Cell test jig

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cell test jig and, more specifically, to a cell test jig which can simulate the same or similar environment as a battery module or a battery pack, thereby obtaining the same or similar test result of the battery module or the battery pack even when one only cell is tested. The cell test jig according to the present invention corresponds to a cell test jig used for testing a cell. The cell test jig includes: a first plate covering one surface of a cell; a second plate covering the other surface of the cell, the other surface being opposite to the one surface of the cell; a heating pad positioned between the first plate and the second plate and disposed adjacent to one side surface of the cell, the side surface connecting one surface and the other surface of the cell; and a cooling plate positioned between the first plate and the second plate and disposed adjacent to the other side surface of the cell opposite to the one surface of the cell.

Description

Cell test jig

[0001] Cross-citation with related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0081849, filed June 26, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0080555, filed June 20, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Technology field

[0004] The present invention relates to a cell test jig, which can simulate an environment identical or similar to that of a battery module or battery pack, so that even when testing a single cell, results identical or similar to those obtained when testing a battery module or battery pack can be obtained.

[0005] Recent shifts in environmental awareness have led to a growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) powered by Li-ion secondary batteries rather than internal combustion engines. This growing demand for EVs has led to a growing emphasis on performance verification testing for secondary batteries. Furthermore, cell-level testing, which enables preliminary verification and diagnosis of battery module and battery pack test results, is also gaining traction.

[0006] Life time estimation, one of the most important performance indicators of electric vehicles (EVs), is an important indicator that can determine how long the performance of the battery pack level can be maintained in terms of hardware.

[0007] Therefore, if we could design realistic, situational tests for battery modules or battery packs in advance at the cell level, the smallest unit of a battery pack, it would be a good alternative, not only minimizing testing costs but also shortening testing periods, thereby providing more objective data to automotive OEMs and enhancing reliability. Therefore, the question arose as to whether it would be possible to design realistic, situational tests for battery modules or battery packs in advance at the cell level.

[0008] The present invention has been devised to solve the above problems, and the object of the present invention is to provide a cell test jig that can simulate an environment identical or similar to that of a battery module or battery pack, so that even when testing a single cell, results identical or similar to those obtained when testing a battery module or battery pack can be obtained.

[0009] A 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 a cell, a second plate covering the other side opposite the one side of the cell, a heating pad positioned between the first plate and the second plate and adjacent to one side of the cell connecting the one side and the other side of the cell, and a cooling plate positioned between the first plate and the second plate and adjacent to the other side of the cell opposite the one side of the cell.

[0010] The heating pad generates heat to heat the cell, and the cooling plate can cool the cell by flowing a cooling fluid inside it.

[0011] The first plate and the second plate can be made of bakelite plates.

[0012] The heating pad can be positioned to face the folded sealing portion of the cell.

[0013] The other side of the cell may have the form of a connecting surface that continuously connects one side and the other side of the cell.

[0014] The heating pad may further include a back plate supporting the heating pad on a side opposite to the side facing the cells.

[0015] The back plate can be installed to be fixed to the first plate and the second plate.

[0016] A temperature sensor unit for measuring the temperature of the cell may be installed on at least one of the first plate and the second plate.

[0017] It may further include a surface pressure sensor unit for measuring the pressure at which the outer surface of the cell expands.

[0018] The surface pressure sensor unit may include a first surface pressure sensor unit disposed between at least one of one surface of the cell and the first plate, or between the other surface of the cell and the second plate.

[0019] The first surface pressure sensor unit includes a first base plate; and a plurality of first surface pressure sensors attached to the first base plate, wherein the plurality of first surface pressure sensors can be arranged in a plurality of columns and a plurality of rows at predetermined positions.

[0020] The surface pressure sensor unit may include a second surface pressure sensor unit disposed at least one of between one side of the cell and the heating pad, or between the other side of the cell and the cooling plate.

[0021] The second surface pressure sensor unit includes a second base plate; and a plurality of second surface pressure sensors attached to the second base plate, wherein the plurality of second surface pressure sensors can be arranged in a plurality of columns and a plurality of rows at predetermined positions.

[0022] The second base plate may be provided with through holes to ensure smooth heat transfer from the heating pad.

[0023] 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, and the second surface pressure sensor unit, the heating pad, and the back plate can be arranged in the order of the second surface pressure sensor unit, the heating pad, and the back plate based on the direction away from the cell.

[0024] The device may further include a coupling unit that couples the first plate and the second plate to each other, and the coupling unit may include a bolt that penetrates a coupling hole, which is a through hole formed in the first plate and the second plate; and a nut that couples the first plate and the second plate to each other by combining with the bolt.

[0025] Any joint between any two of the first plate, the second plate, the heating pad, and the cooling plate that are positioned adjacent to each other may be finished with resin.

[0026] The cell test jig according to the present invention can simulate an environment identical or similar to that of a battery module or battery pack, so that even when testing a single cell, results identical or similar to those obtained when testing a battery module or battery pack can be obtained.

[0027] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a cell test jig of Example 1 of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a second surface pressure sensor unit in a cell test jig of Example 2 of the present invention.

[0029] Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the invention. However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited or restricted by the following examples.

[0030] In order to clearly explain the present invention, a detailed description of a part that is irrelevant to the description or a related known technology that may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention has been omitted, and when adding reference signs to components of each drawing in this specification, the same or similar reference signs are attached to the same or similar components throughout the specification.

[0031] In addition, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to their usual or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts that conform to the technical idea of ​​the present invention based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the term to explain his or her own invention in the best way.

[0032]

[0033] Example 1

[0034] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a cell test jig (100) of Example 1 of the present invention.

[0035] Hereinafter, a cell test jig (100) according to Example 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1.

[0036] A 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 side (11) of a cell (10), a second plate (120) covering the other side which is the opposite side of the one side (11) of the cell (10), a heating pad (130) positioned between the first plate (110) and the second plate (120) and positioned adjacent to one side of the cell (10) connecting the one side (11) and the other side of the cell (10), and a cooling plate (140) positioned between the first plate (110) and the second plate (120) and positioned adjacent to the other side (14) of the cell (10) which is the opposite side of the one side of the cell (10).

[0037] By having these characteristics, the cell test jig (100) according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention can simulate an environment that is the same as or similar to that of a battery module or a battery pack, so that even when testing one cell (10), results that are the same as or similar to those of testing a battery module or a 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, so that results can be obtained from the cell (10) level, and also has a cost-saving effect.

[0038] That is, the battery module is a structure formed by gathering a plurality of cells (10), and in the cell test jig (100) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, since the same environment can be implemented as when one cell (10) is in a plurality of cells (10) of the battery module, it is possible to predict what kind of result the cell (10) in the battery module will produce even with just one cell (10).

[0039] 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 an effect similar to that of heat generated within the battery module affecting the battery. The cooling plate (140) can have a cooling fluid flowing therein 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).

[0040] The first plate (110) and the second plate (120) may be formed of bakelite plates. Because bakelite plates have excellent heat resistance and strength, they can act as heat-trapping plates, thereby enabling them to simulate the temperature and other environmental conditions of a battery module. Furthermore, the bakelite plates allow the first plate (110) and the second plate (120) to function as insulators.

[0041] The joint between any two adjacently arranged first plate (110), second plate (120), heating pad (130), and cooling plate (140) may be finished with thermal resin. This allows for more effective and reliable heat retention.

[0042] Additionally, the resin used where necessary within the cell test jig (100) may be the same resin used during actual battery module assembly. This allows for testing to be implemented in an environment more similar to that of an actual module. Furthermore, this resin may be used in locations that achieve the same effect as the resin positioned within an actual battery module.

[0043] In order to make it identical to the environment in the battery module, the heating pad (130) may be positioned to face the folded sealing portion of the cell (10). Here, the meaning of the folded sealing portion may mean a portion in which the edge of the pouch in the pouch-shaped cell (10) is sealed with heat and pressure, and the sealed sealing portion is folded twice or three times. The reason for folding the sealing portion twice or three times may be to minimize the volume or width occupied by the cell (10).

[0044] And the side with the folded sealing portion may be one side of the cell (10). And the side opposite to the one side of the cell (10) may be the other side (14) of the cell (10), and this other side (14) of the cell (10) may not be in the form of a folded sealing portion. The other side (14) of the cell (10) may have the form of a connecting surface that continuously connects one side (11) of the cell (10), which is the upper surface of the cell (10), and the other side of the cell (10), which is the lower surface of the cell (10). In other words, it may be a surface that is connected to each other from the beginning even without a seal.

[0045] The cooling plate (140) can be positioned adjacent to and facing the other side (14) of the cell (10). That is, the cooling plate (140) can be positioned to face the connecting surface that continuously connects one side (11) and the other side of the cell (10). Since the folded sealing portion side has a folded portion, the battery and the cooling plate (140) cannot be in close contact, so in an actual battery module, the cooling plate (140) is installed to be in close contact with a smooth surface side where there is no folded sealing portion. Therefore, in the cell test jig (100), the cooling plate (140) can be installed 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.

[0046] A back plate (150) may be further included to support the heating pad (130) on the opposite side of the surface of the heating pad (130) that faces the cell (10). The back plate (150) may serve to trap heat and may also serve to stably maintain the position of the heating pad (130).

[0047] In order to ensure that the heating pad (130) remains in a stable position, the back plate (150) needs to stably support the heating pad (130). To this end, the back plate (150) may be installed to be fixed to the first plate (110) and the second plate (120). Specifically, the back plate (150) may be installed to be fixed together to the first plate (110) and the second plate (120).

[0048] 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 rows and columns at predetermined locations. Accordingly, temperature measurement at precise locations on one side (11) and the entire other side of the cell (10) may be possible. This may also improve the limitations of installing the temperature sensor unit (160) in existing actual battery modules.

[0049] The cell test jig (100) according to Example 1 of the present invention may further include a surface pressure sensor unit for measuring the pressure at which the outer surface of the cell (10) expands.

[0050] The surface pressure sensor unit may further include a first surface pressure sensor (171-b) surface pressure sensor unit disposed 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).

[0051] 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) may have a size and shape corresponding to one side (11) or the other side 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). The first surface pressure sensors (171-b) may be provided in multiple numbers. In particular, the plurality of first surface pressure sensors (171-b) may be arranged in multiple columns and multiple rows at predetermined positions. Accordingly, the pressure at an exact position on one side (11) or the other side of the cell (10) can be measured. It is possible to predict at which position (area) and with what pressure the cell (10) in the battery module swells or to what extent it swells.

[0052] The surface pressure sensor unit may further include a second surface pressure sensor (172-b) surface pressure sensor unit disposed 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).

[0053] When the second surface pressure sensor unit (172) is positioned between one side of the cell (10) and the heating pad (130), the second surface pressure sensor unit (172) may be installed to face the folded sealing portion of the cell (10). When the internal pressure of the cell (10) increases in a situation where heat is applied to the cell (10), the folded sealing portion may burst. In this case, the second surface pressure sensor (172-b) may measure the venting pressure or the venting position. This can be seen as implementing the venting phenomenon occurring in an abnormal situation.

[0054]

[0055] 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 size and shape corresponding to one side (11) or the other side of the cell (10) and may have a plate shape. The second surface pressure sensor (172-b) may be a surface pressure sensor attached to the second base plate (172-a). The second surface pressure sensors (172-b) may be provided in multiple numbers. In particular, the plurality of second surface pressure sensors (172-b) may be arranged in multiple columns and multiple rows at predetermined positions. Accordingly, the pressure at an exact position on one side (11) or the other side of the cell (10) can be measured. It is possible to predict at which position and with what pressure the cell (10) in the battery module swells or to what extent it swells.

[0056] The first surface pressure sensor (171-b) and the second surface pressure sensor (172-b) may be selectively installed alone or together. Through this, the degree of swelling of the actual pouch cell (10) can be clearly confirmed.

[0057] The cell test jig (100) according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention may further include a coupling unit (180) that couples the first plate (110) and the second plate (120) to each other. The coupling unit may include a bolt (181) that passes through a coupling hole, which is a through hole (172-c) formed in the first plate (110) and the second plate (120), and a nut (182) that couples the first plate (110) and the second plate (120) to each other by combining with the bolt. The bolt and the nut together can adjust the distance between the first plate (110) and the second plate (120), and can adjust the coupling force accordingly. That is, the pressure applied to the cell (10) from above and below the cell (10) can be adjusted. In this way, an environment that restrains the upper and lower surfaces can be created through the bolt and the nut, so that an actual module environment can be implemented in terms of the pressure applied to the cell (10). Accordingly, even if the pressure of each part is measured for one cell (10) through the surface pressure sensor unit, the same or similar results as in an actual battery module can be obtained.

[0058] The cell test jig (100) according to the first embodiment of the present invention described above can perform various tests required for a battery module even at the cell (10) level, which is the minimum unit. In addition, test conditions can be easily adjusted according to the various shapes and dimensions of pouch cell (10) samples.

[0059]

[0060] Example 2

[0061] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a second surface pressure sensor unit (172) in a cell test jig (100) of Example 2 of the present invention.

[0062] Embodiment 2 of the present invention differs from Embodiment 1 in that the shape of the second surface pressure sensor unit (172) is different from that of the cell test jig (100) according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0063] We will omit, as much as possible, the common content with Example 1 and describe Example 2. In other words, it is self-evident that if content not described in Example 2 is required, it can be considered as the content of Example 1.

[0064] Referring first to FIG. 1, even in the cell test jig (100) according to the second embodiment of the present invention, a back plate (150) supporting a heating pad (130) may 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 the second surface pressure sensor unit (172), the heating pad (130), and the back plate (150) based on the direction away from the cell (10).

[0065] In this case, the heat generated from the heating pad (130) is transferred to the cell (10) through the second surface pressure sensor unit (172). Therefore, it is preferable that the second surface pressure sensor unit (172) include a structure that allows heat to pass through well.

[0066] That is, the second surface pressure sensor unit (172) may include a second base plate (172-a) and a second surface pressure sensor (172-b), wherein the second base plate (172-a) may be provided with a through hole (172-c) to ensure smooth transfer of heat from the heating pad (130). In FIG. 2, a through hole (172-c) is illustrated formed in the second base plate (172-a). A plurality of through holes (172-c) may be formed, and may be positioned between the second surface pressure sensor unit (172) and the second surface pressure sensor unit (172).

[0067] In addition, in FIG. 2, the second surface pressure sensor (172-b) is formed in two rows in the longitudinal direction of the second base plate (172-a), and a through hole (172-c) is formed in one row at a height between the two rows of the second surface pressure sensor (172-b) in the longitudinal direction of the same second base plate (172-a).

[0068] In addition to this case, if the heat transfer rate is to be further increased, the through-holes (172-c) may be formed in a total of three rows: one row at a height higher than the two rows of 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 rows of the second surface pressure sensors (172-b).

[0069]

[0070] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various embodiments are possible within the scope equivalent to the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the patent claims to be described below by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains.

[0071] [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 10: Cell

[0073] 11: One side of the cell

[0074] 14: Other side of the cell

[0075] 100: Cell Test Jig

[0076] 110: First plate

[0077] 120: Second Plate

[0078] 130: Heating pad

[0079] 140: Cooling plate

[0080] 150: Back plate

[0081] 160: Temperature sensor section

[0082] 170: Surface pressure sensor section

[0083] 171: First surface pressure sensor unit

[0084] 171-a: First base plate

[0085] 171-b: First surface pressure sensor

[0086] 172: Second surface pressure sensor unit

[0087] 172-a: Second base plate

[0088] 172-b: Second surface pressure sensor

[0089] 172-c: Through hole

[0090] 180: Combination Unit

[0091] 181: Bolt

[0092] 182: Nut

Claims

1. In a cell test jig used to test cells, A first plate covering one side of the above cell; A second plate covering the other side, which is the opposite side of the one side of the cell; A heating pad positioned between the first plate and the second plate and adjacent to one side of the cell connecting the one side of the cell and the other side; and A cell test jig characterized by comprising 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 to the one side of the cell.

2. In claim 1, The above heating pad generates heat to heat the cell, A cell test jig characterized in that the cooling plate has a cooling fluid flowing therein to cool the cell.

3. In claim 1, A cell test jig characterized in that the first plate and the second plate are made of bakelite plates.

4. In claim 2, A cell test jig, characterized in that the heating pad is positioned to face the folded sealing portion of the cell.

5. In claim 2, A cell test jig characterized in that the other side of the cell has a shape of a connecting surface that continuously connects one side and the other side of the cell.

6. In claim 1, A cell test jig further comprising a back plate supporting the heating pad on a surface opposite to a surface of the heating pad facing the cell.

7. In claim 6, A cell test jig characterized in that the back plate is installed to be fixed to the first plate and the second plate.

8. In claim 1, A cell test jig characterized in that at least one of the first plate and the second plate has a temperature sensor unit installed thereon for measuring the temperature of the cell.

9. In claim 1, A cell test jig further comprising a surface pressure sensor unit for measuring the pressure at which the outer surface of the cell expands.

10. In claim 9, The above surface pressure sensor part, A cell test jig characterized by including a first surface pressure sensor unit disposed between one surface of the cell and the first plate, or between the other surface of the cell and the second plate.

11. In claim 10, The above first surface pressure sensor unit, first base plate; and comprising a plurality of first surface pressure sensors attached to the first base plate; A cell test jig, characterized in that the plurality of first surface pressure sensors are arranged in a plurality of columns and a plurality of rows at predetermined positions.

12. In claim 9, The above surface pressure sensor part, A cell test jig characterized by including a second surface pressure sensor unit disposed between one side of the cell and the heating pad, or between the other side of the cell and the cooling plate.

13. In claim 12, The above second surface pressure sensor unit, Second base plate; and comprising a plurality of second surface pressure sensors attached to the second base plate; A cell test jig, characterized in that the plurality of second surface pressure sensors are arranged in a plurality of columns and a plurality of rows at predetermined positions.

14. In claim 12, A cell test jig characterized in that the second base plate has a through hole provided therein to ensure smooth transfer of heat from the heating pad.

15. In claim 12, Further comprising a back plate supporting the heating pad on the opposite side of the surface of the heating pad facing the cell, A cell test jig, characterized in that 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 based on the direction away from the cell.

16. In claim 1, Further comprising a coupling unit that couples the first plate and the second plate to each other, The above combination unit is, A bolt penetrating a joining hole, which is a through hole formed in the first plate and the second plate; and A cell test jig characterized by comprising a nut that is coupled to the bolt to couple the first plate and the second plate to each other.

17. In claim 1, A cell test jig characterized in that the joint between any two of the first plate, the second plate, the heating pad, and the cooling plate that are arranged adjacent to each other is finished with resin.

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