Sensor assembly and battery cell test device comprising same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery cell test device. The battery cell test device for checking the characteristics of a battery cell, according to one aspect of the present invention, comprises: a support frame capable of supporting the battery cell; and a sensor assembly provided on one side of the support frame so as to sense the characteristics of the battery cell, wherein the sensor assembly can include a sensor, and a holder coupled to the support frame to support the sensor.

Description

Sensor assembly and battery cell test device including the same

[0001] Cross-citation with related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0169144, dated November 29, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Technology field

[0004] The present invention relates to a sensor assembly and a battery cell testing device including the same, and more particularly, to a sensor assembly for testing the characteristics of a battery cell and a battery cell testing device including the same.

[0005] Secondary batteries have been used in small applications such as mobile devices and laptops, but their research has recently expanded to medium- to large-scale applications. They are widely used in applications requiring high voltage and large capacity, such as energy storage systems (ESS) and electric vehicles (EVs). These secondary batteries can be manufactured and used in battery cell form.

[0006] Meanwhile, battery cells may need to have their performance or characteristics verified for research and development or inspection purposes. This can be verified using a specific testing device. Conventional testing devices secure battery cells to a frame and then charge and discharge them to check their resistance, voltage, current, or energy capacity.

[0007] However, physical quantities detected using sensors are sometimes used to evaluate the performance or characteristics of battery cells. For example, physical quantities such as temperature and pressure generated in a battery cell when current flows through it can be measured and analyzed to ensure product stability.

[0008] At this time, it is desirable for the sensor to be able to measure the characteristics of any portion of the battery cell. This is because the temperature and pressure of the battery cell may vary from portion to portion. Furthermore, the shape of the battery cell may change as the product diversifies.

[0009] Accordingly, there has been an urgent need for the development of a sensor assembly and a battery cell test device including the same, in which the relative positions of the sensor and the battery cell can be freely changed or controlled.

[0010] The present invention has been devised to solve the above problems, and the object of the present invention is to provide a sensor assembly in which the relative positions of a sensor and a battery cell can be changed or controlled, and a battery cell testing device including the same.

[0011] The tasks of the present invention are not limited to the tasks mentioned above, and other tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from the description below.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, a battery cell testing device for checking the characteristics of a battery cell is provided, comprising: a support frame capable of supporting the battery cell; and a sensor assembly provided on one side of the support frame to sense the characteristics of the battery cell, wherein the sensor assembly includes: a sensor; and a holder coupled to the support frame to support the sensor.

[0013] At this time, the holder can be detachably coupled to the support frame.

[0014] At this time, the support frame has a plate shape, and the holder can be combined with a border portion of the support frame.

[0015] At this time, the holder may include a holder body portion coupled to the support frame with at least a portion of the sensor interposed therebetween.

[0016]

[0017] *At this time, the sensor includes a sensing unit supported by the holder body; and a connector unit extended outwardly of the support frame to electrically connect the sensing unit to the outside, and the holder may further include a connector support unit extended outwardly of the support frame from the holder body to support the connector unit.

[0018] At this time, the connector support portion can extend parallel to the connector portion.

[0019] At this time, a connector support groove that is concavely sunken so that at least a part of the connector part can be accommodated may be formed in the connector support portion.

[0020] At this time, the holder may further include a connector fixing portion formed in a ring shape on the outer surface of the connector support portion so that the connector portion is caught.

[0021] At this time, the sensor may further include a substrate portion provided between the sensing portion and the connector portion to connect them and placed on a side of the connector support portion, and the holder may further include a substrate fixing portion protruding outward from the connector support portion along the edge of the substrate portion.

[0022] At this time, the holder body part may include a main body part having a flat shape so that at least a part of the sensor is interposed between the one surface of the support frame.

[0023] At this time, the holder body part may include a sub-body part that extends in the thickness direction of the support frame and contacts a side surface of the support frame; and a body connecting part that surrounds a corner provided on the edge of the support frame and connects the main body part and the sub-body part.

[0024] At this time, the holder body part can be connected to a corner provided on the edge of the support frame in a shape-fitting manner.

[0025] At this time, a sensor support hole through which at least a part of the sensor passes may be formed in the body connection portion.

[0026] At this time, the body connection portion is provided with a sunken sensor support groove so that at least a part of the sensor can be placed, and the sensor support hole can be formed on the inner wall of the sensor support groove.

[0027] At this time, a frame-side joining hole is formed in the edge portion of the support frame, a holder-side joining hole connected to the frame-side joining hole is formed in the main body portion, and the holder and the support frame can be joined by a joining member penetrating the frame-side joining hole and the holder-side joining hole.

[0028] At this time, the frame-side coupling holes are provided in multiple numbers and spaced apart along the edge of the support frame, and the holder-side coupling hole can be connected to any one of the multiple frame-side coupling holes.

[0029] At this time, the support frame may include a first support frame and a second support frame that are arranged parallel to each other so that the battery cell can be placed therebetween, and the sensor assembly may include a first sensor assembly and a second sensor assembly that are respectively coupled to the first support frame and the second support frame.

[0030] At this time, the sensor assembly may include a first sensor assembly and a second sensor assembly that are arranged oppositely on both sides of the support frame.

[0031] At this time, the sensor assembly may include a first sensor assembly and a second sensor assembly spaced apart from each other and arranged parallel to each other along the edge of the support frame.

[0032] According to another aspect of the present invention, a sensor assembly for a battery cell for measuring a characteristic of a battery cell is provided, the sensor assembly comprising: a sensor for sensing a characteristic of the battery cell; and a holder that is provided to be connectable to a support frame for supporting the battery cell so as to support the sensor.

[0033] According to one aspect of the present invention, a holder for supporting a sensor can be separately provided and coupled to a support frame supporting a battery cell, so that the relative position between the battery cell and the sensor can be changed or controlled.

[0034] According to one aspect of the present invention, the main body part of the holder is configured to be coupled to one side of the support frame with the sensor therebetween, so that the sensor can be protected from external contamination or impact by the holder.

[0035] According to one aspect of the present invention, the holder body portion of the holder is composed of a main body portion placed on one side of a support frame and a sub body portion extending in the thickness direction of the support frame, and can be combined in a shape-fitting manner to the edge side of the support frame, so that the position of the sensor can be stably fixed and supported.

[0036] According to one aspect of the present invention, since the connector support portion extends from the holder body portion to the outside of the support frame to support the connector portion, the connector portion of the sensor can be stably supported by the holder while being protected from external impact or contamination.

[0037] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery cell testing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention viewed from above.

[0039] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration in which a sensor assembly and a processor of a battery cell testing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention are electrically connected to a battery cell.

[0040] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a battery cell testing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a sensor assembly of a battery cell testing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above.

[0042] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a sensor assembly of a battery cell testing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below.

[0043] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a battery cell test device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, cut so that the joint structure of the support frame and the sensor assembly is visible.

[0044] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the cut surface of Fig. 6.

[0045] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a battery cell test device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, cut so that the sensing portion and the substrate portion of the sensor assembly are visible.

[0046] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the cut surface of Fig. 8.

[0047] Fig. 10 is a plan view of a battery cell testing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Fig. 11 is a plan view of a battery cell testing device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a battery cell test device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention viewed from above.

[0050] Fig. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a battery cell testing device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited or restricted by the following examples.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery cell test device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a sensor assembly and a processor of a battery cell test device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, electrically connected to a battery cell. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a battery cell test device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a sensor assembly of a battery cell test device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a sensor assembly of a battery cell test device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a battery cell test device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, cut away so that a joint structure of a support frame and a sensor assembly is visible. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-sectional view of FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a battery cell test device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, cut away so that a sensing portion and a substrate portion of a sensor assembly are visible. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-sectional view of FIG. 8.

[0055] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 disclose a battery cell testing device (1) (hereinafter referred to as a testing device) according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the testing device (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may be a device for checking the characteristics of a battery cell (2). In this case, the battery cell (2) may be a pouch-type secondary battery, and the characteristics of the battery cell (2) may include resistance, current, voltage, charge / discharge speed or capacity, temperature, and / or pressure of the battery cell (2).

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a test device (1) according to a first embodiment of the present invention may include a support frame (10). In this embodiment, the support frame (10) may be a frame for supporting a battery cell (2) to be tested. For this purpose, the support frame (10) may be made of metal or plastic having a predetermined rigidity.

[0057] In the present embodiment, the support frame (10) may have a flat plate shape extending forward and backward (in the X-axis direction). Accordingly, a battery cell (2) may be placed on one side of the support frame (10). However, the shape of the support frame (10) is not particularly limited as long as it can support the battery cell (2).

[0058] In this embodiment, the support frames (10) may be provided in pairs and arranged in parallel. As illustrated, the pair of support frames (10) may include a first support frame (10a) and a second support frame (10b) spaced apart in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction).

[0059] In this embodiment, the first support frame (10a) and the second support frame (10b) can be arranged parallel to each other. Accordingly, the battery cell (2) can be interposed between the first support frame (10a) and the second support frame (10b) to be fixed and supported.

[0060] In this embodiment, a fixing hole (13) may be formed in the first support frame (10a) and the second support frame (10b). The fixing hole (13) may be a hole for fixing the relative positions of the first support frame (10a) and the second support frame (10b).

[0061] To this end, the relative positions of the first support frame (10a) and the second support frame (10b) can be adjusted so that the fixing holes (13a) of the first support frame (10a) and the fixing holes (13b) of the second support frame (10b) are coaxially arranged in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction).

[0062] In this embodiment, a plurality of fixing holes (13) may be provided. In addition, the plurality of fixing holes (13) may be spaced apart from each other along the edge of the support frame (10). This may be to prevent the fixing member (20) installed in the fixing hole (13) and the battery cell (2) placed in the central portion of the support frame (10) from interfering with each other.

[0063] In this embodiment, a plurality of fixing holes (13) may be arranged along two rows. Each row may be arranged along a border provided on both sides (Y-axis direction) of the support frame (10). Accordingly, the relative positions of the first support frame (10a) and the second support frame (10b) may be fixed in a balanced manner.

[0064] In this embodiment, a frame-side coupling hole (15) may be formed in the support frame (10). The frame-side coupling hole (15) may be a hole for coupling a sensor assembly (40) described later to the support frame (10).

[0065] At this time, the frame-side coupling holes (15) may be configured in multiple numbers. In addition, the multiple frame-side coupling holes (15) may be spaced apart from each other along the edge of the support frame (10). The sensor assembly (40) described below may be coupled to the support frame (10) using a selected portion of the multiple frame-side coupling holes (15).

[0066] Accordingly, the sensor assembly (40) can be coupled to any portion of the edge of the support frame (10). Through this, the relative positions of the sensor assembly (40) and the battery cell (2) placed on the support frame (10) can be freely controlled. This will be described in detail later together with the sensor assembly (40).

[0067] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, a plurality of frame-side coupling holes (15) may be spaced apart along two rows. And, each row may be provided along a border provided on both sides (Y-axis direction) of the support frame (10).

[0068] This may be to enable the sensor assembly (40) described later to be installed at any part of the side edge of the support frame (10). In this way, the position or arrangement of the frame-side coupling hole (15) may be appropriately modified as needed, taking into consideration the relative positions of the sensor assembly (40) and the battery cell (2).

[0069] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the first support frame (10a) and the second support frame (10b) are illustrated as having the same shape, but the first support frame (10a) and the second support frame (10b) may be provided with different shapes. In addition, if the battery cell (2) can be stably supported, the support frame (10) may be configured as a single piece.

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, a test device (1) according to a first embodiment of the present invention may include a fixing member (20). The fixing member (20) may be a member for fixing the relative positions of a first support frame (10a) and a second support frame (10b). Through this, a battery cell (2) between the first support frame (10a) and the second support frame (10b) may be stably supported and fixed.

[0071] In this embodiment, the fixing member (20) may be composed of a bolt (20a) and a nut (20b). The bolt (20a) may pass through the fixing hole (13a) of the coaxially arranged first support frame (10a) and the fixing hole (13b) of the second support frame (10b). In addition, a nut (20b) may be coupled to the end of the bolt (20a).

[0072] Accordingly, the first support frame (10a) and the second support frame (10b) can be stably combined and fixed. At this time, in order to increase the fixing and bonding force of the support frame (10), a plurality of fixing members (20) may be configured and each may be combined into a plurality of fixing holes (13).

[0073] Meanwhile, the fixing member (20) can be modified as needed. The type or shape of the fixing member (20) is not particularly limited as long as it can couple and fix the first support frame (10a) and the second support frame (10b) to each other.

[0074] For example, the fixing member (20) may be formed of a screw, a screw, a rivet, or the like. Alternatively, the fixing member (20) may be formed of a protrusion provided on either of the first support frame (10a) and the second support frame (10b) so as to be configured to be connected to the fixing hole (13) of the other in a shape-fitting manner.

[0075] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a test device (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a processor (30). The processor (30) may be configured to verify and digitize the characteristics of a battery cell (2).

[0076] As an example, the processor (30) may be configured to check and digitize the resistance or impedance of a battery cell (2). For this purpose, the processor (30) may be equipped with an electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) circuit.

[0077] As another example, the processor (30) may be configured to check and digitize the voltage or current of the battery cell (2). To this end, the processor (30) may be equipped with a cycler circuit and may be electrically connected to the electrode leads (2a, 2b) of the battery cell (2).

[0078] As another example, the processor (30) may be configured to check and digitize the temperature or pressure of the battery cell (2). To this end, the processor (30) may be electrically connected to a sensor assembly (40) described below.

[0079] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the test device (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a sensor assembly (40). The sensor assembly (40) may be an assembly installed on a support frame (10) to measure the characteristics or performance of a battery cell (2).

[0080] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 9, the sensor assembly (40) of the test device (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a sensor (50). The sensor (50) may be configured to perform characteristic measurement of a battery cell (2), which is a main function of the sensor assembly (40).

[0081] In the present embodiment, the sensor (50) may include a sensing unit (52). As illustrated, at least a portion of the sensing unit (52) may be interposed between the battery cell (2) and the first support frame (10a). At this time, the outer surface of the sensing unit (52) may be arranged to be in contact with the battery cell (2).

[0082] In this embodiment, the sensing unit (52) may be configured to be sensitive to the characteristics of the battery cell (2). For example, the sensing unit (52) may be configured to be sensitive to the temperature or pressure of the battery cell (2) it is in contact with. That is, the sensor (50) may be a temperature sensor or a pressure sensor.

[0083] At this time, in the present embodiment, the sensing unit (52) may have a film or sheet shape. Accordingly, the sensing unit (52) can be more easily interposed between the upper surface (14) of the support frame (10) and the lower surface of the battery cell (2). In addition, since the upper surface of the sensing unit (52) can make surface contact with the lower surface of the battery cell (2) through a wider area, the sensing unit (52) can respond more sensitively and agilely to the characteristics of the battery cell (2).

[0084] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the sensor (50) may include a substrate (54). The substrate (54) may be a substrate for converting the characteristics of the battery cell (2) sensed by the sensing unit (52) into an electrical signal. To this end, the substrate (54) may be provided with a circuit capable of performing the above-described function.

[0085] In this embodiment, the substrate portion (54) may be coupled to the lower surface of the sensing portion (52). In other words, the substrate portion (54) may be interposed between the lower surface of the sensing portion (52) and the upper surface (12a) of the first support frame (10a).

[0086] And, in this embodiment, the substrate portion (54) can extend from the lower surface of the sensing portion (52) in a direction (positive direction of the Y-axis) toward the outside of the edge of the support frame (10). At this time, the end of the extension direction of the substrate portion (54) can be located outside the edge of the support frame (10).

[0087] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the sensor (50) may include a connector portion (56). The connector portion (56) may be a connector for transmitting an electrical signal formed on the substrate portion (54) to the aforementioned processor (30) (illustrated in FIG. 2).

[0088] For this purpose, the connector portion (56) may be formed of a terminal. However, as long as the connector portion (56) can be electrically connected to a configuration other than the substrate portion (54), the structure or type of the connector portion (56) is not particularly limited.

[0089] In this embodiment, the connector portion (56) may be coupled to the extended end of the substrate portion (54). In addition, the connector portion (56) may extend sufficiently outside the perimeter of the support frame (10). This may be to facilitate electrical connection with a component located outside the support frame (10).

[0090] Meanwhile, the structure or type of the sensor (50) of the test device (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it can sense the characteristics of the battery cell (2), and it can be appropriately modified in consideration of the type or shape of the battery cell (2), the physical quantity to be measured, etc.

[0091] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 9, the sensor assembly (40) of the test device (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a holder (60). The holder (60) may be configured to be coupled to a support frame (10) so as to support the sensor (50).

[0092] In this embodiment, the holder (60) may include a holder body (62). The holder body (62) may be configured to fix the sensing unit (52) of the sensor (50) in close contact with the support frame (10).

[0093] For this purpose, in the present embodiment, the holder body part (62) may include a main body part (64). The main body part (64) may be placed on the edge part of the upper surface (12a) of the first support frame (10a).

[0094] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, 7 and 8, in the present embodiment, the central portion (64a) of the main body portion (64) may have a plate shape that is parallel to the upper surface (12a) of the first support frame (10a). In addition, the central portion (64a) may extend in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the sensing portion (52).

[0095] At this time, in the present embodiment, the central portion (64a) of the main body portion (64) may be somewhat spaced apart from the upper surface (12a) of the first support frame (10a). Accordingly, a portion of the sensing portion (52) may be interposed between the upper surface (12a) of the first support frame (10a) and the central portion (64a) of the main body portion (64). Accordingly, the sensing portion (52) may be stably fixed to the upper surface of the first support frame (10a).

[0096] In addition, in this embodiment, since the central portion (64a) has a plate shape, the main body portion (64) can enter the narrow gap between the first support frame (10a) and the second support frame (10b), and the sensing portion (52) having a film or sheet shape can be more effectively pressed toward the first support frame (10a).

[0097] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 3 to 7, in the present embodiment, a side portion (64b) may be provided on the side of the central portion (64a) of the main body portion (64). As illustrated, the side portions (64b) may be positioned on both sides in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the sensing portion (52).

[0098] In this embodiment, the lower surface of the side portion (64b) can be in contact with the upper surface (12a) of the first support frame (10a). Accordingly, the supporting force of the first support frame (10a) can support the main body portion (64).

[0099] At this time, in the present embodiment, a holder-side coupling hole (65) may be formed in the side portion (64b) of the main body portion (64). The holder-side coupling hole (65) may be a hole for coupling the sensor assembly (40) and the first support frame (10) to each other.

[0100] More specifically, the relative positions of the sensor assembly (40) and the support frame (10) can be adjusted so that the holder-side coupling hole (65) and the aforementioned frame-side coupling hole (15a) can be coaxially arranged in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction).

[0101] In addition, the sensor assembly (40) can be coupled to the first support frame (10a) by the coupling member (78) described later being penetrated and coupled to the holder-side coupling hole (65) and the frame-side coupling hole (15a). This will be described in more detail later together with the coupling member (78).

[0102] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the holder-side coupling holes (65) may be configured in multiple numbers. As illustrated, the holder-side coupling holes (65) may be configured in two numbers. At this time, the two holder-side coupling holes (65) may be spaced apart from each other in a direction parallel to the edge of the support frame (10) (X-axis direction) with the sensing unit (52) interposed therebetween. Accordingly, the sensor assembly (40) may be more stably and balancedly coupled and fixed to the support frame (10).

[0103] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the holder body portion (62) may include a sub-body portion (66). The sub-body portion (66) may extend in the thickness direction (Z-axis direction) of the first support frame (10a).

[0104] In this embodiment, the side surface of the sub-body portion (66) may be in contact with the side surface (16a) of the first support frame (10a). At this time, the side surface (16a) of the first support frame (10a) may be a surface formed in the thickness direction (Z-axis direction) along the perimeter of the first support frame (10a). Accordingly, the supporting force of the first support frame (10a) can support and fix the holder (60).

[0105] In particular, according to the present embodiment, the main body part (64) of the holder (60) is supported and fixed in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction) by the upper surface (12a) of the first support frame (10a), and the sub-body part (66) is supported and fixed in the outward direction (Y-axis direction) of the first support frame (10a) by the side surface (16a) of the first support frame (10a), so that the holder (60) can be more stably fixed and supported to the first support frame (10a).

[0106] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, when viewed in the thickness direction (Z-axis direction) of the first support frame (10a), the length of the sub-body portion (66) may be smaller than the thickness of the first support frame (10a). This may be to configure the sensor assembly (40) more compactly.

[0107] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 9, the holder body portion (62) of the test device (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a body connecting portion (68). The body connecting portion (68) may connect the main body portion (64) and the sub-body portion (66). As a result, the supporting force of the upper surface (12a) and the side surface (16a) of the first support frame (10a) may be applied together to the holder (60).

[0108] At this time, in the present embodiment, the body connecting portion (68) may be configured to surround the corner (14a) of the first support frame (10a). At this time, the corner (14a) of the first support frame (10a) may be a sharply protruding corner provided on the edge side of the first support frame (10a). This corner (14a) may be provided at a portion where the upper surface (12a) and the side surface (16a) of the first support frame (10a) intersect.

[0109] In this embodiment, the body connecting portion (68) can be supported by being in contact with the corner (14a) of the first support frame (10a). For this purpose, the body connecting portion (68) can correspond to the shape of the corner (14a).

[0110] In other words, the body connecting portion (68) can be concavely recessed in a direction in which the corner (14a) protrudes sharply. In other words, the body connecting portion (68) can be bent to correspond to the shape of the corner (14a).

[0111] In this way, the holder body part (62) can be connected to the edge side of the first support frame (10a) in a shape-fitting manner by means of the body connecting portion (68). As a result, the holder (60) can be more stably fixed and supported by the first support frame (10a).

[0112] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, a sensor support groove (69a) may be formed in the body connection portion (68). The sensor support groove (69a) may have a shape that is concavely sunken into the inside of the body connection portion (68).

[0113] In addition, a part of the sensing portion (52) and / or a part of the substrate portion (54) described above can be placed and supported on the bottom surface of the sensor support groove (69a). Accordingly, the sensor (50) can be supported and fixed by the holder (60). In addition, the sensing portion (52) and / or the substrate portion (54) can be covered by the holder (60) and protected from external contamination or impact.

[0114] At this time, in the present embodiment, since the sensing unit (52) and the substrate unit (54) have a flat shape, the bottom surface of the sensor support groove (69a) may also have a correspondingly flat shape. Through this, the sensing unit (52) and / or the substrate unit (54) can be stably supported and fixed by making contact with the bottom surface of the sensor support groove (69a).

[0115] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 4 to 7, in the present embodiment, the body connecting portion (68) is configured to surround the edge (14a) of the first support frame (10a). Accordingly, the sensing portion (52) and / or the substrate portion (54) may be configured to penetrate at least a portion of the body connecting portion (68) so as to be placed between the main body portion (64) and the first support frame (10a).

[0116] To this end, in the present embodiment, a sensor support hole (69b) may be formed in the body connection portion (68). The sensor support hole (69b) may be a hole through which the sensing portion (52) and / or the substrate portion (54) pass. By means of such a sensor support hole (69b), the holder body portion (62) may surround and support a portion of the sensing portion (52) and / or the substrate portion (54).

[0117] At this time, in the present embodiment, since the sensing unit (52) and / or the substrate unit (54) are supported by being in contact with the bottom surface of the sensor support groove (69a), the sensor support hole (69b) can be formed on the inner wall of the sensor support groove (69a).

[0118] And, in this embodiment, the sensor support hole (69b) may have a slit shape extending in the width direction (X-axis direction) to correspond to the shape of the flat-shaped sensing portion (52) and the substrate portion (54).

[0119] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 3 to 7, the holder (60) of the test device (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a connector support portion (72). In this embodiment, the connector support portion (72) may be a portion for supporting a connector portion (56) and / or a portion of the substrate portion (54) of the sensor (50).

[0120] In this embodiment, the connector support portion (72) may extend from the holder body portion (62) in a direction parallel to the extension direction of the connector portion (56) (positive direction of the Y-axis). In other words, the connector support portion (72) may extend in an outer direction of the perimeter of the first support frame (10a).

[0121] In this embodiment, a portion of the substrate portion (54) and a connector portion (56) may be placed on the upper surface of the connector support portion (72). At this time, the portion of the substrate portion (54) may be a portion protruding from the substrate portion (54) to the outside of the holder body portion (62).

[0122] Accordingly, the connector support (72) can support the lower side of the connector portion (56) and / or the substrate portion (54). Of course, the connector support (72) may also be configured to support them from the upper side.

[0123] In this embodiment, a connector support groove (73) may be formed in the connector support portion (72). The connector support groove (73) may be a groove into which at least a portion of the connector portion (56) is inserted.

[0124] In this embodiment, the connector support groove (73) may be formed on the upper surface of the connector support portion (72). In addition, the connector support groove (73) may be formed to be concavely recessed downward. Accordingly, at least a portion of the connector portion (56) may be inserted and fixed into the connector support groove (73), and may be protected from external impact or contamination.

[0125] At this time, in the present embodiment, the shape of the connector support groove (73) may correspond to the shape of the connector portion (56). In other words, the connector portion (56) may be coupled to the connector support groove (73) in a shape-fitting manner. As a result, the fixing force or coupling force between the connector support portion (72) and the connector portion (56) may be increased.

[0126] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 4, in the present embodiment, the holder (60) may include a connector fixing portion (74). The connector fixing portion (74) may be configured to increase the bonding force or fixing force between the connector portion (56) and the holder (60).

[0127] According to the present embodiment, as illustrated, the connector fixing portion (74) may have a ring shape through which the connector portion (56) may pass. At this time, the connector fixing portion (74) may be provided on the upper side of the connector support groove (73).

[0128] Through this, the connector fixing portion (74) can prevent the connector portion (56) that has entered the connector support groove (73) from coming out to the outside. However, the shape or structure of the connector fixing portion (74) is not particularly limited as long as it can increase the bonding force between the connector support portion (72) and the connector portion (56).

[0129] Referring to FIG. 4, in the present embodiment, the holder (60) may include a substrate fixing portion (76). The substrate fixing portion (76) may be a portion for fixing the substrate portion (54) to the connector support portion (72).

[0130] In this embodiment, as illustrated, a portion of the substrate portion (54) may extend outwardly from the holder body portion (62) and be placed on the upper surface of the connector support portion (72). At this time, the substrate fixing portion (76) may protrude from the upper surface of the connector support portion (72) on the edge side of the substrate portion (54). In addition, the substrate fixing portion (76) may extend along the edge of the substrate portion (54).

[0131] Such a substrate fixing member (76) can cover the edge portion of the substrate portion (54) to protect it from external impact or contamination. In addition, the substrate fixing member (76) can also perform the function of guiding the substrate portion (54) to the upper surface of the connector support member (72) when the sensor (50) is coupled to the holder (60), thereby increasing the assembling ability of the holder (60) and the sensor (50).

[0132] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the substrate fixing portion (76) may be configured as a pair and may be provided on each of the two sides in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the substrate portion (54). Through this, the substrate fixing portion (76) can fix and protect the substrate portion (54) in a balanced manner.

[0133] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 7, the sensor assembly (40) of the test device (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a coupling member (78). The coupling member (78) may be a member for coupling the holder (60) of the sensor assembly (40) to the support frame (10).

[0134] In this embodiment, the sensor assembly (40) may be detachably coupled to the support frame (10). Detachably coupled may mean that the operator can couple or uncouple the sensor assembly with their bare hands or without using any special tools or devices. Non-special tools or devices may include a screwdriver, a spanner, or an electric drill.

[0135] In this embodiment, the connecting member (78) may be composed of a bolt (78a) and a nut (78b). By means of such connecting member (78), the sensor assembly (40) can be detachably connected to the support frame (10).

[0136] Specifically, when the frame-side coupling hole (15) of the support frame (10) and the holder-side coupling hole (65) of the sensor assembly (40) are coaxially arranged in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), a bolt (78a) is inserted through the coupling holes (15, 65), and a nut (78b) is fastened to the end of the bolt (78a), thereby allowing the sensor assembly (40) to be coupled to the support frame (10).

[0137] Accordingly, a worker using the test device (1) can disengage the connection between the sensor assembly (40) and the support frame (10), then move the position of the sensor assembly (40) and re-connect the sensor assembly (40) and the support frame (10). Therefore, in the present embodiment, the relative positions of the sensor (50) and the battery cell (2) can be freely controlled or changed.

[0138] Through this, the test device (1) according to the present embodiment can accurately and easily confirm and digitize the characteristics of any portion of a battery cell (2). Such data can be used to more accurately evaluate the stability or performance of the battery cell (2).

[0139] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, a connecting member (78) composed of a bolt (78a) and a nut (79b) is used to detachably connect the sensor assembly (40) to the support frame (10), but the connecting structure that allows the sensor assembly (40) and the support frame (10) to be detachably connected may be modified in various ways as needed.

[0140] For example, the holder body (62) of the holder (60) may be provided with a protrusion protruding downward, and such a protrusion may be configured to be inserted into a frame-side joining hole (15) of the support frame (10).

[0141] And, in this embodiment, the sensor assembly (40) is configured to be coupled to the first support frame (10a), but it may also be configured to be coupled to the second support frame (10b).

[0142] Below, a test device according to another embodiment of the present invention is described using different drawings.

[0143] Fig. 10 is a plan view of a battery cell testing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 11 is a plan view of a battery cell testing device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a battery cell testing device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention as viewed from above. Fig. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a battery cell testing device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0144] FIG. 10 discloses a test device (101) according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 10, the sensor assembly (140) of the test device (101) according to the second embodiment of the present invention may be configured in multiple units.

[0145] As illustrated, in the present embodiment, the sensor assembly (140) may include a first sensor assembly (140a) and a second sensor assembly (140b). In this case, the first sensor assembly (140a) and the second sensor assembly (140b) may be configured to sense different characteristics of the battery cell, respectively.

[0146] For example, the first sensor assembly (140a) may be configured to measure the temperature of a battery cell, and the second sensor assembly (140b) may be configured to measure the pressure of the battery cell. Of course, the first sensor assembly (140a) and the second sensor assembly (140b) may also be configured to verify the same characteristics.

[0147] In this embodiment, the first sensor assembly (140a) and the second sensor assembly (140b) may be arranged in parallel along the edge of the support frame (10). At this time, the first sensor assembly (140a) and the second sensor assembly (140b) may be spaced apart in the extension direction (X-axis direction) of the support frame (10).

[0148] Accordingly, the first sensor assembly (140a) and the second sensor assembly (140b) can individually sense the characteristics of the battery cell while minimizing interference or influence on each other. Accordingly, various characteristics of the battery cell can be simultaneously confirmed, or the characteristics of different parts of the battery cell can be simultaneously confirmed.

[0149] FIG. 11 discloses a test device (201) according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 11, the sensor assembly (240) of the test device (201) according to the third embodiment of the present invention may be configured in multiple units.

[0150] As illustrated, in the present embodiment, the sensor assembly (240) may include a first sensor assembly (240a) and a second sensor assembly (240b). In this case, the first sensor assembly (240a) and the second sensor assembly (240b) may be configured to sense different characteristics of the battery cell, respectively.

[0151] For example, the first sensor assembly (240a) may be configured to measure the temperature of a battery cell, and the second sensor assembly (240b) may be configured to measure the pressure of the battery cell. Of course, the first sensor assembly (240a) and the second sensor assembly (240b) may also be configured to verify the same characteristics.

[0152] In this embodiment, the first sensor assembly (240a) and the second sensor assembly (240b) may be respectively coupled to the edge portions of both side sides (Y-axis direction) of the support frame (10). At this time, the edge portions of both side sides of the support frame (10) may be edge portions that face each other.

[0153] Accordingly, the first sensor assembly (240a) and the second sensor assembly (240b) can be positioned opposite each other. Accordingly, various characteristics of the battery cell can be simultaneously confirmed, or characteristics of different parts of the battery cell can be simultaneously confirmed.

[0154] At this time, in the present embodiment, the first sensor assembly (240a) and the second sensor assembly (240b) may be arranged to be offset from each other in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the support frame (10). Through this, interference or influence between the first sensor assembly (140a) and the second sensor assembly (140b) on each other can be minimized.

[0155] FIGS. 12 and 13 disclose a test device (301) according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the sensor assembly (340) of the test device (301) according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention may be configured in multiple units.

[0156] As illustrated, in the present embodiment, the sensor assembly (340) may include a first sensor assembly (340a) and a second sensor assembly (340b). In this case, the first sensor assembly (340a) and the second sensor assembly (340b) may be configured to sense different characteristics of the battery cell, respectively.

[0157] For example, the first sensor assembly (340a) may be configured to measure the temperature of a battery cell, and the second sensor assembly (340b) may be configured to measure the pressure of the battery cell. Of course, the first sensor assembly (340a) and the second sensor assembly (340b) may also be configured to verify the same characteristics.

[0158] At this time, in the present embodiment, the first sensor assembly (340a) can be coupled to the first support frame (10a) placed on the lower side (negative direction of the Z-axis) of the battery cell (2), and the second sensor assembly (340b) can be coupled to the second support frame (10b) placed on the upper side (positive direction of the Z-axis) of the battery cell (2).

[0159] To this end, the first sensor assembly (340a) can be coupled to the first support frame (10a) by the first coupling member (378a), and the second sensor assembly (340b) can be coupled to the second support frame (10b) by the second coupling member (378b).

[0160] At this time, the first connecting member (378a) may be formed of a bolt penetrating the holder of the first support frame (10a) and the first sensor assembly (340a) and a nut coupled to the end of the bolt, and the second connecting member (378b) may be formed of a bolt penetrating the holder of the second support frame (10b) and the second sensor assembly (340b) and a nut coupled to the end of the bolt.

[0161] Accordingly, the sensor of the first sensor assembly (340a) can check the characteristics of the battery cell (2) between the battery cell (2) and the first support frame (10a), and the sensor of the second sensor assembly (340b) can check the characteristics of the battery cell (2) between the battery cell (2) and the second support frame (10b). Through this, various characteristics of the battery cell can be checked simultaneously, or characteristics of different parts of the battery cell can be checked simultaneously.

[0162] In addition, when the first sensor assembly (340a) and the second sensor assembly (340b) are respectively coupled to the first support frame (10a) and the second support frame (10b) as in the present embodiment, the first sensor assembly (340a) and the second sensor assembly (340b) can be arranged to overlap each other in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) without interference or influence with each other. Through this, the present test device (301) can be configured more compactly.

[0163] Meanwhile, while the aforementioned embodiments have been described assuming that the battery cell being tested is a pouch-type secondary battery, the type or shape of the battery cell that can be tested by the test device according to the embodiments is not particularly limited. For example, the battery cell being tested may be a cylindrical secondary battery, and the shape or structure of the support frame and sensor assembly may be appropriately modified to suit the shape or type of the battery cell being tested.

[0164] 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.

[0165] [Explanation of symbols]

[0166] 1 101 201 301: Battery cell testing device

[0167] 2: Battery cells

[0168] 10: Support frame

[0169] 20: Fixed member

[0170] 30: Processor

[0171] 40 140 240 340: Sensor assembly

[0172] 50: Sensor

[0173] 60: Holder

Claims

1. A battery cell testing device for checking the characteristics of battery cells. A support frame capable of supporting the above battery cell; and A sensor assembly is provided on one side of the support frame and is configured to sense the characteristics of the battery cell. The above sensor assembly, A sensor for sensing the characteristics of the battery cell; and A battery cell testing device comprising a holder coupled to the support frame to support the sensor.

2. In paragraph 1, A battery cell test device, wherein the holder is detachably connected to the support frame.

3. In paragraph 1, The above support frame has a plate shape, The above holder is a battery cell test device, which is coupled to the edge portion of the above support frame.

4. In paragraph 3, The above holder, A battery cell testing device comprising a holder body coupled to the support frame with at least a portion of the sensor interposed therebetween.

5. In paragraph 4, The above sensor, A sensing part supported by the holder body part; and In order to electrically connect the sensing unit to the outside, a connector unit extending outwardly from the support frame is included. The above holder, A battery cell test device further comprising a connector support portion that extends from the holder body portion to the outside of the support frame and supports the connector portion.

6. In paragraph 5, A battery cell test device, wherein the connector support member extends parallel to the connector member.

7. In paragraph 5, A battery cell test device, wherein the connector support portion has a concave connector support groove formed so that at least a portion of the connector portion can be accommodated therein.

8. In paragraph 5, The above holder, A battery cell test device further comprising a connector fixing portion formed in a ring shape on an outer surface of the connector support portion so that the connector portion is caught.

9. In paragraph 5, The above sensor, It further includes a substrate portion provided between the sensing portion and the connector portion to connect them, and placed on the side of the connector support portion. The above holder, A battery cell test device further comprising a substrate fixing member protruding outwardly from the connector support member along the edge of the substrate member.

10. In paragraph 4, The above holder body part, A battery cell test device comprising a main body portion having a flat shape such that at least a part of the sensor is interposed between the one surface of the support frame.

11. In clause 10, The above holder body part, A sub-body portion extending in the thickness direction of the support frame and contacting a side surface of the support frame; and A battery cell test device comprising a body connecting portion that surrounds a corner provided on the edge of the support frame and connects the main body portion and the sub body portion.

12. In paragraph 11, A battery cell test device, wherein the holder body part is formed by fitting into a corner provided on the edge of the support frame.

13. In paragraph 11, A battery cell test device, wherein a sensor support hole is formed in the above body connection portion through which at least a portion of the sensor passes.

14. In paragraph 13, The above body connection portion is provided with a sunken sensor support groove in which at least a part of the sensor can be placed. A battery cell test device, wherein the sensor support hole is formed on the inner wall of the sensor support groove.

15. In paragraph 10, In the above-mentioned edge portion of the above-mentioned support frame, a frame-side joining hole is formed, In the above main body part, a holder-side joining hole connected to the frame-side joining hole is formed, A battery cell test device, wherein the holder and the support frame are joined by a joining member penetrating the frame-side joining hole and the holder-side joining hole.

16. In paragraph 15, The above frame-side joining holes are provided in multiple numbers and are spaced apart along the edge of the support frame. A battery cell test device, wherein the holder-side joining hole is connected to one of the plurality of frame-side joining holes.

17. In paragraph 1, The above support frame, It comprises a first support frame and a second support frame which are arranged parallel to each other and in which the battery cell can be placed, The above sensor assembly, A battery cell testing device comprising a first sensor assembly and a second sensor assembly respectively coupled to the first support frame and the second support frame.

18. In paragraph 1, The above sensor assembly, A battery cell testing device comprising a first sensor assembly and a second sensor assembly positioned oppositely on opposite sides of the support frame.

19. In paragraph 1, The above sensor assembly, A battery cell testing device comprising a first sensor assembly and a second sensor assembly spaced apart from each other and parallel to each other along the perimeter of the support frame.

20. A sensor assembly for a battery cell for measuring the characteristics of a battery cell, A sensor for sensing the characteristics of the battery cell; and A sensor assembly comprising a holder that is connectable to a support frame for supporting the battery cell so as to support the sensor.

Images