An automatic feeding type lithium battery cycle life detection equipment

Abstract

The utility model relates to a kind of automatic feeding type lithium battery cycle life detection equipment, including storage part, detection part, feeding part and guide part.The storage part uses adjustable pitch polycarbonate battery storage plate, adapts different size lithium battery;Detection part is realized electrode dynamic compression by pressing plate type connecting structure, and is equipped with limit bolt to guarantee contact safety;Guide part uses double-layer structure push plate, outer layer is the polycarbonate flexible contact layer of wave shape design, inner layer is aluminium alloy rigid support layer, ensure battery stable transfer;Feeding part is four-axis mechanical arm, and its grabbing part uses polyether ether ketone material, with insulation, high temperature resistance and anticorrosion characteristics.Equipment works, mechanical arm automatically moves battery from storage part to guide part, and push plate is driven by pneumatic cylinder, and battery is pushed to detection part to complete electrode connection, and start cycle charge-discharge detection;After detection, push plate removes battery, and mechanical arm is homed.The utility model is through whole-process automation, modular structure and material innovation, significantly improve detection efficiency and consistency, reduce manual intervention and equipment loss, applicable to scale lithium battery cycle life detection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of lithium battery testing, and in particular to an automatic feeding type lithium battery cycle life testing device. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of the new energy industry, lithium batteries, as core components in electric vehicles, energy storage systems, and other fields, have seen their cycle life and reliability become key indicators affecting product performance. Current lithium battery cycle life testing primarily relies on charge-discharge aging chambers. These devices simulate actual operating conditions to conduct multiple rounds of charge-discharge tests on the battery to assess its capacity decay pattern and lifespan. In recent years, advancements in electronic control and sensor technologies have significantly improved the accuracy and efficiency of testing equipment, with some high-end devices achieving dynamic control of charge-discharge parameters and automatic data acquisition.

[0003] However, the current testing process still suffers from the following technical shortcomings: First, the battery loading and unloading process largely relies on manual operation, requiring technicians to clamp and position each battery individually. This is not only time-consuming and labor-intensive, but also prone to inconsistencies in testing conditions due to operational differences, affecting the comparability of test results. Second, the storage and transfer of batteries during the testing process lacks intelligent management. Manual handling may cause risks such as battery collisions or reversed polarity, reducing testing safety. Third, the automated control of existing equipment is mainly concentrated on the charging and discharging process, while manual intervention in the material flow process limits the overall testing efficiency, making it difficult to meet the rapid testing needs of large-scale production scenarios. Meanwhile, the reliability of lithium battery testing data is crucial for subsequent quality assessment and lifespan prediction. Random errors introduced by manual operation may interfere with the authenticity of the data, especially in long-term cyclic testing, where accumulated errors can significantly reduce the accuracy of predictive models. Although existing testing systems have improved data processing capabilities through algorithm optimization, the lack of automation in the material management process still restricts the consistency and stability of the entire testing process.

[0004] In summary, developing a cycle life testing device that integrates an automatic feeding robotic arm and an intelligent control system to achieve fully automated control, reduce manual intervention, improve testing efficiency and data reliability, and meet the intelligent needs of the new energy industry for battery quality testing is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the problems existing in the background technology, this utility model develops an automatic feeding type lithium battery cycle life testing device, aiming to achieve efficient and automated cycle life testing of lithium batteries. The device includes a storage section and a testing section. The storage section is used to store the lithium batteries to be tested, and the testing section is used to perform cycle life testing on the lithium batteries. A feeding section is provided between the storage section and the testing section for transferring and transporting the lithium batteries to be tested between the storage section and the testing section.

[0006] Furthermore, the front end of the detection unit is also provided with a guide part, which further guides the lithium battery to be detected to connect with the detection unit. The guide part includes a guide plate, which is arranged facing the detection unit and has a guide groove. A bracket is connected to one side perpendicular to the guide plate. The guide plate and the bracket form an "L" shape. A push plate is arranged parallel to the bracket. One end of the push plate is locked inside the guide groove. A first cylinder is arranged on the outside of the bracket. The working end of the first cylinder passes through the bracket and is connected to the push plate. The push plate is moved back and forth by the first cylinder.

[0007] In use, the feeding unit removes the lithium battery to be tested from the storage unit and places it at the front end of the pusher plate. The first cylinder is activated, pushing the pusher plate to move the lithium battery to be tested closer to the detection end of the detection unit until the lithium battery to be tested is connected to the detection unit. The monitoring unit then starts working. After the work is completed, the pusher plate continues to work forward to push the lithium battery to be tested away from the detection unit. Then the feeding unit picks up the tested lithium battery again and puts it back into the storage unit.

[0008] Furthermore, the push plate has a flexible contact layer on the outside and a rigid support layer on the inside. The flexible contact layer is made of polyurethane and the rigid support layer is made of aluminum alloy.

[0009] The outer layer uses polyurethane, which has high elasticity and a low coefficient of friction. It is wear-resistant, tear-resistant, and has a longer lifespan than ordinary rubber, making it suitable for high-frequency pushing. Its insulation prevents short circuits in lithium batteries, and its high chemical stability prevents it from reacting with the electrolyte. Polyurethane absorbs the impact force during pushing, preventing damage to the battery sides due to rigid contact. Simultaneously, its flexible contact adapts to minor unevenness on the battery surface, ensuring pushing stability. The inner layer uses aluminum alloy to provide high-strength support, preventing the pushing plate from deforming under long-term stress and ensuring guiding accuracy. Aluminum alloy is also lightweight and has good heat dissipation. The double-sided structure of the pushing plate is more economical to manufacture. Compared to a design using only polyurethane, this design only requires an additional 3-5mm thick layer of polyurethane on the pushing plate, effectively reducing costs while increasing the rigidity and lifespan of the pushing plate.

[0010] Furthermore, the outer pushing surface of the pushing plate has a wavy structure with rounded corners at the edges.

[0011] The wave-shaped structure can increase the friction of the push plate while reducing the contact area, thus reducing the risk of damage to the lithium battery. The rounded corners can prevent sharp edges from scratching the battery.

[0012] Furthermore, the storage section includes a storage rack, which consists of four vertically arranged tubular structures. Multiple battery storage plates are arranged between the storage racks. The storage racks are evenly provided with multiple positioning holes from top to bottom, and the battery storage plates are fixed in the positioning holes by fixing bolts.

[0013] The battery storage plate can be snapped into different positioning holes to control the spacing between the battery storage plates, making it convenient to place lithium batteries of different sizes.

[0014] Furthermore, the battery storage plate has multiple elongated holes running through it from top to bottom, and the battery storage plate is made of polycarbonate.

[0015] Polycarbonate has high insulation properties, which can prevent short circuits between the positive and negative terminals of the battery and ensure safety; the heat distortion temperature of polycarbonate is about 135°C, which can withstand the heat generated during the charging and discharging of lithium batteries and reduce the risk of fire; polycarbonate has a lower density than other metals, while having high rigidity and impact resistance, and good load-bearing capacity; polycarbonate can be injection molded, making it suitable for making complex hollow groove structures.

[0016] Furthermore, the detection unit includes a cyclic charge-discharge detector, a connecting part is provided at the middle of the front end of the cyclic charge-discharge detector, the connecting part includes a connecting joint, a pressure plate frame is arranged parallel to the upper part of the connecting joint, a gap is provided between the connecting joint and the pressure plate frame, a pressure plate is provided below the pressure plate frame, and a second cylinder is provided above the pressure plate frame, the working part of the second cylinder passes through the pressure plate frame and is connected to the pressure plate.

[0017] Preferably, at least two limiting bolts are provided between the pressure plate frame and the pressure plate.

[0018] When the detection unit is not in operation, the second cylinder retracts, resulting in a large gap between the connecting connector and the pressure plate. When the pusher plate pushes the electrode of the lithium battery to be tested to the connecting connector, the current is connected, the second cylinder operates, and the pressure plate is pressed downwards, clamping the electrode of the lithium battery to be tested tightly to the connecting connector. The cycle charge-discharge tester then begins operation. When the testing is complete, the second cylinder retracts, the pressure plate rises, and the pusher plate continues to move forward, pushing the electrode of the lithium battery to be tested away from the connecting connector, completing the test. The fiber ferrule is used to prevent the pressure plate from pressing too downwards and damaging the electrode of the lithium battery being tested.

[0019] Furthermore, the loading section is a four-axis robotic arm, and the gripping part at the front end of the loading section is made of polyetheretherketone material.

[0020] The four-axis robotic arm uses XYZ axis motion, plus Z-axis rotation, to adjust the horizontal angle of the battery, making it suitable for scenarios where battery posture adjustment is required. Since the battery storage rack and detection unit are fixed in position, and the battery posture only needs simple adjustment, a four-axis robotic arm can meet most grasping needs, and its cost is 30%-50% lower than a six-axis robotic arm. The front-end grasping unit is made of polyetheretherketone (PEEK), which has excellent insulation properties and can withstand long-term operating temperatures up to 260℃, making it suitable for high-temperature scenarios such as battery charge / discharge testing. It is also resistant to electrolyte, acid, and alkali corrosion, preventing material swelling or embrittlement, and exhibits strong stability.

[0021] The advantages and beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: This utility model uses a four-axis robotic arm to automatically grasp, transfer, and return batteries, replacing manual operation and reducing the time loss of material flow during the testing cycle. The control system works in coordination with the robotic arm and the testing unit to achieve continuous cyclic testing of multiple sets of batteries, adapting to the needs of large-scale testing. The cooperative design of the guide groove and the push plate ensures precise battery positioning, avoiding poor contact or reverse polarity problems caused by manual clamping, and ensuring the consistency of testing. The pressure plate connection structure dynamically adjusts the pressure through a second cylinder to ensure tight contact between the electrodes and the connecting joint, eliminating contact impedance differences caused by manual clamping. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the battery storage plate of this utility model.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the detection part of this utility model.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the guide section of this utility model.

[0026] Among them, 1-storage section, 11-storage rack, 12-battery storage plate, 13-positioning hole, 14-fixing bolt, 2-detection section, 21-cycle charge and discharge detector, 22-connection section, 221-connection connector, 222-pressure plate frame, 223-pressure plate, 224-second cylinder, 225-limiting bolt, 3-feeding section, 4-guide section, 41-guide plate, 42-guide groove, 43-bracket, 44-push plate, 45-first cylinder. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model. In addition, it should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for illustration and explanation of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. In the present utility model, unless otherwise stated, directional terms such as "upper" and "lower" generally refer to the upper and lower positions of the device in actual use or operation, specifically the drawing directions in the accompanying drawings; while "inner" and "outer" refer to the outline of the device.

[0028] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, an automatic feeding type lithium battery cycle life testing device mainly includes a storage section 1, a testing section 2 and a feeding section 3.

[0029] In this embodiment, the storage unit 1 consists of a storage rack 11 made of four vertical tubular structures and multiple battery storage plates 12. Positioning holes 13 are evenly distributed on the surface of the storage rack 11. The battery storage plates 12 can be detachably installed into the positioning holes 13 at different heights using fixing bolts 14, thus adjusting the layer spacing. The battery storage plates 12 are made of polycarbonate material, with multiple elongated holes running through their surface to accommodate lithium batteries and ensure airflow for heat dissipation.

[0030] The detection unit 2 includes a cyclic charge-discharge detector 21 and a connecting part 22 at its front end. The connecting part 22 consists of a connecting connector 221, a pressure plate frame 222, and a pressure plate 223. The pressure plate frame 222 is fixed above the connecting connector 221. The pressure plate 223 is connected to the pressure plate frame 222 via a second cylinder 224. The working end of the second cylinder 224 passes through the pressure plate frame 222 and drives the pressure plate 223 to move up and down. At least two limit bolts 225 are provided between the pressure plate frame 222 and the pressure plate 223 to limit the downward stroke of the pressure plate 223.

[0031] The guide plate 41 and the bracket 43 form an L-shaped structure. The guide plate 41 has a guide groove 42 facing the detection section 2. The push plate 44 is engaged in the guide groove 42 and can slide along the groove. A first cylinder 45 is installed on the outside of the bracket 43. Its working end passes through the bracket 43 and is fixedly connected to the push plate 44, driving the push plate 44 to move back and forth. The push plate 44 adopts a double-layer structure: the outer layer is a 3-5mm thick polyurethane flexible contact layer with a wavy pushing surface and rounded corners; the inner layer is an aluminum alloy rigid support layer.

[0032] The loading section 3 is a four-axis robotic arm, which includes an XYZ axis linear motion mechanism and a Z axis rotation mechanism. The front gripping part is made of polyetheretherketone material, which has insulation, high temperature resistance and corrosion resistance properties.

[0033] How to use:

[0034] During testing, the robotic arm of the loading section 3 uses four-axis motion to grab lithium batteries from the battery storage plate 12 of the storage section 1, adjusts their posture, and moves them to the front end of the push plate 44 of the guide section 4. The first cylinder 45 is activated, driving the push plate 44 to move along the guide groove 42 towards the testing section 2. The wave-shaped flexible contact layer pushes the battery smoothly into the connection section 22. When the battery electrode contacts the connection connector 221, the second cylinder 224 is activated, and the pressure plate 223 presses the electrode tightly under the constraint of the limit bolt 225 (pressure 0.5-2MPa), and the cycle charge-discharge tester 21 begins testing.

[0035] After the test is completed, the second cylinder 224 retracts to reset the pressure plate 223, and the first cylinder 45 continues to push the pusher plate 44 to move the battery out of the connecting part 22. The robotic arm then grabs the battery again and places it back in the corresponding position in the storage part 1. The aluminum alloy inner layer of the pusher plate 44 ensures pushing rigidity, the polyurethane outer layer buffers impact and avoids battery damage, the wave-shaped design enhances friction while reducing the contact area, and the polyetheretherketone gripping part ensures insulation and corrosion resistance, realizing fully automated testing.

[0036] The above provides a detailed description of the automatic feeding lithium battery cycle life testing device provided by this utility model. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principle and implementation of this invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications to this invention without departing from its principles, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. An automatic feeding type lithium battery cycle life testing device, comprising a storage section (1) and a testing section (2), wherein a feeding section (3) is provided between the storage section (1) and the testing section (2), characterized in that, The front end of the detection unit (2) is also provided with a guide unit (4), which further guides the lithium battery to be tested to connect with the detection unit (2). The guide unit (4) includes a guide plate (41), which is arranged facing the detection unit (2) and has a guide groove (42). A bracket (43) is connected to the side perpendicular to the guide plate (41). The guide plate (41) and the bracket (43) form an "L" shape. A push plate (44) is arranged parallel to the bracket (43). One end of the push plate (44) is locked inside the guide groove (42). A first cylinder (45) is arranged on the outside of the bracket (43). The working end of the first cylinder (45) passes through the bracket (43) and is connected to the push plate (44). The push plate (44) is moved back and forth by the first cylinder (45).

2. The automatic feeding type lithium battery cycle life testing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The push plate (44) has a flexible contact layer on the outside and a rigid support layer on the inside. The flexible contact layer is made of polyurethane and the rigid support layer is made of aluminum alloy.

3. The automatic feeding type lithium battery cycle life testing equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The outer pushing surface of the push plate (44) has a wave-shaped structure and rounded corners at the edges.

4. The automatic feeding type lithium battery cycle life testing equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that, The storage section (1) includes a storage rack (11), which consists of four vertically arranged tubular objects. Multiple battery storage plates (12) are arranged between the storage racks (11). Multiple positioning holes (13) are evenly opened from top to bottom on the storage racks (11). The battery storage plates (12) are fixed in the positioning holes (13) by fixing bolts (14).

5. The automatic feeding type lithium battery cycle life testing equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that, The battery storage plate (12) has multiple elongated holes running through it from top to bottom, and the battery storage plate (12) is made of polycarbonate.

6. The automatic feeding type lithium battery cycle life testing equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that, The detection unit (2) includes a cyclic charge-discharge detector (21). A connecting part (22) is provided in the middle of the front end of the cyclic charge-discharge detector (21). The connecting part (22) includes a connecting connector (221). A pressure plate frame (222) is arranged parallel to the upper part of the connecting connector (221). A gap is provided between the connecting connector (221) and the pressure plate frame (222). A pressure plate (223) is provided below the pressure plate frame (222). A second cylinder (224) is provided above the pressure plate frame (222). The working part of the second cylinder (224) passes through the pressure plate frame (222) and is connected to the pressure plate (223).

7. The automatic feeding type lithium battery cycle life testing equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that, At least two limiting bolts (225) are provided between the pressure plate frame (222) and the pressure plate (223).

8. The automatic feeding type lithium battery cycle life testing equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that, The loading section (3) is a four-axis robotic arm, and the front gripping part of the loading section (3) is made of polyetheretherketone material.

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