Cell test jig

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cell test jig, which can replicate an environment identical or similar to that of a battery module or battery pack, and therefore, by testing a single cell, the same or similar results can be obtained as when testing a battery module or battery pack. The cell test jig according to the present invention relates to a cell test jig used for testing a cell, and includes a first plate covering one side of the cell, a second plate covering the other side which is the opposite side of the one side of the cell, a heating pad located between the first plate and the second plate and positioned adjacent to one side of the cell that connects the one side of the cell and the other side, and a cooling plate located between the first plate and the second plate and positioned adjacent to the other side of the cell which is the opposite side of the one side of the cell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - reference to Related Applications] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2023 - 0081849 filed on June 26, 2023 and Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2024 - 0080555 filed on June 20, 2024, and all the contents disclosed in the documents of the Korean patent applications are included as part of this specification.

[0002] The present invention relates to a cell test jig, which can simulate an environment identical or similar to a battery module or a battery pack, so that even when testing one cell, results the same as or similar to those obtained by testing a battery module or a battery pack can be obtained.

Background Art

[0003] Recently, due to the changing perception of environmental issues, the demand for electric vehicles (EVs) driven by lithium - ion (Li - ion) secondary batteries instead of internal combustion engines has been increasing. With the increasing demand for electric vehicles (EVs), verification tests on the performance aspect of secondary batteries have been emphasized, and the importance of cell - level tests that can pre - verify and diagnose the test results at the battery module and battery pack levels (Module / Pack level) has been increasing.

[0004] Life - time estimation, which is one of the most important performance indicators of electric vehicles (EVs), is an important indicator for understanding how long the performance of the battery pack level (Pack level) can maintain good performance in terms of hardware.

[0005] Therefore, if it were possible to devise situational real-world tests for battery modules and battery packs in advance at the cell level, which is the smallest unit of a battery pack, it would not only minimize test costs but also shorten the test period, which could be a good alternative to provide automotive OEMs with more objective data and enhance reliability. Thus, the question arose as to whether it was possible to devise such situational real-world tests for battery modules and battery packs in advance at the cell level. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The present invention was devised to solve the aforementioned problems, and the object of the present invention is to provide a cell test jig that can replicate an environment identical or similar to that of a battery module or battery pack, so that even when testing a single cell, the same or similar results can be obtained as when testing a battery module or battery pack. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The cell test jig according to the present invention relates to a cell test jig used for testing a cell, and includes a first plate covering one side of the cell, a second plate covering the other side which is the opposite side of the one side of the cell, a heating pad located between the first plate and the second plate and positioned adjacent to one side of the cell that connects the one side of the cell and the other side, and a cooling plate located between the first plate and the second plate and positioned adjacent to the other side of the cell which is the opposite side of the one side of the cell.

[0008] The heating pad generates heat to warm the cells, while the cooling plate allows a cooling fluid to flow through it to cool the cells.

[0009] The first and second plates may be made of bakelite.

[0010] The heating pad can be positioned to face the folded sealing portion of the cell.

[0011] The other side of the cell may have a form of a connecting surface that continuously links one side of the cell to the other side.

[0012] The heating pad may further include a back plate that supports the heating pad on the side of the heating pad opposite to the side of the heating pad that faces the cells.

[0013] The backplate may be installed so as to be fixed to the first plate and the second plate.

[0014] A temperature sensor unit for measuring the cell temperature may be installed on at least one of the first plate and the second plate.

[0015] The system may further include a surface pressure sensor for measuring the pressure at which the outer surface of the cell expands.

[0016] The surface pressure sensor unit may include a first surface pressure sensor unit positioned at least one of the following locations: between one surface of the cell and the first plate, or between the other surface of the cell and the second plate.

[0017] The first surface pressure sensor section includes a first base plate and a plurality of first surface pressure sensors attached to the first base plate, and the plurality of first surface pressure sensors may be arranged in a plurality of columns and a plurality of rows at predetermined positions.

[0018] The surface pressure sensor unit may include a second surface pressure sensor unit positioned at least one of the following locations: between one side of the cell and the heating pad, or between the other side of the cell and the cooling plate.

[0019] The second surface pressure sensor section includes a second base plate and a plurality of second surface pressure sensors attached to the second base plate, and the plurality of second surface pressure sensors may be arranged in a plurality of columns and a plurality of rows at predetermined positions.

[0020] The second base plate may be provided with through holes for smoothly transmitting the heat of the heating pad.

[0021] It further includes a back plate that supports the heating pad on the opposite side of the surface of the heating pad facing the cell, and the second surface pressure sensor unit, the heating pad, and the back plate may be arranged in the order of the second surface pressure sensor unit, the heating pad, and the back plate with respect to the direction away from the cell.

[0022] It further includes a coupling unit that couples the first plate and the second plate to each other, and the coupling unit can include a bolt that passes through a coupling hole, which is a through hole formed in the first plate and the second plate; and a nut that engages with the bolt to couple the first plate and the second plate to each other.

[0023] The joints between any two of the first plate, the second plate, the heating pad, and the cooling plate that are arranged adjacent to each other may be finished with resin.

Advantages of the Invention

[0024] The cell test jig according to the present invention can simulate an environment identical or similar to that of a battery module or a battery pack. Therefore, even when testing a single cell, results the same as or similar to those obtained from testing a battery module or a battery pack can be obtained.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing the cell test jig of Example 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a view showing the second surface pressure sensor unit in the cell test jig of Example 2 of the present invention.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] In the following, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached figures, so as to be easily implemented by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. However, the present invention may be embodied in a variety of different forms and is not limited to or restricted by the following embodiments.

[0027] In order to clearly explain the present invention, detailed descriptions of relevant prior art that are not relevant to the description or that could unnecessarily obscure the essence of the invention have been omitted. In this specification, when assigning reference numerals to components in each figure, the same or similar reference numerals are used for components that are the same or similar throughout the specification.

[0028] Furthermore, the terms and words used in this specification and the claims shall not be interpreted in a manner limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but rather in a manner consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention, in accordance with the principle that inventors may define the concepts of terms as appropriate to best describe their invention.

[0029] Example 1 Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the cell test jig 100 of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0030] In the following, a cell test jig 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 1.

[0031] The cell test jig 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention may be a cell test jig 100 used to test a cell 10. The cell test jig 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention includes a first plate 110 covering one face 11 of the cell 10, a second plate 120 covering the other face of the cell 10 which is the opposite face of the one face 11, a heating pad 130 positioned between the first plate 110 and the second plate 120 and adjacent to one side of the cell 10 that connects the one face 11 and the other face of the cell 10, and a cooling plate 140 positioned between the first plate 110 and the second plate 120 and adjacent to the other side 14 of the cell 10 which is the opposite face of the one side of the cell 10.

[0032] Having these characteristics, the cell test jig 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention can replicate an environment identical or similar to that of a battery module or battery pack, so that even when testing a single cell 10, the same or similar results as those obtained when testing a battery module or battery pack can be obtained. The cell test jig 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention creates an environment similar to that of a battery module, making it possible to obtain results from the cell level 10, and also has the effect of cost reduction.

[0033] In other words, while a battery module has a structure made up of multiple cells 10, the cell test jig 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention can realize the same environment as when a single cell 10 is among multiple cells 10 of a battery module. Therefore, even if only one cell 10 is present, it is possible to predict what kind of result the cell 10 will produce in a battery module.

[0034] In the cell test jig 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the heating pad 130 can generate heat to heat the cell 10. This can produce the same effect as the heat generated within the battery module affecting the battery. The cooling plate 140 may have a cooling fluid flowing inside to cool the cell 10. This can produce an effect similar to that of a cooling device within the battery module cooling the cell 10.

[0035] The first plate 110 and the second plate 120 may be made of bakelite plate. Because bakelite plate has excellent heat resistance and strength, it can play a role in containing heat, thereby enabling the simulation of environmental conditions such as temperature in the battery module. In addition, the first plate 110 and the second plate 120 can also act as insulating material via the bakelite plate.

[0036] The joints between any two adjacent plates among the first plate 110, the second plate 120, the heating pad 130, and the cooling plate 140 may be finished with thermal resin. This can also help to contain the heat more effectively and reliably.

[0037] Furthermore, the resin used in the necessary locations within the cell test jig 100 can be the same resin used during the assembly of actual battery modules. This allows for the testing to be more closely simulated in an environment similar to that of an actual module. Such resin may be used in positions that produce the same effect as the resin located within an actual battery module.

[0038] To match the environment in the battery module, the heating pad 130 can be positioned facing the folded sealing portion of the cell 10. Here, the meaning of the folded sealing portion can mean the portion created by sealing the pouch frame of the pouch-shaped cell 10 with heat and pressure, and then folding the sealed portion two or three times. The reason for folding the sealing portion two or three times may be to minimize the volume or width occupied by the cell 10.

[0039] Furthermore, the side with the folded sealing portion may be one side of cell 10. Also, the opposite side of one side of cell 10 may be the other side 14 of cell 10, but this other side 14 of cell 10 does not have to be in the form of a folded sealing portion. The other side 14 of cell 10 may have the form of a connecting surface that continuously connects one side 11 of cell 10, which is the upper surface of cell 10, and the other side of cell 10, which is the lower surface of cell 10. In other words, it may be a surface that is connected to each other from the beginning without sealing.

[0040] The cooling plate 140 can be positioned adjacent to the other side 14 of the cell 10, facing it. That is, the cooling plate 140 can be positioned facing the connecting surface that continuously connects one side 11 and the other side of the cell 10. The folded sealing side has a folded portion, and the battery and the cooling plate 140 cannot be in close contact with it. Therefore, in an actual battery module, the cooling plate 140 is installed so as to be in close contact with the smooth surface side without the folded sealing portion. Accordingly, in this cell test jig 100, the cooling plate 140 can be installed so as to be in close contact with the smooth connecting surface in order to create an environment identical to that of an actual battery module. In this case, the heating pad 130 and the cooling plate 140 can be positioned on opposite sides of each other.

[0041] The heating pad 130 may further include a back plate 150 that supports the heating pad 130 on the opposite side of the heating pad 130 from the side facing the cell 10. The back plate 150 may also play a role in containing the heat and in ensuring that the heating pad 130 maintains a stable position.

[0042] In order for the heating pad 130 to maintain a stable position, the back plate 150 needs to stably support the heating pad 130. For this reason, the back plate 150 may be installed so as to be fixed to the first plate 110 and the second plate 120. Specifically, the back plate 150 may be installed so as to be fixed to both the first plate 110 and the second plate 120.

[0043] A temperature sensor unit 160 for measuring the temperature of the cell 10 may be installed on at least one of the first plate 110 and the second plate 120. The temperature sensor unit 160 may be installed in multiple columns and rows at predetermined positions. This may enable accurate temperature measurement at precise locations on one side 11 and the entire other side of the cell 10. This also improves upon the limitations that may exist in existing actual battery modules regarding the installation of the temperature sensor unit 160.

[0044] The cell test jig 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention may further include a surface pressure sensor for measuring the pressure at which the outer surface of the cell 10 expands.

[0045] The surface pressure sensor section may further include a surface pressure sensor section of a first surface pressure sensor 171-b, which is positioned in at least one of the following locations: between one surface 11 of the cell 10 and the first plate 110, or between the other surface of the cell 10 and the second plate 120.

[0046] The first surface pressure sensor unit 171 may include a first base plate 171-a and a first surface pressure sensor 171-b. The first base plate 171-a has a size and shape corresponding to one face 11 or the other face of the cell 10, and may have a plate shape. The first surface pressure sensor 171-b may be a surface pressure sensor attached to the first base plate 171-a. Multiple first surface pressure sensors 171-b may be provided. In particular, multiple first surface pressure sensors 171-b may be arranged in multiple columns and multiple rows at predetermined positions. This makes it possible to measure the pressure at an accurate position on one face 11 or the other face of the cell 10. It is possible to predict at what position (area) and at what pressure the cell 10 in the battery module will swell, or to what extent it will swell.

[0047] The surface pressure sensor unit may further include a surface pressure sensor unit of a second surface pressure sensor 172-b, which is positioned in at least one of the following locations: between one side of the cell 10 and the heating pad 130, or between the other side 14 of the cell 10 and the cooling plate 140.

[0048] When the second surface pressure sensor unit 172 is located between one side of the cell 10 and the heating pad 130, the second surface pressure sensor unit 172 may be installed facing the folded sealing portion of the cell 10. When heat is applied to the cell 10, the internal pressure of the cell 10 increases, which may cause the folded sealing portion to rupture. In this case, the second surface pressure sensor 172-b can measure the venting pressure and venting position. This can be seen as an embodiment of the venting phenomenon occurring under abnormal conditions.

[0049] The second surface pressure sensor unit 172 may include a second base plate 172-a and a second surface pressure sensor 172-b. The second base plate 172-a may have a plate shape and have a size and shape corresponding to one face 11 or the other face of the cell 10. The second surface pressure sensor 172-b may be a surface pressure sensor attached to the second base plate 172-a. Multiple second surface pressure sensors 172-b may be provided. In particular, multiple second surface pressure sensors 172-b may be arranged in multiple columns and multiple rows at predetermined positions. This makes it possible to measure the pressure at an accurate position on one face 11 or the other face of the cell 10. It is possible to predict at what position and at what pressure the cell 10 in the battery module will swell, or to what extent it will swell.

[0050] The surface pressure sensor portion of the first surface pressure sensor 171-b and the surface pressure sensor portion of the second surface pressure sensor 172-b may be selectively installed individually, or both may be installed. Through this, the actual degree of swelling of the pouch cell 10 can be clearly confirmed.

[0051] The cell test jig 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention may further include a coupling unit 180 that connects a first plate 110 and a second plate 120 to each other. The coupling unit may include a bolt 181 that passes through coupling holes, which are through holes 172-c formed in the first plate 110 and the second plate 120, and a nut 182 that connects with the bolt to connect the first plate 110 and the second plate 120 to each other. The bolt and nut can also adjust the separation distance between the first plate 110 and the second plate 120, thereby adjusting the coupling force. That is, the pressure applied to the cell 10 above and below can also be adjusted. In this way, an environment can be created in which the upper and lower surfaces are constrained via the bolt and nut, so that the actual module environment can be realized in terms of the pressure applied to the cell 10. As a result, even if the pressure of each part is measured for one of the cells 10 via the surface pressure sensor, the same or similar results as an actual battery module can be obtained.

[0052] The cell test jig 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, as described above, can perform various tests required for a battery module, even though it tests at the smallest unit level of 10 cells. Furthermore, it can be easily adjusted to test conditions due to the diverse shapes and dimensions of the pouch cell 10 samples.

[0053] Example 2 Figure 2 shows the second surface pressure sensor unit 172 in the cell test jig 100 of Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0054] Embodiment 2 of the present invention differs from the cell test jig 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention in that the shape of the second surface pressure sensor section 172 is different.

[0055] Content common to Example 1 will be omitted as much as possible, and the explanation will focus on Example 2. In other words, it is self-evident that any content not explained in Example 2 that is necessary can be considered as content from Example 1.

[0056] Referring first to Figure 1, in the cell test jig 100 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, a back plate 150 supporting the heating pad 130 may also be installed. In this case, the second surface pressure sensor unit 172, the heating pad 130, and the back plate 150 may be arranged in the order of second surface pressure sensor unit 172, heating pad 130, and back plate 150, with reference to the direction away from the cell 10.

[0057] In this case, the heat generated in the heating pad 130 is transferred to the cell 10 via the second surface pressure sensor unit 172. Therefore, it is preferable that the second surface pressure sensor unit 172 includes a structure that allows heat to pass through easily.

[0058] In other words, the second surface pressure sensor unit 172 may include a second base plate 172-a and a second surface pressure sensor 172-b, where the second base plate 172-a may be provided with through holes 172-c to allow heat from the heating pad 130 to be smoothly transferred. Figure 2 shows such through holes 172-c formed in the second base plate 172-a. Multiple through holes 172-c may be formed and can be located between the second surface pressure sensor units 172.

[0059] Furthermore, Figure 2 shows that the second surface pressure sensor 172-b is formed in two rows along the length of the second base plate 172-a, and the through-holes 172-c are formed in one row at the height between the two rows of second surface pressure sensors 172-b along the same length of the second base plate 172-a.

[0060] In addition to this case, if it is desired to further increase the heat transfer coefficient, the through-holes 172-c may be formed in a total of three rows: one row at a height higher than the row of the two surface pressure sensors, one row at a height between the rows of the second surface pressure sensors 172-b, and one row at a height lower than the row of the second surface pressure sensors 172-b.

[0061] Although the present invention has been described in part by limited embodiments and drawings, it is not limited thereto, and various implementations are possible by persons with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains, within the equivalent scope of the technical concept of the present invention and the claims described below. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0062] 10: Cell 11: One side of a cell 14: Other sides of the cell 100: Cell Test Jig 110: Plate 1 120: Second Plate 130: Heating pad 140: Cooling plate 150: Backplate 160: Temperature sensor unit 170: Surface pressure sensor section 171: First surface pressure sensor section 171-a: First base plate 171-b: First surface pressure sensor 172: Second surface pressure sensor section 172-a: Second base plate 172-b: Second surface pressure sensor 172-c: Through hole 180: Connecting Unit 181: Bolt 182: Nut

Claims

1. A cell test jig used to test cells, A first plate covering one side of the cell; A second plate that covers the other side of the cell, which is the opposite side of the one side of the cell; A heating pad located between the first plate and the second plate, adjacent to one side of the cell that connects the one side of the cell to the other side of the cell; and A cell test jig including a cooling plate positioned between the first plate and the second plate, and adjacent to the other side of the cell which is the opposite side of the one side of the cell.

2. The heating pad generates heat to heat the cell, The cell test jig according to claim 1, wherein the cooling plate has a cooling fluid flowing inside it to cool the cell.

3. The cell test jig according to claim 1, wherein the first plate and the second plate are made of bakelite plate.

4. The cell test jig according to claim 2, wherein the heating pad is positioned to face the folded sealing portion of the cell.

5. The cell test jig according to claim 2, wherein the other side of the cell has the form of a connecting surface that continuously connects one side and the other side of the cell.

6. The cell test jig according to claim 1, further comprising a back plate that supports the heating pad on the opposite side of the surface of the heating pad that faces the cell.

7. The cell test jig according to claim 6, wherein the back plate is installed so as to be fixed to the first plate and the second plate.

8. The cell test jig according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first plate and the second plate is equipped with a temperature sensor unit for measuring the temperature of the cell.

9. The cell test jig according to claim 1, further comprising a surface pressure sensor for measuring the pressure at which the outer surface of the cell expands.

10. The surface pressure sensor unit is The cell test jig according to claim 9, further comprising a first surface pressure sensor portion disposed between one surface of the cell and the first plate, or between the other surface of the cell and the second plate, at least one of these locations.

11. The first surface pressure sensor unit is, First base plate; and The system includes a plurality of first surface pressure sensors attached to the first base plate, The cell test jig according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of first surface pressure sensors are arranged in a plurality of columns and a plurality of rows at predetermined positions.

12. The surface pressure sensor unit is The cell test jig according to claim 9, further comprising a second surface pressure sensor portion disposed between one side of the cell and the heating pad, or between the other side of the cell and the cooling plate, at least one of these locations.

13. The second surface pressure sensor unit is, Second base plate; and The system includes a plurality of second surface pressure sensors attached to the second base plate, The cell test jig according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of second surface pressure sensors are arranged in a plurality of columns and a plurality of rows at predetermined positions.

14. The cell test jig according to claim 13, wherein the second base plate is provided with through holes to allow the heat from the heating pad to be smoothly transferred.

15. The heating pad further includes a back plate that supports the heating pad on the opposite side of the surface of the heating pad that faces the cell, The cell test jig according to claim 12, wherein the second surface pressure sensor unit, the heating pad, and the back plate are arranged in the order of the second surface pressure sensor unit, the heating pad, and the back plate with reference to the direction away from the cell.

16. The invention further includes a bonding unit that connects the first plate and the second plate to each other. The aforementioned coupling unit is A bolt passing through a connecting hole, which is a through hole formed in the first plate and the second plate; and The cell test jig according to claim 1, further comprising a nut that connects to the bolt to connect the first plate and the second plate to each other.

17. The cell test jig according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the joints between any two of the first plate, the second plate, the heating pad, and the cooling plate that are adjacent to each other are finished with resin.

Images