Apparatus and method for evaluating durability of battery module frame for vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for evaluating durability of a battery module frame for a motor vehicle, and allows, for example, durability of a welded portion of the battery module frame to be easily evaluated by providing a constraint similar to a bulging phenomenon of a battery cell in the battery module frame.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0120332, filed on September 18, 2020, and the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present application relates to an apparatus and method for evaluating durability of a battery module frame for a vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0003] Generally, a battery module is formed of a structure in which a plurality of battery cells are assembled by being connected in series and / or in parallel. The battery module can be composed of a battery cell stack produced by stacking a plurality of battery cells in one direction, a battery module frame for covering the battery cell stack, and a sensing assembly for sensing an electrical property of the battery cell.

[0004] The battery module frame can be classified into a multi-frame manufactured by assembling a plurality of plates in a snap-fit fastening or a bolt fastening scheme, and a single frame manufactured integrally.

[0005] Further, in an initial stage of design of a battery module, a structural stability evaluation of a battery module frame is required.

[0006] For example, in a conventional battery module frame design process, a long time is taken in analyzing and reviewing an initial outer frame structure. In particular, a long time is conventionally taken in evaluating a battery cell bulging force and durability of a battery module frame by repeated charging and discharging. Further, it is difficult to secure fatigue performance data of a welding portion of the battery module frame when the battery cell bulges.

[0007] Accordingly, there is a need for an apparatus and method for evaluating durability of a welding portion of a battery module frame. SUMMARY

[0008] TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0009] It is believed that the present application solves at least some of the above problems. For example, aspects of the present application provide an apparatus and method for evaluating durability of a battery module frame for a vehicle, in which durability of a welding portion of the battery module frame can be evaluated.

[0010] TECHNICAL SOLUTION

[0011] This invention provides an apparatus for evaluating the durability of a battery module frame for a vehicle. In one embodiment, the apparatus for evaluating the durability of a battery module frame for a vehicle according to the invention includes: a support member that supports a target battery module frame to allow the target battery module frame to be spaced apart from the ground at a predetermined interval; and a compression unit disposed inside the battery module frame and applying pressure to the bottom surface of the battery module frame. The compression unit then includes: a compression member disposed on the bottom surface of the battery module frame; and a compression cylinder mounted on the upper part of the compression member and compressing the compression member in a downward direction to allow pressure to be applied to the bottom surface of the battery module frame.

[0012] In another embodiment, the device for evaluating the durability of a battery module frame according to the present invention further includes a displacement sensor that measures the degree of displacement of the bottom surface of the battery module frame.

[0013] In one embodiment, the support includes a first support and a second support, which are respectively connected to both sides of the battery module frame. Specifically, the first support and the second support can be bolted to both sides of the battery module frame.

[0014] In one embodiment, the size of the extrusion member corresponds to the size of the battery cell.

[0015] In another example, a pressure sensor is positioned between the bottom surface of the battery module frame and the extrusion member.

[0016] In one embodiment, the extrusion cylinder may be a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder, comprising a cylinder barrel and a piston rod that reciprocates vertically within the cylinder barrel. In a specific example, the end of the piston rod is located at the upper part of the extrusion member, and the extrusion cylinder can lower the piston rod to extrude the extrusion member in a downward direction.

[0017] In one embodiment, the device for evaluating the durability of a battery module frame according to the present invention may further include a first reinforcing plate and a second reinforcing plate, the first reinforcing plate and the second reinforcing plate being respectively coupled to the front surface and the rear surface of the battery module frame.

[0018] In a specific example, one or more bolt fastening holes are formed on the front and rear surfaces of the battery module frame, and one or more bolt fastening holes are formed at one or more positions on the first and second reinforcing plates, respectively, which correspond to the one or more bolt fastening holes formed on the front and rear surfaces of the battery module frame. Furthermore, the battery module frame is bolted to the first and second reinforcing plates, respectively.

[0019] Furthermore, the present application provides a method of evaluating the durability of a battery module frame using the above-described apparatus for evaluating the durability of a battery module frame. In one embodiment, the method includes applying pressure to a bottom surface of a battery module frame using a pressing unit arranged on an inner side of the battery module frame. At this time, during the application of pressure to the bottom surface of the battery module frame, the degree of displacement of a welded portion of the battery module frame is evaluated.

[0020] In another example, during the application of pressure to the bottom surface of the battery module frame, the degree of displacement of the bottom surface of the battery module frame is measured. Furthermore, during the application of pressure to the bottom surface of the battery module frame, pressure can be applied so as to be oriented in a direction in which a bulging phenomenon occurs in a battery cell arranged in the battery module frame.

[0021] Advantageous Effects

[0022] The apparatus and method for evaluating the durability of a battery module frame for a vehicle according to the present application can easily evaluate the durability of a welded portion of a battery module frame, etc., by providing constraints similar to the occurrence of a bulging phenomenon in a battery cell in the battery module frame. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 and Figure 2 is a schematic view of an apparatus for evaluating the durability of a battery module frame according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0024] Figure 3 and Figure 4 is a schematic view showing a welded portion of a target battery module frame according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0025] Figure 5 is a schematic view of an apparatus for evaluating the durability of a battery module frame according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0026] Figure 6 is a schematic view of an apparatus for evaluating the durability of a battery module frame according to still another embodiment of the present application.

[0027] Figure 7and Figure 8 is a schematic view of an apparatus for evaluating durability of a battery module frame according to still another embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Since the inventive concept allows various changes and multiple embodiments, a specific embodiment will be shown in the drawings and described in detail in the text. However, this is not intended to limit the present application to the disclosed specific form, and should be understood to include all changes, equivalents and alternatives included in the spirit and scope of the present application.

[0029] In this application, it should be understood that terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to indicate that there are the features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof described in the specification, and these terms do not preclude the possibility of adding one or more other features or numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof. Also, when a part such as a layer, a film, a region, a plate, etc. is referred to as "on" another part, this includes not only the case where the part is "directly" on the other part, but also the case where another part is interposed therebetween. On the other hand, when a part such as a layer, a film, a region, a plate, etc. is referred to as "under" another part, this includes not only the case where the part is "directly" under the other part, but also the case where another part is interposed therebetween. In addition, "placed on" in this application can include the case of being placed at the bottom as well as the top.

[0030] Hereinafter, the present application will be described in detail.

[0031] The present application relates to an apparatus and a method for evaluating durability of a battery module frame for a vehicle.

[0032] As described above, in the initial stage of the design of a battery module, it is required to perform a structural stability evaluation of the battery module frame. However, it has conventionally taken a long time to evaluate the bulging force of the battery cell and the durability of the battery module frame by repeated charging and discharging. In addition, it is difficult to secure the fatigue performance data of the welded portion of the battery module frame when the battery cell bulges.

[0033] Thus, the inventors of the present application have invented an apparatus and a method for evaluating durability of a battery module frame for a vehicle, in which the durability of the welded portion of the battery module frame can be evaluated. Specifically, the present application provides an apparatus and a method for evaluating durability of a battery module frame for a vehicle, in which the durability of the welded portion of the battery module frame can be easily evaluated by providing a constraint similar to the case where a bulging phenomenon occurs in the battery cell in the battery module frame.

[0034] Hereinafter, an apparatus and a method for evaluating durability of a battery module frame for a vehicle will be described in detail.

[0035] In one embodiment, the apparatus for evaluating durability of a battery module frame for a vehicle according to the present application includes a support that supports a target battery module frame to allow the target battery module frame to be spaced apart from the ground at a predetermined interval, and a pressing unit that is disposed at an inner side of the battery module frame and applies pressure to a bottom surface of the battery module frame.

[0036] The apparatus for evaluating durability of a battery module frame according to the present application can provide a constraint similar to a case in which a bulging phenomenon occurs in a battery cell in a battery module frame by applying pressure to a target battery module frame. Further, when pressure is applied to the battery module frame, durability of a welding portion of the battery module frame can be evaluated. Generally, the battery module frame is formed of a U-frame or a single frame formed of a structure in which a rectangular pillar type hollow portion is formed, and an end plate is welded and coupled to an end portion of each frame. In the present application, pressure is applied in the same direction as a direction in which a bulging phenomenon occurs in a battery cell in a battery module frame. At this time, a degree of displacement in a welding portion of the battery module frame can be evaluated. Further, in the present application, applying pressure in a downward direction can mean applying pressure in a direction of an end plate in a target battery module frame.

[0037] In one embodiment, the apparatus for evaluating durability of a battery module frame according to the present application includes a support. The support is used to allow a target battery module frame to be spaced apart from the ground at a predetermined interval, and to provide a constraint similar to a case in which a bulging phenomenon occurs in a battery cell when durability of a battery module frame is evaluated. In a specific example, the support includes a first support and a second support that can be bolted to both sides of a battery module frame, respectively. With reference to the drawings of the present specification, the first support and the second support are bolted to both sides of a battery module frame, but the first support and the second support can also be bolted to a front surface and a rear surface of a battery module frame, respectively.

[0038] In another embodiment, the apparatus for evaluating durability of a battery module frame according to the present application includes a pressing unit that applies pressure to a bottom surface of a battery module frame. Specifically, the pressing unit can include a pressing member that is disposed on a bottom surface of a battery module frame, and a pressing cylinder that is installed on an upper portion of the pressing member and presses the pressing member in a downward direction.

[0039] The pressing member is disposed on a bottom surface of the inner side of the battery module frame and corresponds in size and shape to the battery cell disposed on the inner side of the battery module frame. Also, because the pressing member receives pressure from the pressing cylinder and transmits the pressure to the bottom surface of the battery module frame, the pressing member can be formed of a rigid member.

[0040] The pressing cylinder is used to press the pressing member in a downward direction and allows pressure to be applied to the bottom surface of the battery module frame. Specifically, the pressing cylinder can be a general hydraulic cylinder or a pneumatic cylinder. For example, the pressing cylinder can be a hydraulic cylinder. In a specific example, the pressing cylinder includes a cylinder tube and a piston rod that vertically reciprocates in the cylinder tube. At this time, an end portion of the piston rod is located at an upper portion of the pressing member. Also, the pressing cylinder can lower the piston rod to press the pressing member in a downward direction. The pressing cylinder can supply fluid to the cylinder tube to lower the piston rod. On the other hand, the fluid supplied to the inside of the cylinder tube can be supplied by a fluid source such as a fluid pump or a hydraulic pump.

[0041] In one embodiment, in the apparatus for evaluating the durability of a battery module frame according to the present invention, the pressing cylinder applies pressure oriented in a direction in which a bulging phenomenon occurs in the battery cell. That is, the present invention aims to provide a constraint similar to a case in which a bulging phenomenon occurs in the battery cell by allowing pressure applied to the target battery module frame to be oriented in a direction in which a bulging phenomenon occurs in the battery cell by using the pressing unit.

[0042] In another embodiment, the apparatus for evaluating the durability of a battery module frame according to the present invention further includes a displacement sensor. The displacement sensor is used to measure a degree of displacement of the bottom surface in the battery module frame. The displacement sensor is a non-contact sensor and can be an infrared sensor for irradiating and receiving infrared rays on the bottom surface of the battery module frame to be measured. Also, the infrared sensor is located on a lower portion on the bottom surface of the battery module frame and is capable of measuring the degree of displacement of the bottom surface of the battery module frame by measuring a changing distance between the infrared sensor and the bottom surface of the battery module frame.

[0043] In a specific example, when pressure is applied to the bottom surface of the battery module frame using the displacement sensor, the degree of displacement of the bottom surface of the battery module frame can be measured.

[0044] In another embodiment, the apparatus for evaluating the durability of a battery module frame according to the present application further includes a pressure sensor. In a specific example, the pressure sensor can be disposed between a bottom surface of the battery module frame and the pressing member, and can measure a change in pressure applied to the bottom surface of the target battery module frame during operation of the pressing unit.

[0045] The pressure sensor can be a diaphragm pressure sensor for sensing an applied pressure or force, and can be a diaphragm pressure sensitive resistor (PSR) sensor. Further, the PSR sensor can be a sensor for measuring a change in resistance according to a pressure or force applied to a surface of the PSR sensor.

[0046] In a specific example, a change in pressure applied to the bottom surface of the battery module frame during operation of the pressing unit can be easily measured, and a degree of change in the welded portion of the battery module frame, etc. can be evaluated.

[0047] Further, the apparatus for evaluating the durability of a battery module frame according to the present application can include a storage unit that receives and stores measurement results generated by the measurement of the displacement sensor and / or the pressure sensor. The storage unit can store the measurement results from the displacement sensor and / or the pressure sensor, and construct a database based thereon. For example, a pressure value applied to the target battery module frame and a displacement value of the module frame according to the pressure value can be summarized as a table or a graph. Such measurement data can be used as a basis for predicting a degree of fatigue and a lifespan of the battery module frame.

[0048] Further, the apparatus for evaluating the durability of a battery module frame according to the present application can include an output unit for monitoring the measurement results generated by the measurement of the displacement sensor and / or the pressure sensor. The output unit can be a conventional monitoring device.

[0049] Further, the apparatus for evaluating the durability of a battery module frame according to the present application can further include first and second reinforcement plates coupled to a front surface and a rear surface of the battery module frame, respectively. The first and second reinforcement plates prevent distortion of the battery module during evaluation of the durability of the welded portion.

[0050] In a specific example, the first and second reinforcing plates are fastened to the battery module by bolts. In one embodiment, one or more bolt fastening holes are formed on the front and rear surfaces of the battery module frame, and one or more bolt fastening holes are formed on the first and second reinforcing plates, respectively, at positions corresponding to the one or more bolt fastening holes formed on the front and rear surfaces of the battery module frame. Further, the battery module frame is fastened to the first and second reinforcing plates by bolts, respectively. For example, 10 to 30 bolt fastening holes arranged in a row are formed on the front and rear surfaces of the battery module frame. The bolt fastening holes formed on the front and rear surfaces of the battery module frame and the first and second reinforcing plates have a structure in which female threads are independently formed on the inner sides.

[0051] Further, the present application provides a method of evaluating the durability of a battery module frame using the above-described apparatus for evaluating the durability of a battery module frame.

[0052] In one embodiment, the method of evaluating the durability of a battery module frame according to the present application includes applying pressure to the bottom surface of the battery module frame using an extrusion unit arranged on the inner side of the battery module frame. Further, in the method of evaluating the durability of a battery module frame according to the present application, the degree of displacement of the weld portion of the battery module frame is evaluated during the application of pressure to the bottom surface of the battery module frame. In this process, when pressure is applied to a target battery module frame, the rigidity of the battery module frame can be identified. Further, the constant force and / or fatigue performance of the weld portion in the target battery module frame can be easily identified.

[0053] Further, when pressure is applied to the bottom surface of the battery module frame, the pressure can be applied continuously or repeatedly. The pressure is applied to the bottom surface of the battery module frame to provide a constraint similar to a case in which a bulging phenomenon occurs in a battery cell. In a specific example, during the application of pressure to the bottom surface of the battery module frame, the pressure can be applied to be oriented in a direction in which a bulging phenomenon occurs in a battery cell arranged in the battery module frame. That is, as described above, the present application aims to provide a constraint similar to a case in which a bulging phenomenon occurs in a battery cell by allowing the pressure applied to a target battery module frame to be oriented in a direction in which a bulging phenomenon occurs in a battery cell, by using an extrusion unit.

[0054] In another embodiment, in the method of evaluating the durability of a battery module frame according to the present application, the degree of displacement of the bottom surface of the battery module frame is evaluated during the application of pressure to the bottom surface of the battery module frame. The degree of displacement of the bottom surface of the battery module frame can be measured using a displacement sensor such as an infrared sensor.

[0055] In another embodiment, in the method of evaluating the durability of a battery module frame according to the present application, the pressure applied to the bottom surface of the battery module frame is measured during the application of pressure to the bottom surface of the battery module frame. In a specific example, the change in the pressure applied to the bottom surface of the battery module frame during the operation of the extrusion unit can be easily measured, and the degree of change in the welded portion of the battery module frame or the degree of change in the bottom portion in the battery module frame according to the change in pressure can be evaluated.

[0056] That is, according to the apparatus and method for evaluating the durability of a battery module frame for a vehicle according to the present application, by providing a constraint similar to the case in which a bulging phenomenon occurs in a battery cell in a battery module frame, the durability of the welded portion of the battery module frame, etc. can be easily evaluated.

[0057] Detailed description of preferred embodiments

[0058] Hereinafter, the apparatus and method for evaluating the durability of a battery module frame according to the present application will be described in detail.

[0059] (First embodiment)

[0060] Figure 1 and Figure 2 is a schematic view of an apparatus for evaluating the durability of a battery module frame according to an embodiment of the present application. Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the apparatus 100 for evaluating the durability of a battery module frame according to the present application includes a support 120 that supports a target battery module frame 110 to allow the target battery module frame 110 to be spaced apart from the ground at a predetermined interval, and an extrusion unit 130 that is disposed inside the battery module frame 110 and applies pressure to the bottom surface of the battery module frame 110.

[0061] Specifically, the apparatus 100 for evaluating the durability of a battery module frame according to the present application provides a constraint similar to the case in which a bulging phenomenon occurs in a battery cell inside the battery module frame 110 by applying pressure to the target battery module frame 110. Furthermore, when pressure is applied to the battery module frame 110, the durability of the welded portion 111 of the battery module frame 110 can be evaluated.

[0062] The battery module frame 110 is installed by the support 120 to be spaced apart from the ground by a predetermined interval. Specifically, the support 120 is composed of a first support 121 and a second support 122, and the first and second supports 121 and 122 are coupled to both sides of the battery module frame, respectively. Specifically, the first and second supports 121 and 122 can be bolted (not shown) to both sides of the battery module frame 110. The first and second supports 121 and 122 can be fastened to the front and rear surfaces of the battery module frame 110, respectively. In particular, since the battery module frame 110 is installed on the support 120 to be spaced apart from the ground by a predetermined interval, a situation similar to the occurrence of a bulging phenomenon in a battery cell can be provided when durability of the battery module frame 110 is evaluated.

[0063] Further, the pressing unit 130 is included in the battery module frame 110, which applies pressure to the bottom surface of the battery module frame 110. Specifically, the pressing unit 130 includes a pressing member 131 disposed on the bottom surface of the battery module frame 110, and a pressing cylinder 132 installed on the upper portion of the pressing member 131 and pressing the pressing member 131 in the downward direction to allow pressure to be applied to the bottom surface of the battery module frame 110.

[0064] Further, the pressing member 131 is disposed on the bottom surface of the inner side of the battery module frame 110 and corresponds in size and shape to the battery cell disposed on the inner side of the battery module frame 110. Further, since the pressing member receives pressure from the pressing cylinder 132 and transmits the pressure to the bottom surface of the battery module frame 110, the pressing member can be formed of a rigid member.

[0065] Further, the pressing unit 130 includes a pressing cylinder 132 that presses the pressing member 131 in the downward direction. The pressing cylinder 132 serves to press the pressing member 131 in the downward direction and allows pressure to be applied to the bottom surface of the battery module frame 110. Specifically, the pressing cylinder 132 is a hydraulic cylinder and includes a cylinder tube and a piston rod vertically reciprocating in the cylinder tube. At this time, the end portion of the piston rod is located at the upper portion of the pressing member 131. Further, the pressing cylinder 132 can lower the piston rod to press the pressing member 131 in the downward direction. Specifically, the pressing cylinder 132 can lower the piston rod by supplying fluid into the cylinder tube, thereby pressing the pressing member 131 in the downward direction. At this time, fluid can be supplied into the cylinder tube by a fluid pump or a hydraulic pump.

[0066] Further, in the device 100 for evaluating the durability of a battery module frame according to the present application, the pressing cylinder 132 applies pressure oriented in a direction in which a bulging phenomenon occurs in a battery cell. That is, by using the pressing unit, by allowing the pressure applied to the target battery module frame to be oriented in a direction in which a bulging phenomenon occurs in a battery cell, the present application can provide a constraint similar to a case in which a bulging phenomenon occurs in a battery cell.

[0067] Figure 3 and Figure 4 is a diagram showing a welded portion of a target battery module frame according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0068] Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , a welded portion 111 of a target battery module frame is shown. The battery module frame 110 has a shape of a U-shaped frame. However, one plate is welded and coupled to a front surface of the U-shaped frame in order to evaluate the durability of the battery module frame 110. Further, the U-shaped frame has a structure in which a plate in a region in which the pressing cylinder 132 is inserted is removed in order to apply the pressing cylinder 132.

[0069] Further, according to the present application, when pressure is applied to a bottom surface of a lower portion of the battery module frame 110 by the pressing unit, the degree of displacement of the welded portion 111 of an edge region in the battery module frame 110 can be evaluated.

[0070] The present application provides a method of evaluating the durability of a battery module frame using a device for evaluating the durability of a battery module frame.

[0071] In particular, a method of evaluating the durability of a battery module frame according to the present application includes applying pressure to a bottom surface of a battery module frame using a pressing unit disposed inside the battery module frame. In particular, in the method of evaluating the durability of a battery module frame according to the present application, during the application of pressure to the bottom surface of the battery module frame, the degree of displacement of a welded portion of the battery module frame is evaluated.

[0072] At this time, during the application of pressure to the bottom surface of the battery module frame, pressure can be applied oriented in a direction in which a bulging phenomenon occurs in a battery cell disposed in the battery module frame. This is in order to provide a constraint similar to a case in which a bulging phenomenon occurs in a battery cell by using the pressing unit, by allowing the pressure applied to the target battery module frame to be oriented in a direction in which a bulging phenomenon occurs in a battery cell.

[0073] As such, by the accelerated test according to the present application, the durability of a welded portion can be easily evaluated in a short period of time.

[0074] (Second Embodiment)

[0075] Figure 5 is a schematic view of an apparatus for evaluating durability of a battery module frame according to another embodiment of the present application. Referring to Figure 5 An apparatus 200 for evaluating durability of a battery module frame according to the present application includes a support 220 supporting a target battery module frame 210 to allow the target battery module frame 210 to be spaced apart from the ground at a predetermined interval, and a pressing unit 230 disposed inside the battery module frame 210 and applying pressure to a bottom surface of the battery module frame 210.

[0076] At this time, the pressing unit 230 includes a pressing member 231 disposed on the bottom surface of the battery module frame 210, and a pressing cylinder 232 installed on an upper portion of the pressing member 231 and pressing the pressing member 231 in a downward direction to allow pressure to be applied to the bottom surface of the battery module frame 210.

[0077] Further, the apparatus 200 for evaluating durability of a battery module frame according to the present application further includes a displacement sensor 240 measuring a degree of displacement of the bottom surface of the target battery module frame 210. The displacement sensor 240 is a non-contact sensor, and can be an infrared sensor for irradiating and receiving infrared rays on the bottom surface of the battery module frame 210 to be measured. The infrared sensor is located on a lower portion on the bottom surface of the battery module frame 210, and is capable of measuring the degree of displacement of the bottom surface of the battery module frame 210 by measuring a distance between the infrared sensor and the bottom surface of the battery module frame 210.

[0078] On the other hand, the above has been described with respect to each element of the apparatus for evaluating durability of a battery module frame according to the present application, and thus a specific description with respect to each element is omitted here.

[0079] Further, the present application provides a method of evaluating durability of a battery module frame using the apparatus for evaluating durability of a battery module frame.

[0080] In detail, the method for evaluating the durability of a battery module frame according to the present application includes applying pressure to a bottom surface of a battery module frame using a pressing unit disposed inside the battery module frame. In particular, in the method for evaluating the durability of a battery module frame according to the present application, the degree of displacement of a welding portion of the battery module frame is evaluated during the application of pressure to the bottom surface of the battery module frame.

[0081] In addition, in the method for evaluating the durability of a battery module frame according to the present application, the degree of displacement of the bottom surface of the battery module frame is measured during the application of pressure to the bottom surface of the battery module frame.

[0082] As such, by the accelerated test according to the present application, the durability of the welding portion can be easily evaluated in a short period of time.

[0083] (Third Embodiment)

[0084] Figure 6 is a schematic view of an apparatus for evaluating the durability of a battery module frame according to still another embodiment of the present application. Referring to Figure 6 The apparatus 300 for evaluating the durability of a battery module frame according to the present application includes a support 320 that supports a target battery module frame 310 to allow the target battery module frame 310 to be spaced apart from the ground at a predetermined interval, and a pressing unit 330 that is disposed inside the battery module frame 310 and applies pressure to a bottom surface of the battery module frame 310.

[0085] At this time, the pressing unit 330 includes a pressing member 331 disposed on the bottom surface of the battery module frame 310, and a pressing cylinder 332 installed on an upper portion of the pressing member 331 and pressing the pressing member 331 in a downward direction to allow pressure to be applied to the bottom surface of the battery module frame 310.

[0086] In addition, the apparatus 300 for evaluating the durability of a battery module frame according to the present application includes a pressure sensor 350 located between the bottom surface of the battery module frame 310 and the pressing member 331. In detail, the pressure sensor 350 is a diaphragm pressure sensor and measures a change in pressure applied to the bottom surface of the target battery module frame 310 during the operation of the pressing unit 330. In detail, the pressure sensor 350 is a diaphragm pressure sensitive resistor (PSR) sensor and can sense pressure or force, and is a sensor for measuring a resistance value that changes according to a change in pressure or force applied to a surface of the PSR sensor.

[0087] The apparatus 300 for evaluating the durability of a battery module frame according to the present application can easily measure the change in pressure applied to the bottom surface of the battery module frame 310 during the operation of the pressing unit 330, and can evaluate the degree of change in the welded portion of the battery module frame 310 according to the pressure.

[0088] On the other hand, the above has been described with respect to each element of the apparatus for evaluating the durability of a battery module frame according to the present application, and thus a specific description with respect to each element is omitted here.

[0089] (Fourth Embodiment)

[0090] Figure 7 and Figure 8 is a schematic view of an apparatus for evaluating the durability of a battery module frame according to still another embodiment of the present application. Referring to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The apparatus 400 for evaluating the durability of a battery module frame according to the present application includes a support 420 that supports a target battery module frame 410 to allow the target battery module frame 410 to be spaced apart from the ground at a predetermined interval, and a pressing unit 430 that is disposed inside the battery module frame 410 and applies pressure to the bottom surface of the battery module frame 410.

[0091] At this time, the pressing unit 430 includes a pressing member 431 that is disposed on the bottom surface of the battery module frame 410, and a pressing cylinder 432 that is installed on the upper portion of the pressing member 431 and presses the pressing member 431 in the downward direction to allow pressure to be applied to the bottom surface of the battery module frame 410.

[0092] Further, a plurality of bolt fastening holes 411 and 412 arranged in a row are respectively formed on the front and rear surfaces of the battery module frame 410. First and second reinforcing plates 460 and 470 are disposed on the front and rear surfaces of the battery module frame 410, and a plurality of bolt fastening holes 461 and 471 are respectively formed on the first and second reinforcing plates 460 and 470. The battery module frame 410 is bolt fastened to the first and second reinforcing plates 460 and 470 by bolts 462 and 472, respectively.

[0093] Further, the apparatus 400 for evaluating the durability of a battery module frame according to the present application includes a pressure sensor 450 located between the bottom surface of the battery module frame 410 and the pressing member 431.

[0094] The apparatus 400 for evaluating the durability of a battery module frame according to the present application can easily measure the change in pressure applied to the bottom surface of the battery module frame 410 during the operation of the pressing unit 430, and can evaluate the degree of change in the welded portion of the battery module frame 410 according to the pressure.

[0095] In another aspect, the above has been described with respect to each element of the apparatus for evaluating the durability of a battery module frame according to the present application, and thus a specific description with respect to each element is omitted here.

[0096] In the above, the present application has been described in more detail through drawings and examples. Accordingly, the embodiments described in the specification and the configurations described in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiments of the present application, and do not represent all the technical ideas of the present application. It should be understood that various equivalents and modifications to them can exist at the time of filing the present application.

[0097] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0098] 100, 200, 300, 400: Apparatus for evaluating the durability of a battery module frame

[0099] 110, 210, 310, 410: Battery module frame

[0100] 111: Welded portion

[0101] 120, 220, 320, 420: Support

[0102] 121, 221, 321, 421: First support

[0103] 122, 222, 322, 422: Second support

[0104] 130, 230, 330, 430: Pressing unit

[0105] 131, 231, 331, 431: Pressing member

[0106] 132, 232, 332, 432: Pressing cylinder

[0107] 240: Displacement sensor

[0108] 350, 450: Pressure sensor

[0109] 411, 412, 461, 471: Bolt fastening hole

[0110] 46, 470: Reinforcing plate

[0111] 462, 472: Bolt

Claims

1. An apparatus for evaluating the durability of a battery module frame, the apparatus comprising: A support member that supports the target battery module frame to allow the target battery module frame to be spaced apart from the ground at a predetermined interval; and An extrusion unit, disposed inside the battery module frame, applies pressure to the bottom surface of the battery module frame to evaluate the degree of displacement of the welded portions of the battery module frame. The extrusion unit includes: An extrusion member, said extrusion member being disposed on the bottom surface of the battery module frame; and A compression cylinder is mounted on the upper part of the compression member and compresses the compression member in a downward direction to allow pressure to be applied to the bottom surface of the battery module frame.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a displacement sensor that measures the degree of displacement of the bottom surface of the battery module frame.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The support includes a first support and a second support, which are respectively connected to both sides of the battery module frame.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein, The first support member and the second support member are respectively bolted to both sides of the battery module frame.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The dimensions of the extrusion member correspond to the dimensions of the battery cell.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein, A pressure sensor is disposed between the bottom surface of the battery module frame and the extrusion member.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The extrusion cylinder is a pneumatic cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder, which includes a cylinder barrel and a piston rod that reciprocates vertically within the cylinder barrel.

8. The device according to claim 6, wherein, The end of the piston rod is located at the upper part of the extrusion member, and the extrusion cylinder lowers the piston rod to extrude the extrusion member in a downward direction.

9. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a first reinforcing plate and a second reinforcing plate, the first reinforcing plate and the second reinforcing plate being respectively connected to the front surface and the rear surface of the battery module frame.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein, One or more bolt fastening holes are formed on the front and rear surfaces of the battery module frame. One or more bolt fastening holes are respectively formed at one or more locations on the first reinforcing plate and the second reinforcing plate, the locations corresponding to the one or more bolt fastening holes formed on the front surface and the rear surface of the battery module frame, and The battery module frame is bolted to the first reinforcing plate and the second reinforcing plate, respectively.

11. A method for evaluating the durability of a battery module frame using the apparatus for evaluating the durability of a battery module frame according to any one of claims 1-10, the method comprising: Pressure is applied to the bottom surface of the battery module frame using extrusion units arranged inside the battery module frame. During the application of pressure to the bottom surface of the battery module frame, the degree of displacement of the welded portion of the battery module frame is evaluated.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The degree of displacement of the bottom surface of the battery module frame is measured during the application of pressure to the bottom surface of the battery module frame.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein, During the application of pressure to the bottom surface of the battery module frame, the pressure is applied in a direction oriented toward the bulging phenomenon that occurs in the battery cells arranged in the battery module frame.

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