Equipment for checking battery cell bulging

By designing a device that includes a connecting frame and pressure measuring elements, the expansion force of the battery cell is amplified, solving the problem of insufficient detection accuracy in the prior art and realizing accurate detection of battery cell expansion.

CN114762172BActive Publication Date: 2025-10-28LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202180006915.1
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2020-03-12
Filing Date
2021-03-03
Publication Date
2025-10-28
Estimated Expiration
2041-03-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing technologies struggle to accurately detect battery cell expansion, especially when the force caused by expansion is outside the measurable range, and traditional methods cannot assess battery status when the force is too great.

Method used

The device employs a first plate, a second plate, a fixed frame, a connecting frame, and a pressure measuring element. The expansion force of the battery cell is measured by the deformation rate of the connecting frame. The force is amplified by the horizontal and vertical parts of the connecting frame, and precise detection is achieved by combining the pressure measuring unit and the control unit.

Benefits of technology

Even under low force conditions, it can accurately detect the expansion of battery cells, expanding the detection range and improving the accuracy and applicability of the detection.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

An expansion testing apparatus for a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a first plate having a plate shape; a second plate having a plate shape, spaced apart from the first plate by a predetermined distance and facing the first plate, and configured such that a battery cell can be inserted between the first plate and the second plate; a fixing frame to which a portion of the first plate is fixedly connected; a connecting frame having one end fixedly connected to the second plate and the other end fixedly connected to the fixing frame; and a pressure measuring element attached to the connecting frame and configured to measure the stress of the connecting frame.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an apparatus for inspecting battery cell expansion, and more specifically, to an apparatus for inspecting battery cell expansion that can inspect battery cell expansion based on the pressure distribution of the battery cell. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, demand for portable electronic products such as laptops, cameras, and mobile phones has increased dramatically, and electric vehicles, energy storage batteries, robots, and satellites have seen significant development. Therefore, research is actively underway on high-performance batteries that allow for repeated charging and discharging.

[0003] Currently available batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium batteries. Among them, lithium batteries have attracted much attention because they have almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based batteries and have a very low self-charge rate and high energy density.

[0004] This type of battery may expand due to the generation of gas within it during charging and discharging, or at high temperatures. Because battery expansion poses a risk of fire or explosion, it is crucial to accurately monitor the battery's expansion behavior.

[0005] Traditionally, evaluation systems and fixtures for assessing changes in the state of a battery due to charging and discharging have been disclosed (Patent Document 1). Specifically, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a battery is secured using a fixture, and the elastic deformation of a spring set in the fixture is detected by a strain gauge based on changes in the battery's volume.

[0006] However, since the elastic deformation of the spring detected in Patent Document 1 is only affected by changes in battery volume, if the change in battery volume is too small, the elastic deformation of the spring may not reach the measurable range of the strain gauge's deformation rate. In other words, Patent Document 1 does not measure the deformation rate by amplifying the elastic deformation of the spring, thus resulting in low detection accuracy due to changes in battery volume.

[0007] In addition, since Patent Document 1 uses a spring, if the battery volume changes too much and the deformation force of the spring exceeds the elastic limit, the evaluation system and fixing fixture in Patent Document 1 will no longer be able to evaluate the battery status.

[0008] (Patent Document 1) JP 2017-212163 A Summary of the Invention

[0009] Technical issues

[0010] This disclosure is designed to address problems in the related art, and therefore aims to provide a device for detecting battery cell expansion that can detect battery cell expansion even if the expansion is small, by amplifying and measuring the force applied through the expansion of the battery cell.

[0011] These and other objects and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description and from exemplary embodiments thereof. Furthermore, it will be readily understood that the objects and advantages of this disclosure can be achieved in the manner shown in the appended claims and combinations thereof.

[0012] Technical solution

[0013] In one aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus for inspecting battery cell expansion is provided, the apparatus comprising: a first plate configured in a plate shape; a second plate configured in a plate shape and positioned facing the first plate at a predetermined distance from the first plate, the second plate being configured such that a battery cell is inserted between the first plate and the second plate; a fixing frame configured such that a portion of the first plate is fixedly connected to the fixing frame; a connecting frame having one end fixedly connected to the second plate and the other end fixedly connected to the fixing frame; and a pressure measuring element attached to the connecting frame and configured to measure the deformation rate of the connecting frame.

[0014] The connecting frame can be configured such that at least a portion of it bends.

[0015] The connecting frame may include: a horizontal portion having one end connected to the fixed frame and configured to extend in one direction; and a vertical portion disposed at the distal end of the horizontal portion and configured to have a distal end facing the second plate.

[0016] The connecting frame can be configured such that the distal end of the vertical portion is fixedly attached to the outer surface of the second plate.

[0017] The connecting frame can be configured such that the distal end of the vertical portion is fixedly connected to the central portion of the outer surface of the second plate.

[0018] The fixed frame can be configured to adjust the spacing between the first plate and the second plate.

[0019] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus for inspecting battery cell expansion may further include a pressure measuring unit connected to a pressure measuring element and configured to receive the deformation rate of the connecting frame measured by the pressure measuring element, and to measure the pressure value of the battery cell based on the received deformation rate of the connecting frame when the battery cell is inserted between the first plate and the second plate.

[0020] The pressure measuring element can be configured to measure the deformation rate of the connecting frame based on the force applied to the vertical portion by the pressure of the battery cell and the length of the horizontal portion in one direction.

[0021] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the device for checking battery cell expansion may further include a control unit connected to a pressure measuring unit and configured to receive pressure values ​​of the battery cell from the pressure measuring unit, compare the received pressure values ​​of the battery cell with a reference pressure value, and determine, based on the pressure value comparison result, at least one of the following: whether the battery cell is expanded and the degree of expansion.

[0022] The connecting frame may include multiple unit connecting frames, such that the multiple unit connecting frames are connected to the second plate at a predetermined interval.

[0023] Pressure measuring elements can be set in multiples and configured to be attached to each of multiple unit connection frames.

[0024] The pressure measurement unit can be configured to measure the pressure value of each part of the battery cell based on the deformation rate of each cell connection frame measured by each pressure measurement element.

[0025] The control unit can be configured to determine at least one of the expansion distribution of the battery cell and the degree of expansion of each part based on the pressure value of each part of the battery cell measured by the pressure measuring unit.

[0026] The pressure measurement unit can be configured to take into account the length of the horizontal portion of the multiple unit connection frames and calculate the pressure value of each part of the battery cell based on the deformation rate of each unit connection frame.

[0027] The second board can be configured to include multiple second unit boards.

[0028] Multiple unit connection frames can be configured to connect to corresponding second unit boards in multiple second unit boards.

[0029] Multiple unit connection frames can be configured to be connected to the central portion of the outer surface of the corresponding second unit plate.

[0030] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the apparatus for checking battery cell expansion may further include a temperature measuring unit configured to measure the temperature of each second cell plate by using a temperature measuring element attached to each second cell plate.

[0031] The control unit can be configured to receive temperature values ​​from each of the second cell plates from the temperature measurement unit and further determine the temperature of each part of the battery cell.

[0032] Technical effect

[0033] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the magnitude of the force exerted due to the expansion of the battery cell can be amplified to the length of the horizontal portion of the connecting frame. Therefore, even if a small force is applied due to expansion, it has the advantage of accurately determining whether the battery cell has expanded.

[0034] The effects of this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art based on the description of the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0035] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the foregoing description of the invention, serve to provide a further understanding of the technical features of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be construed as limited to the drawings.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for inspecting battery cell expansion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view showing an apparatus for inspecting battery cell swelling according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 3 This is a schematic perspective view of an assembly of a device for inspecting battery cell expansion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing a connection frame in a device for inspecting battery cell swelling according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a device for inspecting battery cell expansion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of a device for inspecting battery cell swelling according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a battery cell inserted in a device for checking battery cell expansion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 8 This is a schematic side view of one embodiment of a device for inspecting battery cell expansion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in which a battery cell is inserted.

[0044] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for inspecting battery cell swelling according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for inspecting battery cell swelling according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for inspecting battery cell swelling according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 12 This is a diagram schematically illustrating the expansion inspection results of a battery cell using a device for inspecting battery cell expansion according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] (See attached image labels)

[0049] 10: Battery Unit

[0050] 100: Equipment used to check for battery cell bulging

[0051] 110: First board

[0052] 120: Second board

[0053] 121: Second Unit Board

[0054] 130: Fixed Frame

[0055] 140: Connection Frame

[0056] 140a: Horizontal section

[0057] 140b: Vertical section

[0058] 141: First connection frame

[0059] 142: Second connection frame

[0060] 143: Third Connection Frame

[0061] 150: Pressure measuring element

[0062] 151: First pressure measuring element

[0063] 152: Second pressure measuring element

[0064] 153: Third pressure measuring element

[0065] 160: Pressure Measurement Unit

[0066] 170: Control Unit

[0067] 180: Temperature measuring element

[0068] 190: Temperature measurement unit Detailed Implementation

[0069] It should be understood that the terms used in the specification and appended claims should not be construed as limited to their general and dictionary meanings, but rather as being interpreted based on their meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of this disclosure, on the basis of the principle that the inventors are allowed to define the terms appropriately in order to obtain the best interpretation.

[0070] Therefore, the description presented herein is merely a preferred example for illustrative purposes and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. It should be understood that other equivalents and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0071] Furthermore, in describing this disclosure, detailed descriptions of relevant known elements or functions are omitted here where such descriptions would obscure the key subject matter of the disclosure.

[0072] Ordinal terms such as “first” and “second” can be used to distinguish one element from another among various elements, but are not intended to define the element by the term.

[0073] Throughout this specification, when a section is referred to as “comprising” or “including” any element, unless otherwise expressly stated, it means that the section may further include other elements, without excluding other elements.

[0074] Furthermore, the term "control unit" as described in the specification refers to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and may be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0075] Furthermore, throughout the specification, when one part is referred to as "connected" to another part, it is not limited to the case where they are "directly connected," but also includes the case where they are "indirectly connected" and another element is inserted between them.

[0076] In the following, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0077] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a device 100 for inspecting battery cell swelling according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0078] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view showing a device 100 for inspecting battery cell expansion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 This is a schematic perspective view of an assembly of a device 100 for inspecting battery cell expansion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0079] The device 100 for checking battery cell expansion according to the embodiments of the present disclosure is a device for checking the expansion of battery cell 10, and can check whether expansion exists and / or the degree of expansion.

[0080] Here, battery cell 10 refers to a single, physically separable unit having a negative terminal and a positive terminal. For example, a pouch-type lithium polymer cell can be considered as battery cell 10.

[0081] Reference Figures 1 to 3 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a device 100 for checking battery cell expansion may include a first plate 110, a second plate 120, a fixing frame 130, a connecting frame 140, and a pressure measuring element 150.

[0082] The first plate 110 can be configured as a plate.

[0083] Specifically, the first plate 110 can be configured as a plate so that the battery cell 10 can be placed on it. In addition, the first plate 110 can be configured to have a larger horizontal area than the battery cell 10 so that the lower surface of the battery cell 10 can be placed on it.

[0084] For example, the first plate 110 can be a lower plate on which the battery unit 10 can be placed.

[0085] The second plate 120 can be configured as a plate.

[0086] Specifically, the second plate 120 can be placed or attached to the upper surface of the battery cell 10.

[0087] For example, in Figure 3 In this embodiment, the upper and lower surfaces of the battery cell 10 can be formed as flat surfaces. Therefore, the first plate 110 and the second plate 120 can be configured as flat plates.

[0088] In addition, in order to increase the placement stability or attachment stability of the second plate 120 on the upper surface of the battery cell 10, the horizontal area of ​​the second plate 120 may be equal to or smaller than the horizontal area of ​​the battery cell 10.

[0089] For example, in Figure 2 and Figure 3 In this embodiment, the horizontal area of ​​the second plate 120 can be less than or equal to the horizontal area of ​​the battery cell 10. Preferably, the horizontal area of ​​the second plate 120 can be configured to be the same as the horizontal area of ​​the battery cell 10, or, taking into account the thickness of the casing of the battery cell 10, it can be configured to be a predetermined area smaller than the horizontal area of ​​the battery cell 10.

[0090] The second plate 120 can be configured to be spaced a predetermined distance from the first plate 110 and positioned so that they face each other.

[0091] That is, one surface of the first plate 110 and one surface of the second plate 120 can face each other. Preferably, one surface of the first plate 110 and one surface of the second plate 120 can be parallel to each other.

[0092] Additionally, the second plate 120 can be configured such that the battery cell 10 is inserted between the second plate 110 and the first plate 110.

[0093] For example, in Figure 3 In one embodiment, the battery unit 10 can be inserted into the space between the first plate 110 and the second plate 120.

[0094] The fixed frame 130 can be configured such that a portion of the first plate 110 is fixedly attached thereto.

[0095] Specifically, the first plate 110 can be fixedly connected to the fixed frame 130, but the second plate 120 can be unfixedly connected to the fixed frame 130.

[0096] Preferably, the first plate 110 can be connected to the fixed frame 130 at a right angle. Additionally, the first plate 110 can be fixed by the fixed frame 130, thus preventing it from shaking or rotating. In the following text, "fixed" or "fixedly connected" refers to a connection state that is maintained by shaking or rotation.

[0097] exist Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the embodiment shown, a single fixing frame 130 is illustrated, but multiple fixing frames 130 may also be provided to fix the first plate 110. However, for ease of explanation, it will be described below that a fixing frame 130 is provided in the apparatus 100 for checking battery cell expansion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0098] The connecting frame 140 can be configured such that one end is fixedly connected to the second plate 120 and the other end is fixedly connected to the fixed frame 130.

[0099] For example, in Figure 3 In this embodiment, the other end of the connecting frame 140 can be fixedly connected to the fixing frame 130, just like the first plate 110. Additionally, one end of the connecting frame 140 can be fixedly connected to the second plate 120. That is, the connecting frame 140 can be fixed by the fixing frame 130. Furthermore, the connecting frame 140 can fix the second plate 120.

[0100] The pressure measuring element 150 can be configured to be attached to the connecting frame 140.

[0101] For example, in Figure 2 and Figure 3 In this embodiment, the pressure measuring element 150 may be attached to the outer surface of the connecting frame 140. Preferably, the pressure measuring element 150 may be attached to the upper outer surface of the connecting frame 140.

[0102] Additionally, the pressure measuring element 150 can be configured to measure the deformation rate of the connecting frame 140. For this purpose, the connecting frame 140 can be made of metal that moves elastically when a force is applied.

[0103] For example, a strain gauge used to measure the deformation of the connecting frame 140 can be applied to the pressure measuring element 150.

[0104] As in Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, if the battery cell 10 is inserted and fixed between the first plate 110 and the second plate 120, the volume of the battery cell 10 may change during charging and discharging. If the battery cell 10 swells due to gas, a force can be applied to the connecting frame 140 by the pressure of the battery cell 10. In this case, a pressure measuring element 150 attached to the outer surface of the connecting frame 140 can measure the deformation rate of the connecting frame 140.

[0105] The connecting frame 140 can be configured such that at least a portion of it bends.

[0106] Here, "bending form" can refer to the shape in which the connecting frame 140 is bent. For example, the connecting frame 140 can be bent at an angle greater than 0 degrees and less than or equal to 90 degrees, elongating in one direction.

[0107] For example, in Figure 2 and Figure 3 In this embodiment, a portion of the connecting frame 140 can be bent by 90 degrees. Additionally, one end of the connecting frame 140 can be fixedly connected to the second plate 120, while the other end can be fixedly connected to the fixing frame 130. That is, the end face of the connecting frame 140 connected to the second plate 120 and the other end face of the connecting frame 140 connected to the fixing frame 130 can be perpendicular to each other.

[0108] Reference Figure 4 The connection frame 140 is described in more detail.

[0109] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the connection frame 140 in a device 100 for inspecting battery cell expansion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0110] The connecting frame 140 may include a horizontal portion 140a and a vertical portion 140b.

[0111] For example, in Figure 4In some embodiments, the connecting frame 140 can be bent into a horizontal portion 140a and a vertical portion 140b. Although for ease of illustration... Figure 4 The horizontal portion 140a and the vertical portion 140b are illustrated separately, but it should be noted that the connecting frame 140 can be used as a single frame.

[0112] The horizontal portion 140a can be configured such that one end of it is connected to the fixed frame 130 and extends in one direction.

[0113] Here, "horizontal" can refer to a direction parallel to the first plate 110. That is, the horizontal portion 140a of the connecting frame 140 can be parallel to the first plate 110. In addition, the horizontal portion 140a of the connecting frame 140 can also be parallel to the second plate 120.

[0114] For example, in Figure 4 In one embodiment, the horizontal portion 140a may extend in the y direction (specifically, the -y direction). Furthermore, the length of the horizontal portion 140a (i.e., the length from one end of the horizontal portion 140a to the other end) may be L.

[0115] The vertical portion 140b can be configured to be located at the distal end of the horizontal portion 140a.

[0116] Here, "vertical" can refer to a direction perpendicular to the first plate 110. That is, the vertical portion 140b of the connecting frame 140 can be perpendicular to the first plate 110.

[0117] Specifically, the vertical portion 140b may be located at the distal end of the horizontal portion 140a and configured to extend in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the vertical portion 140b. For example, in Figure 4 In one embodiment, the vertical portion 140b may be disposed at the distal end of the horizontal portion 140a and configured to extend in the z direction (specifically, the -z direction).

[0118] Both the vertical portion 140b and the horizontal portion 140a can include one end and the other end. For example, in Figure 4 In one embodiment, the vertical portion 140b includes one end and the other end based on the longitudinal direction (z direction), while the horizontal portion 140a also includes one end and the other end based on the longitudinal direction (y direction).

[0119] The other end of the horizontal portion 140a can be connected to the fixed frame 130, and the other end of the vertical portion 140b can be disposed at one end of the horizontal portion 140a. Furthermore, the vertical portion 140b can be configured such that its distal end faces the second plate 120. That is, one end of the vertical portion 140b can be configured to face the second plate 120.

[0120] Here, the longitudinal direction (-y direction) of the horizontal portion 140a and the longitudinal direction (-z direction) of the vertical portion 140b can be perpendicular to each other.

[0121] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a device 100 for inspecting battery cell expansion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of a device 100 for inspecting battery cell expansion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0122] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 The fixed frame 130 can be used without restriction, as long as it has a structure to connect the connecting frame 140 and the first plate 110 to it so as to fix the connecting frame 140 and the first plate 110.

[0123] The connecting frame 140 can be configured such that the distal end of the vertical portion 140b is fixedly connected to the outer surface of the second plate 120.

[0124] Specifically, in Figure 5 and Figure 6 In this embodiment, the outer surface of the second plate 120 can be the upper surface of the second plate 120 in the +z direction. That is, the vertical portion 140b of the connecting frame 140 can be fixedly connected to the upper surface of the second plate 120.

[0125] For example, refer to Figure 4 The structure of the connecting frame 140 shown is in Figure 5 and Figure 6 In this embodiment, one end of the connecting frame 140 (one end of the vertical portion 140b) can be fixedly connected to the upper surface of the second plate 120 in the +z direction. That is, the longitudinal direction (-z direction) of the vertical portion 140b of the connecting frame 140 can be perpendicular to the plane (xy plane) formed by the first plate 110. Furthermore, the longitudinal direction (-z direction) of the vertical portion 140b of the connecting frame 140 can also be perpendicular to the plane (xy plane) formed by the second plate 120.

[0126] Therefore, the second plate 120 is fixedly connected to the connecting frame 140, so it will not wobble or rotate. In addition, if the battery cell 10 is inserted between the first plate 110 and the second plate 120, the force applied to the second plate 120 due to the expansion of the battery cell 10 can be transmitted to the connecting frame 140.

[0127] If the second plate 120 and the vertical portion 140b of the connecting frame 140 are not perpendicular to each other and are connected at a predetermined angle θ relative to the z-direction, the force applied to the second plate 120 due to the expansion of the battery cell 10 can be reduced proportionally to Cosθ and transmitted to the vertical portion 140b of the connecting frame 140. Furthermore, the pressure measuring element 150 can measure the deformation rate of the connecting frame 140 based on the force applied to it. Therefore, if the second plate 120 and the vertical portion 140b of the connecting frame 140 are fixedly connected at a predetermined angle θ relative to the z-direction, the error in the deformation rate of the connecting frame 140 measured by the pressure measuring element 150 can increase because the force transmitted to the connecting frame 140 is reduced. Therefore, preferably, the second plate 120 and the vertical portion 140b of the connecting frame 140 can be fixedly connected perpendicular to each other.

[0128] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing an embodiment in which the battery cell 10 is inserted in a device 100 for checking battery cell expansion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 This is a schematic side view of an embodiment of a device 100 for checking battery cell expansion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the battery cell 10 is inserted.

[0129] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 The battery unit 10 can be inserted and fixed between the first plate 110 and the second plate 120.

[0130] Preferably, the connecting frame 140 can be configured such that the distal end of the vertical portion 140b is fixedly connected to the central portion of the outer surface of the second plate 120.

[0131] Typically, the expansion of the battery cell 10 may occur not only in the central portion of the battery cell 10, but also in its peripheral portion. Here, the peripheral portion refers to the area other than the central portion. That is, the force applied to each part of the second plate 120 may vary depending on the location of the expansion within the battery cell 10.

[0132] For example, if expansion occurs in the central portion of the battery cell 10, the maximum force can be applied to the central portion of the second plate 120. In addition, the force applied to the second plate 120 by expansion can be evenly distributed to the peripheral portion of the second plate 120.

[0133] At the same time, if expansion occurs in the periphery of the battery cell 10, the maximum force can be applied to the area of ​​the periphery of the second plate 120 corresponding to the periphery of the battery cell 10.

[0134] In other words, if the vertical portion 140b of the connecting frame 140 is connected to the peripheral portion of the outer surface of the second plate 120, the deformation rate of the connecting frame 140 measured by the pressure measuring element 150 may be inaccurate depending on the location where the expansion occurs in the battery cell 10.

[0135] For example, in Figure 7 and Figure 8 In this embodiment, the vertical portion 140b of the connecting frame 140 can be fixedly connected to the central portion of the outer surface of the second plate 120. In this case, the deviation between the force F applied to the connecting frame 140 when expansion occurs in the central portion of the battery cell 10 and the force F applied to the connecting frame 140 when expansion occurs in the peripheral portion of the battery cell 10 can be minimized.

[0136] As another example, in Figure 7 In this embodiment, it is assumed that the vertical portion 140b of the connecting frame 140 is fixedly connected to the peripheral portion of the second plate 120 in the +x direction. In this case, the force F applied to the connecting frame 140 when expansion occurs in the central portion of the battery cell 10 and the force F applied to the connecting frame 140 when expansion occurs in the peripheral portion of the battery cell 10 in the -x direction can have a large deviation.

[0137] In other words, since the pressure measuring element 150 can measure the deformation rate of the connecting frame 140 based on the force F applied to the connecting frame 140, the greater the deviation of the force F applied to the connecting frame 140, the greater the error in the deformation rate of the connecting frame 140 measured by the pressure measuring element 150 may be.

[0138] Therefore, since the device 100 for checking battery cell expansion according to the embodiments of the present disclosure is configured such that the connecting frame 140 is fixedly connected to the central portion of the outer surface of the second plate 120, the error in the measured deformation rate of the connecting frame 140 caused by the location where expansion occurs in the battery cell 10 can be minimized.

[0139] The fixed frame 130 can be configured to adjust the spacing between the first plate 110 and the second plate 120.

[0140] Specifically, the fixing frame 130 can be configured to adjust the connection position of the connecting frame 140 and / or the first plate 110. Preferably, the position in which the connecting frame 140 and / or the first plate 110 are fixedly connected in the fixing frame 130 can be adjusted so that the battery unit 10 can be fixed between the first plate 110 and the second plate 120. Therefore, the spacing between the first plate 110 and the second plate 120 can be adjusted.

[0141] For example, in Figure 7In one embodiment, the fixed frame 130 can be configured to adjust the fixed position of the connecting frame 140 and / or the first plate 110 in the vertical direction (z direction).

[0142] If the spacing between the first plate 110 and the second plate 120 is not adjustable, there is a problem that the type of battery cell 10 to be inspected is limited.

[0143] Therefore, since the device 100 for inspecting battery cell expansion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a fixed frame 130 configured to adjust the spacing between the first plate 110 and the second plate 120, it is advantageous to inspect cells with various thicknesses (e.g., Figure 7 The expansion of battery cell 10 (the length of battery cell 10 in the z-direction).

[0144] The following will describe the configuration for measuring the pressure of the battery cell 10 (the pressure generated due to the expansion of the battery cell 10) by means of the pressure measuring unit 160 and the pressure measuring element 150.

[0145] Reference Figure 1 The device 100 for checking battery cell expansion according to embodiments of the present disclosure may further include a pressure measuring unit 160.

[0146] The pressure measuring unit 160 can be connected to the pressure measuring element 150 and is configured to receive the deformation rate of the connecting frame 140 measured by the pressure measuring element 150.

[0147] For example, the pressure measuring unit 160 can be connected to the pressure measuring element 150 via a wired line. Additionally, the pressure measuring unit 160 can be configured to receive data via a wired line regarding the deformation rate of the connecting frame 140 as measured by the pressure measuring element 150.

[0148] Specifically, the pressure measuring element 150 can be configured to measure the deformation rate of the connecting frame 140 based on the force applied to the vertical portion 140b due to the pressure of the battery cell 10 and the length of the horizontal portion 140a in one direction.

[0149] Here, the force applied to the vertical portion 140b of the connecting frame 140 can be the force exerted from the battery cell 10 on the vertical portion 140b of the connecting frame 140 due to the expansion of the battery cell 10. More specifically, for example, the force applied to the vertical portion 140b of the connecting frame 140 can be the force applied to the connection portion of the second plate 120 and the vertical portion 140b of the connecting frame 140, which is part of the force exerted on the second plate 120 due to the expansion of the battery cell 10.

[0150] exist Figure 8In this embodiment, it is assumed that the force F applied to the vertical portion 140b of the connecting frame 140 due to the expansion of the battery cell 10 is denoted as F, and the length L of the horizontal portion 140a of the connecting frame 140 is denoted as L. If force F is applied to the connecting frame 140, the torque M of the connecting frame 140 can be expressed as a calculation formula of "M = F × L". However, since the connecting frame 140 is fixedly connected to the fixed frame 130, the connecting frame 140 may not rotate even if force F is applied. Therefore, the torque M of the connecting frame 140 can be expressed as the elastic behavior of the connecting frame 140. That is, if force F is applied to the connecting frame 140 due to the expansion of the battery cell 10, the tensile stress can be applied to the horizontal portion 140a of the connecting frame 140 in proportion to the torque M. At this time, the tensile stress applied to the horizontal portion 140a of the connecting frame 140 can be calculated as the deformation rate of the connecting frame 140 of the pressure measuring element 150.

[0151] For example, if a force F is applied to the connecting frame 140, the horizontal portion 140a of the connecting frame 140 may bend slightly. At this time, the pressure measuring element 150 can calculate the degree of slight bending of the horizontal portion 140a as the deformation rate of the connecting frame 140.

[0152] In other words, the pressure measuring element 150 can measure the deformation rate of the connecting frame 140 based on the torque M applied to the connecting frame 140 due to the expansion of the battery cell 10.

[0153] For example, with Figure 8 The implementation method differs. Assume a pressure gauge is used as the pressure measuring element 150, and the pressure measuring element 150 is directly attached to the outer surface of the second plate 120. Furthermore, assume the pressure measuring element 150 can measure the deformation rate of the second plate 120 based on the force F pressed by the second plate 120. If the amplitude of the force F pressed by the second plate 120 is less than or equal to a predetermined value, then the amplitude of force F is outside the measurable range of force F that the pressure measuring element 150 can measure. That is, if the amplitude of the force F pressed by the second plate 120 is less than the lower limit of the measurable range of force F that the pressure measuring element 150 can measure, the problem is that the pressure measuring element 150 cannot measure the deformation rate of the second plate 120.

[0154] At the same time, Figure 8In this embodiment, the deformation rate of the connecting frame 140 can be measured based on the torque M of the force F applied to the vertical portion 140b of the connecting frame 140 due to the expansion of the battery cell 10, based on the length L of the horizontal portion 140a of the connecting frame 140. That is, the pressure measuring element 150 can measure the deformation rate of the connecting frame 140 based on a force F amplified to the length L of the horizontal portion 140a of the connecting frame 140. Therefore, even if the amplitude of the force F applied to the connecting frame 140 is less than or equal to a predetermined value, the pressure measuring element 150 can measure the deformation rate of the connecting frame 140 because the force F is amplified to the length L of the horizontal portion 140a of the connecting frame 140.

[0155] Additionally, if the battery cell 10 is inserted between the first plate 110 and the second plate 120, the pressure measuring unit 160 can be configured to measure the pressure value of the battery cell 10 based on the deformation rate of the received connecting frame 140.

[0156] Specifically, the pressure measuring unit 160 may take into account the length L of the horizontal portion 140a of the connecting frame 140 and replace the deformation rate of the connecting frame 140 received from the pressure measuring element 150 with the pressure value of the battery unit 10.

[0157] Therefore, by using a connecting frame 140 having a curved form including a horizontal portion 140a and a vertical portion 140b, even if the force F applied due to the expansion of the battery cell 10 is less than a predetermined value, the device 100 for checking battery cell expansion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can measure a pressure value based on the expansion of the battery cell 10. In other words, the device 100 for checking battery cell expansion can accurately measure the expansion of the battery cell 10 by greatly expanding the range of expansion that can be measured using the connecting frame 140.

[0158] Reference Figure 1 The device 100 for checking battery cell swelling according to the disclosed embodiment may also include a control unit 170.

[0159] Here, the control unit 170 may optionally include processors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), other chipsets, logic circuits, registers, communication modems, data processing devices, etc., known in the art, to execute the various control logics performed in this disclosure. Furthermore, when the control logic is implemented in software, the control unit 170 can be implemented as a set of program modules. In this case, the program modules can be stored in memory and executed by the control unit 170. The memory can be located internally or externally to the control unit 170 and can be connected to the control unit 170 by various known means.

[0160] The control unit 170 can be connected to the pressure measuring unit 160 and is configured to receive the pressure value of the battery unit 10 from the pressure measuring unit 160.

[0161] For example, the control unit 170 and the pressure measuring unit 160 can be connected via wired or wireless communication. Additionally, the control unit 170 can receive the pressure value of the battery cell 10 measured by the pressure measuring unit 160.

[0162] Additionally, the control unit 170 can be configured to compare the received pressure value of the battery cell 10 with a reference pressure value, and determine, based on the pressure value comparison result, whether the battery cell 10 is swollen and the degree of swollen.

[0163] Here, the reference pressure value can be a reference value used to determine whether expansion has occurred in the battery cell 10. The reference pressure value can be stored in the internal memory or external memory of the control unit 170.

[0164] The control unit 170 can determine whether the battery cell 10 is swollen by comparing the pressure value of the battery cell 10 received from the pressure measuring unit 160 with a reference pressure value.

[0165] For example, if the pressure value of battery cell 10 is less than the reference pressure value, the control unit 170 can determine that battery cell 10 has not expanded. Conversely, if the pressure value of battery cell 10 is equal to or greater than the reference pressure value, the control unit 170 can determine that battery cell 10 has expanded.

[0166] In addition, the control unit 170 can determine the degree of expansion of the battery cell 10 by the difference between the pressure value of the battery cell 10 received from the pressure measurement unit 160 and the reference pressure value.

[0167] For example, the control unit 170 can determine the degree of expansion of the battery cell 10 as any one of normal, warning, or dangerous based on the difference between the pressure value of the battery cell 10 and the reference pressure value.

[0168] More specifically, the control unit 170 can calculate a pressure difference based on the difference between the pressure value of the battery cell 10 and a reference pressure value. Furthermore, the control unit 170 can determine the degree of expansion of the battery cell 10 based on the location to which the calculated pressure difference value belongs among a plurality of preset pressure locations.

[0169] Here, multiple preset pressure points can be pre-set as normal, warning, and danger levels. These preset pressure points can be stored in the internal or external memory of the control unit 170.

[0170] In addition, the control unit 170 can determine the degree of expansion of the battery cell 10, so that the calculated pressure difference corresponds to the part to which it belongs among a plurality of preset pressure points.

[0171] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a device 100 for inspecting battery cell swelling according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0172] Reference Figure 9 The connection frame 140 can be configured to include multiple unit connection frames 140.

[0173] For example, in Figure 9 In some embodiments, the connecting frame 140 can be configured to include a first unit connecting frame 141, a second unit connecting frame 142, and a third unit connecting frame 143. However, it should be noted that the number of unit connecting frames 140 disposed in the connecting frame 140 is not limited to... Figure 9 Limitations of the embodiments shown.

[0174] Additionally, the connecting frame 140 can be configured such that multiple unit connecting frames 140 are connected to the second plate 120 at a predetermined spacing.

[0175] Preferably, the multiple unit connecting frames 140 can be connected to the second plate 120 at a predetermined interval based on the midpoint of the outer surface of the second plate 120.

[0176] For example, in Figure 9 In this embodiment, the second unit connecting frame 142 can be connected to the central portion of the outer surface of the second plate 120. That is, the second unit connecting frame 142 can be fixedly connected to the center of the upper surface of the second plate 120 (the surface in the +z direction). Additionally, the first unit connecting frame 141 can be fixedly connected to a position spaced a predetermined distance from the second unit connecting frame 142 in the +y direction. Furthermore, the third unit connecting frame 143 can be fixedly connected to a position spaced a predetermined distance from the second unit connecting frame 142 in the -y direction.

[0177] Preferably, the spacing between the -y direction edge of the upper surface of the second plate 120 and the third unit connecting frame 143, the spacing between the third unit connecting frame 143 and the second unit connecting frame 142, the spacing between the second unit connecting frame 142 and the first unit connecting frame 141, and the spacing between the +y direction edge of the upper surface of the second plate 120 and the first unit connecting frame 141 can be the same.

[0178] In addition, multiple pressure measuring elements 150 are provided and can be configured to be attached to each of multiple unit connection frames 140.

[0179] For example, in Figure 9 In this embodiment, the first pressure measuring element 151 can be attached to the first unit connection frame 141. The second pressure measuring element 152 can be attached to the second unit connection frame 142. The third pressure measuring element 153 can be attached to the third unit connection frame 143.

[0180] Multiple pressure measuring elements 150 can measure the deformation rate of each of the multiple unit connecting frames 140. Therefore, if expansion occurs in the battery cell 10, the deformation rate of the first unit connecting frame 141, the deformation rate of the second unit connecting frame 142, and the deformation rate of the third unit connecting frame 143 can be measured separately.

[0181] The pressure measurement unit 160 can be configured to measure the pressure value of each part of the battery cell 10 based on the deformation rate of each of the plurality of cell connection frames 140 measured by each of the plurality of pressure measurement elements 150.

[0182] Specifically, multiple pressure measuring elements 150 can be connected to a pressure measuring unit 160. The pressure measuring unit 160 can receive the deformation rate of each of the multiple unit connection frames 140 from the multiple pressure measuring elements 150.

[0183] In addition, taking into account the length of the horizontal portion 140a of the multiple unit connecting frames 140, the pressure measuring unit 160 can be configured to calculate the pressure value of each part of the battery cell 10 based on the deformation rate of each of the multiple unit connecting frames 140.

[0184] Specifically, the pressure measuring unit 160 can replace the deformation rate of each of the multiple unit connecting frames 140 with the pressure value of each part of the battery cell 10 based on the length of the horizontal portion 140a of the multiple unit connecting frames 140.

[0185] For example, in Figure 9 In this embodiment, the pressure measuring unit 160 can measure the first pressure value of the first part (the part along the +y direction) in the battery cell 10 corresponding to the part to which the first unit connecting frame 141 in the second plate 120 is connected, based on the length of the horizontal portion 140a of the first unit connecting frame 141 and the deformation rate of the first unit connecting frame 141.

[0186] Similarly, the pressure measuring unit 160 can measure the pressure value of a second portion corresponding to the connection point of the second unit connecting frame 142 in the second plate 120 of the battery cell 10, based on the length of the horizontal portion 140a of the second unit connecting frame 142 and the deformation rate of the second unit connecting frame 142. Specifically, the second unit connecting frame 142 can be connected to the center of the upper surface (xy plane in the +z direction) of the second plate 120. Furthermore, the center of the battery cell 10 can be aligned perpendicular to the center of the upper surface of the second plate 120. Therefore, the pressure measuring unit 160 can measure the second pressure value of the central portion of the battery cell 10 based on the length of the horizontal portion 140a of the second unit connecting frame 142 and the deformation rate of the second unit connecting frame 142.

[0187] In addition, the pressure measuring unit 160 can measure the third pressure value of the third part (the part along the -y direction) in the battery cell 10 corresponding to the part to which the third unit connecting frame 143 in the second plate 120 is connected, based on the length of the horizontal portion 140a of the third unit connecting frame 143 and the deformation rate of the third unit connecting frame 143.

[0188] The control unit 170 can be configured to determine at least one of the expansion distribution of the battery cell 10 and the degree of expansion of each part based on the pressure value of each part of the battery cell 10 measured by the pressure measuring unit 160.

[0189] Specifically, the control unit 170 can receive pressure values ​​from the pressure measuring unit 160 for each location in the battery cell 10 corresponding to each of the multiple cell connection frames 140. Furthermore, the control unit 170 can determine the expansion distribution of the battery cell 10 based on the received pressure values ​​for each location.

[0190] exist Figure 9 In this embodiment, the control unit 170 can receive a first pressure value, a second pressure value, and a third pressure value from the pressure measurement unit 160. Then, the control unit 170 can determine the expansion distribution of the first region, the second region, and the third region of the battery cell 10 based on the first pressure value, the second pressure value, and the third pressure value, respectively.

[0191] Furthermore, the control unit 170 can calculate a first pressure difference between a first pressure value and a reference pressure value, a second pressure difference between a second pressure value and a reference pressure value, and a third pressure difference between a third pressure value and a reference pressure value. Additionally, the control unit 170 can determine the degree of expansion of each of the first, second, and third regions of the battery cell 10 by matching the first, second, and third pressure differences with multiple preset pressure points.

[0192] For example, suppose that among multiple pressure points, the first pressure difference is a dangerous point, the second pressure difference is a warning point, and the third pressure difference is a normal point. The control unit 170 can determine that the expansion level of the first region of the battery cell 10 is dangerous, the expansion level of the second region is warning, and the expansion level of the third region is normal.

[0193] More preferably, the control unit 170 can be configured to first determine the expansion distribution of each region of the battery cell 10, and then determine only the degree of expansion of the regions in the battery cell 10 that are determined to have expansion.

[0194] In the previous embodiment, it is assumed that the control unit 170 determines that expansion has occurred in the first and second regions of the battery cell 10. The control unit 170 can determine the degree of expansion in the first region by matching a first pressure difference value in the first region of the battery cell 10 with a plurality of preset pressure points. Similarly, the control unit 170 can determine the degree of expansion in the second region of the battery cell 10 by matching a second pressure difference value in the second region of the battery cell 10 with a plurality of preset pressure points. Here, the control unit 170 can compare the magnitudes of a plurality of received pressure values ​​with the magnitude of a reference pressure value, and determine that expansion has occurred if the received pressure value is greater than or equal to the reference pressure value.

[0195] In other words, the device 100 for checking battery cell expansion according to another embodiment of this disclosure can determine the expansion distribution of the battery cell 10 and / or the degree of expansion of each region of the battery cell 10 by using a plurality of cell connection frames 140 and a plurality of pressure measuring elements 150. Therefore, the regions in the battery cell 10 where expansion occurs can be specifically identified.

[0196] In addition, since the device 100 for checking the expansion of battery cells can specifically determine the degree of expansion of each region of the battery cell 10, it has the advantage of providing information for analyzing the cause of the expansion of the battery cell 10.

[0197] For example, based on the expansion distribution of the battery cell 10 and the degree of expansion in each region obtained from the device 100 for checking the expansion of the battery cell, it is possible to distinguish whether the expansion is caused by an increase in pressure due to gas generation or by an increase in pressure due to the inflow of foreign matter.

[0198] Figure 10 The diagram schematically illustrates a device 100 for inspecting battery cell swelling according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0199] exist Figure 10In one embodiment, the connecting frame 140 may include a total of nine unit connecting frames 140. When the second plate 120 is divided into nine parts, each unit connecting frame 140 may be fixedly connected to the central portion of the outer surface of each part.

[0200] Then, each of the nine pressure measuring elements 150 can be attached to each of the multiple unit connection frames 140 to measure the deformation rate of each of the multiple unit connection frames 140.

[0201] As the number of cell connection frames 140 and pressure measuring elements 150 increases as described above, the expansion distribution of the battery cell 10 can be determined more specifically and accurately. Furthermore, the areas within the battery cell 10 where the degree of expansion is determined can be further subdivided. Therefore, the locations within the battery cell 10 where expansion occurs can be pointed out more specifically.

[0202] Figure 11 The diagram schematically illustrates a device 100 for inspecting battery cell swelling according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0203] The second board 120 can be configured to include multiple second unit boards 121.

[0204] For example, in Figure 11 In the implementation, it is assumed that the second board 120 includes a total of nine second unit boards 121.

[0205] Preferably, the plurality of second unit plates 121 can be spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval so as not to overlap.

[0206] Each of the plurality of unit connection frames 140 can be configured to be connected to a corresponding second unit plate 121 among the plurality of second unit plates 121. Preferably, the plurality of unit connection frames 140 can be configured to be fixedly connected to the central portion of the outer surface of the corresponding second unit plate 121.

[0207] Each of the plurality of pressure measuring elements 150 attached to the plurality of unit connection frames 140 can measure the deformation rate of each of the plurality of unit connection frames 140.

[0208] Furthermore, the pressure measuring unit 160 can calculate the pressure value of each part of the battery cell 10 corresponding to each of the plurality of second unit plates 121 based on the deformation rate of each of the plurality of unit connecting frames 140 measured by each of the plurality of pressure measuring elements 150. In this case, since the plurality of second unit plates 121 are positioned spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, the influence between them can be minimized.

[0209] For example, in Figure 11In this embodiment, it is assumed that expansion occurs in the central portion of the battery cell 10. Because of the expansion in the central portion of the battery cell 10, a force can be applied to the second cell plate 121 located in the central portion of the battery cell 10. Additionally, because of the expansion in the central portion of the battery cell 10, a force can also be applied to the plurality of second cell plates 121 located in the peripheral portion of the battery cell 10. However, since the second cell plate 121 located in the central portion of the battery cell 10 and the plurality of second cell plates 121 located in the peripheral portion are spaced apart from each other, the force applied to the second cell plate 121 located in the central portion of the battery cell 10 does not transfer to the plurality of second cell plates 121 located in the peripheral portion.

[0210] In other words, since the multiple second unit plates 121 are positioned spaced apart from each other, the influence between adjacent second unit plates 121 can be eliminated during the measurement of the deformation rate of each of the multiple unit connection frames 140.

[0211] In other words, the deformation rate of each of the multiple unit connection frames 140 can be measured more accurately by reflecting the expansion pressure generated in the corresponding part of the battery cell 10.

[0212] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing the expansion inspection results of a battery cell 10 using a device 100 for inspecting the expansion of a battery cell 10 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0213] Figure 12 The implementation shows the use of according to Figure 11 The embodiment of the device 100 for checking battery cell expansion measures the expansion pressure distribution at each part of the battery cell 10. Specifically, Figure 12 The expansion test results show the pressure distribution at each part of the battery cell 10, calculated based on the deformation rate of each of the multiple cell connection frames 140 received by the pressure measuring unit 160 from the multiple pressure measuring elements 150.

[0214] Reference Figure 12 The expansion distribution of the battery cell 10 shown indicates that the expansion is most severe in the -y direction among the portions A to I of the battery cell 10, which are divided into nine parts. In other words, in... Figure 11 In the implementation of the method, it can be seen that the most severe expansion occurs in the portion H of the battery cell 10, which corresponds to the middle second unit plate 121 among the three second unit plates 121 located in the -y direction.

[0215] In other words, since the device 100 for checking battery cell expansion according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of second unit plates 121 and a plurality of unit connection frames 140, it is advantageous that the expansion distribution of the battery cell 10 and the degree of expansion of each part of the battery cell 10 can be determined more specifically.

[0216] Reference Figure 1 According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the device 100 for checking battery cell expansion may further include a temperature measuring element 180 and a temperature measuring unit 190.

[0217] Temperature measuring element 180 can be configured in multiple ways and attached to each of multiple second unit plates 121.

[0218] Additionally, the temperature measuring unit 190 can be configured to measure the temperature of each of the plurality of second unit plates 121 by using a plurality of temperature measuring elements 180.

[0219] The control unit 170 can be configured to receive temperature values ​​of each of the plurality of second cell plates 121 from the temperature measurement unit 190, and further determine the temperature of each part of the battery cell 10.

[0220] For example, in Figure 11 In this embodiment, the temperature measuring element 180 may be attached to each of the plurality of second unit plates 121. Additionally, the temperature measuring unit 190 may be connected to the plurality of temperature measuring elements 180 to measure the temperature of each of the plurality of second unit plates 121. For this purpose, each of the plurality of second unit plates 121 may be made of a conductive material.

[0221] The control unit 170 can further determine the temperature of each part of the battery cell 10, together with at least one of the expansion distribution of the battery cell 10 and the degree of expansion of each part of the battery cell 10.

[0222] If the internal temperature of the battery cell 10 increases, causing the electrolyte inside the battery cell 10 to evaporate, the pressure inside the battery cell 10 can increase, resulting in expansion.

[0223] Therefore, the device 100 for checking battery cell expansion according to another embodiment of the present disclosure can more specifically determine the cause of the expansion of the battery cell 10, because it takes into account not only the expansion distribution of the battery cell 10 and the degree of expansion of each part of the battery cell 10, but also the temperature of each part of the battery cell 10.

[0224] The embodiments of this disclosure described above can be implemented not only by devices and methods, but also by a program that implements functions corresponding to the configuration of the embodiments of this disclosure, or a recording medium on which a program is recorded. Based on the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can easily implement the program or the recording medium.

[0225] This disclosure has been described in detail. However, it should be understood that while the detailed description and specific examples indicate preferred embodiments of this disclosure, they are given by way of example only, as various changes and modifications within the scope of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art based on this detailed description.

[0226] Furthermore, without departing from the technical aspects of this disclosure, many substitutions, modifications, and variations can be made to the above-described disclosure by those skilled in the art, and this disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and drawings, and each embodiment can be selectively combined in part or in whole to allow for various modifications.

[0227] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0030940, filed in Korea on March 12, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. An apparatus for inspecting battery cell bulging, the apparatus comprising: The first plate, which is configured as a plate; The second plate is configured as a plate and positioned to face the first plate at a predetermined distance from the first plate, and the second plate is configured such that the battery cell is inserted between the first plate and the second plate; A fixing frame is configured such that a portion of the first plate is fixedly connected to the fixing frame, and the fixing frame is configured to be separate from the second plate so that the second plate is not connected to the fixing frame; A connecting frame having one end fixedly connected to the second plate and the other end fixedly connected to the fixed frame; as well as A pressure measuring element is attached to the connecting frame and configured to measure the deformation rate of the connecting frame.

2. The apparatus for inspecting battery cell bulging according to claim 1, in, The connecting frame is configured such that at least a portion of the connecting frame bends.

3. The apparatus for inspecting battery cell bulging according to claim 2, in, The connection framework includes: A horizontal portion, having one end connected to the fixed frame, and configured to extend in one direction; and A vertical portion is disposed at the distal end of the horizontal portion and is configured to have a distal end facing the second plate.

4. The apparatus for inspecting battery cell bulging according to claim 3, in, The connecting frame is configured such that the distal end of the vertical portion is fixedly connected to the outer surface of the second plate.

5. The apparatus for inspecting battery cell bulging according to claim 4, in, The connecting frame is configured such that the distal end of the vertical portion is fixedly connected to the central portion of the outer surface of the second plate.

6. The apparatus for inspecting battery cell bulging according to claim 1, in, The fixing frame is configured to adjust the spacing between the first plate and the second plate.

7. The apparatus for inspecting battery cell bulging according to claim 6, in, Adjust the position of the connecting frame and / or the first plate in the fixed frame so that the battery unit is fixed between the first plate and the second plate.

8. The apparatus for inspecting battery cell bulging according to claim 3, further comprising: A pressure measuring unit is connected to the pressure measuring element and configured to receive the deformation rate of the connecting frame measured by the pressure measuring element, and to measure the pressure value of the battery cell based on the received deformation rate of the connecting frame when the battery cell is inserted between the first plate and the second plate.

9. The apparatus for inspecting battery cell bulging according to claim 8, in, The pressure measuring element is configured to measure the deformation rate of the connecting frame based on the force applied to the vertical portion by the pressure of the battery cell and the length of the horizontal portion in one direction.

10. The apparatus for inspecting battery cell bulging according to claim 8, further comprising: A control unit is connected to the pressure measuring unit and configured to receive the pressure value of the battery cell from the pressure measuring unit, compare the received pressure value of the battery cell with a reference pressure value, and determine, based on the pressure value comparison result, at least one of the following: whether the battery cell is swollen and the degree of swollen.

11. The apparatus for inspecting battery cell bulging according to claim 10, in, The control unit determines the degree of expansion of the battery cell based on the calculated pressure difference value among multiple preset pressure points, and the multiple preset pressure points are pre-set as normal points, warning points, and danger points.

12. The apparatus for inspecting battery cell bulging according to claim 9, in, The connecting frame includes multiple unit connecting frames, such that the multiple unit connecting frames are connected to the second plate at predetermined intervals, and The pressure measuring element is provided in multiple parts and configured to be attached to each of the multiple unit connection frames.

13. The apparatus for inspecting battery cell bulging according to claim 12, in, The pressure measurement unit is configured to measure the pressure value at each part of the battery cell based on the deformation rate of each cell connection frame measured by each pressure measurement element. The control unit is configured to determine at least one of the expansion distribution of the battery cell and the degree of expansion of each part based on the pressure value of each part of the battery cell measured by the pressure measuring unit.

14. The apparatus for inspecting battery cell bulging according to claim 13, in, The pressure measuring unit is configured to calculate the pressure value of each part of the battery cell based on the deformation rate of each unit connecting frame, taking into account the length of the horizontal portion of the plurality of unit connecting frames.

15. The apparatus for inspecting battery cell bulging according to claim 13, in, The second board is configured to include a plurality of second unit boards, and The plurality of unit connection frames are configured to be connected to the corresponding second unit board among the plurality of second unit boards.

16. The apparatus for inspecting battery cell bulging according to claim 15, in, The plurality of unit connection frames are configured to be fixedly connected to the central portion of the outer surface of the corresponding second unit plate.

17. The apparatus for inspecting battery cell bulging according to claim 15, further comprising: A temperature measurement unit is configured to measure the temperature of each second unit plate using temperature measuring elements attached to each second unit plate. The control unit is configured to receive temperature values ​​from each of the second unit plates from the temperature measurement unit, and further determine the temperature of each part of the battery cell.

Citation Information

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