Apparatus, system and method for measuring an electrical parameter of a battery cell

Abstract

A device (1) for measuring an electrical parameter of a battery cell, in particular an insulation voltage, comprising at least one probe (3) comprising: a conductor (5) configured for electrical coupling to a voltage sensor wherein the conductor (5) has an arcuate contact surface (51) configured for engaging the battery cell to be measured; and a biasing member (7) configured to elastically mount the conductor (5) in the first direction (F).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to apparatus for measuring at least one electrical parameter, particularly the insulation voltage, of a battery cell, particularly a pouch cell. This disclosure also relates to systems comprising two or more such apparatuses. Furthermore, this disclosure relates to a method for measuring at least one electrical parameter, particularly the insulation voltage, of a pouch cell, using at least one or more apparatuses according to this disclosure. Background Technology

[0002] In modern society, with the widespread use of portable devices such as mobile phones, laptops, camcorders, and digital cameras, the development of battery technology is of paramount importance. Furthermore, rechargeable / dischargeable secondary batteries have become an indispensable power source for electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (P-HEVs) in an attempt to address air pollution and reduce carbon dioxide emissions caused by existing internal combustion engine vehicles using fossil fuels. Therefore, the demand for improved secondary batteries is growing rapidly.

[0003] Currently, commercially available rechargeable batteries include nickel-cadmium (NiCd), nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), nickel-zinc (NiZn), and lithium-ion (LiN) batteries. Among these, lithium-ion batteries have become the focus of attention due to various advantages. For example, compared to nickel-based batteries, lithium-ion batteries exhibit almost no memory effect and can therefore be freely charged and discharged. They also exhibit very low self-discharge rates and high energy densities.

[0004] Secondary batteries can be categorized based on the shape of their housing into cylindrical batteries with electrode assemblies housed in a cylindrical metal can, prismatic batteries with electrode assemblies housed in a prismatic metal can, and pouch-type batteries. Pouch-type secondary batteries typically house electrode assemblies with a structure in which electrodes and separators are alternately arranged within a pouch-shaped housing made of laminated aluminum sheets.

[0005] Secondary batteries exhibiting leaks, short circuits, or electrical connections between components that should be isolated from each other are abnormal and must be identified for removal from further use.

[0006] KR 2023 0033529 A or KR 2020 0050697 A describes a battery cell inspection apparatus and method for measuring the electrical characteristics, particularly the insulation voltage, of pouch cells. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide apparatus, systems, and methods that overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, particularly for reliably and continuously detecting faulty batteries, especially pouch cells. Specifically, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a method, system, and apparatus comprising a reliable and durable probe capable of operating without damaging the pouch cell and exhibiting little or no physical degradation. The objective may be to provide a method, system, and / or apparatus with a probe that can measure a large number of batteries in a short period of time with virtually no risk of damaging the tested batteries or the apparatus itself. Preferably, the system or apparatus according to this disclosure should be particularly easy to inspect and maintain, preferably including easy assembly and disassembly.

[0009] Technical solution

[0010] Therefore, an apparatus is provided for measuring at least one electrical parameter, particularly the insulation voltage, of a battery cell, particularly a pouch cell. Preferably, the apparatus is not only suited for but specifically configured for measuring the insulation voltage of a pouch cell. The apparatus according to this disclosure includes at least one probe. The probe includes a conductor and a biasing member. The conductor is configured for electrical connection to a current sensor and / or a voltage sensor. Preferably, the conductor is configured for electrical connection to the voltage sensor to determine the voltage, particularly the insulation voltage specifically between the contact point of the probe and at least one reference point. The reference point may correspond to a ground level and / or a reference measurement at a first and / or second electrode of the target pouch cell. Alternatively or additionally, the reference point may correspond to a second or further measurement performed by another apparatus on the same target pouch cell (the battery cell to be measured), preferably at a location distant from the point of contact by the conductor, such as along a different edge.

[0011] The conductor has an arcuate contact surface configured for engaging a battery cell to be measured. The arcuate contact surface can be concave, or preferably convex. The arcuate contact surface can be formed as a continuous surface in the (circumferential) arcuate direction and in the axial direction perpendicular to both the (circumferential) arcuate and radial directions. The continuous arcuate contact surface can particularly have an axial width and / or circumferential length of not less than 5 mm, particularly not less than 10 mm, and preferably not less than 20 mm. The arcuate contact surface can preferably be configured to have a radius of curvature between 5 mm and 5000 mm, particularly between 10 mm and 1000 mm. The radius of curvature can particularly be not less than 12 mm, preferably not less than 15 mm, and more preferably not less than 20 mm. The radius of curvature can particularly be not greater than 500 mm, preferably not greater than 250 mm, and more preferably not greater than 100 mm.

[0012] The biasing member is configured to elastically mount the conductor in a first direction. The conductor is mounted by the biasing member, which is movable forward and backward in the first direction. Utilizing the elasticity of the biasing member, the conductor can move forward and backward partially, preferably a portion of the contact surface of the conductor, in the first direction, or entirely in the first direction. For example, due to deformation of the biasing member, such as compression and / or deflection, preferably due to engagement of the target battery cell, particularly the target pouch cell, the conductor can move backward in the first direction when subjected to increased resistance. Alternatively or additionally, the conductor can move forward in the first direction under the influence of deformation of the biasing member, for example, when the probe is released from the target battery cell, particularly the target pouch cell, and the biasing member returns to its relaxed state from its deformed state. In particular, the arcuate contact surface can have a width of not less than 5 mm, particularly not less than 10 mm, preferably not less than 20 mm, laterally relative to the first direction and / or laterally relative to the radius of curvature direction. The width of the arcuate contact surface can particularly not exceed 100 mm, preferably not exceed 50 mm. The width direction preferably corresponds to the axial direction relative to the radius of curvature. The biasing device combined with the arc-shaped contact surface serves as a safety device to protect the target pouch cell from damage during collision with the probe.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the conductor is provided with a contact surface oriented in a first direction toward the convex side of the battery cell to be measured. The arcuate contact surface can be specifically configured to move in a similar sliding manner on a pouch-type battery case. The arrangement of the convex, arcuate contact surface, held by the biasing device, allows the device to reliably engage the target location on the battery cell, particularly a pouch-type battery cell, while minimizing the risk of damage to the battery cell. The convex, arcuate contact surface, together with the biasing device, provides tolerances for aligning the probe and the target, and allows the probe to contact the target battery, even under difficult contact parameters, such as when the battery case is elastic and / or deforms irregularly, for example, near so-called "bat ears".

[0014] In a preferred embodiment that can be combined with previous embodiments, the conductor and bias member are integrally formed. Preferably, the bias member and conductor can be made of the same material or composed of the same material. In a preferred embodiment, the probe including the integrally formed conductor and bias member can be made of a conductive polymer. By setting the probe's bias member and conductor as a single integral body, mechanical and electrical interference along the interface can be avoided. Installing and replacing the probe including the conductor and bias member as a single integral component is also easier.

[0015] According to another preferred embodiment that can be combined with the preceding embodiments, the conductor and / or biasing member comprises, particularly implemented, as a sheet of metal. Specifically, the conductor and / or biasing device may comprise or be implemented as a sheet of stainless steel. Preferably, the sheet of metal has a thickness of less than 1 mm, more preferably less than 0.5 mm, more preferably less than 0.3 mm, and particularly less than 0.15 mm. The sheet of metal may have a thickness of not less than 0.001 mm, particularly not less than 0.01 mm, and preferably not less than 0.05 mm. It can be demonstrated that stainless steel provides sufficient conductivity for measurement and is resilient enough to allow the probe to deform to engage with the target pouch cell without damaging it, while also providing high abrasion resistance. Especially for probes that frequently engage with the sealed and / or cut edges of pouch cells, the sharp edges of the pouch that actually cut the contact surface can severely abrade the probe.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the device that can be combined with the foregoing embodiments, the biasing member comprises a helical spring. The helical spring may be, in particular, a main spring. The width direction of the arcuate contact surface preferably corresponds to the axial direction of the helical shape. The helical spring may comprise at least 0.5 turns, particularly at least 1.0 turns, preferably at least 1.25 turns, more preferably at least 1.5 turns. Alternatively or additionally, the helical spring may comprise no more than 10 turns, particularly no more than 5 turns, preferably no more than 2 turns. Those skilled in the art will understand that one turn refers to a 360° helical rotation. Helical windings between 250° and 750°, particularly between 300° and 600°, preferably about 540° or about 450°, can result in particularly advantageous performance. The main spring may refer to a strip-like body, preferably having a constant width and / or a constant thickness, thereby rotating about a center point in the thickness direction with a continuously decreasing diameter. The inner and / or outer ends of the helical spring, particularly the main spring, may be provided with radially projecting end sections. The spring may have an inner end portion with a radially inwardly projecting end portion. This radially inwardly projecting inner end portion can stabilize the helical spring, particularly the main spring. Alternatively or concurrently, the helical spring, particularly the main spring, may have an outer end portion with a radially outwardly projecting end portion. The radially inwardly or outwardly projecting end portion can be used to mount the helical spring to a retaining member, etc. The inner and / or outer end portions may be aligned, particularly in a first direction.

[0017] In another embodiment, which can be combined with the preceding embodiments, the probe includes two or more arcuate contact surfaces. Specifically, the two or more arcuate contact surfaces may be provided with corresponding biasing members. Preferably, each arcuate contact surface is associated with a corresponding single biasing member. For example, the probe may be provided with two arcuate contact surfaces, each connected to its own biasing member, wherein preferably, each arcuate contact surface is integrally formed with the corresponding biasing member. A probe including, for example, multiple arcuate contact surfaces located on two helical springs, particularly a main spring, can be used to increase the contact area between the probe and the battery cell to be measured.

[0018] Optionally, in a preferred embodiment that can be combined with previous embodiments, the device may further include a retaining member. The retaining member is configured to secure a portion of the biasing member remote from the conductor, such as an outer end portion. This portion may be, in particular, the end of the biasing member opposite the conductor in a first direction, such as an outer or inner end portion. By providing ends configured for retention by the retaining member at the opposite ends of the biasing member relative to the conductor, particularly the contact surface of the conductor, the entire volume of the biasing member can be used to provide elasticity and deflection to resiliently adapt to the contact surface of the target pouch cell.

[0019] In another improvement to the device including a retaining member, the retaining member may, in particular, be a clamp and / or include serrated retaining surfaces. Preferably, the retaining member has two opposing serrated retaining surfaces with complementary shapes, such that a protrusion of the first pad (gripper) of the retaining member protrudes into a receiving portion in the second pad of the second retaining member. Retaining members using complementary serrated retaining surfaces can provide a form-fitting engagement to securely hold the probe.

[0020] In another improvement that can be combined with the above, the retaining member can be movable to engage the biasing member in a second direction transverse to the first direction. Specifically, the second direction can be perpendicular to the first direction. Preferably, the retaining member can be moved to engage the biasing member in a spring-loaded manner or by using at least one fastening bolt to secure the biasing member. The spring-loaded retaining member can be referred to as a clamp-type retaining member. The retaining member can be configured to clamp two opposite side surfaces of the biasing member, particularly using serrated retaining surfaces (clamps).

[0021] In another improvement to the device including a retaining member that can be combined with the above embodiments, the retaining member may include or be composed of a conductive material, particularly a metal such as brass. Using a conductive retaining member improves the performance of electrical measurements, including insulation voltage measurements.

[0022] This disclosure also relates to a system for measuring at least one electrical parameter, particularly the insulation voltage, of a battery cell, the system comprising at least one device as described above, particularly two or more devices as described above, such as three or four devices as described above. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the device precisely comprises two devices as described above or precisely comprises four devices as described above. The system can be adapted to a predetermined group of pouch-type battery cells of uniform size. The system can be adapted such that two or more devices are arranged to engage predetermined target locations on the battery cell to be measured, particularly the sealing edge of the battery cell to be measured, such as adjacent to the first or second electrode lead of the pouch-type battery cell and / or the corner region of the pouch-type battery cell.

[0023] A system for measuring at least one electrical parameter also includes a current sensor and / or a voltage sensor. Specifically, a conductor of at least one probe is electrically connected to the current sensor and / or voltage sensor. Preferably, the conductor is electrically connected to the voltage sensor to determine the voltage, particularly the insulation voltage between the contact point of the probe and at least one reference point. The system may also include at least one reference connection for contacting a first electrode lead, a second electrode lead, and / or electrical ground. The reference connection may be electrically connected to the voltage sensor. The system may include one or more voltage sensors connected to two or more devices. Preferably, the two or more devices use the same one or more voltage sensors. The system may be equipped with a single (shared) voltage sensor with probes electrically connected to two or more devices. Preferably, the system is part of an assembly including at least one, preferably precisely, a target pouch cell.

[0024] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided for measuring at least one electrical parameter, particularly the insulation voltage, of a battery cell, particularly a pouch cell, using one or more devices as described above. In this method, a battery cell to be measured, particularly a target pouch cell, including a sealed edge portion, is provided. In the method for measuring at least one electrical parameter, particularly the insulation voltage, a conductor is engaged with the sealed edge portion in a first direction. When the conductor is engaged with the pouch cell in the first direction, deflection may occur using a biasing device.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of a method for measuring at least one electrical parameter, particularly the insulation voltage, of a battery cell, especially a pouch cell, the electrical parameter, particularly the insulation voltage, of the pouch cell to be measured is determined while the conductor remains engaged with at least one sealed edge portion of the pouch cell.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of a method for measuring at least one electrical parameter, particularly the insulation voltage, of a battery cell, especially a pouch cell, at least one conductor moves, preferably translationally or pivotally, in a direction transverse to a first direction. Specifically, the direction of conductor movement may be perpendicular to the first direction. By moving the conductor along a sealed edge portion in a direction transverse to the first direction, preferably a second direction, an arcuate contact surface moves, preferably slides, along the sealed edge portion of the battery cell to be measured. By moving the conductor along the sealed edge portion, electrical parameters, particularly the insulation voltage, can be detected at multiple target and / or reference locations along the edge of the pouch cell, thereby achieving a particularly reliable measurement method. In another improvement, a conductor integrally formed with a biasing member, comprising or made of a metal sheet, particularly stainless steel, may be preferred, and the biasing member may be a helical spring, particularly a main spring. Preferred embodiments of this method may be applied in combination or individually.

[0027] Beneficial effects

[0028] According to the embodiments, compared with existing technology designs, a particularly reliable and resilient device, system, and method can be provided for measuring at least one electrical parameter, especially the insulation voltage, of a pouch-type secondary battery, and damage to the battery case or probe can be avoided. Furthermore, according to the embodiments, a significant increase in probe lifespan can be achieved. Therefore, maintenance, installation, and / or disassembly of the measuring device becomes easier.

[0029] The effects of this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand, based on the description of the appended claims, any additional effects not described above. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a device used to form a secondary battery;

[0031] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of a system including two devices for measuring at least one electrical parameter of a pouch cell, particularly the insulation voltage;

[0032] Figure 3a This is a schematic diagram of the retaining member in the first state of the fixed probe;

[0033] Figure 3b yes Figure 3a A schematic diagram showing the retaining member in the second state of releasing and fixing the probe;

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another probe;

[0035] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of a dual-probe setup; and

[0036] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the third probe. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Detailed description of the implementation method

[0038] In the following, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, enabling those skilled in the art to readily implement these embodiments. The present disclosure can be modified in various different ways and is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0039] Parts irrelevant to the description will be omitted in order to clearly describe this disclosure, and similar reference numerals throughout the specification denote similar elements.

[0040] Furthermore, the dimensions and thicknesses of each element in the accompanying drawings are shown arbitrarily for ease of description, and this disclosure is not necessarily limited to those shown in the drawings. The thicknesses of layers, regions, etc., are exaggerated in the drawings for clarity. The thicknesses of some layers and regions are exaggerated in the drawings for ease of description.

[0041] Furthermore, it will be understood that when an element such as a layer, membrane, region, or plate is referred to as being "on" or "above" another element, the element may be directly on the other element or there may be intermediate elements present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly" "on" another element, it means that there are no other intermediate elements present. Additionally, the terms "on" or "above" indicate that it is situated on or below a reference portion, and do not necessarily mean that it is situated on the upper end of the reference portion facing the opposite direction of gravity. Similarly, just as it is described as being "on" or "above" another portion, it will also be understood in accordance with the above.

[0042] Furthermore, throughout the description, when a part is referred to as “including” or “containing” a component, unless otherwise stated, it means that the part may also include other components, without excluding other components.

[0043] Furthermore, throughout the description, when referred to as "plane," it means when viewing the target portion from above, and when referred to as "cross section," it means when viewing the target portion from one side of a vertically cut cross section.

[0044] In the following description, a pouch battery box and a device and system for measuring the electrical performance, particularly the insulation voltage, of a pouch battery cell will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] Figure 1An exemplary pouch-type battery cell 110 is illustrated. For example, the pouch-type battery cell 110 has a structure in which two electrode leads 111 and 112 extend from a first end 114a and a second end 114b opposite to the first end 114a of the battery body 113. Multiple battery cells 110 can be stacked to form a battery cell stack. Specifically, the electrode leads 111 and 112 are connected to an electrode assembly (not shown) inside the pouch-type battery and extend from the electrode assembly (not shown) to the outside of the battery cell 110. For example, a first electrode tab 111 extends from a first side of the electrode assembly and is operatively connected to the negative electrode, and a second electrode tab 112 extends from a second side of the electrode assembly and is operatively connected to the positive electrode. The electrode tabs 111 and 112 may each be provided with a corresponding insulating portion 117 configured for arrangement between corresponding overlapping side portions 114a or 114b of the battery case 114. The pouch-type battery cell 110 includes an electrode assembly and an electrolyte solution. The electrode assembly includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator between the positive and negative electrodes. The electrode assembly and the electrolyte solution are encapsulated by a battery case 114.

[0046] The battery case 114 may be formed of a laminate (bag film) comprising at least one resin layer and at least one metal layer. The battery case 114 serves as a mechanical barrier, a fluid barrier, and an electrical barrier to protect the internal electrode assembly and electrolyte solution from mutual influence with the surrounding environment. The battery case 114 forms a barrier between the internal electrode assembly and electrolyte solution and the external environment, leaving the electrode leads 111, 112 as the only electrical conduits.

[0047] The bag membrane can have a laminated structure comprising, for example, a metal membrane and one or more layers of synthetic materials. For example, the metal membrane can be made of aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), or combinations thereof or alloys thereof. For example, a layer of synthetic material or each layer of synthetic material can include or be made of polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, acrylic polymers, polyacrylonitrile, polyimide, polyamide, cellulose, aromatic polyamide, nylon, polyester, poly(p-phenylene), benzodioxazole, polyarylate, polytetrafluoroethylene, glass fiber, or combinations thereof. The bag membrane has a membrane thickness. The membrane thickness is preferably constant and / or continuous in the transverse membrane direction. The membrane thickness is preferably constant and / or continuous in the longitudinal membrane direction. The bag membrane has a first surface and a second surface, the first surface being specifically configured to serve as the inner surface of the bag-type battery compartment, and the second surface being specifically configured to serve as the outer surface of the bag-type battery compartment. The first surface can engage with the electrode assembly disposed within the pouch-shaped battery compartment. The second surface can be opposed to the electrode assembly and optionally engage with the environment surrounding the secondary battery.

[0048] The bag film can have a thickness of 100 μm to 250 μm, particularly 160 μm to 200 μm, and preferably 175 μm to 190 μm. Preferably, the bag film includes a gas barrier layer made of metal. The metal of the gas barrier layer of the bag film preferably includes aluminum and / or aluminum-containing alloys, particularly aluminum alloys of the AA80XX series, or is composed of aluminum and / or aluminum-containing alloys, particularly aluminum alloys of the AA80XX series. The alloy number of the aluminum alloy can be AA8021. The aluminum alloy may include about 1.3 wt% to about 1.7 wt% iron and about 0.2 wt% or less silicon, and may have a grain size of about 10 μm to about 13 μm. The thickness of the gas barrier layer can be 30 μm to 150 μm, particularly 70 μm to 120 μm, and preferably 80 μm to 100 μm. The bag film may also include a sealant layer made of a first polymer, preferably formed as the innermost layer. The thickness of the sealant layer can be from 60 μm to 100 μm. Alternatively or additionally, the bag film may include a surface protective layer made of a second polymer, preferably formed as the outermost layer. The first polymer may be the same as or different from the second polymer. In particular, a gas barrier layer is stacked between the surface protective layer and the sealant layer. The bag film may also include a calendering aid layer made of a third polymer. The third polymer may be the same as or different from the first and / or second polymer. The calendering aid layer may be stacked between the surface protective layer and the gas barrier layer. The thickness of the calendering aid layer can be from 10 μm to 75 μm, particularly from 20 μm to 50 μm.

[0049] The first polymer can be made from one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, acrylic polymers, polyacrylonitrile, polyimide, polyamide, cellulose, aromatic polyamide, nylon, polyester, poly(p-phenylenebenzobisoxazole), polyarylate, polytetrafluoroethylene, and glass fiber. In particular, polyolefin-based resins such as polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE) can be the main component of the first polymer. Polypropylene (PP) offers excellent mechanical properties, including tensile strength, rigidity, surface hardness, abrasion resistance, and heat resistance, as well as excellent chemical properties, including corrosion resistance, and is therefore a suitable candidate as the main component of the sealant layer.

[0050] The second polymer can be made from one or more of the following: polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, acrylic polymers, polyacrylonitrile, polyimide, polyamide, cellulose, aromatic polyamide, nylon, polyester, poly(p-phenylenebenzobisoxazole), polyarylate, polytetrafluoroethylene, and glass fiber. It may be advantageous to primarily use polymers with desired abrasion and heat resistance, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0051] The third polymer can be made from one or more of the following: polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, acrylic polymers, polyacrylonitrile, polyimide, polyamide, cellulose, aromatic polyamide, nylon, polyester, poly(p-phenylenebenzobisoxazole), polyarylate, polytetrafluoroethylene, and glass fiber. In particular, nylon resin can be readily bonded to the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) surface protective layer and can exhibit properties similar to those of the aluminum alloy moisture barrier layer during and after the calendering process. Therefore, nylon resin can be used as a major component of the third polymer.

[0052] In this example, the battery cell to be tested is exemplarily shown as a pouch-type battery cell 110. Those skilled in the art will understand that the battery cell to be measured can be implemented as a pouch-type battery cell 110 in some preferred embodiments; however, alternatively, the apparatus, system, or method described herein can be applied to another type of battery cell. The pouch-type battery cell 110 shown can be manufactured, for example, by folding two portions of the foil used to form the battery case 114 to surround and encapsulate the internal electrode assembly. The battery case 114 can be folded around a folding portion 115 that divides the battery case 114 into two portions. Thus, the corresponding left-side portions 114a of the two portions fold over each other, and the right-side portions 114b also fold over each other. Furthermore, a pair of intermediate portions 114c of each portion—the intermediate portions 114c being away from the folding portion 115—fold over each other. To seal the pouch cell 110, pairs of overlapping portions 114a, 114b, and 114c are sealed to each other, thereby forming sealing edge portions 114sa, 114sb, and 114sc. These sealing portions 114sa, 114sb, and 114sc can have a structure formed by methods such as thermal fusion or friction welding. It is conceivable that the overlapping top and bottom middle portions 114c—which can be sealing middle portions 114c—are folded one or more times toward the folding portion as folds 114f. Alternatively, the folding portion 115 can also be subjected to the attachment method. However, it may be preferred that the folding portion 115 provides a sealing function through the material properties of the foil forming the battery case 114 including the folding portion 115, especially in the absence of additional attachments or sealants.

[0053] The folded portion 115 may extend relatively long along one edge of the battery cell 110. In some embodiments, a protruding portion 110p (so-called "bat ears") of the battery cell 110 may be formed at the corner of the folded portion 115 and the corresponding adjacent left-side-facing portion 114a or right-side-facing portion 114b. Alternatively or additionally, when the battery case 114 is sealed with the protruding electrode leads 111 and 112 inserted between the battery case, a platform portion 116 may be formed between the electrode leads 111 and 112 and the battery body 113. That is, the battery cell 110 may include the platform portion 116, which is formed to extend from the battery case 114 in the direction in which the electrode leads 111 and / or 112 extend.

[0054] The battery case must be mechanically robust and form a tight, sealed enclosure around the internal battery components. Battery cell 110 is defective if the electrolyte solution leaks through battery case 114, or if one or both of electrode leads 111, 112 or the internal electrode components are electrically connected to battery case 114. Defective batteries must be identified and isolated to prevent their use in the battery stack, which could lead to suboptimal performance or even pose a hazard.

[0055] Figure 2 A pouch battery cell 110, similar to the pouch battery cell described above, is shown in conjunction with system 10, which includes two devices 1 for measuring at least one electrical parameter of the pouch battery cell, particularly the insulation voltage. The system may preferably include a voltage sensor (not shown) electrically connected to both devices 1. Devices 1 are connected to system 10 such that they are movable in a forward direction F to engage with the (left) lateral edge 114a of the pouch battery case 114. Devices 1 are laterally spaced to contact the first electrode lead 111 adjacent to the pouch battery 110 and the sealing edge portion 114sa of the insulator 117 surrounding the lead 111, the insulator 117 being inserted between the lead 111 and the pouch foil forming the battery case 114.

[0056] Each device 1 has a corresponding retaining member 9, which is securely attached to a corresponding probe 3 integrally formed from the conductor 5 and the biasing device 7. A fastening bolt 95 is screwed into the retaining member 9 to securely press the retaining plate 96 against the opposite end of the probe and against the side of the retaining member 9.

[0057] Each probe 3 has a corresponding conductor 5 with an arcuate contact surface 51. The conductor 5 forms a 180° curve, wherein the arcuate contact surface 51 is located on the outer circumference of the conductor. The width of the corresponding contact surface 51 extends along the observation direction and the arcuate contact surface 51 extends about its curvature axis. The width of the conductor 5 has a diameter approximately twice the radius of curvature of the arcuate contact surface 51. The probe 3 may preferably be made of a conductive material, such as conductive rubber or a metal sheet. The probes 3 of several devices 1 of the system 10 may have the same dimensions. For example, the probe 3 may be annular, thus having opposite end portions of abutment retaining members 9 located on top of each other in a first direction F opposite to the arcuate contact surface 51.

[0058] The retaining member 9 is hingedly connected to the support bracket 11 of the system 10. The retaining member 9 can be rigidly connected to the support bracket 11 to set a predetermined lateral distance between adjacent devices 1, for example, according to a predetermined measurement distance corresponding to a predetermined pouch cell 110. The system 10 may include a linear actuator 13 to move the device 1 forward and backward in a first direction F for engaging and disengaging relative to the target pouch cell 110. The device 1 can be particularly moved forward in the first direction F to engage with the pouch cell 110 by contacting the convex arcuate surface 51 of the conductor 5 to create a mechanical and electrical connection. When the probe 3 contacts the pouch cell 110, the biasing device 7 elastically forces the conductor 5 against the pouch cell 110 to create a reliable electrical connection. The elasticity of the biasing device 7 also allows the probe 3 to deform in response to engagement with the pouch cell 110 to avoid damage to the battery or the probe.

[0059] System 10 can also be configured to move one or more devices 1 in the second direction S. One or more devices can move in particular in a manner that allows them to slide into the pouch cell. For example, probe 3 can move in a similar sliding manner, such that the convex, arcuate contact surface 51 slides along the sealing edge portions 114sa, 114sb, or 114sc.

[0060] Figure 3a and Figure 3b as well as Figures 4 to 6 Different embodiments of the probe 3 for engaging the target pouch cell 110 are illustrated.

[0061] Figure 3a The retaining member 9 is shown in the closed state of the fixed probe 3; and Figure 3b The retaining member 9 is shown in the open state where the probe 3 is released and secured. The conductor 5 has a diameter that is approximately twice the radius of curvature of the arcuate contact surface 51.

[0062] exist Figure 3a and Figure 3bThe diagram shows a clip-type retaining member 9 with opposing jaws 92 and 94. The first jaw 92 can be configured as a support bracket for attachment to the system 10. The second jaw 94 can be rotatably connected to the first jaw 92 in a spring-loaded manner, thereby forcing the second jaw 94 against the first jaw 92, such that the serrated contact surfaces 93 of the first jaw 92 and the second jaw 94 form a shape-fit engagement. In the closed state of the retaining member 9, the end portion 79 of the biasing device 7 of the probe 3 can be retained in a shape-fit engagement by the jaws 92 and 94. Thus, the probe 3 is securely held to prevent displacement in the second direction S and is securely electrically connected to the retaining member, which can be made of a conductive material, such as metal, particularly brass. When the retaining member 9 is in the open state, the second jaw 94 is removed from the first jaw 92, allowing easy removal and replacement of the probe 3.

[0063] Figure 3a and Figure 3b The probe 3 has a spiral shape including a 540° coil. The inner end portion 59 and end segment 79 of the probe body are oriented parallel to the first direction F to fix the probe in the axial direction. The outer radius of the conductor 5 and the biasing member 7 can be approximately 25 mm. The inner end portion 59 is approximately half the radius of the conductor 5. The outer protrusion of the end segment 70 forming the arcuate contact surface 51 is longer than the width and / or diameter of the conductor 5. A convex, curved contact surface 51 is formed on the outer circumference of the conductor. The contact surface 51 faces the first direction F to engage with the target pouch cell (not shown).

[0064] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another probe 3 for engaging the pouch cell 110, as illustrated in the schematic diagram. The probe 3, schematically shown as circular, includes a biasing device 7 and a conductor 5 having an arcuate contact surface 51 at a measurement location on the edge of the pouch cell. The conductor 5 has a diameter approximately twice the radius of curvature of the arcuate contact surface 51. The contact surface 51 faces a first direction F for engagement with the target pouch cell 110.

[0065] Figure 5 It shows the combination with Figure 1 The system description above refers to a similar probe to the ring probe 3. Figure 5In this embodiment, the convex, arcuate contact surface 51 has a particularly large radius of curvature larger than the width of the conductor 5. This large radius of curvature allows the contact surface 51 to be flattened, thereby increasing the contact area with the pouch cell 110, preferably to a line contact. The arcuate contact surface 51 connects to two end segments that both project radially inward. The arcuate segment contact surface 51 faces a first direction F to engage with the target pouch cell. The arcuate segments extend less than 180°, particularly less than 90°, preferably less than 60°, and more preferably less than 45°. The end segments 78 form acute angles relative to each other. The end segments 78 are preferably arranged in a mirror-symmetrical manner relative to the first direction F.

[0066] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a dual probe 3 comprising two pairs of integrally formed conductors 5 and biasing members 7, each biasing member 7 being implemented as a corresponding main spring 71. A retaining section 79, away from the arcuate contact surface 51, extends tangentially from the circular or helical body. The contact surface 51 faces a first direction F to engage with the target pouch cell 110. The conductors 5 and biasing members 7 are preferably arranged in a mirror-symmetrical manner relative to the first direction F. The retaining sections 79 can lie flat against each other and can be securely held by the same retaining member (not shown). The circular or helical combination of the biasing members 7 and conductors 5 can extend from the front end of the retaining section. By providing a dual probe with two arcuate contact surfaces 51, the contact surface area between the probe 3 and the target battery cell 110 can be significantly increased. Each adjacent conductor 5 has a diameter approximately twice the radius of curvature of the arcuate contact surface 51.

[0067] List of reference numerals

[0068] 1 device

[0069] 3 probes

[0070] 5 conductors

[0071] 7 Offset components

[0072] 9 Retaining components

[0073] 10 System

[0074] 51 Contact Surface

[0075] 59 Inner end tip

[0076] 71 Main Spring

[0077] 79 sections (away from the conductor)

[0078] 91 Fixture

[0079] 92, 94 grippers

[0080] 93. Serrated surface retention

[0081] 95 Fastening bolts

[0082] 96 Retention Plate

[0083] 110 battery cells

[0084] 110p protrusion (“bat ears”)

[0085] 111 First electrode lead

[0086] 112 Second electrode lead

[0087] 113 Battery body

[0088] 114 Battery Box

[0089] 114a (left) Lateral portion

[0090] 114b (Right) Lateral portion

[0091] 114c Middle part

[0092] 114sa sealing part

[0093] 114sb sealing part

[0094] 114sc sealing part

[0095] 114f folding plate

[0096] 115 Folded section

[0097] 116 Platform

[0098] 117 Insulation Parts

[0099] F First Direction

[0100] S Second Direction

Claims

1. An apparatus (1) for measuring at least one electrical parameter of a battery cell, particularly the insulation voltage, comprising: At least one probe (3), said probe (3) comprising: - A conductor (5), said conductor (5) configured for electrical connection to a current sensor and / or a voltage sensor; wherein said conductor (5) has an arcuate contact surface (51) configured for engagement with the battery cell to be measured; and - Bias member (7), the bias member (7) is configured to elastically mount the conductor (5) in a first direction (F).

2. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The convex side of the contact surface (51) is oriented to face the battery cell to be measured in the first direction (F).

3. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The conductor (5) and the biasing member (7) are integrally formed.

4. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The conductor (5) and / or the biasing member (7) comprises a metal sheet, particularly a stainless steel sheet.

5. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The biasing member (7) includes a helical spring.

6. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The contact surface (51) is arranged on the transverse surface of the biasing member (7).

7. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The probe (3) includes two or more arc-shaped contact surfaces (51).

8. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims further includes a retaining member (9) configured to secure a portion of the biasing member (7) away from the conductor (5).

9. The apparatus (1) according to claim 8, wherein, The retaining member (9) includes a clamp (91) and / or a serrated retaining surface (93).

10. The apparatus (1) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, The retaining member (9) is movable in a second direction (S) laterally to the first direction (F), and particularly perpendicular to the first direction (F) to engage with the biasing member (7).

11. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein, The retaining member (9) includes a conductive material, particularly a metal, such as brass.

12. A system (10) for measuring at least one electrical parameter, particularly insulation voltage, of a battery cell, the system (10) comprising at least one device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims and a current sensor and / or a voltage sensor.

13. A method for measuring at least one electrical parameter, particularly insulation voltage, of a battery cell using the apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, - Provide the battery cell to be measured, including the sealed edge portion (114sa, 114sb, 114sc); - The conductor (5) is engaged with the sealing edge portion (114sa, 114sb, 114sc) in the first direction (F).

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein, While the conductor (5) remains engaged with at least the sealing edge portions (114sa, 114sb, 114sc), the electrical parameters of the battery cell to be measured, particularly the insulation voltage, are determined.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein, The conductor (5) moves along the sealing edge portion (114sa, 114sb, 114sc) in a direction transverse to the first direction (F), particularly perpendicular to the first direction (F), such that the arcuate contact surface moves along the sealing edge portion (114sa, 114sb, 114sc) of the battery cell to be measured.

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