Cutting device, disassembly and recycling apparatus and cutting method

Abstract

Provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure are a cutting device, a disassembly and recycling apparatus and a cutting method. The cutting device comprises a control module, a frame, a loading assembly, a positioning module and a cutting assembly, wherein the frame is provided with a working area; the loading assembly is movably arranged on the frame, and is configured to bear a battery module and drive the battery module to move into or move out of the working area; the positioning module is arranged on the frame, and comprises a first positioning assembly and a second positioning assembly; and the control module is configured to control the first positioning assembly to position the battery module in a first direction and control the second positioning assembly to position the battery module in a second direction, the first direction intersecting with the second direction, and the control module is configured to control the cutting assembly to cut a housing of the battery module.

Description

Cutting device, disassembly and recycling equipment, and cutting method

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This disclosure is based on Chinese patent application number 202410390733.4, application date April 2, 2024, and invention name “A cutting device, disassembly and recycling equipment and cutting method”, 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 technical field of battery production, and in particular to a cutting device, disassembly and recycling equipment, and a cutting method. Background Art

[0004] This section is intended to provide a background or context for the embodiments of the present disclosure. No admission is made that the description herein is prior art by virtue of its inclusion in this section.

[0005] New energy 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.

[0006] During the production and processing of battery modules, disassembly equipment is needed to disassemble defective battery modules to recycle battery cells. The disassembly process includes cutting the battery modules. The cutting devices in related technologies cannot achieve automated positioning and cutting, resulting in low production efficiency and poor compatibility.

[0007] Summary of the Invention

[0008] In view of this, the embodiments of the present disclosure hope to provide a cutting device and a cutting method with high automation, high production efficiency and high compatibility.

[0009] To achieve the above-mentioned object, a first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a cutting device, comprising:

[0010] Control module;

[0011] a rack having a working area;

[0012] A loading assembly movably disposed on the frame, configured to carry the battery module and drive the battery module to or from the working area;

[0013] A positioning module provided on the frame includes a first positioning component and a second positioning component, wherein the control module is configured to control the first positioning component to position the battery module in a first direction and control the second positioning component to position the battery module in a second direction;

[0014] A cutting assembly is disposed at one end of the working area along the second direction, and the control module is configured to control the cutting assembly to cut the outer shell of the battery module;

[0015] Among them, the loading component includes two first limiting structures, the two first limiting structures are arranged at the two ends of the loading component along the first direction, the working area includes a first end and a second end arranged relatively along the first direction, the first positioning component includes a first motion mechanism, a first moving part and a second motion mechanism arranged on the first motion mechanism, the first motion mechanism is arranged on the frame, the first moving part is located at the first end of the working area, the control module is configured to control the first motion mechanism to drive the first moving part to move close to or away from the first limiting structure located at the second end, and the control module is configured to control the second motion mechanism to drive the first moving part to move along the height direction of the cutting device, and the first direction and the second direction intersect with the height direction.

[0016] In the cutting device of the embodiment of the present disclosure, on the one hand, the positioning module includes a first positioning component and a second positioning component. The first positioning component is configured to position the battery module in a first direction, and the second positioning component is configured to position the battery module in a second direction. This allows the positioning module to position the battery module in different directions. In this way, the cutting device can be steplessly compatible with battery modules of different sizes within a certain range, thereby improving the compatibility of the cutting device. On the other hand, the control module is connected by communication with the first positioning component and the second positioning component, that is, the control module can automatically control the first positioning component and the second positioning component to position the battery module, thereby improving the degree of automation of the positioning of the battery module, thereby improving production efficiency. On the other hand, the control module is configured to control the cutting component to cut the outer shell of the battery module, thereby improving the degree of automation of the cutting of the battery module. Furthermore, when the loading assembly moves between the loading and unloading platform and the main body, that is, when the loading assembly drives the battery module to or from the working area, in order to avoid interference between the battery module and the first positioning assembly, a second motion mechanism is provided on the first motion mechanism so that the second motion mechanism can drive the first movable member to move along the height direction of the cutting device, thereby avoiding the movement of the battery module and improving the reliability of the cutting device. In addition, the control module controls the second motion mechanism to drive the first movable member to move along the height direction of the cutting device, further improving the degree of automation.

[0017] In some embodiments, the loading assembly includes a loading mechanism, which includes a loading piece, two first limiting structures and two second limiting structures. The loading piece is used to support the battery module. The two first limiting structures are arranged at both ends of the loading piece along the first direction, and the two second limiting structures are arranged at both ends of the loading piece along the second direction. A accommodating structure for accommodating the battery module is defined between the loading piece, the two first limiting structures and the two second limiting structures.

[0018] In this embodiment, two first limiting structures are arranged at both ends of the loading piece along the first direction, and two second limiting structures are arranged at both ends of the loading piece along the second direction, and define a accommodating structure for accommodating the battery module together with the loading piece. This can improve the stability of the position of the battery module when the loading mechanism conveys the battery module, and avoid the battery module falling from the loading mechanism during the process of conveying the battery module, which is conducive to the subsequent cutting operation.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first positioning assembly further includes a first driving mechanism, the first motion mechanism is connected to the first moving member via the first driving mechanism, and the first driving mechanism is configured to drive the first moving member to move along the first direction.

[0020] Here, since the pressing force of the first driving mechanism on the battery module is easier to control, the reliability of positioning the battery module is improved while also avoiding damage to the battery module.

[0021] In some embodiments, the working area includes a third end and a fourth end arranged relative to each other along the second direction, the second positioning assembly includes a third motion mechanism and a second movable member, the third motion mechanism is arranged on the frame, and the second movable member is located at the third end of the working area, and the control module is configured to control the third motion mechanism to drive the second movable member to move so as to approach or move away from the second limiting structure located at the fourth end.

[0022] In this embodiment, the second positioning assembly is configured to include a third motion mechanism and a second movable member, and the second movable member moves to approach or move away from the second limiting structure to clamp the battery module between the second positioning member and the second limiting structure, thereby achieving positioning of the battery module.

[0023] In some embodiments, the second positioning assembly further includes a second driving mechanism, the third motion mechanism is connected to the second moving member via the second driving mechanism, and the second driving mechanism is configured to drive the second moving member to move along the second direction.

[0024] Here, since the pressing force of the second driving mechanism on the battery module is easier to control, the reliability of positioning the battery module is improved while also avoiding damage to the battery module.

[0025] In some embodiments, the loading assembly further includes a fourth motion mechanism, which is configured to drive the loading mechanism to move.

[0026] The fourth motion mechanism is connected to the main body and the loading and unloading platform. The fourth motion mechanism can drive the loading mechanism to move from the main body to the loading and unloading platform, or from the loading and unloading platform to the main body, that is, the loading assembly drives the battery module to move to or out of the working area.

[0027] In some embodiments, the cutting assembly includes a pressing drive and a pressing member, wherein the pressing drive is connected to the pressing member and is used to drive the pressing member to move closer to or away from the battery module along the height direction of the cutting device.

[0028] In this embodiment, the cutting assembly is provided with a clamping drive and a clamping member, and the control module controls the clamping drive to drive the clamping member to clamp the outer shell of the battery module, thereby fixing the battery module during the cutting process, reducing the risk of deviation of the battery module due to unnecessary displacement, and improving the accuracy of the cutting operation.

[0029] In some embodiments, the number of the pressing members is two, and the two pressing members are distributed on both sides of the cutting member of the cutting assembly along the first direction.

[0030] In this embodiment, two pressing members are provided, and the two pressing members are distributed on both sides of the cutting member of the cutting assembly along the first direction. In this way, when the cutting device cuts the two ends of the battery module along the first direction, the pressing member located above the battery module presses on the battery module, while the other pressing member may be suspended in the air, thereby adapting to cutting both ends of the battery module along the first direction. This embodiment has a simple structure and reduces production costs.

[0031] In some embodiments, the cutting assembly includes a fifth motion mechanism, and the control module is configured to control the fifth motion mechanism to drive the pressing member to move along the first direction.

[0032] In this embodiment, by setting up a fifth motion mechanism, the control module drives the clamping member by controlling the fifth motion mechanism to adjust the relative position between the clamping member and the battery module, thereby adapting to different positions of cutting the battery module, thereby improving convenience and automation.

[0033] In some embodiments, the cutting assembly includes a motion assembly and a cutting piece. The control module is configured to control the motion assembly to drive the cutting piece to move along the first direction, the second direction, and the height direction of the cutting device. The cutting piece is configured to cut the outer shell of the battery module.

[0034] In this embodiment, the cutting assembly drives the cutting member to move along the first direction, the second direction and the height direction through the motion assembly to achieve cutting of the battery module shell, thereby improving the accuracy of the cutting operation on the battery module.

[0035] In some embodiments, the motion assembly includes a first mounting position and a second mounting position for installing the cutting member. When the cutting member is installed in the first mounting position, the cutting member is parallel to the first direction; when the cutting member is installed in the second mounting position, the cutting member is parallel to the second direction.

[0036] It can be used for cutting battery modules in different directions. For example, cutting pieces installed in different mounting positions are respectively suitable for cutting the end plate or side plate of the battery module. In other words, cutting pieces in different directions can be selected for different cutting directions, thereby improving the versatility and convenience of the cutting device.

[0037] In some embodiments, the cutting assembly includes a distance measuring sensor in communication with the control module for detecting the distance between the cutting piece and the battery module.

[0038] In this embodiment, a distance measuring sensor is provided to detect the distance between the cutting piece and the battery module to achieve positioning compensation for the cutting piece, thereby improving the cutting accuracy of the cutting device and thus improving reliability.

[0039] In some embodiments, the cutting device further includes an outer cover and a dust collector. The outer cover is disposed on the frame, the positioning module and the cutting assembly are disposed in the outer cover, and the dust collector is configured to remove dust from the space in the outer cover.

[0040] In this embodiment, the outer cover is used to protect the internal components and at the same time, it can also improve the problem of debris flying around during the cutting process and improve the problem of splash pollution. In addition, a dust collector is provided to remove dust from the space inside the outer cover.

[0041] A second aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure provides a disassembly and recycling device, comprising a hoisting device and the above-mentioned cutting device, wherein the hoisting device is configured to hoist the battery module to a loading assembly.

[0042] In the cutting device of the disassembly and recycling equipment of the embodiment of the present disclosure, on the one hand, the positioning module includes a first positioning component and a second positioning component. The first positioning component is configured to position the battery module in a first direction, and the second positioning component is configured to position the battery module in a second direction. This allows the positioning module to position the battery module in different directions. In this way, the cutting device can be steplessly compatible with battery modules of different sizes within a certain range, thereby improving the compatibility of the cutting device. On the other hand, the control module is connected by communication with the first positioning component and the second positioning component, that is, the control module can automatically control the first positioning component and the second positioning component to position the battery module, thereby improving the degree of automation of the positioning of the battery module, thereby improving production efficiency. On the other hand, the control module is configured to control the cutting component to cut the outer shell of the battery module, thereby improving the degree of automation of the cutting of the battery module. Furthermore, when the loading assembly moves between the loading and unloading platform and the main body, that is, when the loading assembly drives the battery module to or from the working area, in order to avoid interference between the battery module and the first positioning assembly, a second motion mechanism is provided on the first motion mechanism so that the second motion mechanism can drive the first movable member to move along the height direction of the cutting device, thereby avoiding the movement of the battery module and improving the reliability of the cutting device. In addition, the control module controls the second motion mechanism to drive the first movable member to move along the height direction of the cutting device, further improving the degree of automation.

[0043] A third aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure provides a cutting method, which is applied to a cutting device for cutting a battery module, the cutting device including a control module, a loading assembly, a positioning module, and a cutting assembly;

[0044] Cutting methods include:

[0045] The control module controls the positioning module to position the battery module, wherein the positioning module includes a first positioning component and a second positioning component, the control module is configured to control the first positioning component to position the battery module in the first direction, and control the second positioning component to position the battery module in the second direction, the feeding component includes two first limiting structures, the two first limiting structures are arranged at both ends of the feeding component along the first direction, the working area includes a first end and a second end arranged opposite to each other along the first direction, the first positioning component includes a first motion mechanism, a first moving part and a second motion mechanism arranged on the first motion mechanism, the first motion mechanism is arranged on the frame, the first moving part is located at the first end of the working area, the control module is configured to control the first motion mechanism to drive the first moving part to move close to or away from the first limiting structure located at the second end, the control module is configured to control the second motion mechanism to drive the first moving part to move along the height direction of the cutting device, and the first direction and the second direction intersect with the height direction;

[0046] The control module controls the cutting assembly to cut the outer shell of the battery module.

[0047] In the cutting method of the battery module of the embodiment of the present disclosure, on the one hand, the positioning module includes a first positioning component and a second positioning component, the first positioning component is configured to position the battery module in a first direction, and the second positioning component is configured to position the battery module in a second direction, which enables the positioning module to position the battery module in different directions. In this way, the cutting device can be steplessly compatible with battery modules of different sizes within a certain range, thereby improving the compatibility of the cutting device. On the other hand, the control module is connected by communication with the first positioning component and the second positioning component, that is, the control module can automatically control the first positioning component and the second positioning component to position the battery module, thereby improving the degree of automation of the positioning of the battery module, thereby improving production efficiency. On the other hand, the control module is configured to control the cutting component to cut the outer shell of the battery module, thereby improving the degree of automation of the cutting of the battery module. Furthermore, when the loading assembly moves between the loading and unloading platform and the main body, that is, when the loading assembly drives the battery module to or from the working area, in order to avoid interference between the battery module and the first positioning assembly, a second motion mechanism is provided on the first motion mechanism so that the second motion mechanism can drive the first movable member to move along the height direction of the cutting device, thereby avoiding the movement of the battery module and improving the reliability of the cutting device. In addition, the control module controls the second motion mechanism to drive the first movable member to move along the height direction of the cutting device, further improving the degree of automation.

[0048] In some embodiments, the cutting assembly includes a compression drive and a compression member, wherein the compression drive is connected to the compression member;

[0049] Before the control module controls the cutting assembly to cut the battery module housing, the cutting method includes:

[0050] The control module controls the pressing driving member to drive the pressing member to move along the height direction of the cutting device toward the direction close to the battery module, and press the pressing member on the top of the battery module.

[0051] In this embodiment, the cutting assembly is provided with a clamping drive and a clamping member, and the control module controls the clamping drive to drive the clamping member to clamp the outer shell of the battery module, thereby fixing the battery module during the cutting process, reducing the risk of deviation of the battery module due to unnecessary displacement, and improving the accuracy of the cutting operation.

[0052] In some embodiments, the cutting assembly includes a motion assembly, a cutting member, and a distance sensor;

[0053] Before the control module controls the pressing driving member to drive the pressing member to move along the height direction of the cutting device toward the direction close to the battery module and press on the top of the battery module, the cutting method includes:

[0054] The control module controls the motion component to drive the cutting piece to move to the cutting position;

[0055] The control module controls the distance measuring sensor to detect the distance between the cutting piece and the battery module and compensates for the distance.

[0056] In this embodiment, a distance measuring sensor is provided to detect the distance between the cutting piece and the battery module to achieve positioning compensation for the cutting piece, thereby improving the cutting accuracy of the cutting device and thus improving reliability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0057] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a disassembly and recycling device provided in one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0058] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of a cutting device provided in one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0059] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of point A in Figure 2;

[0060] FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of a cutting device provided by another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0061] FIG5 is a schematic structural diagram of a cutting assembly provided in one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0062] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of a feeding assembly provided in one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0063] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of the implementation flow of the cutting method provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0064] Description of Reference Numerals

[0065] 1. Frame; 1a. Working area; 11. Main body; 12. Loading and unloading platform; 2. Loading assembly; 21. Loading mechanism; 211. First limiting structure; 212. Second limiting structure; 213. Loading part; 3. Positioning module; 31. First positioning assembly; 311. First motion mechanism; 312. Second motion mechanism; 313. First moving part; 32. Second positioning assembly; 321. Third motion mechanism; 322. Second moving part; 4. Cutting assembly; 41. Pressing drive member; 42. Pressing member; 43. Motion assembly; 431. First mounting position; 432. Second mounting position; 44. Cutting part; 45. Distance measuring sensor; 5. Outer cover; 51. Lifting door; 10. Cutting device; 20. Hoisting device; 30. Transfer vehicle; 100. Disassembly and recycling equipment; 200. Battery module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] It should be noted that, unless there is a conflict, the embodiments and technical features in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be combined with each other, and the detailed description in the specific implementation methods should be understood as an explanation of the purpose of the present disclosure and should not be regarded as an improper limitation on the present disclosure.

[0067] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs; the terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this disclosure; the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof in this disclosure are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the term "and / or" is simply a description of the association relationship between associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the associated objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0071] 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", "circumferential", "height direction", "first direction", and "second direction" 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] With the development of clean energy, more and more devices use electricity as a driving force. Consequently, power batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries, that can store large amounts of electricity and undergo multiple charge and discharge cycles are experiencing rapid development. These batteries 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 such as electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, and electric vehicles, as well as in aerospace and other fields. As the application areas of power batteries continue to expand, market demand is also growing.

[0075] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery cell may be a battery cell. A battery cell refers to a basic unit that can realize the mutual conversion between 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. A battery cell may be a primary battery or a secondary battery. A secondary battery refers to a battery cell that can continue to be used by activating the active material by charging after the battery cell is discharged. 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, or a lead-acid battery, etc., and the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to this. The battery cell may be cylindrical, rectangular, or in other shapes. It will be understood that the cylindrical battery cell in the embodiment of the present disclosure refers to a cylindrical battery cell.

[0076] A battery cell includes an electrode assembly and an electrolyte. The electrode assembly consists of a positive electrode sheet, a negative electrode sheet, and a separator. A battery cell primarily operates by the movement of metal ions between the positive and negative electrode sheets. The positive electrode sheet includes a positive current collector and a positive active material layer. The positive active material layer is coated on the surface of the positive electrode collector. The uncoated positive electrode collector protrudes from the coated positive electrode collector, and the uncoated positive electrode collector serves as the positive electrode tab. For lithium-ion batteries, for example, the positive electrode current collector can be made of aluminum, and the positive electrode active material can be lithium cobalt oxide, lithium iron phosphate, ternary lithium, or lithium manganese oxide. The negative electrode sheet includes a negative current collector and a negative active material layer. The negative active material layer is coated on the surface of the negative electrode collector. The uncoated negative electrode collector protrudes from the coated negative electrode collector, and the uncoated negative electrode collector serves as the negative electrode tab. The negative electrode current collector can be made of copper, and the negative electrode active material can be carbon or silicon. To ensure high current flow without melting, multiple positive electrode tabs are stacked together, and multiple negative electrode tabs are stacked together. The separator can be made of materials such as PP (polypropylene) or PE (polyethylene).

[0077] A battery cell also includes a packaging film (also known as packaging glue) and a housing. The packaging film is applied to the outside of the electrode assembly, and the housing encapsulates the electrode assembly covered with the packaging film, forming a battery cell with a housing. For example, the packaging film can be Mylar film, and the housing can be aluminum or steel. After the electrode assembly is wound, the Mylar film and housing are encapsulated through the Mylar wrapping process and the housing insertion process. The Mylar film seals and protects the electrode assembly, and the Mylar film effectively insulates the electrode assembly and housing from each other, preventing internal short circuits in the battery cell. The housing also provides protection.

[0078] A battery module typically includes multiple battery cells, which are confined within a housing formed by welding end plates and side plates. During the module assembly process, the end plates at both ends of the module exert a certain pre-tightening force on the battery to enhance and improve the battery's cycle performance.

[0079] In the battery production process, defective battery modules that do not meet the requirements will appear. The battery modules need to be disassembled and recycled using disassembly and recycling equipment. The battery shell needs to be cut during the disassembly and recycling process.

[0080] The cutting device provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure is used for cutting the battery module 200. Please refer to Figures 1 to 6, which includes a control module, a frame 1, a loading assembly 2, a positioning module 3 and a cutting assembly 4. The frame 1 has a working area 1a. The loading assembly 2 is movably arranged on the frame 1, configured to carry the battery module 200, and drive the battery module 200 to or out of the working area 1a. The positioning module 3 is arranged on the frame 1, and includes a first positioning assembly 31 and a second positioning assembly 32. The control module is configured to control the first positioning assembly 31 to position the battery module 200 in a first direction, and control the second positioning assembly 32 to position the battery module 200 in a second direction. The first direction intersects with the second direction. The control module is configured to control the cutting assembly 4 to cut the outer shell of the battery module 200.

[0081] Here, the control module is used to control the operation of the positioning module 3 and the cutting assembly 4. Of course, it can also control the operation of the loading assembly 2. The control module can include, but is not limited to, at least one of an industrial computer, a programmable logic controller (PLC), and a host computer. The host computer can be, for example, a server, a laptop, a tablet computer, a desktop computer, a smartphone, etc.

[0082] 1 and 2 , the frame 1 has a working area 1 a , and the cutting assembly 4 can cut the outer shell of the battery module 200 in the working area 1 a .

[0083] It should be noted that the specific type of the working area 1 a is not limited here. The working area 1 a is an area for accommodating the battery module 200 and cutting the battery module 200 .

[0084] The outer shell of the battery module 200 includes side panels and end panels. The cutting assembly 4 can cut the side panels, the end panels, or both the side panels and the end panels.

[0085] The loading assembly 2 is used to receive the batteries to be cut and to drive the battery module 200 to or out of the working area 1a, which is beneficial to the cutting operation and improves the cutting efficiency.

[0086] Referring to Figures 1 to 4 , the positioning module 3 includes a first positioning component 31 and a second positioning component 32. The first positioning component 31 is configured to position the battery module 200 in a first direction, and the second positioning component 32 is configured to position the battery module 200 in a second direction. Here, the positioning module 3 positions the battery module 200 in both the first and second directions to improve the reliability of positioning the battery module 200. Furthermore, the cutting device 10 is infinitely compatible with battery modules 200 of different sizes within a certain range, thereby improving the compatibility of the cutting device 10.

[0087] 2 , the first direction intersects the second direction, that is, the first direction and the second direction are not parallel. For example, the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0088] For ease of description, in the present disclosure, the first direction is, for example, the X-axis direction (the length direction of the battery module 200 ), the second direction is, for example, the Y-axis direction (the width direction of the battery module 200 ), and the height direction of the cutting device 10 is, for example, the Z-axis direction.

[0089] The control module is in communication with the first positioning assembly 31 and the second positioning assembly 32 . That is, the control module can control and drive at least one of the first positioning assembly 31 , the second positioning assembly 32 and the third positioning assembly 33 .

[0090] In the cutting device of the embodiment of the present disclosure, on the one hand, the positioning module 3 includes a first positioning component 31 and a second positioning component 32. The first positioning component 31 is configured to position the battery module 200 in a first direction, and the second positioning component 32 is configured to position the battery module 200 in a second direction. This allows the positioning module 3 to position the battery module 200 in different directions. In this way, the cutting device 10 can be steplessly compatible with battery modules 200 of different sizes within a certain range, thereby improving the compatibility of the cutting device 10. On the other hand, the control module is connected to the first positioning component 31 and the second positioning component 32 through communication, that is, the control module can automatically control the first positioning component 31 and the second positioning component 32 to position the battery module 200, thereby improving the degree of automation of positioning the battery module 200, thereby improving production efficiency. On the other hand, the control module is configured to control the cutting component 4 to cut the outer shell of the battery module 200, thereby improving the degree of automation of cutting the battery module 200.

[0091] It should be noted that the specific structure of the rack 1 is not limited herein. For example, referring to Figures 1 and 2 , the rack 1 includes a main body 11 and a loading and unloading platform 12 . The main body 11 can be a box-shaped structure or a frame-shaped structure, so that at least a portion of the loading assembly 2 can be moved from the main body 11 to the loading and unloading platform 12 , or vice versa, thereby enabling the loading assembly 2 to move the battery modules 200 to or from the working area 1a.

[0092] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 2 and 6, the loading assembly 2 includes a loading mechanism 21, the loading mechanism 21 includes a loading piece 213, two first limiting structures 211 and two second limiting structures 212, the loading piece 213 is used to carry the battery module 200, the two first limiting structures 211 are arranged at both ends of the loading piece 213 along the first direction, and the two second limiting structures 212 are arranged at both ends of the loading piece 213 along the second direction, and a accommodating structure for accommodating the battery module 200 is defined between the loading piece 213, the two first limiting structures 211 and the two second limiting structures 212.

[0093] It should be noted that the loading member 213 may be a plate-shaped member, and of course may also be other structural forms.

[0094] The first limiting structure 211 of this embodiment may include one or more first limiting blocks, and the first limiting blocks are connected to the screw holes of the loading member 213 through bolts.

[0095] Similarly, the second limiting structure 212 of this embodiment may include one or more second limiting blocks, and the second limiting blocks are connected to the screw holes of the loading member 213 through bolts.

[0096] In this embodiment, two first limiting structures 211 are arranged at both ends of the loading piece 213 along the first direction, and two second limiting structures 212 are arranged at both ends of the loading piece 213 along the second direction, and together with the loading piece 213 define a accommodating structure for accommodating the battery module 200. This can improve the stability of the position of the battery module 200 when the loading mechanism 21 conveys the battery module 200, and avoid the battery module 200 falling from the loading mechanism 21 during the process of conveying the battery module 200, which is conducive to the subsequent cutting operation.

[0097] In addition, for the battery module 200 that needs to be cut at both ends along the first direction or both ends along the second direction, for example, the positioning module 3 can first cooperate with one of the limiting structures to limit the battery module 200. After the cutting device 10 cuts the battery module 200 close to one end thereof, the loading mechanism 21 is rotated 180°, that is, the other end of the battery module 200 is rotated to the side close to the cutting device 10, and then the positioning module 3 cooperates with another limiting structure to limit the battery module 200, and the cutting device 10 cuts the other end of the battery module 200. That is to say, by arranging two first limiting structures 211 at the two ends of the loading piece 213 along the first direction and two second limiting structures 212 at the two ends of the loading piece 213 along the second direction, it is also beneficial for both ends of the loading piece 213 along the first direction and the two ends along the second direction to cooperate with the positioning module 3, and to position the battery module 200 located on the loading piece 213. The loading mechanism 21 rotates to reverse the direction of the battery module 200, thereby realizing cutting of different sides of the battery module 200. The structure is simple and easy to operate.

[0098] In some embodiments, the feeding assembly 2 further includes a fourth motion mechanism (not shown), which is configured to drive the feeding mechanism 21 to move.

[0099] Exemplarily, the fourth motion mechanism is connected to the main body 11 and the loading and unloading platform 12 .

[0100] The fourth motion mechanism can drive the loading mechanism 21 to move from the main part 11 to the loading and unloading platform 12, or from the loading and unloading platform 12 to the main part 11, that is, the loading component 2 drives the battery module 200 to move to or out of the working area 1a.

[0101] Here, the specific structure of the fourth motion mechanism is not limited. For example, it can be an electric slide structure, and the movement of the slider of the electric slide drives the feeding mechanism 21 to move.

[0102] Exemplarily, the control module is communicatively connected to the fourth motion mechanism, that is, the control module can control the fourth motion mechanism to drive the feeding mechanism 21 to move, thereby further improving the degree of automation of the cutting device 10 .

[0103] It should be noted that the specific structure of the first positioning component 31 is not limited here.

[0104] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 2 to 6, the working area 1a includes a first end and a second end disposed opposite each other along a first direction. The first positioning assembly 31 includes a first motion mechanism 311 and a first movable member 313. The first motion mechanism 311 is disposed on the frame 1, and the first movable member 313 is located at the first end of the working area 1a. The control module is configured to control the first motion mechanism 311 to drive the first movable member 313 to move closer to or further away from the first limiting structure 211 located at the second end.

[0105] The specific type of the first motion mechanism 311 is not limited here, as long as it can drive the first moving member 313 to move. For example, the first motion mechanism 311 is a linear module.

[0106] It should be noted that the specific location of the first moving member 313 is not limited here. For example, the first moving member 313 can be located at the first end of the working area 1a. Of course, the first moving member 313 can be located at the second end of the working area 1a.

[0107] Here, the control module is configured to control the first motion mechanism 311 to drive the first moving member 313 to move, which is conducive to improving the degree of automation.

[0108] The first movable member 313 moves along the first direction to approach or move away from the first limiting structure 211 at the second end, thereby clamping the battery module 200 between the first movable member 313 and the first limiting structure 211 to achieve positioning of the battery module 200.

[0109] The first moving member 313 may be a plate-shaped structure or a block-shaped structure.

[0110] In this embodiment, the first positioning assembly 31 is configured to include a first motion mechanism 311 and a first movable member 313. The first movable member 313 moves closer to or away from the first limiting structure 211 to clamp the battery module 200 between the first positioning member and the first limiting structure 211, thereby achieving positioning of the battery module 200.

[0111] In some embodiments, the first positioning assembly 31 further includes a first driving mechanism (not shown), the first motion mechanism 311 is connected to the first moving member 313 via the first driving mechanism, and the first driving mechanism is configured to drive the first moving member 313 to move along the first direction.

[0112] Here, the first driving mechanism is, for example, an air cylinder.

[0113] Here, the first motion mechanism 311 is connected to the first moving member 313 via the first driving mechanism, so that the first motion mechanism 311 can drive the first driving mechanism and the first moving member 313 simultaneously, and the first driving mechanism can drive the first moving member 313 to move along the first direction.

[0114] In this embodiment, the first moving member 313 is driven by the first motion mechanism 311 to move along the first direction to approach or move away from the first limiting structure 211, so as to control the spacing between the first moving member 313 and the first limiting structure 211, so as to achieve rapid movement of the first moving member 313 and improve production efficiency. Then, the control module controls the first driving mechanism to drive the first moving member 313 to move in the direction close to the first limiting structure 211, so as to clamp the battery module 200 between the first limiting structure 211 and the first moving member 313. Here, since the pressing force of the first driving mechanism on the battery module 200 is easier to control, the reliability of positioning the battery module 200 can be improved while also avoiding damage to the battery module 200.

[0115] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 2 to 4, the first positioning assembly 31 also includes a second motion mechanism 312 disposed on the first motion mechanism 311, and the control module is configured to control the second motion mechanism 312 to drive the first moving member 313 to move along the height direction of the cutting device 10, and the first direction and the second direction intersect with the height direction.

[0116] The specific type of the second motion mechanism 312 is not limited here, as long as it can drive the first moving member 313 to move along the height direction of the cutting device 10. Exemplarily, the second motion mechanism 312 is a linear module or a drive mechanism.

[0117] The first positioning assembly 31 further includes a second motion mechanism 312 disposed on the first motion mechanism 311 . That is, the first motion mechanism 311 can simultaneously drive the second motion mechanism 312 and the first moving member 313 to move along the first direction to approach or move away from the first limiting structure 211 .

[0118] Here, when the loading assembly 2 moves between the loading and unloading platform 12 and the main body 11, that is, when the loading assembly 2 drives the battery module 200 to or from the working area 1a, in order to avoid interference between the battery module 200 and the first positioning assembly 31, a second motion mechanism 312 is provided on the first motion mechanism 311 so that the second motion mechanism 312 can drive the first moving member 313 to move along the height direction of the cutting device 10, thereby avoiding the movement of the battery module 200 and improving the reliability of the cutting device 10. In addition, the second motion mechanism 312 is controlled by the control module to drive the first moving member 313 to move along the height direction of the cutting device 10, thereby further improving the reliability of the cutting device 10. In addition, the degree of automation is further improved by controlling the second motion mechanism 312 to drive the first moving member 313 to move along the height direction of the cutting device 10.

[0119] It should be noted that the specific structure of the second positioning component 32 is not limited here.

[0120] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 2 to 4, the working area 1a includes a third end and a fourth end arranged relative to each other along the second direction, the second positioning assembly 32 includes a third motion mechanism 321 and a second movable member 322, the third motion mechanism 321 is arranged on the frame 1, and the second movable member 322 is located at the third end of the working area 1a, and the control module is configured to control the third motion mechanism 321 to drive the second movable member 322 to move so as to approach or move away from the second limiting structure 212 located at the fourth end.

[0121] It should be noted that, referring to FIG. 2 , the cutting assembly 4 may be disposed at one end of the working area 1a along the second direction, that is, may be disposed at the third end of the working area 1a or may be disposed at the fourth end of the working area 1a.

[0122] The specific type of the third motion mechanism 321 is not limited here, as long as it can drive the second moving member 322 to move. For example, the third motion mechanism 321 is a linear module.

[0123] It should be noted that the specific location of the second moving member 322 is not limited here. For example, the second moving member 322 can be located at the third end of the working area 1a. Of course, the second moving member 322 can be located at the fourth end of the working area 1a.

[0124] Here, the control module is configured to control the third motion mechanism 321 to drive the second moving member 322 to move, which is conducive to improving the degree of automation.

[0125] The second movable member 322 moves along the second direction to approach or move away from the second limiting structure 212 at the fourth end, thereby clamping the battery module 200 between the second movable member 322 and the second limiting structure 212 to achieve positioning of the battery module 200.

[0126] The second moving member 322 may be a plate-shaped structure or a block-shaped structure.

[0127] In this embodiment, the second positioning assembly 32 is configured to include a third motion mechanism 321 and a second movable member 322. The second movable member 322 moves to approach or move away from the second limiting structure 212, thereby clamping the battery module 200 between the second positioning member and the second limiting structure 212, thereby achieving positioning of the battery module 200.

[0128] In some embodiments, the second positioning assembly 32 further includes a second driving mechanism (not shown), and the third motion mechanism 321 is connected to the second moving member 322 via the second driving mechanism, and the second driving mechanism is configured to drive the second moving member 322 to move along the second direction.

[0129] Here, the second driving mechanism is, for example, an air cylinder.

[0130] Here, the third motion mechanism 321 is connected to the second moving member 322 via the second driving mechanism, so that the third motion mechanism 321 can drive the second driving mechanism and the second moving member 322 simultaneously, and the second driving mechanism can drive the second moving member 322 to move along the second direction.

[0131] The second moving member 322 may be a plate-shaped structure or a block-shaped structure.

[0132] In this embodiment, the third motion mechanism 321 drives the second movable member 322 to move in the second direction to approach or move away from the second limiting structure 212, so as to control the spacing between the second movable member 322 and the second limiting structure 212, so as to achieve rapid movement of the second movable member 322 and improve production efficiency. Then, the control module controls the second driving mechanism to drive the second movable member 322 to move in the direction close to the second limiting structure 212, so as to clamp the battery module 200 between the second limiting structure 212 and the second movable member 322. Here, since the pressing force of the second driving mechanism on the battery module 200 is easier to control, while improving the reliability of positioning the battery module 200, it can also avoid damaging the battery module 200.

[0133] 1 and 5 , the cutting assembly 4 includes a pressing member 41 and a pressing member 42. The pressing member 41 is connected to the pressing member 42 and is used to drive the pressing member 42 toward or away from the battery module 200 along the height direction of the cutting device 10.

[0134] For example, the pressing member 42 may be a plate-shaped structure or a block-shaped structure.

[0135] The pressing drive member 41 can be a linear reciprocating motion structure such as a gas rod or an electric rod. The moving end of the pressing drive member 41 is connected to the pressing member 42 and is used to drive the pressing member 42 to move closer to or away from the battery to be cut along the height direction of the cutting device 10.

[0136] In this embodiment, the cutting assembly 4 is provided with a clamping drive 41 and a clamping member 42. The control module controls the clamping drive 41 to drive the clamping member 42 to clamp the outer shell of the battery module 200, thereby fixing the battery module 200 during the cutting process, reducing the risk of the battery module 200 being misaligned during cutting due to unnecessary displacement, and improving the accuracy of the cutting operation.

[0137] It should be noted that the clamping member 42 can be movable only along the height direction of the cutting device 10, or can be movable along the second direction. Thus, when cutting the two ends of the battery module 200 along the first direction, the relative position between the clamping member 42 and the cutting member 44 of the cutting assembly 4 is adjusted to adapt to the end plates at both ends of the cutting battery module 200 along the first direction.

[0138] Exemplarily, the cutting assembly 4 includes a fifth motion mechanism (not shown), and the control module is configured to control the fifth motion mechanism to drive the pressing member 42 to move along the first direction.

[0139] The specific type of the fifth motion mechanism is not limited here, as long as it can drive the pressing member 42 to move along the first direction. Exemplarily, the fifth motion mechanism is a linear module.

[0140] In this embodiment, by setting up a fifth motion mechanism, the control module drives the clamping member 42 by controlling the fifth motion mechanism to adjust the relative position between the clamping member 42 and the battery module 200, thereby adapting to different positions of cutting the battery module 200, thereby improving convenience and automation.

[0141] Of course, in some embodiments, referring to FIG. 5 , the number of the pressing members 42 may be two, and the two pressing members 42 are distributed on both sides of the cutting member 44 of the cutting assembly 4 along the first direction.

[0142] In this embodiment, two pressing members 42 are provided, and the two pressing members 42 are distributed on both sides of the cutting member 44 of the cutting assembly 4 along the first direction. In this way, when the cutting device 10 cuts the two ends of the battery module 200 along the first direction, the pressing member 42 located above the battery module 200 presses on the battery module 200, while the other pressing member 42 may be suspended in the air, thereby adapting to cutting the two ends of the battery module 200 along the first direction. This embodiment has a simple structure and reduces production costs.

[0143] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 2 to 5 , the cutting assembly 4 includes a motion assembly 43 and a cutting member 44. The control module is configured to control the motion assembly 43 to drive the cutting member 44 to move along a first direction, a second direction, and a height direction of the cutting device 10. The cutting member 44 is configured to cut the outer shell of the battery module 200.

[0144] It should be noted that the specific type of the cutting member 44 is not limited herein. For example, the cutting member 44 can be a disc-shaped rolling cutter as shown in the figure.

[0145] For example, the rolling cutter is placed in the pre-cutting position and pressure is applied. The motion component 43 drives the rolling cutter to roll up and down in the height direction for cutting. Depending on the thickness of the material being cut, different times and feed amounts of cutting can be performed. Different cutting directions are selected for different cutting directions.

[0146] The motion component 43 is, for example, a three-axis drive linear module.

[0147] In this embodiment, the cutting assembly 4 drives the cutting member 44 to move along the first direction, the second direction and the height direction through the motion assembly 43 to achieve cutting of the outer shell of the battery module 200, thereby improving the accuracy of the cutting operation on the battery module 200.

[0148] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 2 and 5 , the motion assembly 43 includes a first mounting position 431 and a second mounting position 432 for mounting the cutting member 44. When the cutting member 44 is mounted in the first mounting position 431, the cutting member 44 is parallel to the first direction. When the cutting member 44 is mounted in the second mounting position 432, the cutting member 44 is parallel to the second direction.

[0149] That is, the cutting member 44 installed in the first mounting position 431 and the cutting member 44 installed in the second mounting position 432 are perpendicular to each other. In this way, the cutting device 10 can be used to cut the battery module 200 in different directions. For example, the cutting members 44 installed in different mounting positions are respectively suitable for cutting the end plate or side plate of the battery module 200. In other words, different cutting directions can be selected for different cutting directions, thereby improving the versatility and convenience of the cutting device 10.

[0150] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 5 , the cutting assembly 4 includes a distance measuring sensor 45 in communication with the control module for detecting the distance between the cutting member 44 and the battery module 200 .

[0151] In this embodiment, a distance measuring sensor 45 is provided to detect the distance between the cutting member 44 and the battery module 200 to achieve positioning compensation for the cutting member 44 , thereby improving the cutting accuracy of the cutting device 10 and thus improving reliability.

[0152] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 1 and 2, the cutting device 10 further includes a housing 5 and a dust collector. The housing 5 is disposed on the frame 1. The positioning module 3 and the cutting assembly 4 are disposed within the housing 5. The dust collector is configured to remove dust from the space within the housing.

[0153] For example, the outer cover 5 is provided with a lifting door 51 , which has an open state and a closed state. By opening the lifting door 51 , the battery module 200 can be loaded and unloaded.

[0154] In this embodiment, the outer cover 5 is used to protect the internal parts and components, and at the same time, it can also improve the problem of debris flying around during the cutting process and improve the problem of splash pollution. In addition, a dust collector is provided to remove dust from the space inside the outer cover 5.

[0155] The cutting method provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure is applied to a cutting device 10 for cutting a battery module 200. As shown in Figures 1 to 6, the cutting device 10 includes a control module, a frame 1, a loading assembly 2, a positioning module 3, and a cutting assembly 4.

[0156] As shown in FIG7 , the cutting method includes the following steps S101 to S102:

[0157] In step S101, the control module controls the positioning module to position the battery module, wherein the positioning module includes a first positioning component and a second positioning component, the control module is configured to control the first positioning component to position the battery module in a first direction, and control the second positioning component to position the battery module in a second direction, the loading component includes two first limiting structures, the two first limiting structures are arranged at both ends of the loading component along the first direction, the working area includes a first end and a second end arranged relative to each other along the first direction, the first positioning component includes a first motion mechanism, a first moving part and a second motion mechanism arranged on the first motion mechanism, the first motion mechanism is arranged on the frame, the first moving part is located at the first end of the working area, the control module is configured to control the first motion mechanism to drive the first moving part to move close to or away from the first limiting structure located at the second end, the control module is configured to control the second motion mechanism to drive the first moving part to move along the height direction of the cutting device, and the first direction and the second direction intersect with the height direction.

[0158] Here, the control module is used to control the operation of the loading assembly 2, the positioning module 3, and the cutting assembly 4. The control module may include, but is not limited to, at least one of an industrial computer, a programmable logic controller (PLC), and a host computer. The host computer may be, for example, a server, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a desktop computer, or a smartphone.

[0159] The control module positions the battery module 200 by controlling the positioning module 3 , thereby improving the automation level of positioning the battery module 200 and thus improving production efficiency.

[0160] For example, referring to FIG. 1 to FIG. 5 , the cutting device 10 includes a frame 1 having a working area 1 a , and the cutting assembly 4 can cut the outer shell of the battery module 200 in the working area 1 a .

[0161] The loading assembly 2 is used to receive the batteries to be cut and to drive the battery module 200 to or out of the working area 1a, which is beneficial to the cutting operation and improves the cutting efficiency.

[0162] The positioning module 3 includes a first positioning assembly 31 and a second positioning assembly 32. The first positioning assembly 31 is configured to position the battery module 200 in a first direction, and the second positioning assembly 32 is configured to position the battery module 200 in a second direction. Here, the positioning module 3 improves the reliability of positioning the battery module 200 by positioning the battery module 200 in both the first and second directions. Furthermore, the cutting device 10 is infinitely compatible with battery modules 200 of different sizes within a certain range, thereby improving the compatibility of the cutting device 10.

[0163] 2 , the first direction intersects the second direction, that is, the first direction and the second direction are not parallel. For example, the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0164] For ease of description, in the present disclosure, the first direction is, for example, the X-axis direction (the length direction of the battery module 200 ), the second direction is, for example, the Y-axis direction (the width direction of the battery module 200 ), and the height direction of the cutting device 10 is, for example, the Z-axis direction.

[0165] The control module is in communication with the first positioning assembly 31 and the second positioning assembly 32 . That is, the control module can control and drive at least one of the first positioning assembly 31 , the second positioning assembly 32 and the third positioning assembly 33 .

[0166] Step S102: The control module controls the cutting assembly to cut the outer shell of the battery module.

[0167] The outer shell of the battery module 200 includes side panels and end panels. The cutting assembly 4 can cut the side panels, the end panels, or both the side panels and the end panels.

[0168] In the battery module cutting method of the embodiment of the present disclosure, on the one hand, the positioning module 3 includes a first positioning component 31 and a second positioning component 32. The first positioning component 31 is configured to position the battery module 200 in a first direction, and the second positioning component 32 is configured to position the battery module 200 in a second direction. This allows the positioning module 3 to position the battery module 200 in different directions. In this way, the cutting device 10 can be infinitely compatible with battery modules 200 of different sizes within a certain range, thereby improving the compatibility of the cutting device 10. On the other hand, the control module is connected to the first positioning component 31 and the second positioning component 32 through communication, that is, the control module can automatically control the first positioning component 31 and the second positioning component 32 to position the battery module 200, thereby improving the automation level of positioning the battery module 200 and thus improving production efficiency. On the other hand, the control module is configured to control the cutting component 4 to cut the outer shell of the battery module 200, thereby improving the automation level of cutting the battery module 200.

[0169] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 5 , the cutting assembly 4 includes a pressing driving member 41 and a pressing member 42 , and the pressing driving member 41 is connected to the pressing member 42 .

[0170] Before step S102, the cutting method includes:

[0171] In step S103 , the control module controls the pressing driving member to drive the pressing member to move along the height direction of the cutting device toward the direction close to the battery module, and press the pressing member against the top of the battery module.

[0172] The pressing driving member 41 is connected to the pressing member 42 and is used to drive the pressing member 42 to move closer to or away from the battery module 200 along the height direction of the cutting device 10 .

[0173] For example, the pressing member 42 may be a plate-shaped structure or a block-shaped structure.

[0174] The pressing drive member 41 can be a linear reciprocating motion structure such as a gas rod or an electric rod. The moving end of the pressing drive member 41 is connected to the pressing member 42 and is used to drive the pressing member 42 to move closer to or away from the battery to be cut along the height direction of the cutting device 10.

[0175] In this embodiment, the cutting assembly 4 is provided with a clamping drive 41 and a clamping member 42. The control module controls the clamping drive 41 to drive the clamping member 42 to clamp the outer shell of the battery module 200, thereby fixing the battery module 200 during the cutting process, reducing the risk of deviation of the battery module 200 due to unnecessary displacement, and improving the accuracy of the cutting operation.

[0176] It should be noted that the pressing member 42 can be movable only along the height direction of the cutting device 10 or can be movable along the second direction. Thus, when cutting the ends of the battery module 200 along the first direction, the relative position between the pressing member 42 and the cutting member 44 of the cutting assembly 4 is adjusted to adapt to cutting the end plates of the battery module 200 along the first direction.

[0177] Exemplarily, the cutting assembly 4 includes a fifth motion mechanism, and the control module is configured to control the fifth motion mechanism to drive the pressing member 42 to move along the first direction.

[0178] The specific type of the fifth motion mechanism is not limited here, as long as it can drive the pressing member 42 to move along the first direction. Exemplarily, the fifth motion mechanism is a linear module.

[0179] In this embodiment, by setting up a fifth motion mechanism, the control module drives the clamping member 42 by controlling the fifth motion mechanism to adjust the relative position between the clamping member 42 and the battery module 200, thereby adapting to different positions of cutting the battery module 200, thereby improving convenience and automation.

[0180] Of course, in some embodiments, referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 5 , the number of the pressing members 42 may be two, and the two pressing members 42 are distributed on both sides of the cutting member 44 of the cutting assembly 4 along the first direction.

[0181] In this embodiment, two pressing members 42 are provided, and the two pressing members 42 are distributed on both sides of the cutting member 44 of the cutting assembly 4 along the first direction. Thus, when the cutting device 10 cuts the ends of the battery module 200 along the first direction, the pressing member 42 located above the battery module 200 presses on the battery module 200, while the other pressing member 42 may be suspended in the air, thereby adapting to cutting both ends of the battery module 200 along the first direction. This embodiment has a simple structure and reduces production costs.

[0182] Please refer to FIG. 1 . An embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a disassembly and recycling device, comprising a cutting device 10 according to any embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0183] Exemplarily, referring to FIG. 1 , the disassembly and recycling equipment 100 may further include a hoisting device 20 (eg, a KBK hoist) for hoisting the battery module 200 to the loading assembly 2 .

[0184] Exemplarily, referring to FIG. 1 , the disassembly and recycling equipment 100 may further include a transfer vehicle 30 for transferring the battery module 200 to the loading and unloading station of the loading assembly 2 .

[0185] In some embodiments, referring to FIG2 and FIG5 , the cutting assembly 4 includes a motion assembly 43 , a cutting member 44 , and a distance sensor 45 ;

[0186] Before step S103, the cutting method includes:

[0187] Step S104: the control module controls the motion assembly to drive the cutting member to move to the cutting position;

[0188] In step S105 , the control module controls the distance measuring sensor to detect the distance between the cutting piece and the battery module, and compensates for the distance.

[0189] The control module is configured to control the motion assembly 43 to drive the cutting member 44 to move along the first direction, the second direction, and the height direction of the cutting device 10 . The cutting member 44 is configured to cut the outer shell of the battery module 200 .

[0190] It should be noted that the specific type of the cutting member 44 is not limited herein. For example, the cutting member 44 can be a disc-shaped rolling cutter as shown in the figure.

[0191] For example, the rolling cutter is placed in the pre-cutting position and pressure is applied. The motion component 43 drives the rolling cutter to roll up and down in the height direction for cutting. Depending on the thickness of the material being cut, different times and feed amounts of cutting can be performed. Different cutting directions are selected for different cutting directions.

[0192] The motion component 43 is, for example, a three-axis drive linear module.

[0193] In this embodiment, the cutting assembly 4 drives the cutting member 44 to move along the first direction, the second direction and the height direction through the motion assembly 43 to achieve cutting of the outer shell of the battery module 200, thereby improving the accuracy of the cutting operation on the battery module 200.

[0194] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 2 and 5 , the motion assembly 43 includes a first mounting position 431 and a second mounting position 432 for mounting the cutting member 44. When the cutting member 44 is mounted in the first mounting position 431, the cutting member 44 is parallel to the first direction. When the cutting member 44 is mounted in the second mounting position 432, the cutting member 44 is parallel to the second direction.

[0195] That is to say, the cutting piece 44 installed in the first mounting position 431 and the cutting piece 44 installed in the second mounting position 432 are perpendicular to each other. In this way, they can be used to cut different directions of the battery module 200. For example, the cutting pieces 44 installed in different mounting positions are respectively suitable for cutting the end plate or side plate of the battery module 200. In other words, cutting pieces 44 in different directions can be selected for different cutting directions, thereby improving the versatility and convenience of the cutting device 10.

[0196] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 5 , the cutting assembly 4 includes a distance measuring sensor 45 in communication with the control module for detecting the distance between the cutting member 44 and the battery module 200 .

[0197] In this embodiment, a distance measuring sensor 45 is provided to detect the distance between the cutting member 44 and the battery module 200 to achieve positioning compensation for the cutting member 44 , thereby improving the cutting accuracy of the cutting device 10 and thus improving reliability.

[0198] The present disclosure provides a method for cutting a battery module, which includes the following steps S201 to S211:

[0199] In step S201, a corresponding product blueprint program is manually selected, and a lifting device is manually used to place the battery module on a loading component of the loading assembly.

[0200] Step S202: manually move the loading piece to the working area of ​​the frame via a slide, and close the lifting door of the cutting device.

[0201] Step S203: manually close the safety door of the cutting device and press the start button, and the safety door will automatically lock.

[0202] In step S204, the control module controls the first motion mechanism to drive the first movable member to move close to the first limiting structure to roughly position the battery module in the length direction, and the first driving mechanism clamps the battery module between the first movable member and the first limiting structure.

[0203] In step S205, the control module controls the second motion mechanism to drive the second movable member to move close to the second limiting structure to roughly position the battery module in the width direction, and the second driving mechanism clamps the battery module between the second movable member and the second limiting structure.

[0204] Here, the order of step S204 and step S205 can be interchanged.

[0205] In step S206 , the control module controls the motion assembly of the cutting assembly to drive the cutting member to move to the cutting position.

[0206] In step S207 , the control module controls the distance measuring sensor of the cutting assembly to detect the distance between the cutting piece and the battery module, and compensates for the distance.

[0207] In step S208 , the control module controls the pressing driving member of the cutting assembly to drive the pressing member to move along the height direction of the cutting device toward the direction close to the battery module, and press against the top of the battery module.

[0208] In step S209, the control module controls the motion component to drive the cutting piece to roll up and down along the height direction for cutting.

[0209] Depending on the thickness of the material being cut, different cutting times and feed rates can be performed, and different cutting directions can be selected for different cutting directions.

[0210] In step S210 , after the cutting is completed, the control module controls the motion assembly to drive the cutting member to lift and withdraw from the contact position with the battery module, and at the same time controls the pressing member and the positioning module to return to the initial position.

[0211] Step S211: The equipment lifting door is opened, and the manually loaded parts are moved out of the working area of ​​the rack.

[0212] If the other side of the battery module needs to be cut, the loading piece can be manually rotated 180 degrees outside the device and then steps S202 to S211 can be repeated.

[0213] In the description of the present disclosure, the descriptions with reference to the terms "in one embodiment", "in some embodiments", "in other embodiments", "in yet other embodiments", or "exemplary" etc. mean that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiments of the present disclosure. In the present disclosure, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described may be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, those skilled in the art may combine different embodiments or examples described in the present disclosure and features of different embodiments or examples, unless they are mutually inconsistent.

[0214] The above are merely exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, and the like made within the spirit and principles of the present disclosure are intended to be within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A cutting device for cutting a battery module, comprising: Control module; a rack having a working area; a loading assembly movably disposed on the frame, configured to carry the battery module and drive the battery module to or from the working area; A positioning module provided on the rack includes a first positioning component and a second positioning component, wherein the control module is configured to control the first positioning component to position the battery module in a first direction, and control the second positioning component to position the battery module in a second direction; a cutting assembly, wherein the control module is configured to control the cutting assembly to cut the outer shell of the battery module; In which, the loading assembly includes two first limiting structures, and the two first limiting structures are arranged at the two ends of the loading assembly along the first direction. The working area includes a first end and a second end relatively arranged along the first direction. The first positioning assembly includes a first motion mechanism, a first moving part and a second motion mechanism arranged on the first motion mechanism. The first motion mechanism is arranged on the frame, and the first moving part is located at the first end of the working area. The control module is configured to control the first motion mechanism to drive the first moving part to move closer to or away from the first limiting structure located at the second end. The control module is configured to control the second motion mechanism to drive the first moving part to move along the height direction of the cutting device, and the first direction and the second direction intersect with the height direction.

2. The cutting device according to claim 1, wherein The loading assembly includes a loading mechanism, which includes a loading piece, two first limiting structures and two second limiting structures. The loading piece is used to carry the battery module. The two first limiting structures are arranged at both ends of the loading piece along the first direction, and the two second limiting structures are arranged at both ends of the loading piece along the second direction. A accommodating structure for accommodating the battery module is defined between the loading piece, the two first limiting structures and the two second limiting structures.

3. The cutting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first positioning assembly further includes a first driving mechanism, the first motion mechanism is connected to the first moving member via the first driving mechanism, and the first driving mechanism is configured to drive the first moving member to move along the first direction.

4. The cutting device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The working area includes a third end and a fourth end arranged relative to each other along the second direction, the second positioning assembly includes a third motion mechanism and a second moving part, the third motion mechanism is arranged on the frame, and the second moving part is located at the third end of the working area, and the control module is configured to control the third motion mechanism to drive the second moving part to move so as to approach or move away from the second limiting structure located at the fourth end.

5. The cutting device according to claim 4, wherein: The second positioning assembly further includes a second driving mechanism, the third motion mechanism is connected to the second moving member via the second driving mechanism, and the second driving mechanism is configured to drive the second moving member to move along the second direction.

6. The cutting device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein: The feeding assembly further includes a fourth motion mechanism, and the fourth motion mechanism is configured to drive the feeding mechanism to move.

7. The cutting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The cutting assembly includes a pressing driving member and a pressing member. The pressing driving member is connected to the pressing member and is used to drive the pressing member to approach or move away from the battery module along the height direction of the cutting device.

8. The cutting device according to claim 7, wherein: The number of the pressing members is two, and the two pressing members are distributed on both sides of the cutting member of the cutting assembly along the first direction.

9. The cutting device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The cutting assembly includes a fifth motion mechanism, and the control module is configured to control the fifth motion mechanism to drive the pressing member to move along the first direction.

10. The cutting device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The cutting assembly includes a motion assembly and a cutting piece. The control module is configured to control the motion assembly to drive the cutting piece to move along the first direction, the second direction and the height direction of the cutting device. The cutting piece is configured to cut the outer shell of the battery module.

11. The cutting device according to claim 10, wherein: The motion assembly includes a first mounting position and a second mounting position for mounting the cutting member. When the cutting member is mounted at the first mounting position, the cutting member is parallel to the first direction; when the cutting member is mounted at the second mounting position, the cutting member is parallel to the second direction.

12. The cutting device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein: The cutting assembly includes a distance measuring sensor communicatively connected to the control module for detecting the distance between the cutting piece and the battery module.

13. The cutting device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: The cutting device further includes an outer cover and a dust collector. The outer cover is arranged on the frame. The positioning module and the cutting assembly are arranged in the outer cover. The dust collector is configured to remove dust from the space in the outer cover.

14. A disassembly and recycling device, comprising a lifting device and the cutting device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the lifting device is configured to lift the battery module to the loading assembly.

15. A cutting method, applied to a cutting device for cutting battery modules, the cutting device comprising a control module, a loading assembly, a positioning module, a cutting assembly, and a frame having a working area; The cutting method comprises: The control module controls the positioning module to position the battery module, wherein the positioning module includes a first positioning component and a second positioning component, the control module is configured to control the first positioning component to position the battery module in a first direction, and control the second positioning component to position the battery module in a second direction, the loading component includes two first limiting structures, and the two first limiting structures are arranged at both ends of the loading component along the first direction, the working area includes a first end and a second end arranged opposite to each other along the first direction, the first positioning component includes a first motion mechanism, a first moving part and a second motion mechanism arranged on the first motion mechanism, the first motion mechanism is arranged on the frame, and the first moving part is located at the first end of the working area, the control module is configured to control the first motion mechanism to drive the first moving part to move to approach or move away from the first limiting structure located at the second end, and the control module is configured to control the second motion mechanism to drive the first moving part to move along the height direction of the cutting device, and the first direction and the second direction intersect with the height direction; The control module controls the cutting assembly to cut the outer shell of the battery module.

16. The cutting method according to claim 15, wherein: The cutting assembly includes a pressing drive member and a pressing member, wherein the pressing drive member is connected to the pressing member; Before the control module controls the cutting assembly to cut the outer shell of the battery module, the cutting method includes: The control module controls the pressing driving member to drive the pressing member to move along the height direction of the cutting device toward the direction close to the battery module, and press the top of the battery module.

17. The cutting method according to claim 16, wherein: The cutting assembly includes a motion assembly, a cutting piece and a distance measuring sensor; Before the control module controls the pressing driving member to drive the pressing member to move in a direction close to the battery module along the height direction of the cutting device and press the top of the battery module, the cutting method includes: The control module controls the motion component to drive the cutting member to move to the cutting position; The control module controls the distance measuring sensor to detect the distance between the cutting member and the battery module and compensate for the distance.

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