Electrode inspection device for measuring whether an electrode is normal and inspection method using the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electrode inspection device for measuring whether an electrode is deformed and an inspection method using the electrode inspection device. The electrode inspection device includes: a plurality of measurement units that are in close contact with a specified position at the lower end of the electrode; and a support mold (300) for supporting the plurality of measurement units, wherein the plurality of measurement units are spaced apart from each other by a specified distance, and a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure transmitted to the measurement unit is provided in the measurement unit or the support mold (300).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 2020-0137690, filed on Oct. 22, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to an electrode inspection device for measuring whether an electrode is normal and an inspection method using the electrode inspection device. More specifically, the present invention relates to an electrode inspection device for measuring whether an electrode is normal to reduce a defect rate that occurs during a welding operation using the electrode, and an inspection method using the electrode inspection device. Background Art

[0003] With the recent development of alternative energy due to air pollution and energy depletion caused by the use of fossil fuels, the demand for secondary batteries capable of storing the generated electric energy has increased. Secondary batteries that can be charged and discharged are closely used in daily life. For example, secondary batteries are used in mobile devices, electric vehicles, and hybrid electric vehicles.

[0004] Due to the increase in the use of mobile devices, the increase in the complexity of mobile devices, and the development of electric vehicles, the capacity required for secondary batteries used as an energy source for various electronic devices inevitably used in modern society has increased. To meet the needs of users, multiple battery cells are provided in a small device, while a battery module including multiple battery cells electrically connected to each other or a battery pack including multiple battery modules is used in a vehicle.

[0005] Meanwhile, multiple battery cells are connected to each other to provide the energy required for the device. At this time, the battery cells are connected to each other by using a bus bar for welding. Therefore, an electrode that has undergone multiple welding operations may be deformed, such as being eccentric, which may cause defects in the battery module or the battery pack.

[0006] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a conventional electrode eccentricity detection device. As Figure 1 shown, the conventional electrode eccentricity detection device includes: an eddy current distance sensor configured to measure the position of the electrode core using electromagnetic induction; a laser position meter configured to measure the position of the electrode; a measurement controller configured to determine the eccentricity of the electrode based on the information detected by the measurement unit; and a monitoring circuit.

[0007] As can be seen from the above, the advantage of the conventional electrode eccentricity detection device is that the eccentricity state of the electrode is inspected using the electrode eccentricity detection device, and when an abnormality occurs, the abnormality is reported through the monitoring circuit, so that the state of the electrode can be inspected.

[0008] However, the traditional electrode eccentricity detection equipment has the following problems: the structure of the electrode eccentricity detection equipment is complex, and it only determines the eccentricity state of the electrode, but it is difficult to determine the bending phenomenon of the electrode or the deformation occurring at the end face of the electrode, such as wear.

[0009] (Prior art documents)

[0010] (Patent Document 1) Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-005644 Summary of the Invention

[0011] Technical Problem

[0012] The present invention is made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electrode inspection device and an inspection method using the electrode inspection device, the electrode inspection device having a simple structure and being able to inspect the eccentricity state of the electrode and various deformations of the electrode (such as bending and wear), so as to maintain a specified level of welding quality.

[0013] Technical Solution

[0014] In order to achieve the above object, an electrode inspection device for inspecting whether an electrode is normal according to the present invention includes: a plurality of measurement units configured to be in close contact with a specified position at the lower end of the electrode; and a support die (300) configured to support the plurality of measurement units, wherein the plurality of measurement units are positioned at a specified distance from each other, and a pressure sensor configured to measure the pressure transmitted to the measurement unit is provided in each of the plurality of measurement units or the support die (300).

[0015] In addition, in the electrode inspection device according to the present invention, the plurality of measurement units may include: a first measurement unit (100) including a first contact portion (110) and a first support shaft (120); and a second measurement unit (200) including a second contact portion (210) and a second support shaft (220), and the pressure sensor may be installed in each of the first contact portion (110) and the second contact portion (210).

[0016] In addition, in the electrode inspection device according to the present invention, each of the first contact portion (110) and the second contact portion (210) may be formed in a conical shape with a width gradually decreasing upward.

[0017] In addition, in the electrode inspection device according to the present invention, each of the first contact portion (110) and the second contact portion (210) may have an oval shape that is long in the vertical direction.

[0018] In addition, in the electrode inspection device according to the present invention, each of the first contact portion (110) and the second contact portion (210) may have a cylindrical shape.

[0019] In addition, in the electrode inspection device according to the present invention, the distance (L1) between the first contact portion (110) and the second contact portion (210) that are in close contact with the lower end of the electrode (400) may be equal to or less than the diameter (L2) of the electrode.

[0020] In addition, the inspection method using the electrode inspection device according to the present invention includes: positioning the first measurement unit (100) and the second measurement unit (200) at specified coordinates; vertically positioning the electrode above the first measurement unit (100) and the second measurement unit (200); moving the first measurement unit (100) and the second measurement unit (200) or the electrode in the vertical direction to a specified position; and measuring the pressures of the first measurement unit (100) and the second measurement unit (200).

[0021] In addition, in the inspection method using the electrode inspection device according to the present invention, when the pressures of the first measurement unit (100) and the second measurement unit (200) deviate from a specified range, it can be determined that the electrode is abnormal.

[0022] In addition, in the inspection method using the electrode inspection device according to the present invention, when each of the pressures of the first measurement unit (100) and the second measurement unit (200) exceeds 0 Pa and the pressure difference between the first measurement unit (100) and the second measurement unit (200) deviates from a specified range, it can be determined that the electrode is bent or the end face of the electrode is deformed.

[0023] In addition, in the inspection method using the electrode inspection device according to the present invention, when one of the pressures of the first measurement unit (100) and the second measurement unit (200) exceeds 0 Pa and the other pressure of the first measurement unit (100) and the second measurement unit (200) is 0 Pa, it can be determined that the electrode is eccentric.

[0024] Advantageous Effects

[0025] It is apparent from the above description that the advantages of the electrode inspection device for measuring whether an electrode is normal and the inspection method using the electrode inspection device according to the present invention are that a pair of measurement units are spaced apart by a specified distance and pressure sensors are provided, so that the structure of the electrode inspection device is very simple.

[0026] In addition, the electrode inspection device for measuring whether an electrode is normal and the inspection method using the electrode inspection device according to the present invention have the following advantages: it is possible to determine whether the electrode is bent or the end face of the electrode is deformed and the eccentricity of the electrode, so that the welding defect rate of the battery module or the battery pack can be reduced. Description of the Drawings

[0027] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a conventional electrode eccentricity detection device.

[0028] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an electrode inspection device according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 3 is along Figure 2 A sectional view of the electrode inspection device taken along line A-A'.

[0030] Figure 4 is a sectional view of an electrode inspection device according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 5 is a sectional view of an electrode inspection device according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 6 is a sectional view showing whether an electrode is eccentric using the electrode inspection device according to the present invention.

[0033] Figure 7 is a sectional view showing a bending phenomenon of an electrode using the electrode inspection device according to the present invention.

[0034] Figure 8 is a sectional view showing a deformed state of an end face of an electrode using the electrode inspection device according to the present invention. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0035] Now, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can easily implement the preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, when a detailed description of known functions and configurations included herein may obscure the subject matter of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted when describing the working principles of the preferred embodiments of the present invention in detail.

[0036] In addition, the same reference numerals will be used throughout all the drawings to refer to components that perform similar functions or operations. Throughout the specification, in the case of referring to one part being connected to another part, not only can the one part be directly connected to the other part, but the one part can also be indirectly connected to the other part through yet another part. In addition, unless otherwise specified, including a certain element does not mean excluding other elements, but means that these elements can be further included.

[0037] Hereinafter, an electrode inspection device for measuring whether an electrode is normal according to the present invention and an inspection method using the electrode inspection device will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an electrode inspection device according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention,Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of an electrode inspection device taken along line A-A' Figure 2 of the electrode inspection device.

[0039] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the electrode inspection device according to the present invention includes a first measurement unit 100, a second measurement unit 200, and a support mold 300.

[0040] In the drawings, two measurement units each including a first measurement unit 100 and a second measurement unit 200 are arranged side by side. However, this is merely an example. A single measurement unit may be provided, or three or more measurement units may be continuously arranged at a predetermined distance from each other.

[0041] First, the first measurement unit 100 includes a first contact portion 110 and a first support shaft 120 configured to support the first contact portion 110.

[0042] The first contact portion 110 is a portion that comes into close contact with the lower end of the electrode 400 during inspection. As an example, the first contact portion may be formed in a conical shape with a width gradually decreasing upward.

[0043] Here, a pressure sensor (not shown) configured to measure pressure when the first contact portion 110 comes into close contact with the electrode 400 is installed in the first contact portion 110.

[0044] The first support shaft 120 is connected to the support mold 300 in a state located below the first contact portion 110. The first measurement unit 100 composed of the first contact portion 110 and the first support shaft 120 can be moved in the vertical direction by a known driving device (not shown).

[0045] Next, the second measurement unit 200 includes a second contact portion 210 and a second support shaft 220 configured to support the second contact portion 210.

[0046] Here, the second contact portion 210 and the second support shaft 220 are respectively the same in structure as the first contact portion 110 and the first support shaft 120, and thus repeated description thereof will be omitted.

[0047] Next, the support mold 300 will be described. The support mold 300 is located below the first measurement unit 100 and the second measurement unit 200, and supports the first measurement unit 100 and the second measurement unit 200. At the same time, a driving device (not shown) configured to move the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit upward and downward in the vertical direction is installed in the support mold.

[0048] Therefore, although not shown in the figures, it is obvious that a space is provided in the support die 300, in which the first measurement unit 100 and the second measurement unit 200 move up and down and a driving device is accommodated.

[0049] The first measurement unit 100 and the second measurement unit 200, which are provided to protrude above the support die 300, are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance to constitute a single measurement unit. At this time, preferably, the distance L1 between the upper ends of the first contact portion 110 and the second contact portion 120 (i.e., the ends of the first contact portion and the second contact portion adjacent to the welding rod 400) is equal to or less than the diameter L2 of the welding rod, so that the eccentricity of the welding rod 400, the bending phenomenon of the welding rod, or whether the end face of the welding rod is deformed can be determined.

[0050] Meanwhile, in the above description, the pressure sensor is installed in the contact portion. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0051] For example, the pressure sensor may be provided at the support shaft, may be provided between the contact portion and the support shaft, or may be provided at the lower end of the support shaft. That is, the position of the pressure sensor is not particularly limited as long as the pressure sensor can measure the pressure when the welding rod 400 and the measurement unit are in close contact with each other.

[0052] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a welding rod inspection device according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. Refer to Figure 4 , except that the shape of each of the first contact portion 110 and the second contact portion 210 is an oval elongated in the vertical direction, the welding rod inspection device according to the second embodiment is the same as the welding rod inspection device according to the first embodiment described with reference to Figure 2 and Figure 3 Therefore, the description of the same structure will be omitted.

[0053] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a welding rod inspection device according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention. Refer to Figure 5 , except that the shape of each of the first contact portion 110 and the second contact portion 210 is an elliptical cylinder, the welding rod inspection device according to the third embodiment is the same as the welding rod inspection device according to the first embodiment described with reference to Figure 2 and Figure 3 Therefore, the description of the same structure will be omitted.

[0054] Next, a method of inspecting a welding rod using the welding rod inspection device according to the present invention will be described.

[0055] The inspection method for determining whether a welding electrode is normal according to the present invention includes: a first step of setting a first measuring unit 100 and a second measuring unit 200 at specified coordinates; a second step of vertically positioning the welding electrode above the first measuring unit 100 and the second measuring unit 200; a third step of moving the first measuring unit 100 and the second measuring unit 200 or the welding electrode 400 in the vertical direction to a specified position; a fourth step of measuring the pressures of the first measuring unit 100 and the second measuring unit 200; and a fifth step of determining whether the welding electrode 400 is normal based on the measurement results.

[0056] Figure 6 FIG. is a cross-sectional view showing whether a welding electrode is eccentric when inspected using the welding electrode inspection device according to the present invention. The method for inspecting whether a welding electrode is eccentric will be described with reference to Figure 6 After the first measuring unit 100 and the second measuring unit 200 are located at the specified coordinates, the first measuring unit 100 and the second measuring unit 200 move upward until the first measuring unit 100 and the second measuring unit 200 are in close contact with the lower end surface of the welding electrode 400.

[0057] When the pressures measured by the first measuring unit 100 and the second measuring unit 200 are equal to each other or differ within the error range from each other, it is determined that the welding electrode 400 is normal.

[0058] However, when one of the pressures of the first measuring unit 100 and the second measuring unit 200 exceeds 0 Pa and the other pressure is 0 Pa, it can be determined that the welding electrode 400 is eccentric, and thus the process of readjusting the coordinates of the welding electrode 400 is performed.

[0059] Meanwhile, in the above description, the first measuring unit 100 and the second measuring unit 200 move while the welding electrode 400 is stationary for inspection. Alternatively, the welding electrode 400 can move downward while the first measuring unit 100 and the second measuring unit 200 are stationary for inspection, or the first measuring unit 100, the second measuring unit 200, and the welding electrode 400 can move simultaneously in the vertical direction for inspection.

[0060] Figure 7 FIG. is a cross-sectional view showing the bending phenomenon of a welding electrode when inspected using the welding electrode inspection device according to the present invention, Figure 8 FIG. is a cross-sectional view showing the deformed state of the end face of a welding electrode when inspected using the welding electrode inspection device according to the present invention.

[0061] will be described with reference to Figure 7 and Figure 8A method for inspecting the bending phenomenon of the welding electrode or whether the end face of the welding electrode is deformed. After the first measuring unit 100 and the second measuring unit 200 are located at the specified coordinates, the first measuring unit 100 and the second measuring unit 200 move upward until the first measuring unit 100 and the second measuring unit 200 are in close contact with the lower end face of the welding electrode 400.

[0062] When the pressures measured by the first measuring unit 100 and the second measuring unit 200 are equal to each other or differ within the error range from each other, it is determined that the welding electrode 400 is normal.

[0063] However, when one of the pressures of the first measuring unit 100 and the second measuring unit 200 exceeds 0 Pa and the other pressure is 0 Pa, it can be determined that the welding electrode 400 is eccentric, so the welding electrode 400 is replaced or the end face grinding process is performed.

[0064] Those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will understand that, based on the above description, various applications and modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention.

[0065] (Description of reference numerals)

[0066] 100: First measuring unit

[0067] 110: First contact part

[0068] 120: First support shaft

[0069] 200: Second measuring unit

[0070] 210: Second contact part

[0071] 220: Second support shaft

[0072] 300: Support die

[0073] 400: Welding electrode

[0074] L1: Distance between the first contact part and the second contact part

[0075] L2: Diameter of the welding electrode

Claims

1. A welding electrode inspection device for inspecting whether a welding electrode is normal, the welding electrode inspection device comprising: A plurality of measuring units configured to be in close contact with a specified position at the lower end of the welding electrode; And A support mold configured to support the plurality of measuring units, Wherein the positions of the plurality of measuring units are set to be spaced apart from each other by a specified distance, and Each of the plurality of measuring units or the support mold is provided with a pressure sensor configured to measure the pressure transmitted to the measuring unit, Wherein: The plurality of measuring units include: a first measuring unit including a first contact portion and a first support shaft; and a second measuring unit including a second contact portion and a second support shaft, and The pressure sensor is installed in each of the first contact portion and the second contact portion.

2. The electrode inspection device according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the first contact portion and the second contact portion is formed in a conical shape with a width gradually decreasing upward.

3. The electrode inspection device according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the first contact portion and the second contact portion has an ellipse that is longer in the vertical direction.

4. The electrode inspection device according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the first contact portion and the second contact portion has a cylindrical shape.

5. The electrode inspection device according to claim 1, wherein, The distance between the first contact portion and the second contact portion in close contact with the lower end of the welding electrode is equal to or less than the diameter of the welding electrode.

6. An inspection method for inspecting whether a welding electrode is normal using the welding electrode inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the inspection method comprising: Placing the first measuring unit and the second measuring unit at specified coordinates; Vertically placing the welding electrode above the first measuring unit and the second measuring unit; Moving the first measuring unit and the second measuring unit or the welding electrode in the vertical direction to a specified position; And Measuring the pressure of the first measuring unit and the second measuring unit.

7. The inspection method according to claim 6, wherein, When the pressure of the first measuring unit and the second measuring unit deviates from a specified range, it is determined that the welding electrode is abnormal.

8. The inspection method according to claim 7, wherein, When each of the pressures of the first measuring unit and the second measuring unit exceeds 0 Pa and the pressure difference between the first measuring unit and the second measuring unit deviates from the specified range, it is determined that the welding electrode is bent or the end face of the welding electrode is deformed.

9. The inspection method according to claim 7, wherein When one of the pressures of the first measuring unit and the second measuring unit exceeds 0 Pa and the other pressure is 0 Pa, it is determined that the welding electrode is eccentric.

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