Automated test and matching process based on soft-pack lithium battery

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an automatic test and grouping process based on soft package lithium battery, comprising: obtaining a batch of soft package lithium batteries; performing a feeding step on each soft package lithium battery; performing a straight tab step on each soft package lithium battery; performing a tab cutting step on each soft package lithium battery; performing a voltage and internal resistance edge voltage test on each soft package lithium battery by a voltage and internal resistance testing device; performing a discharging step on each soft package lithium battery to make each soft package lithium battery move away from the testing turntable; and moving each soft package lithium battery to a corresponding gear placement area according to the data obtained from the voltage and internal resistance edge voltage test. The process realizes an automatic process, realizes simultaneous testing of the internal resistance, tab voltage and edge voltage of the soft package lithium battery, and then groups each soft package lithium battery according to the data such as internal resistance, tab voltage and edge voltage, thereby reducing the time required for the overall process, without manual intervention, and thereby improving the efficiency of battery testing and grouping.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of battery testing and grouping technology, and in particular to an automated testing and grouping process based on pouch lithium batteries. Background Technology

[0002] The manufacturing process of pouch lithium batteries includes various testing processes, including voltage / internal resistance testing and side voltage testing. These two tests use different measuring instruments and are typically performed separately in two steps. Voltage / internal resistance testing is conducted manually using a simple fixture, with the measuring instrument connected to the test fixture to read the corresponding values. Side voltage testing involves manually measuring the voltage between the positive and negative electrode tabs and the aluminum layer between the aluminum and plastic composite film using a simple fixture to determine the battery's insulation performance. Internal resistance, tab voltage, and side voltage are crucial parameters for judging battery performance and are also important conditions for battery pack matching.

[0003] The method of testing with simple tooling and manual assistance has drawbacks such as poor stability, low testing efficiency, high labor costs, and large human influence. Furthermore, misjudgment during manual testing leading to defective batteries will directly affect battery performance.

[0004] In the existing model, the internal resistance / voltage test, the side voltage test, and the matching process are all independent. In particular, the internal resistance / voltage test and the side voltage test cannot be performed simultaneously, which leads to low efficiency in the overall test and matching process. For example, there is a cutting tab side voltage detection device disclosed in the existing Chinese patent CN111266318B. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this disclosure is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide an automated test and grouping process based on pouch lithium batteries that can improve test grouping efficiency and eliminate manual intervention.

[0006] The purpose of this disclosure is achieved through the following technical solution: An automated testing and grouping process based on pouch lithium batteries includes the following steps: S101, Obtain batches of soft-pack lithium batteries; S102. Perform a feeding step on each soft-pack lithium battery so that the soft-pack lithium battery enters the test turntable; S103. Straighten the tabs for each pouch lithium battery. S104. Perform tab cutting for each soft-pack lithium battery after straightening the tabs. S105. For each soft-pack lithium battery after the tab is cut, the internal resistance side voltage is tested by a voltage internal resistance testing device. The voltage internal resistance testing device includes a testing component, a first conductive component, a second conductive component, and a third conductive component. One end of the first conductive component, the second conductive component, and the third conductive component are all electrically connected to the testing component. S106. Perform a material unloading step on each soft-pack lithium battery after the voltage internal resistance edge voltage test is completed, so that each soft-pack lithium battery is about to move away from the test turntable. S107. Based on the data obtained from the voltage internal resistance side voltage test, move each soft-pack lithium battery to the corresponding placement area. The test turntable has a feeding position, a straightening position, a cutting position, a voltage internal resistance side voltage testing position, and a feeding and assembly position. The test turntable is used to execute steps S103-S106 sequentially by rotating.

[0007] In one embodiment, the test assembly includes an internal resistance voltage tester and a side voltage tester. One end of the first conductive component is electrically connected to the first pole of the internal resistance voltage tester and the first pole of the side voltage tester, respectively. One end of the second conductive component is electrically connected to the second pole of the internal resistance voltage tester, and one end of the third conductive component is electrically connected to the second pole of the side voltage tester.

[0008] In one embodiment, executing S105 specifically includes the following steps: The other end of the first conductive component is connected to the first tab of the soft-pack lithium battery. The other end of the second conductive component is connected to the second tab of the soft-pack lithium battery; The other end of the third conductive component is connected to the conductive layer inside the packaging film of the soft-pack lithium battery. The internal resistance, tab voltage, and side voltage of the current soft-pack lithium battery are tested simultaneously.

[0009] In one embodiment, executing S102 specifically includes the following steps: A batch of soft-pack lithium batteries are stacked on a blister tray to form a blister tray containing soft-pack lithium batteries; Grab the blister pack containing the soft-pack lithium battery onto the feeding line so that the blister pack containing the soft-pack lithium battery is close to the test turntable; The first robotic arm picks up each soft-pack lithium battery from the blister tray and places it into the test turntable.

[0010] In one embodiment, the step of using a first robotic arm to pick up each pouch lithium battery from the blister pack and place it into the test turntable includes the following steps: Real-time detection of the remaining number of soft-pack lithium batteries in blister packs containing soft-pack lithium batteries; When the remaining quantity of soft-pack lithium batteries reaches a predetermined value, the second robotic arm grabs the blister pack and places it onto the unloading line.

[0011] In one embodiment, executing S103 specifically includes the following steps: Each pouch lithium battery undergoes a tab straightening process using upper and lower ceramic fixtures.

[0012] In one embodiment, executing S104 specifically includes the following steps: According to the set tab cutting dimensions, perform tab cutting steps for each pouch lithium battery.

[0013] In one embodiment, the test turntable has a loading position, a straightening tab position, a cutting tab position, a voltage internal resistance side voltage testing position, and a loading and assembly position with battery placement slots. The test turntable has a multi-directional supporting component and a negative pressure suction nozzle component in each battery placement slot. The negative pressure suction nozzle component is located at the bottom of the battery placement slot, and the multi-directional supporting component is disposed on the side wall of the battery placement slot.

[0014] In one embodiment, the multi-directional supporting component includes a first-directional supporting component, a second-directional supporting component, and a third-directional supporting component. The first-directional supporting component and the second-directional supporting component are respectively disposed on opposite sidewalls of the battery placement slot. The third-directional supporting component is disposed on the sidewall of the battery placement slot and located between the first-directional supporting component and the second-directional supporting component. The first-directional supporting component and the second-directional supporting component are used to jointly clamp the left and right sides of the pouch lithium battery. The third-directional supporting component is used to push the pouch lithium battery forward, so that the pouch lithium battery abuts against the sidewall of the battery placement slot away from the third-directional supporting component, so that the first-directional supporting component, the second-directional supporting component, and the third-directional supporting component jointly fix the pouch lithium battery.

[0015] In one embodiment, a negative pressure inlet is provided at the bottom of the battery placement slot, and the suction end of the negative pressure suction nozzle component faces the negative pressure inlet, so that when the soft-pack lithium battery is located in the battery placement slot, the negative pressure suction nozzle component draws out the air from the battery placement slot to suck up the soft-pack lithium battery.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, this disclosure has at least the following advantages: Compared with existing processes, the above-mentioned automated testing and grouping process based on pouch lithium batteries achieves an automated process of "feeding-testing-unloading-grouping". In the testing stage, this process can simultaneously test the internal resistance, tab voltage and side voltage of the pouch lithium batteries. Then, based on the data such as internal resistance, tab voltage and side voltage, each pouch lithium battery is grouped so that each pouch lithium battery is placed in the corresponding grouping position, thereby reducing the overall process time, eliminating the need for manual intervention, and thus improving the efficiency of battery testing and grouping. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly described below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this disclosure and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of an automated testing and grouping process based on pouch lithium batteries in one embodiment; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the voltage internal resistance testing device in one embodiment; Figure 3 for Figure 2 A partial schematic diagram of the voltage internal resistance testing device during edge voltage testing; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the battery placement slot, multi-directional support component, and negative pressure suction nozzle component of the test turntable in one embodiment; Figure 5 for Figure 3 The diagram shows the battery placement slot, multi-directional support component, and negative pressure suction nozzle component in another direction.

[0019] Reference numerals: 10, Voltage internal resistance testing device; 100, Testing component; 101, First conductive component; 102, Second conductive component; 103, Third conductive component; 1031, Testing bayonet; 1032, Insulating blade sheath; 1033, Drive motor; 1034, Top rod; 10a, Battery placement slot; 10b, Negative pressure port; 110, Internal resistance voltage tester; 120, Side voltage tester; 20. Multi-directional support component; 201. First-direction support component; 2011. First telescopic motor; 2012. First support plate; 202. Second-direction support component; 2021. Second telescopic motor; 2022. Second support plate; 203. Third-direction support component; 2031. Third telescopic motor; 2032. Third support plate; 204. Support component; 2041. Telescopic moving motor; 2042. Fourth support plate; 30. Negative pressure suction nozzle component; 1. Heat-sealing layer; 2. Aluminum layer; 3. Protective layer. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To facilitate understanding of this disclosure, a more complete description will be given below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure. However, this disclosure can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a more thorough and complete understanding of the disclosure.

[0021] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" another element, it can be directly attached to the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0022] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this disclosure. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0023] To better understand the technical solutions and beneficial effects of this disclosure, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with specific embodiments: Please see Figure 1 This is an embodiment of the automated testing and grouping process based on pouch lithium batteries according to the present invention, which includes some or all of the following steps: S101. Obtain a batch of soft-pack lithium batteries.

[0024] S102. Each pouch lithium battery is loaded into the test turntable. This is done by using a robotic arm or a transport fixture to transport a batch of pouch lithium batteries into the test turntable. Each time the test turntable rotates a certain distance, a pouch lithium battery is placed into the loading position of the test turntable to start the entire test assembly process. It should be noted that the robotic arm or transport fixture mentioned above is prior art, and this case does not limit the robotic arm or transport fixture.

[0025] S103. Straighten the tabs of each pouch lithium battery to ensure that the tabs of each pouch lithium battery are straight and free from wrinkles, thereby reducing stress concentration during subsequent battery testing.

[0026] S104. Perform a tab cutting step on each soft-pack lithium battery after straightening the tabs to ensure that the tab size meets the predetermined requirements.

[0027] S105. Each soft-pack lithium battery after the tab cutting is performed using a voltage internal resistance testing device to test its internal resistance and side voltage. This means testing the tab voltage, internal resistance, and side voltage at the same workstation. The voltage internal resistance testing device 10 includes a testing component 100, a first conductive component 101, a second conductive component 102, and a third conductive component 103, as shown below. Figure 2 As shown, one end of the first conductive component 101, the second conductive component 102, and the third conductive component 103 are all electrically connected to the test component 100. This allows for the simultaneous testing of the battery's internal resistance, tab voltage, and side voltage. The first conductive component 101 connects to the positive tab of the battery, the second conductive component 102 connects to the negative tab, and the third conductive component 103 connects to the inner conductive layer of the pouch lithium battery's casing. Connecting the first conductive component 101 and the second conductive component 102 enables the testing of internal resistance and tab voltage; connecting the first conductive component 101 and the third conductive component 103 enables the testing of side voltage. This allows for the testing of internal resistance, voltage, and side voltage at the same turntable position, reducing testing time and improving battery testing efficiency. Internal resistance refers to the resistance between the positive and negative tabs when the pouch lithium battery discharges; tab voltage refers to the voltage between the positive and negative tabs, i.e., the battery's energizing voltage; and side voltage refers to the voltage between the positive tab and the casing.

[0028] In this embodiment, the outer casing of the pouch lithium battery is made of aluminum-plastic film, which includes an inner insulating layer, an aluminum layer, and an outer insulating layer stacked together. Specifically, the inner insulating layer is a heat-sealing layer, the aluminum layer is an inner conductive layer, and the outer insulating layer is a protective layer. The first conductive component uses a positive electrode tab test probe, the second conductive component uses a negative electrode tab test probe, and the third conductive component uses a cutting module so that the cutting module can contact the aluminum layer of the aluminum-plastic film of the pouch lithium battery.

[0029] Furthermore, after completing the voltage internal resistance side voltage test, record the current data information of the soft-pack aluminum battery so that it can be placed accordingly during subsequent grouping.

[0030] S106. After completing the internal resistance and side voltage tests, each soft-pack lithium battery is unloaded so that it is about to move away from the test turntable. It can be understood that after each soft-pack lithium battery completes the internal resistance test and side voltage test, the test turntable rotates to position it at the unloading position, waiting to be taken away and grouped.

[0031] S107. Based on the data obtained from the voltage, internal resistance, and side voltage tests, each pouch lithium battery is moved to the corresponding placement area. Specifically, each pouch lithium battery is moved to the corresponding placement area based on data such as internal resistance, tab voltage, and side voltage. This eliminates the need for manual sorting and improves the efficiency of battery matching.

[0032] The test turntable has a loading position, a tab straightening position, a tab cutting position, a voltage, internal resistance, and side voltage testing position, and a loading and assembly position. The test turntable is used to rotate to perform steps S103-S106 so that each soft-pack lithium battery on the test turntable can sequentially complete the tab straightening, tab cutting, simultaneous testing of tab voltage / internal resistance / side voltage, loading and assembly, and other steps.

[0033] It should be noted that the test turntable is an existing structure. This case only utilizes the test turntable to realize the steps of the automated test and grouping process based on pouch lithium batteries, and does not limit the specific structure of the test turntable.

[0034] In the above embodiments, the automated testing and grouping process based on pouch lithium batteries, compared with the existing process, realizes an automated process of "feeding-testing-unloading-grouping". In the testing stage, this process can simultaneously test the internal resistance, tab voltage and side voltage of the pouch lithium battery. Then, based on the data such as internal resistance, tab voltage and side voltage, each pouch lithium battery is grouped so that each pouch lithium battery is placed in the corresponding grouping position, thereby reducing the overall process time, eliminating the need for manual intervention, and thus improving the efficiency of battery testing and grouping.

[0035] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the test assembly 100 includes an internal resistance voltage tester 110 and a side voltage tester 120. One end of a first conductive component 101 is electrically connected to the first pole of the internal resistance voltage tester 110 and the first pole of the side voltage tester 120, respectively. One end of a second conductive component 102 is electrically connected to the second pole of the internal resistance voltage tester 110, and one end of a third conductive component 103 is electrically connected to the second pole of the side voltage tester 120. In this embodiment, the first poles of both the internal resistance voltage tester 110 and the side voltage tester 120 are positive, and the second poles of both are negative. Therefore, when testing the current internal resistance, tab voltage, and side voltage, the internal resistance voltage tester 110 and the side voltage tester 120 can operate simultaneously at the same station. The internal resistance voltage tester 110 displays the voltage between the two tabs and the battery internal resistance, while the side voltage tester 120 displays the voltage between the positive tab and the casing, thereby improving testing efficiency and obtaining more substantial test data.

[0036] Furthermore, executing S105 specifically includes the following steps: The other end of the first conductive component is connected to the first tab of the soft-pack lithium battery. The other end of the second conductive component is connected to the second tab of the soft-pack lithium battery; The other end of the third conductive component is connected to the conductive layer inside the packaging film of the soft-pack lithium battery. The internal resistance, tab voltage, and side voltage of the current soft-pack lithium battery are tested simultaneously.

[0037] In this embodiment, the first conductive component 101 uses a positive electrode tab test probe, the second conductive component 102 uses a negative electrode tab test probe, and the third conductive component 103 uses a cutting module. It can be understood that the positive electrode tab test probe is connected to the positive terminal of the internal resistance voltage tester 110 via a wire, and simultaneously, the positive electrode tab test probe is also connected to the positive terminal of the side voltage tester 120 via another wire. The negative electrode tab test probe is connected to the negative terminal of the internal resistance voltage tester 110 via a third wire. During testing, both the positive and negative electrode tab test probes are driven by a cylinder / motor to move until the positive electrode tab test probe connects to the positive electrode tab of the pouch lithium battery, and the negative electrode tab test probe connects to the negative electrode tab of the pouch lithium battery. The cutting module's blade pierces the aluminum layer of the pouch lithium battery casing to simultaneously test the internal resistance, tab voltage, and side voltage, further improving battery testing efficiency.

[0038] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 As shown, the third conductive component 103 includes a test piercing 1031 and an insulating sleeve 1032. The insulating sleeve 1032 is fitted over the test piercing 1031, and the top of the test piercing 1031 protrudes from the insulating sleeve 1032. The test piercing 1031 is connected to the negative terminal of the side voltage tester 120 via a wire. When testing the voltage of the soft-pack lithium battery, the test piercing 1031 pierces the battery casing until it contacts the aluminum layer, and the positive electrode tab test probe is connected to the positive electrode tab. Then, the side voltage tester 120 reads the current voltage information. In this way, the positive electrode tab test probe is connected to the test piercing 1031 on a single battery to better perform side voltage testing.

[0039] However, if the test piercing 1031 penetrates excessively into the pouch lithium battery casing, it will puncture the casing, causing abnormal measured side voltage data. This can easily lead the equipment to mistakenly identify the battery as faulty. More seriously, when the test piercing 1031 punctures the casing, it can also cause battery leakage, or even puncture the battery body, causing the positive / negative electrode plates to come into contact, thus posing a risk of battery spontaneous combustion. Based on this, the length of the test piercing 1031 protruding from the insulating sheath 1032 is less than the thickness of the pouch lithium battery casing. This limits the deepest penetration of the test piercing 1031 into the casing to the inner layer. In other words, when the top surface of the insulating sheath 1032 is pressed against the battery casing, the tip of the test piercing 1031 is always located within the inner layer of the casing. Furthermore, the outer casing of the pouch lithium battery includes a heat-sealing layer 1, an aluminum layer 2, and a protective layer 3 stacked from the inside out. The heat-sealing layer 1 and the protective layer 3 are made of insulating materials, such as cast polypropylene (CPP) for the heat-sealing layer 1 and biaxially oriented nylon (PA) for the protective layer 3. To ensure that the test piercing 1031 can pierce the aluminum layer, the length of the test piercing 1031 protruding from the insulating sheath 1032 is less than the total thickness of the aluminum layer and the protective layer of the pouch lithium battery casing, and the length of the test piercing 1031 protruding from the insulating sheath 1032 is greater than the thickness of the protective layer of the pouch lithium battery casing. This ensures that the test piercing 1031 can always contact the aluminum layer when it pierces the casing. Even if the insulating sheath 1032 presses against the protective layer of the casing, the test piercing 1031 will not pierce the entire casing. This facilitates the testing of the current pouch lithium battery's side voltage and the reading of the current data by the side voltage tester 120, making the side voltage testing procedure more reliable.

[0040] Furthermore, to improve the reliability of the edge voltage test data, the third conductive component 103 also includes a drive motor 1033 and a push rod 1034. The push rod 1034 is connected to the telescopic drive end of the drive motor 1033. The push rod 1034 is used to abut against the insulating sleeve 1032 when the test bayonet 1031 pierces the outer casing, so that the end face of the insulating sleeve 1032 always abuts against the outer casing of the soft-pack lithium battery, thereby tightening the test bayonet 1031 and preventing it from detaching from the soft-pack lithium battery during the edge voltage test, ensuring that the test bayonet 1031 is always in contact with the aluminum layer inside the outer casing during the test. Since the insulating sleeve 1032 is made of insulating material, the test bayonet 1031 and the insulating sleeve 1032 are not electrically connected, and the test bayonet 1031 is isolated from the push rod 1034 through the insulating sleeve 1032, preventing test interference caused by the conductivity of the push rod 1034. Specifically, the width 'a' of the test bayonet 1031 should be less than the width 'b' of the insulating sheath 1032, so that the maximum penetration depth of the test bayonet 1031 is limited by the insulating sheath 1032, preventing the test bayonet from piercing the outer casing. In this embodiment, the length of the test bayonet 1031 protruding from the insulating sheath 1032 is 0.3~0.5mm, for example, 0.5mm, thereby limiting the maximum penetration depth of the test bayonet 1031 after it pierces the outer casing to 0.5mm.

[0041] Furthermore, the drive motor 1033 is a servo motor, and the push rod 1034 is an elastic push rod 1034. Specifically, the push rod 1034 has a spring structure. When the drive motor 1033 drives the push rod 1034 to press against the insulating blade sleeve 1032, the push rod 1034, according to the rebound characteristics of its spring structure, tightly presses against the insulating blade sleeve 1032, so that the test bayonet 1031 remains in contact with the aluminum layer of the outer shell, thereby enabling the edge voltage test to proceed smoothly.

[0042] In one embodiment, executing S102 specifically includes the following steps: A batch of soft-pack lithium batteries are stacked on a blister tray to form a blister tray containing soft-pack lithium batteries; Grab the blister pack containing the soft-pack lithium battery onto the feeding line so that the blister pack containing the soft-pack lithium battery is close to the test turntable; The first robotic arm picks up each soft-pack lithium battery from the blister tray and places it into the test turntable.

[0043] In this embodiment, batches of pouch lithium batteries are stacked on blister trays to facilitate the transport of individual blister trays to the testing turntable. Compared to repeatedly transporting pouch lithium batteries directly, using blister trays to carry the batteries before transporting them together is more efficient and reduces the workload of the loading line. When the blister trays carrying the pouch lithium batteries are transported to the vicinity of the testing turntable, a first robotic arm picks up each pouch lithium battery from the blister tray and places it into the testing turntable. Specifically, the first robotic arm picks up one pouch lithium battery and places it at the loading position of the testing turntable. Then the testing turntable rotates, and the pouch lithium battery proceeds to the next process. Simultaneously, the first robotic arm picks up the next pouch lithium battery and places it at the loading position of the testing turntable, which then rotates again, and so on.

[0044] Furthermore, the first robotic arm picks up each pouch lithium battery from the blister pack and places it into the testing turntable, followed by the following steps: Real-time detection of the remaining number of soft-pack lithium batteries in blister packs containing soft-pack lithium batteries; When the remaining quantity of soft-pack lithium batteries reaches a predetermined value, the second robotic arm grabs the blister pack and places it onto the unloading line.

[0045] It is understood that when the first robotic arm clamps the pouch lithium batteries in the current blister pack to the loading position of the test turntable, the system uses sensors or a CCD camera to obtain the remaining number of pouch lithium batteries in the current blister pack. When the remaining number of pouch lithium batteries reaches a predetermined value, for example, the remaining number is 0, it indicates that all the pouch lithium batteries in the current blister pack have been clamped away. At this time, the second robotic arm clamps away the blister pack and moves it to the unloading line for placement during subsequent assembly. Through the above steps, the blister pack can be utilized in both the feeding and assembly stages.

[0046] In one embodiment, S107 is executed, which specifically includes the following steps: Retrieve data obtained during the voltage resistance-side voltage test of the current soft-pack lithium battery; The third robotic arm picks up the soft-pack lithium batteries located at the feeding and assembly position of the test turntable and puts them into the blister tray of the assembly platform. The battery pack assembly platform has several levels, preferably 10 levels. Each level corresponds to different parameters such as internal resistance, tab voltage, side voltage, and battery size. Each level has a blister tray for holding and stacking the assembled soft-pack lithium batteries. Furthermore, the number of levels can be changed according to actual needs to flexibly adjust the resources required for assembly.

[0047] It is understandable that after each voltage internal resistance side voltage test, the test data of the current soft-pack lithium battery is recorded. When unloading, the system retrieves the test data of the current soft-pack lithium battery. Each data point corresponds to a soft-pack lithium battery. Then, the third robotic arm grabs the soft-pack lithium battery into the corresponding blister tray according to the current data. The matching level can be set by the system. Therefore, by matching different levels, the matching efficiency can be improved, and the battery matching is not affected by subjective factors. For example, when the internal resistance of the current pouch lithium battery is read as 15mΩ, the tab voltage as 3.7V, and the edge voltage as 0V, the battery is determined to be a normal battery, and the third robotic arm uses this information to pick up the pouch lithium battery and place it on the blister pack corresponding to the first position. As another example, when the internal resistance of the current pouch lithium battery is read as 10mΩ, the tab voltage as 3.7V, and the edge voltage as 2V, the battery casing is determined to be damaged, and the third robotic arm uses this information to pick up the pouch lithium battery and place it on the blister pack corresponding to the second position. Yet another example is when the internal resistance of the current pouch lithium battery is read as 50mΩ, the tab voltage as 3.7V, and the edge voltage as 0V, the battery is determined to be aged, and the third robotic arm uses this information to pick up the pouch lithium battery and place it on the blister pack corresponding to the third position, and so on.

[0048] It should be noted that the matching platform is existing technology. This case only illustrates that the matching platform is used to place soft-pack lithium batteries of different grades, and does not impose structural limitations on the matching platform.

[0049] Furthermore, a third robotic arm picks up the soft-pack lithium batteries located at the unloading and assembly position on the test turntable and places them into the blister pack on the assembly platform. The following steps are then performed: Real-time monitoring of the number of soft-pack lithium batteries in each gear of the matching platform; When the number of soft-pack lithium batteries in one of the gears reaches the upper limit, the fourth robotic arm grabs the blister pack and removes it from the assembly platform.

[0050] It is understandable that during the battery packing process, the system will also detect the number of pouch lithium batteries in the blister pack in each position through weight sensing, CCD camera acquisition, or other methods. Thus, in the specific step of S107, when the third robotic arm picks up the pouch lithium batteries located at the feeding and packing position of the test turntable and places them onto the corresponding blister pack, if the number of pouch lithium batteries in the blister pack reaches the upper limit, such as 10, then the fourth robotic arm will pick up the blister pack and remove it from the packing platform. This step can achieve batch output, which is convenient for batch processing in subsequent steps and improves the efficiency of subsequent processing steps.

[0051] Furthermore, when the number of pouch lithium batteries in one of the grade reaches the upper limit, the fourth robotic arm grabs the blister pack and removes it from the assembly platform. This is followed by the following steps: When the blister pack located on the unloading line approaches the assembly platform, the fifth robotic arm grabs the blister pack and places it into the corresponding position on the assembly platform.

[0052] In this embodiment, during the loading stage, after the first robotic arm removes the soft-pack lithium batteries to be tested from the blister pack, the second robotic arm picks up the blister pack and moves it to the unloading line. The unloading line then transports the blister pack to a position near the assembly platform. During the assembly stage, once the number of soft-pack lithium batteries in a blister pack at a certain position reaches its maximum value, the fourth robotic arm removes the blister pack from the assembly platform. Then, the fifth robotic arm places the blister pack located near the assembly platform on the unloading line into the current position for the next batch of batteries. In this way, the above steps can automate and continuously process transportation, assembly, and blister pack replenishment, thereby improving the overall process efficiency. Furthermore, after the first robotic arm removes all the soft-pack lithium batteries from the blister pack during the loading stage, the second robotic arm can pick it up and move it to the unloading line for reuse during the assembly stage, which improves the utilization rate of the blister pack.

[0053] In one embodiment, executing S103 specifically includes the following steps: Each pouch lithium battery undergoes a tab straightening process using upper and lower ceramic fixtures.

[0054] Understandably, ceramic materials have high hardness and a smooth surface, so they will not cause scratches or indentations on the surface of the tabs during the straightening process. This avoids the tabs from developing hidden cracks due to mechanical stress, reduces the risk of breakage later, and ensures that subsequent tests of internal resistance, tab voltage, and side voltage can be carried out smoothly.

[0055] In one embodiment, executing S104 specifically includes the following steps: According to the set tab cutting dimensions, perform tab cutting steps for each pouch lithium battery.

[0056] It is understandable that the size of the tabs can be cut according to the system configuration or manually input values, so that the cutting mechanism corresponding to the tab position will perform the cutting steps according to the determined size, thereby making the positive / negative tab size of each soft-pack lithium battery the same, so that the accuracy of subsequent internal resistance, tab voltage and side voltage tests will not be affected by the tab specifications.

[0057] like Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, in one embodiment, the test turntable has battery placement slots 10a at the loading position, straightening tab position, tab cutting position, voltage resistance side voltage testing position, and unloading assembly position. Each battery placement slot on the test turntable has a multi-directional supporting component 20 and a negative pressure suction nozzle component 30. The negative pressure suction nozzle component 30 is located at the bottom of the battery placement slot 10a, and the multi-directional supporting component 20 is disposed on the side wall of the battery placement slot 10a. That is, the test turntable has multiple battery placement slots 10a, which correspond to the loading position, straightening tab position, tab cutting position, voltage resistance side voltage testing position, and unloading assembly position, respectively.

[0058] In one embodiment, after executing S102 and before executing S103, the following steps are included: The soft-pack lithium battery located in the battery placement slot is fixed by a multi-directional support component and a negative pressure suction nozzle component.

[0059] In addition, before executing S107, the following steps are included: The soft-pack lithium battery located in the battery placement slot is released by the multi-directional support component and the negative pressure suction nozzle component.

[0060] In this embodiment, the multi-directional holding component 20 holds the pouch lithium battery against the inner wall of the battery placement slot 10a at all times; the negative pressure suction nozzle component 30 creates a negative pressure state in the battery placement slot 10a by suction, thus adsorbing and fixing the pouch lithium battery to the bottom of the slot 10a. The two components work together to secure the pouch lithium battery, preventing it from shifting or detaching from the battery placement slot 10a, thus facilitating subsequent testing.

[0061] It is understandable that once the first robotic arm picks up the pouch lithium battery from the blister pack on the feeding line and places it at the feeding position on the test turntable, the pouch lithium battery enters the battery placement slot 10a. Subsequently, the multi-directional supporting component 20 operates, supporting three sides of the pouch lithium battery, so that the fourth side of the pouch lithium battery abuts against one side wall of the battery placement slot 10a. At the same time, the negative pressure suction nozzle component 30 draws air out of the battery placement slot 10a, creating a negative pressure state, which in turn sucks in the pouch lithium battery, pressing it to the bottom of the battery placement slot 10a. After the voltage internal resistance side voltage test is completed, the pouch lithium battery enters the unloading and assembly position. The multi-directional supporting component 20 and the negative pressure suction nozzle component 30 stop operating to stop fixing the pouch lithium battery, thus facilitating the robotic arm to remove the pouch lithium battery from the test turntable.

[0062] Furthermore, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the multi-directional support component 20 includes a first-directional support component 201, a second-directional support component 202, and a third-directional support component 203. The first-directional support component 201 and the second-directional support component 202 are respectively disposed on opposite side walls of the battery placement slot 10a. The third-directional support component 203 is disposed on the side wall of the battery placement slot 10a and located between the first-directional support component 201 and the second-directional support component 202. The first-directional support component 201 and the second-directional support component 202 are used to jointly clamp the left and right sides of the soft-pack lithium battery. The third-directional support component 203 is used to push the soft-pack lithium battery forward, so that the soft-pack lithium battery abuts against the side wall of the battery placement slot 10a away from the third-directional support component 203, so that the first-directional support component 201, the second-directional support component 202, and the third-directional support component 203 jointly fix the soft-pack lithium battery.

[0063] In this embodiment, the first directional holding member 201, the second directional holding member 202, and the third directional holding member 203 are used to abut against the three side walls of the soft-pack lithium battery located in the battery placement slot 10a, respectively. The first directional holding member 201 and the second directional holding member 202 together clamp the opposite side walls of the soft-pack lithium battery, and the third directional holding member 203 applies force to the third side wall of the soft-pack lithium battery so that the fourth side wall of the soft-pack lithium battery abuts against an inner wall of the battery placement slot 10a. At the same time, the negative pressure suction nozzle member 30 works to suck the soft-pack lithium battery to the bottom of the battery placement slot 10a, thereby achieving a multi-directional fixing effect and preventing the soft-pack lithium battery from shifting or falling off, so as to carry out subsequent testing steps.

[0064] Furthermore, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the first directional support component 201 includes a first telescopic motor 2011 and a first support plate 2012. The first support plate 2012 is connected to the drive end of the first telescopic motor 2011 and is located on the first side wall of the battery placement slot 10a. The second directional support component 202 includes a second telescopic motor 2021 and a second support plate 2022. The second support plate 2022 is connected to the drive end of the second telescopic motor 2021 and is located on the second side wall of the battery placement slot 10a. The third directional support component 203 includes a third telescopic motor 2031 and a third support plate 2032. The third support plate 2032 is connected to the drive end of the third telescopic motor 2031 and is located on the third side wall of the battery placement slot 10a. The first side wall of the battery placement slot 10a and the second side wall of the battery placement slot 10a are arranged opposite to each other. It is understood that when the pouch lithium battery enters the loading position of the test turntable, the first telescopic motor 2011 drives the first top holding plate 2012 to move closer to the first side wall of the pouch lithium battery. At the same time, the second telescopic motor 2021 drives the second top holding plate 2022 to move closer to the second side wall of the pouch lithium battery, and the third telescopic motor 2031 drives the third top holding plate 2032 to move closer to the third side wall of the pouch lithium battery, until the first top holding plate 2012 and the second top holding plate 2022 together abut against the left and right sides of the pouch lithium battery, restricting the movement of the pouch lithium battery in the left and right directions; the third top holding plate 2032 abuts against the third side wall of the pouch lithium battery, so that the fourth side wall of the pouch lithium battery abuts against the side wall of the battery placement slot 10a corresponding to the third top holding plate 2032, restricting the movement of the pouch lithium battery in the front and back directions. The negative pressure suction nozzle component 30 draws air out of the battery placement slot 10a, creating a negative pressure state, which in turn sucks up the bottom of the pouch lithium battery, restricting its vertical movement. Thus, under the combined action of the first top holding plate 2012, the second top holding plate 2022, the third top holding plate 2032, and the negative pressure suction nozzle component 30, the pouch lithium battery is secured, preventing displacement or detachment, thereby facilitating subsequent synchronous testing of tab voltage, internal resistance, and edge voltage.

[0065] In another embodiment, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the multi-directional support member 20 also includes a top support member 204, which is used to abut the top of the soft-pack lithium battery located in the battery placement slot.

[0066] In addition, after executing S102 and before executing S103, the following steps are also included: The soft-pack lithium battery located in the battery placement slot is also secured at the top by a top holding component.

[0067] In addition, the following steps are included before executing S107: The soft-pack lithium battery located in the battery placement slot is also released by the top holding component.

[0068] It is understandable that the first top holding plate 2012, the second top holding plate 2022, the third top holding plate 2032, and the negative pressure suction nozzle component 30 work together to fix the soft-pack lithium battery. However, the suction force of the negative pressure suction nozzle component 30 is limited. In order to further fix the soft-pack lithium battery, the top of the soft-pack lithium battery is also pressed down by the top holding component 204, thereby completely restricting the movement of the soft-pack lithium battery, which is more conducive to subsequent testing steps.

[0069] Furthermore, such as Figure 4 As shown, the top support assembly 204 includes a telescopic moving motor 2041 and a fourth support plate 2042. The drive end of the telescopic moving motor 2041 is connected to the fourth support plate 2042, which is positioned adjacent to the top of the battery placement slot 10a. In this embodiment, when the pouch lithium battery enters the loading position of the test turntable, the first support plate 2012, the second support plate 2022, and the third support plate 2032, driven by the telescopic motors, jointly press against the side wall of the pouch lithium battery to restrict its horizontal movement. Subsequently, the telescopic moving motor 2041 drives the fourth support plate 2042 to press the top of the pouch lithium battery. At the same time, the negative pressure suction nozzle component 30 operates, drawing away the air from the battery placement slot 10a and placing it in a negative pressure state. This allows the fourth support plate 2042 and the negative pressure suction nozzle component 30 to jointly restrict the pouch lithium battery, preventing its vertical movement.

[0070] Furthermore, such as Figure 4 or Figure 5 As shown, a negative pressure inlet 10b is provided at the bottom of the battery placement slot 10a. The suction end of the negative pressure suction nozzle component 30 faces the negative pressure inlet 10b. When the soft-pack lithium battery is located in the battery placement slot 10a, the negative pressure suction nozzle component 30 draws out the air in the battery placement slot 10a to hold the soft-pack lithium battery. In this way, the negative pressure suction component draws the air in the battery placement slot 10a out through the negative pressure inlet 10b, so that the battery placement slot 10a is in a negative pressure state, thereby holding the soft-pack lithium battery to play a fixing role and prevent the soft-pack lithium battery from shifting or falling out of the battery placement slot 10a, so as to carry out subsequent testing steps. At the same time, under the combined action of the first top holding plate 2012, the second top holding plate 2022, the third top holding plate 2032 and the negative pressure suction nozzle component 30, the soft-pack lithium battery is fixed in multiple directions, which facilitates the subsequent simultaneous testing steps of tab voltage, internal resistance and side voltage.

[0071] In one embodiment, the top surface of the pouch lithium battery casing protrudes from the opening of the battery placement slot, so that the robot arm can pick up the pouch lithium battery located on the test turntable during the unloading and assembly stage. At the same time, during the testing stage, the third conductive component can connect to the aluminum layer of the pouch lithium battery casing, that is, the test bayonet can contact the aluminum layer of the pouch lithium battery casing, thereby successfully completing the battery side voltage test.

[0072] In one embodiment, before executing S103, the following steps are included: Test data is generated for each pouch lithium battery that enters the test turntable.

[0073] It is understandable that before starting steps such as straightening the tabs, test data should be established for the pouch lithium battery to be tested. For example, information about the pouch lithium battery can be obtained and recorded through battery QR codes, slot chip cards, etc. This allows the system to trace the current pouch lithium battery during the voltage internal resistance side voltage test stage and the material preparation and assembly stage, ensuring that each pouch lithium battery in the entire process can accurately correspond to the test data established by the system, thus guaranteeing the reliability of this process in the testing and material preparation and assembly stages.

[0074] Furthermore, the following steps are included before executing S103: Test data is generated for each pouch lithium battery entering the test turntable. Obtain the specifications and corresponding tab parameters for each pouch lithium battery.

[0075] In addition, before executing S105, the following steps are included: Retrieve the current specifications and parameters of the soft-pack lithium battery, as well as the corresponding tab parameters. Adjust the coordinate position of the voltage internal resistance testing device according to the current specifications of the soft-pack lithium battery and the corresponding tab parameters.

[0076] In this embodiment, the specifications of the pouch lithium battery include, but are not limited to, the battery's height, width, and dimensions. The tab parameters include, but are not limited to, tab length, position, edge-to-core distance, and center-to-core distance. It is understood that test data is established for each pouch lithium battery entering the test turntable. Then, parameters such as the height, width, tab length, tab position, edge-to-core distance, and center-to-core distance of each lithium battery are acquired using a CCD camera or similar means. Since the specifications of different pouch lithium batteries differ, the tab length, position, and other parameter information acquired by the CCD camera also vary. At this time, the system can adjust the coordinate position of the voltage internal resistance testing device according to the current tab length, position, and other parameter information. Specifically, by adjusting the first conductive component 101 and the second conductive component 102, the first conductive component 101 and the second conductive component 102 correspond to the positive and negative tabs of the current pouch lithium battery, respectively, and the third conductive component can act on the outer casing of the current pouch lithium battery. More specifically, the positive electrode tab test probe and the negative electrode tab test probe are driven by cylinders / motors respectively, so that the positive electrode tab test probe and the negative electrode tab test probe are directly facing the positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab of the current soft-pack lithium battery, respectively. This prevents the test probe from failing to make correct contact with the electrode tab due to electrode tab position deviation, and prevents the test piercing 1031 from being blocked by the electrode tab and failing to pierce the outer shell, thus achieving the effect of position deviation compensation.

[0077] Compared with the prior art, this disclosure has at least the following advantages: Compared with existing processes, the above-mentioned automated testing and grouping process based on pouch lithium batteries achieves an automated process of "feeding-testing-unloading-grouping". In the testing stage, this process can simultaneously test the internal resistance, tab voltage and side voltage of the pouch lithium batteries. Then, based on the data such as internal resistance, tab voltage and side voltage, each pouch lithium battery is grouped so that each pouch lithium battery is placed in the corresponding grouping position, thereby reducing the overall process time, eliminating the need for manual intervention, and thus improving the efficiency of battery testing and grouping.

[0078] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of this disclosure, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosed patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this disclosure, and these all fall within the protection scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An automated testing and grouping process based on pouch lithium batteries, characterized in that, The steps include the following: S101, Obtain batches of soft-pack lithium batteries; S102. Perform a feeding step on each soft-pack lithium battery so that the soft-pack lithium battery enters the test turntable; S103. Straighten the tabs for each pouch lithium battery. S104. Perform tab cutting for each soft-pack lithium battery after straightening the tabs. S105. For each soft-pack lithium battery after the tab is cut, the internal resistance side voltage is tested by a voltage internal resistance testing device. The voltage internal resistance testing device includes a testing component, a first conductive component, a second conductive component, and a third conductive component. One end of the first conductive component, the second conductive component, and the third conductive component are all electrically connected to the testing component. S106. Perform a material unloading step on each soft-pack lithium battery after the voltage internal resistance edge voltage test is completed, so that each soft-pack lithium battery is about to move away from the test turntable. S107. Based on the data obtained from the voltage internal resistance side voltage test, move each soft-pack lithium battery to the corresponding placement area. The test turntable has a feeding position, a straightening position, a cutting position, a voltage internal resistance side voltage testing position, and a feeding and assembly position. The test turntable is used to execute steps S103-S106 sequentially by rotating.

2. The automated testing and grouping process based on pouch lithium batteries according to claim 1, characterized in that, The testing assembly includes an internal resistance voltage tester and a side voltage tester. One end of the first conductive component is electrically connected to the first pole of the internal resistance voltage tester and the first pole of the side voltage tester, respectively. One end of the second conductive component is electrically connected to the second pole of the internal resistance voltage tester, and one end of the third conductive component is electrically connected to the second pole of the side voltage tester.

3. The automated testing and grouping process based on pouch lithium batteries according to claim 2, characterized in that, The execution of S105 includes the following steps: The other end of the first conductive component is connected to the first tab of the soft-pack lithium battery. The other end of the second conductive component is connected to the second tab of the soft-pack lithium battery; The other end of the third conductive component is connected to the conductive layer inside the packaging film of the soft-pack lithium battery. The internal resistance, tab voltage, and side voltage of the current soft-pack lithium battery are tested simultaneously.

4. The automated testing and grouping process based on pouch lithium batteries according to claim 1, characterized in that, The execution of S102 includes the following steps: A batch of soft-pack lithium batteries are stacked on a blister tray to form a blister tray containing soft-pack lithium batteries; Grab the blister pack containing the soft-pack lithium battery onto the feeding line so that the blister pack containing the soft-pack lithium battery is close to the test turntable; The first robotic arm picks up each soft-pack lithium battery from the blister tray and places it into the test turntable.

5. The automated testing and grouping process based on pouch lithium batteries according to claim 4, characterized in that, The process involves using a first robotic arm to pick up each pouch lithium battery from the blister pack and place it into the testing turntable, followed by the following steps: Real-time detection of the remaining number of soft-pack lithium batteries in blister packs containing soft-pack lithium batteries; When the remaining quantity of soft-pack lithium batteries reaches a predetermined value, the second robotic arm grabs the blister pack and places it onto the unloading line.

6. The automated testing and grouping process based on pouch lithium batteries according to claim 1, characterized in that, The execution of S103 includes the following steps: Each pouch lithium battery undergoes a tab straightening process using upper and lower ceramic fixtures.

7. The automated testing and grouping process based on pouch lithium batteries according to claim 1, characterized in that, The execution of S104 includes the following steps: According to the set tab cutting dimensions, perform tab cutting steps for each pouch lithium battery.

8. The automated testing and grouping process based on pouch lithium batteries according to claim 1, characterized in that, The test turntable has a feeding position, a straightening tab position, a cutting tab position, a voltage internal resistance side voltage testing position, and a feeding and assembly position, each with a battery placement slot. The test turntable has a multi-directional supporting component and a negative pressure suction nozzle component in each battery placement slot. The negative pressure suction nozzle component is located at the bottom of the battery placement slot, and the multi-directional supporting component is located on the side wall of the battery placement slot.

9. The automated testing and grouping process based on pouch lithium batteries according to claim 8, characterized in that, The multi-directional supporting component includes a first-directional supporting component, a second-directional supporting component, and a third-directional supporting component. The first-directional supporting component and the second-directional supporting component are respectively disposed on opposite sidewalls of the battery placement slot. The third-directional supporting component is disposed on the sidewall of the battery placement slot and located between the first-directional supporting component and the second-directional supporting component. The first-directional supporting component and the second-directional supporting component are used to jointly clamp the left and right sides of the soft-pack lithium battery. The third-directional supporting component is used to push the soft-pack lithium battery forward, so that the soft-pack lithium battery abuts against the sidewall of the battery placement slot away from the third-directional supporting component, so that the first-directional supporting component, the second-directional supporting component, and the third-directional supporting component jointly fix the soft-pack lithium battery.

10. The automated testing and grouping process based on pouch lithium batteries according to claim 8, characterized in that, The bottom of the battery placement slot is provided with a negative pressure inlet, and the suction end of the negative pressure suction nozzle component faces the negative pressure inlet so that when the soft-pack lithium battery is located in the battery placement slot, the negative pressure suction nozzle component draws out the air from the battery placement slot to suck up the soft-pack lithium battery.

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