Battery inspection device and battery inspection method

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a battery inspection apparatus and a battery inspection method, the battery inspection apparatus according to one embodiment may include: an operating portion that brings a conductive elastic member into contact with an exterior material of a battery to be inspected; and a measuring unit that measures a resistance value by applying a voltage between the exterior material of the battery and the conductive elastic member, and determines whether the exterior material of the battery is insulated from the resistance value. According to the battery inspection device and the battery inspection method disclosed by the invention, whether the battery exterior material has insulativity or not can be quickly and accurately inspected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a battery inspection device and a battery inspection method, specifically, to a battery inspection device and a battery inspection method that can quickly and accurately check whether a battery has insulation properties. Background Technology

[0002] A rechargeable battery is a type of battery manufactured to convert electrical energy into chemical energy for storage, and can be reused multiple times through charging and discharging. Due to their economical and environmentally friendly characteristics, rechargeable batteries are widely used in various industries. In particular, lithium-ion batteries are widely used across industries, including portable devices that require high-density energy.

[0003] Secondary batteries can be categorized into individual battery cells and battery modules (such as battery modules and battery packs) based on their unit type. A battery module may include multiple individual battery cells, while a battery pack may include multiple battery modules.

[0004] Secondary batteries can develop defects due to various reasons, such as external physical impacts during the manufacturing process or defects in the manufacturing process itself. These defects can cause problems such as explosions and fires. Therefore, a technology for inspecting for defects in secondary batteries is needed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Technical issues

[0006] One embodiment of this disclosure provides a battery testing device and a battery testing method.

[0007] One embodiment of this disclosure provides a battery inspection device and a battery inspection method that can quickly and accurately check whether a battery has insulation properties.

[0008] One embodiment of this disclosure provides a battery inspection device and a battery inspection method for checking whether a battery cell has insulation properties.

[0009] On the other hand, the battery inspection device and method disclosed herein can be widely applied to electric vehicles, battery charging stations, energy storage systems (ESS), and other green technologies utilizing batteries, such as solar power generation and wind power generation. Furthermore, the battery inspection device and method disclosed herein can be used in eco-friendly mobility vehicles, including electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, to prevent climate change by suppressing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

[0010] Technical solution

[0011] One embodiment of this disclosure provides a battery inspection device, comprising: a working section for contacting a conductive elastic component with the outer casing material of a battery to be inspected; and a measuring section for applying a voltage between the outer casing material of the battery and the conductive elastic component to measure a resistance value, and determining whether the outer casing material of the battery is insulating based on the resistance value.

[0012] In one embodiment, the working part may include a worktable and a conductive elastic component disposed on the worktable.

[0013] In one embodiment, the battery inspection device may further include a pressurizing section, which includes a pressurizing clamp that applies pressure to a conductive elastic member to bring it into contact with the battery's outer casing material.

[0014] In one embodiment, the battery to be inspected can be moved horizontally, and the pressure clamp can be moved from top to bottom to contact the battery's outer casing material.

[0015] In one embodiment, the conductive elastic member may cover an entire surface of the battery's outer casing material.

[0016] In one embodiment, the measuring unit may include a resistance measuring instrument that measures resistance values ​​and includes a first terminal and a second terminal electrically connected to the battery's outer casing material and a conductive elastic component.

[0017] In one embodiment, the conductive elastic component may be disposed on one side and the other side of the battery's outer casing material, and the resistance measuring instrument may further include a third terminal, wherein the second terminal and the third terminal may be electrically connected to the conductive rubber disposed on one side and the other side of the battery's outer casing material.

[0018] In one embodiment, the battery to be inspected may be a pouch-shaped battery cell.

[0019] In one embodiment, the battery casing material may be composed of a first insulating layer, a conductor layer and a second insulating layer stacked together, and the conductor layer may be exposed on the side of the battery casing material.

[0020] In one embodiment, the battery inspection device may include a transfer unit for transferring a battery to be inspected to the working unit.

[0021] In one embodiment, the battery to be inspected may stop for a predetermined time or move without stopping.

[0022] One embodiment of this disclosure provides a battery inspection method, including: a step of bringing a conductive elastic component into contact with the outer casing material of the battery to be inspected; and a step of applying a voltage between the outer casing material of the battery and the conductive elastic component to measure a resistance value, and determining whether the outer casing material of the battery is insulating based on the resistance value.

[0023] In one embodiment, the battery to be inspected can be moved horizontally, and the conductive elastic member can be moved from top to bottom and contact the battery's outer casing material with a predetermined pressure.

[0024] In one embodiment, the battery casing material may be composed of a first insulating layer, a conductor layer, and a second insulating layer, and the resistance value may be measured between the conductor layer and the conductive elastic component.

[0025] In one embodiment, the conductive elastic member may cover an entire surface of the battery's outer casing material.

[0026] The effects of the invention

[0027] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, it is possible to quickly and accurately check whether the battery casing material has insulation properties.

[0028] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, it is possible to quickly and accurately check whether a battery cell has insulation properties.

[0029] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, it is possible to quickly and accurately check whether a pouch cell has insulation properties.

[0030] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, it is possible to quickly and accurately check whether the outer packaging material of a battery cell bag has insulation properties. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating a battery inspection apparatus according to an embodiment;

[0032] Figure 2 and Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating a battery inspection process according to one embodiment;

[0033] Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of a battery cell according to one embodiment is shown;

[0034] Figure 5 A schematic diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a pouch-type battery cell according to one embodiment;

[0035] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a portion of the state in which an electrode assembly is housed in a pouch according to one embodiment;

[0036] Figure 7 This diagram illustrates a method for determining whether the outer packaging material of a bag is insulating.

[0037] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating a method for determining whether the outer packaging material of a bag has insulating properties according to one embodiment;

[0038] Figure 9 and Figure 10 A schematic diagram illustrating a sample used to verify the validity of this disclosure;

[0039] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for measuring the resistance of a single battery cell according to an embodiment.

[0040] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0041] 10: Transfer Department

[0042] 20: Work Department

[0043] 30: Pressurization section

[0044] 31: Workbench

[0045] 32: Pressure clamp

[0046] 40: Measurement Department

[0047] 50: Control Department

[0048] 100: Battery cell

[0049] 110: Electrode assembly

[0050] 120: Battery casing materials

[0051] 121, 122: First insulating layer

[0052] 123: Conductor layer

[0053] 124: Second insulating layer

[0054] 300: Conductive elastic component

[0055] 400: Resistance measuring instrument Detailed Implementation

[0056] The present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these are merely exemplary embodiments and are not limited to the specific implementations described herein.

[0057] The structural or functional descriptions of the embodiments disclosed in this specification or application are merely illustrative of embodiments based on the technical concept of the present invention. Embodiments based on the technical concept of the present invention may be implemented in various ways other than those disclosed in this specification or application, and the technical concept of the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described in this specification or application.

[0058] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating a battery inspection apparatus according to one embodiment. Figure 2 and Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a battery inspection process according to one embodiment.

[0059] Reference Figures 1 to 3 According to one embodiment, a battery inspection apparatus may include: a working unit 20 that contacts a conductive elastic member with the outer casing material of the battery to be inspected; and a measuring unit 40 that applies a voltage between the outer casing material of the battery and the conductive elastic member to measure a resistance value, and determines whether the outer casing material of the battery is insulating based on the resistance value.

[0060] A battery testing device according to an embodiment of the present invention can be used to check the insulation of a battery.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the battery inspection device can inspect whether the insulation layer of the battery casing material is damaged.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the battery inspection device can check whether the conductor layer of the battery casing material is exposed.

[0063] In one embodiment, the battery inspection device can be used to inspect the insulation of individual battery cells. Whether a battery cell maintains its insulation is an important criterion for determining whether a battery cell is defective, and this can be measured during the battery cell manufacturing process. Furthermore, it is not limited to this, and can be used in environments where battery insulation needs to be measured, such as when batteries are in use.

[0064] In one embodiment, the battery to be inspected by the battery inspection device can be a rechargeable battery capable of multiple charging and discharging cycles. The rechargeable battery may be, for example, a lithium-cobalt battery, a high-nickel lithium battery, a lithium iron phosphate battery, a lithium-ion battery, a lithium polymer battery, a lithium-sulfur battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, a sodium battery, an all-solid-state battery, etc., but is not limited to these.

[0065] In one embodiment, the battery inspection apparatus may include a transfer unit 10 that transfers a battery to be inspected to a working unit 20. The transfer unit 10 may move the battery in a specific direction, for example, a horizontal direction.

[0066] In one embodiment, the transfer unit 10 may include a conveyor belt and a transfer motor. The transfer motor can transmit rotational force to the conveyor belt. When the rotational force is transmitted to the conveyor belt, the conveyor belt can transfer the battery located at a specific position on the conveyor belt to another position.

[0067] In one embodiment, when the battery inspection device is used in the battery manufacturing process, it can be used in the quality inspection step after the battery cell assembly, aging, and degassing processes are completed to measure whether the battery cell has insulation properties. Hereinafter, the description will be based on battery cell 100, but the battery inspection device according to this disclosure can be used to inspect whether various battery types have insulation properties.

[0068] Battery cells 100 can be classified according to their packaging form, such as pouch type, coin type, cylindrical type or square type, but are not limited to these.

[0069] Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of a battery cell 100 according to one embodiment is shown.

[0070] In one embodiment, the battery cell 100 may be in the form of an electrode assembly 110 housed within a battery casing material 120.

[0071] The electrode assembly 110 may include multiple electrode layers and a separator disposed between the multiple electrode layers. The multiple electrode layers may include at least one negative electrode layer and at least one positive electrode layer.

[0072] In one embodiment, the battery cell 100 may further include an electrolyte. The electrolyte may include a substance that acts as a medium to facilitate the movement of lithium-ion plasma.

[0073] In one embodiment, the working part 20 may be provided with a conductive elastic member 300. In the working part 20, the battery cell 100 can contact the conductive elastic member 300.

[0074] The battery cell 100 can be transferred to the working section 20 via the transfer section 10. In one embodiment, the working section 20 may include a worktable 31, on which a conductive elastic member 300 may be provided. The battery cell 100 to be inspected may be disposed on the conductive elastic member 300 disposed on the worktable 31.

[0075] When the battery cell 100 moves to the working section, it can be stopped for a predetermined time for inspection. Alternatively, in one embodiment, the battery cell 100 can be inspected while moving, without stopping at the working section.

[0076] In one embodiment, the conductive elastic member 300 may contact the battery cell 100 to cover an entire surface thereon.

[0077] In one embodiment, the battery casing material may be further included with a pressure section 30 that applies pressure to a conductive elastic member to bring the battery casing material into contact. The pressure section 30 may include a pressure clamp 32.

[0078] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the conductive elastic member 300 can contact the upper part of the battery cell 100 disposed in the working part 20. The conductive elastic member 300 can be moved from the upper part to the lower part by the pressure clamp 32.

[0079] In one embodiment, the battery cell 100 can move horizontally, and the pressure clamp 32 can move vertically (z-axis direction). As the battery cell 100, the object of inspection, moves horizontally, the pressure clamp 32 and the conductive elastic member 300 can move from top to bottom to contact the battery cell 100. When the inspection is complete, the pressure clamp 32 and the conductive elastic member 300 can rise. The conductive elastic member 300 contacts the battery cell 100 via the pressure clamp 32, thereby applying appropriate pressure to the conductive elastic member 300 and the battery cell 100, which can improve the accuracy of resistance measurement.

[0080] In one embodiment, one side and the other side of the battery cell 100 can be inspected simultaneously. (Refer to...) Figure 2 The conductive elastic member 300 provided on the worktable 31 of the work section 20 can contact one side of the battery cell 100, and the conductive elastic member 300 provided by the pressure clamp 32 can contact the other side of the battery cell 100.

[0081] According to one embodiment, since the conductive elastic member 300 is elastic, it can be brought into contact with one side of the battery cell 100 by a predetermined pressure applied by the pressure clamp 32. The conductive elastic member 300 can be a conductive rubber member, but is not limited to this. Due to the properties of rubber materials, damage to the battery casing material can be minimized even when in maximum proximity.

[0082] In one embodiment, the battery inspection device may be adapted to a pouch-shaped battery cell 100. In one embodiment, the pouch-shaped battery cell 100 may include a fold 120F.

[0083] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a pouch-type battery cell according to one embodiment.

[0084] Reference Figure 5 A pouch can be used as the battery outer casing material 120. The pouch can be formed by stacking a first insulating layer 121, 122, a conductor layer 123, and a second insulating layer 124. The structure of this pouch can be referred to... Figure 6 To understand.

[0085] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing a portion of the state of the bag-containing electrode assembly 110 according to one embodiment.

[0086] In one embodiment, the electrode assembly 110 can be housed in a pouch, the pouch can be closed to seal it, and it can be bent to form a fold 120F. For example, the electrode assembly 110 can be disposed on the pouch and the pouch can be folded in half, and then the three sides other than the folded portion can be sealed, but this is not a limitation. The fold 120F can be formed by bending one of the sealing sides, except for the two sides A and B where the electrode leads 130 and 140 are exposed. In this case, the two ends of the pouch can be exposed.

[0087] That is, in one embodiment, the electrode assembly 110 may include electrode leads 130 and 140, which are exposed through the surfaces of the three-sided sealing portion where the fold portion 120F is not formed, i.e., at both ends A and B of the bag sheet. Therefore, the conductor layer 123 of the bag sheet can be exposed to the outside.

[0088] like Figure 6 As shown, the outer packaging material of the bag may include a first insulating layer 121, 122, a conductor layer 123 and a second insulating layer 124, and the conductor layer may be exposed on the side of the outer packaging material.

[0089] To maintain the shape of the battery cell and prevent moisture penetration, a conductor layer 123 may be included. An insulating layer may be formed on one side and the other side of the conductor layer 123 to control the electrical characteristics of the battery cell.

[0090] For example, the outer packaging material 120 may include, but is not limited to, a first insulating layer 121, 122, a conductor layer 123 and a second insulating layer 124.

[0091] The first insulating layers 121 and 122 may be formed on one side of the conductor layer 123 to prevent the top of the conductor layer 123 from being exposed to the outside. For example, the first insulating layers 121 and 122 may be made of PET (polyethylene) or nylon material, but are not limited thereto. For example, the first insulating layers 121 and 122 may be formed to a thickness of 10 to 30 μm, but are not limited thereto. The PET layer formed on the outermost layer can serve to block moisture and maintain surface rigidity. The nylon layer can protect the battery cell from external impacts and is used to maintain insulation and heat resistance.

[0092] The conductor layer 123 may be formed of a metallic material, such as aluminum, but is not limited thereto. For example, the conductor layer 123 may be formed to a thickness of 30 to 50 μm, but is not limited thereto.

[0093] A second insulating layer 124 may be formed on the other side of the conductor layer 123 to prevent the electrode assembly from contacting the conductor layer 123. For example, the second insulating layer 124 may be made of PP (polypropylene) material, but is not limited thereto. For example, the second insulating layer 124 may be formed to a thickness of 50 to 100 μm, but is not limited thereto. The polypropylene layer has excellent moldability and thermal adhesion, and can be used to ensure heat resistance, water resistance, and electrolyte resistance.

[0094] Reference Figure 6 In one embodiment, when the conductive elastic member 300 contacts the battery cell 100, a voltage can be applied between the bag outer material and the conductive elastic member 300 by the measuring unit 40, and the resistance value between the bag outer material and the conductive elastic member 300 can be measured.

[0095] The measuring unit 40 may include a resistance measuring instrument 400. The resistance measuring instrument 400 may include a first terminal 41 and a second terminal 42, through which a voltage can be applied to the bag outer material and the conductive elastic member 300 to measure the resistance value between them. In one embodiment, the first terminal 41 of the resistance measuring instrument 400 may be electrically connected to the bag outer material, and the second terminal 42 may be electrically connected to the conductive elastic member 300. A voltage can be applied after the conductive elastic member 300 comes into contact with the bag outer material, and the resistance value between them can be measured.

[0096] In one embodiment, whether the outer packaging material of the bag is insulating can be determined based on the measured resistance value.

[0097] If the insulation layer of the outer packaging material is undamaged, meaning one side of the conductor layer 123 of the outer packaging material is covered by the insulation layer, then no current flows between the conductive elastic member 300 and the outer packaging material, thus resulting in a higher resistance value. Conversely, if the insulation layer of the outer packaging material is damaged, causing the conductor layer to be exposed through the insulation layer, then current flows between the conductive elastic member 300 and the conductor layer 123 of the outer packaging material, thus resulting in a lower resistance value.

[0098] Therefore, a high resistance value indicates that the insulation of the outer packaging material is not damaged, while a low resistance value indicates that the insulation of the outer packaging material is damaged.

[0099] Figure 7 This diagram illustrates a method for determining whether the outer packaging material of a bag is insulating.

[0100] like Figure 6 As shown, in one embodiment, the first terminal 41 may be connected to the conductor layer 123 of the bag outer material.

[0101] In one embodiment, the conductor layer 123 may be exposed on the side of the outer packaging material of the bag. Specifically, as shown... Figure 5 As shown, the conductor layer 123 is exposed on the side of the outer packaging material where the fold 120F is not formed. A first terminal 41 can be electrically connected to the conductor layer 123, and a second terminal 42 can be electrically connected to the conductive elastic member 300 disposed on the first insulating layers 121, 122. A voltage can be applied to the conductor layer 123 and the conductive elastic member 300, and the resistance value can be measured.

[0102] like Figure 6 As shown, if the conductor layer 123 is not exposed from the first insulating layers 121 and 122 of the bag outer material that are in contact with the conductive elastic member 300, then there is no current flow between the conductive elastic member 300 and the bag outer material, and therefore a high resistance value can be achieved.

[0103] Conversely, such as Figure 7 As shown, if the conductor layer 123 is exposed on the surface of the outer packaging material of the bag, current can flow between the conductive elastic component 300 and the conductor layer 123, thus resulting in a lower resistance value. When the resistance value measured above is low, it can be determined that the insulation of the outer packaging material of the bag has been compromised.

[0104] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating a method for determining whether the outer packaging material of a bag has insulating properties according to one embodiment.

[0105] In one embodiment, the resistance meter 400 may include a third terminal 43. The first terminal 41 of the resistance meter 400 may be electrically connected to the conductive layer 123 of the bag outer material, and the second terminal 42 and the third terminal 43 may be electrically connected to conductive elastic members 300 disposed on the top and bottom of the bag outer material, respectively. A voltage may be applied to the conductive elastic members 300 in contact with the bag outer material, and the resistance value between them may be measured. In this case, one side and the other side of the bag outer material can be checked simultaneously. The bag outer material is a single sheet, and when the first insulating layer 121, 122 on one side or one side of the bag outer material is damaged, exposing the conductive layer 123, the resistance value may decrease.

[0106] In one embodiment, the battery testing device may include a control unit 50. The control unit 50 can control all operations of the battery testing device.

[0107] In one embodiment, the control unit 50 can control the operation of at least one of the transfer unit 10, the working unit 20, the pressurizing unit 30, and the measuring unit 40.

[0108] Once the insulation test of the battery cell is completed, the battery cell can be moved to another location via the transfer unit 10.

[0109] As described above, in one embodiment, when the battery cell 100 moves to the working section 20, it may stop for a predetermined time to undergo inspection, or it may move while undergoing inspection without stopping at the working section 20.

[0110] According to one embodiment, inspection is performed through contact between a conductive elastic component and a battery cell. Therefore, the inspection time is short, and inspection can be carried out while the battery is being moved without stopping the battery at the work station. Thus, battery inspection can be performed simultaneously with battery mass production speeds.

[0111] A battery inspection method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a step of bringing a conductive elastic member into contact with the outer casing material of the battery to be inspected; and a step of applying a voltage between the outer casing material of the battery and the conductive elastic member to measure a resistance value, and determining whether the outer casing material of the battery is insulating based on the resistance value.

[0112] The battery inspection method according to one embodiment of this disclosure can use the battery inspection device described above.

[0113] According to one embodiment, the battery cell 100 to be inspected can first be transferred to the working section 20. For example, the battery cell 100 to be inspected can be transferred in a horizontal direction, but it is not limited thereto.

[0114] like Figure 2As shown, when the battery to be inspected is located in the working part 20, the conductive elastic component 300 can be brought into contact with the battery outer material.

[0115] In one embodiment, when the battery moves to the working section 20, it can be stopped for a predetermined time to undergo inspection, or the battery can be inspected while moving without stopping at the working section 20.

[0116] In one embodiment, the battery to be inspected may be a pouch-shaped battery cell 100.

[0117] In one embodiment, the working part 20 may include a worktable 31, which may include a conductive elastic member 300. A battery cell 100 may be disposed on the conductive elastic member 300.

[0118] In another embodiment, the battery inspection device may include a pressure unit 30, which may include a pressure clamp 32. The pressure clamp 32 may be provided with a conductive elastic member 300. The pressure clamp 32 is movable from top to bottom.

[0119] In one embodiment, the battery cell 100 can move horizontally, and the pressure clamp 32 and the conductive elastic member 300 can move from top to bottom (z-axis direction) and contact the battery cell 100 with a predetermined pressure. When the inspection is completed, the pressure clamp 32 and the conductive elastic member 300 can rise.

[0120] The direction of movement of the pressure clamp 32 and the conductive elastic component 300 is not limited to this, and can be determined according to the type of battery cell and the way the battery cells are placed in the inspection area.

[0121] In one embodiment, the conductive elastic member 300 may be disposed on one side and the other side of the battery cell.

[0122] In one embodiment, after the conductive elastic member 300 comes into contact with the battery casing material, a voltage can be applied through the measuring unit 40, and the resistance value between the battery casing material and the conductive elastic member can be measured. The resistance value can be used to determine whether the battery casing material is insulating.

[0123] In one embodiment, the battery casing material may be composed of a first insulating layer, a conductor layer, and a second insulating layer stacked together. In this case, the resistance value can be measured between the conductor layer and the conductive elastic component.

[0124] In one embodiment, the conductive elastic member 300 may cover an entire surface of the battery casing material.

[0125] In one embodiment, voltage can be applied simultaneously to conductive elastic members 300 respectively disposed on one side and the other side of the battery casing material to simultaneously inspect one side and the other side of the battery casing material.

[0126] When the measured resistance value is high, it can be determined that the insulation of the battery's outer packaging material is normal; when the measured resistance value is low, it can be determined that the insulation of the outer packaging material is damaged.

[0127] According to one embodiment, since inspection is performed through contact between a conductive elastic component and the battery casing material, the inspection time is short, allowing for inspection to be carried out while the battery is being moved without stopping the battery at the work station. Therefore, battery inspection can be performed simultaneously with battery mass production speeds.

[0128] Typically, the presence of exposed conductor layers in battery casing materials is manually inspected using a magnifying glass. This method involves observing a bright metallic color when examining a defective area with a magnifying glass and then classifying it as a defect. However, defining a bright metallic color is difficult, and whether a defect is due depends on the worker's subjective judgment, potentially reducing reliability. Furthermore, defects in the insulation layer are often very small, reflecting very little light, making them undetectable even with a magnifying glass. In addition, manual inspection can significantly reduce the production efficiency of high-speed mass production lines.

[0129] Another method uses salt water to determine if the conductor layer is exposed. Salt water is applied to the damaged area of ​​the insulation layer, allowing it to penetrate into the inner part of the outer packaging material. A probe is then placed on the salt-soaked area and the energized portion of the outer packaging material to check the insulation resistance. If the insulation resistance is below a reference value, the outer packaging material is considered damaged. However, applying salt water to each damaged area and then purging it has the drawback of not being compatible with the speed of mass production lines. Furthermore, because the salt water is applied only to the damaged areas, areas that are not visually noticeable may be missed during inspection.

[0130] In addition, there are methods that use plasma to determine whether the conductor layer is exposed, but this method requires an additional gas supply to generate the plasma, leading to increased production costs. Moreover, depending on the shape of the plasma jet nozzle, it may not be detected if the plasma does not reach the damaged area of ​​the outer packaging material.

[0131] In contrast, the battery inspection apparatus and battery inspection method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can quickly and accurately check whether the battery casing material is damaged.

[0132] [Example]

[0133] Samples were prepared to verify the validity of this disclosure.

[0134] Figure 9 and Figure 10 A schematic diagram illustrating a sample used to verify the validity of this disclosure.

[0135] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, an insulating layer 121a (PET / Nylon) is laminated with an aluminum conductor layer 123a. At this time, defects of various sizes (1mm, 1.5mm, 2mm, 3mm, and no-defect) are formed in the insulating layer 121a (PET / Nylon) and laminated onto the conductor layer 123a. A conductive rubber 300a is brought into contact with the insulating layer 121a, a first terminal is connected to the conductor layer 123a, and a second terminal is connected to the conductive rubber 300a. The conductive rubber 300a is placed on each defect to be inspected, and a voltage of 50V is applied under pressure. The resistance is measured using a measuring instrument (HIOKI SM 7120). The results are shown in Table 1 below.

[0136] Table 1

[0137]

[0138] ※ Overload = Overcharge

[0139] ※ Unit = MΩ

[0140] In Table 1 above, the state in which the current flowing when 50V is applied exceeds the current limit of the measuring instrument due to low resistance is marked as overload. This is a situation where the insulation layer is damaged and the conductor layer is exposed, resulting in a large amount of current flowing through.

[0141] The resistance values ​​are low in cases of 2mm and 3mm defects, indicating poor insulation. Furthermore, the resistance values ​​measured in cases of 1mm and 1.5mm defects are typically very low compared to cases without defects, indicating poor insulation as well.

[0142] Despite the fact that the insulating layer 121a and the conductor layer 123a were not completely in contact and that sufficient pressure was not applied to the conductive rubber 300a, the sample still showed remarkable results.

[0143] To compare with the sample, a pouch-type battery cell was manufactured and its resistance was measured.

[0144] Figure 11This is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for measuring the resistance of a battery cell 100 according to one embodiment. A first terminal 41 is connected to a conductive layer exposed on the side of the outer packaging material. Pressure is applied to the conductive rubber 300a on the outer packaging material, and a second terminal 42 is connected. A voltage of 50V is applied, and the resistance is measured using a measuring instrument (HIOKI SM 7120). Depending on the contact area with the conductive rubber, resistance values ​​ranging from 150 to 236 GΩ were measured. This is a result similar to the measurement results of an example with no defects in the sample.

[0145] This disclosure can be implemented in various ways, and the scope of the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Therefore, if a modified embodiment includes the constituent elements of the claims of this disclosure, it should be considered to fall within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A battery testing device, comprising: The working part brings the conductive elastic component into contact with the outer casing material of the battery to be inspected; as well as The measuring unit applies a voltage between the battery's outer casing material and a conductive elastic component to measure the resistance value, and determines whether the battery's outer casing material is insulating based on the resistance value.

2. The battery inspection device according to claim 1, wherein, The working part includes a worktable and a conductive elastic component disposed on the worktable.

3. The battery inspection device according to claim 1, wherein, Also includes: The pressurizing section includes a pressurizing clamp that applies pressure to a conductive elastic member to bring it into contact with the outer casing material of the battery.

4. The battery inspection device according to claim 3, wherein, The battery to be inspected moves horizontally, and the pressure clamp moves from top to bottom to contact the battery's outer casing material.

5. The battery inspection device according to claim 1, wherein, The conductive elastic component covers an entire surface of the battery's outer casing material.

6. The battery inspection device according to claim 1, wherein, The measuring unit includes a resistance measuring instrument that measures resistance values ​​and includes a first terminal and a second terminal that are electrically connected to the outer casing material and conductive elastic component of the battery.

7. The battery inspection device according to claim 6, wherein, The conductive elastic component is disposed on one side and the other side of the battery's outer casing material. The resistance measuring instrument also includes a third terminal. The second terminal and the third terminal are electrically connected to the conductive rubber disposed on one side and the other side of the battery's outer casing material.

8. The battery inspection device according to claim 1, wherein, The battery to be inspected is a pouch-shaped battery cell.

9. The battery inspection device according to claim 1, wherein, The battery's outer casing is composed of a first insulating layer, a conductor layer, and a second insulating layer, with the conductor layer exposed on the side of the battery's outer casing.

10. The battery inspection device according to claim 1, wherein, include: The transfer unit is used to transfer batteries that are to be inspected to the working unit.

11. The battery inspection device according to claim 1, wherein, The battery to be inspected either stops for a predetermined time in the working section or moves without stopping.

12. A battery inspection method, comprising: The step of bringing a conductive elastic component into contact with the outer casing material of the battery to be inspected; as well as The step of applying a voltage between the battery's outer casing material and a conductive elastic component to measure the resistance value, and determining whether the battery's outer casing material is insulating based on the resistance value.

13. The battery inspection method according to claim 12, wherein, The battery to be inspected moves horizontally, and the conductive elastic member moves from top to bottom and contacts the battery's outer casing material with a predetermined pressure.

14. The battery inspection method according to claim 12, wherein, The battery's outer casing is composed of a first insulating layer, a conductor layer, and a second insulating layer, and the resistance value is measured between the conductor layer and the conductive elastic component.

15. The battery inspection method according to claim 12, wherein, The conductive elastic component covers an entire surface of the battery's outer casing material.

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