Battery inspection device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a battery inspection apparatus, comprising: a nip detachably coupled to a separator located at an outermost layer of an electrode assembly formed by alternately laminating a first electrode and a second electrode having an electrical polarity different from that of the first electrode between the separators along a preset lamination direction, the separator moves along a preset separation path to separate the diaphragm; a separation unit that separates the first electrode and the second electrode from the electrode assembly in accordance with the separation of the diaphragm; and a sensing portion located in the separation path to sense damage to the electrical insulation in the diaphragm moved by the nip portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a battery inspection apparatus. More specifically, it relates to a battery inspection apparatus for reducing defect rates in battery manufacturing processes. Background Technology

[0002] The electrode assembly, including the separator, can undergo a dielectric withstand voltage test (or hi-pot test) before being housed in the battery cell housing. If the withstand voltage test fails due to foreign matter ingress, electrode detachment, or separator damage, the electrode assembly needs to be disassembled to inspect the damaged portion (or burn mark) of the separator to determine the location of the damage.

[0003] Conventional inspection methods are time-consuming due to the operator's need for disassembly and analysis. Because the inspection takes so long, it's impossible to investigate all defects, making it difficult to analyze the root cause. Furthermore, depending on the operator's skill level, even scorch marks may go undetected. Additionally, in charge-fail defects, if the diaphragm defect is caused by a pinhole, even a skilled operator may not be able to visually identify it. Utility Model Content

[0004] Technical issues

[0005] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the technical problem to be solved is to improve the efficiency of the battery cell manufacturing process.

[0006] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the technical problem to be solved is to improve the lifespan of battery cells.

[0007] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the technical problem to be solved is to reduce the time required to understand the causes of separator defects in the battery manufacturing process by analyzing the causes of separator defects through a large number of sample surveys or a full survey.

[0008] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the technical problem to be solved is to detect diaphragm damage regardless of the operator's skill level.

[0009] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the technical problem to be solved is to automate the cell inspection method so that even micro-damage to the separator that cannot be detected by the operator can be detected.

[0010] On the other hand, battery cells inspected using the battery inspection device according to this disclosure can be widely used in electric vehicles, battery charging stations, energy storage systems (ESS), and other green technologies such as solar power generation and wind power generation that utilize batteries. Furthermore, battery cells inspected using the battery inspection device according to this disclosure can be used in eco-friendly mobility devices, including electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, which help prevent climate change by suppressing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

[0011] Technical solution

[0012] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the battery inspection device according to this disclosure may include: a clamping part, detachably coupled to a separator located in the outermost layer of an electrode assembly formed by alternatingly stacking a first electrode and a second electrode having a different polarity from the first electrode between separators along a predetermined stacking direction, and moving along a predetermined separation path to separate the separator; a separation part, separating the first electrode and the second electrode from the electrode assembly as the separator is separated; and a sensing part located along the separation path to sense damage to the electrical insulation in the separator moving through the clamping part.

[0013] The sensing unit may include: a first sensing unit for sensing one of the two sides of the diaphragm that moves through the clamping part; and a second sensing unit for sensing the other side of the diaphragm.

[0014] The first sensing unit and the second sensing unit may each include a photographing unit for photographing the diaphragm.

[0015] After the clamping part moves along the separation path to a preset target position, it can rotate and wind the diaphragm that has moved through the clamping part.

[0016] The separation section may include: a first electrode separation section for separating the first electrode exposed to the outside along the stacking direction during membrane separation; and a second electrode separation section for separating the second electrode exposed to the outside along the stacking direction during membrane separation.

[0017] The first electrode separation section and the second electrode separation section can separate the first electrode and the second electrode respectively in a pick and place manner.

[0018] The first electrode separation section and the second electrode separation section can move the first electrode and the second electrode in different directions from the electrode assembly when separating the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0019] The first electrode separation section can stack the first electrode in a preset first storage space, and the second electrode separation section can stack the second electrode in a preset second storage space.

[0020] Additionally, the battery inspection device according to this disclosure may further include: an input / output unit for receiving user instructions or displaying the result of receiving and executing user instructions; and a control unit for controlling the clamping unit, the separating unit, the sensing unit, and the input / output unit, wherein the control unit displays information about the damaged area through the input / output unit after sensing an area of ​​electrical insulation damage from the diaphragm through the sensing unit.

[0021] The battery inspection apparatus according to this disclosure may further include: a roller section that supports the movement of the diaphragm along the separation path.

[0022] The roller section may include: a movable roller section that changes the position of the diaphragm separated by the clamping section based on the first electrode and the second electrode exposed to the outside along the stacking direction during diaphragm separation.

[0023] On the other hand, the inspection method of the battery inspection apparatus according to the present disclosure may include: a step of clamping a separator located on the outermost layer of the electrode assembly; a step of separating the first electrode and the second electrode by separating the clamping part from the separator as the clamping part leaves the separator; and a step of inspecting damage to the electrical insulation in the separator moving through the clamping part by a sensing part located on the separation path.

[0024] Furthermore, according to the inspection method of the battery inspection apparatus of this disclosure, in the step of separating the first electrode and the second electrode through the separation portion, the first electrode and the second electrode exposed to the outside along the stacking direction can be separated by the first electrode separation portion that separates the first electrode and the second electrode separation portion that separates the second electrode in the separation portion.

[0025] The inspection method of the battery inspection apparatus according to this disclosure may further include the step of stacking or winding the diaphragm that moves through the clamping portion.

[0026] The inspection method of the battery inspection apparatus according to this disclosure may further include a step of displaying information including the area of ​​electrical insulation damage in the diaphragm through the sensing section.

[0027] On the other hand, information including the region of electrical insulation damage may include the coordinates of a first direction and a second direction that are perpendicular to and mutually perpendicular to the stacking direction, and the order in which the first electrode and the second electrode are stacked along the stacking direction.

[0028] Technical effect

[0029] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the efficiency of the battery cell manufacturing process can be improved.

[0030] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, the lifespan of the battery cell can be improved.

[0031] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, the time required to determine the cause of separator defects in the battery manufacturing process can be reduced by analyzing the cause of separator defects through a large number of sample surveys or a full survey.

[0032] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, damage to the diaphragm can be detected regardless of the operator's skill level.

[0033] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, the cell inspection method is automated, and even micro-damage to the separator that cannot be detected by the operator can be detected. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 An example of an electrode assembly and a battery cell including the electrode assembly is shown;

[0035] Figure 2 An example of a process in battery manufacturing that utilizes an inspection apparatus according to this disclosure is shown;

[0036] Figure 3 A brief illustration of an example of a battery inspection apparatus according to the present disclosure and a step of a battery inspection method using the battery inspection apparatus are shown.

[0037] Figure 4 A control block diagram of a battery inspection apparatus according to the present disclosure is shown;

[0038] Figure 5 Briefly illustrating another step of the inspection method of the battery inspection apparatus according to this disclosure;

[0039] Figure 6 A further step of the inspection method of the battery inspection apparatus according to this disclosure is briefly shown;

[0040] Figure 7 A further step of the inspection method of the battery inspection apparatus according to this disclosure is briefly shown;

[0041] Figure 8 A further step of the inspection method of the battery inspection apparatus according to this disclosure is briefly shown;

[0042] Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating an inspection method for a battery inspection apparatus according to the present disclosure is provided.

[0043] Figure 10 (a) and Figure 10 (b) shows the results of the inspection method of the battery inspection apparatus according to the present disclosure.

[0044] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0045] 10: Electrode assembly

[0046] 100: Battery Cell

[0047] 300: Battery Inspection Device

[0048] 310: Sensing Unit

[0049] 330: Roller section

[0050] 331: Moving roller section

[0051] 350: Clamping part

[0052] 380: Separation section

[0053] 390: Control Department

[0054] 1000: Battery Manufacturing System Detailed Implementation

[0055] The preferred embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The configuration of the apparatus or the control method described below are only for illustrating embodiments of this disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. The same reference numerals used throughout the specification denote the same constituent elements.

[0056] Figure 1 An example of an electrode assembly and a battery cell including the electrode assembly is shown.

[0057] See Figure 1 According to this disclosure, the battery cell 100 may include an electrode assembly 10 for producing or storing electrical energy, a housing 70 for housing the electrode assembly 10, and lead tabs 41, 45 that are electrically connected to the electrode assembly 10 and protrude outward from the housing 70.

[0058] Referring to a cross-section of the electrode assembly 10 taken along line A-A', the electrode assembly 10 may include a first electrode 101 forming either a positive or negative electrode, a second electrode 103 disposed opposite to the first electrode 101 and forming the other electrode, and a separator 102 disposed between the first electrode 101 and the second electrode 103. There are multiple first electrodes 101 and multiple second electrodes 103, which can be stacked along a predetermined stacking direction. The separator 102 can be disposed between each of the multiple first electrodes 101 and the multiple second electrodes 103 to separate the first electrode 101 and the second electrode 103.

[0059] See Figure 1 The diaphragm 102 may be disposed on the outermost layer of the electrode assembly 10.

[0060] on the other hand, Figure 1 The diagram shows an example of the first electrode 101 and the second electrode 103 being alternately stacked along the stacking direction in the electrode assembly 10. However, unlike this, the second electrode 103 and the first electrode 101 can also be alternately stacked in sequence.

[0061] The lead tabs 41 and 45 may include lead tabs 21 and 22 that are electrically connected to the first electrode 101 and the second electrode 103, respectively, and lead films 16 and 17 that extend along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and the direction in which the lead tabs 41 and 45 protrude and surround a portion of the lead tabs 41 and 45.

[0062] More specifically, the lead tabs 41 and 45 may include lead tabs 21 and 22 connected to each lead (not shown) of the plurality of first electrodes 101 and each lead (not shown) of the plurality of second electrodes 103. Additionally, the lead films 16 and 17 may surround the lead tabs 21 and 22 at a position overlapping with the folded portion 73 described below.

[0063] The lead films 16 and 17 are located between the lead tabs 21 and 22 and the housing 70, which allows for a better seal when the folded portion 73 is sealed. Therefore, the lead films 16 and 17 can be formed of a polymer material such as polypropylene.

[0064] The housing 70 may include a first body 71a and a second body 71b forming a receiving space 76 for accommodating the electrode assembly 10. The first body 71a and the second body 71b may be distinguishable components (items) by folding a sheet-shaped part 71, rather than separate parts. That is, a sheet-shaped part 71 may be folded along a fold line 72 to form the first body 71a and the second body 71b respectively.

[0065] The first body 71a may include a first recessed space 76a that is recessed to form a part of the receiving space 76. Similarly, the second body 71b may form a second recessed space 76b that is recessed in the opposite direction to the first recessed space 76a to form a part of the receiving space 76.

[0066] When the first body 71a and the second body 71b are folded with reference to the fold line 72, the openings of the first recessed space 76a and the second recessed space 76b can be closed to form an accommodating space 76.

[0067] The first body 71a may further include a first contact portion 73a surrounding the first recessed space 76a and extending in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction. The second body 71b may further include a second contact portion 73b surrounding the second recessed space 76b and extending in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction. The first contact portion 73a and the second contact portion 73b may be collectively referred to as a fold portion 73.

[0068] When the first body 71a and the second body 71b are folded with reference to the fold line 72 to form the receiving space 76, the first contact portion 73a and the second contact portion 73b can come into contact with each other to seal. This is to prevent leakage of electrolyte (not shown) injected into the receiving space 76.

[0069] On the other hand, for external electrical connection, the lead tabs 41 and 45 can protrude to the outside of the housing 70. The lead tabs 41 and 45 have a thin, sheet-like shape made of metal, thus protruding to the outside of the housing 70 between the portions that contact the first contact portion 73a and the second contact portion 73b. However, since the first contact portion 73a and the second contact portion 73b are sealed, the seal of the first contact portion 73a and the second contact portion 73b may be damaged due to interference with the lead tabs 41 and 45. To prevent this problem, either the first contact portion 73a or the second contact portion 73b may include a recessed portion 75 that corresponds to the shape of the lead tabs 41 and 45.

[0070] See Figure 1 The lead tabs 41 and 45 may include lead tabs 21 and 22 that serve as terminals for electrically connecting the electrode assembly 10 to the outside, and lead films 16 and 17 that surround the areas of the lead tabs 21 and 22 that overlap with and contact the housing 70.

[0071] That is, the lead film 16, 17 can make the lead tabs 21, 22 and the first contact portion 73a and the second contact portion 73b fit together, so that the first contact portion 73a and the second contact portion 73b and the lead tabs 21, 22 are better sealed.

[0072] To manufacture the battery cell 100, the electrode assembly 10 and lead tabs 41 and 45 electrically connected to the electrode assembly 10 can first be arranged in the housing 70. The electrode assembly 10 is disposed in the receiving space 76, and the lead tabs 41 and 45 can protrude to the outside of the housing through the recess 75.

[0073] See Figure 1 The recessed portion 75 may include a first recessed portion 75a and a second recessed portion 75b into which the lead electrode portions 41 and 45 are respectively inserted.

[0074] in addition, Figure 1 The diagram shows lead tabs 41 and 45 that pass through the first recess 75a and the second recess 75b and protrude in opposite directions. However, this is just one example. It is also acceptable for the first recess 75a and the second recess 75b to be arranged in the same direction, and for the lead tabs 41 and 45 to protrude in the same direction.

[0075] On the other hand, in this specification, the direction in which the first electrode 101 and the second electrode 103 of the electrode assembly 10 are stacked is referred to as the stacking direction, and the directions perpendicular to each other among the directions perpendicular to the stacking direction are referred to as the first direction (or X direction) and the second direction (or Y direction), respectively. Therefore, the stacking direction can be the Z direction, which is perpendicular to the X and Y directions. In addition, the first direction and the second direction can be the direction in which the lead tabs 41 and 45 protrude and the direction perpendicular to the stacking direction and the first direction, respectively.

[0076] Figure 2 An example of a process in battery manufacturing using an inspection apparatus according to this disclosure is shown.

[0077] See Figure 2 This includes the battery inspection device 300 according to this disclosure (see also...) Figure 3The battery manufacturing system 1000 may include a stacking process P10 of stacking a first electrode 101, a second electrode 103 and a separator 102 to form the electrode assembly 10, a welding process P20 of electrically connecting the electrode assembly 10 and the lead tabs 41, 45 by welding, and a withstand voltage test process (or Hi-Pot test process) P30 of testing the withstand voltage of the electrode assembly 10 connected to the lead tabs 41, 45.

[0078] The welding process P20 is used to apply voltage in the withstand voltage test by connecting the positive and negative terminals through the lead tabs 41 and 45.

[0079] In the withstand voltage test step P30, the battery manufacturing system can confirm whether the insulation of the electrode assembly is abnormal by applying a preset voltage. For example, the battery manufacturing system 1000 can confirm whether the insulation is abnormal by checking the leakage current when the positive terminal (+ terminal) is grounded after applying a preset voltage of 150V to 300V to the negative terminal (- terminal) of the lead tabs 41 and 45. Ideally, the leakage current is zero if the separator 102 is undamaged.

[0080] Electrode assembly 10 that has passed the pressure resistance test step P30 will be moved for configuration into housing 70 in step P40-1. Alternatively, electrode assembly 10 that is determined to be defective in the pressure resistance test step P30 will be moved for cause analysis in diaphragm inspection step P40-2 to disassemble the diaphragm to confirm the area of ​​damage.

[0081] The battery inspection device 300 according to this disclosure can be applied to the separator inspection process P40-2 in the process included in the battery manufacturing system 1000.

[0082] See Figure 2 This illustrates an example of the battery inspection device 300 according to this disclosure being used in an offline process rather than an in-line process. However, the battery inspection device 300 can also be used in an in-line process, which is different from this.

[0083] Figure 3 A brief illustration of an example of a battery testing apparatus according to the present disclosure and a step of a method for testing a battery using the same apparatus are shown.

[0084] The battery inspection device 300 according to this disclosure may include a clamping part 350, a separating part 380, and a sensing part 310. The clamping part 350 is detachably coupled to the separator 102 located in the outermost layer of the electrode assembly 10, which is formed by alternatingly stacking a first electrode 101 and a second electrode 103 having a different polarity from the first electrode 101 between separators 102 along a predetermined stacking direction. The clamping part 380 moves along a predetermined separating path to separate the separator 102. As the separator 102 separates, the separating part 380 separates the first electrode 101 and the second electrode 103 from the electrode assembly 10. The sensing part 310 is located on the separating path to sense damage to the electrical insulation in the separator 102 that moves through the clamping part 350.

[0085] The clamping part 350 can grasp the diaphragm 102 and move it to a preset target position PT (see...). Figure 8 As the diaphragm moves through the clamping part 350, the clamping part 350 pulls the diaphragm 102 with a predetermined tension. Therefore, the diaphragm 102 can eventually be separated or detached from the electrode assembly 10.

[0086] See Figure 3 The clamping part 350 can be in the form of a clamp or similar device. That is, the clamping part 350 can grasp the outermost layer of the diaphragm 102 and move the diaphragm 102 to the target position PT along the separation path.

[0087] Figure 3 An example of a long, sheet-like diaphragm folded into a zigzag shape is shown. The first electrode 101 and the second electrode 103 can be alternately inserted between the zigzag diaphragm 102 to form the electrode assembly 10.

[0088] However, this is only one example. The battery inspection device 300 can also be used in the case of an electrode assembly 10 having multiple diaphragms 102 stacked along the stacking direction. But this case differs from... Figure 3 The clamping part 350 will move the plurality of diaphragms 102 one by one.

[0089] The separation section 380 can separate the first electrode 101 and / or the second electrode 103 exposed along the stacking direction from the electrode assembly 10 when the diaphragm 102 is separated. That is, as the diaphragm 102 is separated and unfolded, the first electrode 101 and / or the second electrode 103 can be exposed to the outside one by one. Therefore, in order to separate the diaphragm 102 from the electrode assembly 10, it is also necessary to separate the first electrode 101 and the second electrode 103.

[0090] Therefore, the separation section 380 may include a first electrode separation section 381 that separates the first electrode 101 exposed to the outside along the stacking direction when separating the diaphragm 102, and a second electrode separation section 382 that separates the second electrode 103 exposed to the outside along the stacking direction when separating the diaphragm 102.

[0091] The first electrode separation unit 381 and the second electrode separation unit 382 can separate the first electrode 101 and the second electrode 103 respectively using a pick and place method. That is, the first electrode separation unit 381 and the second electrode separation unit 382 can lift the first electrode 101 and the second electrode 103 using negative pressure and then move them to a preset first storage space P1 and a preset second storage space P2 respectively.

[0092] On the other hand, in addition to the picking and placing method, the first electrode separation part 381 and the second electrode separation part 382 in this specification can also use other methods to lift the first electrode 101 and the second electrode 103 for movement.

[0093] Given that the first electrode 101 and the second electrode 103 are inserted between the zigzag-shaped diaphragm 102 in opposite directions, when separating the first electrode 101 and the second electrode 103, the first electrode 101 and the second electrode 103 can be moved in different directions from the electrode assembly. This also allows for the separate collection and storage of the first electrode 101 and the second electrode 103. This is because when the location of damage to the diaphragm 102 is sensed, the first electrode 101 and the second electrode 103 adjacent to the location of the damage can be examined.

[0094] Alternatively, even for the purpose of reusing the first electrode 101 and the second electrode 103, they need to be separated separately. For this purpose, the first electrode separation unit 381 can stack the first electrode 101 on the first storage space P1, and the second electrode separation unit 382 can stack the second electrode 103 on the second storage space P2.

[0095] The sensing unit 310 can sense areas of electrical insulation damage within the separated diaphragm 102. In this specification, the area of ​​electrical insulation damage within the diaphragm 102 is a concept that includes not only physically damaged areas of the diaphragm 102, but also specific areas where the electrical insulation of the diaphragm 102 is broken.

[0096] As an example, the battery inspection device 300 according to this disclosure can identify the damaged area (or scorch area) in the separator 102 by disassembling the electrode assembly that failed the withstand voltage test (or Hi-pot test) due to foreign flow, electrode detachment, and physical damage to the separator.

[0097] The sensing unit 310 may include a first sensing unit 311 that senses one of the two sides of the diaphragm 102 moving through the clamping unit 350, and a second sensing unit 313 that senses the other side of the diaphragm 102.

[0098] This is because although damaged areas in the diaphragm 102 may appear on both sides of the diaphragm 102 at the same time, for example, holes that penetrate the diaphragm 102 may be formed, the damaged areas in the diaphragm 102 may also exist only on one of the two sides of the diaphragm 102.

[0099] On the other hand, in order to sense the damaged area in the diaphragm 102, the sensing unit 310 can employ a vision method. For this purpose, the first sensing unit 311 and the second sensing unit 313 may each include an imaging unit 3101 for capturing images of the diaphragm 102 (see [link to image processing unit]). Figure 4 If the first sensing unit 311 captures one side of the diaphragm 102, the second sensing unit 313 can capture the other side of the diaphragm 102.

[0100] Additionally, the sensing unit 310 may also include an illumination unit 3102 that irradiates light onto the diaphragm 102 that moves through the clamping unit 350 (see [link]). Figure 4 Through the illumination unit 3102, the first sensing unit 311 and the second sensing unit 313 can better sense the damaged areas in the diaphragm 102.

[0101] On the other hand, see Figure 3 The battery inspection device 300 according to this disclosure may also include a roller 330 to support the diaphragm 102 that moves through the clamping portion 350.

[0102] In particular, the roller portion 330 may include a movable roller portion 331 that changes the position of the diaphragm 102 separated by the clamping portion 350 based on the first electrode 101 and the second electrode 103 exposed to the outside along the stacking direction when the diaphragm 102 is separated.

[0103] The movable roller 331 can move between a first rotational position R1 and a second rotational position R2 along a direction parallel to the first electrode 101 and the second electrode 103 that have not yet been separated from the electrode assembly 10.

[0104] As an example, see Figure 3 Considering that the diaphragm 102, which is folded into a zigzag shape when separating the second electrode 103, is pulled and unfolded by the clamping part 350, in order to make the second electrode separation part 382 easily accessible to the second electrode 103, the moving roller part 331 can be moved to the first rotational position R1, which is closer to the first electrode separation part 381 than the second electrode separation part 382.

[0105] Alternatively, when the moving roller 331 separates the first electrode 101, the moving roller 331 can move to a second rotational position R2 that is closer to the second electrode separation part 382 than the first electrode separation part 381.

[0106] Additionally, the battery inspection device 300 can guide the diaphragm 102 to release via the roller 330, allowing the diaphragm 102 to move smoothly and be subjected to appropriate tension. For this purpose, the roller 330 may further include a guide roller 335 located on the separation path supporting the separated diaphragm 102, and a conversion roller 333 supporting the separated diaphragm 102 so that its direction is changed towards the target position PT.

[0107] on the other hand, Figure 3 An example is shown where, after a region of the diaphragm 102 located at the outermost contour of the electrode assembly 10 is cut, one end of the cut diaphragm is placed in the clamping portion 350. See also Figure 2 and Figure 3 In order to inspect electrode assembly 10 that fails the withstand voltage test, the inspection method of the battery inspection device 300 according to the present disclosure may include the step of cutting off the separator 102 located on the outermost contour (or outermost layer) of the electrode assembly 10 and placing it in the clamping part 350.

[0108] Figure 4 A control block diagram of a battery inspection apparatus according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0109] The battery inspection device 300 according to this disclosure may further include a control unit 390. The control unit 390 can control the separation unit 380, the clamping unit 350, and the sensing unit 310.

[0110] The control unit 390 can control the clamping unit 350 so that the clamping unit 350 grasps the diaphragm 102 and moves along the separation path.

[0111] The control unit 390 can control the first electrode separation unit 381 and the second electrode separation unit 382 to separate the first electrode 101 and the second electrode 103.

[0112] In addition, the control unit 390 can sense the damaged area of ​​the diaphragm 102 through the sensing unit 310.

[0113] Furthermore, the control unit 390 can control the roller section 330. In particular, the control unit 390 can change the position of the moving roller section 331 according to the first electrode 101 and the second electrode 103.

[0114] On the other hand, the battery inspection device 300 according to this disclosure may further include a storage unit 370 for storing information about the damaged areas of the diaphragm 102 obtained by the sensing unit 310, a communication unit 320 for transmitting information to the outside, and an input / output unit 340 for notifying the operator. Furthermore, the control unit 390 can also control the storage unit 370, the communication unit 320, and the input / output unit 340.

[0115] Additionally, the battery inspection device 300 according to this disclosure may further include a cutting section 360 for cutting off a region of the outermost portion of the separator 102 located on the electrode assembly 10 and placing it in the clamping section 350. The control section 390 may control the cutting section to cut off a region of the separator 102 and place the separator 102 in the clamping section 350.

[0116] Figure 5 Another step of the inspection method of the battery inspection apparatus according to this disclosure is briefly shown.

[0117] See Figure 3 and Figure 5 According to the battery inspection device 300 of this disclosure, after the separator 102 is placed in the clamping part 350, the clamping part 350 can be detachably fixed to the separator 102. That is, the clamping part 350 can clamp the separator 102. Thus, as the clamping part 350 moves along the separation path, the separator 102 moves with the clamping part 350, thereby separating from the electrode assembly 10.

[0118] On the other hand, see Figure 5 The outermost diaphragm 102 is held by the clamping portion 350, so the second electrode 103 will be exposed along the stacking direction. However, this may vary depending on the stacking order of the first electrode 101 and the second electrode 103. For example, the first electrode 101 may be exposed earlier than the second electrode 103.

[0119] When the second electrode 103 is exposed along the stacking direction, the control unit 390 can control the second electrode separation unit 382 to pick up the exposed second electrode 103 and place it in the second storage space P2. Here, the first electrode separation unit 381 will be positioned away from the electrode assembly 10.

[0120] See Figure 5 As the second electrode 103 is exposed, the second electrode separation portion 382 needs to move, therefore the moving roller portion 331 can be in the first rotational position R1 (see...). Figure 3 The diaphragm 102 is supported and separated.

[0121] Figure 6 A further step of the inspection method of the battery inspection apparatus according to this disclosure is briefly shown.

[0122] See Figure 6 The clamping portion 350 and the diaphragm 102 separated by the clamping portion 350 can move along the separation path. Thus, the clamping portion 350 can continuously separate the diaphragm 102 from the electrode assembly 10 while applying appropriate tension to the diaphragm 102.

[0123] The diaphragm 102 can move past the sensing unit 310 while being supported by the guide roller 335. More specifically, the diaphragm 102, separated by the clamping part 350, can pass between the first sensing unit 311 and the second sensing unit 313. At this time, the control unit 390 can sense the damaged area in the diaphragm 102 and calculate its position through the first sensing unit 311 and the second sensing unit 313.

[0124] The diaphragm 102 passing through the sensing unit 310 can be redirected by the conversion roller 333 towards the target position PT (see...). Figure 8 )move.

[0125] On the other hand, the second electrode separation section 382 can move the exposed second electrode 103 to the second storage space P2 and drop it.

[0126] Figure 7 A further step of the inspection method of the battery inspection apparatus according to this disclosure is briefly shown.

[0127] Figure 7This illustration shows an example of the sensing unit 310 sensing a damaged area in a diaphragm 102 located within its sensing area. As the diaphragm 102, moved by the clamping part 350, passes the sensing unit 310 located on the separation path, the sensing unit 310 can capture an image of the diaphragm 102. The control unit 390 can identify the damaged area and confirm its location from the image obtained by the sensing unit 310.

[0128] On the other hand, after the second electrode 103 is separated, the control unit 390 will move the first electrode separation unit 381 toward the electrode assembly 10. This is to separate the first electrode 101, which is arranged alternately with the second electrode 103.

[0129] Figure 8 A further step of the inspection method of the battery inspection apparatus according to this disclosure is briefly shown.

[0130] See Figure 8 The clamping part 350 can move the diaphragm 102 to a preset target position PT along the separation path (see...). Figure 8 ).

[0131] Furthermore, at the target position PT, the clamping part 350 can be rotated to only wrap around the diaphragm 102. If the diaphragm 102 is folded into a zigzag shape, its length may be relatively long, so the space occupied by the diaphragm 102 can be reduced by rotating the clamping part 350 at the target position PT.

[0132] If the electrode assembly 10 is in the form of including multiple diaphragms 102 instead of including a single diaphragm 102, the clamping part 350 can move to the target position by separating only the multiple diaphragms 102 from the electrode assembly 10.

[0133] On the other hand, the clamping part 350 can move along the separation path to a preset target position PT, and then rotate and wind the diaphragm 102 that has moved through the clamping part 350.

[0134] During the rotation of the clamping portion 350 around the diaphragm 102 that has separated from the electrode assembly 10, the sensing portion 310 is able to sense the damaged area in the diaphragm 102 that has just separated from the electrode assembly 10.

[0135] See Figure 8The first electrode separation section 381 can approach the electrode assembly 10 to separate the first electrode 101 exposed along the stacking direction. It is understood that the control section 390 moves the moving roller section 331 to the second rotational position R2 for this purpose. Therefore, the moving roller section 331 can prevent the separated diaphragm 102 from interfering with the first electrode separation section 381 and / or the second electrode separation section 382.

[0136] On the other hand, see Figure 8 The first electrode separation unit 381 can drop the separated first electrode into the first storage space P1 for stacking. The second electrode separation unit 382 can drop the separated second electrode into the second storage space P2 for stacking. This is to store the first electrode 101 and the second electrode 103 for investigation to analyze the causes related to the damage area of ​​the diaphragm 102. Alternatively, the first electrode 101 and the second electrode 103 can be stored separately for future reuse in the assembly of other electrode assemblies 10.

[0137] Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating the inspection method of the battery inspection apparatus according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0138] More specifically, Figure 9 Showing through Figure 3 and Figures 5 to 8 A flowchart illustrating the inspection method of the battery inspection device 300.

[0139] The inspection method of the battery inspection device 300 according to the present disclosure may include step S10, in which the clamping part 350 clamps a portion of the separator 102 located in the outermost contour layer of the electrode assembly 10; step S30, in which the first electrode 101 and the second electrode 103 are separated by the separation part 380 as the clamping part 350 separates the separator 102; and step S50, in which the electrical insulation in the separator 102 moving through the clamping part 350 is inspected by the sensing part 310 located in the separation path.

[0140] In step S30, the first electrode 101 and the second electrode 103 are separated by the separation portion, according to the inspection method of the battery inspection device 300 of this disclosure, the first electrode 101 and the second electrode exposed to the outside along the stacking direction are separated by the first electrode separation portion 381 and the second electrode separation portion 382 respectively.

[0141] The inspection method of the battery inspection device 300 according to this disclosure may further include step S70, which involves stacking or winding the diaphragm 102 that moves through the clamping part 350 via the clamping part 350.

[0142] Step S70, which involves stacking or winding the diaphragm 102, can be performed simultaneously with step S30, which involves separating the first electrode 101 and the second electrode 103 via the separation section 380, and step S50, which involves checking for damage to the electrical insulation in the diaphragm 102. That is, when a portion of the diaphragm 102 reaches the target position PT and is wound via the clamping section 350, another portion of the diaphragm 102 in the electrode assembly 10 separates, and yet another portion of the diaphragm 102 undergoes a check for damage to the electrical insulation via the sensing section 310 as it moves along the separation path.

[0143] Furthermore, the inspection method of the battery inspection device 300 according to this disclosure may also include step S90, which displays information including the region of electrical insulation damage in the diaphragm 102 sensed by the sensing unit 310.

[0144] Information including the area of ​​electrical insulation damage can be displayed on the input / output unit 340 (see...). Figure 4 ), or stored in the storage unit 370 (see Figure 4 ), or via the communication unit 320 (see Figure 4 It can be sent to other terminal devices or control devices.

[0145] Information including the region of electrical insulation damage may include the coordinates of a first direction and a second direction that are perpendicular to and mutually perpendicular to the stacking direction, and the order in which the first electrode 101 and the second electrode 103 are stacked along the stacking direction.

[0146] Figure 10 (a) and Figure 10 (b) shows the results of the inspection method of the battery inspection apparatus according to the present disclosure.

[0147] Figure 10 (a) The sensing unit 310 shows in two dimensions the area of ​​electrical insulation damage in the diaphragm 102 or a portion of the diaphragm 102 corresponding to any one of the first electrode 101 or the second electrode 103 stacked in the electrode assembly 10.

[0148] See Figure 10 In (a), the X direction is the first direction in which the lead tabs 41 and 45 protrude, and the Y direction is the second direction perpendicular to the stacking direction and the first direction. Therefore, X and Y represent two-dimensional coordinates when a portion of the diaphragm 102 forming a layer in the electrode assembly 10 is considered, or when the diaphragm 102 is assumed to be a plane.

[0149] As an example, Figure 10 (a) shows two damaged areas in a single membrane 102. Figure 10(a) and Figure 10 In (b), the X-axis and Y-axis are in millimeters (mm), but this is just one example and other units can also be used.

[0150] Figure 10 (b) shows the region of electrical insulation damage in the diaphragm 102 in three dimensions according to the stacking order in the electrode assembly 10.

[0151] See Figure 10 (b) shows the three-dimensional arrangement of the diaphragm stacking order along the Z-axis. Figure 10 (a) provides information about a single membrane layer. Therefore, the Z-axis can represent the number of electrode sheets or the stacking order according to the stacking order of the first electrode 101 and / or the second electrode 103 along the stacking direction.

[0152] Therefore, the electrode assembly 10 is in the Hi-Pot inspection process P3 (see Figure 2 When a defect is identified in the diaphragm 102, the operator can know which part of the diaphragm 102 has been damaged.

[0153] This disclosure can be implemented in various ways, and its scope of rights is not limited to the above embodiments. Therefore, any modified embodiments that include the constituent elements of the technical solution of this disclosure should be considered to fall within the scope of rights of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A battery inspection device, characterized in that, include: The clamping part is detachably coupled to the outermost layer of the diaphragm in the electrode assembly formed by alternatingly stacking the first electrode and the second electrode having a different polarity from the first electrode between the diaphragms along a preset stacking direction, and moves along a preset separation path to separate the diaphragm. The separation section separates the first electrode and the second electrode from the electrode assembly as the diaphragm separates. as well as A sensing unit is located on the separation path to sense damage to the electrical insulation of the diaphragm as it moves through the clamping unit.

2. The battery inspection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensing unit includes: A first sensing unit senses one of the two sides of the diaphragm that has moved through the clamping part; and The second sensing unit senses the other side of the two sides of the diaphragm.

3. The battery inspection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first sensing unit and the second sensing unit each include a camera unit for capturing images of the diaphragm.

4. The battery inspection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, After the clamping part moves to the preset target position along the separation path, it rotates and winds the diaphragm that has moved through the clamping part.

5. The battery inspection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The separation section includes: The first electrode separation section separates the first electrode that is exposed to the outside along the stacking direction during the separation of the diaphragm; and The second electrode separation section separates the second electrode that is exposed to the outside along the stacking direction when the diaphragm is separated.

6. The battery inspection device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first electrode separation section and the second electrode separation section separate the first electrode and the second electrode respectively by picking up and placing.

7. The battery inspection device according to claim 5, characterized in that, When separating the first electrode and the second electrode, the first electrode separation unit and the second electrode separation unit move the first electrode and the second electrode in different directions from the electrode assembly.

8. The battery inspection device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first electrode separation section stacks the first electrode in a preset first storage space. The second electrode separation section stacks the second electrode in a preset second storage space.

9. The battery inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, Also includes: The input / output section receives user commands or displays the results of receiving and executing user commands. as well as The control unit controls the clamping unit, the separating unit, the sensing unit, and the input / output unit. After the control unit senses an area of ​​electrical insulation damage from the diaphragm through the sensing unit, it displays information about the damaged area through the input / output unit.

10. The battery inspection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The roller section supports the movement of the diaphragm along the separation path.

11. The battery inspection device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The roller section includes: The moving roller section changes the position of the diaphragm separated by the clamping section based on the first and second electrodes exposed to the outside along the stacking direction during diaphragm separation.

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