A test device for retired lithium-ion battery packs of electric vehicles and a method of using the same

Abstract

A testing device for retired lithium-ion battery packs for electric vehicles includes a base. A first belt conveyor mechanism is mounted on one side of the base. Placement plates are mounted on both sides of the top surface of the base. One placement plate has a first clamping mechanism, and the other has a second clamping mechanism. A battery capacity testing device is fixedly mounted on the top surface of the base. A frame is mounted on the other side of the base. Two partitions are installed inside the frame, dividing the interior into three cavities. The bottom of each cavity is equipped with a second belt conveyor mechanism. This invention allows for different clamping methods based on the placement of individual batteries on the first belt conveyor mechanism. Furthermore, it enables single-cell capacity testing and parallel connection of multiple cells to form battery packs for capacity testing, satisfying the requirements of traditional single-cell testing while also achieving the advantages of short testing time and low cost for parallel battery packs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of retired lithium-ion battery testing equipment, specifically a testing device for retired lithium-ion battery packs of electric vehicles and its usage method. Background Technology

[0002] With the escalating energy crisis and environmental pollution, the energy transition in transportation is imperative. Electric vehicles using environmentally friendly lithium-ion batteries as their power source can effectively reduce road emissions and have received high attention from domestic and international automotive research institutions and manufacturers. However, power battery packs are costly, and when their capacity decays to 70-80% of their rated capacity, the battery packs will be retired. Although retired battery packs cannot meet the needs of electric vehicles, their capacity is sufficient for energy storage devices, and they still have significant reuse value. Therefore, it is necessary to test retired lithium-ion batteries, and we have designed a testing device for retired lithium-ion battery packs for electric vehicles. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention provides a testing device and method for retired lithium-ion battery packs for electric vehicles, which addresses the deficiencies in the prior art.

[0004] This invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0005] A testing device for retired lithium-ion battery packs of electric vehicles includes a base. A first belt conveyor mechanism is mounted on one side of the base. Placement plates are mounted on both sides of the top surface of the base. One placement plate has a first clamping mechanism, and the other has a second clamping mechanism. A battery capacity testing device is fixedly mounted on the top surface of the base. A frame is mounted on the other side of the base. Two upper and lower partitions are installed inside the frame, dividing the interior into three cavities. A second belt conveyor mechanism is mounted at the bottom of each cavity. A lead screw with a motor is mounted at the top of the frame. A nut is fitted onto the lead screw, and a horizontal plate is fixedly mounted on one side of the nut. A placement groove is formed on the bottom surface of the flat plate, and a first threaded rod with a motor is installed in the placement groove. A first nut is threaded onto the first threaded rod. A vertical first electric telescopic rod is fixedly installed at the bottom end of the first nut. A rotatable movable plate is installed at the bottom end of the first electric telescopic rod. A vertical rod is fixedly installed on one side of the bottom end of the movable plate. An elongated groove is formed on the bottom surface of the movable plate, and a screw rod of the motor is installed in the elongated groove. A second nut is threaded onto the screw rod. A second electric telescopic rod is installed at the bottom end of the second nut. The bottom end of the movable end of the second electric telescopic rod is hinged to the bottom end of the vertical rod through a fixed plate. A third clamping mechanism is provided below the fixed plate.

[0006] As described above, a test device for retired lithium-ion battery packs of electric vehicles includes a first clamping mechanism comprising two first clamping plates arranged in a front-to-back manner. A first elongated groove is formed on the top surface of the clamping plate. Second threaded rods are movably installed at the front and rear ends of the first elongated groove, respectively. The two second threaded rods have opposite threads, and a third nut is threadedly fitted on the second threaded rod. The first clamping plate is fixedly connected to the top end of a corresponding third nut.

[0007] As described above, in a test device for retired lithium-ion battery packs of electric vehicles, the second clamping mechanism includes two second clamping plates arranged in a front-to-back manner. The bottom end of the second clamping plate located at the rear is fixedly connected to the rear end of the top surface of the placement plate. A second elongated groove is opened on the top surface of the placement plate, and a third threaded rod with a motor is installed in the second elongated groove. A fourth nut is threadedly fitted on the third threaded rod, and the top end of the fourth nut is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the second clamping plate located at the front.

[0008] As described above, in a test device for retired lithium-ion battery packs of electric vehicles, the third clamping mechanism includes a mating groove at the bottom of a fixed plate, in which a fourth threaded rod with a motor is installed. A fifth nut is threaded onto the fourth threaded rod, and a short clamping plate is fixedly installed at the bottom end of the fifth nut. A long clamping plate is fixedly installed at the rear end of the bottom surface of the fixed plate.

[0009] As described above, in a test device for retired lithium-ion battery packs of electric vehicles, the bottom end of the long clamp is a pointed tip.

[0010] As described above, in a test device for retired lithium-ion battery packs of electric vehicles, a T-shaped groove is opened at the top of the frame, and a T-shaped slider is fitted inside the groove. The top of the slider is connected to the bottom surface of the horizontal plate.

[0011] The above-described method of using a testing device for retired lithium-ion battery packs of electric vehicles involves conveying individual battery cells from a first belt conveyor towards a base. A first threaded rod rotates, causing a first electric telescopic rod to move towards the first belt conveyor. The first electric telescopic rod extends, causing a third clamping mechanism to move downwards, clamping the individual battery cells conveyed on the first belt conveyor. Different operating modes are selected based on the placement of the individual battery cells. Specifically, when the individual battery cell is horizontally positioned on the first belt conveyor, a moving plate rotates, positioning a second electric telescopic rod on the right and a vertical rod on the left. Then, the second electric telescopic rod extends, simultaneously moving towards the vertical rod under the drive of the screw, causing the fixing plate to fold around its hinge point with the vertical rod. The third clamping mechanism clamps the individual battery. When the first belt conveyor is in a vertical position, the first electric telescopic rod extends, and the fixing plate is in a horizontal state. The third clamping mechanism clamps the individual battery. After clamping, the first threaded rod rotates in the opposite direction. According to the test requirements, the individual battery is placed on one of the placement plates and clamped by the first or second clamping mechanism. After the battery capacity test is completed, according to the test results, the third clamping mechanism moves to a certain height under the retraction of the first electric telescopic rod. Then the second electric telescopic rod extends and moves towards the vertical direction, making the fixing plate vertical. The tested individual battery is then placed on one of the second belt conveyors and conveyed to the collection and placement area.

[0012] The advantages of this invention are: A single battery cell is conveyed from the first belt conveyor mechanism towards the base. The first threaded rod rotates, driving the first electric telescopic rod to move towards the first belt conveyor mechanism. The first electric telescopic rod extends, causing the third clamping mechanism to move downwards, clamping the single battery cell carried on the first belt conveyor mechanism. Different operating modes are selected according to the placement of the single battery cell. Specifically, when the single battery cell is horizontally placed on the first belt conveyor mechanism, the moving plate rotates, placing the second electric telescopic rod on the right and the vertical rod on the left. Then, the second electric telescopic rod extends, and simultaneously, driven by the screw, it moves towards the vertical rod, causing the fixing plate to fold around the hinge point with the vertical rod. The third clamping mechanism then clamps the single battery cell. When the single battery cell is vertically placed on the first belt conveyor mechanism, the first electric telescopic rod extends, the fixing plate is horizontal, and the third clamping mechanism clamps the single battery cell. After clamping, the first threaded rod rotates in the opposite direction. According to testing requirements, individual batteries are placed on a placement plate and clamped by either a first or second clamping mechanism. After testing by the battery capacity testing equipment, based on the test results, a third clamping mechanism moves to a certain height under the retraction of a first electric telescopic rod. Then, a second electric telescopic rod extends and moves towards the vertical direction, making the fixing plate vertical. The tested individual battery is then placed on a set of second belt conveyors and transported to the collection and placement area. This invention allows for different clamping methods based on the placement state of the individual battery on the first belt conveyor. Furthermore, it enables single-cell capacity testing and parallel battery pack capacity testing, satisfying the requirements of traditional single-cell testing while also achieving the advantages of short testing time and low cost in parallel battery pack testing. Additionally, single-cell testing and parallel battery pack testing can be compared in experiments. Attached Figure Description

[0013] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 View from direction A; Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An enlarged view of the B-direction view. Detailed Implementation

[0015] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0016] A testing device for retired lithium-ion battery packs for electric vehicles, as shown in the figure, includes a base 1. A first belt conveyor mechanism is mounted on one side of the base 1. The first belt conveyor mechanism is prior art and will not be described in detail here. Individual battery cells are conveyed on the conveyor belt of the first belt conveyor mechanism. Placement plates 2 are mounted on both sides of the top surface of the base 1. One placement plate 2 is equipped with a first clamping mechanism, and the other placement plate 2 is equipped with a second clamping mechanism. A battery capacity testing device is fixedly mounted on the top surface of the base 1, located between the two placement plates 2. The battery capacity testing device is prior art and will not be described in detail here. The first clamping mechanism can clamp individual battery cells. Then, capacity testing is performed. The second clamping mechanism can clamp multiple individual batteries in parallel, and then perform capacity testing on the parallel battery pack. The other side of the base 1 is fitted with a frame 3. The frame 3 is fitted with two upper and lower partitions, which divide the interior of the frame 3 into three cavities. Each cavity is fitted with a second belt conveyor mechanism at its bottom. The three sets of second belt conveyors respectively transport: batteries with physical damage such as bulging or leakage are transported to the scrap battery placement position; batteries without obvious external damage and with a remaining capacity of more than 80% after capacity calibration are classified as one category, which can be used for portable power banks, battery replacement, smart grids, and energy storage; batteries with a remaining capacity between 40% and 80% are classified as another category, which can be used for For applications with less stringent requirements, such as general lighting or as a backup battery, the top of frame 3 is fitted with a lead screw 4 equipped with a motor. Support plates are located at both the front and rear ends of the lead screw 4. The bottom of the support plates connects to the top of frame 3, and the front end of the lead screw 4 is movably connected to the rear of the front support plate. The motor of the lead screw 4 connects to the front of the rear support plate. A nut 5 is fitted onto the lead screw 4, and a horizontal plate 6 is fixedly installed on one side of the nut 5. The bottom surface of the horizontal plate 6 contacts the top of frame 3. A placement groove 7 is formed on the bottom surface of the horizontal plate 6, and a first threaded rod 8 equipped with a motor is installed in the placement groove 7. A first nut is threaded onto the first threaded rod 8, and a vertical first electric telescopic rod 9 is fixedly installed at the bottom end of the first nut. The first electric telescopic rod 9 is fixed... The top of the first electric telescopic rod 9 contacts and engages with the bottom surface of the horizontal plate 6. The bottom end of the first electric telescopic rod 9 is fitted with a rotatable movable plate 10. A vertical rod 11 is fixedly installed on one side of the bottom end of the movable plate 10. A long groove 12 is opened on the bottom surface of the movable plate 10. A motor screw 13 is fitted in the long groove 12. A second nut is threaded on the screw 13. A second electric telescopic rod 14 is installed at the bottom end of the second nut. The bottom end of the movable end of the second electric telescopic rod 14 is hinged to the bottom end of the vertical rod 11 through a fixed plate 15. When the second electric telescopic rod 14 extends and moves towards the vertical rod 11, the fixed plate 15 can be folded, that is, it gradually changes from a horizontal state to a vertical state. A third clamping mechanism is fitted below the fixed plate 15.A single battery cell is conveyed from the first belt conveyor to the base 1. The first threaded rod 8 rotates, driving the first electric telescopic rod 9 to move towards the first belt conveyor. The first electric telescopic rod 9 extends, causing the third clamping mechanism to move downwards and clamp the single battery cell carried on the first belt conveyor. Different operating modes are selected according to the placement of the single battery cell. When the single battery cell is placed horizontally on the first belt conveyor, the moving plate 10 rotates, so that the second electric telescopic rod 14 is on the right and the vertical rod 11 is on the left. Then, the second electric telescopic rod 14 extends, and at the same time, driven by the screw 13, the second electric telescopic rod 14 moves towards the vertical rod 11, causing the fixing plate 15 to fold around the hinge point with the vertical rod 11. The third clamping mechanism clamps the single battery cell. When the single battery cell is placed vertically on the first belt conveyor, the first electric telescopic rod 9 extends, the fixing plate 15 is in a horizontal state, and the third clamping mechanism clamps the single battery cell. After clamping, the first threaded rod 8 rotates downwards, driving the first electric telescopic rod 9 to move towards the base 1. The lever 8 rotates in the reverse direction, and according to the testing requirements, the single battery is placed on one of the placement plates 2. It is clamped by the first or second clamping mechanism. After the battery capacity testing equipment is completed, according to the test results, the third clamping mechanism moves to a certain height under the retraction of the first electric telescopic rod 9. Then the second electric telescopic rod extends and moves towards the vertical rod 11, so that the fixing plate 15 becomes vertical. After the test, the single battery is placed on one of the second belt conveyor mechanisms and conveyed to the collection and placement area. This invention can select different clamping methods according to the placement state of the single battery on the first belt conveyor mechanism. Moreover, it can perform single battery capacity testing and multiple single batteries connected in parallel to form a battery pack for capacity testing as needed. It can meet the requirements of single battery testing in traditional methods and can also achieve the advantages of short time and low cost of parallel battery packs. Furthermore, single battery testing and parallel battery pack testing can be compared in experiments.

[0017] Specifically, the first clamping mechanism described in this embodiment includes two first clamping plates 16 arranged front to back. A first elongated groove 17 is formed on the top surface of the placement plate 2. Second threaded rods 18 are movably installed at the front and rear ends of the first elongated groove 17, respectively. The two second threaded rods 18 have opposite threads, and a third nut is threaded onto each second threaded rod 18. The first clamping plate 16 is fixedly connected to the top of a corresponding third nut. One of the second threaded rods 18 is equipped with a motor, which is installed on the inner wall of the rear end of the first elongated groove 17. The rotation of the second threaded rod 18 can control the relative movement of the two first clamping plates 16. The distance between the two first clamping plates 16 can be controlled according to the thickness of the individual battery cells to meet different clamping needs.

[0018] Specifically, the second clamping mechanism described in this embodiment includes two second clamping plates 19 arranged in a front-to-back configuration. The bottom end of the rear second clamping plate 19 is fixedly connected to the rear end of the top surface of the placement plate 2. A second elongated groove 20 is formed on the top surface of the placement plate, and a third threaded rod 21 with a motor is installed in the second elongated groove 20. A fourth nut is threaded onto the third threaded rod 21, and the top end of the fourth nut is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the front second clamping plate 19. Depending on the needs of assembling a battery pack for testing, multiple individual batteries are placed between the two second clamping plates 19. That is, the front second clamping plate 19 moves forward to insert one individual battery, gradually increasing the number to form a battery pack.

[0019] Furthermore, the third clamping mechanism described in this embodiment includes a mating groove at the bottom of the fixed plate 15. A fourth threaded rod 22 with a motor is installed in the mating groove. A fifth nut is threaded onto the fourth threaded rod 22. A short clamping plate 23 is fixedly installed at the bottom end of the fifth nut. A long clamping plate 24 is fixedly installed at the rear end of the bottom surface of the fixed plate 15. The top surface of the short clamping plate 23 contacts the bottom surface of the fixed plate 15. When the fourth threaded rod 22 rotates, it drives the short clamping plate 23 to move towards the long clamping plate 24, clamping the individual battery. Moreover, when the individual battery is being transported horizontally in the first belt conveyor mechanism, the short clamping plate 23 and the long clamping plate 24 can be arranged vertically. The long clamping plate 24 contacts the top surface of the conveyor belt in the first belt conveyor mechanism. The individual battery moves onto the long clamping plate 24 under the drive of the conveyor belt, and the short clamping plate 23 moves downward to clamp the individual battery. Then, it is placed by subsequent rotation and folding.

[0020] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the bottom end of the long clamping plate 24 is a pointed tip. When assembling the battery pack, the bottom end of the long clamping plate 24 first contacts the front of the inserted single battery cell. Then, the second clamping plate at the front moves forward, and the long clamping plate 24 fixes the single battery cell. After the single battery cell is inserted, the second clamping plate at the front moves backward, and the long clamping plate 24 moves upward. The second clamping plate 19 clamps the single battery cell to form the battery pack. The pointed tip allows the long clamping plate to be better inserted between the second clamping plate at the front and the single battery cell.

[0021] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the top of the frame has a T-shaped groove 25, and a T-shaped slider is fitted inside the groove, with the top of the slider connected to the bottom surface of the horizontal plate. The cooperation between the groove 25 and the slider makes the horizontal plate more stable during movement and the structure more robust.

[0022] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the individual battery is conveyed from the first belt conveyor to the base 1. The first threaded rod 8 rotates, driving the first electric telescopic rod 9 to move towards the first belt conveyor. The first electric telescopic rod 9 extends, causing the third clamping mechanism to move downwards, clamping the individual battery carried on the first belt conveyor. Different operating modes are selected according to the placement of the individual battery. That is, when the individual battery is horizontally placed on the first belt conveyor, the moving plate 10 rotates, so that the second electric telescopic rod 14 is on the right and the vertical rod 11 is on the left. Then, the second electric telescopic rod 14 extends, and at the same time, driven by the screw 13, the second electric telescopic rod 14 moves towards the vertical rod 11, causing the fixing plate 15 to fold around the hinge point with the vertical rod 11. The third clamping mechanism then... The mechanism clamps the individual battery. When the individual battery is placed vertically by the first belt conveyor, the first electric telescopic rod 9 extends, and the fixing plate 15 is in a horizontal state. The third clamping mechanism clamps the individual battery. After clamping, the first threaded rod 8 rotates in the opposite direction. According to the test requirements, the individual battery is placed on one of the placement plates 2 and clamped by the first or second clamping mechanism. After the battery capacity test is completed, according to the test results, the third clamping mechanism moves to a certain height under the retraction of the first electric telescopic rod 9. Then the second electric telescopic rod extends and moves towards the vertical rod 11, making the fixing plate 15 vertical. After the test, the individual battery is placed on one of the second belt conveyors and conveyed to the collection and placement area.

[0023] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A testing device for retired lithium-ion battery packs of electric vehicles, characterized in that: Includes a base (1), with a first belt conveyor mechanism on one side of the base (1), and placement plates (2) installed on both sides of the top surface of the base (1). One placement plate (2) is equipped with a first clamping mechanism, and the other placement plate (2) is equipped with a second clamping mechanism. A battery capacity testing device is fixedly installed on the top surface of the base (1), and a frame (3) is installed on the other side of the base (1). Two upper and lower partitions are installed inside the frame (3), dividing the interior of the frame (3) into three cavities. A second belt conveyor mechanism is installed at the bottom of each cavity. A lead screw (4) with a motor is installed at the top of the frame (3), and a lead screw nut (5) is installed on the lead screw (4). A horizontal plate (6) is fixedly installed on one side of the lead screw nut (5), and a placement groove (7) is opened on the bottom surface of the horizontal plate (6). 7) The first threaded rod (8) with a motor is installed in the inner part. The first threaded rod (8) is threaded with a first nut. The bottom end of the first nut is fixedly installed with a vertical first electric telescopic rod (9). The bottom end of the first electric telescopic rod (9) is fitted with a rotatable movable plate (10). The bottom side of the movable plate (10) is fixedly installed with a vertical rod (11). The bottom surface of the movable plate (10) is opened with a long groove (12). The long groove (12) is fitted with a screw rod (13) of the motor. The screw rod (13) is threaded with a second nut. The bottom end of the second nut is installed with a second electric telescopic rod (14). The bottom end of the movable end of the second electric telescopic rod (14) is hinged to the bottom end of the vertical rod (11) through a fixed plate (15). The bottom of the fixed plate (15) is fitted with a third clamping mechanism.

2. The testing device for retired lithium-ion battery packs of electric vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first clamping mechanism includes two first clamping plates (16) arranged in front and behind. A first long groove (17) is opened on the top surface of the placement plate (2). Second threaded rods (18) are movably installed at the front and rear ends of the first long groove (17). The two second threaded rods (18) have opposite threads. A third nut is provided on the threaded part of the second threaded rod (18). The first clamping plate (16) is fixedly connected to the top of the corresponding third nut.

3. The testing device for retired lithium-ion battery packs of electric vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second clamping mechanism includes two second clamping plates (19) arranged in a front-to-back manner. The bottom end of the second clamping plate (19) located at the rear is fixedly connected to the rear end of the top surface of the placement plate (2). A second elongated groove (20) is opened on the top surface of the placement plate. A third threaded rod (21) with a motor is installed in the second elongated groove (20). A fourth nut is threaded on the third threaded rod (21). The top end of the fourth nut is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the second clamping plate (19) located at the front.

4. The testing device for retired lithium-ion battery packs of electric vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that: The third clamping mechanism includes a mating groove at the bottom of the fixed plate (15), in which a fourth threaded rod (22) with a motor is installed. A fifth nut is threaded on the fourth threaded rod (22), and a short clamping plate (23) is fixedly installed at the bottom of the fifth nut. A long clamping plate (24) is fixedly installed at the rear end of the bottom surface of the fixed plate (15).

5. The testing device for retired lithium-ion battery packs of electric vehicles according to claim 4, characterized in that: The bottom end of the long clamp (24) is a pointed end.

6. The testing device for retired lithium-ion battery packs of electric vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the frame has a T-shaped groove (25) and a T-shaped slider is provided inside the groove. The top of the slider is connected to the bottom surface of the horizontal plate.

7. A method for using a testing device for retired lithium-ion battery packs of electric vehicles, characterized in that: The retired lithium-ion battery cells of the electric vehicle are transported from the first belt conveyor to the base (1). The first threaded rod (8) rotates, driving the first electric telescopic rod (9) to move towards the first belt conveyor. The first electric telescopic rod (9) extends, causing the third clamping mechanism to move downward and clamp the battery cells on the first belt conveyor. Different operating methods are selected according to the placement of the battery cells. That is, when the battery cells are placed horizontally on the first belt conveyor, the moving plate (10) rotates, so that the second electric telescopic rod (14) is on the right and the vertical rod (11) is on the left. Then the second electric telescopic rod (14) extends, and at the same time, driven by the screw (13), the second electric telescopic rod (14) moves towards the vertical rod (11), so that the fixed plate (15) flips around the hinge point with the vertical rod (11). Fold, the third clamping mechanism clamps the single battery. When the single battery is placed vertically by the first belt conveyor, the first electric telescopic rod (9) extends and the fixed plate (15) is in a horizontal state. The third clamping mechanism clamps the single battery. After clamping, the first threaded rod (8) rotates in the opposite direction. According to the test requirements, the single battery is placed on one of the placement plates (2) and clamped by the first clamping mechanism or the second clamping mechanism. After the battery capacity test is completed, according to the test results, the third clamping mechanism moves to a certain height under the contraction of the first electric telescopic rod (9). Then the second electric telescopic rod extends and moves towards the vertical rod (11) so that the fixed plate (15) becomes vertical. After the test, the single battery is placed on one of the second belt conveyors and conveyed to the collection and placement area.

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