Swelling measuring device

Abstract

A swelling measuring device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises at least one battery cell, fixing plates disposed on both sides of the at least one battery cell, a fixing part for fixing the fixing plates, and a measuring part for measuring a force applied to the fixing part, wherein the measuring part may include at least one deformation sensor.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a swelling measuring device. Background Technology

[0002] Although battery cells vary slightly depending on their shape and characteristics, they generally comprise an electrode assembly containing a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator, as well as a case housing the electrode assembly. When a battery cell undergoes repeated charging and discharging during use, the electrode tabs heat up to high temperatures; as the tab temperature gradually rises, a swelling phenomenon may occur, causing the interior of the battery cell to bulge. Swelling can damage the exterior of the battery cell and alter its internal structure, significantly impacting the cell's stability.

[0003] Therefore, in order to properly address the swelling phenomenon, accurate measurement of the swelling force generated during battery cell swelling is required.

[0004] The information described above disclosed in the background technology of this invention is intended only to enhance understanding of the background of the present invention and may therefore include information that does not constitute prior art. The problem to be solved

[0005] One objective of the present invention is to configure the swelling measuring device in a compact manner.

[0006] However, the problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those mentioned above, and other problems and advantages of the present invention not mentioned can be understood from the following description and will be more clearly understood by the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be understood that the problems and advantages that the present invention aims to solve can be realized by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims. means of solving the problem

[0007] A swelling measuring device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises at least one battery cell, fixing plates disposed on both sides of the at least one battery cell, a fixing part for fixing the fixing plates, and a measuring part for measuring a force applied to the fixing part, wherein the measuring part may include at least one deformation sensor.

[0008] In this embodiment, the strain sensor may include a strain portion including a measuring wire for inputting a strain amount, and a sensor cable that transmits the strain amount to the outside.

[0009] In this embodiment, the strain sensor may include a strain gauge.

[0010] In the present embodiment, the fixing part may include a body part that extends and connects the fixing plates, and a head part located at both ends of the body part and on the outer surface of the fixing plates, having a diameter larger than that of the body part.

[0011] In this embodiment, the deformation sensor can be inserted into one end of the head portion.

[0012] In this embodiment, the deformation sensor may be attached to one surface of the body part.

[0013] In the present embodiment, each of the fixing plates includes a connector that penetrates the fixing plates, and the fixing part can be inserted into the connectors to fix the fixing plates.

[0014] In this embodiment, the measuring part may be connected to at least one of the fixed parts.

[0015] In this embodiment, the fixing part may be configured as a plate-shaped part connecting one end of the fixing plates.

[0016] In the present embodiment, the fixing member includes a connecting member that connects the fixing plates, and the connecting member can be inserted into one surface in the thickness direction of the fixing members.

[0017] A swelling measuring device according to another aspect of the present invention comprises at least one battery cell, fixing plates disposed on both sides of the at least one battery cell, a fixing part for fixing the fixing plates, and a measuring part for measuring a force applied to the fixing part, wherein the measuring part comprises at least one deformation sensor, and the deformation sensor can calculate an external force from the amount of deformation of the measuring part.

[0018] In this embodiment, the strain sensor may include a strain gauge.

[0019] In this embodiment, the measuring part may include a strain sensor attachment part that is larger in size than the strain sensor.

[0020] In the present embodiment, the fixing part may include a body part that extends and connects the fixing plates, and a head part located at both ends of the body part and on the outer surface of the fixing plates, having a diameter larger than that of the body part.

[0021] In this embodiment, the deformation sensor can be inserted into one end of the head portion.

[0022] In this embodiment, the deformation sensor can be attached to one surface of the body part.

[0023] In the present embodiment, each of the fixing plates includes connecting portions that penetrate the fixing plates, and the fixing portion is inserted into the connecting portions to fix the fixing plates, and the head portion of the fixing portion may be provided on the outer surface of the connecting portions.

[0024] In this embodiment, the measuring part may be connected to at least one of the fixed parts.

[0025] In this embodiment, the fixing part may be configured as a plate-shaped part connecting one end of the fixing plates.

[0026] In the present embodiment, the fixing member includes a connecting member that connects to the fixing plates, and the connecting member is inserted into one surface in the thickness direction of the fixing members, and the connecting member may include screw threads.

[0027] Other aspects, features, and advantages other than those described above will become clear from the following drawings, claims, and detailed description of the invention. Effects of the invention

[0028] The swelling measuring device according to the present invention can be configured as a compact swelling measuring device in a device for measuring swelling of a battery cell. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0029] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an example of a swelling measuring device according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an example of a battery cell of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view illustrating an example of the swelling measuring device of FIG. 1. FIGS. 4 and FIGS. 5 are perspective views schematically illustrating an example of a fixed part according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a strain gauge according to one embodiment. FIGS. 7 and FIGS. 8 are schematic diagrams illustrating other examples of a swelling measuring device according to one embodiment. FIGS. 9 and FIGS. 10 are schematic diagrams illustrating other examples of a fixed part according to one embodiment. FIGS. 11 and FIGS. 12 are schematic diagrams illustrating other examples of thickness variation of a fixed part according to one embodiment. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0030] The present invention is capable of various modifications and may have various embodiments; specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that it includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. In describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of related prior art are omitted if it is determined that such detailed descriptions may obscure the essence of the present invention.

[0031] Terms such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, but components should not be limited by these terms. Terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0032] The terms used in this application are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Additionally, in each figure, components are exaggerated, omitted, or schematically depicted for convenience and clarity of explanation, and the size of each component does not entirely reflect its actual size.

[0033] In the description of each component, where it is stated that it is formed on or under, "on" and "under" include both forms formed directly or through other components, and the criteria for "on" and "under" are explained based on the drawings.

[0034] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In describing with reference to the accompanying drawings, identical or corresponding components are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an example of a swelling measuring device according to one embodiment, FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an example of a battery cell of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a plan view schematically illustrating an example of a swelling measuring device of FIG. 1.

[0036] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a swelling measuring device (10) according to one aspect of the present invention may include at least one battery cell (100) and fixed plates (200) disposed on both sides of the at least one battery cell (100).

[0037] A battery cell (100) may consist of a battery case, an electrode assembly housed within the battery case, and an electrolyte. The electrode assembly and the electrolyte react electrochemically to generate energy. Electrode terminals (21, 22) electrically connected to a busbar (20) may be provided on one side of the battery cell (100).

[0038] The battery cell (100) according to the present embodiment is described as being a prismatic type as a lithium-ion secondary battery. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the present invention can be applied to various types of batteries, such as lithium polymer batteries or cylindrical batteries.

[0039] The battery cell (100) may include a can (26) in which an electrode assembly is housed, a cap plate (31) coupled to the opening of the can (26), and an electrolyte injection port (33).

[0040] The can (26) forms the overall exterior of the battery cell (100) and can be formed of a conductive metal such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel.

[0041] The battery cell (100) may include a cap plate (31) covering one side of a can (26), and the can (26) and the cap plate (31) may be made of a conductive material. Here, positive and negative terminals (21, 22) electrically connected to a positive or negative electrode may be installed so as to protrude outwardly through the cap plate (31).

[0042] Additionally, the outer surface of the upper column of the positive and negative terminals (21, 22) protruding outward from the cap plate (31) can be screwed and secured to the cap plate (31) with a nut.

[0043] However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the positive and negative terminals (21, 22) may be formed with a rivet structure and joined by riveting, or may be joined by welding to the cap plate (26).

[0044] Additionally, the cap plate (31) can be made of a thin plate and attached to one side of the can (26).

[0045] The battery cell (100) may further include a vent (13). The vent (13) is located on one side of the cap plate (31) and is formed thinner than the notch or the thickness of the cap plate (31), so that gas may be generated inside the battery cell (100) due to charging and discharging, and is first affected by the pressure of such gas, allowing the venting gas to be discharged through the vent (13).

[0046] Additionally, the vent (13) can be installed in the same direction as the electrode terminals (21, 22) of the battery cell (100).

[0047] The fixing plate (200) can be installed to correspond to the swelling direction (x) of the battery cell (100). Accordingly, at least one battery cell (100) is arranged, and the fixing plate (200) fixes both outer sides of the battery cell (100), so that when the battery cell (100) swells, the fixing plate (200) can be installed to correspond to the swelling force.

[0048] Additionally, the fixed plate (200) is installed with a constant rigidity, so when it is necessary to adjust the rigidity of the swelling measuring device (10), the rigidity can be adjusted by replacing the material and thickness of the fixed plate (200).

[0049] The swelling measuring device (10) may include a fixing part (300) that fixes the fixed plates (200) and a measuring part (330) that measures the force applied to the fixing part (300).

[0050] The fixed part (300) can connect the fixed plates (200) in the direction (x) where swelling occurs.

[0051] When swelling occurs in the battery cell (100), deformation may occur in the fixed part (300) due to the swelling force.

[0052] The fixing part (300) may include an elastic metal to firmly fix the fixing plates (200) and prevent damage from the force generated during swelling, but is not limited thereto.

[0053] The measuring part (330) is located on one side of the fixed part (300) and is installed in a direction that allows it to deform together with the fixed part (300) when the fixed part (300) is deformed. For example, when the fixed part (300) has a length along the swelling direction (x), the measuring part (330) may also have a length along the swelling direction (x).

[0054] Accordingly, the fixed plate (200) receives force in the swelling direction (x) when the battery cell (100) swells, and the fixed part (300) can be deformed by receiving force indirectly through the force applied to the fixed plate (200).

[0055] FIGS. 4 and FIGS. 5 are perspective views schematically illustrating an example of a fixed part according to one embodiment.

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the fixed portion (300) may include a body portion (320) that extends and connects the fixed plates (200), and a head portion (310) located at both ends of the body portion (320), located on the outer surface of the fixed plates (200), and having a larger diameter than the body portion (320).

[0057] The body portion (320) is located between the fixed plates (200) and can fix and connect the fixed plates (200).

[0058] Additionally, the body portion (320) has a length in the swelling direction (x), and when the battery cell (100) swells, the length of the body portion (320) can be deformed due to an external force (F).

[0059] The head portion (310) is located at both ends of the body portion (320), has a larger diameter than the body portion (320), and can be located on the outer surface of the fixed plates (200).

[0060] Through this, the fixing part (300) can determine and fix the spacing between the fixing plates (200).

[0061] Additionally, the head portion (310) is provided in a screw shape and can be inserted into one end of the body portion (320). Through this, the spacing between the fixing plates (200) can be adjusted according to the degree of insertion of the head portion (310).

[0062] Meanwhile, the measuring unit (330) may include at least one deformation sensor (332). The deformation sensor (332) is located on one side of the measuring unit (330) and has a length in the same direction as the length direction of the measuring unit (330), and can deform together with the fixed unit (300) and the measuring unit (330) when the lengths of the fixed unit (300) and the measuring unit (330) are deformed due to swelling.

[0063] Accordingly, the swelling force applied indirectly to the fixed part (300) through the fixed plates (200) deforms the length of the measuring part (330) in the swelling direction (x), and the deformation sensor (332) within the measuring part (330) deforms simultaneously, so that the amount of length deformation through the external force (F) applied to the fixed part (300) can be measured.

[0064] For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the deformation sensor (332) can be attached to one side of the body portion (320). The deformation sensor (332) is attached to one side of the body portion (320) so as to measure the amount of deformation of the body portion (320) when an external force (F) is applied.

[0065] In an optional embodiment, the deformation sensor (332) may be inserted into one end of the head portion (310). The deformation sensor (332) is inserted into one end of the head portion (310) to measure the amount of deformation of the fixed portion (320) when an external force (F) is applied. In this case, the deformation sensor (332) may be embedded by making a hole in the head portion (310) using an adhesive.

[0066] Additionally, the measuring part (330) may include a deformation sensor attachment part (331) having a surface that is relatively smoother than the surrounding part.

[0067] The deformation sensor (332) is provided on the body part (320) and can be attached through a bonding method such as an adhesive.

[0068] For example, the swelling measuring device (10) may include a deformation sensor attachment part (331) by smoothing the area where the deformation sensor (332) is to be attached so that the adhesion between the deformation sensor (332) and the body part (320) does not detach in order to accurately measure the amount of deformation.

[0069] The deformation sensor attachment part (331) can be provided with an area slightly larger than that of the deformation sensor (332).

[0070] Additionally, the deformation sensor attachment part (331) may undergo an additional polishing process so that the deformation sensor (332) can be easily attached, but is not limited thereto.

[0071] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a strain gauge according to one embodiment.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 6, the deformation sensor (332) may include a deformation part (333) including a measuring wire for inputting the amount of deformation, and a sensor cable (334) for transmitting the amount of deformation to the outside.

[0073] In addition, the strain sensor may include a strain gauge.

[0074] The deformation sensor (332) includes a deformation part (333) and a sensor cable (334), and the deformation part (333) can be configured with a circuit including a resistor inside.

[0075] In addition, the amount of deformation measured through the deformation part (333) can be transmitted to the outside through the sensor cable (334).

[0076] The strain sensor (332) may include a strain gauge. The strain gauge is attached to the object to be measured and converts physical strain into an electrical signal to measure the amount of deformation of the object to be measured, and can measure the external force applied to the object to be measured through the amount of deformation.

[0077] The deformation formula follows ε (deformation) = σ (stress) / E (elastic modulus), and since the elastic modulus of the fixed part (300) is a constant that does not change, the stress can be derived through the measurement of the deformation.

[0078] In addition, since the formula for stress is σ (stress) = F (external force) / A (cross-sectional area), the external force can be calculated through the change in deformation.

[0079] Through this, the deformation sensor (332) can calculate the external force (F) from the amount of deformation of the measuring unit (330).

[0080] As shown in FIG. 6, the strain sensor (332) may be a plate-type strain gauge, but may include various types of strain gauges such as semiconductor-type strain gauges, embedded-type strain gauges, and strain gauges for composite materials, but is not limited thereto.

[0081] FIGS. 7 and FIGS. 8 are schematic diagrams illustrating other examples of a swelling measuring device according to one embodiment.

[0082] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the swelling measuring device (10) may include a plurality of battery cells (100). The plurality of battery cells (100) may be arranged in a swelling direction (x) and fixed at the outermost side through fixing plates (200).

[0083] Through this, a battery module environment in which multiple battery cells (100) are arranged can be configured, and an external force caused by the swelling force of multiple battery cells (100) can be measured.

[0084] Meanwhile, each of the above-mentioned fixed plates (200) includes connecting holes (201) that penetrate the above-mentioned fixed plates (200), and the above-mentioned fixed part (300) can be inserted into the connecting holes (201) to fix the above-mentioned fixed plates (200).

[0085] A fixed part (300) is located in each connector (201), and a head part (310) may be located on the outer surface of the connector (201).

[0086] Through this, the body portion (320) is positioned within each connecting member (201), and the head portion (310) is positioned on the outer surface, so that the fixing plate (200) can be firmly fixed by the fixing portion (300).

[0087] In addition, the measuring part (330) may be connected to at least one of the fixed parts (300).

[0088] The swelling measuring device (10) may include at least one measuring unit (330). Accordingly, the cost and accuracy of the swelling measuring device (10) can be controlled by appropriately adjusting the number of measuring units (330) according to variations in various situations, such as the number of battery cells (100) and the environment.

[0089] FIGS. 9 and FIGS. 10 are schematic diagrams illustrating other examples of a fixed part according to one embodiment.

[0090] Referring to FIGS. 9 and FIGS. 10, in another example of the present invention, the fixing part (300) may be configured as a plate connecting one end of the fixing plates (200).

[0091] The above-mentioned fixing part (300) includes a connecting member (302) that connects to the above-mentioned fixing plates (200), and the connecting member (302) can be inserted into one surface in the thickness direction of the above-mentioned fixing plates (200).

[0092] The fixing plate (301) is provided in a plate-like shape that covers all the gaps between the fixing plates (200), thereby improving the connection stability between the fixing plates (200).

[0093] Additionally, the fixed plate (301) is provided between the fixed plates (200) and is physically or chemically connected to the fixed plate (200), so that it can be deformed due to the swelling force applied to the fixed plate (200).

[0094] A measuring part (330) may be provided on one side of the fixed plate (301). When the measuring part (330) is placed on the fixed plate (301), the attachment of the deformation sensor (332) may be easier than with the cylindrical fixed part (300) without undergoing a polishing process.

[0095] A connecting member (302) can be inserted into one side of the fixing plates to fix the fixing plate (301). Additionally, the connecting member (302) may include screw threads. Through this, the fixing plate (301) can be fixed more easily.

[0096] FIGS. 11 and 12 are schematic diagrams illustrating other examples of thickness variation of a fixed part according to one embodiment.

[0097] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the thickness of the fixed plates (200) can be changed. In the case of a relatively thicker fixed plate (200) with a thickness (d1), it may have higher rigidity than a relatively thin fixed plate (200) with a thickness (d2), and the fixed plates (200) with a relatively thick thickness (d1) may have relatively less deformation when the battery cell (100) swells.

[0098] Through this, deformation of the fixed plate (200) during swelling of the battery cell (100) can be minimized, and the swelling force can be fully transmitted to the fixed part (300).

[0099] In the case of a conventional battery cell (100) swelling measuring device, stiffness is controlled using a stiffness control device such as a spring, and there is a limitation in stiffness control depending on the stiffness of the spring, and the principle of measuring swelling force using a load cell is utilized.

[0100] Meanwhile, the swelling measuring device (10) according to the present invention can adjust the stiffness by changing the thickness of the fixed plates (200), so the stiffness can be adjusted relatively freely.

[0101] In addition, space can be saved for a rigidity adjustment device such as a conventional spring, allowing for the configuration of a compact swelling measuring device (10).

[0102] Although the above description refers to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, this is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible therefrom. Accordingly, the true technical scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the technical spirit of the appended claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0103] Swelling measuring device (10) battery cell (100) Fixed plate (200) Connecting part (201) Fixed part (300) Head part (310) Body part (320) Measurement unit (330) Connecting member (302) deformation sensor attachment part (331) deformation sensor (332) deformation part (333) sensor cable (334)

Claims

Claim 1 A swelling measuring device comprising: at least one battery cell; fixing plates disposed on both sides of the at least one battery cell; a fixing part for fixing the fixing plates; and a measuring part for measuring a force applied to the fixing part, wherein the measuring part includes at least one deformation sensor. Claim 2 In claim 1, the deformation sensor is a swelling measuring device comprising a deformation part including a measuring wire for inputting a deformation amount and a sensor cable for transmitting the deformation amount to the outside. Claim 3 In claim 1, the deformation sensor is a swelling measuring device including a strain gauge. Claim 4 A swelling measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the fixing part comprises a body part extending to connect the fixing plates, and a head part located at both ends of the body part and on the outer surface of the fixing plates, having a diameter larger than that of the body part. Claim 5 In claim 1, the deformation sensor is a swelling measuring device inserted into one end of the head portion. Claim 6 In claim 1, the deformation sensor is a swelling measuring device attached to one surface of the body part. Claim 7 A swelling measuring device according to claim 1, wherein each of the fixed plates includes a connecting member penetrating the fixed plates, and the fixing member is inserted into the connecting member to fix the fixed plates. Claim 8 In claim 7, a swelling measuring device in which the measuring part is connected to at least one of the fixed parts. Claim 9 In claim 1, the swelling measuring device is configured such that the fixing part is a plate-shaped structure connecting one end of the fixing plates. Claim 10 In claim 9, the fixing part includes a connecting member connecting to the fixing plates, and the connecting member is a swelling measuring device inserted into one surface in the thickness direction of the fixing plates. Claim 11 A swelling measuring device comprising: at least one battery cell; fixing plates disposed on both sides of the at least one battery cell; a fixing part for fixing the fixing plates; and a measuring part for measuring a force applied to the fixing part, wherein the measuring part includes at least one deformation sensor, and the deformation sensor calculates an external force from the amount of deformation of the measuring part. Claim 12 In claim 11, the strain sensor is a swelling measuring device including a strain gauge. Claim 13 In claim 11, the above measuring part is a swelling measuring device comprising a deformation sensor attachment part larger in size than the deformation sensor. Claim 14 A swelling measuring device according to claim 11, wherein the fixed portion comprises a body portion that extends to connect the fixed plates and a head portion located at both ends of the body portion and on the outer surface of the fixed plates, and having a diameter larger than that of the body portion. Claim 15 In paragraph 11, the deformation sensor is a swelling measuring device inserted into one end of the head portion. Claim 16 In claim 11, the deformation sensor is a swelling measuring device attached to one surface of the body part. Claim 17 A swelling measuring device according to claim 11, wherein each of the fixed plates includes a connecting member penetrating the fixed plates, the fixing member is inserted into the connecting member to fix the fixed plates, and the head portion of the fixing member is provided on the outer surface of the connecting member. Claim 18 In claim 17, a swelling measuring device in which the measuring part is connected to at least one of the fixed parts. Claim 19 In claim 11, the swelling measuring device is configured such that the fixed part is a plate-shaped structure connecting one end of the fixed plates. Claim 20 In claim 19, the fixing member includes a connecting member that connects to the fixing plates, the connecting member is inserted into one surface in the thickness direction of the fixing plates, and the connecting member includes a screw thread.

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