Apparatus for measuring size of battery cell and method for measuring the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery cell thickness measuring device and a measuring method using the same. Specifically, the invention relates to a body part comprising: a lower plate having a predetermined area on which a battery cell to be measured for thickness is placed; an upper plate positioned above the lower plate at a predetermined distance from the lower plate; and a vertical frame connecting the lower plate and the upper plate; a pressing part comprising: a first pressing plate that presses the upper part of the battery cell placed on the lower plate with a predetermined pressure; a plurality of vertical connecting parts connected to the first pressing plate; and a horizontal connecting part connecting the plurality of vertical connecting parts to each other; and a moving member having one side connected to the first pressing plate, and a measuring part that measures the moving distance of the moving member.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery cell thickness measuring device and a measuring method using the same. Specifically, it relates to a battery cell thickness measuring device and a measuring method using the same that can measure the thickness of a battery cell while freely adjusting the applied pressure with only one measuring device, and furthermore, can measure the thickness of a specific part of the battery cell. Background Technology

[0003] With the remarkable development of IT (Information Technology) and the proliferation of various portable information and communication devices, the 21st century is evolving into a 'ubiquitous society' where high-quality information services are available regardless of time and place.

[0004] Lithium-ion batteries play a crucial role in the foundation of this development toward a ubiquitous society. Specifically, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are not only widely used as an energy source for wireless mobile devices, but are also being utilized as an energy source for electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles, which are being proposed as solutions to address air pollution caused by conventional gasoline and diesel vehicles that use fossil fuels.

[0005] A battery cell is a small unit of a lithium secondary battery, and lithium compounds are generated inside the battery cell, causing the Solid Electrolyte Interfacial Layer (SEI Layer) to grow. Consequently, as the charge and discharge cycles of the battery cell are repeated, the thickness of the battery cell increases or the battery cell (P) bends.

[0006] Meanwhile, to manufacture thin mobile devices, the increase in battery thickness must be determined in advance and reflected in the device design. If the thickness increase exceeds the device's size limits, it can generate internal pressure and cause mechanical malfunction. Conversely, if the device's size limits are set too large relative to the thickness increase, it becomes impossible to manufacture a thin device.

[0007] Therefore, in order to determine whether there is leakage current in the battery, whether there is lithium gas generated inside the battery due to charging and discharging, and whether the battery volume expands due to the generated gas, it is necessary to measure the change in thickness according to the change in volume of the battery cell (P).

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery cell thickness measuring device according to the prior art. Typically, when measuring the thickness of a battery cell, the device shown in FIG. 1 is used. That is, after placing the battery cell on a die, a flat plate having a certain weight is placed in close contact with the top of the battery cell, and the thickness of the battery cell is measured from a height above the die surface.

[0009] Meanwhile, the pressure applied when measuring the thickness of battery cells—that is, the weight of the flat plate—often varies depending on the manufacturer or user, and thus there is a problem requiring the possession of multiple measuring devices or the replacement of the flat plate itself.

[0010] In addition, there are cases where the thickness of a battery cell is measured at a specific location; however, since conventional battery thickness measurement methods use a flat plate large enough to cover the entire cell, it is impossible to measure only a specific part of the battery cell. Prior art literature

[0012] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2020-0081109 The problem to be solved

[0013] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a battery cell thickness measuring device capable of varying the weight of the pressure plate during battery cell measurement, and a measurement method using the same.

[0014] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a battery cell thickness measuring device having a structure capable of measuring the thickness of specific parts of the battery cell, and a measurement method using the same. means of solving the problem

[0016] A battery cell thickness measuring device according to the present invention for achieving such an objective comprises: a body part (100) having a lower plate (110) having a predetermined area on which a battery cell (P) to be measured for thickness is placed, an upper plate (120) positioned above at a predetermined distance from the lower plate (110), and a vertical frame connecting the lower plate (110) and the upper plate (120); a pressure part (200) including a first pressure plate (210) that pressurizes the upper part of the battery cell (P) placed on the lower plate (110) with a predetermined pressure, a plurality of vertical connecting parts (220) connected to the first pressure plate (210), and a horizontal connecting part (230) connecting the plurality of vertical connecting parts (220) to each other; and a moving member (310) having one side connected to the first pressure plate (210), and a measuring part (300) that measures the moving distance of the moving member (310).

[0017] In addition, the thickness measuring device for a battery cell according to the present invention is characterized in that a magnetic body (250) is provided on the upper surface of the first pressure plate (210), and one or more detachable second pressure plates (260) are provided on the upper surface of the magnetic body (250).

[0018] In addition, in the battery cell thickness measuring device according to the present invention, the second pressure plate (260) is characterized by being made of a metal material.

[0019] In addition, the battery cell thickness measuring device according to the present invention is characterized in that the first pressure plate (210) is provided with a storage space, and a detachable measuring bar (212) is stored in the storage space.

[0020] In addition, the thickness measuring device for a battery cell according to the present invention is characterized in that one or more fastening grooves (213) into which the measuring bar (212) is inserted are provided on the bottom surface of the first pressure plate (210).

[0021] In addition, the battery cell thickness measuring device according to the present invention is characterized in that a male screw thread (212') is formed on one outer surface of the measuring bar (212), and a female screw thread is provided in the fastening groove (213).

[0022] In addition, in the battery cell thickness measuring device according to the present invention, the measuring bar (212) is characterized by being made of a metal material.

[0023] In addition, the thickness measuring device for a battery cell according to the present invention is characterized in that a magnetic body (250) is provided on the upper surface of the first pressure plate (210), and one or more detachable second pressure plates (260) are provided on the upper surface of the magnetic body (250).

[0024] In addition, a method for measuring the thickness of a battery cell according to the present invention comprises: a first step of determining the pressure to be applied to the battery cell (P); a second step of zeroing the first pressure plate (210) by bringing it into close contact with the lower plate (110); a third step of moving the first pressure plate (210) upward and then placing the battery cell (P) on the upper surface of the lower plate (110); a fourth step of moving the first pressure plate (210) downward to bring the first pressure plate (210) and the battery cell (P) into close contact; and a fifth step of measuring the distance traveled by the first pressure plate (210).

[0025] In addition, the method for measuring the thickness of a battery cell according to the present invention is characterized by further including the step of placing one or more second pressure plates (260) on the upper surface of the first pressure plate (210) in the first step.

[0026] In addition, in the method for measuring the thickness of a battery cell according to the present invention, between the third and fourth steps, the method is further characterized by performing a step of separating the measuring bar (212) provided in the storage space of the first pressure plate (210) and then fastening it to the fastening groove (213) provided on the bottom surface of the first pressure plate (210). Effects of the invention

[0028] As described above, according to the battery cell thickness measuring device and measuring method using the same of the present invention, the pressure member placed on the upper surface of the battery cell is equipped with a magnetic body and one or more detachable pressure plates, thereby having the advantage of easy adjustment of the pressure.

[0029] In addition, according to the battery cell thickness measuring device and the measuring method using the same of the present invention, the pressure part is equipped with a detachable measuring bar, and thus there is an advantage that it is possible to measure the thickness of only a specific part of the battery cell. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0031] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a thickness measuring device for a battery cell according to the prior art. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a battery cell thickness measuring device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a front view of the thickness measuring device of the battery cell illustrated in Figure 2. FIG. 4 is an internal enlarged view to explain the movement of the pressurizing part in the battery cell thickness measuring device illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a sequential perspective view of the pressurizing part of the battery cell thickness measuring device illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a modified example of the second pressure plate in the thickness measuring device of the battery cell shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a modified example of a first pressure plate in a thickness measuring device for a battery cell according to the present invention. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for measuring the thickness of a battery cell using a measuring device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a front view showing a battery cell seated on a lower plate for measuring the thickness of a battery cell using a first pressure plate in a measuring device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a front view showing the state in which a measuring bar is in contact with a specific part of a battery cell, for measuring the thickness of a specific part of a battery cell using a measuring bar in a measuring device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0032] Embodiments that enable a person skilled in the art to easily implement the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. However, in describing the operating principles of preferred embodiments of the present invention in detail, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known functions or configurations may unnecessarily obscure the essence of the present invention, such detailed description is omitted.

[0033] In addition, the same reference numerals are used for parts having similar functions and operations throughout the drawings. Throughout the specification, when a part is described as being connected to another part, this includes not only cases where they are directly connected, but also cases where they are indirectly connected with other elements in between. Furthermore, unless specifically stated otherwise, the inclusion of a certain component does not exclude other components but implies that additional components may be included.

[0035] Hereinafter, a battery cell thickness measuring device and a measuring method using the same according to the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0036] First, a device for measuring the thickness of a battery cell, more specifically a pouch-type battery cell, will be described. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a battery cell thickness measuring device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a front view of the battery cell thickness measuring device shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is an internal enlarged view for explaining the movement of the pressurizing part of the battery cell thickness measuring device shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 5 is a forward perspective view of the pressurizing part of the battery cell thickness measuring device shown in FIG. 2.

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 5, the thickness measuring device for a battery cell according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a body part (100) forming the overall shape, a pressing part (200) that presses with a predetermined force when measuring the thickness of a battery cell (P), a measuring part (300) that measures the thickness of a battery cell (P) and visually displays the result, and a supporting part (400) that supports the body part (100).

[0038] Specifically, the body portion (100) is composed of a flat lower plate (110) having a predetermined area so that a battery cell (P) to be measured for thickness can be placed thereon, an upper plate (120) positioned above the lower plate (110) at a predetermined distance from the lower plate (110), and a pair of vertical frames (130) for connecting and fixing the lower plate (110) and the upper plate (120) to each other.

[0039] Here, a limit bar (121) extending a predetermined length downward is provided at a predetermined position on the upper plate (120), and this is intended to prevent damage that may be caused by the first pressure plate (210) and the second pressure plate (260), which will be described later, being in excessive contact with the upper plate (120).

[0040] And although not shown in the drawing, a through hole is drilled in the upper plate (120) so that the movable member (310) can pass through.

[0041] Meanwhile, a rail (131) is provided along the height direction on the inner side of a pair of vertical frames (130), thereby allowing the pressurizing part (200) to move up and down, and this will be described later.

[0042] Next, we will explain the pressure member (200) that applies a predetermined force when measuring the thickness of the battery cell (P).

[0043] The pressure member (200) is configured to include a first pressure plate (210), a vertical connecting member (220), a horizontal connecting member (230), a gripping member (240), a magnetic body (250), and a second pressure plate (260).

[0044] Specifically, the first pressure plate (210) is configured to apply pressure with a predetermined force to the upper surface of a battery cell (P) seated on the lower plate (110), has a predetermined weight, and has a flat lower surface.

[0045] A plurality of vertical connecting parts (220) are configured to connect and fix the first pressure plate (210) and the horizontal connecting part (230) to each other, with one side connected to the first pressure plate (210) and the other side extended upward by a predetermined length connected to the horizontal connecting part (230).

[0046] Here, the outer surface of the vertical connecting part (220) has a structure capable of ascending or descending along the rail (131) of the aforementioned vertical frame (130). Since this ascending and descending structure using the rail corresponds to a known configuration, a detailed description will be omitted.

[0047] The horizontal connecting part (230) is connected to the aforementioned vertical connecting part (220), and a gripping part (240) is connected to one side.

[0048] Here, the gripping part (240) is preferably positioned to protrude a predetermined length outside the vertical frame (130) so as to make it easy to grip with the hand. That is, when measuring the thickness of the battery cell (P), the operator holds the gripping part (240) with their hand and performs the operation of lifting the pressing part (200) up or down.

[0049] As explained above, conventional thickness measuring devices have a problem in that the weight of the first pressure plate is always constant, but when a customer requests to measure thickness with a heavier or lighter first pressure plate, a new thickness measuring device must be prepared.

[0050] In other words, this is because the thickness of the battery cell (P), which is the object to be measured, can vary depending on the weight of the first pressure plate.

[0051] However, in the present invention, a magnetic body (250) and one or more second pressure plates (260) are additionally provided so that it can be handled with a single thickness measuring device.

[0052] Specifically, the magnetic body (250) is provided on the upper surface of the first pressure plate (210), and the second pressure plate (260), made of metal, can be placed on the magnetic body (250).

[0053] Here, the magnetic body (250) may be provided to protrude to a predetermined height on the upper surface of the first pressure plate (210), but it is more preferable that it be provided in a somewhat recessed state so that the magnetic body (250) and the first pressure plate (210) form a single surface. This is because if the second pressure plate (260) is not used, the movement of the installed battery cell (P) can be restricted.

[0054] Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 5, the second pressure plate (260) has an overall shape that is a cuboid with a predetermined thickness, and a cut portion (261) is provided on one side edge toward the inside, which is to allow movement of the moving member (310).

[0055] Also, as shown in FIG. 6, which is a modified example of the second pressure plate in the battery cell thickness measuring device illustrated in FIG. 2, it is possible to use two second pressure plates (260) together that are formed in a cuboid shape instead of omitting the cut portion in the second pressure plate (260).

[0056] Although FIG. 5 shows only one second pressure plate (260), this is merely an example, and it is obvious that two or more can be stacked along the height direction.

[0057] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a modified example of a first pressure plate in a battery cell thickness measuring device according to the present invention. The first pressure plate shown in FIG. 7 is very useful for measuring the thickness of a specific part, such as a corner or a middle part of a battery cell.

[0058] The first pressure plate (210) is provided with a storage space (211) that is recessed inward, a measuring bar (212), and a fastening groove (213).

[0059] Specifically, the storage space (211) may be provided on one or more of the front, side, rear, and bottom surfaces of the first pressure plate (220), and it is preferable that it be provided on the front surface so that the worker can easily check it visually and conveniently work, and it is more preferable that a gripping groove (211′) with a slightly recessed shape be provided near the entrance of the storage space (211) so that the measuring bar (212) can be easily gripped.

[0060] The measuring bar (212) is stored in the storage space (211) so that it can be attached and detached. That is, when the thickness is measured by applying pressure to the entire upper surface of the battery cell (P), the measuring bar (212) is stored in the storage space (211), and is separated from the storage space (211) only when measuring the thickness of a specific part.

[0061] It is preferable that a male screw thread (212') be formed on one outer surface of such a measuring bar (212), and it is more preferable that it be made of a metal material, and most preferable that one or more bands (212″) be mounted at a predetermined position on the outer surface.

[0062] This is because the first pressure plate (210) can be directed downward in a more secure state by fastening a male and female screw to the fastening groove (213) of the first pressure plate (210) of the measuring bar (212), and if made of a metal material, it is resistant to wear, etc., and if a magnetic material is provided on the upper surface of the first pressure plate (210), fixation by magnetic force can also be expected.

[0063] In addition, one or more bands (212″) made of rubber or the like can be used to bring the measuring bar (212) into close contact with the inner surface of the storage space (211), thereby preventing the loss of the measuring bar (212), and can also be expected to have an anti-slip effect when fastened to the fastening groove (213).

[0064] A fastening groove (213) provided at a predetermined depth from the bottom surface of the first pressure plate (210) toward the top is configured to fix the measuring bar (212) as described above, and has female screw threads on its inner surface. Although FIG. 7 shows four fastening grooves (213) formed, this is merely an example and the number or position can be changed as many times as needed.

[0065] Meanwhile, although the fixing force between the fastening groove (213) and the measuring bar (212) may be somewhat reduced, it is obvious that they can be fixed by a simple press-fit method rather than by a male and female screw fastening.

[0066] Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3, we will explain the measuring part (300) and the supporting part (400).

[0067] The measuring unit (300) is configured to measure the thickness of a battery cell (P) placed on a first pressure plate (210) and to express the result as a number, and includes a movable member (310) in the shape of a cylinder or polygonal column connected to the first pressure plate (210) on one side.

[0068] For example, a scale is engraved on the outer surface of the movable member (310), and the thickness of the battery cell (P) can be measured by determining how much the movable member (310) has moved by sensing the position of the scale, but any known technology capable of measuring the distance traveled by the movable member (310) is not particularly limited.

[0069] A support member (400) located below the body member (100) is configured to include a support plate (410) and four or more legs (420) located below the support plate (410) that are height-adjustable.

[0071] Next, a measurement method using the battery cell thickness measuring device according to the present invention described above will be explained.

[0072] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for measuring the thickness of a battery cell using a measuring device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9 is a front view showing a battery cell seated on a lower plate for measuring the thickness of a battery cell using a first pressure plate in a measuring device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a front view showing a state in which a measuring bar is in contact with a specific part of a battery cell for measuring the thickness of a specific part of a battery cell using a measuring bar in a measuring device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] A method for measuring the thickness of a battery cell according to the present invention comprises: a first step of determining the pressure to be applied to the battery cell (P); a second step of zeroing the first pressure plate (210) by bringing it into close contact with the lower plate (110); a third step of moving the first pressure plate (210) upward and then placing the battery cell (P) on the lower plate (110); a fourth step of moving the first pressure plate (210) downward to bring the first pressure plate (210) and the battery cell (P) into close contact; and a fifth step of measuring the distance traveled by the first pressure plate (210).

[0074] Specifically, the first step of determining the pressure to be applied to the battery cell (P) is a step of determining the pressure to be applied with a certain amount of force.

[0075] Here, if the determined pressure exceeds the first pressure plate (210) installed and fixed in the measuring device, one or more second pressure plates (260) are placed on the upper surface of the first pressure plate (210).

[0076] In the second step of zeroing the first pressure plate (210) by bringing it into close contact with the lower plate (110), the first pressure plate (210) is moved downward until it comes into close contact with the lower plate (110) to perform zeroing.

[0077] In the third step of placing the battery cell (P) on the lower plate (110), as shown in FIG. 8, the gripping part (240) is grasped by hand and the pressing part (200) is lifted sufficiently, and then the battery cell (P) to be measured is placed on the lower plate (110). Here, the pressure applied to the battery cell (P) depends on the load of the lower plate (110) itself and is not applied by a separate pressing means such as a hand.

[0078] Afterwards, a fourth step is performed in which the first pressure plate (210) is moved downward to bring the first pressure plate (210) and the battery cell (P) into close contact.

[0079] Here, if it is necessary to measure the thickness of a specific part of the battery cell (P), the measuring bar (212) provided in the storage space of the first pressure plate (210) is separated, and then the step of fastening it to the fastening groove (213) provided on the bottom surface of the first pressure plate (210) is additionally performed, and then the first pressure plate (210) is moved downward to bring the measuring bar (212) of the first pressure plate (210) and the battery cell (P) into close contact (see FIG. 9).

[0080] Finally, in the fifth step of measuring the movement distance of the first pressure plate (210), the thickness of the battery cell (P) or the thickness of a specific part of the battery cell (P) is finally measured by measuring the movement distance to determine how much the moving member (310) has moved upward compared to the second step of zero adjustment.

[0082] A person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will be able to make various applications and modifications within the scope of the present invention based on the above content. Explanation of the symbols

[0084] 100: Body part 110: Lower plate 120: Upper plate 121: Limit bar 130: Vertical frame 131: Rail 200: Pressurizing part 210: First pressure plate 211: Storage space 211′: Waste paper groove 212: Measurement bar 212′: Male thread 212″: Band 213: Signing Home 220: Vertical connection 230: Horizontal connection 240: Waste paper 250: Magnetic material 260: Second pressure plate 261: Incision 300: Measurement section 310: Moving member 400: Support 410: Support plate 420: Bridge P: Battery cell

Claims

Claim 1 A battery cell thickness measuring device characterized by comprising: a body part including a lower plate having a predetermined area on which a battery cell to be measured for thickness is placed, an upper plate positioned above while spaced apart from the lower plate by a predetermined distance, and a vertical frame connecting the lower plate and the upper plate; a pressure part including a first pressure plate that presses the upper part of the battery cell placed on the lower plate with a predetermined pressure, a plurality of vertical connecting parts connected to the first pressure plate, and a horizontal connecting part connecting the plurality of vertical connecting parts to each other; and a moving member having one side connected to the first pressure plate, and a measuring part that measures the moving distance of the moving member. Claim 2 A battery cell thickness measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that a magnetic body is provided on the upper surface of the first pressure plate, and one or more detachable second pressure plates are provided on the upper surface of the magnetic body. Claim 3 A battery cell thickness measuring device according to paragraph 2, characterized in that the second pressure plate is made of a metal material. Claim 4 A battery cell thickness measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first pressure plate has a storage space, and the storage space has a detachable measuring bar for measuring the thickness of the corner or middle portion of the battery cell. Claim 5 A battery cell thickness measuring device according to claim 4, characterized in that the bottom surface of the first pressure plate is provided with one or more fastening grooves into which the measuring bar is inserted. Claim 6 A battery cell thickness measuring device according to claim 5, characterized in that a male screw thread is formed on one outer surface of the measuring bar and a female screw thread is provided in the fastening groove. Claim 7 A battery cell thickness measuring device according to claim 4, characterized in that the measuring bar is made of a metal material. Claim 8 A battery cell thickness measuring device according to claim 7, characterized in that a magnetic body is provided on the upper surface of the first pressure plate, and one or more detachable second pressure plates are provided on the upper surface of the magnetic body. Claim 9 A method for measuring the thickness of a battery cell using a battery cell thickness measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising: a first step of determining pressure to be applied to the battery cell; a second step of zeroing the first pressure plate by bringing it into close contact with a lower plate; a third step of moving the first pressure plate upward and then placing the battery cell on the upper surface of the lower plate; a fourth step of moving the first pressure plate downward to bring the first pressure plate and the battery cell into close contact; and a fifth step of measuring the distance traveled by the first pressure plate. Claim 10 A method for measuring the thickness of a battery cell according to claim 9, wherein the first step further comprises the step of placing one or more second pressure plates on the upper surface of the first pressure plate. Claim 11 A method for measuring the thickness of a battery cell according to claim 9, characterized in that, between the third and fourth steps, a measuring bar provided in the storage space of the first pressure plate is separated and then fastened to a fastening groove provided on the bottom surface of the first pressure plate.

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