be mounted on the first support bracket 133. The first guide assembly 132 can include a guide rail and a slider that are slidably connected. The guide rail can be mounted on the test bracket 12 along a first direction A, and the slider can be mounted on the first support bracket 133. This allows the first support bracket 133 to move in the first direction A via the first guide assembly 132. The first drive assembly 131 can include a drive member and a transmission assembly. The drive member can be a motor, such as a servo motor, secured to the first support bracket 133. The transmission assembly can include meshing gears and racks. The rack can be mounted on the test bracket 12, also extending in the first direction A, and the gear mounted on the output shaft of the servo motor. In this way, the first supporting bracket 133 can be driven to move along the first direction A by the first driving assembly 131 .

[0094] This embodiment takes the identification device 3 installed on the test device 1 as an example to illustrate the battery cell scanning and replacement system provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure, but does not limit the identification device 3 to be installed only on the test device 1. The identification device 3 can also be installed at a production station or other location adjacent to the test device 1.

[0095] In the above embodiment, since the test bracket 12 is provided in the test device 1, other components can be installed and carried by the test bracket 12, and the test device 1 can be installed at the test station by the test bracket 12. At the same time, a test longitudinal drive mechanism 13 is movably provided on the test bracket 12, and the test mechanism 11 and the identification device 3 can be installed on the test longitudinal drive mechanism 13. Therefore, the test mechanism 11 and the identification device 3 can be driven by the test longitudinal drive mechanism 13 to move along the first direction A, thereby enabling testing of battery cells located at different positions.

[0096] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the identification device 3 includes an identification component 31 and an identification vertical drive component 32; the identification component 31 is installed on the identification vertical drive component 32 for obtaining identification information; the identification vertical drive component 32 is installed on the test longitudinal drive mechanism 13, and the identification vertical drive component 32 is used to drive the identification component 31 to move along a third direction C toward or away from the battery cell; the third direction C has an angle with the first direction A.

[0097] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the identification device 3 may be configured to include a structure including an identification component 31 and an identification vertical driving component 32 for driving the identification component 31 to move.

[0098] For example, the identification component 31 can be configured to include a charge coupled device (CCD) camera. For example, at least two CCD cameras can be provided in the identification component 31 to capture identification marks on the battery cell via the CCD cameras, thereby obtaining identification information of the battery cell based on the identification marks. The identification component 31 can also be configured to include a scanner. The embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit the specific structure of the identification component 31.

[0099] In another example, the identification component 31 may be provided with an identification vertical drive component 32. The identification vertical drive component 32 may be fixed to the first supporting bracket 133 in the test longitudinal drive mechanism 13, and the identification component 31 may be fixed to a moving part of the identification vertical drive component 32. For example, the identification vertical drive component 32 may use a linear motor module to drive the identification component 31 to move along a third direction C. The third direction C may be at an angle to the first direction A, and the third direction C may be vertical or close to vertical.

[0100] In the above embodiment, since the identification device 3 is provided with an identification component 31, the identification mark on the battery cell can be identified by the identification component 31, thereby obtaining the identification information of the battery cell. At the same time, the identification device 3 is also provided with an identification vertical drive component 32, and the identification component 31 is installed on the identification vertical drive component 32. The identification component 31 can be driven by the identification vertical drive component 32 to move along the third direction C, thereby adjusting the distance between the identification component 31 and the battery cell. This allows the identification component 31 to quickly and accurately collect identification marks on battery cells of various sizes, which helps to improve the applicability and recognition efficiency of the identification device 3.

[0101] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 4, the test mechanism 11 can be set to a structure including a test component 111 and a test vertical drive component 112; the test component 111 is installed on the test vertical drive component 112 for testing the battery cell; the test vertical drive component 112 is installed on the test longitudinal drive mechanism 13, and the test vertical drive component 112 is used to drive the test component 111 to move along the third direction C toward or away from the battery cell, so that the test component 111 abuts against or separates from the battery cell; the third direction C has an angle with the first direction A.

[0102] In the disclosed embodiment, a test assembly 111 may be provided within the test mechanism 11. The test assembly 111 may be configured based on the test items to be performed on the battery cell. For example, the test assembly 111 may be a measuring device for performing an OCV test on the battery cell. The disclosed embodiment does not limit the test assembly 111.

[0103] In the disclosed embodiment, during the testing of the battery cells, the test assembly 111 needs to be in contact with the battery cells. Therefore, a test vertical drive assembly 112 can be provided in the test mechanism 11, and the test assembly 111 can be mounted on the test vertical drive assembly 112 so as to be driven by the test vertical drive assembly 112 to move the test assembly 111 in the third direction C toward the battery cells.

[0104] For example, the test vertical drive assembly 112 can be a structure capable of generating linear motion, with one end of the test vertical drive assembly 112 fixed to the first support bracket 133, and the test assembly 111 fixed to the output member of the test vertical drive assembly 112. The output member of the test vertical drive assembly 112 can drive the test assembly 111 to move.

[0105] In the above embodiment, since the test assembly 111 is provided in the test mechanism 11, corresponding test items can be performed on the battery cells through the test assembly 111. At the same time, a test vertical drive assembly 112 is provided in the test mechanism 11, and the test assembly 111 is installed on the test vertical drive assembly 112. The test assembly 111 can be driven by the test vertical drive assembly 112 to move along the third direction C, so that the test assembly 111 can be brought into contact with or separated from battery cells of different sizes and specifications, thereby improving the applicability of the test mechanism 11.

[0106] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the test vertical drive assembly 112 can be set to a structure including a vertical power assembly 1121, a vertical power assist assembly 1122 and a vertical guide assembly 1123; wherein, one end of the vertical guide assembly 1123 is installed on the test longitudinal drive mechanism 13, and the other end is connected to the test assembly 111, for guiding the test assembly 111 to move along the third direction C; one end of the vertical power assembly 1121 is connected to the test longitudinal drive mechanism 13, and the other end is connected to the test assembly 111, for driving the test assembly 111 to move along the third direction C; one end of the vertical power assist assembly 1122 is connected to the test longitudinal drive mechanism 13, and the other end is connected to the test assembly 111. Under the action of the vertical power assist assembly 1122, the test assembly 111 has a tendency to move along the third direction C toward the test longitudinal drive mechanism 13.

[0107] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, a vertical guide component 1123 can be set in the test vertical drive component 112 to limit the movement path of the test component 111 through the vertical guide component 1123, so as to limit the movement path of the test component 111 relative to the test longitudinal drive mechanism 13 to along the third direction C.

[0108] For example, to facilitate installation of the test assembly 111, a first connector 115 can be provided, and the test assembly 111 can be mounted on the first connector 115. The vertical guide assembly 1123 can be configured to include a guide sleeve and a guide post that are slidably connected. The guide sleeve is fixed to the first support bracket 133, and one end of the guide post is fixedly connected to the first connector 115. In this way, the guide post can slide along the third direction C via the guide sleeve to limit the movement of the test assembly 111 along the third direction C.

[0109] In another example, the vertical power assembly 1121 can be configured to include a servo motor and a ball screw, with the output shaft of the servo motor being drivingly connected to the nut of the ball screw, and the screw of the ball screw being connected to the first connector 115. In this way, the servo motor can drive the nut to rotate, thereby causing the screw to move in the third direction C. The screw can then provide power to the test assembly 111, thereby driving the test assembly 111 to move in the third direction C.

[0110] In another example, vertical assist assembly 1122 can be configured to include a cylinder, with the cylinder barrel secured to first support bracket 133 and the cylinder piston rod secured to first connector 115. The cylinder piston rod can also be configured to have a tendency to retract. In this way, the cylinder can provide a pulling force to move test assembly 111 toward first support bracket 133, but this pulling force does not directly drive test assembly 111 toward first support bracket 133. In other words, vertical assist assembly 1122 can reduce the amount of driving force that vertical power assembly 1121 needs to provide to test assembly 111.

[0111] In the above embodiment, since a vertical guide assembly 1123 is provided in the test vertical drive assembly 112, the vertical guide assembly 1123 can limit the movement direction of the test assembly 111 relative to the test longitudinal drive mechanism 13 to the third direction C. In addition, a vertical power assembly 1121 is provided between the test assembly 111 and the test longitudinal drive mechanism 13. The vertical power assembly 1121 can provide a driving force to the test assembly 111, thereby driving the test assembly 111 to move along the third direction C. At the same time, a vertical assist assembly 1122 is provided between the test assembly 111 and the test longitudinal drive mechanism 13. The vertical assist assembly 1122 can reduce the amount of driving force that the vertical power assembly 1121 needs to provide to the test assembly 111, thereby reducing the load of the vertical power assembly 1121 and thereby extending the service life of the vertical power assembly 1121.

[0112] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the test mechanism 11 also includes a test transverse drive assembly 113, one end of which is installed on the test vertical drive assembly 112, and the test assembly 111 is connected to the test transverse drive assembly 113. The test transverse drive assembly 113 is used to drive the test assembly 111 to move along the second direction B; the second direction B has an angle with the first direction A and the third direction C respectively.

[0113] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, a test transverse drive assembly 113 may also be provided in the test mechanism 11. The test transverse drive assembly 113 may be mounted on the first connector 115, and the test assembly 111 may be mounted on the test transverse drive assembly 113. The test transverse drive assembly 113 may drive the test assembly 111 to move along the second direction B. The second direction B may be a direction that is consistent with the direction in which the module tray 5 carrying the battery cells is transferred between the test device 1 and the replacement device 2.

[0114] For example, the test transverse drive assembly 113 can be configured as a structure including a linear motor module and a guide assembly. The guide assembly can include a guide rail and a slider that are slidably connected. The guide rail is connected to the test assembly 111, and the slider is mounted on the first connecting member 115. The guide rail extends along the second direction B. The linear motor module is fixed to the first connecting member 115, and the output member of the linear motor module is connected to the test assembly 111. In this way, the linear motor module can drive the test assembly 111 to move along the second direction B via the guide assembly.

[0115] In the above embodiment, since a test transverse drive component 113 is provided in the test mechanism 11 and the test component 111 is installed on the test transverse drive component 113, the test component 111 can be driven to move along the second direction B by the test transverse drive component 113, so that the position of the test component 111 relative to the battery cell can be adjusted in the second direction B, so that the test component 111 can be in a position relative to the battery cell in the second direction B.

[0116] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the test mechanism 11 also includes a test longitudinal drive assembly 114, and the test assembly 111 includes a first test piece 1111 and a second test piece 1112; the first test piece 1111 is fixedly set on the test transverse drive assembly 113; the second test piece 1112 is slidably set on the test transverse drive assembly 113; one end of the test longitudinal drive assembly 114 is connected to the test transverse drive assembly 113, and the other end is connected to the second test piece 1112, and the test longitudinal drive assembly 114 is used to drive the second test piece 1112 to move along the first direction A toward or away from the first test piece 1111.

[0117] In the disclosed embodiments, a battery cell typically has two terminals. When performing certain tests on the battery cell, it is necessary to place the test assembly 111 in contact with each of the terminals. The test assembly 111 can be configured to include a first test piece 1111 and a second test piece 1112. When testing the battery cell, corresponding test devices can be installed on the first test piece 1111 and / or the second test piece 1112 according to different testing requirements.

[0118] Exemplarily, the first test piece 1111 may be fixed on the test transverse drive assembly 113 , and the second test piece 1112 may be slidably installed on the test transverse drive assembly 113 along the first direction A via an adapted guide rail and a slider.

[0119] As another example, a test longitudinal drive assembly 114 may be provided between the first connecting member 115 and the second test member 1112. The test longitudinal drive assembly 114 may be provided in a structural form including an adjustment drive member 1141 and a pusher 1142. The adjustment drive member 1141 is fixed to the first connecting member 115, the pusher 1142 is connected to the second test member 1112, and the pusher 1142 is connected to the output member of the adjustment drive member 1141. The pusher 1142 may be driven to move along the first direction A by the adjustment drive member 1141, thereby driving the second test member 1112 to move along the first direction A. For example, the adjustment drive member 1141 may be a linear motor module.

[0120] In the above embodiment, since the test assembly 111 is configured to include a first test piece 1111 and a second test piece 1112, and the second test piece 1112 is slidably disposed on the test transverse drive assembly 113 along the first direction A, the second test piece 1112 can be moved along the first direction A. At the same time, a test longitudinal drive assembly 114 is disposed between the test transverse drive assembly 113 and the second test piece 1112, and the test longitudinal drive assembly 114 can be used to drive the second test piece 1112 to move toward or away from the first test piece 1111, thereby adjusting the distance between the second test piece 1112 and the first test piece 1111, and furthermore, the distance between the second test piece 1112 and the first test piece 1111 can be adapted to the distance between the poles on battery cells of different sizes, thereby improving the applicability of the test mechanism 11.

[0121] In some embodiments, referring to FIG6 , FIG6 shows a schematic structural diagram of a test lifting mechanism in a test device provided by the present disclosure. As shown in FIG2 and FIG6 , the test device 1 further includes a test lifting mechanism 14, which includes a test lifting bracket 141, a test lifting guide assembly 142, a test lifting drive assembly 143 and a test lifting limit assembly 144; one end of the test lifting guide assembly 142 is connected to the test bracket 12, and the other end is connected to the test lifting bracket 141, and the test lifting guide assembly 142 is used to guide the test lifting bracket 141 to move along the third direction C, and the test lifting bracket 141 is used to support the module tray 5; one end of the test lifting drive assembly 143 is connected to the test lifting guide assembly 142, and the other end is connected to the test lifting bracket 141, and the test lifting drive assembly 143 is used to drive the test lifting bracket 141 to move along the third direction C; the test lifting limit assembly 144 is installed on the test bracket 12 to limit the position of the module tray 5 relative to the test bracket 12.

[0122] In the disclosed embodiment, after a module tray 5 carrying battery cells is transported by a transfer device 4 onto a testing device 1, the module tray 5 needs to be positioned. To this end, a test lifting mechanism 14 can be provided in the testing device 1 to position the module tray 5. For example, as shown in FIG2 , two test lifting mechanisms 14 can be provided in the testing device 1, arranged side by side along a first direction A.

[0123] For example, a lifting bracket can be provided in the test lifting mechanism 14 to lift and support the module tray 5 along the third direction C. A test lifting guide assembly 142 can be provided in the test lifting mechanism 14. The test lifting guide assembly 142 can be configured to include a guide sleeve and a guide column that are slidably connected. The guide sleeve is fixed to the test bracket 12, and one end of the guide column is connected to the lifting bracket. In this way, the lifting guide assembly can limit the movement direction of the lifting bracket to the third direction C.

[0124] As another example, a test jacking drive assembly 143 can be provided between the test support 12 and the jacking support. For example, the test jacking drive assembly 143 can be a drive element including a pneumatic cylinder, an oil cylinder, or an electric cylinder. The test jacking drive assembly 143 is fixed to the test support 12, and the output shaft of the test jacking drive assembly 143 is connected to the test jacking support 141. The test jacking drive assembly 143 can drive the test jacking support 141 to move along the third direction C.

[0125] As another example, along the movement path of the module tray 5 (the second direction B in the figure), a test lifting limit assembly 144 can be provided in the test lifting mechanism 14. For example, the test lifting limit assembly 144 can be provided at the exit of the module tray 5 on the test bracket 12. The test lifting limit assembly 144 can be a structure including a limit cylinder and a limit member, wherein the limit member is mounted on the end of the piston rod of the limit cylinder, and the limit cylinder is fixed to the test bracket 12. The limit cylinder can drive the limit member to move along the third direction C, so that the limit member blocks the movement path of the module tray 5, thereby limiting the position of the module tray 5 relative to the test bracket 12.

[0126] In the above embodiment, since the test device 1 is provided with the test lifting mechanism 14 , the module tray 5 can be lifted along the third direction C by the test lifting mechanism 14 to limit the position of the module tray 5 in the third direction C. Furthermore, the test lifting mechanism 14 is provided with a test lifting limit assembly 144 , which can limit the position of the module tray 5 relative to the test bracket 12 along the second direction B.

[0127] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 7 , FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic diagram of the structure of a replacement mechanism in a replacement device provided herein. As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 7 , the replacement device 2 further includes a replacement bracket 22 and a replacement longitudinal drive mechanism 23 . The replacement longitudinal drive mechanism 23 is movably mounted on the replacement bracket 22 along a first direction A. The replacement mechanism 21 is connected to the replacement longitudinal drive mechanism 23 , and the replacement longitudinal drive mechanism 23 is configured to drive the replacement mechanism 21 to move relative to the replacement bracket along the first direction A.

[0128] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, a replacement bracket 22 may be provided in the replacement device 2 to carry and install other components in the replacement device 2. For example, the replacement bracket 22 may be provided as a frame structure.

[0129] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, in order to enable the replacement mechanism 21 to move between the position where the spare battery cells are stored and the position where the battery cells to be replaced are located, a replacement longitudinal drive mechanism 23 can be provided in the replacement device 2. The replacement longitudinal drive mechanism 23 can be mounted on the replacement bracket 22, and the replacement mechanism 21 can be mounted on the replacement longitudinal drive mechanism 23 so that the replacement mechanism 21 is driven by the replacement longitudinal drive mechanism 23 to move along a first direction A. The first direction A can be a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the module tray 5 carrying the battery cells is transferred from the testing device 1 to the replacement device 2, or a direction close to perpendicular thereto.

[0130] For example, as shown in Figures 3 and 7 , the replaceable longitudinal drive mechanism 23 can be configured to include a second drive assembly 231, a second guide assembly 232, and a second support bracket 233. The second support bracket 233 can be a frame-like structure, with the replaceable mechanism 21 mounted on the second support bracket 233. The second guide assembly 232 can include a guide rail and a slider that are slidably connected. The guide rail can be mounted on the replaceable bracket 22 along a first direction A, and the slider can be mounted on the second support bracket 233. This allows the second support bracket 233 to move in the first direction A via the second guide assembly 232. The second drive assembly 231 can include a drive member and a transmission assembly. The drive member can be a motor, such as a servo motor, and can be fixed to the second support bracket 233. The transmission assembly can be a meshing gear and rack. The rack can be mounted on the replaceable bracket 22, also extending in the first direction A, and the gear can be mounted on the output shaft of the servo motor. This allows the second drive assembly 231 to drive the second support bracket 233 in the first direction A.

[0131] In the above embodiment, since the replacement device 2 is provided with a replacement bracket 22, other components can be mounted and supported via the replacement bracket 22, and the replacement device 2 can be installed at a replacement station for replacing a battery cell to be replaced. Furthermore, a replacement longitudinal drive mechanism 23 is movably provided on the replacement bracket 22, and the replacement mechanism 21 and other components can be mounted on the replacement longitudinal drive mechanism 23. The replacement longitudinal drive mechanism 23 can then drive the replacement mechanism 21 and other components to move in the first direction A, thereby enabling replacement of battery cells to be replaced at different locations.

[0132] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 3 and 7, the replacement device 2 also includes a replacement transverse drive assembly 24, which is installed on the replacement longitudinal drive mechanism 23. The replacement mechanism 21 is connected to the replacement transverse drive assembly 24, and the replacement transverse drive assembly 24 is used to drive the replacement mechanism 21 to move along the second direction B.

[0133] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, a replacement transverse drive assembly 24 may also be provided in the replacement device 2. The replacement transverse drive assembly 24 may be mounted on the second supporting bracket 233, and the replacement mechanism 21 may be mounted on the replacement transverse drive assembly 24. The replacement transverse drive assembly 24 may drive the replacement mechanism 21 to move along the second direction B. The second direction B may be a direction that is consistent with the direction in which the module tray 5 is transferred between the testing device 1 and the replacement device 2.

[0134] For example, the replaceable transverse drive assembly 24 can be configured to include a linear motor module. The linear motor module is secured to the second support bracket 233, extending along the second direction B. The output element of the linear motor module is connected to the replacement mechanism 21. This allows the linear motor module to drive the replacement mechanism 21 to move along the second direction B.

[0135] In the above embodiment, since a replacement transverse drive component 24 is provided in the replacement device 2, and the replacement mechanism 21 is connected to the replacement transverse drive component 24, the replacement mechanism 21 can be driven to move along the second direction B by the replacement transverse drive component 24, so that the position of the replacement mechanism 21 relative to the spare battery cell and the battery cell to be replaced can be adjusted in the second direction B, so that the replacement mechanism 21 can be in a position relative to the spare battery cell and the battery cell to be replaced in the second direction B.

[0136] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 3 and 7, the replacement device 2 also includes a replacement vertical drive assembly 25, which is installed on the replacement horizontal drive assembly 24, and the replacement mechanism 21 is installed on the replacement vertical drive assembly 25. The replacement vertical drive assembly 25 is used to drive the replacement mechanism 21 to move along the third direction C.

[0137] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, a replacement vertical drive component 25 can also be provided in the replacement device 2. The replacement vertical drive component 25 can be installed on the output member of the replacement horizontal drive component 24, and the replacement mechanism 21 can be installed on the replacement vertical drive component 25. The replacement mechanism 21 can be driven to move along the third direction C by the replacement vertical drive component 25.

[0138] For example, the replacement vertical drive assembly 25 can be configured to include a linear motor module. The linear motor module is secured to the output element of the transverse drive assembly, extending in the third direction C. The replacement mechanism 21 is secured to the output element of the linear motor module. In this manner, the replacement mechanism 21 can be driven to move in the third direction C by the linear motor module.

[0139] In another example, two replacement vertical drive assemblies 25 may be provided in the replacement device 2, and a replacement mechanism 21 may be installed on each replacement vertical drive assembly 25. In this way, a replacement mechanism 21 may be used to grab a battery cell to be replaced, and another replacement mechanism 21 may be used to grab a spare battery cell.

[0140] In the above embodiment, since a replacement vertical drive component 25 is provided in the replacement device 2 and the replacement mechanism 21 is installed on the replacement vertical drive component 25, the replacement mechanism 21 can be driven to move along the third direction C by the replacement vertical drive component 25, so that the replacement mechanism 21 can be moved along the third direction C close to or away from the battery cell to be replaced or the spare battery cell.

[0141] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG3 and FIG7 , the replacement mechanism 21 includes a collection component 211 and a gripper component 212 ; the collection component 211 is used to obtain identification information of the spare battery cell; and the gripper component 212 is used to grab or release the battery cell.

[0142] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the replacement mechanism 21 can be configured to include a collection assembly 211 and a gripper assembly 212. For example, a set of gripper assemblies 212 can be installed on each of the two replacement vertical drive assemblies 25, and a collection assembly 211 can be installed on one of the two replacement vertical drive assemblies 25.

[0143] For example, the acquisition component 211 is configured to include a CCD camera, or it may be configured to include a scanner. The embodiment of the present disclosure does not limit the specific structure of the acquisition component 211.

[0144] In another example, the gripper assembly 212 can be configured as a structure comprising a fixing member, a gripper member, and a driving member. The fixing member is fixedly mounted on the replacement vertical drive assembly 25, the gripper member is slidably mounted on the replacement vertical drive assembly 25, and the driving member is mounted on the replacement vertical drive assembly 25, with the output member of the driving member connected to the gripper member. The driving member can be used to drive the gripper member toward or away from the fixing member, thereby grasping or releasing the battery cell.

[0145] In the above embodiment, since the replacement mechanism 21 is provided with a collection component 211, the collection component 211 can collect the identification mark on the spare battery cell, thereby obtaining the identification information of the spare battery cell, and thus obtaining the test data and production data of the spare battery cell. At the same time, the replacement mechanism 21 is provided with a gripper component 212, which can be used to grasp or release the battery cell to be replaced and the spare battery cell, thereby removing the battery cell to be replaced from the module tray 5 and placing the spare battery cell into the module tray 5.

[0146] In some embodiments, referring to FIG8 , FIG8 illustrates a schematic structural diagram of a storage mechanism in a replacement device provided by the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3 and FIG8 , the replacement device 2 further includes a storage mechanism 26 , which comprises a storage bracket 261 , a storage tray 262 , and a storage guide assembly 263 . The storage bracket 261 is mounted on the replacement bracket 22 ; the storage guide assembly 263 is mounted on the storage bracket 261 and extends in a second direction B ; the storage tray 262 is mounted on the storage guide assembly 263 , and the storage tray 262 is movable in the second direction B via the storage guide assembly 263 .

[0147] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, a storage mechanism 26 may be provided in the replacement device 2 to store spare cells through the storage mechanism 26 , and the cells to be replaced that have been replaced from the module tray 5 may also be stored through the storage mechanism 26 .

[0148] Exemplarily, a storage bracket 261 may be provided in the storage mechanism 26 , and the storage bracket 261 may be fixed to the replacement bracket 22 so that other components in the storage mechanism 26 can be installed and carried through the storage bracket 261 .

[0149] In another example, a storage guide assembly 263 can be provided on the storage bracket 261. The storage guide assembly 263 can be a sliding block and a guide rail. The guide rail can be extended along the second direction B and fixed to the storage bracket 261, and the slider can be fixed to the storage tray 262, so that the storage tray 262 can move along the second direction B relative to the replacement bracket 22.

[0150] As another example, the storage tray 262 may be configured to have a structure with multiple storage locations so that the battery cells to be replaced and the spare battery cells can be placed on the storage tray 262 .

[0151] In the above embodiment, since the storage mechanism 26 is provided with a storage bracket 261, a storage tray 262 can be provided on the storage bracket 261. Furthermore, a storage guide assembly 263 is provided between the storage tray 262 and the storage bracket 261, which enables the storage tray 262 to move relative to the replacement bracket 22 in the second direction B. This allows the storage tray 262 to be moved away from the replacement mechanism 21 to facilitate placement of spare batteries on the storage tray 262, and allows the storage tray 262 to be moved closer to the replacement mechanism 21.

[0152] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 8, the storage tray 262 includes a positioning member 2621, a clamping member 2622 and a clamping drive assembly 2623; the positioning member 2621 is installed on the storage guide assembly 263; one end of the clamping drive assembly 2623 is connected to the storage guide assembly 263, and the other end is connected to the clamping member 2622. The clamping drive assembly 2623 is used to drive the clamping member 2622 to move in a direction close to or away from the positioning member 2621 to clamp or release the battery cell.

[0153] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, a tray bracket 264 can be provided in the storage mechanism 26, and the tray bracket 264 is fixedly connected to the slider in the storage guide assembly 263. The storage tray 262 can be provided with a structure including a positioning member 2621, a clamping member 2622, and a clamping drive assembly 2623. The positioning member 2621 is fixed to the tray bracket 264, the clamping drive assembly 2623 is fixed to the tray bracket 264, and the clamping member 2622 is connected to the output member of the clamping drive assembly 2623. The clamping member 2622 can be driven by the clamping drive assembly 2623 to move toward or away from the positioning member 2621, thereby clamping and fixing the spare battery cell in the storage space enclosed by the positioning member 2621 and the clamping member 2622. In other words, one positioning member 2621 and one clamping member 2622 form one storage position.

[0154] Exemplarily, a detection grating 265 may also be provided in the storage mechanism 26 , and the position of the spare battery cells placed on the storage tray 262 may be detected by the detection grating 265 to determine whether the spare battery cells are placed in the correct storage position.

[0155] In another example, an indicator assembly 266 may be provided in the storage mechanism 26. For example, a set of indicator lights may be provided for each storage position on the storage tray 262 to indicate whether a spare battery cell or a battery cell to be replaced removed from the module tray 5 is stored in the storage position. For example, the indicator assembly 266 may be provided with a structure including red and green indicators.

[0156] In the above embodiment, the positioning member 2621 and the clamping member 2622 are provided on the storage tray 262. The positioning member 2621 and the clamping member 2622 form a storage space, allowing the battery cells to be placed in a predetermined position. Furthermore, the clamping member 2622 is mounted on the clamping drive assembly 2623, which can drive the clamping member 2622 to move, thereby clamping and securing battery cells of different sizes.

[0157] In some embodiments, referring to FIG9 , FIG9 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the replacement jacking mechanism in the replacement device provided by the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3 and FIG9 , the replacement device 2 further includes a replacement jacking mechanism 27, which includes a replacement jacking bracket 271, a replacement jacking assembly 272, and a release assembly 273; one end of the replacement jacking assembly 272 is connected to the replacement bracket 22, and the other end is connected to the replacement jacking bracket 271, and the replacement jacking assembly 272 is used to drive the replacement jacking bracket 271 to move along the third direction C, and the replacement jacking bracket 271 is used to support the module tray 5; the release assembly 273 is installed on the replacement jacking bracket 271, and is used to drive the tray clamp 2622 on the module tray 5 to move, so that the module tray 5 releases the clamping of the battery cell 6.

[0158] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, in order to position the module tray 5 transported to the replacement device 2, a replacement lifting mechanism 27 can be set in the replacement device 2 to position the module tray 5 through the replacement lifting mechanism 27, and operate the module tray 5 so that the clamping member 2622 on the module tray 5 releases the clamping of the battery cell 6.

[0159] For example, as shown in FIG3 , two replacement lifting mechanisms 27 may be provided on the replacement device 2 , and two module trays 5 may be parked in the replacement device 2 at the same time, thereby improving the efficiency of replacing the battery cells to be replaced.

[0160] As another example, as shown in FIG9 , a replacement jacking bracket 271 may be provided in the replacement jacking mechanism 27 to support the module tray 5 via the replacement jacking bracket 271. A replacement jacking assembly 272 may be provided between the replacement bracket 22 and the replacement jacking bracket 271. The replacement jacking assembly 272 may be a structure including a replacement jacking drive and a replacement jacking guide assembly. One end of the replacement jacking guide assembly is connected to the replacement jacking bracket 271, and the other end is connected to the replacement bracket 22 to restrict the replacement jacking bracket 271 from moving only along the third direction C. The replacement jacking drive may be a drive such as a cylinder to drive the replacement jacking bracket 271 to move along the third direction C via the replacement jacking drive.

[0161] In another example, a release assembly 273 can be provided in the replacement lifting mechanism 27, and the release assembly 273 can be fixed to the replacement lifting bracket 271. The release assembly 273 can be a structure including a linear motor module, with the output element of the linear motor module extending to the side of the replacement lifting bracket 271 facing the module tray 5, and the output element of the linear motor module can drive the tray clamp 2622 on the module tray 5 to move.

[0162] In the above embodiment, since the replacement device 2 is provided with a replacement lifting mechanism 27, the module tray 5 can be limited by the replacement lifting mechanism 27 so that the module tray 5 stops at a predetermined position relative to the replacement mechanism 21. Furthermore, the replacement lifting mechanism 27 is provided with a release assembly 273, which can drive the tray clamping member 2622 on the module tray 5 to move, thereby causing the module tray 5 to release its grip on the battery cell 6, thereby facilitating the gripper assembly 212 in the replacement mechanism 21 to grasp the battery cell to be replaced.

[0163] At the same time, an embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a battery production line, as shown in Figure 1, the battery production line includes: a battery cell assembly system, a battery cell scanning and replacement system provided by any one of the above embodiments, and a storage system; wherein the battery cell assembly system is used to assemble battery cells to obtain battery cells to be tested; the battery cell scanning and replacement system is used to test battery cells to be tested and replace battery cells to be replaced; the storage system is used to store battery cells that have completed test items.

[0164] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, a battery cell assembly system may be provided in a battery production line, so that the various parts constituting the battery cells may be assembled by the battery cell assembly system, thereby obtaining battery cells to be tested.

[0165] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a storage system may be provided in a battery production line. The storage system includes a plurality of storage locations in which individual battery cells or groups of battery cell modules may be stored.

[0166] The battery production line provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure, since it includes the battery cell scanning and replacement system provided by any of the above items, has the same technical effect, which is to facilitate the tracing of various data generated during the production process of the battery cells, and can also improve the production efficiency of the battery cells, thereby improving the production efficiency of the batteries.

[0167] An embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a control method for a battery cell code scanning and replacement system, wherein the battery cell code scanning and replacement system includes a host computer, a controller, an identification device, a testing device and a replacement device, wherein the testing device has a testing mechanism and the replacement device has a replacement mechanism; referring to FIG10 , FIG10 shows a flow chart 1 of a control method for a battery cell code scanning and replacement system provided by the present disclosure, wherein the method includes the following steps S101 to S104.

[0168] S101 , when the module tray reaches a preset position, controlling the identification device to obtain identification information of a battery cell to be tested; wherein a plurality of battery cells to be tested are placed on the module tray.

[0169] In some embodiments, the host computer may refer to any computer system used to monitor, track, and control the production process. The host computer may perform integrated management of the production process, resources, and data on the production line. For example, the host computer may be a Manufacturing Execution System (MES).

[0170] In some embodiments, the controller may refer to any control device, and may further be a control device in industrial production. Exemplarily, the controller may be a programmable logic controller (PLC). At least one controller may be provided for each device in the battery cell scanning and replacement system, and the controller may be configured to be able to interact with the identification device, the test device, and the replacement device, respectively, to control the identification device, the test device, and the replacement device to perform their respective actions, respectively, to achieve their respective functions. The controller is electrically connected to the host computer to enable data and information interaction between the controller and the host computer.

[0171] In some embodiments, the module tray is used to carry battery cells to be tested. One module tray can carry all battery cells to be tested in one battery module, or can carry other numbers of battery cells to be tested.

[0172] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to detect whether the module tray has moved to the preset position by using an in-place sensor on a test lifting mechanism provided in the test device. When it is detected that the module tray has been transported to the preset position through the circulation device, the identification device provided on the test device can be controlled to collect the identification mark on the battery cell to be tested. For example, the identification mark can be a QR code, a barcode or a digital code, etc. After the identification device collects the identification mark, the identification mark can be identified to obtain the identification information of each battery cell to be tested, and the identification information can be uploaded to the controller, and the identification information is used to uniquely identify a battery cell to be tested.

[0173] S102: Control the testing mechanism to test the battery cell to be tested, and obtain the test result of the battery cell to be tested.

[0174] In some embodiments, after obtaining the identification information of the battery cell to be tested, a test instruction can be issued to a testing mechanism. The testing mechanism responds to the test instruction and performs corresponding test items on the battery cell to be tested using the testing device on the testing mechanism. After completing the test of the battery cell to be tested, the test results of the battery cell to be tested can be obtained. Test data including the test results can be uploaded to the controller.

[0175] S103: Bind the test result of the battery cell to be tested with the identification information.

[0176] In some embodiments, the test data of the test results of the battery cell to be tested can be bound to the identification information of the battery cell, that is, an association is established between the test data and identification information of the testing organization of each battery cell to be tested, so that the test results of the battery cell to be tested can be found according to the identification information of the battery cell to be tested.

[0177] S104: Based on the identification information, control the replacement mechanism to replace the battery cell to be replaced.

[0178] In some embodiments, during the process of testing the battery cells to be tested, if the test results of some battery cells to be tested indicate that the quality of the battery cells to be tested is unqualified, the battery cells to be tested with unqualified quality are marked as battery cells to be replaced. At this time, by looking up the identification information of the battery cells to be replaced, the position of the battery cells to be replaced on the module tray can be determined. The identification information of the battery cells to be replaced is associated with the test results of the battery cells to be replaced, and the test results of the battery cells to be replaced indicate that the battery cells to be replaced are unqualified. It is also possible to obtain the data of the test results of the battery cells to be replaced based on the identification information, verify the data of the test results, and determine that the battery cells to be replaced are unqualified. The controller can send a replacement instruction carrying the identification information of the battery cells to be replaced to the replacement mechanism. The replacement mechanism replaces the battery cells to be replaced with spare batteries in response to the replacement instruction, so that all the batteries on the module tray are batteries with qualified test results.

[0179] In the above embodiment, since the control identification device obtains the identification information of the battery cell to be tested, the identification information of each battery cell to be tested on the module tray can be determined, so that each battery cell to be tested can be uniquely identified through the identification information. And the control test mechanism performs test items on the battery cell to be tested, and the test results of the battery cell to be tested can be obtained. The test results of the battery cell to be tested are also bound to the identification information, and the test data including the test results of each battery cell can be searched through the identification information, thereby facilitating the traceability of the test process of the battery cell. At the same time, based on the identification information of the battery cell to be tested, the control replacement mechanism replaces the battery cell to be replaced, which can improve the accuracy and replacement efficiency of the battery cell to be replaced. This is conducive to improving the production efficiency of the battery cell.

[0180] Referring to Figure 11, Figure 11 shows a second flow chart of the control method of the battery cell scanning and replacement system provided by the present disclosure. The replacement mechanism includes a collection component and a gripper component. Based on Figure 10, step S103 in Figure 10 can be implemented through the following steps S1031 to S1032.

[0181] S1031. The testing organization sends the test results of the battery cell to be tested to the controller.

[0182] In some embodiments, after the testing mechanism completes the testing of the battery cells to be tested, the test data including the test results of the battery cells to be tested can be sent to the controller so that the controller can bind the test results of each battery cell to be tested with the identification information of the battery cell to be tested.

[0183] S1032: The controller binds the identification information of the battery cell to be tested with the test result of the battery cell to be tested, and uploads the bound identification information and test result to the host computer.

[0184] In some embodiments, after receiving the test results of the battery cell to be tested sent by the testing organization, the controller can bind the identification information of the battery cell to be tested sent by the identification device that has been previously received with the test results of the battery cell to be tested to establish an association between the test results of each battery cell to be tested and the identification information.

[0185] In the above embodiment, since the controller is electrically connected to the identification device and the test device respectively, the identification information and test results of the battery cell to be tested are bound by the controller, which can reduce the data transmission path and the number of transmissions, thereby improving the efficiency of binding the identification information and test results.

[0186] Referring to Figure 12, Figure 12 shows a flow chart of the third control method of the battery cell scanning and replacement system provided by the present disclosure. The replacement mechanism includes a collection component and a gripper component. Based on Figure 10, step S104 in Figure 10 can be implemented through the following steps S1041 to S1043.

[0187] S1041. Based on the identification information of the battery cell to be replaced, control the gripper assembly to grab the battery cell to be replaced.

[0188] In some embodiments, after the controller sends a replacement instruction carrying the identification information of the battery cell to be replaced to the replacement mechanism, it can control the gripper assembly in the replacement mechanism to grab the battery cell to be replaced on the module tray based on the identification information, and place the battery cell to be replaced in the storage mechanism in the replacement device.

[0189] Exemplarily, step S1041 can be implemented by following steps S10411 to S10413.

[0190] S10411. The testing organization sends the test results of the battery cell to be tested to the controller.

[0191] In some embodiments, after the testing organization completes the test on the battery cells to be tested, the testing organization may send the test results of each battery cell to be tested to the controller, and the controller may complete the binding of the identification information of the battery cell to be tested and the test results.

[0192] S10412. When the controller determines that the test result is unqualified, the controller sends a grabbing instruction to the gripper assembly, and the grabbing instruction carries the identification information of the battery cell to be replaced that matches the unqualified test result.

[0193] In some embodiments, when the controller completes binding the test results and identification information of the battery cell to be tested, the controller may judge the received test results according to preset test result judgment conditions to determine whether the test results of the battery cell to be tested are qualified.

[0194] For example, when the controller determines that the test result of a cell to be tested is unqualified, it indicates that the cell to be tested needs to be replaced, and the cell to be tested that needs to be replaced is a replacement cell. The controller can issue a grabbing instruction to the gripper component in the replacement device to control the gripper component to grab the replacement cell. The grabbing instruction carries the identification information of the cell to be tested that failed the test result, and the cell to be replaced can be uniquely identified through this identification information.

[0195] S10413. The gripper assembly responds to the gripping instruction and grabs the battery cell to be replaced that matches the identification information.

[0196] In some embodiments, the gripper assembly responds to a grabbing instruction issued by the controller and, based on identification information carried in the grabbing instruction, determines the battery cell to be replaced. This information can then be used to determine the position coordinates of the battery cell to be replaced on the module tray, allowing the battery cell to be removed from the module tray based on the position coordinates. The removed battery cell to be replaced can also be placed on a storage mechanism by the gripper assembly.

[0197] In the above embodiment, since the gripper assembly is controlled to grip the battery cell to be replaced according to the test result of the battery cell to be tested, the accuracy and efficiency of gripping the battery cell to be replaced can be improved.

[0198] S1042: Control the acquisition component to acquire identification information of the spare battery cell.

[0199] In some embodiments, the spare cells can be cells that have been tested manually or by a testing device and have passed the test. Some spare cells can be placed on a storage mechanism within the replacement device. After the cells to be replaced are removed from the module tray, a collection component within the replacement mechanism can be controlled to collect identification information of the spare cells.

[0200] Exemplarily, step S1042 can be implemented through steps S10421 to S10422.

[0201] S10421. The acquisition component sends the identification information of the spare battery cell to the controller.

[0202] In some embodiments, after the acquisition component acquires the identification information of the spare battery cell, the acquisition component may send the identification information to the controller to facilitate determining information of the spare battery cell used to replace the battery cell to be replaced.

[0203] S10422. The controller binds the identification information of the spare battery cell with the test result of the spare battery cell, and uploads the bound identification information and test result to the host computer.

[0204] In some embodiments, after receiving the identification information of the spare battery cell, the controller may bind the received test results and other data of the spare battery cell to the identification information of the spare battery cell. Simultaneously, the controller uploads the bound identification information and test results of the spare battery cell to the host computer, which then stores the received data.

[0205] In the above embodiment, since the identification information and test results and other data of the spare battery cell are bound by the controller, after the spare battery cell is placed on the module tray and the multiple battery cells on the module tray are assembled into a battery module in a subsequent process, it is convenient to trace the test results and other data of the spare battery cell through the identification information of the spare battery cell.

[0206] S1043. Control the gripper assembly to grab the spare battery cell and place the spare battery cell at a replacement position, where the replacement position is the position of the battery cell to be replaced on the module tray.

[0207] In some embodiments, after the identification information of the spare battery cell is collected, the spare battery cell is uniquely identified. The gripper assembly can then be controlled to grasp the spare battery cell, transport the spare battery cell to align with the replacement position, and then the gripper assembly can be controlled to release the spare battery cell to place it in the replacement position. The replacement position is the location on the module tray where the battery cell to be replaced is located after being removed from the module tray.

[0208] In the above embodiment, since the gripper assembly is controlled to grasp the battery cell to be replaced based on the identification information of the battery cell to be replaced, the accuracy and efficiency of grasping the battery cell to be replaced can be improved. Furthermore, by controlling the acquisition assembly to collect the identification information of the spare battery cell, the identification information of the spare battery cell can be bound to data such as the test results of the spare battery cell, facilitating the traceability of the test results of the spare battery cell. Furthermore, by controlling the gripper assembly to place the spare battery cell in the replacement position, the speed and accuracy of the placement of the spare battery cell can be improved, thereby improving the efficiency of replacing the battery cell to be replaced.

[0209] Referring to Figure 13, Figure 13 shows a fourth flow chart of a control method of a battery cell scanning and replacing system provided by the present disclosure. Based on Figure 10, the method further includes steps S201 to S203.

[0210] S201 : Generate a cell data set of a cell, where the cell data set includes at least one of the following: identification information of the cell, test results, process data of the cell, and production data of the cell.

[0211] In some embodiments, during the production of battery cells, a large amount of data is generated, such as process data, production data, and test data including test results. The process data may include data on various dimensions and materials of the battery cell. The production data may include data on all production steps the battery cell undergoes. After obtaining the identification information of the battery cell to be tested, not only can the test results be bound to the identification information, but the process data and production data of the battery cell to be tested can also be bound to the identification information.

[0212] For example, all test results, process data, production data, and other data for a battery cell can be stored in a data storage location, identification information can be stored in the identification storage location, and the identification information of the battery cell can be bound to the other data of the battery cell to establish a relationship between the identification information and other data. In this way, only the identification information needs to be transmitted between different production stations, which can reduce the amount of data transmitted. When it is necessary to retroactively view some data of a battery cell, it is only necessary to obtain the data of the battery cell through the identification information.

[0213] S202 : Generate module identification information of a battery cell module, where the battery cell module includes a plurality of battery cells.

[0214] In some embodiments, after testing all cells on a module tray, the cells on the module tray may be assembled to form a cell module comprising multiple cells. At this point, module identification information may be generated for each cell module, and the module identification information is used to uniquely identify the cell module.

[0215] Exemplarily, as shown in FIG13 , step S202 can be implemented through step S2021 .

[0216] S2021. The controller generates module identification information and sends the module identification information to the host computer.

[0217] In some embodiments, a controller connected to a device in the battery cell scanning and replacement system can generate module identification information for each battery cell module. After the controller generates the module identification information, the controller can send the generated module identification information to a host computer, which receives and stores the module identification information.

[0218] S203: Bind the module identification information with the battery cell data sets of the plurality of battery cells.

[0219] In some embodiments, the cell data sets of all the cell included in the cell module may be bound to the module identification information of the cell module.

[0220] Exemplarily, as shown in FIG13 , step S203 may be implemented through step S2031 .

[0221] S2031. The host computer binds the module identification information and the cell data set of the multiple cells included in the cell module to obtain the bound module identification information, and sends the bound module identification information to the controller; the controller can control the cell code scanning and replacement system to process the cell module based on the bound module identification information.

[0222] In some embodiments, after the host computer receives the module identification information of the battery cell module, the host computer can complete the binding of the battery cell data set and the module identification information of the multiple battery cells already stored in the host computer, and store the bound battery cell data set and the obtained bound module identification information in the host computer. The host computer can send the bound module identification information to the controller.

[0223] In this way, the module identification information is associated with the cell data set for all cells in the cell module. The cell data set for all cells in the cell module can be obtained using the module identification information. When transferring cell module data between production stations, only the bound module identification information needs to be transmitted. In other words, the controller can control the devices in the cell scanning and replacement system to process the cell module based on the bound module identification information. This reduces data transmission volume and improves data transmission efficiency.

[0224] In the above embodiment, since a cell data set for a cell is generated based on the cell's identification information, test results, process data, and production data, the cell data set for the cell can be obtained through the identification information, facilitating the tracing of all data for the cell. Simultaneously, module identification information is generated for a cell module comprising multiple cells, and the module identification information is bound to the cell data sets for the multiple cells. The cell data sets for all cells in the cell module can be obtained through the module identification information, facilitating the tracing of all data for each cell module.

[0225] The above embodiments are intended only to illustrate the technical solutions of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit them. Although the present disclosure has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they may modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or replace some or all of the technical features therein with equivalents. Such modifications or replacements do not deviate from the essence of the corresponding technical solutions within the scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, and are intended to be encompassed by the scope of this disclosure. In particular, the various technical features described in the various embodiments may be combined in any manner, as long as there are no structural conflicts.

Claims

1. A battery cell code scanning replacement system, the battery cell code scanning replacement system comprising: A testing device, the testing device comprising a testing mechanism, the testing mechanism being used to test the battery cell; An identification device, the identification device is connected to the test device, the identification device is used to obtain identification information of the battery cell, and the identification information is associated with the test result of the battery cell; A replacement device, the replacement device is connected to the test device, the replacement device includes a replacement mechanism, the replacement mechanism is electrically connected to the identification device, and the replacement mechanism is used to replace the battery cell to be replaced according to the identification information; The test device further comprises a test bracket and a test longitudinal drive mechanism; the test longitudinal drive mechanism is movably arranged on the test bracket along a first direction, and the test mechanism and the identification device are both mounted on the test longitudinal drive mechanism; driven by the test longitudinal drive mechanism, the test mechanism and the identification device can both move along the first direction; The identification device comprises an identification component and an identification vertical drive component; the identification component is mounted on the identification vertical drive component and is used to obtain the identification information; The identification vertical drive component is installed on the test longitudinal drive mechanism, and is used to drive the identification component to move along a third direction in a direction close to or away from the battery cell; the third direction has an angle with the first direction.

2. The battery cell scanning and replacement system according to claim 1, wherein: The testing mechanism comprises a testing assembly and a testing vertical driving assembly; the testing assembly is mounted on the testing vertical driving assembly and is used to test the battery cell; The test vertical drive component is installed on the test longitudinal drive mechanism, and is used to drive the test component to move along a third direction in a direction close to or away from the battery cell so that the test component abuts against or separates from the battery cell; the third direction has an angle with the first direction.

3. The battery cell scanning and replacement system according to claim 2, wherein: The test vertical drive assembly includes a vertical power assembly, a vertical power-assisting assembly and a vertical guide assembly; one end of the vertical guide assembly is installed on the test longitudinal drive mechanism, and the other end is connected to the test assembly, for guiding the test assembly to move along the third direction; one end of the vertical power assembly is connected to the test longitudinal drive mechanism, and the other end is connected to the test assembly, for driving the test assembly to move along the third direction; one end of the vertical power assembly is connected to the test longitudinal drive mechanism, and the other end is connected to the test assembly, and under the action of the vertical power-assisting assembly, the test assembly has a tendency to move along the third direction toward the test longitudinal drive mechanism.

4. The battery cell scanning and replacement system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The testing mechanism also includes a testing transverse driving assembly, one end of which is mounted on the testing vertical driving assembly, the testing assembly is connected to the testing transverse driving assembly, and the testing transverse driving assembly is used to drive the testing assembly to move along a second direction; the second direction has an angle with the first direction and the third direction respectively.

5. The battery cell scanning and replacement system according to claim 4, wherein: The testing mechanism further comprises a testing longitudinal drive assembly, the testing assembly comprising a first testing piece and a second testing piece; the first testing piece is fixedly arranged on the testing transverse driving assembly; the second testing piece is slidably arranged on the testing transverse driving assembly; One end of the test longitudinal drive assembly is connected to the test transverse drive assembly, and the other end is connected to the second test piece. The test longitudinal drive assembly is used to drive the second test piece to move along the first direction toward or away from the first test piece.

6. The battery cell scanning and replacement system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The test device also includes a test lifting mechanism, which includes a test lifting bracket, a test lifting guide assembly, a test lifting drive assembly and a test lifting limit assembly; one end of the test lifting guide assembly is connected to the test bracket, and the other end is connected to the test lifting bracket, the test lifting guide assembly is used to guide the test lifting bracket to move along the third direction, and the test lifting bracket is used to support the module tray; One end of the test lifting drive assembly is connected to the test lifting guide assembly, and the other end is connected to the test lifting bracket. The test lifting drive assembly is used to drive the test lifting bracket to move along the third direction; the test lifting limit assembly is installed on the test bracket, and is used to limit the position of the module tray relative to the test bracket.

7. The battery cell scanning and replacement system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The replacement device also includes a replacement bracket and a replacement longitudinal drive mechanism; the replacement longitudinal drive mechanism is movably arranged on the replacement bracket along a first direction, the replacement mechanism is connected to the replacement longitudinal drive mechanism, and the replacement longitudinal drive mechanism is used to drive the replacement mechanism to move relative to the replacement bracket along the first direction.

8. The battery cell scanning and replacement system according to claim 7, wherein: The replacement device also includes a replacement transverse drive assembly, which is installed on the replacement longitudinal drive mechanism. The replacement mechanism is connected to the replacement transverse drive assembly, and the replacement transverse drive assembly is used to drive the replacement mechanism to move along the second direction.

9. The battery cell scanning and replacement system according to claim 8, wherein: The replacement device further comprises a replacement vertical drive assembly, wherein the replacement vertical drive assembly is mounted on the replacement lateral drive assembly, the replacement mechanism is mounted on the replacement vertical drive assembly, and the replacement vertical drive assembly is used to drive the replacement mechanism to move along a third direction.

10. The battery cell scanning and replacement system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The replacement mechanism includes a collection component and a gripper component; the collection component is used to obtain identification information of the spare battery cell; the gripper component is used to grab or release the battery cell.

11. The battery cell scanning and replacement system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The replacement device also includes a storage mechanism, which includes a storage bracket, a storage tray and a storage guide assembly; the storage bracket is installed on the replacement bracket; the storage guide assembly is installed on the storage bracket and extends along the second direction; the storage tray is installed on the storage guide assembly, and the storage tray can move along the second direction through the storage guide assembly.

12. The battery cell scanning and replacement system according to claim 11, wherein: The storage tray includes a positioning member, a clamping member and a clamping drive assembly; the positioning member is installed on the storage guide assembly; one end of the clamping drive assembly is connected to the storage guide assembly, and the other end is connected to the clamping member, and the clamping drive assembly is used to drive the clamping member to move in a direction close to or away from the positioning member to clamp or release the battery cell.

13. The battery cell scanning and replacement system according to claim 7, wherein: The replacement device also includes a replacement lifting mechanism, which includes a replacement lifting bracket, a replacement lifting assembly and a release assembly; one end of the replacement lifting assembly is connected to the replacement bracket, and the other end is connected to the replacement lifting bracket, and the replacement lifting assembly is used to drive the replacement lifting bracket to move along a third direction, and the replacement lifting bracket is used to support a module tray; the release assembly is installed on the replacement lifting bracket, and is used to drive the tray clamp on the module tray to move so that the module tray releases its clamping of the battery cell.

14. A battery production line, comprising: A battery cell assembly system, wherein the battery cell assembly system is used to assemble battery cells to obtain battery cells to be tested; The battery cell scanning and replacement system according to any one of claims 1 to 13; A storage system is used to store the battery cells that have completed the test items.

15. A control method for a battery cell code scanning replacement system, the battery cell code scanning replacement system comprising a host computer, a controller, an identification device, a test device and a replacement device, the test device having a test mechanism, the replacement device having a replacement mechanism; the control method for the battery cell code scanning replacement system comprising: When the module tray reaches a preset position, the identification device is controlled to obtain identification information of the battery cell to be tested; wherein a plurality of battery cells to be tested are placed on the module tray; Controlling the testing mechanism to test the battery cell to be tested, and obtaining a test result of the battery cell to be tested; Binding the test result of the battery cell to be tested with the identification information; Based on the identification information, controlling the replacement mechanism to replace the battery cell to be replaced; Generate a cell data set of the cell, the cell data set comprising at least one of the following: identification information of the cell, the test result, process data of the cell, and production data of the cell; Generate module identification information of a battery cell module, wherein the battery cell module includes a plurality of the battery cells; The module identification information is bound to a plurality of battery cell data sets of the battery cells.

16. The control method of the battery cell scanning and replacement system according to claim 15, wherein: The step of binding the test result of the battery cell to be tested with the identification information includes: The testing mechanism sends the test result of the battery cell to be tested to the controller; The controller binds the identification information of the battery cell to be tested with the test result of the battery cell to be tested, and uploads the bound identification information and the test result to the host computer.

17. The control method of the battery cell scanning and replacement system according to claim 15 or 16, wherein: The replacement mechanism includes a collection component and a gripper component; and controlling the replacement mechanism to replace the battery cell to be replaced includes: Based on the identification information of the battery cell to be replaced, controlling the gripper assembly to grab the battery cell to be replaced; Controlling the acquisition component to acquire identification information of the spare battery cell; The gripper assembly is controlled to grip the spare battery cell and place the spare battery cell at a replacement position, where the replacement position is the position of the battery cell to be replaced on the module tray.

18. The control method of the battery cell scanning and replacement system according to claim 17, wherein: The controlling the gripper assembly to grip the battery cell to be replaced comprises: The testing mechanism sends the test result of the battery cell to be tested to the controller; When the controller determines that the test result is unqualified, the controller sends a grabbing instruction to the gripper assembly, wherein the grabbing instruction carries identification information of the battery cell to be replaced that matches the unqualified test result; The gripper assembly, in response to the gripping instruction, grips the battery cell to be replaced that matches the identification information.

19. The control method of the battery cell scanning replacement system according to claim 17 or 18, wherein: The controlling the collecting component to collect identification information of the spare battery cell includes: The acquisition component sends the identification information of the spare battery cell to the controller; The controller binds the identification information of the spare battery cell with the test result of the spare battery cell, and uploads the bound identification information and the test result to the host computer.

20. The control method of the battery cell scanning and replacement system according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein: The generating module identification information of the battery cell module includes: The controller generates the module identification information and sends the module identification information to the host computer; The step of binding the module identification information with a plurality of battery cell data sets of the battery cells includes: The host computer binds the module identification information and the cell data set of the multiple cells included in the cell module to obtain the bound module identification information, and sends the bound module identification information to the controller; the controller can control the cell code scanning replacement system to process the cell module based on the bound module identification information.

Images