Secondary battery inspection device

Abstract

A secondary battery inspection device according to the present disclosure can include a plate, a movement guide portion guiding movement of the plate, and a pressurizing portion pressurizing one side of the plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a secondary battery inspection device. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, the demand for portable electronic products such as laptops, cameras, and mobile phones has increased dramatically, and the development of electric vehicles, energy storage batteries, robots, and satellites is also in full swing. Furthermore, the demand for secondary batteries, which serve as environmentally friendly energy sources to power these devices, has increased dramatically, requiring extensive research and development.

[0003] Such secondary batteries include, for example, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium secondary batteries.

[0004] Compared to nickel-based batteries, lithium-ion batteries have almost no memory effect, allowing them to be freely charged and discharged. They also have a very low self-discharge rate, high operating voltage, and high energy density per unit weight. Due to these advantages, lithium-ion batteries are widely used in high-end electronic devices.

[0005] Typically, lithium secondary batteries are configured as electrode assemblies consisting of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator inserted between the positive and negative electrodes, housed in a stacked or wound structure within a metal can or laminate housing, and filled or impregnated with electrolyte.

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] (Patent Document 1) KR10-2022-0118250A Utility Model Content

[0009] (a) Technical problems to be solved

[0010] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a secondary battery inspection apparatus can be provided for inspecting separator defects in secondary batteries.

[0011] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a secondary battery inspection device can be provided, which can be widely used in environmentally friendly electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, battery charging stations, and other green technology fields such as solar power generation and wind power generation that utilize batteries to prevent climate change by suppressing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

[0012] (II) Technical Solution

[0013] A secondary battery inspection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a plate slidably disposed; a movement guide for guiding the movement of the plate; and a pressure unit for applying pressure to one side of the plate.

[0014] The plate can pressurize the secondary battery, and the secondary battery inspection device may further include a pad disposed between the plate and the secondary battery.

[0015] The pad may include protruding pressure portions on its two side edges.

[0016] The pad may include a protruding pressure portion at a position corresponding to the edge portion of the tab extension in the secondary battery.

[0017] The pressurized portion can be formed as a plane, slope, circle, or wave to fit closely to the edge portion of the secondary battery.

[0018] The pad portion may include a curved insertion space portion, and the plate may be fitted into the insertion space portion.

[0019] A secondary battery inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include an interleaved component that wraps around the pad and holds the secondary battery.

[0020] The interlaced component may have multiple interlaced bends that are continuously curved, the pad may be assembled to one of the interlaced bends, and the secondary battery may be placed in another interlaced bend.

[0021] A secondary battery inspection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include probes disposed on both sides of the plate and electrically connected to the tabs of the secondary battery.

[0022] A secondary battery inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include an electrode guide that guides the position of the secondary battery.

[0023] The electrode guide can be disposed at the lower part of the probe, and the electrode guide can support the secondary battery at the lower part of the probe.

[0024] The electrode guide portion may include: a guide block, fixed to the lower part of the probe and extending from the lower part of the probe toward the secondary battery side; and a support block, extending vertically upward from the end of the guide block.

[0025] The features and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] It should be noted that the terms and vocabulary used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted in their general or dictionary sense, but rather should be interpreted as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical ideas of this disclosure, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of the terms in order to best describe the utility model.

[0027] (III) Beneficial Effects

[0028] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, defects in secondary batteries can be detected.

[0029] In addition, it can prevent internal short circuits in secondary batteries.

[0030] In addition, open-circuit voltage can be detected without supplying additional voltage to the secondary battery. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic plan view of a secondary battery inspection device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A usage state diagram showing the state of inserting a secondary battery and applying pressure.

[0033] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view showing the plate separation pad and the interlaced component in a secondary battery inspection apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figures 4 to 7 This is a plan view of the pad portion shown on a plane in a secondary battery inspection device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, in order to show the various shapes of the partial pressure portion.

[0035] Figure 8 This is a schematic plan view of a secondary battery inspection apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 9 It is shown Figure 8 A usage state diagram showing the state of inserting a secondary battery and applying pressure.

[0037] Figure 10 It is shown in magnification Figure 9 Enlarged view of section A.

[0038] Figure 11 It only shows the X-axis direction. Figure 10 Diagram of the secondary battery and probe.

[0039] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating a secondary battery inspection method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0041] 10: Main body 11: Power unit

[0042] 13: Weighing sensor 100: Plate

[0043] 200: Moving guide unit; 300: Probe

[0044] 400: Pressure section; 500: Pad section

[0045] 510: Insertion space section; 530: Partial pressurization section

[0046] 600: Interlaced component; 610: Interlaced bend.

[0047] 700: Electrode guide section; 710: Guide block

[0048] 730: Support block C: Secondary battery

[0049] T: Ear area Detailed Implementation

[0050] The terminology used to describe one embodiment of this disclosure is not intended to limit the disclosure. It should be understood that, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, singular expressions include plural expressions.

[0051] When assigning reference numerals to components in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals should be assigned to the same components as much as possible, even if the same components are shown in different drawings, and similar reference numerals should be assigned to similar components.

[0052] For the purpose of illustrating the embodiments, the accompanying drawings may be shown schematically or exaggeratedly. In this document, expressions such as "having," "may have," "comprising," or "may include" refer to the presence of corresponding features (e.g., constituent elements such as numerical values, functions, operations, or components) and do not exclude the presence of additional features.

[0053] Terms such as “one,” “other,” “another,” “first,” and “second” are used to distinguish one component from another, and the component is not limited by the terms used.

[0054] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0055] Figure 1 This is a schematic plan view of a secondary battery inspection apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A usage state diagram showing the state of inserting a secondary battery and applying pressure.

[0056] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The secondary battery inspection device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a plate 100, which is slidably disposed; a movement guide 200, which guides the movement of the plate 100; and a pressure application 400, which applies pressure to one side of the plate 100.

[0057] The plate 100 can be single or multiple. Multiple plates 100 can be arranged spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval, and a secondary battery C is inserted between the multiple plates 100 and pressurized. Each plate 100 can be a plate body made of a material that will not deform even under high temperature and high pressure and has high mechanical rigidity. Each plate 100 can be made of materials with high mechanical rigidity such as metal, reinforced plastic, reinforced ceramic, or reinforced glass.

[0058] The movement guide 200 can guide the movement of the plate 100. The movement guide 200 can be provided on the main body 10 supported on the ground. The movement guide 200 can be located between the power unit 11 and the load cell 13, which are respectively provided at one end of the main body 10 and at the other end facing said one end, and can be vertically connected from one end of the main body 10 to the other end. Furthermore, the movement guide 200 can be provided in the shape of multiple bars, rods, etc., and the multiple movement guides 200 can be spaced apart from each other on both sides of the main body 10. Additionally, the plate 100 can be provided transversely through the main body 10. The plate 100 can slide along the multiple movement guides 200 while its two ends are penetrated by the multiple movement guides 200.

[0059] The load cell 13 can measure the pressure applied to the plate 100. The load cell 13 can be disposed on the opposite side of the power unit 11 and spaced apart from the power unit 11 by a predetermined distance. The load cell 13 can measure the pressure acting on the plate 100 while supporting the plate 100 pressurized by the pressurized part 400.

[0060] The pressure-applying part 400 can apply pressure to the plate 100. The pressure-applying part 400 can be in close contact with the plate 100 on the opposite side of the load cell 13, pushing the plate 100 towards the load cell 13. Alternatively, in the case of multiple plates 100, the pressure-applying part 400 can be in close contact with the nearest plate 100 among the multiple plates 100 to apply pressure towards the load cell 13. The pressure-applying part 400 can be a plate body or the like. The pressure-applying part 400 can be connected to the power unit 11 and can receive power from the power unit 11. The power unit 11 can include a power source such as a motor. The power unit 11 can push the pressure-applying part 400 towards the load cell 13 to apply pressure to the plate 100, or it can pull the pressure-applying part 400 towards the opposite side of the load cell 13 to release the pressure on the plate 100. Furthermore, the power unit 11 can adjust the pressure applied by the pressure-applying part 400 to the plate 100 according to the pressure measured by the load cell 13.

[0061] The probe 300 can be disposed on both sides of the plate and can be electrically connected to the tabs of the secondary battery C. The probe 300 can be disposed on both sides of multiple plates 100, such that the plates 100 are positioned facing each other. The probe 300 can be plate-shaped or clip-shaped. (See reference...) Figure 3 The plate-type probes 300 can be respectively disposed on the two facing sides of the plurality of plates 100 in a substrate shape. Furthermore, the plate-type probes 300 can make electrical contact with the tabs T of the positive and negative electrodes of the secondary battery C, which are sandwiched between the plurality of plates 100 pressurized by the pressurized section 400. Additionally, although not shown in the figure, clip-type probes can be respectively disposed on the two facing sides of the plurality of plates 100 in a clip shape. Furthermore, defect inspection of the secondary battery C can be performed by measuring the open-circuit voltage of the secondary battery C and inspecting for defects in the separator using a short-circuit diagnostic device such as an insulation resistance (IR) meter or an open-circuit voltage (OCV) meter electrically connected to the probes 300.

[0062] As described above, when the pressurizing unit 400 pressurizes the secondary battery C, an internal short circuit will occur at the damaged part of the separator inserted between the positive and negative plates of the secondary battery C, and leakage current can be detected. Therefore, when the measured leakage current exceeds the normal range, the short circuit diagnostic device can determine that the malfunction is caused by a separator defect.

[0063] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view showing the separation pad and the interlacing member in the secondary battery inspection apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 4 to 7 This is a plan view of the pad portion shown on a plane in a secondary battery inspection device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, in order to show the various shapes of the partial pressure portion.

[0064] Reference Figures 3 to 7The secondary battery inspection device according to the second embodiment of this disclosure may further include a pad 500 and an interleaving sheet 600. The pad 500 may be disposed at the contact portion between the plate 100 that applies pressure to the secondary battery C and the secondary battery C. Additionally, in the case of multiple plates 100, the pad 500 may be disposed at the portions of the multiple plates 100 facing each other. The pad 500 can mitigate impacts to the secondary battery C and prevent damage. The pad 500 may be made of one or more materials selected from silicone, synthetic fibers, etc. The pad 500 may include a curved insertion space 510. The insertion space 510 may be bent vertically to one side after the pad 500 is bent vertically again in the same direction (i.e., to one side) at a predetermined distance. Furthermore, one end of the plate 100 may be inserted into the curved insertion space 510 of the pad 500 to assemble and join the plate 100 to the insertion space 510. When the plate 100 is attached to the insertion space 510 of the pad 500, the pad 500 can be located between the probes 300 on both sides of the plate 100 so that the probes 300 are exposed to the outside. In addition, the pad 500 may include protruding pressure portions 530 on its side edges.

[0065] The partial pressure-applying portion 530 can be located on both sides of the pad portion 500 corresponding to the portions of the plurality of plates 100 that face each other. That is, when a separator defect occurs in a secondary battery C, such as a pouch-type secondary battery cell, most of the defect may occur in the portion of the secondary battery C where the tab T extends. However, the plates 100 are flat, while the portion of the secondary battery C where the tab T extends forms a curved round shape, so when applying pressure with the plates 100, it may not be possible to apply pressure properly. Therefore, the partial pressure-applying portion 530 can be provided at a position corresponding to the edge portion of the secondary battery C where the tab T extends. In addition, the partial pressure-applying portion 530 can be located at a position corresponding to the edge portion of the secondary battery C where the tab T extends and is sandwiched between the plurality of plates 100. Figure 4 The portion protruding vertically as shown can be flat, and the part in contact with the secondary battery C can be flat. Furthermore, when the plate 100 applies pressure to the secondary battery C, the partial pressure section 530 can partially apply pressure to the edge portion extending from the tab T in the secondary battery C. Therefore, the short-circuit diagnostic device can detect the open-circuit voltage generated by partially applying pressure to the secondary battery C with a damaged separator. Additionally, the partial pressure section 530 can be as follows... Figure 5 As shown, a slope is formed, or it can be as follows: Figure 6 As shown, it forms a circle, or it can be like... Figure 7The waveform shown is formed so that it fits tightly against the edge portion extending from the tab T of the secondary battery C. Since the contact surface of the partial pressurization section 530 corresponding to the secondary battery C is formed, it is possible to prevent contact omission when pressurizing the secondary battery C and to accurately detect the open circuit voltage.

[0066] An interleaving sheet 600 can be disposed between the secondary battery C and the pad 500, and can be an insulating and flame-retardant sheet, such as a sheet woven from ceramic fibers, aramid, or other materials. The interleaving sheet 600 can wrap around the pad 500 and can house the secondary battery C. The interleaving sheet 600 can have multiple continuously bent interleaving portions 610, the pad 500 can be fitted to one of the interleaving portions, and the secondary battery C can be disposed on another interleaving portion bent in the opposite direction to the first interleaving portion.

[0067] Figure 8 This is a schematic plan view of a secondary battery inspection apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9 It is shown Figure 8 A usage state diagram showing the state with a secondary battery inserted and pressurized. Figure 10 It is shown in magnification Figure 9 An enlarged view of part A in the middle. Figure 11 Is only shown Figure 10 The diagram shows the secondary battery and probe along the X-axis.

[0068] Reference Figures 8 to 11 The secondary battery inspection apparatus according to the third embodiment of this disclosure may further include an electrode guide 700. The electrode guide 700 can guide the position of the secondary battery C. The electrode guide 700 may be disposed at the lower part of the probe 300, supporting the secondary battery C which is in close contact with the plate 100 at the lower part of the probe 300, and guiding the secondary battery C to be held in the correct position. The electrode guide 700 may include a guide block 710 and a support block 730. The guide block 710 may be fixed to the lower part (ground side) of the probe 300 and may extend from the lower part of the probe 300 toward the secondary battery C. The support block 730 may extend vertically upwards (opposite ground side) from the end of the guide block 710. The electrode guide 700 may be disposed on the probes 300 respectively disposed on both sides of the plate 100, and the position of the secondary battery C can be fixed by eliminating the gap between the probe 300 and the secondary battery C.

[0069] The method for inspecting secondary batteries disclosed herein will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0070] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating a secondary battery inspection method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0071] like Figure 12 As shown, a secondary battery inspection method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a supply step S1, a pressurization step S2, and a voltage measurement step S3.

[0072] Reference Figures 1 to 12 The supply step S1 can be the step of supplying the secondary battery C. The supply step S1 can be the step of supplying the secondary battery C, which has been assembled in the previous step, i.e., the secondary battery assembly process, and inserting it between the plates 100 of the secondary battery inspection device of this disclosure.

[0073] The pressurization step S2 can be a step of pressurizing the secondary battery C. Pressurization step S2 can be a step of putting the secondary battery C supplied in supply step S1 into the secondary battery inspection device of this disclosure, and using the secondary battery inspection device of this disclosure to pressurize the secondary battery C. Alternatively, pressurization step S2 can use the secondary battery inspection device of this disclosure to partially pressurize the secondary battery C. In pressurization step S2, the secondary battery inspection device of this disclosure can partially pressurize the portion of the secondary battery C where the tab T extends.

[0074] Voltage measurement step S3 can be a step of measuring the voltage of the secondary battery C. Voltage measurement step S3 can be a step of measuring the open-circuit voltage of the secondary battery C while it is pressurized by the secondary battery inspection device of this disclosure in pressurization step S2. Voltage measurement step S3 can use a short-circuit diagnostic device such as an insulation resistance (IR) meter or an open-circuit voltage (OCV) meter to measure the open-circuit voltage of the pressurized secondary battery C. After completing voltage measurement step S3, the pressurization of the secondary battery C can be released, and then the secondary batteries C with measured open-circuit voltage are classified as defective and discharged, while the secondary batteries C without measured open-circuit voltage can proceed to subsequent processes.

[0075] The present disclosure has been described in detail above through specific embodiments. These embodiments are intended to illustrate the present disclosure in detail. The present disclosure is merely illustrative and does not limit the scope of the appended claims. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made within the scope and technical concept of the present invention, and such changes and modifications also fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A secondary battery inspection device, characterized in that, include: The plate can be slidably set; A movable guide unit guides the movement of the plate; as well as The pressure-applying section applies pressure to one side of the plate. The plate applies pressure to the secondary battery, and the secondary battery inspection device further includes a pad disposed between the plate and the secondary battery. The pad includes a protruding pressure portion at a position corresponding to the edge portion extending from the tab in the secondary battery, and The pressurized portion is formed as a plane, slope, circle, or wave so as to fit closely to the edge portion of the secondary battery.

2. The secondary battery inspection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pad portion includes a curved insertion space portion, and the plate is assembled and coupled to the insertion space portion.

3. The secondary battery inspection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Further includes: An interlaced component that wraps around the pad and houses the secondary battery.

4. The secondary battery inspection device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The interlaced component is provided with a plurality of continuously curved interlaced bends, the pad is assembled to one of the interlaced bends, and the secondary battery is placed in another interlaced bend.

5. The secondary battery inspection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, include: The probes are disposed on both sides of the plate and are electrically connected to the tabs of the secondary battery.

6. The secondary battery inspection device according to claim 5, characterized in that, Further includes: An electrode guide portion guides the position of the secondary battery.

7. A secondary battery inspection device, characterized in that, include: The plate can be slidably set; A movable guide unit guides the movement of the plate; The pressure-applying section applies pressure to one side of the plate; The probes are disposed on both sides of the plate and are electrically connected to the tabs of the secondary battery. An electrode guide portion that guides the position of the secondary battery; as well as A pad is disposed between the plate and the secondary battery. The electrode guide is disposed at the lower part of the probe, and the electrode guide supports the secondary battery at the lower part of the probe.

8. The secondary battery inspection device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The electrode guide portion includes: A guide block is fixed to the lower part of the probe and extends from the lower part of the probe toward the secondary battery side; The support block extends vertically upward from the end of the guide block.

Images