A quantifiable compact quick-release reusable battery test housing and a method of characterizing the same

Abstract

The application discloses a fast disassembly type reusable battery test shell capable of quantitative compression and a characterization method thereof. The shell comprises a first electrode assembly, a second electrode assembly, an intermediate shell and a fast disassembly connecting mechanism. The first electrode assembly is provided with a compression force adjusting mark part (scale mark or torque interface) for adjusting the compression force through threads and quantifying. The fast disassembly connecting mechanism (such as a push-pull buckle, a rotary buckle or a fast disassembly thread) can realize quick separation and combination of the first electrode assembly and the intermediate shell. In the test process, the electrode material can be quickly disassembled and taken out under a specific charge and discharge state, and then subjected to off-site characterization such as SEM, TEM, XRD and XPS, and then quickly recovered and assembled and the compression force is accurately restored for continuous test. The application realizes in-situ-off-site linkage characterization in the battery test process, has simple structure, convenient operation and reusability, and provides an efficient tool for battery material research.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery testing technology, specifically to a detachable and reusable battery test housing for testing sodium-ion batteries or lithium-ion batteries, and in particular to a battery test housing that can be quickly disassembled and the electrode materials removed for off-site characterization at any time during the testing process, and can be quickly reassembled to continue testing. Background Technology

[0002] In the research and development of sodium-ion and lithium-ion batteries, coin cells are the most commonly used laboratory test models. Currently, the coin cell casings widely used in laboratories typically employ disposable metal casings, with the positive and negative electrode casings pressed and sealed using a sealing machine. This design has the following shortcomings:

[0003] 1. Single-use, serious waste: Each test sample requires a brand new battery casing, generating a large amount of metal waste, which is not environmentally friendly and costly.

[0004] 2. Cannot be opened without damage: The pressed battery casing is difficult to open without damage. After testing, it needs to be pried open with tools, which can easily damage the casing and pose a safety hazard.

[0005] 3. The clamping force cannot be accurately quantified: The clamping force of traditional packaging machines is set by the equipment, and it is difficult to ensure the consistency of the clamping force between different batches of experiments, which affects the repeatability of experimental data.

[0006] 4. Inability to sample and analyze during testing: During testing, researchers often need to remove electrode materials at specific charge-discharge states (such as after several cycles or when charged to a certain voltage) for in-situ characterization using SEM, TEM, XRD, XPS, etc., to analyze the structural evolution of the materials. While existing reusable threaded battery casings can be disassembled, the disassembly process is cumbersome (requiring complete unscrewing of the threads), and it is difficult to accurately restore the original clamping force during reassembly, making it impossible to reliably continue testing after interruption.

[0007] To address the above problems, the present invention provides a battery test housing that combines quantitative clamping adjustment and quick disassembly / reassembly functions. Summary of the Invention

[0008] (a) Technical problems to be solved

[0009] The present invention aims to provide a battery test housing that can be quantified and compressed, can be quickly disassembled and reusable, and allows the electrode material to be removed at any time during the test for off-site characterization, thereby solving the technical problem in the prior art that it is impossible to quickly and non-destructively sample and resume the test during the test.

[0010] (II) Technical Solution

[0011] A quick-release reusable battery test housing with quantifiable compression includes:

[0012] The first electrode assembly includes a first electrode post and a first current collector. The first electrode post is electrically connected to the first current collector. The first end of the first electrode post is provided with a first connection portion for connecting to an external testing device, and the second end of the first electrode post is provided with a first threaded portion. The first electrode post is also provided with a clamping force adjustment marking portion for quantifying the clamping force. The first current collector is used to contact a first side of the internal material of the battery.

[0013] The second electrode assembly includes a second electrode post and a second current collector. The second electrode post is electrically connected to the second current collector. The second electrode post is provided with a second connection portion for connecting to external testing equipment. The second current collector is used to contact the second side of the battery internal material.

[0014] The intermediate housing is made of non-conductive insulating material and has an internal cavity that runs vertically through it. At least a portion of the internal cavity is provided with a second threaded portion that mates with the first threaded portion. The first end of the intermediate housing is fixedly connected to the second electrode assembly.

[0015] A quick-release connection mechanism is disposed between the first electrode assembly and the intermediate housing to enable quick connection and separation between the first electrode assembly and the intermediate housing; the quick-release connection mechanism and the first threaded part and the second threaded part are structurally independent or work in conjunction with each other;

[0016] The inner cavity is used to contain the internal materials of the battery, which include a positive electrode, a separator, a negative electrode, and an electrolyte.

[0017] A sealing element is disposed between the first electrode assembly and the intermediate housing, and / or between the second electrode assembly and the intermediate housing;

[0018] During the test, the clamping force can be adjusted by rotating the first electrode assembly to change its axial screw-in depth. When the electrode material needs to be removed, the first electrode assembly and the intermediate housing are quickly separated by the quick-release connection mechanism, and the electrode material is removed for displacement characterization. After characterization, the assembly is quickly restored by the quick-release connection mechanism, and the original clamping force can be restored by adjusting the marking part according to the clamping force, and the test can continue.

[0019] Furthermore, the quick-release connection mechanism is selected from at least one of the following:

[0020] Push-pull buckle: includes an elastic hook set on the side wall of the first electrode assembly and a slot set on the inner wall of the middle housing, which can achieve quick locking and releasing by axial pushing and pulling;

[0021] Rotation-positioning latch: includes a protrusion on the side wall of the first electrode assembly and an L-shaped guide groove on the inner wall of the intermediate housing, which can be locked and released by rotating a certain angle;

[0022] Magnetic snap-fit: includes permanent magnets or ferromagnetic elements respectively disposed on the first electrode assembly and the intermediate housing, which achieve magnetic attraction and connection through magnetic force;

[0023] Quick-release threads: The first and second threaded parts adopt multi-start threads or large-pitch threads, and engagement and disengagement can be completed by rotating less than one turn.

[0024] Furthermore, the clamping force adjustment marking part is a scale mark set on the outer wall of the first pole post to indicate the rotation angle or screw-in depth; or it is a torque matching interface set at the second end of the first pole post to set the screw-in torque with a torque wrench.

[0025] Furthermore, the non-conductive insulating material is PEEK (polyether ether ketone), PPS (polyphenylene sulfide), POM (polyoxymethylene), PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), or ceramic.

[0026] Furthermore, an insulating pad is provided between the internal material of the battery and the first current collector and / or the second current collector to protect the separator and the opposite electrode from damage when the electrode material is disassembled and removed.

[0027] Furthermore, the materials of the first electrode assembly and / or the second electrode assembly are stainless steel, copper, aluminum, nickel, or gold-plated metal.

[0028] Furthermore, the sealing element is an O-ring or a gasket.

[0029] (III) Beneficial Effects

[0030] 1. Reusable, reducing costs: After testing, it can be quickly disassembled, cleaned, and reused.

[0031] 2. The clamping force can be quantitatively adjusted: the clamping force can be precisely controlled through scale markings or torque interface, improving the repeatability of experimental data.

[0032] 3. Quick disassembly and assembly for easy sampling: The quick-release connection mechanism can separate and reassemble the first electrode assembly from the intermediate shell within seconds, making it easy to remove the electrode material at any time during the test for in-situ characterization such as SEM, TEM, XRD, and XPS.

[0033] 4. In-situ-out-of-situ linkage characterization capability: The test can be paused at different stages (such as a specific number of cycles or a specific voltage), and the same clamping force can be quickly restored after sampling and characterization to continue the test, thus establishing a dynamic correlation between electrochemical performance and the evolution of material microstructure.

[0034] 5. Simple structure and easy operation: No need to fully unscrew the threads, disassembly and assembly can be completed with one hand, suitable for operation inside the glove box.

[0035] 6. Flexible adjustment and strong adaptability: By adjusting the screw-in depth, it can adapt to combinations of electrode materials of different thicknesses.

[0036] 7. Good sealing performance: The seals ensure that the electrolyte does not leak. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 : An exploded structural diagram of the battery test housing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 2 : Figure 1 The illustrated embodiment is a cross-sectional structural diagram in its assembled state.

[0039] Figure 3 : A schematic diagram of an embodiment of the first electrode assembly, showing the clamping force adjustment marking section—the outer wall scale marking.

[0040] Figure 4 : Another embodiment of the first electrode assembly is shown in the structural diagram, illustrating the clamping force adjustment marking part - torque mating interface.

[0041] Figure 5 : Schematic diagram of the intermediate shell structure.

[0042] Figure 6 : A partially enlarged schematic diagram of the quick-release connection mechanism (push-pull buckle and rotation-to-position buckle).

[0043] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the process for testing and sampling characterization using the battery test casing of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0044] Example 1: Basic Structure (corresponding) Figure 1 and 2 )

[0045] like Figure 1 and 2 As shown, this embodiment provides a quick-release reusable battery test housing with quantifiable compression, including a first electrode assembly 1, a second electrode assembly 2, an intermediate housing 3, and a quick-release connection mechanism.

[0046] First electrode assembly 1 includes a first electrode post 11 and a first current collector 12, which are electrically connected (integrated or welded). The first end of the first electrode post 11 has a first connecting portion 111 (such as an externally threaded cylinder or a smooth pin) for connecting to testing equipment; the second end of the first electrode post 11 has a first threaded portion 112 (external thread). The outer wall or top of the first electrode post 11 has a clamping force adjustment marking portion 113. The first current collector 12 is disc-shaped and is used to contact the first side of the battery internal material 4.

[0047] The second electrode assembly 2 includes a second electrode post 21 and a second current collector 22, which are electrically connected. The second electrode post 21 has a second connecting portion 211 (such as a flat surface or a threaded boss) for connecting to testing equipment. The second current collector 22 is disc-shaped and is used to contact the second side of the battery internal material 4.

[0048] Intermediate housing 3: Made of non-conductive insulating material (such as PEEK), with a through-cavity 31. The upper part of the cavity 31 has a second threaded portion 32 (internal thread) that mates with the first threaded portion 112. The first end (lower end) of the intermediate housing 3 is fixedly connected to the second electrode assembly 2 (e.g., by adhesive bonding or integral molding). The second end (upper end) of the intermediate housing 3 is detachably connected to the first electrode assembly 1 via a quick-release connection mechanism.

[0049] Battery internal material 4 includes positive electrode 41, separator 42, negative electrode 43 and electrolyte 44, which are disposed between the first current collector 12 and the second current collector 22.

[0050] Seal 5: disposed between the first electrode assembly 1 and the intermediate housing 3 (e.g., a sealing ring is provided at the root of the thread or at the quick-release connection), and between the second electrode assembly 2 and the intermediate housing 3.

[0051] Quick-release connection mechanism: In this embodiment, a push-pull buckle is used (see Embodiment 2 for details).

[0052] Instructions for use: During testing, when it is necessary to remove the electrode material for off-site characterization, first record the current position of the clamping force adjustment mark (such as scale value or torque value). Then, quickly separate the first electrode assembly 1 from the intermediate housing 3 using the quick-release connection mechanism, and remove the positive electrode 41 or negative electrode 43 for SEM, XRD, and other analyses. After the analysis is completed, return the electrode material to its original position, quickly reassemble it using the quick-release connection mechanism, and reset the same clamping force according to the recorded mark position to continue testing.

[0053] Example 2: Specific implementation of the quick-release connection mechanism (corresponding to) Figure 6 )

[0054] like Figure 6As shown in the left figure, the push-pull buckle has an elastic hook 121 (e.g., two symmetrical cantilever hooks) at the lower end of the side wall of the first electrode assembly 1, and a corresponding slot 311 at the upper inner wall of the middle housing 3. During assembly, the first electrode assembly 1 is pushed downwards, and the elastic hook 121 engages with the slot 311 and locks in place. During disassembly, a tool is used to press the elastic hook 121 to disengage it from the slot, and then it is pulled upwards. This structure allows for quick assembly and disassembly within 1-2 seconds.

[0055] like Figure 6 As shown in the right figure, the rotation-locking mechanism features a protrusion 122 (e.g., a cylindrical protrusion) on the lower side wall of the first electrode assembly 1, and an L-shaped guide groove 312 on the upper inner wall of the intermediate housing 3. During assembly, the protrusion 122 is aligned with the longitudinal inlet of the L-shaped guide groove 312, pushed down to the bottom, and then rotated at a certain angle (e.g., 30°), causing the protrusion 122 to fall into the locking position of the transverse groove. For disassembly, it is rotated in the opposite direction and pulled out. This structure requires no tools and is easy to operate.

[0056] Another variant: quick-release threads, where the first threaded section 112 and the second threaded section 32 are designed as multi-start threads (e.g., 4-start threads) or large-pitch threads, allowing engagement and disengagement to be completed in less than one turn (e.g., 1 / 4 turn). This retains the quantitative adjustment function of the thread while achieving rapid assembly and disassembly.

[0057] Example 3: Clamping force adjustment indicator (corresponding to) Figure 3 and 4 )

[0058] like Figure 3 As shown, the outer wall of the first pole post 11 is provided with annular scale marks 113a, which are equidistant along the axial direction and are accompanied by numbers. During the screwing process, the scale value aligned with the upper end face of the intermediate housing 3 corresponds to a specific clamping force (which can be pre-calibrated).

[0059] like Figure 4 As shown, the top of the first pole post 11 has an internal hexagonal hole as a torque fitting interface 113b, which can be used with a torque wrench. Tightening to a preset torque value (such as 0.3 N m) can achieve precise quantification.

[0060] Example 4: Material and Structure of the Intermediate Shell (corresponding) Figure 5 )

[0061] like Figure 5 As shown, the intermediate housing 3 is cylindrical, with an internal thread (second threaded part 32) at the upper end. A quick-release connection mechanism (slot or guide groove) is located above or below the internal thread. The lower end is fixedly connected to the second electrode assembly 2. PEEK material is selected, which has advantages such as high strength, corrosion resistance, and insulation.

[0062] Example 5: Isolation pad (used to protect the diaphragm during sampling)

[0063] In tests that require frequent sampling, an ultra-thin insulating pad (made of PTFE or PET, with a thickness of 0.05-0.1mm) can be placed between the first current collector 12 and the positive electrode 41, and / or between the second current collector 22 and the negative electrode 43. This pad does not participate in conduction, but can be temporarily removed when the electrode material is taken out to protect the separator 42 and the opposite electrode from being scratched.

[0064] Example 6: Testing and Sampling Characterization Process (corresponding) Figure 7 )

[0065] like Figure 7 As shown, the process of "testing-sampling-retesting" using the battery test housing of the present invention is as follows:

[0066] 1. Initial assembly: Under an inert atmosphere, fix the second electrode assembly 2, and then place the negative electrode 43, the diaphragm 42, and the positive electrode 41 in sequence (if a gasket is required, place it in advance), and inject the electrolyte 44.

[0067] 2. Quantitative clamping: Initially position the first electrode assembly 1 through the quick-release connection mechanism, then rotate the first threaded part 112, and set the required clamping force (e.g., torque value 0.3 N m) by referring to the scale marks or using a torque wrench.

[0068] 3. Initial test: Connect the electrochemical testing equipment, conduct charge and discharge tests, and record the performance data.

[0069] 4. First Sampling Point: When the test reaches the preset conditions (e.g., after 50 cycles, or when charged to 4.5V), pause the test. Record the current position of the clamping force adjustment mark (e.g., scale value "3" or torque value 0.3 Nm). Quickly separate the first electrode assembly 1 using the quick-release connection mechanism and remove the positive electrode 41 (or negative electrode 43).

[0070] 5. In-situ characterization: After cleaning and drying the removed electrode sheets with solvent, characterization analysis was performed using SEM, TEM, XRD, XPS, Raman, etc.

[0071] 6. Reassembly: Put the characterized electrode back into its original position (or replace it with a new one), quickly reassemble it using the quick-release connection mechanism, and reset the same clamping force according to the previously recorded marking position.

[0072] 7. Continue testing: Reconnect the test equipment and continue subsequent charge and discharge tests.

[0073] 8. Repeat steps 4-7: Sample again at the second sampling point (e.g., after 100 cycles) to characterize the material, and so on, to obtain information on material evolution under different conditions.

Claims

1. A quick-release reusable battery test housing with quantifiable compression, characterized in that, include: The first electrode assembly includes a first electrode post and a first current collector. The first electrode post is electrically connected to the first current collector. The first end of the first electrode post is provided with a first connection portion for connecting to an external testing device. The second end of the first electrode post is provided with a first threaded portion. The first electrode post is also provided with a clamping force adjustment marking portion. The second electrode assembly includes a second electrode post and a second current collector, wherein the second electrode post is electrically connected to the second current collector, and the second electrode post is provided with a second connection portion; The intermediate housing is made of non-conductive insulating material and has an internal cavity that runs vertically through it. At least a portion of the internal cavity is provided with a second threaded portion that mates with the first threaded portion. The first end of the intermediate housing is fixedly connected to the second electrode assembly. A quick-release connection mechanism is provided between the first electrode assembly and the intermediate housing to enable quick connection and separation of the first electrode assembly and the intermediate housing; An inner cavity is used to accommodate the internal materials of the battery, which are disposed between the first current collector and the second current collector. A sealing element is disposed between the first electrode assembly and the intermediate housing and / or between the second electrode assembly and the intermediate housing; By rotating the first electrode assembly to change its screw-in depth, the clamping force of the first current collector and the second current collector on the internal material of the battery can be adjusted; the clamping force adjustment mark is used to indicate or set the clamping force; the quick-release connection mechanism allows the first electrode assembly and the intermediate housing to be quickly separated during the test to remove the electrode material for off-site characterization, and allows the assembly to be quickly restored after characterization and the same clamping force to be restored according to the clamping force adjustment mark.

2. The battery test housing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The quick-release connection mechanism is a push-pull buckle, including an elastic hook on the side wall of the first electrode assembly and a slot on the inner wall of the intermediate housing.

3. The battery test housing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The quick-release connection mechanism is a rotation-positioning buckle, including a protrusion on the side wall of the first electrode assembly and an L-shaped guide groove on the inner wall of the intermediate housing.

4. The battery test housing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The quick-release connection mechanism is a magnetic snap-fit, which includes permanent magnets or ferromagnetic elements respectively disposed on the first electrode assembly and the intermediate housing.

5. The battery test housing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first and second threaded portions are multi-start threads or large-pitch threads, which can be engaged and disengaged in less than one rotation, and also serve as the quick-release connection mechanism.

6. The battery test housing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping force adjustment marking is a scale mark set on the outer wall of the first pole post to indicate the rotation angle or screw-in depth; or it is a torque matching interface set at the second end of the first pole post to set the screw-in torque with a torque wrench.

7. The battery test housing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The non-conductive insulating material is PEEK, PPS, POM, PTFE, or ceramic.

8. The battery test housing according to claim 1, characterized in that, An insulating pad is provided between the internal material of the battery and the first current collector and / or the second current collector.

9. An in-situ-out-of-situ linkage characterization method using the battery test casing according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that... Includes the following steps: (a) Under an inert atmosphere, the battery material to be tested is assembled into the battery test housing, and the initial clamping force is set by the clamping force adjustment mark. (b) Connect to electrochemical testing equipment for charge-discharge testing; (c) When the test reaches the preset sampling conditions, pause the test and record the current position of the clamping force adjustment indicator. (d) Quickly separate the first electrode assembly from the intermediate housing using a quick-release connection mechanism, and remove the electrode material from the first or second side; (e) Perform ex-situ characterization analysis on the removed electrode material; (f) Put the characterized electrode material back into its original position or replace it with a new electrode material, quickly restore the assembly through the quick-release connection mechanism, and restore the same clamping force according to the recorded marking position; (g) Continue with subsequent charge-discharge tests; (h) Repeat steps (c) through (g) at least once.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The ex-situ characterization analysis includes one or more of SEM, TEM, XRD, XPS, Raman spectroscopy, FTIR, EDS, EELS, AFM, and NMR.

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