(19)
(11)EP 2 481 517 B1

(12)EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45)Mention of the grant of the patent:
08.08.2018 Bulletin 2018/32

(21)Application number: 11769063.6

(22)Date of filing:  12.04.2011
(51)International Patent Classification (IPC): 
B23K 31/12(2006.01)
H01M 2/02(2006.01)
G01K 13/00(2006.01)
H01M 2/30(2006.01)
(86)International application number:
PCT/KR2011/002588
(87)International publication number:
WO 2011/129597 (20.10.2011 Gazette  2011/42)

(54)

BATTERY MODULE WELDING VERIFICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SAME

SCHWEISSUNGSPRÜFSYSTEM FÜR EIN BATTERIEMODUL UND VERFAHREN DAFÜR

SYSTÈME DE VÉRIFICATION DE SOUDAGE DE MODULE DE BATTERIE ET SON PROCÉDÉ


(84)Designated Contracting States:
AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

(30)Priority: 31.03.2011 US 201113077166
16.04.2010 US 324996 P

(43)Date of publication of application:
01.08.2012 Bulletin 2012/31

(73)Proprietor: LG Chem, Ltd.
Youngdungpo-gu Seoul 150-721 (KR)

(72)Inventors:
  • STANCU, Janina
    La Salle, Ontario N9J 3M8 (CA)
  • OSWANDEL, Kenneth, J.
    Livonia, Michigan 48152 (US)

(74)Representative: Cabinet Plasseraud 
66, rue de la Chaussée d'Antin
75440 Paris Cedex 09
75440 Paris Cedex 09 (FR)


(56)References cited: : 
WO-A1-2010/033076
KR-A- 20090 064 961
KR-A- 20000 038 817
US-A- 4 451 791
  
      
    Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention).


    Description


    [0001] In a battery module, one or more battery cell tabs may be welded to an interconnect member. If the weld joint between the battery cell tabs and the interconnect member does not have desired weld joint characteristics (e.g., a low impedance), the inventors herein have recognized that a relatively high temperature may be obtained at the weld joint during discharging or charging of the battery module.

    [0002] Document WO2010033076 discloses a battery pack burn-in test system comprising first and second interconnection circuits for electrically interconnecting a first and a second battery pack respectively to the system; a data communication bus for coupling to respective battery management integrated circuits (ICs) of the first and second battery packs; and a system management unit coupled to the data communication bus. The system management unit may control a charging of the first battery pack during a burn-in test from a discharging of the second battery pack.

    [0003] Accordingly, the inventors herein have recognized a need for a weld validation system for a battery module.

    SUMMARY



    [0004] A weld validation system for a battery module in accordance with an exemplary embodiment is provided. The battery module has first and second battery cells and an interconnect member welded to first and second tabs of the first and second battery cells, respectively. The system includes a gripping device having first and second gripping fingers configured to contact the interconnect member. The system further includes a battery cycling device being electrically coupled to the battery module. The battery cycling device is configured to charge and discharge the battery module. The system further includes a temperature sensor disposed on one of the first and second gripping fingers. The temperature sensor is configured to generate a first signal indicative of a temperature of the interconnect member when the battery cycling device is discharging the battery module. The system further includes a computer configured to determine a first temperature value indicative of the temperature of the interconnect member based on the first signal.

    [0005] A method for validating a weld joint of a battery module in accordance with another exemplary embodiment is provided. The battery module has first and second battery cells and an interconnect member welded to first and second tabs of the first and second battery cells, respectively. The method includes contacting the interconnect member previously welded to the first and second tabs of the first and second battery cells utilizing first and second gripping fingers of a gripping device. The method further includes discharging the battery module utilizing a battery cycling device electrically coupled to the battery module. The method further includes generating a first signal indicative of a temperature of the interconnect member utilizing a temperature sensor when the battery cycling device is discharging the battery module. The method further includes determining a first temperature value indicative of the temperature of the interconnect member based on the first signal utilizing a computer.

    [0006] These and other advantages and features will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings.

    BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS



    [0007] 

    FIG. 1 is a schematic of a weld validation system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment and a battery module;

    FIG. 2 is a schematic of a portion of the weld validation system of FIG. 1;

    FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a portion of the weld validation system of FIG. 1;

    FIG. 4 is an enlarged schematic of a portion of the weld validation system of FIG. 1;

    FIG. 5 is schematic of a portion of the weld validation system of FIG. 1;

    FIG. 6 is schematic of a side view of the weld validation system of FIG. 1;

    FIG. 7 is an enlarged schematic of a gripping device utilized in the weld validation system of FIG. 1;

    FIG. 8 is an enlarged schematic of a portion of the gripping device of FIG. 7 disposed proximate to a battery module;

    FIG. 9 is an enlarged schematic of a portion of the gripping device of FIG. 7 disposed proximate to a battery module;

    FIG. 10 is a schematic of battery cells and an interconnect member utilized in the battery module of FIG. 1; and

    FIGS. 11 and 12 are flowcharts of a method for validating a weld joint of a battery module in accordance with another exemplary embodiment.


    DETAILED DESCRIPTION



    [0008] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, a weld validation system 10 that verifies whether weld joints in a battery module 20 has desired characteristics and is therefore validated in accordance with an exemplary embodiment is provided. An advantage of the weld validation system 10 is that the system monitors temperatures of interconnect members that are coupled to battery cell tabs in the battery module 21 when discharging the battery module 20 or charging the battery module 20. When discharging the battery module 20, if a temperature of the interconnect member coupled to battery cell tabs of the battery module 20 is less than or equal to a threshold temperature value, the weld joint between the interconnect member and the battery cell tab has desired structural characteristics. Similarly, when discharging the battery module 20, if a temperature of the interconnect member coupled to battery cell tabs of the battery module 20 is less than or equal to the threshold temperature value, the weld joint between the interconnect member and the battery cell tab has desired structural characteristics.

    [0009] Referring to FIG. 10, the battery module 20 includes a plurality of battery cells including battery cells 21, 22, 23, 24 for example. Each of the battery cells has a pair of battery cell tabs extending therefrom. For example, the battery cell 21 has a battery cell tab 25 and another battery cell tab (not shown) extending therefrom, and the battery cell 22 has a battery cell tab 26 and another battery cell tab (not shown) extending therefrom. Also, for example, the battery cell 23 has a battery cell tab 27 and another battery cell tab (not shown) extending therefrom, and the battery cell 24 has a battery cell tab 28 and another battery cell tab (not shown) extending therefrom.

    [0010] The battery module 20 further includes a plurality of interconnect members including the interconnect member 29 for example. The shape and configuration of the interconnect members can vary depending upon the desired battery module structure. In the illustrated embodiment, the interconnect member 29 has a substantially U-shaped cross-sectional profile having a bottom wall 30 coupled to side walls 31, 32 that extend substantially parallel to one another. When the battery cell tabs 25, 26 are welded to the wall 31, a weld joint 33 is formed in the tabs 25, 26 and the wall 31. Similarly, when the battery cell tabs 27, 28 are welded to the wall 32, a weld joint 34 is formed in the tabs 27, 28 and the wall 32.

    [0011] The battery module 20 also includes first and second battery module terminals 36, 37 which are electrically coupled to the battery cells in the battery module 20.

    [0012] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the weld validation system 10 includes a conveyor 38, a pallet 40, a vertical support member 42, a lift assembly 44, a command switch 48, a gripping device 50, temperature sensors 60, a battery cycling device 80, a display device 82, a pneumatic control system 84, and a computer 90.

    [0013] The conveyor system 38 is configured to support the pallet 40 thereon. The pallet 40 is configured to hold the battery module 20 thereon and to move longitudinally along the conveyor system 38. For testing the battery module 20, the pallet 40 can be disposed directly underneath the gripping device 50. Thereafter, the gripping device 50 can be lowered toward the battery module 20 such that the gripping device 50 contacts the battery module 20 to test the weld joints of the battery module 20. After testing of the battery module 20 is completed, the gripping device 50 is moved upwardly away from the battery module 20.

    [0014] Referring to FIGS. 2, 4 and 6, the vertical support 42 is coupled to the conveyor 38 and extends upwardly from the conveyor 38. The lift assembly 44 is operably coupled to the vertical support 42 to allow an operator to adjust a vertical position of the gripping device 50. The lift assembly 44 includes a plate 100, a rail 102, a linear bearing portion 110, a guide member 112, support walls 114, 116, 118, stopping members 119, 120, and a balance member 121. The plate 100 is coupled to a surface of the vertical support member 42 facing toward the pallet 40. The rail 102 and the guide member 112 are coupled to the plate 100. The rail 102 is operably coupled to the linear bearing portion 110 that is further coupled to the wall 116. The walls 114, 118 are coupled to opposite ends of the wall 114 and are further coupled to the gripping device 50. The linear bearing portion 110 moves vertically relative to the rail 102 for allowing an operator to adjust a vertical position of the gripping device 50. The balance member 121 is operably coupled to the wall 114 to assist an operator when raising the gripping device 50. The stopping members 119, 120 are utilized to define a lower vertical position and a upper vertical position, respectively, of the gripping device 50.

    [0015] Referring to FIGS. 3-5 and 7, the gripping device 50 is configured to contact interconnect members of the battery module 20 for testing weld joints of the battery module 20. The gripping device 50 includes a plate 130, first and second pneumatic cylinders 140, 142, support blocks 144, 146, 148, movable plates 160, 162, movable arms 180, 182, 184, 186, 188, 190 and other movable arms (not shown), and gripping fingers 200, 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 224, 226, 240, 242, 244, 246, 248, 250, 252, 254, 256, 258, 260, 262, support members 300, 302, 304, 306, 308, 310, 312, shafts 330, 331, and springs 340, 342, 344, 346, 348, 350 and other springs (not shown).

    [0016] Referring to FIG. 4, the plate 130 is coupled to the walls 114, 118 of the lift assembly 44. The support blocks 144, 146, 148 are disposed on the top surface of the plate 130. The pneumatic cylinder 140 is disposed on portions of the support blocks 144, 146. Also, the pneumatic cylinder 142 is disposed on portions of the support blocks 146, 148.

    [0017] Referring to FIG. 7, the pneumatic cylinder 142 has a shaft that is operably coupled to the moveable plate 162. The movable plate 162 is coupled to the movable arms 180, 182, 184, 186, 188, 190 that extend through apertures 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, respectively, in the plate 130. The movable arms 180, 182, 184, 186, 188, 190 are configured to selectively engage the gripping fingers 240-262 as discussed in further detail below.

    [0018] When a shaft of the pneumatic cylinder 142 moves to a fully-extended operational position and the plate 162 moves to a fully-downward position, the movable arm 180 moves the gripping fingers 240, 242 adjacent to one another, and the movable arm 182 moves the gripping fingers 244, 245 adjacent to one another, and the movable arm 184 moves the gripping fingers 248, 250 adjacent to one another. Also, the movable arm 186 moves the gripping fingers 252, 254 adjacent to one another, and the movable arm 188 moves the gripping fingers 256, 258 adjacent to one another, and the movable arm 190 moves the gripping fingers 260, 262 adjacent to one another. Referring to FIG. 8, when respective pairs of the gripping fingers are moved adjacent to one another, each respective pair of gripping fingers can be received in an open region defined in a respective interconnect member. For example, when the gripping fingers 248, 250 are moved adjacent to one another, the gripping fingers 248, 250 can be received in an open region 251 defined by the interconnect member 29.

    [0019] Alternately, when a shaft of the pneumatic cylinder 142 moves to a fully-retracted operational position and the plate 162 moves to a fully-upward position, the movable arm 180 moves away from the gripping fingers 240, 242 to allow the gripping fingers 240, 242 to be biased by the spring 340 away from one another, and the movable arm 182 moves away from the gripping fingers 244, 246 to allow the gripping fingers 244, 246 to be biased by the spring 342 away from one another, and the movable arm 184 moves away from the gripping fingers 248, 250 to allow the gripping fingers 248, 250 to be biased by the spring 344 away from one another. Also, the movable arm 186 moves away from the gripping fingers 252, 254 to allow the gripping fingers 252, 254 to be biased by the spring 346 away from one another, and the movable arm 188 moves away from the gripping fingers 256, 258 to allow the gripping fingers 256, 258 to be biased by the spring 348 away from one another, and the movable arm 190 moves away from the gripping fingers 260, 262, to allow the gripping fingers 260, 262 to be biased by the spring 350 away from one another. Referring to FIG. 9, when respective pairs of the gripping fingers are spring-biased away from one another, each respective pair of gripping fingers contact opposite walls in respective interconnect members. For example, when the gripping fingers 248, 250 are biased by the spring 344 away from one another, the gripping fingers 248, 250 contact walls 31, 32, respectively, of the interconnect member 29. Because each pair of gripping fingers are spring loaded, the assembly compensates for misalignment of the interconnect members. Thus, each pair of gripping fingers self-centers on a respective interconnect member and provides an equal amount of force (e.g., 4 lbs) on the interconnect member.

    [0020] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, since each pair of gripping fingers have a similar structure, only the pair of gripping fingers 248, 250 will be explained in greater detail below. The gripping finger 248 includes a body portion 400 and a tip portion 402 that extends from the body portion 400. The body portion 400 has an aperture 404 and another aperture extending therethrough for receiving the shafts 330, 331 therethrough. Also, the body portion 400 includes a tapered surface 405 for contacting a portion of the movable member 184. The gripping finger 250 includes a body portion 410 and a tip portion 412 that extends from the body portion 410. The body portion 410 has an aperture 414 and another aperture extending therethrough for receiving the shafts 330, 331 therethrough. Also, the body portion 410 includes a tapered surface 415 for contacting a portion of the movable member 184. As shown, the spring 346 is disposed in adjacent recesses in the body portions 400, 410 and biases the gripping fingers 248, 250 away from each other.

    [0021] Referring to FIG. 7, the support members 300, 302, 304, 306, 308, 310, 312 are coupled to the plate 130. The gripping fingers 240, 242 are disposed between support members 300, 302, and the gripping fingers 244, 246 are disposed between the gripping members 302, 304. Also, the gripping fingers 248, 250 are disposed between the support members 304, 306. Further, the gripping fingers 252, 254 are disposed between the support members 306, 308, and the gripping fingers 256, 258 are disposed between the support members 308, 310. The gripping fingers 260, 262 are disposed between the support members 310, 312. The shafts 330, 331 extend through apertures in the support members 300-312 and the gripping fingers 240-262 to support the gripping fingers 240-262 thereon.

    [0022] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the pneumatic cylinder 140 has a shaft that is operably coupled to the moveable plate 160. The movable plate 160 is coupled to a plurality of movable arms (not shown) that extend through apertures in the plate 130. The plurality of movable arms are configured to selectively engage the gripping fingers 200-226.

    [0023] When the shaft of the pneumatic cylinder 140 moves to a fully-extended operational position and the plate 160 moves to a fully-downward operational position, the respective plurality of movable arms moves respective pairs of gripping fingers adjacent to one another to be received in respective open regions of respective interconnect members.

    [0024] When the shaft of the pneumatic cylinder 140 moves to a fully-retracted operational position and the plate 160 moves to a fully-upward operational position, the respective movable arms move away from respective pairs of gripping fingers 200-226 to allow the respective pairs of gripping fingers 200-226 to be biased by respective springs away from one another. When respective pairs of the gripping fingers 200-226 are spring-biased away from one another, each respective pair of gripping fingers 200-226 contact opposite walls in respective interconnect members of the battery module 20.

    [0025] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 8, the temperature sensors 60 are configured to generate signals indicative of temperatures of interconnect members of the battery module 20 that are received by the computer 90. In particular, each respective pair of gripping fingers has a temperature sensor 60 coupled to a least one of the gripping fingers. For example, referring to FIG. 8, the temperature sensor 60 is operably coupled to the gripping finger 250 and generates a signal indicative of a temperature of the interconnect member 29.

    [0026] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the battery cycling device 80 is electrically coupled to the first and second battery module terminals 36, 37 of the battery module 20, via electrical connectors, for charging and discharging the battery module 20. Also, the battery cycling device 80 is operably coupled to the computer 90. The battery cycling device 80 is configured to discharge the battery module 20 in response to a control signal from the computer 90. Also, the battery cycling device 80 is configured to charge of the battery module 20 in response to another control signal from the computer 90.

    [0027] The display device 82 is operably coupled to the computer 90. The display device 82 is configured to display data including temperature values and associated messages in response to control signals from the computer 90 as will be described in greater detail below.

    [0028] The pneumatic control system 84 is configured to apply pressurized air to the first and second pneumatic cylinders 140, 142 in response to a control signal from the computer 90 to induce the first and second pneumatic cylinders 140, 142 to extend respective shafts thereof. Further, the pneumatic control system 84 is configured to remove the pressurized air from the first and second pneumatic cylinders 140, 142 in response to the control signal no longer being output by the computer 90 to induce the first and second pneumatic cylinders 140, 142 to retract respective shafts thereof.

    [0029] The computer 90 is configured to control operation of the weld validation system 10 as will be explained in greater detail below. The computer 90 is operably coupled to the command switch 48, the temperature sensors 60, the battery cycling device 80, the display device 82, and the pneumatic control system 84.

    [0030] For purposes of understanding, it should be understood that the weld validation system 10 can validate a plurality of weld joints on the battery module 20. However, for purposes of simplicity, the following method will be explained for validating weld joints within a single interconnect member and battery cell tabs, of the battery module 20.

    [0031] Referring to FIGS. 1, 3, 4 and 11-12, a flowchart of a method for validating a weld joint of the battery module 20 in accordance with another exemplary embodiment will be explained.

    [0032] At step 502, an operator electrically couples the battery cycling device 80 to the first and second battery module terminals 36, 37 of the battery module 20, and moves the gripping device 50 downwardly toward the battery module 20.

    [0033] At step 504, the computer 90 detects closure of the command switch 48 by the operator.

    [0034] At step 506, the computer 90 generates a first control signal that is received by pneumatic control system 84 in response to the closure of the command switch 48.

    [0035] At step 508, the pneumatic control system 84 induces the gripping device 50 to move first and second gripping fingers 248, 250 toward the interconnect member 29 of the battery module 20 to contact the interconnect member 29 in response to the first control signal. The interconnect member 29 was previously welded to first and second tabs 26, 27 of first and second battery cells 22, 23, respectively, (shown in FIG. 10) of the battery module 20.

    [0036] At step 510, the computer 90 generates a second control signal that is received by the battery cycling device 80.

    [0037] At step 512, the battery cycling device 80 commences discharging the battery module 20 in response to the second control signal.

    [0038] At step 514, the temperature sensor 60 disposed on one of the first and second gripping fingers 248, 250 generates a first signal indicative of a temperature of the interconnect member 29 when the battery cycling device 80 is discharging the battery module 20.

    [0039] At step 516, the computer 90 determines a first temperature value indicative of the temperature of the interconnect member 29 based on the first signal, and generates a third control signal to induce the display device 82 to display the first temperature value.

    [0040] At step 518, the computer 90 makes a determination as to whether the first temperature value is less than or equal to a threshold temperature value. In one exemplary embodiment, the threshold temperature value is 45° Celsius. Of course, in an alternative embodiment, the threshold temperature value could be less than 45° Celsius or greater than 45° Celsius. If the value of step 518 equals "yes", the method advances to step 520. Otherwise, the method advances to step 522.

    [0041] At step 520, the computer 90 generates a fourth control signal to induce the display device 82 to display a first message indicating that the first temperature value is less than or equal to the threshold temperature value and that the weld joints of the interconnect member are validated. After step 520, the method advances to step 524.

    [0042] Referring again to step 518, if the value of step 518 equals "no", the method advances to step 522. At step 522, the computer 90 generates a fifth control signal to induce the display device 82 to display a second message indicating that the first temperature value is greater than the threshold temperature value and that the weld joints of the interconnect member are not validated. After step 522, the method advances to step 524.

    [0043] At step 524, the computer 90 generates a sixth control signal that is received by the battery cycling device 80.

    [0044] At step 526, the battery cycling device 80 commences charging the battery module 20 in response to the sixth control signal.

    [0045] At step 528, the temperature sensor 60 generate a second signal indicative of a temperature of the interconnect member 29 when the battery cycling device 80 is charging the battery module 20.

    [0046] At step 530, the computer 90 determines a second temperature value indicative of the temperature of the interconnect member 29 based on the second signal, and generates a seventh control signal to induce the display device 82 to display the second temperature value.

    [0047] At step 532, the computer 90 makes a determination as to whether the second temperature value is less than or equal to the threshold temperature value. If the value of step 532 equals "yes", the method advances to step 534. Otherwise, the method advances to step 536.

    [0048] At step 534, the computer 90 generates an eighth control signal to induce the display device 82 to display a third message indicating that the second temperature value is less than or equal to the threshold temperature value and that the weld joints of the interconnect member are validated. After step 534, the method advances to step 538.

    [0049] Referring again to step 532, if the value of step 532 equals "no", the method advances to step 536. At step 536, the computer 90 generates a ninth control signal to induce the display device 82 to display a fourth message indicating that the second temperature value is greater than the threshold temperature value and that the weld joints of the interconnect member are not validated. After step 536, the method advances to step 538.

    [0050] At step 538, the computer 90 generates a tenth control signal that is received by the gripping device 50.

    [0051] At step 540, the gripping device 50 moves the first and second gripping fingers 248, 250 away from the interconnect member 29 in response to the tenth control signal.

    [0052] At step 542, the operator moves gripping device 50 upwardly away from the battery module 20.

    [0053] The weld validation system and the method for validating a weld joint of the battery module 20 provide a substantial advantage over other systems and methods. In particular, weld validation system and method provides a technical effect of utilizing a gripping device to contact interconnect members for measuring temperatures of the interconnect members while discharging or charging the battery module where the temperatures are indicative of whether the weld joints have desired structural and functional characteristics.

    [0054] While the invention has been described in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the invention is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the invention can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the scope of the appended claims.


    Claims

    1. A weld validation system (10) for a battery module (20), the battery module having first and second battery cells (21,22,23,24) and an interconnect member (29) welded to first and second tabs (25,26) of the first and second battery cells, respectively, comprising:

    a gripping device (50) having first and second gripping fingers (200, 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 224, 226, 240, 242, 244, 246, 248, 250, 252, 254, 256, 258, 260, 262) configured to contact the interconnect member;

    a battery cycling device (80) being electrically coupled to the battery module, the battery cycling device configured to charge and discharge the battery module;

    a temperature sensor (60) disposed on one of the first and second gripping fingers, the temperature sensor configured to generate a first signal indicative of a temperature of the interconnect member when the battery cycling device is discharging the battery module; and

    a computer (90) configured to determine a first temperature value indicative of the temperature of the interconnect member based on the first signal.


     
    2. The weld validation system of claim 1, wherein the first gripping finger (248) has a first body portion (400) and first tip portion (402) and a first aperture (404) extending through the first body portion, and the second gripping finger (250) has a second body portion (410) and second tip portion (412) and a second aperture (414) extending through the second body portion, the gripping device further comprising:

    first and second support members (300, 302, 304, 306, 308, 310, 312) disposed proximate to the first and second gripping fingers, respectively;

    a shaft (330) disposed through the first and second apertures and coupled to the first and second support members;

    a spring (346) configured to bias the first and second gripping fingers away from one another; and

    a movable member (184) configured to move in a first direction to move the first and second gripping fingers toward one another, and further configured to move in a second direction to allow the spring to bias the first and second gripping fingers away from one another.


     
    3. The weld validation system of claim 1, wherein the computer is further configured to induce a display device (82) to display the first temperature value.
     
    4. The weld validation system of claim 1, wherein:

    the computer being further configured to determine whether the first temperature value is less than or equal to a threshold temperature value; and

    the computer being further configured to induce the display device to display a first message indicating that the first temperature value is less than or equal to the threshold temperature value if the first temperature value is less than or equal to the threshold temperature value.


     
    5. The weld validation system of claim 1, wherein:
    the computer being further configured to induce the display device to display a second message indicating that the first temperature value is greater than the threshold temperature value if the first temperature value is greater than the threshold temperature value.
     
    6. The weld validation system of claim 1, wherein:

    the temperature sensor being further configured to generate a second signal indicative of a temperature of the interconnect member when the battery cycling device is charging the battery module; and

    the computer being further configured to determine a second temperature value indicative of the temperature of the interconnect member based on the second signal.


     
    7. The weld validation system of claim 6, wherein the computer is further configured to induce a display device to display the second temperature value.
     
    8. The weld validation system of claim 6, wherein:

    the computer being further configured to determine whether the second temperature value is less than or equal to a threshold temperature value; and

    the computer being further configured to induce the display device to display a first message indicating that the second temperature value is less than or equal to the threshold temperature value if the second temperature value is less than or equal to the threshold temperature value.


     
    9. The weld validation system of claim 8, wherein:
    the computer being further configured to induce the display device to display a second message indicating the second temperature value is greater than the threshold temperature value if the second temperature value is greater than the threshold temperature value.
     
    10. A method for validating a weld joint of a battery module, the battery module (20) having first and second battery cells (21,22,23,24) and an interconnect member (29) welded to first and second tabs of the first and second battery cells, respectively, comprising:

    contacting the interconnect member previously welded to the first and second tabs of the first and second battery cells utilizing first and second gripping fingers of a gripping device (50); discharging (512) the battery module utilizing a battery cycling device electrically coupled to the battery module;

    generating (514) a first signal indicative of a temperature of the interconnect member utilizing a temperature sensor (60) when the battery cycling device is discharging the battery module; and

    determining (516) a first temperature value indicative of the temperature of the interconnect member based on the first signal utilizing a computer.


     
    11. The method of claim 10, further comprising displaying the first temperature value on a display device (82).
     
    12. The method of claim 10, further comprising:

    determining (518) whether the first temperature value is less than or equal to a threshold temperature value utilizing the computer; and

    displaying (520) a first message on a display device indicating that the first temperature value is less than or equal to the threshold temperature value if the first temperature value is less than or equal to the threshold temperature value.


     
    13. The method of claim 12, further comprising:
    displaying (522) a second message on the display device indicating that the first temperature value is greater than the threshold temperature value if the first temperature value is greater than the threshold temperature value.
     
    14. The method of claim 10, further comprising generating (530) a second signal indicative of a temperature of the interconnect member utilizing the temperature sensor when the battery cycling device is charging the battery module; and
    determining a second temperature value indicative of the temperature of the interconnect member based on the second signal utilizing the computer..
     
    15. The method of claim 14, further comprising displaying the second temperature value on a display device.
     
    16. The method of claim 14, further comprising
    determining (532) whether the second temperature value is less than or equal to a threshold temperature value utilizing the computer; and
    displaying (534) a first message on the display device indicating that the second temperature value is less than or equal to the threshold temperature value if the second temperature value is less than or equal to the threshold temperature value.
     
    17. The method of claim 16, further comprising displaying (536) a second message on the display device indicating the second temperature value is greater than the threshold temperature value if the second temperature value is greater than the threshold temperature value.
     


    Ansprüche

    1. Schweißstellensvalidierungssystem (10) für ein Batteriemodul (20), wobei das Batteriemodul erste und zweite Batteriezellen (21, 22, 23, 24) und ein Verbindungselement (29) aufweist, welches jeweils an ersten und zweiten Zungen (25, 26) der ersten und zweiten Batteriezellen geschweißt ist, umfassend:

    eine Greifvorrichtung (50), welche erste und zweite Greiffinger (200, 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 224, 226, 240, 242, 244, 246, 248, 250, 252, 254, 256, 258, 260, 262) aufweist, welche konfiguriert sind, um das Verbindungselement zu berühren,

    eine Vorrichtung für eine Wechselbeanspruchung einer Batterie (80), welche elektrisch mit dem Batteriemodul gekoppelt ist, wobei die Vorrichtung für eine Wechselbeanspruchung einer Batterie konfiguriert ist, um das Batteriemodul zu laden und zu entladen;

    einen Temperatursensor (60), welcher an einem der ersten und zweiten Greiffinger angeordnet ist, wobei der Temperatursensor konfiguriert ist, um ein erstes Signal zu generieren, welches eine Temperatur des Verbindungselements anzeigt, wenn die Vorrichtung für eine Wechselbeanspruchung einer Batterie das Batteriemodul entlädt; und

    einen Computer (90), welcher konfiguriert ist, einen ersten Temperaturwert zu bestimmen, welcher die Temperatur des Verbindungselements basierend auf dem ersten Signal anzeigt.


     
    2. Schweißstellensvalidierungssystem nach Anspruch 1, wobei der erste Greiffinger (248) einen ersten Körperabschnitt (400) und einen ersten Spitzenabschnitt (402) und eine erste Öffnung (404) aufweist, welche sich durch den ersten Körperabschnitt erstreckt, und wobei der zweite Greiffinger (250) einen zweiten Körperabschnitt (410) und einen zweiten Spitzenabschnitt (412) und eine zweite Öffnung (414) aufweist, welche sich durch den zweiten Körperabschnitt erstreckt, wobei die Greifvorrichtung ferner umfasst:

    erste und zweite Halterungselemente (300, 302, 304, 306, 308, 310, 312), welche jeweils nahegelegen zu den ersten und zweiten Greiffingern angeordnet sind;

    eine Welle (330), welche durch die ersten und zweiten Öffnungen angeordnet ist und mit den ersten und zweiten Halterungselementen gekoppelt ist;

    eine Feder (346), welche konfiguriert ist, die ersten und zweiten Greiffinger voneinander weg vorzuspannen; und

    ein bewegbares Element (184), welches konfiguriert ist, um sich in eine erste Richtung zu bewegen, um die ersten und zweiten Greiffinger aufeinander zu zu bewegen und ferner konfiguriert ist, um sich in einer zweiten Richtung zu bewegen, um der Feder zu erlauben, die ersten und zweiten Greiffinger voneinander weg vorzuspannen.


     
    3. Schweißstellensvalidierungssystem nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Computer ferner konfiguriert ist, um eine Anzeigevorrichtung (82) zum Anzeigen des ersten Temperaturwerts zu veranlassen.
     
    4. Schweißstellensvalidierungssystem nach Anspruch 1, wobei

    der Computer ferner konfiguriert ist, um zu bestimmen, ob der erste Temperaturwert geringer als oder gleich groß wie ein Schwellentemperaturwert ist; und

    der Computer ferner konfiguriert ist, um die Anzeigevorrichtung zu veranlassen eine erste Nachricht anzuzeigen, welche anzeigt, dass der erste Temperaturwert geringer als oder gleich groß wie der Schwellentemperaturwert ist, wenn der erste Temperaturwert geringer als oder gleich groß wie der Schwellentemperaturwert ist.


     
    5. Schweißstellensvalidierungssystem nach Anspruch 1, wobei
    der Computer ferner konfiguriert ist, um die Anzeigevorrichtung zu veranlassen eine zweite Nachricht anzuzeigen, welche anzeigt, dass der erste Temperaturwert größer als der Schwellentemperaturwert ist, wenn der erste Temperaturwert größer als der Schwellentemperaturwert ist.
     
    6. Schweißstellensvalidierungssystem nach Anspruch 1, wobei
    der Temperatursensor ferner konfiguriert ist, um ein zweites Signal zu generieren, welches eine Temperatur des Verbindungselements anzeigt, wenn die Vorrichtung für eine Wechselbeanspruchung einer Batterie das Batteriemodul lädt; und
    der Computer ferner konfiguriert ist, um einen zweiten Temperaturwert zu bestimmen, welcher die Temperatur des Verbindungselements basierend auf dem zweiten Signal anzeigt.
     
    7. Schweißstellensvalidierungssystem nach Anspruch 6, wobei der Computer ferner konfiguriert ist, um die Anzeigevorrichtung zu veranlassen den zweiten Temperaturwert anzuzeigen.
     
    8. Schweißstellensvalidierungssystem nach Anspruch 6, wobei

    der Computer ferner konfiguriert ist, um zu bestimmen, ob der zweite Temperaturwert geringer als oder gleich groß wie ein Schwellentemperaturwert ist; und

    der Computer ferner konfiguriert ist, um die Anzeigevorrichtung zu veranlassen, eine erste Nachricht anzuzeigen, welche anzeigt, dass der zweite Temperaturwert geringer als oder gleich groß wie der Schwellentemperaturwert ist, wenn der zweite Temperaturwert geringer ist als oder gleich groß ist wie der Schwellentemperaturwert.


     
    9. Schweißstellensvalidierungssystem nach Anspruch 8, wobei der Computer ferner konfiguriert ist, um die Anzeigevorrichtung zu veranlassen, eine zweite Nachricht anzuzeigen, welche anzeigt, dass der zweite Temperaturwert größer als der Schwellentemperaturwert ist, wenn der zweite Temperaturwert größer ist als der Schwellentemperaturwert ist.
     
    10. Verfahren zum Validieren einer Schweißstellenverbindung eines Batteriemoduls, wobei das Batteriemodul (20) erste und zweite Batteriezellen (21, 22, 23, 24) und ein Verbindungselement (29) aufweist, welches jeweils an ersten und zweiten Zungen der ersten und zweiten Batteriezellen geschweißt ist, umfassend:

    Berühren des vorangehend an den ersten und zweiten Zungen der ersten und zweiten Batteriezellen geschweißten Verbindungselements unter Verwendung von ersten und zweiten Greiffingern einer Greifvorrichtung (50);

    Entladen (512) des Batteriemoduls unter Verwendung von einer Vorrichtung für eine Wechselbeanspruchung einer Batterie, welche mit dem Batteriemodul elektrisch gekoppelt ist;

    Generieren (514) eines ersten Signals, welches eine Temperatur des Verbindungselements unter Verwendung eines Temperatursensors (60) anzeigt, wenn die Vorrichtung für eine Wechselbeanspruchung einer Batterie das Batteriemodul entlädt; und

    Bestimmen (516) eines ersten Temperaturwerts, welcher die Temperatur des Verbindungselements basierend auf dem ersten Signal unter Verwendung eines Computers anzeigt.


     
    11. Verfahren nach Anspruch 10, ferner ein Anzeigen des ersten Temperaturwerts an einer Anzeigevorrichtung (82) umfassend.
     
    12. Verfahren nach Anspruch 10, ferner umfassend:

    Bestimmen (518), unter Verwendung des Computers, ob der erste Temperaturwert geringer als oder gleich groß wie ein Schwellentemperaturwert ist; und

    Anzeigen (520) einer ersten Nachricht an einer Anzeigevorrichtung, welche anzeigt, dass der erste Temperaturwert geringer als oder gleich groß wie der Schwellentemperaturwert ist, wenn der erste Temperaturwert geringer als oder gleich groß wie der Schwellentemperaturwert ist.


     
    13. Verfahren nach Anspruch 12, ferner umfassend:
    Anzeigen (522) einer zweiten Nachricht an der Anzeigevorrichtung, welche anzeigt, dass der erste Temperaturwert größer als der Schwellentemperaturwert ist, wenn der erste Temperaturwert größer als der Schwellentemperaturwert ist.
     
    14. Verfahren nach Anspruch 10, ferner umfassend
    Generieren (530) unter Verwendung des Temperatursensors eines zweiten Signals, welches eine Temperatur des Verbindungselements anzeigt, wenn die Vorrichtung für eine Wechselbeanspruchung einer Batterie das Batteriemodul lädt und Bestimmen eines zweiten Temperaturwerts, unter Verwendung des Computers, welcher die Temperatur des Verbindungselements basierend auf dem zweiten Signal anzeigt.
     
    15. Verfahren nach Anspruch 14, ferner ein Anzeigen des zweiten Temperaturwerts an einer Anzeigevorrichtung umfassend.
     
    16. Verfahren nach Anspruch 14, ferner umfassend:

    Bestimmen (532), unter Verwendung des Computers, ob der zweite Temperaturwert geringer als oder gleich groß wie ein Schwellentemperaturwert ist; und

    Anzeigen (534) einer ersten Nachricht an der Anzeigevorrichtung, welche anzeigt, dass der zweite Temperaturwert geringer als oder gleich groß wie der Schwellentemperaturwert ist, wenn der zweite Temperaturwert geringer als oder gleich groß wie der Schwellentemperaturwert ist.


     
    17. Verfahren nach Anspruch 16, ferner umfassend:
    Anzeigen (536) einer zweiten Nachricht an der Anzeigevorrichtung, welche anzeigt, dass der zweite Temperaturwert größer als der Schwellentemperaturwert ist, wenn der zweite Temperaturwert größer als der Schwellentemperaturwert ist.
     


    Revendications

    1. Système de validation de soudure (10) pour un module de batterie (20), le module de batterie comportant des première et seconde cellules de batterie (21, 22, 23, 24) et un élément d'interconnexion (29) soudé à des première et seconde languettes (25, 26) des première et seconde cellules de batterie, respectivement, comprenant :

    un dispositif de préhension (50) ayant des premier et second doigts de préhension (200, 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 224, 226, 240, 242, 244, 246, 248, 250, 252, 254, 256, 258, 260, 262) configurés pour être en contact avec l'élément d'interconnexion ;

    un dispositif de cyclage de batterie (80) étant électriquement couplé au module de batterie, le dispositif de cyclage de batterie étant configuré pour charger et décharger le module de batterie ;

    un capteur de température (60) disposé sur l'un des premier et second doigts de préhension, le capteur de température étant configuré pour générer un premier signal indicatif d'une température de l'élément d'interconnexion quand le dispositif de cyclage de batterie décharge le module de batterie ; et

    un ordinateur (90) configuré pour déterminer une première valeur de température indicative de la température de l'élément d'interconnexion sur la base du premier signal.


     
    2. Système de validation de soudure selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le premier doigt de préhension (248) comporte une première portion de corps (400) et une première portion de pointe (402) et une première ouverture (404) s'étendant à travers la première portion de corps, et le second doigt de préhension (250) comporte une seconde portion de corps (410) et une seconde portion de pointe (412) et une seconde ouverture (414) s'étendant à travers la seconde portion de corps, le dispositif de préhension comprenant en outre :

    des premier et second éléments de support (300, 302, 304, 306, 308, 310, 312) disposés à proximité des premier et second doigts de préhension, respectivement ;

    un arbre (330) disposé à travers les première et seconde ouvertures et couplé aux premier et second éléments de support ;

    un ressort (346) configuré pour solliciter les premier et second doigts de préhension loin l'un de l'autre ; et

    un élément mobile (184) configuré pour se déplacer dans une première direction afin de déplacer les premier et second doigts de préhension l'un vers l'autre, et en outre configuré pour se déplacer dans une seconde direction pour permettre au ressort de solliciter les premier et second doigts de préhension loin l'un de l'autre.


     
    3. Système de validation de soudure selon la revendication 1, dans lequel l'ordinateur est en outre configuré pour amener un dispositif d'affichage (82) à afficher la première valeur de température.
     
    4. Système de validation de soudure selon la revendication 1, dans lequel :

    l'ordinateur est en outre configuré pour déterminer si la première valeur de température est inférieure ou égale à une valeur de température seuil ; et

    l'ordinateur est en outre configuré pour amener le dispositif d'affichage à afficher un premier message indiquant que la première valeur de température est inférieure ou

    égale à la valeur de température seuil si la première valeur de température est inférieure ou égale à la valeur de température seuil.


     
    5. Système de validation de soudure selon la revendication 1, dans lequel :
    l'ordinateur est en outre configuré pour amener le dispositif d'affichage à afficher un second message indiquant que la première valeur de température est supérieure à la valeur de température seuil si la première valeur de température est supérieure à la valeur de température seuil.
     
    6. Système de validation de soudure selon la revendication 1, dans lequel :

    le capteur de température est en outre configuré pour générer un second signal indicatif d'une température de l'élément d'interconnexion quand le dispositif de cyclage de batterie charge le module de batterie ; et

    l'ordinateur est en outre configuré pour déterminer une seconde valeur de température indicative de la température de l'élément d'interconnexion sur la base du second signal.


     
    7. Système de validation de soudure selon la revendication 6, dans lequel l'ordinateur est en outre configuré pour amener un dispositif d'affichage à afficher la seconde valeur de température.
     
    8. Système de validation de soudure selon la revendication 6, dans lequel :

    l'ordinateur est en outre configuré pour déterminer si la seconde valeur de température est inférieure ou égale à une valeur de température seuil ; et

    l'ordinateur est en outre configuré pour amener le dispositif d'affichage à afficher un premier message indiquant que la seconde valeur de température est inférieure ou

    égale à la valeur de température seuil si la seconde valeur de température est inférieure ou égale à la valeur de température seuil.


     
    9. Système de validation de soudure selon la revendication 8, dans lequel :
    l'ordinateur est en outre configuré pour amener le dispositif d'affichage à afficher un second message indiquant que la seconde valeur de température est supérieure à la valeur de température seuil si la seconde valeur de température est supérieure à la valeur de température seuil.
     
    10. Procédé pour valider un raccord soudé d'un module de batterie, le module de batterie (20) comportant des première et seconde cellules de batterie (21, 22, 23, 24) et un élément d'interconnexion (29) soudé à des première et seconde languettes des première et seconde cellules de batterie, respectivement, comprenant :

    la mise en contact de l'élément d'interconnexion précédemment soudé aux première et seconde languettes des première et seconde cellules de batterie à l'aide de premier et second doigts de préhension d'un dispositif de préhension (50) ;

    la décharge (512) du module de batterie à l'aide d'un dispositif de cyclage de batterie électriquement couplé au module de batterie ;

    la génération (514) d'un premier signal indicatif d'une température de l'élément d'interconnexion à l'aide d'un capteur de température (60) quand le dispositif de cyclage de batterie décharge le module de batterie ; et

    la détermination (516) d'une première valeur de température indicative de la température de l'élément d'interconnexion sur la base du premier signal à l'aide d'un ordinateur.


     
    11. Procédé selon la revendication 10, comprenant en outre l'affichage de la première valeur de température sur un dispositif d'affichage (82).
     
    12. Procédé selon la revendication 10, comprenant en outre :

    le fait de déterminer (518) si la première valeur de température est inférieure ou égale à une valeur de température seuil à l'aide de l'ordinateur ; et

    l'affichage (520) d'un premier message sur un dispositif d'affichage indiquant que la première valeur de température est inférieure ou égale à la valeur de température seuil si la première valeur de température est inférieure ou égale à la valeur de température seuil.


     
    13. Procédé selon la revendication 12, comprenant en outre :
    l'affichage (522) d'un second message sur le dispositif d'affichage indiquant que la première valeur de température est supérieure à la valeur de température seuil si la première valeur de température est supérieure à la valeur de température seuil.
     
    14. Procédé selon la revendication 10, comprenant en outre la génération (530) d'un second signal indicatif d'une température de l'élément d'interconnexion à l'aide du capteur de température quand le dispositif de cyclage de batterie charge le module de batterie ; et
    la détermination d'une seconde valeur de température indicative de la température de l'élément d'interconnexion sur la base du second signal à l'aide de l'ordinateur.
     
    15. Procédé selon la revendication 14, comprenant en outre l'affichage de la seconde valeur de température sur un dispositif d'affichage.
     
    16. Procédé selon la revendication 14, comprenant en outre le fait de déterminer (532) si la seconde valeur de température est inférieure ou égale à une valeur de température seuil à l'aide de l'ordinateur ; et
    l'affichage (534) d'un premier message sur le dispositif d'affichage indiquant que la seconde valeur de température est inférieure ou égale à la valeur de température seuil si la seconde valeur de température est inférieure ou égale à la valeur de température seuil.
     
    17. Procédé selon la revendication 16, comprenant en outre l'affichage (536) d'un second message sur le dispositif d'affichage indiquant que la seconde valeur de température est supérieure à la valeur de température seuil si la seconde valeur de température est supérieure à la valeur de température seuil.
     




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    Cited references

    REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION



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    Patent documents cited in the description