Battery cell tray

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery cell tray including a lower tray having an open upper portion in which a plurality of battery cells are disposed and having openings at both sides of the lower tray through which lead wires of both ends of the battery cells are exposed, an upper tray having an open lower portion and covering and being coupled to the lower tray, lead wire connectors installed on both sides of the upper tray and coupled to the lead wires of both ends of the battery cells, electric wires connecting the lead wire connectors on both sides, and an instrument for measuring electrical properties of the battery cells coupled to the electric wires.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a battery cell tray, and more particularly, to a battery cell tray for accommodating or storing battery cells in a charging / discharging process for activation, an aging process, or transporting the battery cells between each process.

[0002] More specifically, the present application relates to a battery cell tray capable of monitoring the state of battery cells, such as electrical characteristics, even when the battery cells are stored or transported.

[0003] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0049156, filed on April 15, 2021, and the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND

[0004] As technology develops and the demand for mobile devices, vehicles, and energy storage devices increases, the demand for batteries as an energy source is rapidly increasing, and among these secondary batteries, a great deal of research has been made on lithium secondary batteries having high energy density and high discharge voltage, and lithium secondary batteries have been commercialized and widely used.

[0005] In particular, lithium secondary batteries have an operating voltage of 3.6 V or more, which is three times the operating voltage of nickel-cadmium batteries or nickel-hydrogen batteries widely used as power sources for portable electronic devices, and in terms of high energy density per unit weight, lithium secondary batteries also have a rapid expansion trend.

[0006] Recently, the use of pouch-type batteries having a structure in which a stacked or stacked / folded electrode assembly is embedded in a pouch-type battery case is gradually increasing due to low manufacturing costs, light weight, easy deformation of shape, etc.

[0007] Pouch-type battery cells undergo an activation process after a battery assembly process, thereby imparting characteristics to the battery cells. The activation process includes a process of manufacturing a primary battery cell having a structure in which an electrode assembly and an electrolyte are accommodated in a battery case, an initial charging / discharging process for the primary battery cell, an aging process for the primary battery cell, and an additional charging / discharging process or an aging process as needed in addition to the initial charging / discharging process and the aging process. In the charging / discharging process, a plurality of battery cells are accommodated in a tray, and a lead of each battery cell is connected to a terminal (a clip) of a charging and discharging device to be charged / discharged. In addition, before and after the charging / discharging process, the battery cells are accommodated in the tray and stored in a specific place (a warehouse) for a predetermined period of time, which is called an aging process. Alternatively, in order to move the plurality of battery cells between processes or from one warehouse to another, the plurality of battery cells are accommodated in the tray and transported.

[0008] However, the existing tray merely implements a function of accommodating or transporting the battery cells, and thus cannot monitor characteristics or states of the battery cells during each process or during movement between processes. For example, in the initial charging / discharging process, it is possible to measure a voltage of the battery cell during charging and discharging by connecting the terminal of the charging and discharging device to the lead of the battery cell accommodated in the tray, but it is not possible to measure the voltage of the battery cell during movement or storage between processes. In addition, it is difficult to measure other electrical characteristics, such as impedance, etc., in addition to the voltage due to characteristics of the charging / discharging process. Because the battery cell has not established its electrical characteristics and is in a state in which electrical characteristics such as voltage, impedance, and current can vary over time before and after the activation process or the aging process, it is necessary to monitor a change in the electrical characteristics. In addition, during the activation process or the aging process, the pouch-type battery cell has a significant volume change, and a bulging phenomenon can also occur due to gas generated inside the battery cell. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor a pressure of the battery cell during the process or between processes.

[0009] In addition, for example, a temperature of each tray accommodated in one warehouse during the aging process should be uniform so that each battery cell accommodated in the tray can be uniformly aged. However, in reality, even in the trays accommodated in the same warehouse, there are cases in which the temperature varies according to a state of the battery cell accommodated in the tray. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor a temperature of each tray and uniformly adjust the temperature.

[0010] As described above, it is desirable to develop a technology capable of monitoring electrical characteristics, a pressure, and a temperature of a tray of a battery cell during a charging / discharging process and an aging process or between each process.

[0011] Related technical literature

[0012] Patent Literature

[0013] (Patent Document) Korean Registered Patent No. 10-1127275 Summary of the Invention

[0014] Technical issues

[0015] An object of the present invention is to provide a battery cell tray capable of measuring and monitoring electrical characteristics of battery cells during a charge / discharge process, movement between processes, and an aging process.

[0016] In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide a multifunctional battery cell tray capable of monitoring the pressure or temperature of a battery cell during each process or between processes.

[0017] In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide a multifunctional battery cell tray capable of adjusting the temperature of each tray when battery cells are stored.

[0018] Technical Solution

[0019] In order to solve the above problems, a battery cell tray according to the present invention includes: a lower tray, which has an open upper portion, a plurality of battery cells are placed in the lower tray, and the lower tray has first openings at both sides of the lower tray, and the leads at both ends of the battery cells are exposed through the first openings; an upper tray, which has an open lower portion, covers the lower tray and is connected to the lower tray; lead connectors, which are installed on both sides of the upper tray and are connected to the leads at both ends of the battery cells; wires, which connect the lead connectors on both sides; and an instrument for measuring the electrical characteristics of the battery cells, which is connected to the wires.

[0020] Specifically, the electrical characteristic may include at least one of voltage, impedance, and current of the battery cell.

[0021] As an example, an instrument for measuring electrical characteristics may be mounted on an inner surface of an upper plate of an upper tray covering a lower tray.

[0022] As an example, the lead connector may include a first terminal block and a second terminal block, which respectively contact the front surface and rear surface of the lead at both ends of the battery cell, and the first terminal block may be able to move relative to the second terminal block in the thickness direction of the battery cell.

[0023] As a specific example, the first terminal blocks and the second terminal blocks can be respectively provided in plural to correspond to the number of the battery cells, and the plural first terminal blocks can be fixedly coupled to a movable shaft installed to pass through the upper tray in the thickness direction of the battery cells, and the plural first terminal blocks can move with respect to each of the plural second terminal blocks according to movement of the movable shaft.

[0024] As another example, the upper tray can be provided with first open windows at both sides facing the first openings of the lower tray, the lead connector can include first terminal blocks and second terminal blocks respectively contacting front surface sides and rear surface sides of leads at both ends of the battery cell, and can be installed on lower window frames of the first open windows, and the first terminal blocks can be movable in the thickness direction of the battery cell with respect to the second terminal blocks.

[0025] As an example, the connection terminal blocks can be coupled to the first terminal blocks or the second terminal blocks, the connection terminal blocks being connected to a charging and discharging device for charging and discharging during an activation process of the battery cell.

[0026] In particular, a first guide groove extending in the thickness direction of the battery cell can be provided in the lower window frame of the first open window, and the first terminal blocks can be installed in the first guide groove and can be movable along the first guide groove with respect to the second terminal blocks.

[0027] Also, a second guide groove extending in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell can be provided in the lower window frame of the first open window in an adjacent manner to the first guide groove, and the second terminal blocks can be movable along the second guide groove.

[0028] As a more specific example, the first terminal blocks and the second terminal blocks can be respectively provided in plural to correspond to the number of the battery cells, and the plural first terminal blocks can be fixedly coupled to a movable shaft installed to pass through side plates of the upper tray in the thickness direction of the battery cells, and the plural first terminal blocks can move with respect to each of the plural second terminal blocks according to movement of the movable shaft.

[0029] As an example, both ends of the movable shaft can protrude to the outside of the upper tray, and first terminal block adjustment handles can be installed at the both ends of the movable shaft.

[0030] As another example, one end of the movable shaft can protrude to the outside of the upper tray, the first terminal block adjustment handle can be installed at the protruding one end, and the other end of the movable shaft can be inserted into an elastic member cover attached to one side of the upper tray and be pressed by an elastic member accommodated in the cover.

[0031] As another example, the length adjustment member of the electric wire can be installed on the inner surface of the upper plate of the upper tray covering the lower tray.

[0032] As a specific example, the second opening can be provided in both sides of the lower tray perpendicular to both sides in which the first opening of the lower tray is provided, and the second open window facing the second opening can be provided on both sides of the upper tray perpendicular to the first open window of the upper tray.

[0033] As a more specific example, the length adjustment member can include a body installed on the inner surface of the upper plate, and a rotation handle screwed with respect to the body and having a through-hole through which the electric wire passes, and it can be possible to adjust the length of the electric wire by rotation of the rotation handle.

[0034] As another example of the present application, a pressure pad in which a pressure sensor is embedded to measure the surface pressure of the battery cell or the pressure distribution on the surface of the battery cell can be installed between the battery cells in the lower tray.

[0035] As an example, the battery cell tray can include a temperature sensor installed in the upper tray or the lower tray and configured to detect the temperature in the battery cell tray, and a temperature adjustment member installed in the upper tray or the lower tray and configured to heat and cool the battery cell tray.

[0036] Advantageous effects

[0037] According to the present application, it is possible to conveniently monitor the electrical characteristics of the battery cell, such as voltage, impedance, current, etc., during the charging / discharging process and the aging process or between the processes.

[0038] In addition, there is an effect that it is possible to comprehensively monitor the state of the battery cell, such as the pressure and temperature of the battery cell, and uniformly adjust the temperature of the tray in which the battery cell is stored. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0039] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a conventional battery cell tray.

[0040] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a lower tray which is a component of the battery cell tray of the present application.

[0041] Figure 3 is a view showing states before and after coupling of an upper tray and a lower tray constituting a battery cell tray of the present application.

[0042] Figure 4 is a view showing one embodiment of the battery cell tray of the present application, which is a side cross-sectional view along line X-Y of (b). Figure 3

[0043] Figure 5 is a view showing one embodiment of a lead connector of the battery cell tray of the present application.

[0044] Figure 6 is a partial enlarged perspective view showing an operating aspect of the lead connector of Figure 5

[0045] Figure 7 is a view showing another embodiment of the lead connector of the battery cell tray of the present application.

[0046] Figure 8 is a view showing a configuration of a length adjustment member of an electric wire installed in the battery cell tray of the present application.

[0047] Figure 9 is a plan view showing an installation state of a pressure pad provided in the battery cell tray of the present application.

[0048] Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view and a side cross-sectional view showing the pressure pad of Figure 9

[0049] Figure 11 is a view showing a temperature sensor and a temperature adjustment member provided in the battery cell tray of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] Hereinafter, a detailed configuration of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and various embodiments. The embodiments described hereinafter are schematically shown to help understanding of the present application, the drawings are not drawn to scale to help understanding of the present application, and the sizes of certain components can be exaggerated.

[0051] The present application can be modified in various ways and can have various embodiments, and thus, specific embodiments will be shown in drawings and descriptions thereof will be described in detail in the following description. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed hereinafter should not be understood as limiting the present application to specific embodiments, and should be understood as including modifications, equivalents, or alternatives within the spirit and technical scope of the present application.

[0052] Figure 1 ​​​is a perspective view showing a conventional battery cell tray 10. The battery cell tray 10 is a battery cell tray for accommodating non-cylindrical battery cells such as pouch-type battery cells. As shown in the drawing, the battery cell tray 10 is provided with a box-shaped outer cover 1 having an open upper portion, and a plurality of insertion plates 2 accommodated in the outer cover 1 and facing each other. The insertion plates 2 are provided in pairs facing each other inside the outer cover 1 to allow both ends of the battery cells to be inserted. In addition, a slot S into which a lead of an end of the battery cell end is inserted is provided between adjacent insertion plates 2. An opening 1a through which the lead of the battery cell can be exposed is provided in a side portion of the insertion plate 2 on which the outer cover 1 is installed.

[0053] However, the existing battery cell tray 10 is merely capable of storing and transporting the battery cells, and has no additional means capable of monitoring the state of the battery cells.

[0054] The present invention is an improvement of the conventional battery cell tray, and is characterized in that, in order to measure and monitor the state of the battery cells, particularly electrical characteristics, a lead connector coupled to the leads of both ends of the battery cells, an electric wire connecting the lead connector, and an electrical characteristic measuring instrument coupled to the electric wire are provided in the battery cell tray. In addition, in order to provide a space for installing the lead connector and the electrical characteristic measuring instrument, the battery cell tray includes two trays, a lower tray in which the battery cells are accommodated, and an upper tray covering and coupled to the lower tray. That is, the battery cell tray of the present invention includes a lower tray having an open upper portion, a plurality of battery cells disposed in the lower tray, and the lower tray having first openings at both sides of the lower tray through which the leads of both ends of the battery cells are exposed, an upper tray having an open lower portion, and the upper tray covering and coupled to the lower tray, a lead connector installed on both sides of the upper tray and coupled to the leads of both ends of the battery cells, an electric wire connecting the lead connectors on both sides, and an electrical characteristic measuring instrument of the battery cells coupled to the electric wire.

[0055] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a lower tray 110 as a component of the battery cell tray 100 of the present invention.

[0056] The lower tray 110 has a shape similar to that of the conventional battery cell tray. That is, the lower tray 110 is formed as a box-shaped outer cover H having an open upper portion. In addition, first openings 111 and 111' through which the leads of the battery cells can be exposed are provided in both sides of the outer cover H. As shown in the drawing, the first openings 111 and 111' are provided in both sides of the outer cover H so as to be aligned with each other. Figure 1The pair of multiple insertion plates shown in FIG. 1 can be installed inside the housing H, but for the convenience of description, the insertion plates are not shown in Figure 2 In addition, separate openings (second openings 112 and 112') can be provided in both sides perpendicular to the first openings 111 and 111' of the lower tray 110. As described below, through the second openings 112 and 112', an operator can access and manipulate the length adjustment members of the electric wires connected to the lead connector. Alternatively, through the first openings 111 and 111', the operator can access and manipulate the length adjustment members. A plurality of battery cells (for example, about 26 to 32 battery cells) can be installed on the floor 113 of the lower tray 110. The battery cells can be installed in the lower tray through the open upper portion of the lower tray 110.

[0057] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a view showing the state before and after the coupling of the upper tray and the lower tray constituting the battery cell tray of the present application.

[0058] Figure 3 The lower tray 110 in FIG. 1 is the same as the lower tray shown in Figure 2 In the present application, in order to provide a space for installing a lead connector or the like, an upper tray 120 coupled to the lower tray 110 is provided. The lower portion of the upper tray 120 is open, and thus the lower tray 110 is coupled to the upper tray 120 through the open lower portion. The upper tray 120 can be provided with first open windows 121 and 121' on both sides of the upper tray 120 through which the lead of the battery cell can be exposed. When the upper tray 120 covers the lower tray 110 through the lower opening (see Figure 3 (a)) to be coupled to the lower tray 110 (see Figure 3 (b)), the first open windows 121 and 121' are positioned to face the first openings 111 and 111' on both sides of the lower tray. When the lower tray 110 is covered by the upper tray 120, the upper tray 120 is hardly moved on the lower tray due to the load of the upper tray. In addition, when the outer peripheral shape of the lower tray 110 is formed to fit the internal volume of the upper tray 120, the upper tray can be connected to the lower tray by covering the lower tray 110 with the upper tray 120. However, in order to strengthen the coupling between the lower tray 110 and the upper tray 120 in the state in which the lower tray 110 is covered by the upper tray 120, a separate fastening member (not shown) can couple the lower tray 110 to the upper tray 120.

[0059] Like the lower tray 110, separate second open windows 122 and 122' can be provided on both sides of the upper tray 120 perpendicular to the first open windows 121 and 121'. The second open windows 122 and 122' are positioned to face the second openings 112 and 112' provided in the lower tray. As described below, an operator can access and manipulate the length adjustment members of the electric wires connected to the lead connectors through the second open windows. The upper plate 123 and the side plates 124 of the upper tray 120 provide a space for installing various members for measuring the state of the battery cells.

[0060] As shown in Figure 3 (b), in this specification, the thickness direction of the battery cell, i.e., the direction in which the battery cell is stacked in the tray, is indicated as direction A. In addition, the longitudinal direction of the battery cell is indicated as direction B.

[0061] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing one embodiment of the battery cell tray of the present application, which is a side cross-sectional view along the line X-Y of Figure 3 (b). In Figure 3 , the battery cells are omitted for convenience of description, and Figure 4 shows a state in which the battery cell 200 is installed in the battery cell tray 100.

[0062] In Figure 4 , the upper tray 120 is installed to cover the lower tray 110, and the battery cell 200 is disposed on the lower tray 110. In the battery cell 200, the battery cell case 210 as a main body is located in the central portion of the bottom plate 113 of the lower tray 110, and the lead wires 220 at both ends are located between, for example, insertion plates (not shown) to be provided and exposed through the first openings 111 and 111' of the lower tray 110 and the first open windows 121 and 121' of the upper tray 120. In addition, the lead connectors 130 are installed on both sides of the upper tray 120, which are coupled to the lead wires 220 at both ends of the battery cell 200. The lead connectors 130 serve as electrical terminals coupled to the lead wires 220 of the battery cell 200. In this way, when the lead connectors 130 are installed on both sides of the battery cell tray, e.g., the upper tray 120, various electrical properties of the battery cell can be easily measured by easily connecting the lead wires 220 of the battery cell 200 to the lead connectors 130 even when various types of battery cells 200 are replaced and installed in the tray.

[0063] In addition, the battery cell tray 100 is provided with an electric wire 140 connecting the lead connectors 130 on both sides and an electrical property measuring instrument 150 coupled to the electric wire 140. The electric wire 140 can be fixed to the upper plate 123 of the upper tray 120. Alternatively, the electrical property measuring instrument 150 is mounted on the inner surface 123a of the upper plate so that the electric wire 140 can be indirectly fixed to the upper plate 123.

[0064] In this specification, the electrical property of the battery cell 200 can be a property of the battery cell that can be measured by using various measuring instruments by receiving an electrical signal including a voltage, an impedance, and a current of the battery cell through a terminal (lead connector) and an electric wire. For example, the electrical property measuring instrument 150 can be a measuring instrument for measuring at least one of a voltage, an impedance, and a current of the battery cell 200. The lead connector 130, the electric wire 140, and the electrical property measuring instrument 150 can be respectively provided in plural and installed in the upper tray 120 to correspond to the number of the battery cell 200. Alternatively, the electrical property measuring instrument 150 can be a general single electrical property measuring instrument connected to a plurality of lead connectors 130 and a plurality of electric wires 140. In this case, a plurality of terminals coupled to the plurality of electric wires 140 can be embedded in the electrical property measuring instrument 150.

[0065] The electrical property measuring instrument 150 can be mounted on the inner surface 123a of the upper plate of the upper tray 120 covering the lower tray 110. In this case, when an observation window is provided in a portion of the upper plate 123 in which the electrical property measuring instrument 150 is installed, the value of the electrical property displayed on the electrical property measuring instrument can be visually confirmed through the observation window. Alternatively, when at least a portion of the upper plate 123 of the upper tray 120 is made of a transparent material, the value of the electrical property measuring instrument 150 can be confirmed even without providing an observation window in the upper plate. As another example, the electrical property measuring instrument 150 can be connected to an external server or an external controller wiredly or wirelessly to transmit data related to the electrical property measured by the electrical property measuring instrument 150 to the external server or the external controller.

[0066] As a specific example, the lead connector 130 includes first and second terminal blocks 132 and 134 that respectively contact the front surface side and the rear surface side of the lead 220 at both ends of the battery cell. The first and second terminal blocks 132 and 134 can each be made of an electrically conductive metal material, such as copper. When the lead 220 at both ends of the battery cell is inserted between the two terminal blocks, the electrical characteristics of the battery cell 200 can be measured. One of the two terminal blocks can be moved relative to the other. When the terminal blocks are moved away from each other, the lead 220 of the battery cell can be positioned between the terminal blocks, and when one terminal block is in close contact with the other, the lead 220 at both ends of the battery cell is inserted between the terminal blocks to become in an electrically conductive state. For example, the first terminal block 132 can be disposed on both sides of the upper tray 120 to be moved relative to the second terminal block 134 in the thickness direction (direction A) of the battery cell 200.

[0067] The first and second terminal blocks 132 and 134 can be respectively provided in plural to correspond to the number of battery cells 200. The terminal blocks can be disposed on both sides of the upper tray 120, specifically, on the inner surfaces of the upper tray 120 facing the first openings 111 and 111' of the lower tray 110. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, when the first open windows 121 and 121' facing the first openings 111 and 111' of the lower tray 110 are provided in the upper tray 120, the terminal blocks can be disposed in the window frame portions of the first open windows 121 and 121'. Figure 5 and Figure 7 In order to stably support or dispose the terminal blocks, for example, when the terminal blocks are disposed on both inner surfaces of the upper tray 120, a support plate (not shown) for supporting the terminal blocks can be disposed on the inner surfaces. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, when the terminal blocks are disposed in the lower window frames 125 of the first open windows 121 and 121', a forwardly protruding extension is provided in the lower window frames 125 so that the terminal blocks can be stably disposed on the extension. Figure 5 and Figure 7 In order to stably support or dispose the terminal blocks, for example, when the terminal blocks are disposed on both inner surfaces of the upper tray 120, a support plate (not shown) for supporting the terminal blocks can be disposed on the inner surfaces. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, when the terminal blocks are disposed in the lower window frames 125 of the first open windows 121 and 121', a forwardly protruding extension is provided in the lower window frames 125 so that the terminal blocks can be stably disposed on the extension.

[0068] In any case, when the first terminal blocks and the second terminal blocks are installed on both sides of the upper tray 120, since it can be inconvenient to move the plurality of first terminal blocks 132 one by one, the plurality of first terminal blocks 132 are coupled to a movable shaft 136, and then the movable shaft 136 is moved so that the first terminal blocks 132 can be moved with respect to the second terminal blocks 134. For example, when the movable shaft 136 is installed to extend through the side plate 124 of the upper tray 120 in the thickness direction of the battery cell and the first terminal blocks 132 are fixedly coupled to the movable shaft 136, the first terminal blocks 132 can be moved with respect to the plurality of second terminal blocks 134 according to the movement of the movable shaft 136.

[0069] Figure 5 is a view illustrating one embodiment of the lead connector 130 of the battery cell tray 100 of the present application, and Figure 6 is a partial enlarged perspective view illustrating an operating aspect of the lead connector 130 of Figure 5 .

[0070] Figure 5 The embodiment of the present application illustrates the following example: the first open windows 121 and 121' facing the first openings 111 and 111' of the lower tray 110 are provided in the upper tray 120, and the lead connector 130 is installed in the window frame portions of the first open windows 121 and 121'. For the convenience of description, Figure 5 the battery cell 200 is omitted in

[0071] As shown in Figure 6 , the plurality of first terminal blocks 132 and the plurality of second terminal blocks 134 are installed along the lower window frames 125 of the first open windows 121 and 121' of the upper tray 120 in the thickness direction of the battery cell 200. The lead connector 130 includes the first terminal blocks 132 and the second terminal blocks 134 which respectively contact the front surface side and the rear surface side of the lead 220 at both ends of the battery cell, and are installed on the lower window frames 125 of the first open windows 121 and 121', and the first terminal blocks 132 are installed on the lower window frames 125 of the first open windows 121 and 121' to be moved with respect to the second terminal blocks 134 in the thickness direction of the battery cell.

[0072] Referring to Figure 6, the first terminal block 132 is arranged in parallel in the thickness direction of the battery cell and is mounted on the lower window frame 125. Specifically, the first terminal block is connected to the first bracket block 131. In addition, the first terminal block 132 is laid in the horizontal direction and is fixedly connected to the first bracket block 131. Accordingly, the first terminal block 132 can move together with the movement of the first bracket block 131. In addition, the first bracket block 131 is fixedly connected to a movable shaft 136, which extends in the thickness direction of the battery cell. In the present embodiment, the first terminal block 132 and the first bracket block 131 are arranged in a first guide groove a, which extends on the lower window frame 125 in the thickness direction of the battery cell.

[0073] Meanwhile, the second terminal block 134 is mounted on the lower window frame 125 of the first open windows 121 and 121' in a manner adjacent to the first terminal block 132. The second terminal block 134 is fixedly coupled to the second bracket block 133 and moves along with the movement of the second bracket block 133. A second guide groove b is provided in the lower window frame 125 of the first open windows 121 and 121', and the second bracket block 133 is provided in the second guide groove b, which extends in a direction perpendicular to the first guide groove a (i.e., in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell).

[0074] As in Figure 6 As shown in FIG, by moving the first terminal block adjustment handle 137 of the movable shaft 136 left and right in the thickness direction of the battery cell, the first bracket block 131 and the first terminal block 132 fixedly coupled thereto can be moved. That is, when the movable shaft 136 coupled to the first bracket block 131 fixedly coupled to the first terminal block is moved left and right in the thickness direction of the battery cell, the first bracket block 131 and the first terminal block 132 fixedly coupled thereto can be moved. Figure 6 When moving in the direction of the left and right arrows in the figure (i.e., in the thickness direction of the battery cell), because the multiple first terminal blocks 132 can move close to and away from the second terminal block 134, the operation of inserting the leads of the battery cell between the first terminal block and the second terminal block to form contact can be easily performed.

[0075] Meanwhile, since the length of the battery cell 200 or the length of the lead 220 varies depending on the type of the battery cell, the lead 220 may not be located between the first terminal block 132 and the second terminal block 134, or a sufficient contact area may not be ensured. Figure 6 As shown in , when the first terminal block 132 is horizontally long, the first terminal block 132 and the lead 220 can reliably form contact by corresponding to the length of the lead or the protrusion length. Alternatively, the second terminal block 134 can also be horizontally long in the same manner as the first terminal block 132. However, in Figure 6In the embodiment of FIG. 1, only the first terminal block 132 is horizontally disposed, and the second terminal block 134 is movable in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell to correspond to the extension direction of the first terminal block 132. That is, a second guide groove b extending in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (the horizontal arrangement direction of the first terminal block) is disposed in the lower window frame 125 in a manner adjacent to the first guide groove a, and the second terminal block 134 (and the second bracket block 133) is seated in the second guide groove b, so that the second terminal block 134 is allowed to move in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell. In this way, the second terminal block 134 is allowed to move in the front-rear direction corresponding to the length of the lead wire 220 (i.e., in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell), so that the electrical contact between the lead wire 220 and the first and second terminal blocks 132 and 134 is reliably maintained. However, since Figure 6 With the structure shown, the movement of the second terminal block 134 is limited in the thickness direction of the battery cell.

[0076] The connection terminal block 135 can be coupled to the second terminal block 134, which is connected to a charging and discharging device for charging and discharging during the activation process of the battery cell. Alternatively, the connection terminal block 135 can also be coupled to the first terminal block 132. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the connection terminal block 135 is coupled to the second terminal block 134. Figure 5

[0077] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the connection terminal block 135 is coupled to the second terminal block 134. Figure 6 Figure 5 ​​In an embodiment of the present application, the first open windows 121 and 121' facing the first openings 111 and 111' of the lower tray 110 are provided in the upper tray 120, and the cell lead wires 220 to the lead connector 130 (first terminal block and second terminal block) are exposed through the first openings and the first open windows. Accordingly, the lead connector 130 can be connected to a charging and discharging device (not shown) through the openings and the open windows. By connecting the (holder of the) charging and discharging device to the lead connector 130, particularly to the connection terminal block 135 coupled to the second terminal block 134, without separately connecting the holder of the charging and discharging device to the lead wires 220 of the battery cells, a charging / discharging process for activation can be performed in a state in which the battery cells 200 are accommodated in the battery cell tray 100. In this case, the electrical characteristics (e.g., voltage, impedance, and current) of the battery cells during the charging / discharging process can be measured using the electrical characteristic measuring instrument 150 connected to the lead connector 130 by plugging in the electric wire 140. As described above, according to the present application, there is an advantage in that various electrical characteristics of the battery cells can be conveniently measured and monitored in a state in which the battery cells are accommodated in the battery cell tray without transferring the battery cells to a separate tray for charging and discharging or connecting the lead wires of the battery cells to a charging and discharging device.

[0078] Referring again to Figure 5 , the first terminal block adjustment handle 137 is installed at both ends of the movable shaft 136 coupled to the first terminal block 132. Accordingly, as shown in Figure 7 , by pushing and pulling the handle, the movable shaft 136 and the first terminal block 132 can be freely moved in the thickness direction of the battery cells through either of the left and right sides of the side plate 124 of the upper tray 120.

[0079] Figure 5 is a view showing another embodiment of the lead connector 130 of the battery cell tray 100 of the present application. Unlike Figure 7 , in Figure 8In an embodiment of the present application, the first terminal block adjustment handle 137 is installed only at one end of the movable shaft 136. That is, the first terminal block adjustment handle 137 is installed at one end of the movable shaft 136 protruding to the outside of the upper tray, and the other end of the movable shaft 136 is inserted into the elastic member cover 138 attached to one side of the upper tray 120. The elastic member 139 is accommodated in the elastic member cover 138, and the other end of the movable shaft 136 is always in a state of being pressed by the elastic member 139. Therefore, by pressing the movable shaft 136 from left to right (in the thickness direction of the battery cell) against the pressing force of the elastic member 139, the first terminal block 132 is moved, and after the lead wire 220 of the battery cell is positioned between the first terminal block and the second terminal block, the movable shaft 136 and the first terminal block 132 return to their initial positions by the restoring force of the elastic member 139. In this case, due to the pressing force of the elastic member 139, there is an effect that the first terminal block 132 can reliably fit and support the lead wire of the battery cell.

[0080] Figure 4 is a view showing the configuration of the length adjustment member 160 of the electric wire 140 installed in the battery cell tray 100 of the present application. As shown in Figure 8 , the electric wire 140 is installed in the upper tray 120 to connect the lead wire connectors 130 on both sides of the lead wires connected to both ends of the battery cell. It is necessary to adjust the length of the electric wire or maintain the tension of the electric wire 140 taut according to the length of the battery cell installed in the battery cell tray 100.

[0081] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2 , the length adjustment member 160 of the electric wire 140 is installed on the inner surface 123a of the upper plate of the upper tray 120 covering the lower tray 110. In addition, in order to adjust or manipulate the length adjustment member 160, second openings 112 and 112' are provided on both sides of the lower tray perpendicular to the sides on which the first openings 111 and 111' are provided to expose the lead wires of both ends of the battery cell of the lower tray, so that the operator can access the second openings 112 and 112'. In addition, second open windows 122 and 122' facing the second openings 112 and 112' are provided on both sides of the upper tray perpendicular to the first open windows 121 and 121' of the upper tray 120 (see Figure 3 , Figure 8 and Figure 8). Accordingly, the length adjustment member 160 is manipulated through the second open windows 122 and 122' and the second openings 112 and 112', so that the length and tension of the electric wire 140 can be adjusted. Of course, manipulation and maintenance of the electrical property measuring instrument 150 connected to the electric wire can also be performed through the second open windows and the second openings. When space allows, manipulation of the length adjustment member and maintenance of the electrical property measuring instrument can also be performed through the first openings 111 and 111' of the lower tray and the first open windows 121 and 121' of the upper tray.

[0082] In detail, the length adjustment member 160 includes a body 161 mounted on the inner surface 123a of the upper plate, and a rotation handle 162 screwed with respect to the body 161 and having a through hole 163 through which the electric wire 140 passes. In Figure 9 In the middle, some of the length adjustment members 160 show a state in which the length of the electric wire 140 is not adjusted, and the remaining length adjustment members 160 show a state in which the rotation handle 162 is rotated and the electric wire is wound on the rotation handle so that the length of the electric wire 140 is adjusted. Because the rotation handle 162 is threadedly coupled to the body 161, and the tension applied to the electric wire is not strong, the rotation handle 162 does not return to its initial state from the rotated state. More specifically, for example, the lead 220 of one end of the battery cell 200 is coupled to the lead connector 130 installed on one of the two sides of the upper tray 120, the length adjustment member 160 is manipulated according to the length of the battery cell to adjust the length of the electric wire 140, and then the lead 220 of the other end of the battery cell 200 is connected to the lead connector 130 installed on the other of the two sides of the upper tray 120, so that measurement by the above-described electrical property measuring instrument 150 can be performed.

[0083] Meanwhile, length adjustment of the electric wire 140 is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, the length adjustment member can include a spool-type winding portion for winding the electric wire and a fixing member for fixing the winding portion, so that the length adjustment member can be attached to the inner surface of the upper plate.

[0084] Figure 9 is a plan view showing the installed state of the pressure pad 170 provided in the battery cell tray 100 of the present application.

[0085] In the present embodiment, the pressure pad 170 for measuring the surface pressure or pressure distribution of the battery cell 200 is installed in the lower tray 110. During the charging / discharging process, in the aging process, or between processes, the pouch-type battery cell can have a bulging phenomenon of the battery cell bulging due to gas generated in the battery cell. Therefore, it is necessary to closely monitor the pressure of the battery cell during the activation process or between detailed processes. For this purpose, in the present application, the pressure pad 170 capable of measuring the pressure of the battery cell 200 can be installed between the battery cells 200 of the lower tray 110, and the pressure indicator 180 connected to the pressure pad 170 is installed in the battery cell tray 100. As shown in Figure 10 FIG. 1, the pressure indicator 180 can be installed in the upper tray 120 or the lower tray 110 as needed. For example, the pressure indicator 180 can be installed on the side plate 124 or the upper plate 123 of the upper tray 120.

[0086] A pressure sensor is embedded in the pressure pad 170 to measure the surface pressure of the battery cell 200 or the pressure distribution on the surface of the battery cell. Figure 9 FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a battery cell tray 100 according to the present application. Figure 11An exploded perspective view and a side cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the pressure pad 170. The pressure sensor of this embodiment is a capacitive pressure sensor in which a dielectric is inserted between two parallel electrodes, and the intersection of the two electrodes forms a capacitor and functions as a pressure sensing point. The pressure pad 170 includes, from top to bottom, a protection plate 171, a first electrode plate 172, a dielectric plate 173, a second electrode plate 174, and a base plate 175. The first electrode plate 172 is one of the two electrodes of the pressure sensor that detects a change in capacitance. The second electrode plate 174 is the other of the two electrodes of the pressure sensor that detects a change in capacitance, and is disposed to intersect the first electrode plate 172. As the dielectric plate 173, an elastic layer is disposed between the first and second electrode plates. The intersection of the first and second electrode plates 172 and 174 becomes a sensing point that causes a change in capacitance when the protection plate 171 is pressed. That is, when pressure from the surface of the battery cell is transmitted to a specific location of the pressure pad 170 due to a change in volume of the battery cell 200, the elastic layer shrinks at the sensing point corresponding to the pressed location, so that the distance between the first and second electrode plates 172 and 174 changes. According to the change in distance, a change in capacitance corresponding to the formula C = μA / d (C denotes capacitance, μ denotes dielectric constant, A denotes area, and d denotes distance between electrode plates) occurs at the corresponding sensing point. In this case, because the change in capacitance occurs differently according to the magnitude of the applied pressure, it is possible to measure the surface pressure or pressure distribution on the surface of the battery cell. Thereafter, when the applied pressure is removed, the first and second electrode plates return to their initial positions due to the restoring force of the elastic layer.

[0087] According to the above-described embodiments, the present application has the advantage that, in addition to the electrical characteristics of the battery cell 200, the pressure or pressure change on the surface of the battery cell can be continuously monitored during the activation process or between processes. The pressure value measured by the pressure pad 170 can be displayed on the pressure indicator 180 to be visually confirmed. Alternatively, the pressure data can be transmitted to a server or controller connected to the pressure indicator 180 in a wired or wireless manner. The pressure data can be data for adjusting process conditions such as temperature and time during the charging / discharging process or the aging process.

[0088] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing a temperature sensor 191 and temperature adjustment members 192 and 193 disposed in the battery cell tray 100 of the present application. In this embodiment, the temperature sensor and temperature adjustment members are disposed in the tray to monitor the temperature of the battery cell tray 100 and adjust the temperature.

[0089] The temperature sensor 191 and the temperature regulating members 192 and 193 may be installed in appropriate positions of the upper tray 120 or the lower tray 110. For example, as in ​ As shown in , the temperature sensor and temperature adjustment member can be mounted on the inner surface 123a of the upper plate of the upper tray or the inner surface of the side plate 124. Of course, when installation space permits, the temperature sensor and temperature adjustment member can also be mounted on the inner surface of the lower tray. The temperature value measured by the temperature sensor 191 can be transmitted to the external temperature controller 300. In addition, based on the temperature value, the temperature controller 300 can control the temperature adjustment members 192 and 193 to heat or cool the battery cell tray. To this end, the temperature sensor 191 and the temperature adjustment members 192 and 193 can be connected to the temperature controller 300 in a wired or wireless manner. It is also conceivable that the temperature controller 300 is mounted directly on the battery cell tray, but considering the actual installation space of the battery cell tray, it is not easy to install a temperature controller. Therefore, for example, during the aging process of several pallets being stored in a warehouse and aging, the temperature sensor 191 and the temperature adjustment members 192 and 193 can be connected to the temperature controller 300 installed in the warehouse to adjust the temperature of the pallets. Even when the battery cell trays are stored in the same warehouse, the temperature of each tray may be different according to the change in the state of the battery cells contained in the battery cell trays. In this case, it is necessary to uniformly maintain the aging process conditions between the trays by adjusting the temperature using the temperature adjustment members 192 and 193.

[0090] The temperature regulating members 192 and 193 may be, for example, a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater element (heating member 192) for heating the tray, or a thermoelectric element (cooling member 193) such as a Peltier element for cooling the tray. The temperature regulating member is a device commonly used in the field of vehicle batteries, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0091] As described above, because the battery cell tray of the present invention includes a component capable of measuring the electrical characteristics of the battery cells in the tray, for example, during a charge / discharge process for activating the battery cells, an aging process, or during movement between processes, the voltage, impedance, and current of the battery cells are conveniently monitored, thereby having the advantage of being able to use the voltage, impedance, and current as basic data for adjusting each process condition.

[0092] In addition, as described above, the electrical characteristics of each battery cell are measured, so that a defective battery cell can be detected.

[0093] In addition, according to embodiments of the present application, the position of the lead connector and the length of the electric wire connected to the lead connector can vary according to the length of the battery cell, so that a battery cell tray capable of monitoring the electrical characteristics of the battery cell in response to the type of the battery cell can be provided.

[0094] In addition, according to various embodiments of the present application, in addition to the electrical characteristics, the state of the battery cell such as the pressure and temperature of the battery cell can be monitored, and a multifunctional battery cell tray capable of adjusting the temperature of the tray during, for example, the aging process can be provided.

[0095] As described above, the present application has been described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Therefore, since the configuration described herein or illustrated in the drawings is only one embodiment of the present application and does not represent the entire technical spirit of the present application, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications capable of replacing the embodiments and configurations can exist at the time of filing the present application.

[0096] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0097] 100: battery cell tray

[0098] 110: lower tray

[0099] 111, 111': first opening

[0100] 112, 112': second opening

[0101] 113: bottom plate

[0102] H: outer cover

[0103] 120: upper tray

[0104] 121, 121': first open window

[0105] 122, 122': second open window

[0106] 123: upper plate

[0107] 123a: inner surface of the upper plate

[0108] 124: side plate

[0109] 125: lower window frame

[0110] A: thickness direction of the battery cell

[0111] B: longitudinal direction of the battery cell

[0112] 130: lead connector

[0113] 131: first bracket block

[0114] 132: first terminal block

[0115] 133: second bracket block

[0116] 134: second terminal block

[0117] 135: connection terminal block

[0118] 136: movable shaft

[0119] 137: first terminal block adjustment handle

[0120] a: first guide groove

[0121] b: second guide groove

[0122] 138: elastic member cover

[0123] 139: elastic member

[0124] 140: electric wire

[0125] 150: electrical characteristic measuring instrument

[0126] 160: length adjustment member

[0127] 161: body

[0128] 162: rotation handle

[0129] 163: through hole

[0130] 170: pressure pad

[0131] 171: protection plate

[0132] 172: first electrode plate

[0133] 173: dielectric plate

[0134] 174: second electrode plate

[0135] 175: substrate

[0136] 180: pressure indicator

[0137] 191: temperature sensor

[0138] 192: temperature adjustment member (heating member)

[0139] 193: temperature adjustment member (cooling member)

[0140] 200: battery cell

[0141] 210: battery cell housing

[0142] 220: battery cell lead wire

[0143] 300: temperature controller

Claims

1. A battery cell tray, comprising: a lower tray having an open upper portion, a plurality of battery cells being seated in the lower tray, and the lower tray including first openings at both sides through which leads at both ends of the battery cells are exposed; an upper tray having an open lower portion and covering and coupled to the lower tray; lead connectors installed on both sides of the upper tray and coupled to the leads at both ends of the battery cells; an electric wire configured to connect the lead connectors on both sides; and an instrument for measuring electrical characteristics of the battery cell, the instrument being coupled to the electrical wire, wherein the battery cell tray is used to accommodate or store battery cells during a charge / discharge process for activation, an aging process, or to transport battery cells between each process, and The lead connector includes a first terminal block and a second terminal block, the first terminal block and the second terminal block are respectively in contact with the front surface side and the rear surface side of the lead at both ends of the battery cell, and the first terminal block can be moved relative to the second terminal block in the thickness direction of the battery cell.

2. The battery cell tray according to claim 1, wherein: The electrical characteristic includes at least one of voltage, impedance, and current of the battery cell.

3. The battery cell tray according to claim 1, wherein: The instrument for measuring electrical characteristics is mounted on an inner surface of an upper plate of the upper tray covering the lower tray.

4. The battery cell tray according to claim 1, wherein: The first terminal block and the second terminal block are respectively provided in plural numbers to correspond to the number of the battery cells, and the plurality of first terminal blocks are fixedly connected to a movable shaft, the movable shaft is arranged to pass through the upper tray in the thickness direction of the battery cells, and the plurality of first terminal blocks move relative to each of the plurality of second terminal blocks according to the movement of the movable shaft.

5. The battery cell tray according to claim 1, wherein: The upper tray is provided with first open windows at both sides, the first open windows facing the first opening of the lower tray; and The first terminal block and the second terminal block are mounted on a lower window frame of the first open window.

6. The battery cell tray according to claim 5, wherein: A connection terminal block is coupled to the first terminal block or the second terminal block, the connection terminal block being connected to a charging and discharging device for charging and discharging during an activation process of the battery cell.

7. The battery cell tray according to claim 5, wherein: A first guide groove extending in the thickness direction of the battery cell is provided in the lower window frame of the first open window, and the first terminal block is seated in the first guide groove and is movable relative to the second terminal block along the first guide groove.

8. The battery cell tray according to claim 7, wherein: A second guide groove extending in a longitudinal direction of the battery cell is provided in the lower window frame of the first open window in such a manner as to be adjacent to the first guide groove, and the second terminal block is movable along the second guide groove.

9. The battery cell tray according to claim 7, wherein: The first terminal block and the second terminal block are respectively provided in plural numbers to correspond to the number of the battery cells, and the plurality of first terminal blocks are fixedly connected to a movable shaft, the movable shaft is arranged to pass through the side plate of the upper tray in the thickness direction of the battery cells, and the plurality of first terminal blocks move relative to each of the plurality of second terminal blocks according to the movement of the movable shaft.

10. The battery cell tray according to claim 9, wherein: Both ends of the movable shaft protrude to the outside of the upper tray, and first terminal block adjustment handles are installed at the both ends of the movable shaft.

11. The battery cell tray according to claim 9, wherein: One end of the movable shaft protrudes to the outside of the upper tray, a first terminal block adjustment handle is installed at the protruding one end of the movable shaft, and the other end of the movable shaft is inserted into an elastic member outer cover attached to one side of the upper tray and is pressed by an elastic member accommodated in the elastic member outer cover.

12. The battery cell tray according to claim 1, wherein: The length adjusting member of the electric wire is mounted on an inner surface of an upper plate of the upper tray covering the lower tray.

13. The battery cell tray according to claim 5, wherein: Second openings are provided in both sides of the lower tray perpendicular to both sides of the first opening of the lower tray, and second open windows facing the second openings are provided on both sides of the upper tray perpendicular to the first open window of the upper tray.

14. The battery cell tray according to claim 12, wherein: The length adjustment member includes: a body, which is installed on the inner surface of the upper plate; and a rotating handle, which is screwed relative to the body and has a through hole, through which the electric wire passes, and the length of the electric wire can be adjusted by rotating the rotating handle.

15. The battery cell tray according to claim 1, wherein A pressure pad is installed between the battery cells in the lower tray, and a pressure sensor is embedded in the pressure pad to measure surface pressure of the battery cells or pressure distribution on the surface of the battery cells.

16. The battery cell tray according to claim 15, wherein: A pressure indicator is installed in the upper tray or the lower tray, and the pressure indicator is connected to the pressure pad.

17. The battery cell tray according to claim 1, further comprising: a temperature sensor installed in the upper tray or the lower tray and configured to detect a temperature in the battery cell tray; and A temperature regulating member is installed in the upper tray or the lower tray and is configured to heat and cool the battery cell tray.

18. The battery cell tray according to claim 17, wherein: The temperature sensor and the temperature regulating member are connected to an external temperature controller; and The temperature adjustment member heats or cools the battery cell tray through the temperature controller based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor.

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