System for battery terminal post correction and cover-fitting inspection, and method for performing battery terminal post correction and cover-fitting inspection by using said system

Abstract

The present invention provides a system and method for battery terminal post correction and cover-fitting inspection, integrating the functions of battery terminal post correction, cover-fit testing, and terminal post height measurement. The system comprises a correction apparatus, a cover-fitting inspection apparatus, and a conveyor belt. The accuracy of terminal post correction is ensured by means of a correction positioning window and a support block in limiting fit with each other. A cover-fitting inspection mechanism accurately measures the height of the terminal posts by means of a contact-type sensor. The conveyor belt is divided into three stations: a correction station, an inspection station, and a sorting station, thereby implementing an automated process. The correction positioning window is in limiting fit with a battery slot opening, and the support block provides stable support, thereby improving correction efficiency and accuracy. The cover-fitting inspection mechanism has a simple design, is easy to maintain, and ensures inspection accuracy. The system is equipped with an accurate positioning and limiting mechanism for battery conveying, thereby enhancing device applicability and protecting battery components. The present invention further provides a method for performing battery terminal post correction and cover-fitting inspection by using the system. In general, the present invention improves production efficiency and product quality in the battery manufacturing industry.

Description

A system for calibrating battery terminals and detecting battery cap closure, and a method for using this system to calibrate battery terminals and detect battery cap closure. Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery manufacturing technology, specifically to a system for battery terminal alignment and cover detection, and a method for using this system to perform battery terminal alignment and cover detection. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, with the deepening implementation of the Industry 4.0 strategy, the battery industry has accelerated its transformation towards intelligent manufacturing. The industry's automation production line adoption rate has increased significantly annually. Through the introduction of robotic welding systems, AGV logistics systems, and MES production management systems, significant improvements have been achieved in personnel allocation, production efficiency, and quality consistency (product qualification rate has increased to over 99%). This transformation has effectively addressed the dual pressures of rising labor costs and increasingly stringent environmental standards (the "Lead-Acid Battery Industry Standard Conditions" requires a 15% reduction in energy consumption).

[0003] However, in the critical process of battery assembly lines—the alignment of the terminal posts after electrode group casting and welding—there are still technical bottlenecks hindering the industry's development. In traditional processes, the welded electrode groups need to be aligned using mechanical fixtures to ensure precise alignment with the battery cover's terminal holes. Current mainstream equipment adopts a "visual positioning + servo pressing" technical approach, but in actual operation, the following prominent problems have been exposed:

[0004] Insufficient calibration accuracy: Due to the heat deformation of casting and welding (temperature variation range of 80-150℃ resulting in ±0.3mm deformation) and fixture positioning error (cumulative error ≥ ±0.15mm), the actual calibration accuracy can only reach ±0.5mm, which is far below the design tolerance requirement of ±0.2mm for the precision injection molding hole of the battery cover.

[0005] Frequent defects in pile foundations: Industry survey data shows that when the deviation between the pole post and the center of the pile hole exceeds 0.4mm, mechanical interference will occur during the assembly of the cover plate, causing the outer wall of the pole post to scrape against the inner wall of the pile hole (contact stress > 25MPa). This abnormal contact will not only cause damage to the coating on the surface of the pole post (peeling area > 3mm), but also... 2 Furthermore, uneven filling of the sealant can lead to irreversible blockage defects (the industry average defect rate is 3‰), resulting in unmaintainable production losses.

[0006] Lagging process control: Existing calibration systems mostly adopt open-loop control mode and lack real-time force feedback mechanism. When pole misalignment occurs, the pressing mechanism still performs the action according to the preset path, which can easily cause overpressure damage (the risk of plastic shell rupture increases by 3 times when the pressure peak is >800N). Manual re-inspection (sampling rate <5%) is difficult to effectively identify hidden defects, causing problematic batteries to flow into subsequent processes.

[0007] The industry has tried various solutions to address this problem: ① Increasing the resolution of the vision system to the 10μm level, but this increased hardware costs by 2.3 times and made it susceptible to dust interference in the workshop; ② Using elastic compensation fixtures, which could absorb some deformation errors, but led to longer production line cycle times; ③ Adding manual calibration stations, but this went against the original intention of automation upgrades. None of these solutions fundamentally solved the problem of balancing accuracy and efficiency.

[0008] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a system or method for terminal post calibration and cover detection, which can not only ensure the accuracy of terminal post calibration, but also reduce the battery box cover failure rate, so as to promote the intelligent manufacturing upgrade of the battery industry. Summary of the Invention

[0009] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention aims to provide a system for battery terminal alignment and cover detection, as well as a method for using this system for battery terminal alignment and cover detection. The design is integrated, combining battery terminal alignment, cover testing, and terminal height detection to ensure terminal alignment, reduce the battery dead battery rate on the assembly line, and reduce production process losses.

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows:

[0011] This invention provides a system for calibrating and detecting the closure of battery terminals. The battery to be processed is a semi-finished product including a battery case and a set of terminals. The set of terminals is inserted into the case and a busbar is cast and welded to the terminals. Each terminal includes a positive terminal and a negative terminal. The terminals are connected to the side of the busbar via the side of the terminal base. The system for calibrating and detecting the closure of battery terminals includes a battery terminal calibration device and a battery terminal closure detection device.

[0012] frame;

[0013] A conveyor belt, mounted on the frame, is used to transport the storage battery. The conveyor belt is provided with a calibration station, an inspection station, and a sorting station from the upstream end to the downstream end.

[0014] The battery terminal alignment device includes an alignment unit.

[0015] The calibration unit is mounted on the frame near the calibration station and includes a calibration positioning mechanism for positioning the battery at the calibration station and a mold closing calibration mechanism for calibrating the terminals. The mold closing calibration mechanism includes a liftable calibration mounting base. The calibration mounting base has a calibration positioning plate located above the calibration station. The calibration positioning plate has a calibration positioning window for limiting the opening of the battery slot. The calibration mounting base also has a pair of horizontally movable calibration plates. The two calibration plates are staggered vertically. Calibration ports are provided on opposite sides of the two calibration plates corresponding to the positions of the two terminals of the battery during testing. One of the calibration plates also has a support block that extends under the terminal base during calibration to support the terminal.

[0016] The battery terminal cover detection device includes a cover detection unit and a sorting unit.

[0017] The battery cap detection unit is mounted on the frame near the battery cap detection station. It includes a battery cap detection positioning mechanism for positioning the battery at the battery cap detection station, and a battery cap detection mechanism for detecting the battery cap on the terminals. The battery cap detection mechanism includes a liftable battery cap detection mounting base. The battery cap detection mounting base is provided with a battery cap detection positioning plate located above the battery cap detection station. The battery cap detection positioning plate is provided with a battery cap detection positioning window for limiting and cooperating with the opening of the battery. The battery cap detection mounting base is also provided with a battery cap detection plate. The battery cap detection plate is provided with two detection holes located above the battery cap detection positioning window for each of the two terminals to extend into during detection. The battery cap detection plate is provided with a contact sensor for detecting the height of the terminals at each detection hole. The contact of the contact sensor is positioned across the detection hole.

[0018] The sorting unit is located on the frame near the sorting station and is used to remove the unqualified batteries detected by the cover detection unit from the conveyor belt.

[0019] The conveyor belt is divided into three independent sub-conveyor belts, which are connected sequentially.

[0020] The upstream sub-conveyor belt is equipped with the calibration station; the middle sub-conveyor belt is equipped with the inspection station; and the downstream sub-conveyor belt is equipped with the sorting station.

[0021] This invention ensures precise positioning of the battery at the calibration station by adjusting the positioning window and the limiting mechanism of the battery slot. This design reduces the need for manual alignment, increases the automation of the calibration process, thereby accelerating the calibration speed and improving calibration accuracy.

[0022] The support block extends under the pole base during calibration to provide support, ensuring stable support for the pole during the calibration process and preventing inaccurate calibration due to pole shaking or misalignment.

[0023] The alignment of the positioning window with the battery slot and the setting of the support block together constitute the key mechanism to ensure the accuracy of the pole alignment.

[0024] First, the calibration positioning window utilizes the structural features of the battery slot. The shape and size of this window closely match the battery slot, allowing it to accurately fit into the calibration positioning window when the battery is placed in the calibration station. This limiting fit not only restricts the battery's horizontal movement but also ensures its vertical stability. Second, a support block is mounted on one of the calibration plates and designed to extend under the terminal block base during calibration. As the calibration plate approaches the battery and applies calibration force, the support block first contacts the terminal block base, providing stable support. This support effectively prevents the terminal block from wobbling or misaligning during calibration, ensuring accurate transmission of calibration force and precise terminal calibration.

[0025] The alignment of the positioning window with the battery slot opening, along with the coordinated action of the support block, creates a stable and precise alignment environment. Under this environment, the terminal post can be accurately aligned, thus meeting the requirements of subsequent capping inspection. This improves the automation level of the alignment process, accelerates the alignment speed, and significantly enhances alignment accuracy.

[0026] The lid-closing detection mechanism includes a liftable lid-closing detection mounting base and a lid-closing detection positioning plate, along with detection holes and contact sensors, enabling the device to perform high-precision lid-closing detection on the terminals. The contact sensor's contacts are positioned across the detection hole, accurately detecting the height of the terminal and thus determining the alignment of the terminal with the battery box cover hole.

[0027] Furthermore, the bottom opening of the calibration positioning window has a first guide slope, which can improve the automation and ease of operation of the calibration process and reduce operational errors and the number of repeated calibrations.

[0028] The bottom opening of the cover detection and positioning window has a fourth guide slope, which helps the battery to be more easily aligned with the window when it is placed in the cover detection station. Even if there is a certain positional deviation, it can be automatically corrected by the guidance of the slope, thus improving the efficiency and accuracy of positioning.

[0029] Furthermore, the calibration port is opened on the side of the calibration plate and is vertically inserted through the calibration plate. The diameter of the calibration port gradually decreases from the opening on the side of the calibration plate to the inward side, thereby forming a second guide slope, which improves the calibration accuracy, reduces damage to the pole due to improper calibration, and also helps to improve the calibration efficiency.

[0030] Furthermore, the support block has a third guide slope on the side facing the pole base to protect the pole base from damage, while ensuring that the support block can stably support the pole, providing a reliable support foundation for the calibration process.

[0031] Furthermore, the calibration mounting base is provided with a first drive mechanism for driving the calibration plate to move horizontally.

[0032] Furthermore, the frame is provided with a vertical first guide rail, the calibration mounting base is slidably engaged with the first guide rail, and the frame is also provided with a second drive mechanism for driving the calibration mounting base to rise and fall;

[0033] The frame is provided with a vertical second guide rail, and the cover detection mounting base slides with the second guide rail. The frame is also provided with a fourth drive mechanism for driving the cover detection mounting base to rise and fall.

[0034] Expand the applicability of the calibration device and the cover detection device to enable them to handle different types of batteries, thereby improving the versatility and flexibility of the equipment.

[0035] Specifically, the calibration and positioning mechanism includes:

[0036] A first sensor for detecting the battery; first guide and limiting baffles mounted on the frame and located on both sides of the conveyor belt; a first clamping arm located on one side of the conveyor belt, movable horizontally to cooperate with the first guide and limiting baffles on the opposite side to clamp and position the battery; and a third drive mechanism mounted on the frame and located on one side of the conveyor belt for driving the first clamping arm to move horizontally. This calibration and positioning mechanism improves the accuracy and stability of calibration and positioning, providing reliable assurance for subsequent calibration processes. Simultaneously, this design also helps to improve the automation level and ease of operation of the entire calibration device.

[0037] Specifically, the lid-closing detection and positioning mechanism includes:

[0038] A second sensor for detecting the battery; a second guide limiting baffle mounted on the frame and located on both sides of the conveyor belt; a second clamping arm located on one side of the conveyor belt and movable horizontally to cooperate with the second guide limiting baffle on the opposite side to clamp and position the battery; and a fifth drive mechanism mounted on the frame and located on one side of the conveyor belt for driving the second clamping arm to move horizontally.

[0039] The drive mechanism includes a drive cylinder for driving, which enables the lifting of the mounting base and the horizontal movement of the clamping arm.

[0040] Specifically, the selection unit includes:

[0041] A third sensor is used to detect the arrival of the battery; a stop block is used to block the battery; a sixth drive mechanism, mounted on a frame on one side of the conveyor belt, is used to horizontally drive the stop block to extend above the conveyor belt; a push plate, located upstream of the stop block, is used to remove the defective battery blocked by the stop block from the conveyor belt; and a seventh drive mechanism, mounted on a frame on one side of the conveyor belt, is used to horizontally drive the push plate. The arrival of the battery is detected by the third sensor, and the sixth drive mechanism drives the stop block to extend above the conveyor belt, preventing the defective battery from moving further. The push plate design removes the defective battery blocked by the stop block from the conveyor belt, realizing the automatic collection and processing of defective products and improving the automation level of the production line.

[0042] The present invention also provides a method for battery terminal alignment and cover detection, wherein the battery terminal alignment and cover detection system described above is used to perform battery terminal alignment and cover detection.

[0043] The beneficial effects of this invention are mainly reflected in the following aspects:

[0044] 1. Significantly improves calibration accuracy and efficiency:

[0045] The use of a mold-closing correction structure, combined with a correction positioning window and support block setting with limit cooperation, ensures high-precision positioning and stable support of the battery terminal during the correction process, thereby significantly improving the accuracy and efficiency of correction.

[0046] 2. Enhance equipment applicability and protect battery components:

[0047] The precise battery delivery positioning and limiting mechanism is not only suitable for various battery specifications, but also effectively protects the terminals and battery cases from damage, extending the battery's lifespan.

[0048] 3. Improve production safety and reduce losses:

[0049] Automated calibration and testing processes reduce manual intervention and improve the overall safety of the production line. Simultaneously, high-precision testing and selection mechanisms lower the rate of battery burn-in on the assembly line, reducing production losses.

[0050] 4. Achieve production line linkage and efficient testing:

[0051] The equipment features an integrated design, combining battery terminal alignment, cover testing, and terminal height detection into a single unit. It integrates with existing assembly lines to enable coordinated production. Each channel is equipped with a terminal alignment station and a battery cover inspection station, improving production efficiency.

[0052] 5. Improve detection efficiency and accuracy:

[0053] The battery terminal cover detection device is equipped with a precise positioning mechanism, a high-efficiency detection mechanism, and an automated sorting unit. It can accurately detect the accuracy of battery terminal cover closure and automatically reject unqualified products, thus improving detection efficiency and accuracy.

[0054] 6. Simple structure and easy maintenance:

[0055] The equipment has a simple and clear design, making it easy to perform daily maintenance and troubleshooting, reducing maintenance costs and improving the reliability and stability of the equipment.

[0056] In summary, this invention, through integrated design and technological innovation, achieves high precision, high efficiency, and a high degree of automation in the battery terminal alignment and cap inspection process. The use of a mold-closing alignment structure and a alignment positioning window with limiting mechanisms, combined with the stable support of support blocks, significantly improves the accuracy and stability of battery terminal alignment while protecting battery components from damage. Furthermore, the precise battery transport positioning and limiting mechanism, along with the integrated detection and sorting unit, ensures the accuracy of the inspection process, effectively reducing the rate of battery dead-ends in the assembly line and minimizing production losses. The equipment has a simple and clear structure, is easy to maintain, and can be integrated with existing assembly lines for coordinated production line operation, improving both production efficiency and safety. Overall, this invention brings significant economic benefits and technological advancements to the battery manufacturing industry, improving product quality and production efficiency while reducing production costs and maintenance complexity. Attached Figure Description

[0057] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the battery terminal alignment and cover detection system of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the battery terminal alignment device of the present invention;

[0059] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the mold closing correction mechanism of the present invention;

[0060] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the calibration plate of the present invention;

[0061] Figure 5 is a bottom view of the correction plate of the present invention;

[0062] Figure 6 is a side view of the correction plate of the present invention;

[0063] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the positioning and positioning window of the present invention and the limiting fit of the battery slot.

[0064] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the battery terminal cover detection device of the present invention;

[0065] Figure 9 is a side view of the battery terminal cover detection device of the present invention.

[0066] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the battery terminal cover detection station and detection unit of the present invention.

[0067] Figure 11 is a bottom view of the battery terminal cover detection station and detection unit of the present invention;

[0068] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the battery terminal cover detection unit of the present invention;

[0069] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the battery terminal cover detection unit of the present invention.

[0070] In the diagram, the markings are: 0-frame, 1-conveyor belt, 2-battery, 3-calibration unit, 31-calibration positioning mechanism, 311-first sensor, 312-first guide limit baffle, 313-first clamping arm, 314-third drive mechanism, 32-mold closing calibration mechanism, 321-calibration mounting base, 3212-first drive mechanism, 3213-second drive mechanism, 3211-calibration positioning plate, 32111-calibration positioning window, 321111-first guide ramp, 322-calibration plate, 3221-calibration port, 32211-second guide ramp, 3222-support block, 32221-third guide ramp, 4- 5-First guide rail, 6-Lid closing detection and positioning mechanism, 61-Second sensor, 62-Second guide limit baffle, 63-Second clamping arm, 64-Fifth drive mechanism, 7-Lid closing detection mechanism, 71-Lid closing detection mounting base, 711-Lid closing detection positioning plate, 7111-Lid closing detection positioning window, 71111-Fourth guide slope, 712-Lid closing detection plate, 7121-Detection hole, 7122-Contact sensor, 71221-Contact, 713-Fourth drive mechanism, 8-Second guide rail, 9-Third sensor, 10-Stop block, 11-Sixth drive mechanism, 12-Push plate, 121-Seventh drive mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0071] As shown in Figures 1-13, the present invention provides a system for calibrating and detecting the closing of battery terminals. The battery 2 to be processed is a semi-finished product including a battery case and a group of terminals. The group of terminals is placed in the case and the busbar and terminal 4 are cast and welded together. The terminal 4 includes a positive terminal and a negative terminal. The terminal 4 is connected to the side of the busbar through the side of the terminal base. The system for calibrating and detecting the closing of battery terminals includes a battery terminal calibration device and a battery terminal closing detection device, a frame 0, and a conveyor belt 1.

[0072] The conveyor belt 1, mounted on the frame 0, is used to transport the storage battery 2. The conveyor belt 1 has a calibration station, an inspection station, and a sorting station in sequence from the upstream end to the downstream end. The conveyor belt 1 is divided into three independent sub-conveyor belts, which are connected in sequence. The upstream sub-conveyor belt has a calibration station; the middle sub-conveyor belt has an inspection station; and the downstream sub-conveyor belt has a sorting station.

[0073] Specifically, the battery terminal alignment device includes alignment unit 3.

[0074] The calibration unit 3 is mounted on the frame 0 near the calibration station. It includes a calibration positioning mechanism 31 for positioning the battery 2 at the calibration station, and a mold closing calibration mechanism 32 for calibrating the terminal post 4. The mold closing calibration mechanism 32 includes a liftable calibration mounting base 321. The calibration mounting base 321 is provided with a calibration positioning plate 3211 located above the calibration station. The calibration positioning plate is provided with a calibration positioning window 32111 for limiting the opening of the battery slot. The limiting cooperation between the calibration positioning window and the opening of the battery slot can ensure the accurate positioning of the battery at the calibration station and reduce manual alignment. To improve calibration accuracy, the calibration mounting base 321 is also equipped with a pair of calibration plates 322 that can move horizontally relative to each other. The two calibration plates 322 are staggered vertically. On the opposite side of the two calibration plates 322, calibration ports 3221 are provided corresponding to the positions of the two terminals 4 of the battery during testing. One of the calibration plates 322 is also equipped with a support block 3222 that extends under the base of the terminal 4 during calibration to support the terminal 4. The support block extends under the base of the terminal during calibration to provide support, so that the terminal can be stably supported during the calibration process, avoiding inaccurate calibration caused by the terminal shaking or misalignment.

[0075] The battery terminal cover detection device includes a cover detection unit and a sorting unit.

[0076] The battery cover detection unit, mounted on a frame 0 near the battery cover detection station, includes a battery cover detection positioning mechanism 6 for positioning the battery at the battery cover detection station, and a battery cover detection mechanism 7 for detecting the battery cover on the terminals 4. The battery cover detection mechanism 7 includes a liftable battery cover detection mounting base 71, on which a battery cover detection positioning plate 711 is provided above the battery cover detection station. The battery cover detection positioning plate 711 is provided with a battery cover detection positioning window 7111 for limiting and cooperating with the opening of the battery 2. The battery cover detection mounting base 71 is also provided with a battery cover detection plate 712, on which a position above the battery cover detection positioning window 7111 is provided for each of the two terminals 4 during detection. From the two protruding detection holes 7121, the cover detection plate 712 is equipped with a contact sensor 7122 for detecting the height of the terminal post at each detection hole 7121. The contact 71221 of the contact sensor 7122 is positioned across the top of the detection hole, which can accurately detect the height of the terminal post and thus determine the alignment of the terminal post with the battery box cover hole. The liftable cover detection mounting base and the cover detection positioning plate located on it, as well as the setting of the detection holes and contact sensors in the cover detection mechanism, enable the device to perform high-precision cover detection on the terminal post. The sorting unit is located on the frame near the sorting station and is used to remove the unqualified batteries 2 detected by the cover detection unit from the conveyor belt 1.

[0077] The bottom opening of the calibration positioning window 32111 has a first guide slope 321111, which helps the battery to be more easily aligned with the calibration positioning window when it is placed in the calibration station. This reduces the difficulty for the operator in aligning the battery and improves the efficiency of operation.

[0078] To make it easier to align and position the battery when it is inserted into the cover detection and positioning window, the bottom opening of the cover detection and positioning window 7111 has a second guide slope 71111. The guide slope can guide the opening of the battery smoothly into the window, reducing the difficulty of operation and errors.

[0079] The calibration port 3221 is opened on the side of the calibration plate 322 and is vertically inserted through the calibration plate 322. The diameter of the calibration port 3221 gradually decreases from the side opening of the calibration plate 322 to the inside, thereby forming a second guide slope 32211. This allows the calibration port to gradually guide and adapt to the shape of the pole when it contacts the pole, which helps to more accurately position and calibrate the pole.

[0080] In order to protect the pole base from damage and ensure that the support block can stably support the pole, the support block 3222 has a third guide slope 32221 on the side facing the pole base 4. When the support block contacts and supports the pole base, it can more easily adapt to its shape and reduce friction and damage caused by hard contact.

[0081] The calibration mounting base 321 is provided with a first drive mechanism 3212 for driving the calibration plate 322 to move horizontally. The frame 0 is also provided with a vertical first guide rail 5, and the calibration mounting base 321 slides with the first guide rail 5. The frame 0 is also provided with a second drive mechanism 3213 for driving the calibration mounting base 321 to move up and down.

[0082] The frame 0 is provided with a vertical second guide rail 8, and the cover detection mounting base 71 is slidably engaged with the second guide rail 8. The frame 0 is also provided with a fourth drive mechanism 713 for driving the cover detection mounting base 71 to rise and fall, allowing the cover detection mounting base to rise and fall freely in the vertical direction, so as to adapt to batteries of different heights or to perform detection at different heights.

[0083] The increased applicability of the calibration device and the cover detection device allows it to handle different types of batteries, improving the equipment's versatility and flexibility.

[0084] Specifically, the calibration and positioning mechanism 31 includes: a first sensor 311 for detecting the battery 2; a first guide limiting baffle 312 disposed on the frame 0 and located on both sides of the conveyor belt 1; a first clamping arm 313 located on one side of the frame 0 and movable horizontally to cooperate with the first guide limiting baffle 312 on the opposite side to clamp and position the battery 2; and a third drive mechanism 314 disposed on the frame 0 and located on one side of the conveyor belt 1 for driving the first clamping arm to move horizontally.

[0085] The precise positioning of the battery at the battery cover detection station is achieved through a battery cover detection and positioning mechanism 6, which includes: a second sensor 61 for detecting the battery 2; second guide limiting baffles 62 mounted on the frame 0 and located on both sides of the conveyor belt 1; a second clamping arm 63 located on one side of the conveyor belt 1, capable of horizontal movement to cooperate with the second guide limiting baffle 62 on the opposite side to clamp and position the battery 2; and a fifth drive mechanism 64 mounted on the frame 0 and located on one side of the conveyor belt 1 to drive the second clamping arm 63 to move horizontally. The second sensor detects the presence and position of the battery, the second guide limiting baffles restrict the lateral movement of the battery, and the second clamping arm cooperates with the second guide limiting baffles to clamp and position the battery.

[0086] The drive mechanism includes a drive cylinder for driving, which enables the lifting of the mounting base and the horizontal movement of the clamping arm.

[0087] Specifically, the sorting unit includes: a third sensor 9 for detecting the battery 2; a stop block 10 for blocking the battery 2; a sixth drive mechanism 11 mounted on a frame 0 on one side of the conveyor belt 1 for horizontally driving the stop block 10 to extend above the conveyor belt 1; a push plate 12 mounted upstream of the stop block 10 for removing unqualified batteries blocked by the stop block 10 from the conveyor belt 1; and a seventh drive mechanism 121 mounted on a frame 0 on one side of the conveyor belt 1 for horizontally driving the push plate 12. The sorting unit can automatically identify and remove unqualified batteries. The third sensor is used to detect the qualified status of the battery, the stop block is used to block unqualified batteries, and the push plate removes the unqualified batteries from the conveyor belt, realizing automated detection and sorting.

[0088] This invention also provides a method for battery terminal alignment and cover detection. The method uses the aforementioned battery terminal alignment and cover detection system to perform battery terminal alignment and cover detection, and the specific steps are as follows:

[0089] In use, the system of the present invention transports semi-finished batteries (including battery cases and electrode groups) onto a conveyor belt and moves from the upstream end to the downstream end.

[0090] Pole column calibration:

[0091] When the battery 2 is transported to the vicinity of the calibration station via the conveyor belt 1, the first sensor 311 detects the arrival of the battery 2 and sends a signal to the control system. After receiving the signal, the control system activates the third drive mechanism 314, which drives the first clamping arm 313 to move horizontally and cooperate with the first guide limiting baffle 312 on the opposite side to clamp and position the battery 2 at the calibration station. The cooperation between the first guide limiting baffle 312 and the first clamping arm 313 ensures the accurate positioning of the battery 2 at the calibration station, reducing the need for manual alignment. After the battery 2 is positioned, the second drive mechanism 3213 is activated, driving the calibration mounting base 321 to descend along the first guide rail 5, so that the calibration positioning window 32111 on the calibration positioning plate 3211 is limited and cooperates with the battery slot of the battery 2. Next, the first drive mechanism 3212 is activated, driving the two calibration plates 322 to move horizontally relative to each other until the calibration port 3221 corresponds to the two terminals 4 of the battery. During the calibration process, the support block 3222 extends under the base of the terminal 4 to support the terminal. After the terminal is calibrated, the first drive mechanism 3212 and the second drive mechanism 3213 respectively drive the calibration plate 322 and the calibration mounting base 321 to reset. The first clamping arm 313 is released under the drive of the third drive mechanism 314, and the battery 2 is released. The conveyor belt 1 continues to run, transporting the calibrated battery 2 to the next process.

[0092] Box lid inspection:

[0093] When the battery arrives at the cover detection station, the second sensor 61 detects the presence and position of the battery 2 and sends a signal to the control system. The control system starts the fifth drive mechanism 64, drives the second clamping arm 63 to move horizontally, and cooperates with the second guide limit baffle 62 to clamp and position the battery 2, ensuring that the battery is accurately positioned at the cover detection station.

[0094] The control system activates the fourth drive mechanism 713, which drives the cover detection mounting base 71 to descend, bringing the cover detection positioning plate 711 and the cover detection plate 712 closer to the battery. The opening of the battery smoothly enters the cover detection positioning window 7111. Due to the presence of the fourth guide slope 71111, alignment and positioning are easier.

[0095] The electrode post 4 extends into the detection hole 7121, and the contact 71221 of the contact sensor 7122 is positioned across the top of the detection hole to accurately detect the height of the electrode post.

[0096] The control system determines the alignment of the terminal post with the battery box cover hole based on the signal fed back by the contact sensor 7122. If it is qualified, it continues to transport; if it is not qualified, it sends a signal to the selection unit.

[0097] When the third sensor 9 receives a non-compliance signal, the control system activates the sixth drive mechanism 11, and the drive block 10 extends above the conveyor belt 1 to block the non-compliance battery.

[0098] At the same time, the control system activates the seventh drive mechanism 121, which drives the push plate 12 to move horizontally, removing the unqualified batteries blocked by the stop block 10 from the conveyor belt, thus realizing the automatic screening of unqualified batteries.

Claims

1. A system for calibrating battery terminals and detecting battery cap closure, wherein the battery to be processed is a semi-finished product including a battery case and a group of terminals, the group of terminals is inserted into the case and a busbar is cast and welded to the terminals, the terminals including a positive terminal and a negative terminal, the terminals being connected to the side of the busbar via the side of the terminal base, characterized in that, The battery terminal alignment and cover detection system includes a battery terminal alignment device and a battery terminal cover detection device. frame; A conveyor belt, mounted on the frame, is used to transport the storage battery. The conveyor belt is provided with a calibration station, an inspection station, and a sorting station in sequence from the upstream end to the downstream end. The battery terminal alignment device includes an alignment unit. The calibration unit is mounted on the frame near the calibration station and includes a calibration positioning mechanism for positioning the battery at the calibration station and a mold closing calibration mechanism for calibrating the terminals. The mold closing calibration mechanism includes a liftable calibration mounting base. The calibration mounting base has a calibration positioning plate located above the calibration station. The calibration positioning plate has a calibration positioning window for limiting the opening of the battery slot. The calibration mounting base also has a pair of horizontally movable calibration plates. The two calibration plates are staggered vertically. Calibration ports are provided on opposite sides of the two calibration plates corresponding to the positions of the two terminals of the battery during testing. One of the calibration plates also has a support block that extends under the terminal base during calibration to support the terminal. The battery terminal cover detection device includes a cover detection unit and a sorting unit. The battery cap detection unit is mounted on the frame near the battery cap detection station. It includes a battery cap detection positioning mechanism for positioning the battery at the battery cap detection station, and a battery cap detection mechanism for detecting the battery cap on the terminals. The battery cap detection mechanism includes a liftable battery cap detection mounting base. The battery cap detection mounting base is provided with a battery cap detection positioning plate located above the battery cap detection station. The battery cap detection positioning plate is provided with a battery cap detection positioning window for limiting and cooperating with the opening of the battery. The battery cap detection mounting base is also provided with a battery cap detection plate. The battery cap detection plate is provided with two detection holes located above the battery cap detection positioning window for each of the two terminals to extend into during detection. The battery cap detection plate is provided with a contact sensor for detecting the height of the terminals at each detection hole. The contact of the contact sensor is positioned across the detection hole. The sorting unit is located on the frame near the sorting station and is used to remove the unqualified batteries detected by the cover detection unit from the conveyor belt. The conveyor belt is divided into three independent sub-conveyor belts, which are connected sequentially. The upstream sub-conveyor belt is equipped with the calibration station; the middle sub-conveyor belt is equipped with the inspection station; and the downstream sub-conveyor belt is equipped with the sorting station.

2. The battery terminal alignment and cover detection system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom opening of the calibration positioning window has a first guide slope; The bottom opening of the cover detection and positioning window has a fourth guide slope.

3. The system for battery terminal alignment and cover detection according to claim 1, characterized in that, The calibration port is an opening on the side of the calibration plate and is vertically penetrating the calibration plate. The diameter of the calibration port gradually decreases from the opening on the side of the calibration plate inward to form a second guide slope.

4. The system for battery terminal alignment and cover detection according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support block has a third guide slope on the side facing the pole base.

5. The system for battery terminal alignment and cover detection according to claim 1, characterized in that, The calibration mounting base is provided with a first drive mechanism for driving the calibration plate to move horizontally.

6. The system for battery terminal alignment and cover detection according to claim 1, characterized in that, The frame is provided with a vertical first guide rail, the calibration mounting base is slidably engaged with the first guide rail, and the frame is also provided with a second drive mechanism for driving the calibration mounting base to rise and fall. The frame is provided with a vertical second guide rail, and the cover detection mounting base slides with the second guide rail. The frame is also provided with a fourth drive mechanism for driving the cover detection mounting base to rise and fall.

7. The system for battery terminal alignment and cover detection according to claim 1, characterized in that, The calibration and positioning mechanism includes: The first sensor used to detect the storage battery; A first guide limiting baffle is disposed on the frame and located on both sides of the conveyor belt; A first clamping arm located on one side of the conveyor belt, which can move horizontally to cooperate with the first guide limiting baffle on the opposite side to clamp and position the battery; A third drive mechanism, mounted on the frame and located on one side of the conveyor belt, for driving the first clamping arm to move horizontally.

8. The system for battery terminal alignment and cover detection according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lid-closing detection and positioning mechanism includes: A second sensor used to detect the battery; A second guide limiting baffle is provided on the frame and located on both sides of the conveyor belt; A second clamping arm located on one side of the conveyor belt, which can move horizontally to cooperate with the second guide limiting baffle on the opposite side to clamp and position the battery; A fifth drive mechanism, mounted on the frame and located on one side of the conveyor belt, for driving the second clamping arm to move horizontally.

9. The system for battery terminal alignment and cover detection according to claim 1, characterized in that, The selection unit includes: A third sensor used to detect the battery; A stop block used to block the battery; A sixth drive mechanism, mounted on a frame on one side of the conveyor belt, for horizontally driving the stop block to extend above the conveyor belt; A push plate located at the upstream end of the stop block for removing defective batteries blocked by the stop block from the conveyor belt; A seventh drive mechanism, mounted on a frame on one side of the conveyor belt, for horizontally driving the push plate.

10. A method for calibrating battery terminals and detecting battery cover closure, characterized in that, The battery terminal alignment and cover detection system according to any one of claims 1-9 is used to perform battery terminal alignment and cover detection.

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