Device, measurement system, and measurement method for measuring electrical parameters of a battery cell

Abstract

A device (1) for measuring electrical parameters of a battery cell, particularly insulation voltage, comprises at least one probe (3) comprising a conductor (5) configured to be electrically coupled to a voltage sensor; said conductor (5) has an arc-shaped contact surface (51) configured to engage with a battery cell to be measured; and said device also comprises a biasing member (7) configured to elastically mount the conductor (5) in a first direction (F).

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for measuring at least one electrical parameter, in particular, insulation voltage, of a battery cell, particularly a pouch-type battery cell. The present invention also relates to a system comprising two or more such apparatuses. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for measuring at least one electrical parameter, in particular, insulation voltage, of a pouch-type battery cell using one or more apparatuses according to the present invention. Background Technology

[0002] In modern society, the advancement of battery technology holds significant importance due to the popularization of portable devices such as mobile phones, laptop computers, camcorders, and digital cameras. Furthermore, rechargeable secondary batteries have become an essential power source for electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (P-HEVs) as an attempt to address air pollution and carbon dioxide emissions caused by conventional fossil fuel-powered internal combustion engine vehicles. Consequently, the need for improvements in secondary batteries is increasing.

[0003] Currently commercialized rechargeable batteries include nickel-cadmium, nickel-hydrogen, nickel-zinc, and lithium-ion batteries. Among these, lithium-ion batteries are attracting attention due to various advantages compared to nickel-based batteries, such as the ability to freely charge and discharge with almost no memory effect, a very low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0004] Secondary batteries can be classified according to the shape of the battery case into cylindrical batteries, in which an electrode assembly is mounted in a cylindrical metal can; prismatic batteries, in which an electrode assembly is mounted in a prismatic metal can; and pouch-type batteries. Pouch-type secondary batteries generally house an electrode assembly having a structure in which electrodes and separators are alternately arranged within a pouch-shaped case made of laminated aluminum sheets.

[0005] Secondary batteries exhibiting leakage, short circuits, or electrical connections between components that must be isolated from one another are considered to be degraded and must be identified to be excluded from further use.

[0006] Battery cell inspection equipment and methods for measuring electrical characteristics of pouch-type battery cells, particularly insulation voltage, are described in KR 2023 0033529 A or KR 2020 0050697 A. The problem to be solved

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus, system, and method capable of reliably and continuously detecting defective batteries, particularly pouch-type batteries, which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a method, system, and apparatus comprising a reliable and durable probe that can be performed without damaging the pouch-type battery and with little to no physical degradation. It may be an object to provide a method, system, and / or apparatus having a probe capable of measuring a large amount of batteries in a short time with little to no risk of damage to the battery under test and the apparatus itself. Preferably, the system or apparatus according to the present invention should be particularly simple to inspect and maintain, and preferably easy to assemble and disassemble. means of solving the problem

[0008] Accordingly, an apparatus is provided for measuring at least one electrical parameter, in particular, of a battery cell, in particular a pouch-type battery cell, in particular an insulation voltage. It may be desirable for the apparatus not only to be suitable for measuring the insulation voltage of a pouch-type battery cell but also to be specifically configured. The apparatus according to the present invention comprises at least one probe. The probe comprises a conductor and a biasing member. The conductor is configured to be electrically coupled to a current and / or voltage sensor. It may be desirable for the conductor to be configured to be electrically coupled to a voltage sensor in order to measure a voltage, in particular an insulation voltage, in particular between a contact point of the probe and at least one reference point. The reference point may correspond to a reference measurement at a ground level and / or a first and / or second electrode of the target pouch-type battery. Alternatively or additionally, the reference point may correspond to a second measurement or additional measurement made by another device along a different edge, for example, at a location spaced apart from the location contacted by the conductor in the same target pouch-type battery cell (the battery cell to be measured).

[0009] The conductor has an arced contact surface configured to engage with the battery cell to be measured. The arced contact surface may be concave, or preferably convex. The arced contact surface may be formed as a surface that is continuous in the arc direction (along the circumference) and continuous in the (axial) direction perpendicular to the arc direction (along the circumference) and the radial direction. The continuous arced contact surface may have an axial width and / or circumferential length of at least 5 mm, particularly at least 10 mm, and preferably at least 20 mm. The arced contact surface may be configured to have the radius of curvature preferably between 5 mm and 5000 mm, particularly between 10 mm and 1000 mm. The radius of curvature may be at least 12 mm, preferably at least 15 mm, and more preferably at least 20 mm. The radius of curvature may be at least 500 mm, preferably at least 250 mm, and more preferably at least 100 mm.

[0010] The biasing member is configured to elastically mount the conductor in a first direction. The conductor is mounted by the biasing member so as to be able to advance and retract in the first direction. The conductor may advance and retract in the first direction, either partially or entirely, in the portion of the conductor forming the contact surface using the elasticity of the biasing member. For example, the conductor may retract in the first direction by deformation of the biasing member, e.g., compression and / or deflection, when subjected to increased resistance due to engagement with a target battery cell, particularly a target pouch-type battery cell, preferably. Alternatively or additionally, the conductor may advance in the first direction under the influence of deformation of the biasing member. For example, this occurs when the probe is released from the target battery cell, particularly a target pouch-type battery cell, and the biasing member returns from a deformed state to a relaxed state. In particular, the arc-shaped contact surface may have a width of at least 5 mm, particularly at least 10 mm, preferably at least 20 mm, in a direction intersecting the first direction and / or in a direction intersecting the radial direction of the curvature. The width of the arc-shaped contact surface may be particularly 100 mm or less, preferably 50 mm or less. The width direction preferably corresponds to the axial direction relative to the radius of curvature. The biasing means combined with the arc-shaped contact surface acts as a safety device to prevent damage to the target pouch-type battery cell from a collision with the probe.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the conductor has a convex side of a contact surface oriented toward the battery cell to be measured in a first direction. The arc-shaped contact surface may be configured to move in a sliding manner, particularly on the pouch-type battery case. Providing a convex arc-shaped contact surface supported by the biasing means enables the device to reliably engage with a target location on the battery cell, particularly on the pouch-type battery cell, while minimizing the risk of damaging the cell. Together with the biasing means, the convex arc-shaped contact surface provides tolerance for aligning the probe with the battery cell to be measured and enables the probe to make contact with the target cell even under difficult contact parameters. For example, contact is possible even in the vicinity of the so-called "bat ear," for instance, when the battery case is elastic and / or irregularly deformed.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, this may be combined with the preceding embodiment, and the conductor and the biasing member are formed integrally. Preferably, the biasing member and the conductor may include or be composed of the same material. In a preferred embodiment, the probe including the integrally formed conductor and biasing member may be made of a conductive polymer. By providing the biasing member and the conductor of the probe as one single integral body, mechanical and electrical interference along the interfaces can be avoided. Additionally, installation and replacement of the probe including the conductor and the biasing member as a single integral component are easier.

[0013] According to another preferred embodiment, this may be combined with the preceding embodiment, wherein the conductor and / or the biasing member comprises a sheet of metal, and in particular may be implemented as a sheet of metal. In particular, the conductor and / or the biasing means may comprise a sheet of stainless steel or be implemented as a sheet of stainless steel. It may be preferable for the sheet of metal to have a thickness of less than 1 mm, preferably less than 0.5 mm, more preferably less than 0.3 mm, and in particular less than 0.15 mm. The sheet of metal may have a thickness of 0.001 mm or more, in particular 0.01 mm or more, preferably 0.05 mm or more. Stainless steel has been proven to provide high wear resistance while, on the one hand, providing appropriate conductivity for measurement and elasticity that allows deformation of the probe so as to engage with the target pouch-type battery cell without damaging it. In particular, for a probe that frequently comes into contact with the sealed and / or cut edges of a pouch-type battery case, the sharp pouch edge may substantially cut the contact surface and cause severe wear on the probe.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the above device, which may be combined with the previously mentioned embodiments, the biasing member comprises a spiral spring. The spiral spring may be, in particular, a mainspring. The width direction of the arced contact surface preferably corresponds to the axial direction of the spiral shape. The spiral-shaped spring may comprise at least 0.5 windings, particularly at least 1.0 windings, preferably at least 1.25 windings, more preferably at least 1.5 windings. Alternatively or additionally, the spiral spring may comprise 10 windings or fewer, particularly 5 windings or fewer, preferably 2 windings or fewer. Those skilled in the art understand that one winding means a spiral rotation of 360°. Spiral windings of 250° to 750°, particularly 300° to 600°, preferably about 540° or about 450°, can lead to particularly advantageous characteristics. The main spring may refer to a band-shaped body of a constant width and / or constant thickness that rotates with a diameter that decreases continuously around a center point in the thickness direction. The inner end and / or outer end of the spiral spring, particularly the main spring, may have a terminal section that protrudes radially. The spring may have an inner end having a terminal section that protrudes radially inward. The inner end protruding radially inward may stabilize the spiral spring, particularly the main spring. Additionally or alternatively, the spiral spring, particularly the main spring, may have an outer end having a terminal section that protrudes radially outward.The terminal section end protruding radially inward or outward can be used to mount the helical spring to a holding member, etc. The inner and / or outer terminal section may be aligned particularly in a first direction.

[0015] In another embodiment, this may be combined with the preceding embodiments, and the probe comprises two or more arc-shaped contact surfaces. In particular, the two or more arc-shaped contact surfaces may each have a biasing member. Preferably, each arc-shaped contact surface is associated with one individual biasing member. For example, the probe may have two arc-shaped contact surfaces each connected to its own biasing member, and preferably, each arc-shaped contact surface is formed integrally with its respective biasing member. For example, a probe comprising a plurality of arc-shaped contact surfaces on two helical springs, particularly a main spring, may be used to increase the contact area between the probe and the battery cell to be measured.

[0016] Optionally, in a preferred embodiment that can be combined with the preceding embodiments, the device may additionally include a holding member. The holding member is configured to secure a section, such as an outer end of the biasing member, that is far from the conductor. The section may be an end, such as an outer or inner end of the biasing member, that is opposite the conductor in particular in a first direction. By providing the end configured to be supported by the holding member to the end of the biasing member opposite to the conductor, particularly its contact surface, the entire volume of the biasing member may be used to provide elasticity and deflection so as to be elastically applied to the contact surface of a target pouch-type battery cell.

[0017] As a further example of development of a device including a holding member, the holding member may particularly be a clamp and / or may include a serrated holding surface. It may be preferable for the holding member to have two opposing serrated holding surfaces of complementary shape, wherein a protrusion of the first pad (jaw) of the holding member protrudes into the receptions of the second pad of the second holding member. The holding member using complementary serrated holding surfaces may provide a secure positive engagement for securely fixing the probe.

[0018] As an additional development example that can be combined with the preceding, the holding member may be movable to engage with the biasing member in a second direction intersecting the first direction. In particular, the second direction may be perpendicular to the first direction. Preferably, the holding member may be movable to engage with the biasing member in a spring-loaded manner or by using at least one fastening bolt for securing the biasing member. The spring-loaded holding member may be referred to as a clip-type holding member. The holding member may be configured to grip two opposing sides of the biasing member, particularly using a serrated holding surface (jaw).

[0019] As another example of a device development including a holding member, this can be combined with the preceding ones, and said holding member may include a conductive material, particularly a metal such as brass, or be made of a metal such as brass. Using a conductive holding member improves the performance of electrical measurements, including insulation voltage measurement.

[0020] The present invention also relates to a system for measuring at least one electrical parameter of a battery cell, in particular an insulation voltage, said system comprising at least one device described above, in particular two or more, e.g., three or four devices. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the device comprises exactly two devices described above or exactly four devices described above. said system may be applied to a predefined group of pouch-type battery cells having uniform dimensions. said system may be applied such that two or more devices are positioned to engage with a predetermined target location of the battery cell to be measured, in particular a sealed edge, e.g., a location adjacent to the first or second electrode lead of the pouch-type battery cell and / or a corner region of the pouch-type battery cell.

[0021] The system for measuring at least one electrical parameter also includes a current and / or voltage sensor. In particular, the conductor of the at least one probe is electrically coupled to the current and / or voltage sensor. It may be desirable for the conductor to be electrically coupled to the voltage sensor to determine a voltage, in particular an insulation voltage, in particular a voltage between the contact point of the probe and at least one reference point. The system may also further include at least one reference connection for contacting the first electrode lead, the second electrode lead, and / or electrical ground. The reference connection may be electrically coupled to the voltage sensor. The system may include one or more voltage sensors connected to two or more devices. It may be desirable for the two or more devices to use the same voltage sensor or voltage sensors. The system may have a single (shared) voltage sensor electrically coupled to the probes of two or more devices. It may be desirable for the system to be part of an assembly comprising at least one, preferably exactly one, target pouch-type battery cell.

[0022] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for measuring at least one electrical parameter, in particular an insulation voltage, of a battery cell, in particular a pouch-type battery cell, using one or more of the devices described above. In the method, a battery cell to be measured, in particular a target pouch-type battery cell comprising a sealed edge portion, is provided. In the method for measuring at least one electrical parameter, in particular an insulation voltage, the conductor engages with the sealed edge portion in a first direction. As the conductor engages with the pouch-type battery cell in the first direction, bending of the biasing means may occur.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of a method for measuring at least one electrical parameter, particularly insulation voltage, of a battery cell, particularly a pouch-type battery cell, the electrical parameter, particularly insulation voltage, of the pouch-type battery cell to be measured is determined while the conductor is maintained in a state of engagement with at least one sealed edge portion of the pouch-type battery cell.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of a method for measuring at least one electrical parameter, particularly insulation voltage, of a battery cell, particularly a pouch-type battery cell, the at least one conductor is preferably moved in a direction intersecting a first direction, either in a linear manner or in a pivoting manner. The direction of movement of the conductor may be particularly perpendicular to the first direction. By moving the conductor along a sealed edge portion in a direction intersecting the first direction, preferably in a second direction, the arc-shaped contact surface preferably slides along the sealed edge portion of the battery cell to be measured. By moving the conductor along the sealed edge portion, electrical parameters, particularly insulation voltage, can be detected at multiple target locations and / or reference locations along the edge of the pouch-type battery case, thereby realizing a particularly reliable measurement method. In such further developments, it may be desirable for the conductor to be formed integrally with a biasing member, preferably a biasing member formed as a metal sheet, particularly stainless steel, or made of a metal sheet, and preferably formed as a biasing member, particularly a helical spring, particularly a main spring. Preferred embodiments of the method may be applied in combination or individually. Effects of the invention

[0025] According to the embodiments, a particularly reliable elastic device, system, and method for measuring at least one electrical parameter of a pouch-type secondary battery, in particular insulation voltage, compared to the design of the prior art, can be provided, thereby preventing damage to the battery case or probe. Also, according to the embodiments, the lifespan of the probe can be significantly increased. Thus, maintenance, installation, and / or removal of the measuring device becomes easier.

[0026] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other additional effects not described above will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the appended claims. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0027] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a device for forming a secondary battery; FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a system comprising two devices for measuring at least one electrical parameter of a pouch-type battery cell, in particular insulation voltage; FIG. 3a is a schematic diagram of a holding member in a first state that fixes a probe; FIG. 3b is a schematic diagram of the holding member of FIG. 3a in a second state that releases the fixation of the probe; Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of another probe; Fig. 5 is a schematic illustration of a dual probe; and Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of the third probe. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0028] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. The present invention may be modified in various other ways and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0029] To clearly explain the invention, parts unrelated to the description will be omitted, and throughout the description, the same reference numerals indicate the same elements.

[0030] Additionally, the size and thickness of each element in the drawings are depicted arbitrarily for convenience of explanation, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to what is shown in the drawings. The thicknesses of layers and regions in the drawings have been exaggerated for clarity. The thicknesses of some layers and regions in the drawings have been exaggerated for convenience of explanation.

[0031] Furthermore, when an element such as a layer, film, region, or plate is described as being "on" or "above" another element, it will be understood that it may be directly above the other element or that intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is described as being "directly above" another element, it implies that no intervening elements are present. Additionally, the words "on" or "above" mean being positioned above or below the reference part, and do not necessarily mean being positioned on the top of the reference part in the opposite direction of gravity. Meanwhile, similar to cases where an element is described as being located "on" or "above" another part, cases where an element is described as being located "below" or "under" another part will also be understood by referring to the aforementioned descriptions.

[0032] Furthermore, when it is mentioned throughout the description that a part "includes" or "constitutes" a specific component, this means that, unless otherwise specified, it may additionally include other components without excluding them.

[0033] Additionally, throughout the description, when "planar" is mentioned, it refers to the subject part viewed from above, and when "cross-section" is mentioned, it refers to the subject part viewed from the side of a vertically cut cross-section.

[0034] Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, a device and system for measuring the electrical characteristics of a pouch-type battery case and a pouch-type battery cell, particularly the insulation voltage, will be described.

[0035] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary pouch-type battery cell (110). For example, the pouch-type battery cell (110) has a structure in which two electrode leads (111 and 112) protrude from a first end (114a) of a cell main body (113) and a second end (114b) on the opposite side of the first end (114a). A plurality of battery cells (110) can be stacked to form a battery cell stack. In particular, the electrode leads (111 and 112) are connected to an electrode assembly (not shown) inside the pouch-type battery and protrude from the electrode assembly (not shown) to the outside of the battery cell (110). For example, a first electrode tab (111) protrudes from a first side of the electrode assembly and can be operably coupled with negative electrodes, and a second electrode tab (112) protrudes from a second side of the electrode assembly and can be operably coupled with positive electrodes. The electrode tabs (111, 112) may each have an insulation part (117) configured to be disposed between corresponding overlapping side portions (114a or 114b) of the battery case (114). The pouch-type battery cell (110) comprises an electrode assembly including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator between the positive and negative electrodes, and an electrolyte solution. The electrode assembly and the electrolyte solution are enclosed by the cell case (114).

[0036] The cell case (114) may be formed from a laminated sheet (pouch film) comprising at least one resin layer and at least one metal layer. The cell case (114) acts as a mechanical barrier, a fluid barrier, and an electrical barrier to protect the internal electrode assembly, the electrolyte solution, and the surroundings from each other. The cell case (114) forms a barrier between the internal electrode assembly, the electrolyte solution, and the external surroundings, while leaving the electrode leads (111, 112) as the only electrical path.

[0037] The pouch film may have a laminated structure comprising, for example, a metal film and one or more layers of synthetic material. For example, the metal film may be made of aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), or a combination or alloy thereof. For example, one layer of synthetic material or each layer of synthetic material may be made of or comprise polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, acrylic-based polymer, polyacrylonitrile, polyimide, polyamide, cellulose, aramid, nylon, polyester, polyparaphenylene, benzobisoxazole, polyarylate, Teflon, glass fiber, or a combination thereof. The pouch film has a film thickness. The film thickness is preferably constant and / or continuous in the transverse film direction. The film thickness is preferably constant and / or continuous in the longitudinal film direction. The pouch film has a first surface configured to act as an inner surface of a pouch-type battery case, and a second surface configured to act as an outer surface of the pouch-type battery case. The first surface may come into contact with the electrode assembly disposed within the pouch-type battery case. The second surface may be separated from the electrode assembly and may optionally come into contact with the environment surrounding the secondary battery.

[0038] The pouch film may have a thickness of 100 μm to 250 μm, particularly 160 μm to 200 μm, preferably 175 μm to 190 μm. Preferably, the pouch film comprises a gas barrier layer made of metal. The metal of the gas barrier layer of the pouch film preferably comprises or is composed of aluminum and / or an aluminum-containing alloy, particularly an AA80XX series aluminum alloy. The alloy number of the aluminum alloy may be AA8021. The aluminum alloy may comprise about 1.3 wt% to about 1.7 wt% iron and about 0.2 wt% or less silicon, and may have a grain size of about 10 μm to about 13 μm. The thickness of the gas barrier layer may be 30 μm to 150 μm, particularly 70 μm to 120 μm, preferably 80 μm to 100 μm. The pouch film may also include a sealant layer made of a first polymer, preferably formed as the innermost layer. The thickness of the sealant layer may be 60 μm to 100 μm. Additionally or alternatively, the pouch film may include a surface protection layer made of a second polymer, preferably formed as the outermost layer. The first polymer may be the same as or different from the second polymer. In particular, the gas barrier layer is laminated between the surface protection layer and the sealant layer. The pouch film may also further include a drawing assistance layer made of a third polymer. The third polymer may be the same as or different from the first and / or second polymers. The drawing assistance layer may be laminated between the surface protection layer and the gas barrier layer.The thickness of the drawing auxiliary layer may be 10 μm to 75 μm, particularly 20 μm to 50 μm.

[0039] The first polymer may be made of one or more materials selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, acrylic-based polymer, polyacrylonitrile, polyimide, polyamide, cellulose, aramid, nylon, polyester, polyparaphenylene benzobisoxazole, polyarylate, Teflon, and glass fiber. In particular, a polyolefin-based resin such as polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE) may be the main component of the first polymer. Polypropylene (PP) may be selected as the main component of the sealant layer because it provides excellent mechanical properties, including tensile strength, stiffness, surface hardness, wear resistance, and heat resistance, as well as excellent chemical properties, including corrosion resistance.

[0040] The second polymer mentioned above may be made of one or more of polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, acrylic-based polymers, polyacrylonitrile, polyimide, polyamide, cellulose, aramid, nylon, polyester, polyparaphenylene benzobisoxazole, polyarylate, Teflon, and glass fibers. It may be advantageous to primarily use a polymer with desirable wear resistance and heat resistance, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0041] The third polymer can be made of one or more of polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, acrylic-based polymers, polyacrylonitrile, polyimide, polyamide, cellulose, aramid, nylon, polyester, polyparaphenylene benzobisoxazole, polyarylate, Teflon, and glass fiber. In particular, nylon resin can be easily bonded to polyethylene terephthalate (PET) of the surface protection layer and can exhibit behavior similar to that of the aluminum alloy of the moisture barrier layer during and after the drawing process. Therefore, nylon resin can be used as the main component of the third polymer.

[0042] In these examples, the battery cell to be tested is illustrated as an exemplary pouch-type battery cell (110). Those skilled in the art will understand that while the battery cell to be measured may be implemented as a pouch-type battery cell (110) in some preferred embodiments, alternatively, the device, system, or method described herein may be applied to other types of battery cells. The illustrated pouch-type battery cell (110) may be manufactured, for example, by folding two portions of foil to form a cell case (114) by encapsulating and surrounding an internal electrode assembly. The cell case (114) may be folded around a folding portion (115) that divides the cell case (114) into two parts. Accordingly, the left side portion (114a) of each of the two parts is folded together, and the right side portion (114b) is also folded together. Additionally, a pair of intermediate sections (114c) of each part, namely the intermediate section (114c) distal from the folding section (115), are folded together. To seal and close the pouch-type battery cell (110), the paired overlapping sections (114a, 114b, 114c) are sealed and attached to each other. Accordingly, sealed edge sections (114sa, 114sb, and 114sc) are formed. These sealed sections (114sa, 114sb, and 114sc) may have a structure formed by a method such as heat fusion or friction welding. It is thought that the overlapping upper and lower intermediate sections (114c) attached to each other, namely the sealed intermediate sections (114c), may be folded one or more times toward the folding section as a flap (114f). Optionally, the folding section (115) may also be attached using an attachment method. However, it may be desirable for the folding portion (115) to provide a sealing function, particularly without additional attachment or sealant, through the material properties of the foil forming the cell case (114) including the folding portion (115).

[0043] The folding portion (115) may extend along one edge of the battery cell (110). In some embodiments, a protrusion (110p) (so-called "bat-ear") of the battery cell (110) may be formed at the corner of the folding portion (115) and the respective adjacent left or right side portions (114a, 114b). Additionally or alternatively, while the cell case (114) is sealed with the protruding electrode leads (111 and 112) interposed therebetween, a terrace portion (116) may be formed between the electrode leads (111 and 112) and the cell body (113). That is, the battery cell (110) may include a terrace portion (116) formed to extend from the cell case (114) in the direction in which the electrode leads (111 and / or 112) protrude.

[0044] The cell case must be mechanically rigid and form a sealingly tight encapsulation around the internal battery components. If an electrolyte solution leaks through the cell case (114), or if one or both of the electrode leads (111, 112), or if the internal electrode assembly is electrically connected to the cell case (114), the battery cell (110) is defective. Defective batteries must be identified and classified to prevent their use in battery stacks, which can cause performance degradation or even pose a risk.

[0045] FIG. 2 shows a pouch-type battery cell (110) as described above, along with a system (10) comprising two devices (1) for measuring at least one electrical parameter of the pouch-type battery cell, in particular, an insulation voltage. The system may preferably include a voltage sensor (not shown) electrically connected to the two devices (1). The device (1) is connected to the system (10) so as to be movable in a forward direction (F) for contact with the (left) side edge (114a) of the pouch-type battery case (114). The device (1) is laterally spaced to contact the first electrode lead (111) of the pouch-type battery (110) and the sealed edge portion (114sa) adjacent to the insulating portion (117) surrounding the lead (111) interposed between the lead (111) and the pouch foil forming the battery case (114).

[0046] Each device (1) has a holding member (9) to which each probe (3), integrally formed with a conductor (5) and a biasing means (7), is firmly attached. A fastening bolt (95) is fastened to the holding member (9) to firmly press the opposite end of the probe against the holding plate (96) and to press against the side of the holding member (9).

[0047] Each probe (3) has a conductor (5) having an arc-shaped contact surface (51). The conductors (5) form a 180° curve with an arc-shaped contact surface (51) on the outer circumference. The width of each contact surface (51) extends not only in the direction of view but also along a central axis around which the radius arc-shaped contact surface (51) bends. The width of the conductor (5) has a diameter that is approximately twice the radius of curvature of the arc-shaped contact surface (51). The probe (3) may preferably be made of a conductive material such as conductive rubber or a metal sheet. The probes (3) of the various devices (1) of the system (10) may have the same dimensions. For example, the probes (3) may be loop-shaped and may have opposing ends that lie on top of each other with respect to the holding member (9) on the opposite side of the arc-shaped contact surface (51) in the first direction (F).

[0048] The holding members (9) are hinged to the support bracket (11) of the system (10). The holding members (9) may be rigidly connected to the support bracket (11) to establish a predetermined lateral distance between adjacent devices (1) according to a predetermined measurement distance corresponding to, for example, a predetermined pouch-type battery cell (110). The system (10) may include a linear actuator (13) for moving the device (1) forward and backward in a first direction (F) in a linear motion (translational) to engage and disengage the target pouch-type battery cell (110). The devices (1) may advance in the first direction (F) to make a contact connection to create a mechanical and electrical connection with the pouch-type battery cell (110), particularly to the convex arc-shaped surface (51) of the conductor (5). When the probe (3) comes into contact with the pouch-type battery cell (110), the biasing means (7) resiliently urges the conductor (5) against the pouch-type battery cell (110) to create a reliable electrical connection. The elasticity of the biasing means (7) also allows the probe (3) to deform in response to engagement with the pouch-type battery cell (110), thereby preventing damage to the cell or the probe.

[0049] The above system (10) may also be configured to move one or more devices (1) in a second direction (S). One or more devices may be moved in particular by sliding contact with a pouch-type battery cell. For example, the probe (3) may be moved by sliding along a sealed edge portion (114sa, 114s, or 114sc) with a convex arc-shaped contact surface (51).

[0050] FIGS. 3a and 3b and FIGS. 4-6 illustrate various embodiments of a probe (3) for contacting a target pouch-type battery cell (110).

[0051] FIG. 3a shows a holding member (9) in a closed state that fixes the probe (3); FIG. 3b shows a holding member (9) in an open state that releases the fixation of the probe (3). The width of the conductor (5) has a diameter that is approximately twice the radius of curvature of the arc-shaped contact surface (51).

[0052] In FIGS. 3a and 3b, a clip-type holding member (9) having opposing jaws (92, 94) is illustrated. The first jaw (92) may be configured to be attached to a support bracket of the system (10). The second jaw (94) may be rotatably connected to the first jaw (92) in a spring-loaded manner that presses the second jaw (94) against the first jaw (92), so that the toothed contact surfaces (93) of the jaws can be securely engaged. The end section (79) of the biasing means (7) of the probe (3) may be secured by secure engagement with the jaws (92, 94) in the closed state of the holding member (9). Accordingly, the probe (3) is firmly secured against displacement in the second direction (S) and is electrically securely connected to the holding member, which may be made of an electrically conductive material, such as a metal like brass. When the holding member (9) is in an open state, the second jaw (94) is removed from the first jaw (92), allowing the probe (3) to be easily removed and replaced.

[0053] The probe (3) of FIGS. 3a and 3b has a helical shape including a 540° winding. The inner end (59) and end section (79) of the probe body are oriented parallel to the first direction (F) to reinforce the probe axially. The outer radius of the diameter of the conductor (5) and the biasing member (7) may be about 25 mm. The inner end (59) is approximately half the size of the radius of the conductor (5). The outer protrusion forming the end section (70) away from the arc-shaped contact surface (51) is longer than the width and / or diameter of the conductor (5). The convexly curved contact surface (51) is formed on its outer circumference. The contact surface (51) faces the first direction (F) to engage with a target pouch-type battery (not shown).

[0054] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of another probe (3) engaged with a pouch-type battery cell (110) schematically illustrated. The schematically illustrated probe (3) has a circular shape comprising a conductor (5) having an arc-shaped contact surface (51) engaged with a measurement position at the edge of the pouch-type battery cell and a biasing means (7). The width of the conductor (5) has a diameter that is approximately twice the radius of curvature of the arc-shaped contact surface (51). The contact surface (51) is oriented in a first direction (F) to engage with the target pouch-type battery (110).

[0055] FIG. 5 shows a probe (3) similar to the aforementioned loop-shaped probe described in relation to the system of FIG. 1. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the convex arc-shaped contact surface (51) has a particularly large radius of curvature greater than the width of the conductor (5). The large radius of curvature allows the contact surface (51) to be flattened, preferably to line contact, in order to increase the contact area with the pouch-type battery cell (110). The arc-shaped contact surface (51) is connected to two terminal sections, both of which protrude radially inward. The arc-shaped contact surface (51) faces a first direction (F) to engage with the target pouch-type battery. The arc section extends less than 180°, particularly less than 90°, preferably less than 60°, and more preferably less than 45°. The terminal sections (78) form an acute angle with respect to each other. The above end portions (78) are preferably arranged in a mirror-symmetric manner with respect to the first direction (F).

[0056] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a dual probe (3) comprising two pairs of integrally formed conductors (5) and biasing members (7), each implemented by a main spring (71). The holding section (79), located away from the arc-shaped contact surface (51), protrudes tangentially from the circular or spiral body. The contact surface (51) faces a first direction (F) to engage with the target pouch-type battery (110). The conductors (5) and biasing members (7) are preferably arranged mirror-symmetrically with respect to the first direction (F). The holding sections (79) may be laid flat against each other and may be firmly secured by the same holding member (not shown). A circular or spiral combination of the biasing member (7) and the conductor (5) may extend from the front end of the holding section. By providing a dual probe having two arc-shaped contact surfaces (51), the contact area between the probe (3) and the target battery cell (110) can be greatly increased. The adjacent conductors (5) each have a diameter approximately twice the radius of curvature of the arc-shaped contact surface (51). Explanation of the symbols

[0057] 1: Device 3: Probe 5: Conductor 7: Lack of biasing 9: Lack of holding 10: System 51: Contact surface 59: Internal end 71: Main spring 79: Section (far from the conductor) 91: Clamp 92, 94: Joe 93: Serrated holding surface 95: Fixing bolt 96: Holding plate 110: Battery cell 110p: Protrusion ("Bat Ear") 111: First electrode lead 112: Second electrode lead 113: Cell body 114: Cell Case 114a: (Left) Side 114b: (Right) Side 114c: Middle part 114sa: Sealed part 114sb: Sealed part 114sc: Sealed part 114f: Flap 115: Folding part 116: Terrace 117: Insulation part F: First direction S: Second direction

Claims

Claim 1 A device (1) for measuring at least one electrical parameter of a battery cell, in particular an insulation voltage, comprising at least one probe (3), wherein the probe is configured to be electrically coupled with a current and / or voltage sensor and has an arc-shaped contact surface (51) configured to engage with a battery cell to be measured; and a biasing member (7) configured to elastically mount the conductor (5) in a first direction (F). Claim 2 A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the convex side of the contact surface (51) is oriented toward the battery cell to be measured in the first direction (F). Claim 3 A device characterized in that, in claim 1 or 2, the conductor (5) and the biasing member (7) are formed integrally. Claim 4 An apparatus characterized in that, in any one of the prior claims, the conductor (5) and / or the biasing member (7) comprises a metal sheet, particularly stainless steel. Claim 5 An apparatus characterized in that, in any one of the prior claims, the biasing member (7) comprises a spiral spring. Claim 6 An apparatus characterized in that, in any one of the prior claims, the contact surface (51) is positioned on the side of the biasing member (7). Claim 7 An apparatus characterized in that, in any one of the prior claims, the probe (3) comprises two or more arc-shaped contact surfaces (51). Claim 8 An apparatus characterized by further comprising, in any one of the prior claims, a holding member (9) configured to fix a section of the biasing member (7) far from the conductor (5). Claim 9 A device according to claim 8, characterized in that the holding member (9) comprises a clamp (91) and / or a serrated holding surface (93). Claim 10 A device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the holding member (9) is movable to engage with the biasing member (7) in a second direction (S) that intersects the first direction (F), particularly in a second direction (S) that is perpendicular to the first direction (F). Claim 11 A device characterized in that, in any one of claims 8 to 10, the holding member (9) comprises a conductive material, particularly a metal such as brass. Claim 12 A system (10) for measuring at least one electrical parameter of a battery cell, in particular an insulation voltage, characterized by comprising at least one device (1) according to any one of the prior claims and a current and / or voltage sensor. Claim 13 A method for measuring at least one electrical parameter of a battery cell, in particular an insulation voltage, using a device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a battery cell to be measured is provided having sealed edge portions (114sa, 114sb, 114sc); and wherein the conductor (5) engages with the sealed edge portions (114sa, 114sb, 114sc) in the first direction (F). Claim 14 A method according to claim 11, characterized in that the electrical parameters of the battery cell to be measured, in particular the insulation voltage, are determined while the conductor (5) maintains a state of engagement with at least one of the sealed edge portions (114sa, 114sb, 114sc). Claim 15 A method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the conductor (5) is moved along the sealed edge portions (114sa, 114sb, 114sc) in a direction intersecting the first direction (F), particularly in a direction perpendicular to the first direction (F), such that the arc-shaped contact surface moves along the sealed edge portions (114sa, 114sb, 114sc) of the battery cell to be measured.

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