Apparatus and method for inspecting battery test equipment for leakage

Abstract

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for inspecting battery test equipment for leakage comprises: a main tube that is detachably connected to an object under inspection and communicates with the inside of the object under inspection, wherein the object under inspection includes a battery heating module or has a flow meter connected to the battery heating module; a gas supply unit that is connected to the main tube and supplies a gas for leak detection into the object under inspection via the main tube; and a pressure measurement unit that is connected to the main tube and measures changes in the gas pressure in the main tube and the object under inspection. According to the apparatus for inspecting battery test equipment for leakage according to the present invention, whether the battery test equipment has a gas leak is inspected prior to evaluating the thermal stability of a battery by using the battery test equipment, and if a leak is found, the entirety or a portion of the equipment is replaced or repaired to ensure the reliability of a test.

Description

Battery test equipment leak detection device and inspection method

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery test equipment leak detection device and inspection method, and more specifically, to a battery test equipment leak detection device and inspection method for inspecting for gas leakage in advance before measuring the pressure and flow rate of gas generated during battery ignition using the battery test equipment.

[0002] With the increasing technological development and demand for mobile devices, electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, power storage devices, and uninterruptible power supplies, the demand for secondary batteries as an energy source is rapidly rising. Specifically, in terms of shape, there is high demand for prismatic and pouch-type secondary batteries, while in terms of materials, there is high demand for lithium-based secondary batteries due to their high energy density and discharge capacity per unit time.

[0003] The basic unit of a secondary battery is the battery cell, which can be used individually or in the form of a battery module composed of multiple cells. Recently, with the increasing demand for high-output, high-capacity batteries for electric vehicles or energy storage devices, batteries are being used in the form of battery packs in which multiple battery modules are interconnected.

[0004] One of the major research challenges regarding battery cells, which are the basic units of battery modules, is to improve safety. For example, lithium battery cells can undergo thermal runaway due to heat generated by internal defects such as internal short circuits or system failures such as overcharging and over-discharging, which cause electrolyte decomposition reactions. In this case, the pressure inside the battery rises rapidly, which can lead to an explosion.

[0005] Generally, an evaluation method involving heating the battery is performed to assess its thermal stability. Typically, battery test equipment includes a battery heating module and a flow meter. The battery heating module heats the battery while it is embedded inside and is configured to discharge gases generated upon battery ignition in one direction. The flow meter is connected to the battery heating module to measure the pressure and flow rate of the gases discharged from the module.

[0006] In the process of evaluating the thermal stability of a battery using battery test equipment configured in this manner, conventionally, there was a problem of reduced test reliability because it was difficult to verify whether there was gas leakage in the battery heating module or flow meter, as measuring means to measure the possibility of leakage within the battery test equipment were not provided.

[0007] The present invention was devised to solve the problems of the prior art described above, and aims to provide a battery test equipment leak detection device and inspection method that can ensure the reliability of a test by inspecting for gas leakage in the battery test equipment in advance before evaluating the thermal stability of the battery through the battery test equipment.

[0008] A battery test equipment leak detection device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose comprises: a main tube that is detachably connected to a test object composed of a battery heating module or a test object in which a flow meter is connected to the battery heating module and communicates with the interior of the test object; a gas supply unit connected to the main tube and supplying a leak detection gas into the test object through the main tube; and a pressure measuring unit connected to the main tube and measuring changes in gas pressure within the main tube and the test object.

[0009] One end of the main tube connected to the test subject is opened.

[0010] At one end of the main tube, a connecting flange is formed that is detachably connected to the connecting flange of the test object.

[0011] The two connecting flanges are joined using a bolt connection method.

[0012] A gasket is provided between the two connecting flanges.

[0013] The gas supply unit includes a gas supply hose connected to a main tube and a gas valve connected to the gas supply hose to open and close the gas flow.

[0014] The battery heating module includes a module box that houses a battery, a battery heating unit provided within the module box for heating the battery, and a gas exhaust unit provided on one side of the module box for discharging gas generated during battery heating to the outside.

[0015] One end of the flow meter is detachably connected to the battery heating module, and the other end of the flow meter is detachably connected to the main tube.

[0016] A battery test equipment leakage inspection method according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose comprises a first test object leakage inspection step for inspecting whether a first test object has a leakage, and a second test object leakage inspection step for inspecting whether a second test object has a leakage.

[0017] The test specimen includes a first test specimen composed solely of a battery heating module, and a second test specimen in which a flow meter is connected to the battery heating module.

[0018] In the first leak inspection step of the test object, the battery heating module is inspected for leakage, and in the second leak inspection step of the test object, the flow meter is inspected for leakage.

[0019] The first test object leakage inspection step includes the step of connecting a battery test equipment leakage inspection device to the first test object, the step of determining whether the first test object has a leakage, and the step of replacing or repairing the first test object determined to have a leakage.

[0020] The step of determining whether there is a leak in the first test object includes the step of opening a gas valve and injecting a leak test gas into the main tube and the first test object through a gas supply hose, the step of closing the gas valve to stop the injection of the leak test gas into the main tube and the first test object, and the step of measuring whether there is a change in the gas pressure filled in the main tube and the first test object.

[0021] If there is no change in gas pressure, it is determined that no leakage has occurred, and if the gas pressure decreases, it is determined that leakage has occurred in the first test specimen.

[0022] The second test subject leak inspection step includes the step of configuring the second test subject by connecting a flow meter to a battery heating module that does not have a leak, the step of connecting a battery test equipment leak inspection device to the second test subject, the step of determining whether the second test subject has a leak, and the step of replacing or repairing the flow meter of the second test subject determined to have a leak.

[0023] The step of determining whether there is a leak in the second test object includes the step of opening a gas valve and injecting a leak test gas into the main tube and the second test object through a gas supply hose, the step of closing the gas valve to stop the injection of the leak test gas into the main tube and the second test object, and the step of measuring whether there is a change in the gas pressure filled in the main tube and the second test object.

[0024] If there is no change in gas pressure, it is determined that no leakage has occurred, and if the gas pressure decreases, it is determined that leakage has occurred in the second test specimen.

[0025] According to the battery test equipment leak detection device and inspection method of the present invention, the reliability of the test can be ensured by inspecting for gas leakage in the battery test equipment in advance before evaluating the thermal stability of the battery through the battery test equipment, and replacing or repairing all or part of the equipment if a leak is confirmed.

[0026] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a battery test equipment.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a battery test equipment leak detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention connected to a first test subject.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a battery test equipment leak detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention connected to a second test subject.

[0029] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the connection relationship between a test subject and a battery test equipment leak detection device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the overall inspection process according to the battery test equipment leakage inspection method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the process of checking for leakage of a test subject by a battery test equipment leakage inspection method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Hereinafter, a battery test equipment leak inspection device and inspection method according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0033]

[0034] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a battery test equipment.

[0035] The battery test equipment (1) includes a battery heating module (10) and a flow meter (20).

[0036] The battery heating module (10) is configured to heat a battery (2) while it is embedded inside and to discharge gas generated when the battery ignites in one direction, and includes a module box (11), a battery heating part (not shown), and a gas discharge part (12).

[0037] The module box (11) houses a battery inside and is open to one side. The module box (11) is made of metal so as to withstand ignition and explosion of the battery. The battery heating unit is a heating pad provided inside the module box (11) that heats the battery by releasing heat when power is applied. The gas exhaust unit (12) is connected to the open side of the module box (11) and is provided with a connecting flange (13) at its end.

[0038] The flow meter (20) is connected to the battery heating module (10) to measure the pressure and flow rate of the gas discharged from the battery heating module (10). The gas discharged from the battery heating module (10) is introduced through one side of the flow meter (20), passes through the inside of the flow meter (20), and is discharged to the outside through the other side. Connecting flanges (21) and (22) are respectively provided on one side and the other side of the flow meter (20). The connecting flange (21) on one side of the flow meter (20) is detachably connected to the connecting flange (13) of the battery heating module (10) through a bolt connection.

[0039] According to the battery test equipment (1) configured in this manner, when a battery is heated within the module box (11) of the battery heating module (10), the battery ignites and gas is generated, and the generated gas is discharged to the outside through the flow meter (20). The flow meter (20) measures the flow rate and explosion pressure of the gas generated when the battery ignites. Through this test, the thermal stability of the battery can be evaluated.

[0040] Meanwhile, in order for accurate measurement to be performed at the flow meter (20), there must be no gas leakage in the battery heating module (10) and the flow meter (20). To this end, the present invention connects a battery test equipment leak inspection device (100) to the battery test equipment (1) to inspect for gas leakage in the battery test equipment (1), and allows the entire equipment or part thereof to be replaced if gas leakage occurs.

[0041] As described above, the battery test equipment (1) is composed of a battery heating module (10) and a flow meter (20). Therefore, for each of the battery heating module (10) and the flow meter (20), a leak must be checked. To do this, a first test subject (A) can be formed using only the battery heating module (10), and a second test subject (B) can be formed by connecting the flow meter (20) to the battery heating module (10). In the case of the battery heating module (10) constituting the second test subject (B), a product that passes the leak test and is free of leaks can be used.

[0042]

[0043] Hereinafter, we will examine in detail the connection structure for connecting the battery test equipment leak inspection device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention to the first and second test subjects (A) and (B), respectively, and the components constituting the leak inspection device. In addition, we will also examine in detail the method for inspecting whether there is a gas leak in the battery test equipment using the battery test equipment leak inspection device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044]

[0045] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a battery test equipment leak detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention connected to a first test object, FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a battery test equipment leak detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention connected to a second test object, and FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the connection relationship between the test object and the battery test equipment leak detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] As described above, the first test object (A) may be composed solely of a battery heating module (10), and the second test object (B) may be composed by connecting a flow meter (20) to the battery heating module (10).

[0047] A battery test equipment leak detection device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a main tube (110), a gasket (120), a gas supply unit (130), and a pressure measuring unit (140).

[0048] The main tube (110) is detachably connected to the first and second test specimens (A) and (B) and is connected to the interior of the first and second test specimens (A) and (B). To this end, the main tube (110) has a space formed inside that is filled with gas and is open at one end that is connected to the first and second test specimens (A) and (B). At one end of the main tube (110), a connecting flange (150) is formed that is detachably connected to the connecting flange (13) and (22) of the first and second test specimens (A) and (B). The connecting flanges (13) and (22) and (150) are detachably connected by a bolt connection method using a bolt (160) and a nut (170). To this end, bolt through holes (13a) and (22a) and (150a) through which the bolt (160) passes are formed in each connecting flange (13) and (22) and (150).

[0049] A gasket (120) is provided between two connecting flanges (13)(22)(150) that are connected to each other to prevent gas from leaking through the connection.

[0050] The gas supply unit (130) is connected to the main tube (110) to supply gas for leak detection to the main tube (110), and includes a gas supply hose (131) connected to the main tube (110) and a gas valve (132) connected to the gas supply hose (131) to open and close the gas flow. The gas supply hose (131) is connected to a gas tank not shown.

[0051] The pressure measuring unit (140) is connected to the main tube (110) to measure the pressure change of the leak detection gas filled in the main tube (110) and the first and second test subjects (A)(B). The pressure measuring unit (140) can be connected to the main tube (110) through a hose.

[0052] A battery test equipment exposure inspection device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention configured as shown in FIG. 2 is connected to a first test object (A) to inspect for leakage in a battery heating module (10), and is connected to a second test object (B) to inspect for leakage in a flow meter (20) as shown in FIG. 3.

[0053]

[0054] FIG. 5 is a process diagram showing the overall inspection process according to the battery test equipment leak inspection method according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the process of inspecting whether a test subject has a leak by the battery test equipment leak inspection method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] A battery test equipment leakage inspection method according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first test object leakage inspection step (S10) for inspecting whether there is leakage of a first test object (A) and a second test object leakage inspection step (S20) for inspecting whether there is leakage of a second test object (B).

[0056] The first test object leakage inspection step (S10) includes a test device connection step (S11) for connecting a test device to the first test object (A), a leakage determination step (S12) for determining whether there is a leakage in the first test object (A), and a replacement / repair step (S13) for replacing or repairing the battery heating module (10) when there is a leakage in the first test object (A).

[0057] In the inspection device connection step (S11), the connection flange (150) of the inspection device is connected to the connection flange (13) of the battery heating module (10) using a bolt (160) and a nut (170). A gasket (120) is fitted between the two connection flanges (13) and (150).

[0058] In the leak detection step (S12), after connecting the inspection device, the gas valve (132) is opened to supply leak detection gas into the main tube (110) through the gas supply hose (131), and when the leak detection gas fills the battery heating module (10), the gas valve (132) is closed and the pressure fluctuation is measured through the pressure measuring unit (140). If there is no pressure fluctuation, it is determined to pass as there is no leak in the battery heating module (10), and if the pressure drops, it is determined to fail as there is a leak in the battery heating module (10).

[0059] In the replacement / repair step (S13), if the battery heating module (10) is deemed unsatisfactory, the battery heating module (10) is replaced with a new one, or the leaking part is located and the leaking part is repaired. Various known technologies currently in use can be utilized for the method of finding the leaking part and the method of repairing it.

[0060] The second test object leakage inspection step (S20) includes a test object configuration step (S21) for configuring the second test object (B), a test device connection step (S22) for connecting a test device to the second test object (B), a leakage determination step (S23) for determining whether there is a leakage in the second test object, and a replacement / repair step (S24) for replacing or repairing the flow meter (20) when there is a leakage in the second test object (B).

[0061] In the test object configuration step (S21), a second test object (B) is configured by connecting a flow meter (20) to a battery heating module (10). The battery heating module (10) that passed the first test object leakage inspection step (S10) may be used. Therefore, in the second test object leakage inspection step (S20), since there is no leakage from the battery heating module (10), the leakage of the flow meter (20) can be inspected.

[0062] In the inspection device connection step (S22), the connection flange (150) of the inspection device is connected to the connection flange (22) of the flow meter (20) using a bolt (160) and a nut (170). A gasket (120) is fitted between the two connection flanges (22) (150).

[0063] The leak detection step (S23) is identical to the leak detection step (S12) of the first test object (A), so the explanation is omitted.

[0064] In the replacement / repair step (S24), if the second test object (B) is deemed unsatisfactory, only the flow meter (20) is replaced with a new one, or the leaking part is located and the leak is repaired. Various known technologies currently in use can be utilized for the method of finding the leak and the method of repairing it.

[0065]

[0066] As described above, a battery test equipment leak inspection device and inspection method according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention have been explained in detail with reference to the attached drawings; however, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and can be implemented with various modifications within the scope of the claims.

[0067] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0068] 1 : Battery test equipment 10 : Battery heating module

[0069] 11: Module Box 12: Gas Exhaust

[0070] 13: Connection flange 20: Flow meter

[0071] 21, 22: Connection flange 100: Battery test equipment leak detection device

[0072] 110: Main tube 120: Gasket

[0073] 130: Gas supply unit 131: Gas supply hose

[0074] 132: Gas valve 140: Pressure measuring part

[0075] 150: Connecting flange 160: Bolt

[0076] 170 : Nut A : First test subject

[0077] B: Second test subject

Claims

1. A main tube that is detachably connected to a test object composed of a battery heating module or a test object with a flow meter connected to the battery heating module, and communicates with the interior of the test object; A gas supply unit connected to the main tube above and supplying leak detection gas into the test object through the main tube; and A battery test equipment leak detection device comprising: a pressure measuring unit connected to the main tube to measure changes in gas pressure within the main tube and the test object.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above main tube is a battery test equipment leak detection device with one end connected to the test object open.

3. In Paragraph 2, A battery test equipment leak detection device further comprising a connecting flange formed at one end of the main tube and detachably connected to the connecting flange of the test object.

4. In Paragraph 3, A battery test equipment leak detection device in which the two connecting flanges above are joined by a bolt connection method.

5. In Paragraph 3, A battery test equipment leak detection device further comprising a gasket provided between the two connecting flanges.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above gas supply unit is, A gas supply hose connected to the main tube above; and A battery test equipment leak detection device comprising: a gas valve connected to the above gas supply hose to open and close the gas flow.

7. In Paragraph 3, The above battery heating module is, Module box with a built-in battery; A battery heating unit provided within the above module box for heating the battery; and A battery test equipment leak detection device comprising: a gas discharge unit provided on one side of the above module box for discharging gas generated when the battery is heated to the outside.

8. In Paragraph 7, One end of the flow meter is detachably connected to the battery heating module, and the other end of the flow meter is detachably connected to the main tube. Battery test equipment leak detection device.

9. A battery test equipment leak inspection method for inspecting whether a test subject has a leak using a battery test equipment leak inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. In Paragraph 9, The above test subject is, A first test subject composed solely of a battery heating module; and A second test subject having a flow meter connected to a battery heating module; comprising Battery test equipment leak inspection method.

11. In Paragraph 10, A first test object leakage inspection step for inspecting whether the first test object has a leak; and A second test object leakage inspection step for inspecting whether the second test object has leakage; comprising Battery test equipment leak inspection method.

12. In Paragraph 11, In the first test object leakage inspection step, the leakage of the battery heating module is inspected, and in the second test object leakage inspection step, the leakage of the flow meter is inspected. Battery test equipment leak inspection method.

13. In Paragraph 12, The above first test object leakage inspection step is, A step of connecting the battery test equipment leak detection device to the first test subject; A step of determining whether the first test specimen has leakage; and A step of replacing or repairing a first test specimen determined to be leaking; comprising Battery test equipment leak inspection method.

14. In Paragraph 13, The step of determining whether the first test object has a leak is, A step of opening a gas valve and injecting a leak detection gas into the main tube and the first test object through a gas supply hose; A step of closing the gas valve to stop the injection of leak detection gas into the main tube and the first test object; and The method includes the step of measuring whether there is a fluctuation in the gas pressure filled in the main tube and the first test specimen. If there is no change in gas pressure, it is determined that no leakage has occurred, and if the gas pressure decreases, it is determined that leakage has occurred in the first test specimen. Battery test equipment leak inspection method.

15. In Paragraph 13, The above second test object leakage inspection step is, A step of configuring a second test subject by connecting a flow meter to a battery heating module that does not experience leakage; A step of connecting the battery test equipment leak detection device to the second test subject; A step of determining whether the second test specimen has leakage; and A step of replacing or repairing the flow meter of the second test subject determined to be leaking; comprising Battery test equipment leak inspection method.

16. In Paragraph 15, The step of determining whether there is leakage in the second test specimen is, A step of opening a gas valve and injecting a leak detection gas into the main tube and the second test object through a gas supply hose; A step of closing the gas valve to stop the injection of leak detection gas into the main tube and the second test object; and The method includes the step of measuring whether there is a fluctuation in the gas pressure filled in the main tube and the second test specimen. If there is no change in gas pressure, it is determined that no leakage has occurred, and if the gas pressure decreases, it is determined that leakage has occurred in the second test object. Battery test equipment leak inspection method.

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