Battery inspection device and battery inspection system

Abstract

A battery inspection device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document may include a first connection portion connected to a positive electrode of each of a plurality of battery cells, a second connection portion connected to a negative electrode of each of the plurality of battery cells, a charge / discharge management unit that charges or discharges the plurality of battery cells via the first connection portion and the second connection portion, and a monitor unit that measures status information of each of the plurality of battery cells in at least one of a charging state, a discharging state, and a resting state.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The embodiments disclosed herein claim the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0102178, filed on August 3, 2021, and all contents disclosed in the documents of this Korean patent application are incorporated by reference as part of this specification. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE The embodiments disclosed herein relate to a battery testing apparatus and a battery testing system. [Background technology]

[0002] Electric vehicles generate power by charging battery cells with an external supply of electricity and then driving a motor with the voltage charged in the battery cells. The battery cells of electric vehicles repeatedly expand and contract due to chemical reactions that occur during the charging and discharging process, which poses the risk of explosion. Therefore, battery cells must undergo various tests during production to verify their stability.

[0003] A typical battery cell inspection system loads battery cells on a tray and transports the tray with specific equipment to perform various inspections. However, such a manual battery cell inspection system has problems in that defective battery cells are sent to the assembly process because the tray is transported and the batteries are inspected within a short inspection time, and battery inspections are difficult to perform frequently. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] One objective of the embodiments disclosed in this document is to provide a battery inspection device and a battery inspection system capable of automatically inspecting battery cells, and performing accurate and continuous inspection.

[0005] The technical problems of the embodiments disclosed in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A battery inspection device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document may include a first connection portion connected to a positive electrode of each of a plurality of battery cells, a second connection portion connected to a negative electrode of each of the plurality of battery cells, a charge / discharge management unit that charges or discharges the plurality of battery cells via the first connection portion and the second connection portion, and a monitor unit that measures status information of each of the plurality of battery cells in at least one of a charging state, a discharging state, and a resting state.

[0007] In one embodiment, the first connection portion may include a plurality of first terminals that connect to the positive electrodes of the plurality of battery cells, and the second connection portion may include a plurality of second terminals that connect to the negative electrodes of the plurality of battery cells. According to an embodiment, the first terminal and the second terminal may be electrically connected to the charge / discharge management unit.

[0008] In one embodiment, the status information may include at least one of voltage, temperature, EIS (Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy) data, and self-discharge current. According to an embodiment, the monitor unit may transmit measured status information of each of the plurality of battery cells to a server.

[0009] In one embodiment, the server is capable of controlling the charge amount of the plurality of battery cells. In one embodiment, the server can generate a machine learning model that determines whether or not the plurality of battery cells are defective based on status information of the plurality of battery cells measured by the battery inspection device.

[0010] A battery inspection system according to one embodiment disclosed in this document includes a battery inspection device including a first connection portion connected to the positive electrode of each of a plurality of battery cells, a second connection portion connected to the negative electrode of each of the plurality of battery cells, a charge / discharge management portion for charging or discharging the plurality of battery cells via the first connection portion and the second connection portion, and a monitor portion for measuring status information of each of the plurality of battery cells in at least one of a charging state, a discharging state, and a resting state, and a tray in which each of the plurality of battery cells is housed.

[0011] In one embodiment, the status information may include at least one of voltage, temperature, EIS (Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy) data, and self-discharge current.

[0012] According to an embodiment, the monitor unit may transmit measured status information of each of the plurality of battery cells to a server. In one embodiment, the server is capable of controlling the charge amount of the plurality of battery cells.

[0013] According to an embodiment, the battery pack may further include a pressure forming unit that applies pressure to the plurality of battery cells. According to an embodiment, the pressure generating portion may be provided in a space formed between the plurality of battery cells accommodated in the tray.

[0014] In one embodiment, the pressure generator can be connected to a pneumatic or hydraulic supply. According to an embodiment, the air pressure supplier or the hydraulic pressure supplier may be connected to the server via a wired or wireless network. Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to an embodiment of the battery inspection device and battery inspection system disclosed in this document, battery cells can be automatically inspected, and accurate and continuous battery stability inspection can be provided. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a battery inspection device according to an embodiment disclosed in this document. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram for generally explaining a battery testing apparatus according to one embodiment disclosed in this document. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the operation of a battery inspection device and a server according to an embodiment disclosed in this document. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a battery inspection system according to an embodiment disclosed in this document. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram generally illustrating a battery inspection system according to one embodiment disclosed in this document. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram for explaining the operation of a battery inspection system and a pressure forming unit according to an embodiment disclosed in this document. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Some embodiments disclosed in this document will be described in detail below with reference to exemplary drawings. When referring to components in each drawing, it should be noted that the same components are referred to by the same reference numerals as much as possible when they are displayed in other drawings. In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this document, if a detailed description of related known configurations or functions is deemed to hinder understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this document, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0018] In describing the components of the embodiments disclosed in this document, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b) and the like may be used. Such terms are merely used to distinguish the components from other components, and do not limit the essence, order, or sequence of the components. In addition, unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments disclosed in this document belong. Terms as defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the contextual meaning of the relevant art, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless expressly defined in this document.

[0019] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a battery inspection device according to an embodiment disclosed in the present document. Fig. 2 is a diagram for generally explaining the battery inspection device according to an embodiment disclosed in the present document. Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the battery inspection device and a server according to an embodiment disclosed in the present document.

[0020] The configuration and operation of the battery inspection device 100 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 show some of the multiple battery cells 510, 520, 530, but are not limited to this, and the multiple battery cells may include n (n is a natural number equal to or greater than 2) battery cells. The multiple battery cells 510, 520, 530 may be, but are not limited to, lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries, lithium ion polymer (Li-ion polymer) batteries, nickel cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries, nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries, etc.

[0021] Referring to FIG. 1, a battery inspection device 100 may include a first connection unit 110, a second connection unit 120, a charge / discharge management unit 130, and a monitor unit 140. The first connector 110 may be coupled to a first electrode of each of the battery cells 510, 520, and 530. For example, the first electrode may be a positive electrode. For example, the first connector 110 may be implemented in the form of a gripper that grips a positive electrode tab of each of the battery cells 510, 520, and 530.

[0022] The first connection unit 110 may include a plurality of first terminals 111 connected to first poles of the plurality of battery cells 510, 520, and 530. That is, the first connection unit 110 may contact the first poles of the plurality of battery cells 510, 520, and 530 through the plurality of first terminals 111. Here, the plurality of first terminals 111 are electrically connected to the charge / discharge management unit 130 and may receive power from the charge / discharge management unit 130.

[0023] The second connection unit 120 may be connected to a second electrode of each of the plurality of battery cells 510, 520, and 530. For example, the second electrode may be a negative electrode. For example, the second connection unit 120 may be implemented in the form of a gripper that grips a negative electrode tab of each of the plurality of battery cells 510, 520, and 530.

[0024] The second connection unit 120 may include a plurality of second terminals 121 connected to the second poles of the plurality of battery cells 510, 520, and 530. That is, the second connection unit 120 may contact the second poles of the plurality of battery cells 510, 520, and 530 through the plurality of second terminals 121. Here, the plurality of second terminals 121 are electrically connected to the charge / discharge management unit 130 and may receive power from the charge / discharge management unit 130.

[0025] The charge / discharge management unit 130 can charge or discharge the plurality of battery cells 510, 520, and 530 through the first connection unit 110 and the second connection unit 120. For example, the charge / discharge management unit 130 can be electrically connected to the first terminal 111 and the second terminal 121 to supply power to the plurality of battery cells 510, 520, and 530.

[0026] The charge / discharge management unit 130 can manage the SOC (State of Charge) value of each of the battery cells 510, 520, 530 by charging or discharging each of the battery cells 510, 520, 530. For example, the charge / discharge management unit 130 can manage the charge amount or discharge amount of each of the battery cells 510, 520, 530 in response to a control command transmitted from the server 400.

[0027] The monitor unit 140 can monitor the charging, discharging, remaining battery level, etc. of each of the battery cells 510, 520, 530. From this, the monitor unit 140 can be understood as a battery management device. Specifically, the monitor unit 140 can measure state information of each of the battery cells 510, 520, 530 in at least one of a charging state, a discharging state, and a resting state. Here, the state information can include at least one of a voltage, a temperature, EIS (Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy) data, and a self-discharge current.

[0028] The monitor unit 140 can measure the voltage, current, temperature, etc. of each of the multiple battery cells 510, 520, 530, and calculate parameters indicating the state of each of the multiple battery cells 510, 520, 530 based on the measured voltage, current, temperature, etc. For example, the monitor unit 140 can measure EIS data corresponding to changes in the SOC value of each of the multiple battery cells 510, 520, 530.

[0029] A typical battery testing device repeatedly charges and discharges a battery cell, measures the time, temperature, and voltage required, and evaluates whether the battery is defective. This battery testing method has a drawback in that it cannot reflect detailed characteristics inside the battery. In contrast, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is a battery diagnostic method that uses impedance measurement of a battery cell, and is capable of detecting damaged battery cells. Impedance can be a cause of interference with electrical transmission of electrodes when a chemical reaction occurs in the battery cell. Therefore, the battery testing device 100 can accurately and quickly test the battery cell based on the EIS data measured by the monitor unit 140.

[0030] 3, the monitor 140 may transmit the measured status information of each of the plurality of battery cells 510, 520, and 530 to the server 400 via a wired or wireless network. For example, the monitor 140 may transmit the measured status information of each of the plurality of battery cells 510, 520, and 530 to the server 400 via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or ZigBee.

[0031] The monitor unit 140 can collect status information of each of the plurality of battery cells 510, 520, and 530 and transmit the collected information to the server 400. That is, the monitor unit 140 can perform serial communication with each of the plurality of battery cells 510, 520, and 530 and transmit the status information of each of the plurality of battery cells 510, 520, and 530 to the server 400.

[0032] For example, the monitor unit 140 can measure EIS data corresponding to the SOC value of each of the multiple battery cells 510, 520, and 530, and transmit the measured EIS data to the server 400.

[0033] The server 400 can be defined as a controller that receives state information of each of the plurality of battery cells 510, 520, 530 and determines whether each of the plurality of battery cells 510, 520, 530 is defective.

[0034] The server 400 can control the charge amount of the plurality of battery cells 510, 520, and 530. Specifically, the server 400 can control the charge amount (SOC) of the plurality of battery cells 510, 520, and 530 by controlling the charge / discharge management unit 130 and supplying, maintaining, or cutting off power supplied to each of the plurality of battery cells 510, 520, and 530.

[0035] For example, the server 400 can control the charge amount of the battery cells 510, 520, and 530 based on the target SOC value. Here, the target SOC value can be defined as the SOC value at which the most defective battery cells are detected. The server 400 can control the charge / discharge management unit 130 to control the charge amount of the battery cells 510, 520, and 530 to the target SOC value.

[0036] Specifically, the server 400 can detect a defective battery cell by receiving the EIS data measured through the monitor unit 140 and analyzing the impedance change of the battery cell. For example, a battery cell damaged by discharge, a battery cell damaged by overheating, or a battery cell damaged by a short circuit can derive a unique impedance change graph. Therefore, the server 400 can detect a defective battery cell by comparing the EIS data measured through the monitor unit 140 with the impedance change graph of the damaged battery cell that has already been stored.

[0037] The server 400 can generate a machine learning model that determines whether or not the multiple battery cells 510, 520, 530 are defective, based on the status information of the multiple battery cells 510, 520, 530 measured by the battery inspection apparatus 100. For example, the server 400 can generate a machine learning model that detects defective battery cells, based on the EIS data of the multiple battery cells 510, 520, 530 measured by the battery inspection apparatus 100.

[0038] The server 400 can determine whether or not the plurality of battery cells 510, 520, and 530 measured via the monitor unit 140 are defective using the generated machine learning model.

[0039] As described above, the battery inspection device 100 according to one embodiment disclosed in this document can provide a battery inspection that automatically inspects battery cells and can accurately and continuously detect defective battery cells.

[0040] In addition, the battery inspection device 100 can simulate various battery inspection environments via the monitor unit, and can simulate an actual battery manufacturing or battery module assembly process environment.

[0041] In addition, the battery inspection device 100 can measure the state of the battery cells in real time and immediately determine whether the battery cells are defective. Therefore, the battery inspection device 100 can prevent defective battery cells from being sent to the battery module assembly process step during the battery transportation process or during the inspection process.

[0042] In addition, the battery inspection device 100 enables the charging and discharging required to activate the battery cells after they are produced at the location where the batteries are stored without having to be moved using separate equipment, thereby improving the efficiency of battery inspection.

[0043] Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a battery inspection system according to an embodiment disclosed in the present document. Fig. 5 is a diagram for generally explaining a battery inspection system according to an embodiment disclosed in the present document. Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining the operation of a battery inspection system and a pressure forming unit according to an embodiment disclosed in the present document.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 4, a battery testing system 1000 according to one embodiment disclosed herein may include a battery testing apparatus 100 and a tray 200. The configuration and operation of the battery inspection system 1000 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 4, a battery testing system 1000 can include a battery testing apparatus 100 and a tray 200 . The battery inspection device 100 may be substantially similar to the battery inspection device 100 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, and therefore will be described below in brief to avoid duplication of description.

[0046] The battery inspection device 100 can include a first connection unit 110 , a second connection unit 120 , a charge / discharge management unit 130 , and a monitor unit 140 . The first connector 110 may be connected to a first pole of each of the battery cells 510, 520, and 530. For example, the first pole may be a positive pole. The first connector 110 may include a plurality of first terminals 111 connected to the first pole of each of the battery cells 510, 520, and 530.

[0047] The second connector 120 may be connected to the second pole of each of the battery cells 510, 520, and 530. For example, the second pole may be a negative pole. The second connector 120 may include a plurality of second terminals 121 connected to the second pole of each of the battery cells 510, 520, and 530.

[0048] The charge / discharge management unit 130 can charge or discharge the multiple battery cells 510 , 520 , 530 via the first connection unit 110 and the second connection unit 120 . The monitor unit 140 can monitor the charging, discharging, remaining battery power, etc. of each of the plurality of battery cells 510, 520, 530. Specifically, the monitor unit 140 can measure state information of each of the plurality of battery cells 510, 520, 530 in at least one of a charging state, a discharging state, and a resting state.

[0049] The monitor unit 140 can transmit the measured status information of each of the battery cells 510, 520, and 530 to the server 400 via a wired or wireless network.

[0050] The server 400 can be defined as a controller that receives state information of each of the plurality of battery cells 510, 520, 530 and determines whether each of the plurality of battery cells 510, 520, 530 is defective. The server 400 can control the amount of charge of multiple battery cells 510 , 520 , and 530 .

[0051] The server 400 can generate a machine learning model that determines whether or not the multiple battery cells 510, 520, 530 are defective, based on the status information of the multiple battery cells 510, 520, 530 measured by the battery inspection device 100.

[0052] The tray 200 can be defined as a case in which the plurality of battery cells 510, 520, and 530 are respectively accommodated. The tray 200 can provide a battery inspection environment in which the plurality of battery cells 510, 520, and 530 can be loaded and an automatic battery inspection can be performed without moving the plurality of battery cells 510, 520, and 530.

[0053] The battery cells 510, 520, and 530 loaded on the tray 200 are connected in parallel, and the charge / discharge management unit 130 can collectively control the charge amount of the battery cells 510, 520, and 530.

[0054] The tray 200 may have the first connection part 110 or the second connection part 120 attached to a side surface thereof. The tray 200 may also be electrically connected to the monitor part 140.

[0055] The battery inspection system 1000 may further include a pressure forming unit 300 that applies pressure to the plurality of battery cells 510, 520, and 530. The pressure forming unit 300 may be defined as a pressure forming device that provides pressure to the plurality of battery cells 510, 520, and 530.

[0056] The battery inspection system 1000 may further include a pressure forming unit 300 which is a pressure forming apparatus that simulates a module assembly process in order to detect in advance defects of the plurality of battery cells 510, 520, 530 that may occur during the battery module assembly process.

[0057] 6, the pressure forming unit 300 may be provided in a space formed between the plurality of battery cells 510, 520, 530 accommodated in the tray 200. Specifically, the pressure forming unit 300 is mounted between the spaces in which the plurality of battery cells 510, 520, 530 are accommodated in the tray 200 in which the plurality of battery cells 510, 520, 530 are accommodated, and may provide pressure to the plurality of battery cells 510, 520, 530, respectively.

[0058] The pressure forming unit 300 is connected to the pressure forming device 310 and can provide pressure to each of the battery cells 510, 520, and 530. Here, the pressure forming device 310 can include, for example, an air pressure supplier 311 or a hydraulic pressure supplier 312.

[0059] Therefore, for example, the pressure forming unit 300 may be connected to an air pressure supplier 311 to provide air pressure to the plurality of battery cells 510, 520, and 530. Also, for example, the pressure forming unit 300 may be connected to a hydraulic pressure supplier 312 to provide hydraulic pressure to the plurality of battery cells 510, 520, and 530. Here, the air pressure supplier 311 or the hydraulic pressure supplier 312 may be connected to the server 400 via a wired or wireless network.

[0060] Thus, the server 400 can control the pressure generator 310 to provide pressure to the multiple battery cells 510 , 520 , 530 . The server 400 can control the charge / discharge management unit 130 to repeatedly charge and discharge the plurality of battery cells 510, 520, 530 to which pressure is applied. The server 400 can control the charge / discharge management unit 130 to set the voltage of the plurality of battery cells 510, 520, 530 to which pressure is applied to a voltage corresponding to a target SOC value. That is, the server 400 can adjust the state of charge (SOC) of the plurality of battery cells 510, 520, 530 to which pressure is applied to the target SOC value, and set the voltage of the plurality of battery cells 510, 520, 530 to which pressure is applied to a voltage corresponding to the target SOC value.

[0061] The server 400 controls the monitor unit 140 to measure the self-discharge voltage or current of the plurality of battery cells 510, 520, and 530 to which pressure is applied, thereby detecting a defective battery cell.

[0062] That is, the server 400 can detect a defective battery cell by comparing the self-discharge voltage or current of the battery cells 510, 520, 530 to which pressure is applied with the self-discharge voltage or current data of normal battery cells that have already been stored.

[0063] The above description is merely an illustrative example of the technical ideas of the present disclosure, and various modifications and variations can be made by a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present disclosure pertains without departing from the essential characteristics of the present disclosure.

[0064] Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in this disclosure are intended to explain the technical idea of ​​the disclosure, not to limit it, and such embodiments do not limit the scope of the technical idea of ​​the disclosure. The scope of protection of the disclosure should be interpreted according to the claims below, and all technical ideas within the scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being included in the scope of rights of the disclosure.

Claims

1. a first connection portion coupled to a positive electrode of each of the plurality of battery cells; a second connection portion connected to a negative electrode of each of the plurality of battery cells; a charge / discharge management unit that charges or discharges the plurality of battery cells via the first connection unit and the second connection unit; a monitor unit that measures state information of each of the plurality of battery cells in at least one of a charging state, a discharging state, and a resting state; Including, The monitor unit transmits measured state information of each of the plurality of battery cells to a server, The server generates a machine learning model that determines whether or not the plurality of battery cells are defective based on status information of the plurality of battery cells measured by the battery inspection device.

2. the first connection portion includes a plurality of first terminals connected to positive electrodes of the plurality of battery cells, The battery inspection device according to claim 1 , wherein the second connection portion includes a plurality of second terminals connected to negative electrodes of the plurality of battery cells, respectively.

3. The battery inspection device of claim 2 , wherein the first terminals and the second terminals are electrically connected to the charge / discharge management unit.

4. 4. The battery inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the status information includes at least one of a voltage, a temperature, EIS (Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy) data, and a self-discharge current.

5. The battery inspection device according to claim 1 , wherein the server controls a charge amount of the plurality of battery cells.

6. a battery inspection device including: a first connection part connected to a positive electrode of each of a plurality of battery cells; a second connection part connected to a negative electrode of each of the plurality of battery cells; a charge / discharge management part that charges or discharges the plurality of battery cells via the first connection part and the second connection part; and a monitor part that measures state information of each of the plurality of battery cells in at least one of a charged state, a discharged state, and a rest state; a tray in which the plurality of battery cells are housed; Including, The monitor unit transmits measured state information of each of the plurality of battery cells to a server, The server generates a machine learning model that determines whether or not the plurality of battery cells are defective based on status information of the plurality of battery cells measured by the battery inspection device.

7. a battery inspection device including: a first connection part connected to a positive electrode of each of a plurality of battery cells; a second connection part connected to a negative electrode of each of the plurality of battery cells; a charge / discharge management part that charges or discharges the plurality of battery cells via the first connection part and the second connection part; and a monitor part that measures state information of each of the plurality of battery cells in at least one of a charged state, a discharged state, and a rest state; a tray in which the plurality of battery cells are housed; a pressure generating unit that applies pressure to the plurality of battery cells; Including, A battery inspection system, wherein the pressure generating unit is provided in a space formed between the plurality of battery cells contained in the tray.

8. 8. The battery inspection system of claim 6, wherein the status information includes at least one of voltage, temperature, EIS data, and self-discharge current.

9. The battery inspection system according to claim 7 , wherein the monitor unit transmits information on the measured state of each of the plurality of battery cells to a server.

10. 10. The battery inspection system according to claim 6, wherein the server controls a charge amount of the plurality of battery cells.

11. The battery inspection system according to claim 6 , further comprising a pressure forming unit that applies pressure to the plurality of battery cells.

12. The battery inspection system according to claim 11 , wherein the pressure generating portion is provided in a space formed between the plurality of battery cells accommodated in the tray.

13. The battery inspection system according to claim 11 , wherein the pressure generating unit is connected to an air pressure supplier or an oil pressure supplier.

14. The battery inspection system according to claim 13 , wherein the air pressure supplier or the hydraulic pressure supplier is connected to the server via a wired or wireless network.

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