Secondary battery charge and discharge pin and probe for secondary battery charge and discharge test

Abstract

The invention relates to a secondary battery charge and discharge pin and a probe for a secondary battery charge and discharge test. A secondary battery charge / discharge pin includes: a head configured to be in contact with a terminal of a secondary battery; and an insulating member configured to cover at least a portion of the head portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a secondary battery charge / discharge pin and a probe for secondary battery charge / discharge testing including the secondary battery charge / discharge pin. Background Technology

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, which are not designed to be (re)charged, secondary (or rechargeable) batteries are designed to be discharged and recharged. Low-capacity secondary batteries are used in portable small electronic devices such as smartphones, feature phones, laptops, digital cameras, and camcorders, while high-capacity secondary batteries are widely used as power sources to drive motors in hybrid and electric vehicles and to store electricity (e.g., household and / or utility-scale power storage). A secondary battery typically includes an electrode assembly containing positive and negative electrodes, a housing that houses the electrode assembly, and electrode terminals connected to the electrode assembly.

[0003] Due to their excellent electrical properties, secondary batteries are used in a variety of environments. However, the energy density that can be designed for existing small batteries is limited. Since the amount of electrical energy that can be stored is limited compared to the size and weight of the battery, large batteries with higher energy densities are desired in applications such as electric vehicles.

[0004] For all completed secondary batteries, an electrical characteristic measurement procedure, including charge-discharge testing, is performed to test the battery's performance and identify any defects. During this procedure, defective products that do not meet specifications are excluded.

[0005] In examples using individual cells (or secondary batteries) with stainless steel housings (SUS cans), there is a risk that flanges remaining after welding and cutting processes may come into contact with the charge / discharge pins during charge / discharge testing, potentially causing a short circuit. In particular, for testing high currents, the increased cross-sectional dimensions of the charge / discharge pins and the thinning of the individual cells create a high risk of short circuits.

[0006] The information disclosed in this background section is intended to enhance the understanding of the background art of this disclosure, and therefore may contain information that does not constitute related (or prior art). Summary of the Invention

[0007] Some aspects of this disclosure relate to a secondary battery charge / discharge pin and a probe for secondary battery charge / discharge testing, in order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0008] These and other aspects and features of this disclosure will be described in, or will become apparent from, the following description of embodiments of this disclosure.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a secondary battery charge / discharge pin is provided, including: a head configured to contact a terminal of the secondary battery; and an insulating member configured to cover at least a portion of the head.

[0010] In some embodiments, an insulating member is formed on the head to be adjacent to a flange formed on the casing of the secondary battery when the head is in contact with the terminals of the secondary battery.

[0011] In some embodiments, the head includes a first head and a second head, the second head being configured to directly contact the terminals of the secondary battery, and the diameter of the first head being larger than the diameter of the second head.

[0012] In some embodiments, the height of the second head is greater than or equal to the difference between the height of the flange formed on the casing of the secondary battery and the height of the terminal.

[0013] In some embodiments, the insulating member is on at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the second head and at least a portion of the surface of the first head that is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the second head.

[0014] In some embodiments, the second head has an inclined surface that is tilted at an angle relative to the extending directions of the first head and the second head, and the insulating member is on at least a portion of the inclined surface of the second head.

[0015] In some embodiments, the side surface of the head includes a curved surface portion and a flat surface portion connected to the curved surface portion.

[0016] In some embodiments, the insulating member is on at least a portion of the flat surface portion.

[0017] In some embodiments, a plurality of protrusions are formed on a contact surface of the head that is configured to directly contact the terminals of the secondary battery.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a probe for charging and discharging testing of a secondary battery is provided, comprising: an outer plunger including charge / discharge pins; and an inner plunger configured to move up and down inside the outer plunger, wherein the inner plunger is electrically insulated from the outer plunger, and wherein the charge / discharge pins include a head configured to contact a terminal of the secondary battery and an insulating member covering at least a portion of the head.

[0019] In some embodiments, an insulating member is formed on the head to be adjacent to a flange formed on the casing of the secondary battery when the head is in contact with the terminals of the secondary battery.

[0020] In some embodiments, the head includes a first head and a second head, the second head being configured to directly contact the terminals of the secondary battery, and the diameter of the first head being larger than the diameter of the second head.

[0021] In some embodiments, the height of the second head is greater than or equal to the difference between the height of the flange formed on the casing of the secondary battery and the height of the terminal.

[0022] In some embodiments, the insulating member is on at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the second head and at least a portion of the surface of the first head that is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the second head.

[0023] In some embodiments, the second head has an inclined surface that is tilted at an angle relative to the extending directions of the first head and the second head, and the insulating member is on at least a portion of the inclined surface of the second head.

[0024] In some embodiments, the side surface of the head includes a curved surface portion and a flat surface portion connected to the curved surface portion.

[0025] In some embodiments, the insulating member is on at least a portion of the flat surface portion.

[0026] In some embodiments, a plurality of protrusions are formed on a contact surface of the head that is configured to directly contact the terminals of the secondary battery.

[0027] In some embodiments, the probe for secondary battery charge-discharge testing further includes an insulating layer along the outer peripheral surface of the inner plunger.

[0028] In some embodiments, the probe for secondary battery charge-discharge testing further includes an elastomer on the outer surface of the outer plunger.

[0029] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, a probe for charge-discharge testing can be provided that can perform charge-discharge testing of a secondary battery using a large current by adjusting the shape of the secondary battery charge-discharge pins in various ways, while eliminating the risk of short circuits.

[0030] However, the aspects and features of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other aspects and features not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the detailed description described below. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the detailed description of the present disclosure, further describe aspects and features of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be construed as limited to the drawings:

[0032] Figure 1 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating the casing of a secondary battery and the charging / discharging pins of the secondary battery according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 2 and Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the charge / discharge pins of a secondary battery and the casing of a secondary battery according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 4 and Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the charge / discharge pins of a secondary battery and the casing of a secondary battery according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 6 and Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the charge / discharge pins of a secondary battery and the casing of a secondary battery according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the charging and discharging pins of a secondary battery according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the charge / discharge pins of a secondary battery and the casing of a secondary battery according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the charge / discharge pins of a secondary battery and the casing of a secondary battery according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 11 and Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-section of a secondary battery charge / discharge pin according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 13 This is a longitudinal section of a probe for secondary battery charge-discharge testing according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0041] Some embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as being consistent with the technical spirit of this disclosure, based on the principle that the inventor is capable of being his / her own lexicographer to appropriately define the terms and concepts in order to best interpret his / her invention.

[0042] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are only some of the embodiments of this disclosure and do not represent all the technical ideas, aspects, and features of this disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace or modify the embodiments described herein may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0043] It will be understood that when a layer or element is referred to as being “between” two layers, it can be the only layer between the two layers, or one or more intermediate layers may exist. It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” or “linked to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected to, or linked to the other element or layer, or one or more intermediate elements or layers may exist. When an element or layer is referred to as being “directly” on, directly connected to, or directly linked to another element or layer, no intermediate elements or layers exist. For example, when a first element is described as being “linked” or “connected” to a second element, the first element can be directly linked to or connected to the second element, or the first element can be indirectly linked to or connected to the second element via one or more intermediate elements.

[0044] In the accompanying drawings, the dimensions of various elements, layers, etc., may be enlarged for clarity of illustration. The same reference numerals indicate the same elements. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more associated listed items. Furthermore, the use of “may” in describing embodiments of this disclosure refers to “one or more embodiments of this disclosure.” Expressions such as “at least one of…” and “any one of…” preceding / following the list of elements modify the entire list of elements, but not individual elements in the list. When phrases such as “at least one of A, B, and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “at least one selected from the group of A, B, and C,” or “at least one selected from A, B, and C” are used to specify a list of elements A, B, and C, the phrase may refer to any and all suitable combinations or subsets of A, B, and C, such as A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. As used herein, the term “use” may be considered synonymous with the term “utilize.” As used herein, the terms “roughly,” “approximately,” and similar terms are used as approximate terms rather than terms of degree and are intended to account for the inherent variations in measurements or calculations that would be apparent to a person skilled in the art.

[0045] It will be understood that while the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or segment from another element, component, region, layer, or segment. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments, the first element, component, region, layer, or segment discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or segment.

[0046] For ease of description, this document uses spatial relative terms such as “below,” “under,” “down,” “above,” and “up” to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another element or feature as shown in the figures. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as “below” or “under” other elements or features can be oriented as “above” or “upon” other elements or features. Therefore, the term “below” can encompass both above and below orientations. The device can be positioned in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0047] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to be limiting of this disclosure. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should be further understood that when used in this specification, the terms “comprising” and / or “including” specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0048] Furthermore, any numerical ranges disclosed and / or enumerated herein are intended to include all subranges with the same numerical precision contained within the enumerated ranges. For example, the range “1.0 to 10.0” is intended to include all subranges between the enumerated minimum value of 1.0 and the enumerated maximum value of 10.0 (and inclusive of both), i.e., a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0, such as 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limit enumerated herein is intended to include all lower numerical limits contained therein, and any minimum numerical limit enumerated in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limits contained therein. Therefore, the applicant reserves the right to modify this specification, including the claims, to expressly enumerate any subranges contained within the scope expressly enumerated herein. All such ranges are intended to be inherently described in this specification such that modifications made to expressly enumerate any such subranges will be deemed appropriate.

[0049] Referring to two compared elements, features, etc., as “identical” may mean that they are “substantially identical.” Therefore, the phrase “substantially identical” can include cases with deviations considered low in the art, such as 5% or less. Furthermore, when a parameter is said to be consistent in a given region, this may mean that it is consistent in terms of its mean.

[0050] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0051] Placing any element "above (or below)" or "above (or below)" another element may mean that the arbitrary element can be positioned to contact the upper (or lower) surface of the element, and other elements may also be positioned between the element and any element positioned on (or below) the element.

[0052] Furthermore, it will be understood that when a component is referred to as “connected,” “linked,” or “attached” to another component, the components can be directly “connected,” “linked,” or “attached” to each other, or another component can be “between” the components.

[0053] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, when “A and / or B” is used, it means A, B, or A and B. In other words, “and / or” includes any or all combinations of the listed items. Unless otherwise indicated, when “C to D” is used, it means greater than or equal to C and less than or equal to D.

[0054] Figure 1 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating the casing of a secondary battery and the charging / discharging pins of the secondary battery according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0055] refer to Figure 1 According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, each secondary battery charge / discharge pin 120 may include a head 122 that contacts a terminal 112 of the secondary battery and an insulating member 130 that covers at least a portion of the head 122.

[0056] In some embodiments, a secondary battery may include a housing 110 and an electrode assembly disposed inside the housing 110. For example, a secondary battery may include an electrode assembly (e.g., at least one or more electrode assemblies wound or stacked using a separator that serves as an insulator between a positive electrode and a negative electrode) and a housing 110 in which the electrode assembly is embedded.

[0057] The positive and negative electrodes may include coated portions, which are areas coated as active material onto a current collector made of a thin metal foil, and uncoated portions, which are areas not coated with active material. After a separator, acting as an insulator, is placed between the positive and negative electrodes, the positive and negative electrodes can be wound together. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the electrode assembly may be formed as a structure in which multiple positive and negative electrodes are alternately stacked using a separator placed therebetween. In some other embodiments, the electrode assembly may be any structure including electrodes.

[0058] In some embodiments, the secondary battery may include lithium-ion battery cells, sodium-ion battery cells, etc. However, the scope of this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the battery cell or secondary battery may include all batteries that can repeatedly provide power through charge and discharge. For example, when the battery cell is a lithium-ion battery cell, it may be used in mobile phones, power tools, electric bicycles, etc. In some other examples, the battery cell may be used in hybrid vehicles such as electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).

[0059] In some embodiments, the casing 110 of the secondary battery can be manufactured in a shape corresponding to the electrode assembly to accommodate the electrode assembly. For example, the casing 110 of the secondary battery can form the overall appearance of the secondary battery and can be made of a metal such as stainless steel (e.g., SUS), aluminum, aluminum alloy, nickel-plated steel, etc. The casing 110 of the secondary battery can provide space for accommodating the electrode assembly, and an insulating coating material can be coated on the outer or inner peripheral surface of the casing 110 at a certain thickness.

[0060] like Figure 1 As illustrated, the housing 110 of a secondary battery may include terminals 112 electrically connected to electrodes of an electrode assembly, a main body housing 114 having a cup shape for accommodating the electrode assembly, a cover housing 116 in contact with the main body housing 114, and a flange 118 formed during the welding of the main body housing 114 and the cover housing 116.

[0061] Terminal 112 may include a positive terminal electrically connected to the positive electrode and a negative terminal electrically connected to the negative electrode. Terminal 112 may be integrally integrated with housing 110. In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As illustrated, terminal 112 can be mounted on at least one surface of housing 110. The location of terminal 112 is not limited to... Figure 1 The positions are illustrated in the examples and can be changed as needed. For example, the positive and negative terminals can be mounted on opposite sides of each other. In these examples, the secondary battery charge / discharge pins 120 that contact terminal 112 can be positioned facing each other.

[0062] In some embodiments, the depth of the main housing 114 may be greater than or equal to 3 mm and less than 7 mm.

[0063] In the secondary battery casing 110, the main casing 114 and the cover casing 116 can be joined or sealed to each other. For example, the casing 110 can be formed by metal joining the main casing 114 and the cover casing 116 (e.g., by welding, brazing, soldering, etc.). Due to this configuration, the flange 118 can be formed by joining the secondary battery casing 110. In some embodiments, the secondary battery casing 110 can be manufactured using a rigid material to be metal joined.

[0064] The flange 118 may be formed to extend from the body housing 114 or the cover housing 116. In some embodiments, the extension direction of the flange 118 may be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the secondary battery charge / discharge pin 120. In some embodiments, the flange 118 may extend from the end of the body housing 114 or the end of the cover housing 116 to a length of approximately 0.5 mm to approximately 3 mm.

[0065] In some embodiments, housing 110 may include an electrolyte inlet 150. For example, electrolyte inlet 150 may be a through-hole formed in at least one surface of housing 110. Electrolyte inlet 150 may be configured to inject electrolyte into housing 110 after the body housing 114 and cover housing 116 have been engaged and sealed. Electrolyte inlet 150 may be sealed with a sealing member after electrolyte injection.

[0066] Used to describe the present invention Figure 1 The appearance of the secondary battery casing 110 illustrated herein is merely an example, and the scope of this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0067] According to some embodiments, an insulating member 130 may be disposed on at least a portion of the head 122 of the secondary battery charge / discharge pin 120. In some embodiments, the insulating member 130 may be formed on the head 122 to be disposed near or adjacent to a flange 118 formed on the secondary battery housing 110 when the head 122 is in contact with a terminal 112 of the secondary battery housing 110. For example, the insulating member 130 may be positioned between the head 122 and the flange 118 to electrically insulate the secondary battery charge / discharge pin 120 from the secondary battery housing 110 during charging and discharging of the secondary battery. The shape and arrangement of the insulating member 130 will be described later with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0068] The insulating member 130 may be made of a material with high insulating properties to electrically insulate the housing 110 from the secondary battery charge / discharge pins 120. For example, the insulating member 130 may be made of polymers including ethylene propylene rubber (EPDM), polypropylene (PP), polyimide (PI), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), or combinations thereof.

[0069] In some other examples, the insulating member 130 may be made of ceramic materials, including epoxy resin, alumina (Al2O3), zirconium oxide (ZrO2), aramid fibers, Nomex, or combinations thereof. However, the material of the insulating member 130 is not limited to those listed above and may include a variety of materials with excellent plasticity and insulating properties, depending on the choice of those skilled in the art.

[0070] Figure 2 and Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the charge / discharge pins of a secondary battery and the casing of a secondary battery according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0071] refer to Figure 2 The secondary battery charging / discharging pin 220 may include a head 222 that contacts the terminals of the secondary battery and an insulating member 230 that covers at least a portion of the head 222.

[0072] refer to Figure 3 An insulating member 230 may be formed on the head 222 to be disposed near or adjacent to the flange 316 formed on the housing of the secondary battery when the head 222 is in contact with the terminal 312 of the secondary battery. For example, the insulating member 230 may be placed between the head 222 and the flange 316 to electrically insulate the secondary battery charge / discharge pins 220 from the flange 316 during the charging and discharging of the secondary battery.

[0073] To effectively insulate the secondary battery charge / discharge pin 220 from the flange 316, the insulating member 230 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the head 222, while having a thin thickness to be disposed along the outer peripheral surface of the head 222. For example, when the shape of the head 222 is a cylinder including a through hole at the center, the shape of the insulating member 230 may be a cylinder having a curvature corresponding to the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder or a portion of the cylinder.

[0074] The size of the head 222 of the secondary battery charge / discharge pin 220 can correspond to the size of the terminal 312 of the secondary battery. For example, when the head 222 of the secondary battery charge / discharge pin 220 is cylindrical, the diameter of the head 222 can be 40% to 100% of the width of the terminal 312 of the secondary battery. In some embodiments, the width of the terminal 312 of the secondary battery may not exceed the depth of the main body housing 314 of the secondary battery. In some embodiments, the diameter of the head 222 of the secondary battery charge / discharge pin 220 can be 5 mm to 6 mm.

[0075] The overall dimension (e.g., total width or overall diameter) of the secondary battery charge / discharge pin 220, including the head 222 and the insulating member 230, in the depth direction of the secondary battery's main body housing 314 can be less than or equal to the depth of the secondary battery's main body housing 314. For example, when the head 222 of the secondary battery charge / discharge pin 220 is cylindrical, the diameter of the cylinder including the head 222 and the insulating member 230 disposed along a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the head 222 can be 40% to 90% of the depth of the secondary battery's main body housing 314. For example, when the width of the head 222 is 5 mm and the depth of the secondary battery's main body housing 314 is 7 mm, the thickness of the insulating member 230 can be 0.1 mm to 1.3 mm.

[0076] In some embodiments, the insulating member 230 may be disposed without deformation between the flange 316 and a plane extending from the end of the terminal 312 to the side surface closest to the flange 316. Therefore, the thickness of the insulating member 230 may be less than or equal to the distance between the flange 316 and the side surface of the terminal 312 to the side surface closest to the flange 316.

[0077] Figure 4 and Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the charge / discharge pins of a secondary battery and the casing of a secondary battery according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0078] refer to Figure 4 The secondary battery charging / discharging pin 420 may include a head 422 that contacts the terminals of the secondary battery and an insulating member 430 that covers the entire outer peripheral surface of the head 422.

[0079] refer to Figure 5 The insulating member 430 can be placed between the head 422 and the flange 516 to electrically insulate the secondary battery charging and discharging pins 420 and the flange 516 during the charging and discharging of the secondary battery when the head 422 is in contact with the terminal 512 of the secondary battery.

[0080] For example, although the secondary battery charge / discharge pin 420 can contact the terminal 512 of the secondary battery at any orientation or angle in the direction of rotation about the central axis of the secondary battery charge / discharge pin 420, the insulating member 430 can be formed on the entire outer peripheral surface of the head 422 to be disposed near or adjacent to the flange 516 formed on the housing of the secondary battery. For example, when the shape of the head 422 is a cylinder including a through hole at the center, the shape of the insulating member 430 can be a cylinder having a curvature corresponding to the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder.

[0081] In some embodiments, the overall dimension (e.g., total width or overall diameter) of the secondary battery charge / discharge pin 420, including the head 422 and the insulating member 430, in the depth direction of the secondary battery body housing 314 can be less than or equal to the depth of the secondary battery body housing 514. For example, when the head 422 of the secondary battery charge / discharge pin 420 is cylindrical, the diameter of the cylinder including the head 422 and the insulating member 430 disposed along the entire outer peripheral surface of the head 422 can be 40% to 90% of the depth of the secondary battery body housing 514. For example, when the width of the head 422 is 5 mm and the depth of the secondary battery body housing 514 is 7 mm, the thickness of the insulating member 430 can be 0.1 mm to 0.65 mm.

[0082] Descriptions of other configurations and components can be found in the reference. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The description is the same as the previous one, so it will not be repeated here.

[0083] Figure 6 and Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the charge / discharge pins of a secondary battery and the casing of a secondary battery according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0084] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The head of the secondary battery charge / discharge pin 600 may include a first head 610 and a second head 620. In some embodiments, the second head 620 may be in direct contact with the terminal 712 of the secondary battery. The first head 610 may be disposed on the end of the second head 620 facing away from the terminal 712, and may be made of the same or substantially the same material as the second head 620, and may be electrically connected to the second head 620.

[0085] In some embodiments, the diameter of the first head 610 may be larger than the diameter of the second head 620. For example, the diameter of the first head 610 may be 5 mm to 6 mm, and the diameter of the second head 620 may be 3 mm to 5 mm.

[0086] like Figure 6As illustrated, an insulating member 630 may be disposed on at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface 622 of the second head 620 and at least a portion of the surface 612 of the first head 610 that connects to the outer peripheral surface 622 of the second head 620. For example, a second insulating member 632 may be disposed on at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface 622 of the second head 620, and a first insulating member 631 may be disposed on at least a portion of the surface 612 of the first head 610 that connects to the outer peripheral surface 622 of the second head 620. For example, the first insulating member 631 and the second insulating member 632 may be made of the same or substantially the same material, may be connected to each other, and may be included in an integral insulating member 630.

[0087] like Figure 7 As illustrated, the insulating member 630 may be disposed near or adjacent to the flange 716 formed on the housing of the secondary battery, with the second head 620 in contact with the terminal 712 of the secondary battery. For example, the insulating member 630 may be positioned between the first head 610 and the flange 716 and between the second head 620 and the flange 716, so that the secondary battery charge / discharge pin 600 and the flange 716 are electrically insulated from each other during the charging and discharging of the secondary battery.

[0088] The size of the second head 620 can correspond to the size of the terminal 712 of the secondary battery. For example, when the second head 620 is cylindrical, the diameter of the second head 620 can be 40% to 100% of the width of the terminal 712 of the secondary battery. In some embodiments, the width of the terminal 712 of the secondary battery may not exceed the depth of the main body housing 714 of the secondary battery.

[0089] The sum of the dimension (e.g., width or diameter) of the second head 620 in the depth direction of the main body housing 714 of the secondary battery and the thickness of the second insulating member 632 disposed on the outer peripheral surface 622 of the second head 620 can be less than or equal to the depth of the main body housing 714 of the secondary battery. For example, the sum of the dimension (e.g., width or diameter) of the second head 620 in the depth direction of the main body housing 714 of the secondary battery and the thickness of the second insulating member 632 disposed on the outer peripheral surface 622 of the second head 620 can be 40% to 90% of the depth of the main body housing 714 of the secondary battery.

[0090] However, the dimensions (e.g., width or diameter) of the first head 610 in the depth direction of the secondary battery's main housing 714 are not limited to the examples above. In some embodiments, the dimensions (e.g., width or diameter) of the first head 610 in the depth direction of the secondary battery's main housing 714 can be determined based on the current intensity used during a charge-discharge test of the secondary battery. For example, to use a current of 20A, the first head 610 can have a cylindrical shape with a diameter of 5mm to 6mm.

[0091] exist Figure 6 Although the first head 610 and the second head 620 have been shown to be cylindrical, their shapes are not limited to this. For example, the first head 610 and the second head 620 can be rectangular prisms.

[0092] According to some embodiments, the height h3 of the second head 620 can be greater than or equal to the difference between the height h1 of the flange 716 formed on the secondary battery casing and the height h2 of the terminal. In some examples, the sum of the height h3 of the second head 620 and the height h2 of the terminal can be greater than or equal to the sum of the height h1 of the flange 716 formed on the secondary battery casing and the thickness of the first insulating member 631. Due to this configuration, even when the width or diameter of the first head 610 disposed at one end of the second head 620 facing away from the terminal 712 is greater than or equal to the depth of the main casing 714 of the secondary battery, the first head 610 will not contact the flange 716.

[0093] Descriptions of other configurations and components can be found in the reference. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The description is the same as the previous one, so it will not be repeated here.

[0094] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the charging and discharging pins of a secondary battery according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0095] refer to Figure 8 In a secondary battery charge / discharge pin 800 according to some embodiments, an insulating member 830 may be disposed on the entire outer peripheral surface of the second head 820 and on the entire surface of the first head 810 connected to the entire outer peripheral surface of the second head 820. In some embodiments, the insulating member 830 may include a first insulating member 831 and a second insulating member 832.

[0096] The second insulating member 832 may be disposed on the entire outer peripheral surface of the second head 820, and the first insulating member 831 may be disposed on the entire surface of the first head 810 that connects to the entire outer peripheral surface of the second head 820. For example, although the secondary battery charge / discharge pin 800 may contact the terminal of the secondary battery at any orientation or angle in the direction of rotation about the central axis of the secondary battery charge / discharge pin 800, the insulating member 830 may be formed on the entire outer peripheral surface of the second head 820 and the entire end surface of the first head 810 that connects to the entire outer peripheral surface of the second head 820, to be disposed near or adjacent to a flange formed on the housing of the secondary battery.

[0097] The first insulating member 831 and the second insulating member 832 may be made of the same or substantially the same material, may be connected to each other, and may form an integral insulating member 830.

[0098] Descriptions of other configurations and components can be found in the reference. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The description is the same as the previous one, so it will not be repeated here.

[0099] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the appearance of the secondary battery charging and discharging pins and the secondary battery casing according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0100] refer to Figure 9 The secondary battery charging / discharging pin 920 may include a first head 921 and a second head 922 that directly contacts the terminal 912 of the secondary battery. The first head 921 may be disposed on the end of the second head 922 facing away from the terminal 912, may be made of the same or substantially the same material as the second head 922, and may be electrically connected to the second head 922. The diameter of the surface of the second head 922 that directly contacts the terminal 912 of the secondary battery may be larger than the diameter of the first head 921.

[0101] According to some embodiments, the second head 922 may include an inclined surface that is tilted at a set or predetermined angle α relative to the extending direction x of the first head 921 and the second head 922. For example, the angle α formed by a straight line y extending parallel to the inclined surface of the second head 922 relative to the extending direction x of the first head 921 and the second head 922 may be an acute angle.

[0102] The insulating member 930 may be disposed on at least a portion of the inclined surface of the second head 922. For example... Figure 9As illustrated, the insulating member 930 may be disposed near or adjacent to the flange 916 formed on the housing of the secondary battery, with the second head 922 in contact with the terminal 912 of the secondary battery. For example, the insulating member 930 may be positioned between the inclined surface of the second head 922 and the flange 916 to electrically insulate the secondary battery charge / discharge pin 920 from the flange 916 during the charging and discharging of the secondary battery.

[0103] The sum of the diameter of the surface of the second head 922 that directly contacts the terminal 912 of the secondary battery (or the maximum diameter of the inclined surface of the second head 922) and the thickness of the insulating member 930 disposed on the inclined surface of the second head 922 can be less than or equal to the depth of the main body casing 914 of the secondary battery. For example, the sum of the diameter of the surface of the second head 922 that directly contacts the terminal 912 of the secondary battery (or the maximum diameter of the inclined surface of the second head 922) and the thickness of the insulating member 930 disposed on the inclined surface of the second head 922 is 40% to 90% of the depth of the main body casing 914 of the secondary battery.

[0104] Descriptions of other configurations and components can be found in the reference. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The description is the same as the previous one, so it will not be repeated here.

[0105] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the charge / discharge pins of a secondary battery and the casing of a secondary battery according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0106] refer to Figure 10 The secondary battery charging and discharging pin 1020 may include a first head 1021, a second head 1022 that contacts the terminal 1012 of the secondary battery, and an insulating member 1030 covering the entire inclined surface of the second head 1022.

[0107] For example, although the secondary battery charge / discharge pin 1020 may contact the terminal 1012 on a side surface of the main housing 1014 of the secondary battery housing at any orientation or angle in the direction of rotation about the central axis of the secondary battery charge / discharge pin 1020, the insulating member 1030 may be formed on the entire inclined surface of the second head 1022 to be disposed near or adjacent to the flange 1016 formed on the housing of the secondary battery.

[0108] Descriptions of other configurations and components can be found in the reference. Figure 9 The description is the same as the previous one, so it will not be repeated here.

[0109] Figure 11 and Figure 12This is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-section of a secondary battery charge / discharge pin according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0110] refer to Figure 11 The side surface 1120 of the head 1100 of the secondary battery charge / discharge pin may include a curved surface portion 1122 and a flat surface portion 1124 connected to the curved surface portion 1122. An insulating member 1130 may be disposed on at least a portion of the flat surface portion 1124. For example, the insulating member 1130 may be disposed near or adjacent to a flange formed on the housing of the secondary battery while the head 1100 is in contact with a terminal of the secondary battery.

[0111] The width of the head 1100 in the narrow direction or the diameter of the head 1100 may correspond to the size (e.g., width) of the secondary battery terminal. For example, the width of the head 1100 in the narrow direction may be 40% to 100% of the width of the secondary battery terminal. In some embodiments, the width of the secondary battery terminal may not exceed the depth of the secondary battery body casing.

[0112] According to some embodiments, the head 1100 may include a plurality of flat surface portions 1124. For example, the head 1100 may have a radially symmetrical shape to accommodate rotation of the charging / discharging device. For example, the head 1100 may be molded or cast such that two flat surface portions 1124 are opposite to each other, as... Figure 11 As illustrated in the diagram. Because the plurality of flat surface portions 1124 are radially symmetrical to each other, although the head 1100 of the secondary battery charge / discharge pin 1020 can contact the terminal of the secondary battery in a flange-facing state in any of the plurality of flat surface portions 1124 by rotating in the rotational direction about the central axis of the secondary battery charge / discharge pin 1020, the insulating member 1130 can be provided on the flat surface portions 1124 to be located near or adjacent to the flange formed on the housing of the secondary battery. Figure 11 Although it has been illustrated that the insulating member 1130 is disposed on only one flat surface portion 1124, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the insulating member 1130 may be disposed on two flat surface portions 1124.

[0113] like Figure 11 As illustrated, according to some embodiments, the head 1100 may include a flat surface portion 1124. For example, when the head 1100 contacts a terminal of a secondary battery to perform charging and discharging of the secondary battery, the flat surface portion 1124 may be disposed near or adjacent to a flange formed on the housing of the secondary battery. An insulating member 1130 may be disposed on a flat surface portion 1124.

[0114] refer to Figure 12 The side surface 1220 of the secondary battery charge / discharge pin 1200 includes a curved surface portion 1222 and a flat surface portion 1224 connected to the curved surface portion 1222, and an insulating member 1230 may be disposed on the entire side surface 1220. In such an embodiment, although the secondary battery charge / discharge pin head 1200 may contact the terminals of the secondary battery at any orientation or angle in the direction of rotation about the central axis of the secondary battery charge / discharge pin head 200, the insulating member 1230 may be disposed near or adjacent to a flange formed on the housing of the secondary battery. Further descriptions of configurations and components can be found in the references. Figure 11 The description is the same as the previous one, so it will not be repeated here.

[0115] Figure 13 This is a longitudinal section of a probe for secondary battery charge-discharge testing according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0116] A probe for charging and discharging a secondary battery, according to some embodiments, may include an outer plunger 1310 and an inner plunger 1320. The outer plunger 1310 includes a charge / discharge pin 1312, and the inner plunger 1320 moves vertically within the outer plunger 1310. In some embodiments, the inner plunger 1320 may be electrically insulated from the outer plunger 1310. The charge / discharge pin 1312 may include a head 1314 that contacts a terminal of the secondary battery and an insulating member 1316 covering at least a portion of the head 1314. The charge / discharge pin 1312 may serve as a reference. Figures 1 to 12 The description refers to the charging and discharging pins of a secondary battery.

[0117] According to some embodiments, the probe for secondary battery charge / discharge testing may further include an insulating layer 1322 disposed along the outer peripheral surface of the inner plunger 1320. In some embodiments, the insulating layer 1322 may provide electrical insulation between the outer plunger 1310 and the inner plunger 1320, while suppressing wear and corrosion that occur when using the inner plunger 1320. In some embodiments, the insulating layer 1322 may be disposed on the entire outer peripheral surface of the inner plunger 1320, except for the surface that contacts the terminals of the secondary battery.

[0118] The insulating layer 1322 may be made of a polymer coating including Teflon (polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), or combinations thereof.

[0119] In some embodiments, the insulating layer 1322 may be made of a ceramic coating, including alumina (Al2O3), zirconium oxide (ZrO2), parylene, epoxy resin, or combinations thereof. The insulating layer 1322 is not limited to the materials listed above and may include a variety of durable insulating materials as needed.

[0120] The probe for secondary battery charge / discharge testing may further include an elastomer 1330 disposed on the outer surface of the outer plunger 1310 (or the head of the charge / discharge pin 1312). For example, when the outer plunger 1310 (or the head of the charge / discharge pin 1312) is in contact with the terminals of the secondary battery, the elastomer 1330 may be located on the outer surface of the outer plunger 1310 (or the head of the charge / discharge pin 1312) facing away from the terminals. According to some embodiments, the elastomer 1330 may include a helical spring. The elastomer 1330 can distribute the pressure applied to the probe and mitigate impact during secondary battery charge / discharge testing, thus enabling the probe to be used for a long period of time.

[0121] Multiple protrusions 1319 may be formed on the contact surface of the head 1314 that directly contacts the terminals of the secondary battery. The multiple protrusions 1319 can distribute pressure, reduce wear on the contact surface between the terminals and the head 1314, and maintain stable contact even during long-term use of the probe for charge and discharge testing.

[0122] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, a probe for charge-discharge testing can be provided, which can perform charge-discharge testing of a secondary battery using a large current by adjusting the shape of the secondary battery charge-discharge pins in various ways, while eliminating the risk of short circuits.

[0123] While the present disclosure has been described above with reference to embodiments thereof, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Various modifications and variations can be made by those skilled in the art within the spirit and equivalent scope of the claims.

[0124] Figure Labels

[0125] 110: Shell

[0126] 112: Terminal

[0127] 114: Main body shell

[0128] 116: Cover shell

[0129] 118: Flange

[0130] 120: Secondary battery charge / discharge pin

[0131] 122: Head

[0132] 130: Insulating components

Claims

1.A secondary battery charge-discharge pin comprising: a head configured to contact a terminal of a secondary battery; and an insulating member configured to cover at least a portion of the head. 2.The secondary battery charge-discharge pin of claim 1, wherein the insulating member is formed on the head to be adjacent to a flange formed on a case of the secondary battery in a state where the head contacts the terminal of the secondary battery. 3.The secondary battery charge-discharge pin of claim 1, wherein the head comprises a first head and a second head, wherein the second head is configured to directly contact the terminal of the secondary battery, and wherein a diameter of the first head is greater than a diameter of the second head. 4.The secondary battery charge-discharge pin of claim 3, wherein a height of the second head is greater than or equal to a difference between a height of a flange formed on a case of the secondary battery and a height of the terminal. 5.The secondary battery charge-discharge pin of claim 3, wherein the insulating member is on at least a portion of an outer peripheral surface of the second head and at least a portion of a surface of the first head connected to the outer peripheral surface of the second head. 6.The secondary battery charge-discharge pin of claim 3, wherein the second head has an inclined surface inclined at an angle with respect to an extension direction of the first head and the second head, and wherein the insulating member is on at least a portion of the inclined surface of the second head. 7.The secondary battery charge-discharge pin of claim 1, wherein a side surface of the head comprises a curved surface portion and a flat surface portion connected to the curved surface portion. 8.The secondary battery charge-discharge pin of claim 7, wherein the insulating member is on at least a portion of the flat surface portion. 9.The secondary battery charge-discharge pin of claim 1, wherein a plurality of protrusions are formed on a contact surface of the head configured to directly contact the terminal of the secondary battery. 10.A probe for secondary battery charge-discharge testing comprising: an outer plunger comprising a charge-discharge pin; and an inner plunger configured to move up and down on an inside of the outer plunger, wherein the inner plunger is electrically insulated from the outer plunger, and wherein the charge-discharge pin is the secondary battery charge-discharge pin of any one of claims 1 to 9. 11.The probe for secondary battery charge-discharge testing of claim 10, further comprising: an insulating layer along an outer peripheral surface of the inner plunger. 12.The probe for secondary battery charge-discharge testing of claim 10, further comprising: an elastomer on an outer surface of the outer plunger.

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