Battery unit design test fixture

Abstract

A battery cell chemical test fixture includes a housing including a battery cell chamber. The first electrical terminal is electrically connectable to a battery cell in the battery cell compartment. The second electrical terminal is electrically connectable to a battery cell in the battery cell compartment. A plurality of sensor connectors are mounted to the housing. The plurality of sensor connectors includes at least a gas sampling connector, a pressure sensor connector, and a valve connector, each of the gas sampling connector, the pressure sensor connector, and the valve connector being in fluid connection with the battery cell chamber.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of test fixtures, and more particularly, to a test fixture designed for testing battery cells. Background Art

[0002] Battery cell chemistries are designed to meet many criteria, such as power storage capability, charge performance, and discharge performance. Operating temperature (e.g., the temperature reached by the battery cell during charge and discharge cycles) and operating pressure (e.g., the electrolyte pressure developed during charge and discharge) are factors that can affect energy storage, charge speed, and depth of discharge.

[0003] In order to test battery cell chemistries, a sample battery cell is made and placed in a test fixture. The sample battery cell is connected to a power source and then cycled. Currently available test fixtures are limited in utility. Currently, currently available fixtures allow for monitoring of voltage response as the battery cell is cycled. In addition to monitoring voltage, currently available fixtures may provide access to samples and / or monitor gases produced by the battery cell as it is cycled. Unfortunately, other parameters of interest, such as cell temperature, cell pressure, etc., cannot currently be sampled with existing fixtures. Therefore, it is desirable to create a test fixture that provides greater flexibility for monitoring and sampling battery cell chemistries. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to a non-limiting example, a battery cell chemical testing fixture includes a housing containing a battery cell chamber. A first electrical terminal is electrically connectable to a battery cell in the battery cell chamber. A second electrical terminal is electrically connectable to a battery cell in the battery cell chamber. A plurality of sensor connectors are mounted to the housing. The plurality of sensor connectors include at least a gas sampling connector, a pressure sensor connector, and a valve connector, each of which is fluidly connected to the battery cell chamber.

[0005] In addition to one or more features described herein, the housing includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion coupled to the first housing portion, the battery cell chamber being formed in the first housing portion.

[0006] In addition to one or more features described herein, a first electrical terminal is supported on the first housing portion.

[0007] In addition to one or more features described herein, a biasing member is disposed in the battery cell chamber, the biasing member being arranged to urge the first battery cell portion into contact with the first housing portion and establish an electrical connection with the first electrical terminal.

[0008] In addition to one or more features described herein, the second battery cell portion is electrically connected to the second case portion via a biasing member, and the second electrical terminal is electrically connected to the second case portion.

[0009] In addition to one or more features described herein, an insulating member electrically isolates the first housing portion from the second housing portion.

[0010] In addition to one or more features described herein, the second housing portion includes a first channel fluidly connecting the gas sampling connector and the battery cell chamber, a second channel fluidly connecting the pressure sensor connector and the battery cell chamber, and a third channel fluidly connecting the valve connector and the battery cell chamber.

[0011] In addition to one or more features described herein, the second housing portion includes a central passage fluidly connected to the battery cell chamber.

[0012] In addition to one or more features described herein, a third housing portion is connected to the second housing portion, and a plurality of sensor connectors are disposed in the third housing portion.

[0013] In addition to one or more features described herein, the third housing portion includes a first channel fluidly connecting the gas sampling connector and the central channel, a second channel fluidly connecting the pressure sensor connector and the central channel, and a third channel fluidly connecting the valve connector and the central channel.

[0014] In addition to one or more features described herein, a gas permeable membrane is disposed between the second housing portion and the third housing portion, the gas permeable membrane forming a liquid barrier separating the central channel from each of the first channel, the second channel, and the third channel.

[0015] In addition to one or more features described herein, a second electrical terminal is supported on the second housing portion.

[0016] In addition to one or more features described herein, each of the gas sampling connector, the pressure sensor connector, and the valve connector is mounted to the first housing portion.

[0017] In addition to one or more features described herein, a first clamping block is disposed in the battery cell chamber, the first clamping block being biased toward the second housing portion.

[0018] In addition to one or more features described herein, a second clamping block is disposed in the second housing portion and the first clamping block is biased toward the second clamping block.

[0019] In addition to one or more features described herein, a battery cell is disposed in the battery cell chamber, the battery cell includes a first terminal and a second terminal, the first terminal and the second terminal are disposed between a first clamping block and a second clamping block.

[0020] In addition to one or more features described herein, a first conductor including a first conductive member extends through the first electrical terminal, a second conductor including a second conductive member extends through the second electrical terminal, the first conductive member engages the first terminal, and the second conductive member engages the second terminal.

[0021] In addition to one or more features described herein, a biasing member is disposed in the battery cell compartment, the biasing member being arranged to urge the battery cell toward the second housing portion.

[0022] In addition to one or more features described herein, a biasing member is disposed between the first and second non-conductive spacers.

[0023] In addition to one or more features described herein, each of the first electrical terminal and the second electrical terminal is connected to the first housing portion.

[0024] The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Other features, advantages and details appear, by way of example only, in the following detailed description, which refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery cell design test fixture according to a non-limiting example;

[0027] Figure 2 According to non-limiting examples Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a battery cell design test fixture taken along line 2-2;

[0028] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a battery cell design test fixture according to another non-limiting example;

[0029] Figure 4 According to non-limiting examples Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a battery cell design test fixture taken along line 4-4;

[0030] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a battery cell design test fixture according to yet another non-limiting example;

[0031] Figure 6 According to non-limiting examples Figure 5 An exploded view of a battery cell chemistry test fixture;

[0032] Figure 7 According to non-limiting examples Figure 5A cross-sectional view of a battery cell design test fixture taken along line 7-7;

[0033] Figure 8 According to non-limiting examples Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a battery cell design test fixture taken along line 8-8;

[0034] Fig. 9 According to non-limiting examples Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a battery cell design test fixture taken along line 9-9;

[0035] Fig.10 is a perspective view of a battery cell design test fixture according to yet another non-limiting example; and

[0036] Fig.11 According to non-limiting examples Fig.10 A cross-sectional view of a battery cell design test fixture taken along line 11-11. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts and features.

[0038] refer to Figure 1 and 2 According to a non-limiting example, a test fixture, generally designated 10, includes a housing 12 having a first housing portion 14 including a first outer annular surface 15 and a second housing portion 18 including a second outer annular surface 19. A plurality of mechanical fasteners, such as shown at 22, connect the first housing portion 14 and the second housing portion 18. The test fixture 10 may be supported on an electrically insulating surface 20.

[0039] The first housing portion 14 includes a cell chamber 24 into which a test cell 26 may be introduced. In a non-limiting example, the cell chamber 24 is circular. The cell 26 includes a first element 27, which may be a cathode electrically connected to the first housing portion 14, and a second element 28, which may be an anode, separated by an insulating separator 29. A liquid electrolyte may be added to the cell chamber 24. A biasing member 30 is disposed at the second element 28. The biasing member 30 electrically connects the second element 28 to the second housing portion 18. An "O" ring 31 may be disposed between the first housing portion 14 and the second housing portion 18 to form a seal around the cell chamber 24.

[0040] The first electrical terminal 32 is connected to the first housing portion 14 and the second electrical terminal 34 is connected to the second housing portion 18. The first electrical terminal 32 and the second electrical terminal 34 can alternatively be connected to a load and a power source to circulate the battery cell 26. The first electrical terminal 32 is electrically connected to the first element 27 of the battery cell 26, and the second electrical terminal 34 is electrically connected to the second element 28 of the battery cell 26. In a non-limiting example, an electrically insulating element or spacer 36 is disposed in the battery cell chamber 24. The spacer 36 places the battery cell 26 in the center of the battery cell chamber 24. Figure 2 An electrically insulating component 38 is arranged between the first housing portion 14 and the second housing portion 18 .

[0041] In a non-limiting example, a plurality of sensor connectors 40 are disposed on the second housing portion 18. The sensor connectors 40 include a gas sampling connector 42, a pressure sensor connector 46, a valve connector 50, and a thermocouple connector 52 ( Figure 1 ). In a non-limiting example, a first channel 54 extends between and fluidically connects the gas sampling connector 42 and the battery cell chamber 24. A second channel 56 extends between and fluidically connects the pressure sensor connector 46 and the battery cell chamber 24. A third channel 58 extends between and fluidically connects the valve connector 50 and the battery cell chamber 24. The valve connector 50 may support a check valve, a pressure reducing valve, etc.

[0042] In a non-limiting example, each sensor connector 40 supports a fitting or interface of a corresponding sensor that can receive a sample fluid, such as a gas, from the battery cell 26. As the battery cell 26 cycles, the amount of electrolyte in the battery cell chamber 24 may release gas. The gas escaping from the battery cell 26 reaches a corresponding one of the plurality of sensor connectors 40 through the first, second, and third channels. The gas can be sampled, measured, and tested to evaluate battery cell performance.

[0043] Now refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 A test fixture 64 according to another non-limiting example is described. The test fixture 64 includes a housing 66 having a first housing portion 70 including a first outer annular surface 71, a second housing portion 74 including a second outer annular surface 75, and a third housing portion 78 including a third outer annular surface 79. A plurality of mechanical fasteners 84 connect the first housing portion 70, the second housing portion 74, and the third housing portion 78. In a non-limiting example, the second housing portion 74 and the third housing portion 78 are electrically isolated from the first housing portion 70. To this end, electrically insulating spacers such as shown at 88 and 90 electrically isolate the mechanical fasteners 84 from the second housing portion 74 and the third housing portion 78.

[0044] In a non-limiting example, the first housing portion 70 includes a battery cell chamber 94 having a generally circular or annular shape. A battery cell 98 is arranged in the battery cell chamber 94. The battery cell 98 includes a first element 100, which may be a cathode, and a second element 102, which may be an anode. The first element 100 and the second element 102 may be separated by an electrically insulating partition 103. The first element 100 is in direct contact with the first housing portion 70, thereby being electrically connected to the first housing portion 70. The second element 102 is electrically connected to the second housing portion 74 through a biasing member 104. With this arrangement, a first electrical terminal 108 is connected to the first housing portion 70 and the first element 100, and a second electrical terminal 110 is connected to the second housing portion 74 and the second element 102. The battery cell 98 is located in the center of the battery cell chamber 94 through an insulating member 114. A liquid electrolyte may be added to the battery cell chamber 94. The second housing portion 74 is electrically isolated from the first housing portion 70 by an insulating member 116.

[0045] In a non-limiting example, the second housing portion 74 includes a central passage 120 having a first end 122 disposed adjacent the battery cell chamber 94 and a second end 124 disposed at the third housing portion 78. The central passage 120 carries gas from the battery cell chamber 94 to the third housing portion 78, which will be discussed more fully herein. The third housing portion 78 supports a plurality of sensor connectors 130. According to a non-limiting example, the sensor connectors 130 include a gas sampling sensor connector 132, a pressure sensor connector 134, a valve connector 136, and a thermocouple connector 138 ( Figure 3 ).

[0046] In a non-limiting example, the third housing portion 78 includes a first channel 140 fluidly connected to the gas sampling connector 132 and the central channel 120 in the second housing portion 74, a second channel 142 fluidly connected between the pressure sensor connector 134 and the central channel 120, and a third channel 144 fluidly connected between the pressure sensor connector 134 and the central channel 120. With this arrangement, gas escaping from the battery cell 98 passes from the battery cell chamber 94 through the central channel 120, into the first channel 140, the second channel 142, and the third channel 144 to the corresponding sensor connector in the plurality of sensor connectors 130. The gas can be sampled, measured, and tested to evaluate the battery cell performance. The housing 66 is sealed by a plurality of O-rings 148. In a non-limiting example, a gas permeable membrane 150 is arranged between the second housing portion 74 and the third housing portion 78. The gas permeable membrane 150 allows gas to pass through the plurality of sensor connectors 130 while forming a liquid barrier that prevents any electrolyte from entering the third housing portion 78.

[0047] Now refer to Figure 5-9A test fixture 158 according to another non-limiting example is described. The test fixture 158 includes a housing 160, which includes a first housing portion 164 and a second housing portion 166. The first housing portion 164 supports a battery cell chamber 170. In a non-limiting example, the battery cell chamber 170 is generally rectangular. A gasket 174 extends around the battery cell chamber 170 and is disposed between the first housing portion 164 and the second housing portion 166.

[0048] In a non-limiting example, a battery assembly 180 is disposed in a battery cell chamber 170. The battery assembly 180 includes a first spacer 182, a second spacer 184, and a biasing member 186 disposed between the first spacer 182 and the second spacer 184. The first and second spacers 182 and 184 are formed of an electrically insulating material. A first clamping member 190 is disposed in the battery cell chamber 170, directly adjacent to the first spacer 182 and the second spacer 184. The second clamping member 192 is arranged to apply pressure to the first and second spacers 182 and 184, which will be described in detail herein. The biasing member 194 pushes the first clamping member 190 toward the second clamping member 192. The battery cell 200 is disposed between the second spacer 184 and the second clamping member 192.

[0049] like Figure 6 As shown, the battery cell 200 includes an anode 202 and a cathode 204. In a non-limiting example, the anode 202 includes an anode tab 206 extending outward from the battery cell 200. The cathode 204 includes a cathode tab 208 also extending outward from the battery cell 200. In a non-limiting example, the anode 202 and the cathode 204 are separated by an electrically insulating member (not separately labeled) and are disposed between the first clamping member 190 and the second clamping member 192. A liquid electrolyte may be added to the battery cell 200. The first clamping member 190 supports the anode 202 and the cathode 204 when an electrical connection is made, which will be described in detail herein.

[0050] In a non-limiting example, the first housing portion 164 includes a plurality of sensor connectors 210 that are fluidly connected to the battery cell chamber 170. The plurality of sensor connectors 210 include a gas sampling connector 212, a pressure sensor connector 214, a valve connector 216, and a thermocouple connector 218. Figure 7 In the non-limiting example shown, a first channel 220 extends between and fluidically connects the gas sampling connector 212 and the battery cell chamber 170. A second channel 222 extends between and fluidically connects the pressure sensor connector 214 and the battery cell chamber 170. A third channel 224 extends between and fluidically connects the valve connector 216 and the battery cell chamber 170. A fourth channel 227 extends between and fluidically connects the thermocouple connector 218 and the battery cell chamber 170.

[0051] In a non-limiting example, the connecting channel 229 fluidly connects the first channel 220, the second channel 222, the third channel 224, and the fourth channel 227. A first plug 233 is disposed at a first end (not separately labeled) of the connecting channel 229, and a second plug 235 is disposed at a second end (also not separately labeled) of the connecting channel 229. The first and second plugs 233 and 235 seal openings formed during the manufacturing process of the first housing portion 164. The gas outlet channel 238 directs gas from the battery cell chamber 170 into the connecting channel 229, such as Figure 8 shown.

[0052] exist Fig. 9 In the non-limiting example shown, a first terminal 243 is mounted to the second housing portion 166. A second terminal 245 is mounted to the second housing portion 166 proximate to the first terminal 243. A first conductor 248 passes through the first terminal 243, the second housing portion 166, and into the second clamping member 192. Similarly, a second conductor 250 passes through the second terminal 245, the second housing portion 166, and into the second clamping member 192. The first conductor 248 includes a first conductive element 254 connected to the anode 202, and the second conductor 250 includes a second conductive element 256 connected to the cathode 204. In this manner, the anode 202 and the cathode 204 can be alternately connected to an electrical energy source and a load in order to cycle the battery cell 200 for testing.

[0053] Now refer to Fig.10 and 11 A test fixture 270 according to yet another non-limiting example is described. The test fixture 270 includes a housing 274 having a first housing portion 278 and a second housing portion 280. A battery cell chamber 282 is arranged in the first housing portion 278. A gas permeable membrane 284 forming a liquid barrier is arranged between the first housing portion 278 and the second housing portion 280, covering the battery cell chamber 282. In a manner similar to that described herein, a battery cell assembly 286 is arranged in the battery cell chamber 282. The battery cell assembly 286 includes a first spacer 288, a second spacer 290, and a biasing member 292 arranged between the first spacer 288 and the second spacer 290. A battery cell 294 including a cathode 300 having a tab 296 and an anode 301 having a tab 298 is arranged directly adjacent to the second spacer 290. The cathode 300 and the anode 301 are separated by an electrically insulating separator (not separately labeled). An electrolyte may be added to the battery cell chamber 282. In a manner similar to that described herein, cathode tab 296 is connected to cathode 300 and projects outwardly from battery cell 294. Anode tab 298 is connected to anode 301 and also projects outwardly from battery cell 294.

[0054] In a non-limiting example, a plurality of sensor connectors 304 are disposed on the second housing portion 280. The plurality of sensor connectors 304 include a gas sampling connector 306, a pressure sensor connector 308, a thermocouple connector 310, and a valve connector 312. A plurality of channels 313 fluidly connect the sensor connector 304 with the battery cell chamber 282. The plurality of channels 313 include a first channel 315 connecting the gas sampling connector 306 with the battery cell chamber 286 and a second channel 317 fluidly connecting the valve connector 312 with the battery cell chamber 286. Additional channels (not separately labeled) fluidly connect the pressure sensor connector 308 and the thermocouple connector 310 with the battery cell chamber 286. The plurality of channels 313 extend from each of the plurality of sensor connectors 304 to a groove 320. The groove 320 collects gas exhausted from the battery cell 294.

[0055] In a non-limiting example, a first terminal 324 is mounted to the first housing portion 278. A second terminal 326 is mounted to the first housing portion 278, proximate to the first terminal 324. A first conductor 330 passes through the first terminal 324 and the first housing portion 278 toward the battery cell chamber 282. Similarly, a second conductor 332 passes through the second terminal 326 and the first housing portion 278 toward the battery cell chamber 282. The first conductor 330 includes a first conductive element 336 connected to the cathode tab 296, and the second conductor 332 includes a second conductive element 337 connected to the anode tab 298. In this manner, the cathode 300 and the anode 301 can be alternately connected to an electrical energy source and a load in order to cycle the battery cell 294 for testing. While testing, in addition to monitoring voltage and current, gases emitted from the battery cell 294 are collected and sampled in order to evaluate battery performance.

[0056] The terms "one" and "an" do not indicate a limitation of quantity, but rather indicate the presence of at least one of the referenced items. The term "or" means "and / or", unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. References to "an aspect" throughout the specification mean that a particular element (e.g., feature, structure, step, or characteristic) described in conjunction with that aspect is included in at least one aspect described herein, and may or may not be present in other aspects. In addition, it should be understood that the described elements may be combined in any suitable manner in various aspects.

[0057] When an element such as a layer, film, region, or substrate is referred to as being “on” another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” another element, there are no intervening elements present.

[0058] Unless otherwise indicated herein, all test standards are the most recent standards in effect as of the filing date of the present application or, if priority is claimed, the filing date of the earliest priority application in which the test standards appear.

[0059] Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0060] Although the above disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for its elements without departing from the scope thereof. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt specific situations or materials to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope of the disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but will include all embodiments falling within its scope.

Claims

1. A battery cell chemical testing fixture, comprising: a housing including a battery cell chamber; a first electrical terminal electrically connectable to a battery cell in the battery cell compartment; a second electrical terminal electrically connectable to a battery cell in the battery cell compartment; as well as A plurality of sensor connectors are mounted to the housing, the plurality of sensor connectors including at least a gas sampling connector, a pressure sensor connector, and a valve connector, each of the gas sampling connector, the pressure sensor connector, and the valve connector being fluidly connected to the battery cell chamber.

2. The battery cell chemical testing fixture according to claim 1, wherein: The case includes a first case portion and a second case portion coupled to the first case portion, and the battery cell chamber is formed in the first case portion.

3. The battery cell chemical testing fixture according to claim 2, wherein: The first electrical terminal is supported on the first housing portion.

4. The battery cell chemical testing fixture of claim 3, further comprising a biasing member disposed in the battery cell chamber, the biasing member being arranged to urge the first battery cell portion into contact with the first housing portion and establish an electrical connection with the first electrical terminal.

5. The battery cell chemical testing fixture according to claim 4, wherein: The second battery cell portion is electrically connected to the second housing portion through the biasing member, and the second electrical terminal is electrically connected to the second housing portion. 6 . The battery cell chemical testing fixture of claim 5 , further comprising an insulating member electrically isolating the first housing portion from the second housing portion.

7. The battery cell chemical testing fixture according to claim 6, wherein: The second housing portion includes a first passage fluidly connecting the gas sampling connector and the battery cell chamber, a second passage fluidly connecting the pressure sensor connector and the battery cell chamber, and a third passage fluidly connecting the valve connector and the battery cell chamber.

8. The battery cell chemical testing fixture according to claim 2, wherein: The second housing portion includes a central passage in fluid connection with the battery cell chamber.

9. The battery cell chemical testing fixture according to claim 8 further includes a third shell part connected to the second shell part, the multiple sensor connectors are arranged in the third shell part, and the third shell part includes a first channel fluidly connecting the gas sampling connector and the central channel, a second channel fluidly connecting the pressure sensor connector and the central channel, and a third channel fluidly connecting the valve connector and the central channel.

10. The battery cell chemical testing fixture according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the gas sampling connector, the pressure sensor connector, and the valve connector is mounted to the first housing portion.

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