Battery detection apparatus and detection method

Abstract

A battery detection apparatus and a detection method. The battery detection apparatus comprises a support assembly (1), a length detection assembly (2), a tab detection assembly (3), and an end face detection assembly (4). The support assembly (1) is provided with a detection station, and a battery (100) to be detected is conveyed to the detection station. The length detection assembly (2), the tab detection assembly (3), and the end face detection assembly (4) are all arranged on the support assembly (1). The length detection assembly (2) is positioned below the detection station and is configured to measure the total length of the battery (100) to be detected; the tab detection assembly (3) is positioned above the detection station and is configured to measure the exposed length of a cell tab of the battery (100) to be detected; and the end face detection assembly (4) comprises two end face detection members (41) respectively arranged on two sides of the detection station, the two end face detection members (41) respectively being configured to detect end faces of the cell tab on the two sides of the battery (100) to be detected.

Description

Battery testing device and testing method

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202511140837.0, filed with the Chinese Patent Office on August 14, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of battery technology, for example to a battery testing device and testing method. Background Technology

[0003] In the battery production process, improving the consistency of battery products has become an important means to enhance the quality of products. Improving product consistency can be achieved by focusing on two aspects: process control and high-precision and high-accuracy testing.

[0004] Currently, most measurement methods in the battery industry involve manual measurement using vernier calipers or calibration using go-between gauges.

[0005] Technical issues

[0006] The two measurement methods in the relevant technologies have the following drawbacks: ① Manual measurement of battery length, width, tab center distance, and exposed tab adhesive dimensions using vernier calipers is subject to numerous influencing factors. Inconsistent caliper force applied by different individuals leads to significant differences in test results, making it impossible to ensure consistent testing. Furthermore, this method is inefficient and cannot meet the full inspection requirements of high-speed manufacturing lines. ② Calibration using gauge tooling is only suitable for scenarios with standardized product dimensions and relatively fixed positions. If the battery production line changes models or the battery / tab position changes, testing becomes impossible, and in severe cases, interference and collisions may occur, damaging the battery and measuring mechanism. This testing method has poor adaptability and compatibility, failing to meet usage requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical solutions

[0008] This application provides a battery testing device that can simultaneously test three items: the total length of the battery, the exposed length of the cell tabs, and the end face of the cell tabs. It has high testing efficiency, good adaptability, and high compatibility, and is suitable for testing various types of batteries.

[0009] The battery testing device includes:

[0010] The support components are equipped with a testing station, where the battery to be tested can be transported.

[0011] A length detection component is movably mounted on a support component and located below the detection station. The length detection component is configured to measure the total length of the battery under test.

[0012] The tab detection assembly is movably mounted on the support assembly and located above the detection station. The tab detection assembly is configured to measure the exposed length of the cell tab of the battery under test.

[0013] The end face detection assembly is movably mounted on the support assembly and includes two end face detection components disposed on both sides of the detection station. The two end face detection components are respectively configured to detect the end faces of the cell tabs on both sides of the battery under test.

[0014] This application also provides a battery testing method, which uses the battery testing device in any embodiment to test the battery under test. The end face testing component further includes transparent pressure plates. The two transparent pressure plates correspond one-to-one with the two end face testing components and are spaced apart. The transparent pressure plates are disposed between the end face testing components and the battery under test. The two transparent pressure plates can move toward the battery under test respectively to clamp the two ends of the battery under test.

[0015] The battery testing method includes:

[0016] Move the battery to be tested to the testing station;

[0017] Control the two transparent pressure plates to move towards the battery under test to clamp the two ends of the battery under test;

[0018] The total length of the battery under test is measured using a length detection component; the exposed length of the battery cell tabs is measured using a tab detection component; and the end faces of the battery cell tabs on both sides of the battery under test are detected using two end face detection components.

[0019] After the testing is completed, the length detection component, tab detection component, and end face detection component are reset, and the tested battery is transported to the next station.

[0020] Beneficial effects

[0021] In the battery testing apparatus and method provided in this application, a support assembly is provided with a testing station. After the battery to be tested is transported to the testing station, the battery to be tested can be tested separately by a length detection assembly, a tab detection assembly, and an end face detection assembly set on the support assembly. The length detection assembly is located below the testing station and is configured to measure the total length of the battery to be tested; the tab detection assembly is located above the testing station and is configured to measure the exposed length of the cell tabs of the battery to be tested; the end face detection assembly includes two end face detection components respectively disposed on both sides of the testing station, and the two end face detection components are respectively configured to detect the end faces of the cell tabs on both sides of the battery to be tested.

[0022] The battery testing device, comprised of a length detection component, a tab detection component, and an end-face detection component, can simultaneously detect three parameters: the total length of the battery, the exposed length of the cell tabs, and the end-face dimensions of the cell tabs, resulting in high testing efficiency. Furthermore, by adjusting the positions of these components on the support assembly, the device can be adapted to test various battery models, demonstrating good adaptability and high compatibility. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery detection device provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0024] Figure 2 is a front view of a battery detection device provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0025] Figure 3 is a first structural schematic diagram of a portion of an end face detection component and a portion of a length detection component provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0026] Figure 4 is a second structural schematic diagram of a portion of an end face detection component and a portion of a length detection component provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0027] Figure 5 is a first structural schematic diagram of another part of the end face detection component and another part of the length detection component provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0028] Figure 6 is a second structural schematic diagram of another part of the end face detection component and another part of the length detection component provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0029] Figure 7 is a structural schematic diagram of the support frame and electrode detection assembly provided in some embodiments of this application.

[0030] In the picture:

[0031] 100. Battery to be tested;

[0032] 1. Support assembly; 11. Mounting bracket; 111. First support plate; 112. Second support plate; 12. Support base; 13. Slide plate; 14. Support frame;

[0033] 2. Length detection component; 21. Measuring rod; 22. Displacement detection component; 221. Contact; 23. Mounting plate; 24. Second drive component;

[0034] 3. Electrode detection assembly; 31. Electrode detection component; 32. Second light source component;

[0035] 4. End face inspection assembly; 41. End face inspection component; 42. Transparent pressure plate; 43. First light source component;

[0036] 51. First driving component. Detailed Implementation

[0037] This embodiment provides a battery testing device that can simultaneously detect three items: the total length of the battery, the exposed length of the cell tabs, and the end face of the cell tabs. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the battery testing device includes a support component 1, a length detection component 2, a tab detection component 3, and an end face detection component 4.

[0038] For example, the support assembly 1 is provided with a testing station, and the battery 100 to be tested is transported to the testing station by a conveying device (such as a conveyor belt). After the battery 100 to be tested is transported to the testing station, the battery 100 to be tested can be tested by the length detection assembly 2, the tab detection assembly 3 and the end face detection assembly 4 provided on the support assembly 1. The length detection assembly 2 is located below the testing station and is configured to measure the total length of the battery 100 to be tested; the tab detection assembly 3 is located above the testing station and is configured to measure the exposed length of the tabs of the battery 100 to be tested; the end face detection assembly 4 includes two end face detection elements 41 respectively disposed on both sides of the testing station, and the two end face detection elements 41 are respectively configured to detect the end faces of the tabs of the battery 100 to be tested on both sides.

[0039] The orientation of the length detection component 2, the tab detection component 3, and the end face detection component 4 relative to the battery under test 100 is relatively fixed, so as to facilitate the detection of the battery and avoid interference between the components during operation, which would affect the detection effect and the normal operation of the device.

[0040] In this embodiment, the length detection component 2, the tab detection component 3, and the end face detection component 4 can simultaneously detect three items: the total length of the battery, the exposed length of the cell tabs, and the end face of the cell tabs, resulting in high detection efficiency. Furthermore, by adjusting the positions of the length detection component 2, the tab detection component 3, and the end face detection component 4 on the support component 1, this battery detection device can be applied to the detection of various battery models, exhibiting good adaptability and high compatibility. For example, the position of the tab detection component 3 needs to be adjusted according to the diameter (thickness) of the battery 100 under test, and the positions of the length detection component 2 and the end face detection component 4 need to be adjusted according to the length of the battery 100 under test.

[0041] Referring again to Figures 1 and 2, the support assembly 1 includes mounting brackets 11, with two mounting brackets 11 symmetrically arranged on both sides of the battery under test 100. Two end-face detection elements 41 are respectively disposed on the two mounting brackets 11, and the distance between the two end-face detection elements 41 and the corresponding end faces on both sides of the battery under test 100 is equal. In this embodiment, the end-face detection element 41 can be an end-face detection charge-coupled device (CCD) camera, which captures images of the end faces of the cell tabs of the battery under test 100 through its camera lens. The end-face detection element 41 is mounted on the mounting brackets 11 via a first support plate 111. By adjusting the position of the first support plates 111 on both sides, the distance between the two end-face detection elements 41 and the end faces on both sides of the battery under test 100 is ensured to be equal, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the images captured by the two end-face detection elements 41.

[0042] Exemplarily, the end-face detection assembly 4 further includes transparent pressure plates 42, with two transparent pressure plates 42 corresponding one-to-one with two end-face detection elements 41 and spaced apart. The transparent pressure plates 42 are disposed between the end-face detection elements 41 and the battery 100 under test. The two transparent pressure plates 42 can move towards the battery 100 under test respectively to clamp both ends of the battery 100. The transparent pressure plates 42 can squeeze and clamp the battery 100 under test, thereby achieving the positioning of the battery 100. Simultaneously, the transparent pressure plates 42 do not affect the imaging of the end-face detection elements 41. In this embodiment, the material of the transparent pressure plates 42 includes high-strength glass or acrylic, etc.

[0043] In some embodiments, the shape and size of the transparent pressure plate 42 need to be adapted to the shape and size of the battery cell of the battery under test 100. It is understood that the end face shape of the battery cell of the battery under test 100 includes circular, square, rhomboid, triangular, or polygonal shapes, etc. For ease of explanation, the end face of the battery cell used in the accompanying drawings of this embodiment is circular. Therefore, the transparent pressure plate 42 in this embodiment is circular.

[0044] Exemplarily, the battery testing device further includes two first driving members 51, which are respectively disposed on both sides of the battery 100 under test and correspond one-to-one with the two transparent pressure plates 42. The fixed end of the first driving member 51 is disposed on the support assembly 1, and the output end of the first driving member 51 is connected to the corresponding transparent pressure plate 42. The two first driving members 51 can respectively drive the two transparent pressure plates 42 to move synchronously toward or away from the battery 100 under test. In this embodiment, the support assembly 1 also includes two support seats 12 and two sliding plates 13, which correspond one-to-one with the support seats 12, sliding plates 13, first driving members 51, and transparent pressure plates 42, and are respectively disposed on both sides of the battery 100 under test. In this embodiment, the first driving member 51 can be a servo motor. The fixed end of the first driving member 51 is set on the support base 12. The slide plate 13 is slidably connected to the support base 12 through the first guide rail structure. The extension direction of the first guide rail structure is perpendicular to the end face of the battery 100 to be tested. The transparent pressure plate 42 is set on the slide plate 13. The output end of the first driving member 51 is connected to the slide plate 13 through transmission. Thus, the slide plate 13 and the transparent pressure plate 42 can be driven to move along the first guide rail structure by the first driving member 51.

[0045] Optionally, the end face detection assembly 4 further includes a first light source 43, with two first light sources 43 corresponding one-to-one with two end face detection components 41. The first light source 43 is disposed on the side of the end face detection component 41 facing the battery 100 under test, and is mounted on the mounting bracket 11 via a second support plate 112. The first light source 43 can provide illumination to the end face of the battery 100 under test to improve the brightness within the detection range of the battery 100 under test, thereby improving the recognition success rate and imaging effect of the end face detection component 41.

[0046] In this embodiment, the first light source 43 is ring-shaped, and the center of both the camera of the end face detection component 41 and the center of the first light source 43 are located on the extension line of the axis of the battery under test 100. The ring light source can ensure the uniformity of light at the end face of the battery under test 100, reduce shadows, and thus improve the success rate of the end face detection component 41 in capturing images.

[0047] Optionally, as shown in Figures 1 and 3-6, the length detection assembly 2 includes a measuring rod 21, a displacement detection element 22, two mounting plates 23, and two clamping plates. The two mounting plates 23 correspond one-to-one with the two clamping plates and are respectively disposed on both sides of the battery 100 to be tested. The measuring rod 21 and the displacement detection element 22 are respectively disposed on the two mounting plates 23. The displacement detection element 22 has a compressible and resettable contact 221 on the side facing the measuring rod 21, and the measuring rod 21 and the contact 221 are directly opposite each other. The two mounting plates 23 can move towards the battery 100 to be tested. When the two clamping plates clamp the two ends of the battery 100 to be tested, the measuring rod 21 compresses the contact 221. With the above configuration, the total length of the battery 100 to be tested can be measured.

[0048] For example, a preset length is set, which is greater than the total length of the battery 100 under test. In this embodiment, when the end of the measuring rod 21 abuts against the contact 221 of the displacement detection element 22, the preset length is equal to the sum of the length of the measuring rod 21 and the length of the contact 221. As the mounting plates 23 on both sides move toward the battery 100 under test, the end of the measuring rod 21 compresses the contact 221 until the clamps on the mounting plates 23 clamp the two sides of the battery 100 under test, and the mounting plates 23 stop moving. At this time, the total length of the battery 100 under test can be obtained by subtracting the compression distance of the contact 221 from the preset length. For example, the displacement detection element 22 is a displacement sensor.

[0049] In this embodiment, the clamping plate and the transparent pressure plate 42 serve the same purpose: to clamp both sides of the battery 100 under test. That is, the clamping plate and the transparent pressure plate 42 can be integrated to simplify the overall structure of the device. In other words, in this embodiment, the two mounting plates 23 are slidably connected to the slide plate 13 via the second guide rail structure. One transparent pressure plate 42 and the measuring rod 21 are mounted on one side of the mounting plate 23, while the other transparent pressure plate 42 and the displacement detection element 22 are mounted on the other side of the mounting plate 23. This arrangement allows for simultaneous detection of the total battery length and the end face of the cell tabs, and also minimizes interference between the length detection component 2 and the end face detection component 4, effectively improving detection efficiency.

[0050] Exemplarily, the length detection component 2 further includes a second driving member 24, with two second driving members 24 corresponding one-to-one with two mounting plates 23. The fixed end of the second driving member 24 is disposed on the support component 1, and the output end of the second driving member 24 is connected to the corresponding mounting plate 23. The two second driving members 24 can respectively drive the two mounting plates 23 to move synchronously toward or away from the battery 100 under test. Exemplarily, the second driving member 24 can be selected as a driving member capable of linear motion, such as a pen-shaped cylinder. In this embodiment, the cylinder body of the pen-shaped cylinder is disposed on the slide plate 13, and the cylinder rod is connected to the mounting plate 23. By extending and retracting the cylinder rod within the cylinder body, the mounting plate 23, as well as the transparent pressure plate 42, measuring rod 21, and displacement detection member 22 on the mounting plate 23, can be moved along the second guide rail structure.

[0051] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 7, the support assembly 1 also includes a support frame 14, which is a frame structure mounted on the length detection assembly 2 and the end face detection assembly 4. The tab detection assembly 3 is installed on the top of the support frame 14. By adjusting the position of the tab detection assembly 3 on the support frame 14, the exposed length of the cell tabs of the battery under test 100 can be measured.

[0052] Exemplarily, the tab detection assembly 3 includes a tab detection element 31, which is movably mounted on the support frame 14. The tab detection element 31 is directly opposite the protruding cell tab on the end face of the battery under test 100 in the vertical direction Z (i.e., the vertical direction in Figure 2). In this embodiment, the tab detection element 31 can be a tab detection CCD camera, which captures the length of the exposed portion of the cell tab of the battery under test 100 through its camera lens.

[0053] For example, the tab detection assembly 3 further includes a second light source 32. The second light source 32 is spaced apart on one side of the tab detection assembly 31 and can illuminate the battery 100 under test to improve the shooting effect of the tab detection assembly 31.

[0054] Optionally, the battery testing device further includes a control system, which is communicatively connected to the length detection component 2, the tab detection component 3, the end face detection component 4, and the first drive component 51. A positioning detection mechanism is also provided on the support component 1 opposite the testing station, which can send a battery positioning signal to the control system. Based on the received battery positioning signal, the control system can control the actions of the first drive component 51, the length detection component 2, the tab detection component 3, and the end face detection component 4 to detect the total length of the battery 100 under test, the exposed length of the cell tabs, and the end face of the cell tabs. For example, the control system can be a programmable logic controller (PLC) or a microcontroller, etc.

[0055] The battery testing device provided in this embodiment can be used as a standalone device to test batteries; it can also be installed synchronously with other equipment on an automated battery production line to achieve automated control and continuous production of batteries.

[0056] In this embodiment, the battery testing device can test one battery or multiple batteries simultaneously. Accordingly, the number of length detection component 2, tab detection component 3, and end face detection component 4 corresponds one-to-one with the number of batteries 100 to be tested.

[0057] This embodiment also provides a battery testing method, which uses the battery testing device provided in this embodiment to test the battery 100 to be tested. The battery testing method includes the following steps:

[0058] S100, Move the battery to be tested 100 to the testing station.

[0059] For example, the battery under test 100 can be transported to the testing station via a conveyor belt or other conveying device. After the battery under test 100 arrives at its destination, the arrival detection mechanism sends a battery arrival signal to the control system.

[0060] S200: Control the two transparent pressure plates 42 to move toward the battery 100 under test, so as to clamp the two ends of the battery 100 under test.

[0061] For example, after receiving the positioning detection signal, the control system controls the two first driving members 51 to move simultaneously, causing the sliding plates 13 on both sides to move synchronously closer to the battery 100 under test. The control system also controls the two second driving members 24 to move simultaneously, driving the mounting plates 23 on both sides of the battery 100 under test to move synchronously towards the battery 100 under test, so as to drive the transparent pressure plate 42, displacement detection member 22 and measuring rod 21 on the mounting plate 23 to move closer to the battery 100 under test.

[0062] S300: Measure the total length of the battery under test 100 using the length detection component 2; measure the exposed length of the cell tabs of the battery under test 100 using the tab detection component 3; and detect the end faces of the cell tabs on both sides of the battery under test 100 using the two end face detection components 41.

[0063] For example, after the second driving member 24 operates for a preset time (e.g., 1 second), the control system sends a detection trigger signal. The tab detection component 3 and the end face detection component 4 receive the trigger signal, start taking pictures of visual recognition features, and perform detection. During the movement of the measuring rod 21, the contact 221 of the displacement detection component 22 contacts the measuring rod 21 and is gradually compressed. From the start of contact until the measuring rod 21 stops moving, the contact 221 will form a compression distance. The total length of the battery 100 under test = preset length (fixed value) - compression distance of the contact 221 of the displacement detection component 22.

[0064] S400, Inspection complete. After the length detection component 2, tab detection component 3 and end face detection component 4 are reset, the tested battery 100 is transported to the next station.

[0065] For example, after the test is completed, the first drive member 51 returns to its original position, the air rod of the second drive member 24 retracts, and the transparent pressure plate 42, displacement detection member 22, and measuring rod 21 slowly withdraw from the middle to both sides. After they are completely withdrawn, the tested battery 100 enters the next process step.

Claims

1. A battery testing device, comprising: The support component (1) is equipped with a testing station, and the battery (100) to be tested can be transported to the testing station; A length detection component (2) is movably disposed on the support component (1) and located below the detection station. The length detection component (2) is configured to measure the total length of the battery (100) under test. A tab detection assembly (3) is movably disposed on the support assembly (1) and located above the detection station. The tab detection assembly (3) is configured to measure the exposed length of the cell tab of the battery under test (100). The end face detection component (4) is movably disposed on the support component (1) and includes two end face detection components (41) disposed on both sides of the detection station. The two end face detection components (41) are respectively configured to detect the end faces of the cell tabs on both sides of the battery under test (100).

2. The battery detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The end face detection assembly (4) further includes a transparent pressure plate (42). The two transparent pressure plates (42) correspond one-to-one with the two end face detection components (41) and are spaced apart. The transparent pressure plate (42) is disposed between the end face detection component (41) and the battery under test (100). The two transparent pressure plates (42) can move toward the battery under test (100) respectively to clamp the two ends of the battery under test (100).

3. The battery detection apparatus according to claim 2, wherein The end face detection component (4) further includes a first light source (43), with two first light sources (43) corresponding one-to-one with two end face detection components (41). The first light source (43) is disposed on the side of the end face detection component (41) facing the battery under test (100), and the first light source (43) is configured to provide illumination to the end face of the battery under test (100).

4. The battery detection apparatus according to claim 3, wherein The first light source (43) is ring-shaped, and the center of the camera of the end face detection device (41) and the center of the first light source (43) are both located on the extension line of the axis of the battery under test (100).

5. The battery testing device according to claim 2 further includes two first driving members (51), the two first driving members (51) are respectively disposed on both sides of the battery under test (100) and correspond one-to-one with the two transparent pressure plates (42), the fixed end of the first driving member (51) is disposed on the support assembly (1), the output end of the first driving member (51) is connected to the corresponding transparent pressure plate (42), and the two first driving members (51) can drive the two transparent pressure plates (42) to move synchronously toward or away from the battery under test (100).

6. The battery detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The support component (1) includes a mounting bracket (11), two mounting brackets (11) are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the battery under test (100), and two end face detection components (41) are respectively arranged on the two mounting brackets (11). The distance between the two end face detection components (41) and the corresponding end faces on both sides of the battery under test (100) is equal.

7. The battery detection apparatus according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein, The length detection component (2) includes a measuring rod (21), a displacement detection element (22), two mounting plates (23) and two clamping plates. The two mounting plates (23) correspond one-to-one with the two clamping plates and are respectively disposed on both sides of the battery under test (100). The measuring rod (21) and the displacement detection element (22) are respectively disposed on the two mounting plates (23). The displacement detection element (22) is provided with a compressible and resettable contact (221) on the side facing the measuring rod (21). The measuring rod (21) and the contact (221) are disposed opposite each other. The two mounting plates (23) can move towards the battery under test (100) respectively. When the two clamping plates clamp the two ends of the battery under test (100), the measuring rod (21) compresses the contact (221).

8. The battery detection apparatus according to claim 7, wherein The length detection component (2) further includes a second driving component (24). The two second driving components (24) correspond one-to-one with the two mounting plates (23). The fixed end of the second driving component (24) is disposed on the support component (1). The output end of the second driving component (24) is connected to the corresponding mounting plate (23). The two second driving components (24) can drive the two mounting plates (23) to move synchronously toward or away from the battery under test (100).

9. The battery detection apparatus according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein, The support assembly (1) includes a support frame (14), and the tab detection assembly (3) includes a tab detection element (31). The tab detection element (31) is movably disposed on the support frame (14), and the tab detection element (31) is directly opposite the protruding cell tab on the end face of the battery under test (100) in the vertical direction Z.

10. A battery testing method, wherein the battery testing device as described in any one of claims 1-9 is used to test the battery (100) to be tested, wherein the end face testing component (4) further includes a transparent pressure plate (42), wherein the two transparent pressure plates (42) correspond one-to-one with the two end face testing components (41) and are spaced apart, wherein the transparent pressure plate (42) is disposed between the end face testing component (41) and the battery (100) to be tested, and the two transparent pressure plates (42) are respectively movable toward the battery (100) to clamp the two ends of the battery (100) to be tested; The battery detection method includes: Move the battery to be tested (100) to the testing station; Control the two transparent pressure plates (42) to move toward the battery under test (100) respectively, so as to clamp the two ends of the battery under test (100); The total length of the battery under test (100) is measured by the length detection component (2); the exposed length of the battery cell tab of the battery under test (100) is measured by the tab detection component (3); and the end faces of the battery cell tabs on both sides of the battery under test (100) are detected by the two end face detection components (41). After the detection is completed, the battery to be detected (100) whose detection is completed is transported to a next station after the length detection assembly (2), the tab detection assembly (3) and the end face detection assembly (4) are reset.

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