Charging and discharging device for secondary battery

Abstract

The power board of the power unit constituting the charging and discharging device for secondary batteries can be easily, quickly and safely installed, removed and assembled, greatly improving the operability and safety of maintenance. A secondary battery charging and discharging device includes a power unit (1) disposed above a battery container (50) housing multiple batteries (60) to be inspected. The secondary battery charging and discharging device can charge and discharge the batteries (60) using the power unit (1). The power unit (1) has the following structure: a plurality of power boards (20) that contact each battery (60) in the battery container (50) from above and perform a predetermined charge and discharge; a power housing (10) that can suspend the plurality of power boards (20) in a predetermined position corresponding to each battery (60) in the battery container (50); and a guide structure (30) that detachably guides the plurality of power boards (20) in a suspended state within the power housing (10). Through the guide structure (30), the plurality of power boards (20) are detachably suspended within the power housing (10) and held in a suspended state without falling off.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a charging and discharging apparatus for secondary batteries used in IT machines such as smartphones and electric vehicles for activation and quality inspection. Background Technology

[0002] Today, the demand for rechargeable batteries used in IT devices such as smartphones and electric vehicles is increasing rapidly.

[0003] In the final process of such secondary battery mass production plants, charge-discharge devices are widely used to perform charge-discharge operations for the activation and quality inspection of the produced secondary batteries.

[0004] By using this charging and discharging device, the activation and quality inspection of secondary batteries, which were previously done manually, can be mechanized, thus contributing to the mass production of secondary batteries.

[0005] Here, the charging and discharging device described above typically performs prescribed charging and discharging on the secondary batteries that are to be inspected, using a power supply unit that has multiple power boards corresponding to multiple secondary batteries.

[0006] In the power supply unit of the charging and discharging device, multiple power boards that contact a number of secondary batteries from above and perform charging and discharging are housed in a power supply housing that forms a box. The contact pins on the bottom side of the power boards perform charging and discharging checks by contacting the secondary batteries from above.

[0007] The multiple power boards housed in the power supply housing are stored in the internal space of the power boards during the manufacturing and installation of the charging and discharging device. They can be removed from the power supply housing for necessary inspections and repairs depending on the subsequent usage conditions and maintenance during use.

[0008] As for the power supply unit related technology of such a charging and discharging device for secondary batteries, for example, the "multi-channel charging and discharging power supply with contact function" disclosed in known Patent Document 1, etc.

[0009] Existing technical documents

[0010] Patent documents

[0011] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6470804 Summary of the Invention

[0012] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0013] There is room for improvement in the workability of conventional rechargeable battery charging and discharging devices, especially in the handling of the power supply board during maintenance of the power supply unit.

[0014] The present invention was proposed to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a charging and discharging device for secondary batteries, which allows for easy, quick and safe assembly and disassembly of the power board of the power unit constituting the charging and discharging device for secondary batteries, and greatly improves the operability and safety of maintenance, etc. It is particularly suitable for power units such as so-called cableless type / fixture integrated type where the contact pins of the power board are in direct contact with the secondary battery to be inspected.

[0015] Methods for solving problems

[0016] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a charging and discharging device for secondary batteries, comprising a power unit disposed above a battery container housing multiple secondary batteries to be inspected. The charging and discharging device for secondary batteries utilizes the power unit to perform predetermined charging and discharging on the secondary batteries. The power unit comprises: multiple power boards that contact each secondary battery within the battery container from above and perform predetermined charging and discharging; a power housing capable of housing the multiple power boards in a suspended state at predetermined positions corresponding to each secondary battery within the battery container; and a guide structure that detachably guides the multiple power boards in a suspended state within the power housing, thereby ensuring that the multiple power boards are detachably suspended within the power housing and are held in place without detaching.

[0017] Invention Effects

[0018] According to the present invention, the power board of the power unit constituting the secondary battery charging and discharging device can be easily, quickly and safely installed, removed and assembled, greatly improving the operability and safety of maintenance, etc.

[0019] Therefore, it is possible to provide a charging and discharging device for secondary batteries, which is particularly suitable for power supply units such as the so-called cableless type / fixture integrated type where the contact pin of the power board directly contacts the secondary battery that is to be inspected. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view showing the overall structure of the power supply housing, power board, and battery container of the secondary battery charging and discharging device, which is the premise of this invention, in an exploded state.

[0021] Figure 2 schematically shown Figure 1 The diagram shows the overall structure of the power supply housing and power board of the secondary battery charging and discharging device. Figure 2 (a) is a schematic three-dimensional view of the assembled state. Figure 2 (b) is its perspective view.

[0022] Figure 3schematically shown Figure 1 The diagram shows the overall structure of the power supply housing, power board, and battery container of the secondary battery charging and discharging device. Figure 3 (a) is a schematic three-dimensional view of the state before the power board comes into contact with the battery. Figure 3 (b) is a schematic three-dimensional diagram of the state in which the same parts are in contact.

[0023] Figure 4 These are schematic top and front views illustrating the overall structure of a cylindrical secondary battery, which is the subject of this invention.

[0024] Figure 5 It is shown schematically. Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the assembly process of the power supply housing and power board of the secondary battery charging and discharging device.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the power board from... Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the power supply casing of the secondary battery charging and discharging device in a detached state.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic perspective view illustrating the overall structure of the power supply housing and power board of a secondary battery charging and discharging device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 8 It is shown schematically. Figure 7 The diagram shows a schematic perspective view of the power supply board of a secondary battery charging and discharging device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 9 It is shown schematically. Figure 7 The diagram shows a schematic front view of the power supply housing and power board of a secondary battery charging and discharging device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 10 schematically shown Figure 7 The power board of the charging and discharging device for a secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 10 (a) is a rough front view. Figure 10 (b) is a side view of the same part. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments of the recharge and discharge apparatus for secondary batteries according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings to provide an understanding of the present invention.

[0031] The rechargeable battery charging and discharging device of the present invention is for use in the activation and quality inspection of rechargeable batteries used in IT machines such as smartphones and electric vehicles, and for performing prescribed charging and discharging treatments on the produced rechargeable batteries in the final process of a rechargeable battery mass production plant.

[0032] Specifically, the secondary battery charging and discharging apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention is used, for example, in the activation and quality inspection of secondary batteries (test batteries: hereinafter also simply referred to as "batteries") such as lithium-ion batteries produced, and is an apparatus for charging and discharging multiple secondary batteries at one time (simultaneously) in multiple test channels.

[0033] First, refer to Figures 1-6 The charging and discharging device for secondary batteries, which is the premise of this invention, includes the problems that it should solve, and will be described in detail here.

[0034] Generally speaking, in battery manufacturing plants, in order to activate the batteries in their initial stage, there is a process of charging and discharging the batteries (charge and discharge test), and the device used there is a charge and discharge device (charge and discharge test device).

[0035] Here, charge-discharge testing is one of the most important processes for determining the quality of lithium-ion batteries by repeatedly charging and discharging them with the current, voltage, and temperature determined during the manufacturing process. It is an advanced technology that simultaneously requires high-precision charge-discharge testing functions, excellent safety, and energy saving.

[0036] By performing this charge-discharge inspection with high precision, the structural materials of the lithium-ion battery, namely the battery cells, housed within the device are charged and discharged with high accuracy during the inspection process. This allows for the accumulation and analysis of battery performance and safety data for each battery cell. Based on this analyzed data, the completed battery cells are then classified, enabling the provision of safer and higher-performance lithium-ion batteries to the market.

[0037] Here, the charging and discharging device used for this charging and discharging test typically uses a cable to electrically connect the output of the power supply circuit to the battery.

[0038] However, charging and discharging devices using this cable connection method have drawbacks such as heat generation from the cable, noise caused by cable winding, and power loss due to increased resistance as the cable length increases.

[0039] Therefore, in order to suppress the power consumption generated by such cables, methods have been proposed that eliminate the use of cables or minimize their length. For example, there is a method of setting a current output pin on the power circuit board (power board) and making the pin directly contact the battery. This type of charging and discharging device is called a "cableless method" or "integrated fixture type".

[0040] One embodiment of the present invention provides a charging and discharging device for a secondary battery, which employs a structure and device, referred to as "cableless / fixture integrated type," in which the electrode pins of the power supply unit for charging and discharging can directly contact the battery to be inspected.

[0041] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view showing the overall structure of the power supply housing, power board, and battery container of a secondary battery charging and discharging device that constitutes the premise of the present invention in an exploded state.

[0042] Figure 2 schematically shown Figure 1 The power supply housing and power board are shown as an overall structure. Figure 2 (a) is a schematic three-dimensional view of the assembled state. Figure 2 (b) is its perspective view.

[0043] Figure 3 It schematically illustrates the overall structure of the same power supply casing, power board, and battery container. Figure 3 (a) is a schematic three-dimensional view of the state before the power board comes into contact with the battery. Figure 3 (b) is a schematic three-dimensional diagram of the contact state of the same parts.

[0044] The charging and discharging devices for secondary batteries shown in these figures can be used in the activation and quality inspection of batteries (secondary batteries) 60 such as lithium-ion batteries produced, and can charge and discharge multiple batteries 60 at once.

[0045] Specifically, the secondary battery charging and discharging device of this embodiment includes a power supply unit 1 disposed above a battery container 50 that houses a plurality of batteries 60 that are to be inspected, and the power supply unit 1 can be used to perform a prescribed charging and discharging on the plurality of batteries 60.

[0046] [Power Supply Unit]

[0047] The power supply unit 1 includes multiple power boards 20 that contact each battery 60 inside the battery container 50 from above and perform prescribed charging and discharging, and a power housing 10 that can suspend and accommodate the multiple power boards 20 at predetermined positions corresponding to each battery 60 inside the battery container 50. It is a "one-piece" charging and discharging device that allows the electrode pins 21 of the power boards 20 to directly contact the electrodes (positive electrode 61 / negative electrode 62) of the battery 60.

[0048] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the feature is that it includes a guide structure 30 that can detachably guide multiple power boards 20 in a suspended state within the power housing 10.

[0049] For this boot structure, refer to Figures 7-10 More details to follow.

[0050] [Power Supply Housing]

[0051] The power supply housing 10 is a enclosure used to house and hold multiple power boards 20, such as... Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, it has an opening on both the front and bottom sides.

[0052] Thus, multiple power boards 20 can be inserted from the front side of the power housing 10 to accommodate multiple parallel power boards 20, and the bottom surface of each power board 20 is exposed from the bottom side of the power housing 10.

[0053] In addition, for each power board 20 inserted into and housed in the power housing 10, the connector 22 at the front end of the insertion direction engages and connects with the connector (not shown) at the inner end of the power housing 10, and the screw hole 23 at the rear end of the insertion direction engages and fixes with the threaded hole 11 and screw 12 on the front side of the power housing 10.

[0054] Thus, multiple power boards 20 can be housed in a suspended state at a predetermined position within the power housing 10 and can be detached.

[0055] In this embodiment, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, eight power boards 20 are inserted into the power housing 10 at specified positions and intervals, and are held and maintained in a suspended state.

[0056] In addition, the power supply housing 10 also has an opening on the bottom side. For the multiple power boards 20 that are housed and fixed in the power supply housing 10, their bottom side protrudes from the power supply housing 10. The multiple electrode pins 21 provided on the bottom side of the power board 20 protrude from the power supply housing 10 toward the bottom side.

[0057] Thus, the multiple electrode pins 21 of each power board 20 and the multiple batteries 60 contained in the battery container 50 located below the power unit 1 can directly contact and be electrically connected at their respective designated positions without the need for cables or the like.

[0058] It should be noted that as long as the power supply housing 10 has space to accommodate a specified number of power boards 20, allows for insertion and removal of the power boards 20 from the front side, and allows the electrode pins 21 of the power boards 20 to protrude from the bottom side, other structures and constructions are not particularly limited.

[0059] Therefore, including the connector (not shown) on the inner side of the housing, the power housing 10 has the same structure and configuration as a typical secondary battery charging and discharging device as the power supply unit 1.

[0060] [Power Board]

[0061] The power board 20 is a power circuit board used to contact each battery 60 inside the battery container 50 from above and perform prescribed charging and discharging.

[0062] Specifically, power board 20, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, each power board 20 is formed from a plate-shaped or disc-shaped substrate and is inserted into the power housing 10 from the front side along the depth direction, and is housed and arranged in a parallel manner.

[0063] Each power board 20 Figures 1-2 As shown, a connector 22 is provided on the front end side (inner end side of the housing) in the housing insertion direction. When each power board 20 is inserted into and housed in the power housing 10, the connector 22 engages and connects with the connector (not shown) located on the inner end side of the power housing 10. Under the control of a control structure (charge and discharge controller) (not shown), the prescribed charge and discharge process is performed.

[0064] It should be noted that, although in Figures 1-3 It is not specifically illustrated, but it goes without saying that the electronic components and battery circuits required to perform the prescribed charging and discharging process on the battery 60 are mounted on the substrate surface (surface / back side) of each power board 20.

[0065] In addition, each power board 20 has a screw hole 23 protruding from the rear end side in the insertion direction, which is opposite to and abuts against the upper edge of the opening on the front side of the power housing 10. The screw hole 23 is screwed and fixed to the threaded hole 11 on the front side of the power housing 10 by means of a screw 12.

[0066] Therefore, a specified number of power boards 20 can be housed in a suspended state at a specified position within the power housing 10, and can be detached.

[0067] In this embodiment, such as Figure 2As shown, for example, eight power boards 20 can be detachably housed and fixed in designated positions on the power housing 10.

[0068] Additionally, the power board 20 has multiple electrode pins 21 on its bottom side that can contact the battery inside the battery container 50.

[0069] Electrode 21 and the positive terminal 61 and negative terminal 62 of the battery 60 housed in the battery container 50 (described later) Figure 4 The connection is configured as, for example, a pair of positive / negative contact pins, or multiple positive / negative contact pins (or multiple pairs of positive / negative pins). In this embodiment, for example... Figures 1-3 As shown, each power board 20 has 7 (7 pairs) of electrode pins 21 protruding at predetermined positions at predetermined intervals along the housing insertion direction, corresponding to the number of batteries 60 housed in the battery container 50.

[0070] These multiple electrode pins 21 protrude downward from the opening on the bottom side of the power housing 10 when each power board 20 is housed and fixed in the power housing 10. The multiple electrode pins 21 of each power board 20 can directly contact and electrically connect with the multiple batteries 60 housed in the battery container 50 located below the power unit 1 at each specified position.

[0071] It should be noted that when the electrodes (positive / negative) of the battery 60 are not located on the upper surface of the battery, for example, when one of the electrodes of the battery 60 is located on the lower surface of the battery, one of the electrode pins 21 of the power board 20 can contact and connect to the electrode of the battery 60 by means of, for example, a cable or wire harness, so as to contact the electrode (positive or negative) on the lower side of the battery 60.

[0072] Therefore, the number, structure, and form of the electrode needles 21 can be appropriately matched according to the configuration and structure of the electrodes of the connected battery 60.

[0073] [Battery container / battery]

[0074] The battery container 50 is a container that houses multiple batteries 60 that are to be inspected by a charging and discharging device for secondary batteries. It is also called a pad, tray, etc.

[0075] Specifically, the battery container 50 is configured as a container with a receiving space having an opening on the upper surface, and a predetermined number of batteries 60 can be arranged in a longitudinal and transverse planar manner.

[0076] In this embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the cylindrical secondary battery (cylindrical battery) 60 can be arranged at a specified interval in 8 columns (depth direction) × 7 columns (left and right direction) = a total of 56.

[0077] The battery 60 housed in the battery container 50 is a secondary battery (lithium-ion battery) that is subject to inspection by a secondary battery charging and discharging device. It is charged and discharged in a specified manner by contacting the electrode 21 of the power board 20 of the power supply unit 1.

[0078] Specifically, the secondary battery charging and discharging device has a lifting structure and lifting mechanism (not shown) that are called mechanical units for inserting and placing a battery container 50 containing a battery 60. Through the lifting action of the lifting structure, the battery container 50 placed on it moves upward and rises, thereby contacting the electrode 21 of the power board 20 at a predetermined position and performing charging and discharging processing.

[0079] After the charging and discharging process is completed, the battery container moves downward and descends through the lifting action of the lifting structure, releasing the contact with the electrode 21 of the power board 20. The battery container 50 can be pulled out from the placement position of the lifting structure, and the battery 60 that has finished charging and discharging can be taken out from the battery container 50.

[0080] Figure 3 (a) shows the battery container 50, which houses the battery 60, mounted and positioned at a predetermined position on a lifting structure (not shown) below the power housing 10, and the battery container 50 moving up and down and lifting and lowering due to the movement of the lifting structure.

[0081] Figure 3 (b) shows the battery container 50 climbing upwards and combined with the power unit 1. In this state, the electrode pins 21 of the power board 20 are in direct contact with the electrodes (positive electrode 61 / negative electrode 62) of the battery 60, enabling current transfer from the power board 20 to the battery.

[0082] Figure 4 An example of a battery 60 housed in the aforementioned battery container 50 is shown.

[0083] The battery 60 shown in the figure is an example of a cylindrical battery (cylindrical cell). The protrusion in the center of the upper surface of the battery is the positive electrode 61, and almost the entire surface (upper surface) is the negative electrode 62.

[0084] For this type of battery 60, the electrode pins 21 of the power board 20 of the upper battery cell 1 contact the positive terminal 61 and the negative terminal 62 of the battery 60 respectively and make electrical connections, and perform the prescribed charging and discharging process on the battery 60.

[0085] It should be noted that, as described above, the electrode pins 21 of the power board 20 can be composed of, for example, a pair of positive / negative contact pins, multiple positive / negative contact pins (multiple pairs), or multiple contact pins with different numbers of positive / negative pins, and can be set and configured in correspondence with the electrodes on the battery 60 side that is being inspected.

[0086] Here, the battery that is the subject of inspection for the power supply unit 1 (charge and discharge device for secondary batteries) in this embodiment includes... Figure 4 The cylindrical battery 60 shown has several types (shapes and structures). Generally speaking, there are cylindrical, square, and laminated batteries.

[0087] Although a cylindrical battery 60 is illustrated in this embodiment, the shape and structure of the battery are not particularly limited. It goes without saying that other shapes (square / laminated) batteries can also be used as the inspection objects of the charging and discharging device for secondary batteries of the present invention.

[0088] [Cylindrical]

[0089] Cylindrical batteries, such as the 18650 / 21700 batteries, are cylindrical in shape. Figure 1 As shown, the most suitable power supply unit 1 for "integrated" power supply is the power board 20 (electrode needle 21) which is generally a probe for contact with the battery 60.

[0090] [Square]

[0091] The square type is a cuboid-shaped battery, which can be handled even by the "integrated" power unit 1. However, since the shape of the battery varies depending on its purpose and the user, a corresponding shape on the side of the power unit 1 is sometimes required. The contact between the power board 20 and the battery 60 is generally a probe. Depending on the battery, sometimes a pressure constraint mechanism, clamp, or other means is needed to reliably make contact with the probe.

[0092] [Laminated type]

[0093] Laminated batteries are pouch-shaped and cannot be connected to the integrated power unit 1 as they are with cylindrical batteries. Instead, they require wiring harnesses, but improvements and developments have made this possible. The contact between the power board 20 and the battery 60 is usually a special clip, which increases the amount of wiring and costs compared to square or cylindrical batteries.

[0094] [Loading, unloading, and assembly steps]

[0095] In the "integrated" rechargeable battery charging and discharging device composed of the above structures, refer to Figures 5-6 This explains the premises of this invention. Figure 1 The work procedures for assembling and disassembling the power housing 10 of the power unit 1 shown, and the issues encountered at this time.

[0096] First, install multiple power boards 20 onto the power housing 10.

[0097] Installation method as follows Figure 5As shown, the power board 20 is inserted from the front side of the power housing 10, and the connector 22 on the front end side of the power board 20 in the insertion direction is engaged and connected with the connector on the inner end side of the power housing 10. In this state, the power board 20 is threadedly fixed to the upper part of the front side of the power housing 10.

[0098] Specifically, in each power board 20, a screw hole 23 is provided on the rear end side in the insertion direction, which is opposite to and abuts against the upper edge of the opening on the front side of the power housing 10. The screw hole 23 is screwed and fixed with the threaded hole 11 on the front side of the power housing 10 by means of a screw 12.

[0099] The installation operation is performed sequentially on a specified number of power boards 20 (8 in this embodiment).

[0100] However, the installation and threading of the power board 20 into the power housing 10 requires the operator to hold the power board 20 in their hand and keep it suspended in the air at all times. However, considering the weight and structure of the power board 20, this method of holding the power board 20 is a very difficult operation, which not only puts a heavy burden on the operator, but also, in the worst case, may cause the power board 20 to fall off.

[0101] As described above, in the "integrated" rechargeable battery charging and discharging device, the lower part of the power supply housing 10 constituting the power supply unit 1 requires the electrode pins 21 of the power board 20 to be exposed so that it can be directly connected to the battery 60 located below in a cable-free manner.

[0102] Therefore, the power board 20 of power supply unit 1 has a structure without support or backing at the bottom (see reference). Figure 5 ).

[0103] In this state, if the power board 20 is removed from the power housing 10 for purposes such as maintenance, the aforementioned difficulties in holding the power board 20, as well as the dangers of it falling off, will arise.

[0104] Specifically, the maintenance of the power board 20 consists of the following procedures and operations: removing the power board 20 from the power housing 10 to perform necessary inspections, parts replacements, etc., and then returning it to its original position in the power housing 10 for storage and fixation.

[0105] Furthermore, in order to install or remove the power board 20 from the power supply housing 10, such as Figure 5 As shown, it is necessary to loosen / tighten the screws 12 on the upper front of the top plate of the power supply housing 10, which is fixed with the power board 20. However, at this time, the bottom of the power board 20 is open and becomes a state without any support.

[0106] Therefore, if the operator loosens screw 12 without supporting the power board 20, then... Figure 6 As shown, the power board 20 will fall off simply because of this.

[0107] If the power board 20 is dropped, the power board 20 itself may be damaged, or the operator may be injured, or the battery 60 may be damaged if the battery container 50 is below it. There is also a risk of fire.

[0108] To prevent this from happening, the operator must support the power board 20 with one hand, or have multiple operators work on it, or find some other means or method to ensure that the power board 20 does not fall downwards, while simultaneously installing, removing, and tightening the screws 12.

[0109] Moreover, this problem arises not only when the power board 20 is disassembled, but also when the power board 20, after maintenance work is completed, is installed on the power housing 10 side.

[0110] In particular, power boards in recent years have become very heavy due to the integration of many components, making maintenance a very difficult and dangerous task, thus becoming a major challenge.

[0111] Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to prevent the power board 20 from falling off even when the operator does not need to support the lower part of the power board 20 with one hand during the installation and removal of the power board 20 from the power housing 10, the following guide structure 30 is provided.

[0112] [Boot Structure]

[0113] Figure 7 This is a schematic perspective view showing the overall structure of the power supply housing 10 and power board 20 equipped with the guide structure 30 of this embodiment.

[0114] Figure 8 It is a schematic representation of having Figure 7 A schematic perspective view of the power board 20 of the guide structure 30 shown.

[0115] Figure 9 This is a schematic front view of the power supply housing 10 and the power board 20, which have the same guide structure 30.

[0116] Figure 10 This schematically shows a power board 20 having the same guiding structure 30. Figure 10 (a) is a rough front view. Figure 10 (b) is a side view.

[0117] As shown in these figures, the guide structure 30 is a structure or mechanism that detachably guides multiple power boards 20 in a suspended state within the power housing 10.

[0118] With the guide structure 30, multiple power boards 20 are suspended within the power housing 10, allowing for easy installation and removal without falling off.

[0119] Therefore, during maintenance and other operations of the power supply unit 1, there is no longer any risk of the power supply board 20 falling off or dropping when loading and unloading the power supply board 20, and the operators can use their hands freely, which can greatly improve the operability and safety of loading, unloading and assembly.

[0120] Guiding structure 30, such as Figure 7 As shown, it consists of a locking structure that can engage with each other, which is provided on the upper edge of each of the plurality of power boards 20 and correspondingly provided on the inner side of the power housing 10.

[0121] Specifically, the engaging structure constituting the guide structure 30 is as follows: Figures 8-10 As shown, it consists of a protrusion 31 and a track portion 32 that can engage with each other.

[0122] The protrusion 31 is a component that extends along the long side of the upper edge of each power board 20 and protrudes to both sides of the power board 20.

[0123] The protrusion 31 can, for example, be formed by a pair of L-shaped elongated members, which are fixed along the long side of the upper edge of the power board 20 and together with the front part of the power board 20, form a T-shape when viewed from the front (see reference). Figure 9 ).

[0124] The track section 32 is a track component on the inner top plate surface of the power supply housing 10 that can be engaged with the protrusion 31.

[0125] The track section 32 can, for example, be composed of a pair of L-shaped track members, which are fixed along the long side of the top surface of the power supply housing 10 and together with the top surface of the power supply housing 10, form a downward-facing C-shape when viewed from the front view (see reference). Figure 9 ).

[0126] Here, the protrusion 31 is preferably set to a predetermined length that is shorter than the total length of the power board 20 in the long side direction at the upper edge of the power board 20, and terminates at both ends inside the long side direction of the power board 20.

[0127] In addition, the track section 32 is preferably provided to be a predetermined length that is slightly shorter than the total length of the long side of the power supply housing 10 in the inner side of the top surface of the power supply housing 10, and terminates at both ends in the inner side of the long side of the power supply housing 10.

[0128] Furthermore, the end of the protrusion 31 at the front end in the insertion direction is preferably rounded and chamfered (R) and tapered to become tapered at the front end.

[0129] In this way, by inserting the power board 20 from the front of the power housing 10, the front end of the protrusion 31 in the insertion direction can be easily mounted and engaged with the end of the track 32. Then, the power board 20 can be inserted and housed in the power housing 10 simply by sliding it inward.

[0130] In addition, the engaging structure constituting the above-mentioned guide structure 30 can have a positioning structure that holds the multiple power boards 20 in a suspended state at a predetermined position within the power housing 10.

[0131] As a positioning structure, it may be composed of, for example, a protrusion provided by each power board 20 that abuts against the track portion 32 at a predetermined position within the power housing 10.

[0132] Specifically, a protrusion, such as a bolt, can be provided at the rear end of the power board 20 in the insertion direction, abutting against the end of the track portion 32 at the receiving position of the power board 20 to restrict the insertion and sliding movement of the power board 20. This allows the power board 20 to be positioned at a predetermined position in the insertion direction (horizontal direction) within the power housing 10.

[0133] Additionally, a protrusion, such as a bolt, can be provided on the front end side of the power board 20 in the insertion direction, which, together with the protrusion 31, abuts and clamps the track portion 32 from above and below. This allows the power board 20 to be positioned at a predetermined position in the height direction (vertical direction) within the power housing 10.

[0134] By setting this positioning structure, the insertion of the power board 20 into the power housing 10 can be performed more easily and smoothly. In addition, the power board 20 can be stopped and positioned at a predetermined position inside the power housing 10 simply by sliding it inward. This makes the insertion, removal and installation of the power board 20 easier and more efficient.

[0135] As described above, the guiding structure 30 equipped in the power supply unit 1 of this embodiment is as follows: Figures 7-10 As shown, the device is configured as a "suspended monorail" by having a track mechanism (engaging structure) that engages between the lower part of the top plate of the power supply housing 10 and the upper part of the power supply board 20, thereby enabling the power supply board 20 to be suspended and slide back and forth.

[0136] As a specific example of this track mechanism, in this embodiment, a C-shaped track (referring to) located at the lower part of the top plate of the power supply housing 10 (facing downwards) is used. Figure 9 ) and the T-shaped track at the top of the power board 20 (see reference) Figure 8 , 10 )constitute.

[0137] It should be noted that, in Figures 8-10 In order to facilitate understanding of the structure of the locking mechanism (protrusion 31, track 32), the description is exaggerated.

[0138] By providing such a protrusion 31 and track 32, the power board 20 can be installed and removed from the power housing 10 simply by sliding it, and there is no risk of the power board 20 falling off.

[0139] After the power board 20 is slidably inserted into the power housing 10, it functions the same as the conventional charging and discharging device for secondary batteries (see above). Figure 5 Screws 12 are screwed into the screw holes 23 of each power board 20 and the threaded holes 11 on the front side of the power housing 10 to fix the power board 20 to the power housing 10.

[0140] In addition, when removing the power board 20 from the power supply housing 10, the screws 12 that secure the power board 20 are released, and then the power board 20 can be easily removed from the power supply housing 10 by simply sliding it toward the front side of the power supply housing 10.

[0141] It should be noted that the guide structure 30 in this embodiment is not limited to the above-mentioned engaging structure and track shape. As long as it is a structure or mechanism that can hold and slide the power plate 20 in the power housing 10, it can also be other forms.

[0142] For example, in the guide structure 30 described above, the protrusion 31 on the power board 20 side and the track portion 32 on the power housing 10 side are both configured as continuous straight lines without interruption. However, the protrusion 31 can also be configured as a discontinuous protrusion or convex portion. In this way, material for the protrusion 31 can be saved, costs can be reduced, and the increase in weight of the power board 20 can be suppressed.

[0143] In addition, in the aforementioned guide structure 30, as a locking structure that engages with the track portion 32 on the power housing 10 side, a protrusion 31 protruding to both sides of the power board 20 is provided. However, in addition, for example, a groove that can be engaged with the track portion 32 can also be provided on the upper edge of the power board 20, thereby forming a locking structure.

[0144] That is, as the guiding structure of the present invention, any concave or convex structure, regardless of its shape or form, can be constituted as a guiding structure as long as it is a snap-fit ​​structure that is provided on the upper edge side of the power board 20 and is provided on the inner side of the power housing 10 corresponding to the power board 20.

[0145] As described above, in a secondary battery charging and discharging device according to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of power boards 20 housed in the power housing 10 of the power unit 1 are suspended and detachable within the power housing 10 by means of a guide structure 30 and are held in a suspended state without falling off.

[0146] Therefore, during maintenance of the power supply unit 1, there is no risk of the power supply board 20 accidentally falling off or dropping when loading and unloading the power supply board 20, and the operator can use both hands, which greatly improves the operability of loading, unloading and assembly.

[0147] In the conventional power supply unit 1, the power board 20 is fixed and held to the power supply housing 10 by means of screw fastening. Therefore, the operator performing the loading and unloading operation must use his free hand to support the power board 20, or have multiple people hold the power board 20, or take some other means to try to prevent the power board 20 from falling off the power supply housing 10 while simultaneously loosening (or tightening) the screws that fix the power board 20.

[0148] Therefore, it is necessary to always be highly vigilant against the detachment or falling of the power board 20. The installation and removal of the power board 20 is a difficult and time-consuming operation, which seriously damages the overall maintenance of the power unit 1 and the workability and efficiency, and also poses a risk of injury to the operators.

[0149] In contrast, in the secondary battery charging and discharging device of the present invention, each power board 20 can be held and housed in a detachable and non-falling suspended state by the guide structure 30 against the power housing 10. Even if the operator lets go, the power board 20 will not fall off and can be held in the power housing 10, allowing the operator to use both hands freely.

[0150] Therefore, according to the present invention, multiple power boards 20 can be easily, quickly and safely assembled and disassembled, and the operability and safety of the secondary battery charging and discharging device, power unit 1 maintenance, etc. can be greatly improved.

[0151] It should be noted that the secondary battery charging and discharging device of this embodiment described above, as a control structure (charging and discharging controller) for executing and controlling the prescribed charging and discharging process through the power supply unit 1, includes a computer with a physical electrical circuit (not shown) or an execution program (software) that replaces the physical electrical circuit, which enables the computer to perform the prescribed charging and discharging process and functions of this invention. The program can send instructions to various structural elements of the computer, causing the power supply unit 1 to execute the prescribed charging and discharging process and functions of this invention.

[0152] Therefore, the various processes, means, and functions of the power supply unit 1 of the present invention can be implemented through specific means of collaboration between the program and the computer.

[0153] Here, all or part of the program may be provided, for example, via a disk, optical disk, semiconductor memory, or a recording medium readable by any other computer, and the program read from the recording medium may be installed on the computer for execution. Alternatively, the program may be loaded directly onto the computer and executed via a communication line without the aid of a recording medium.

[0154] Furthermore, the computer controlling the power supply unit 1 of the present invention can be composed of a single information processing device (e.g., a personal computer) or multiple information processing devices (e.g., a cluster of multiple server computers).

[0155] Specifically, the information processing device constituting the power control structure (charge and discharge controller) of this invention is, for example, composed of hardware including a CPU, RAM, ROM, HDD, input device, display device (monitor), communication IF, etc. These structural elements are connected by a system bus and exchange data via the system bus. The CPU (Central Processing Unit), also known as the central processing unit, is the core processing unit of the computer, controlling various devices, calculating and processing data. RAM (Random Access Memory) is a memory device capable of erasing and rewriting data. ROM (Read-Only Memory) is a memory device using semiconductors, etc., where data is written only once during manufacturing, and only the recorded data can be read during use. HDD (Hard Disk Drive) is an auxiliary memory device that uses the properties of magnetic materials to record and read information. The input device is used for user operation instructions or text input, specifically consisting of a keyboard, mouse, etc. The display device is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD). Each device in this system may also have a touch panel function that integrates the input device and display device. In addition, it can also have communication functions (communication IF) that enable communication with other terminals, information processing devices, etc. A communication IF (Interface) is a device used to communicate with other devices in accordance with prescribed communication standards, such as a NIC (Network Interface Card).

[0156] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. It goes without saying that various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention.

[0157] For example, in the above embodiment, the structure of the charging and discharging device for secondary batteries is described as a "cableless / fixed device integrated type" in which the electrode pin 21 of the power board 20 of the power unit 1 is in direct contact with the electrode (positive electrode 61 / negative electrode 62) of the battery 60 that is being inspected. However, as long as the power board is configured and housed in the power unit in a suspended state, there are no particular limitations on the connection structure between the power unit and the battery.

[0158] Therefore, this invention is also suitable for (typical) charging and discharging devices that use cables to electrically connect the output of the power circuit to the battery, where the power board is held in a suspended state in a detachable manner without falling off.

[0159] In addition, regarding the guide structure 30 described in the above embodiments, the structure of the track portion 32 provided on the side of the power supply housing 10 can also be provided, for example, on a rack or bracket for temporary storage of the power board 20.

[0160] As described above, during maintenance of the power supply unit 1, the power board 20 is disassembled from the power supply housing 10, and necessary inspections and repairs are performed. Furthermore, during the manufacturing process of the power board 20, necessary operations are also performed while it is disassembled from the power supply housing 10.

[0161] In this case, the power board 20 is sometimes mounted on a rack or bracket for temporary storage, before it is finally housed in the power housing 10. This rack or bracket is intended to hold the power board 20 in a suspended state for temporary storage, just like the power housing 10 described above.

[0162] Therefore, the rack or bracket used for temporary storage can be the same as the power supply housing 10 described above, and can have the same locking structure as the track portion 32 that can detachably guide the power supply plate 20, which has the protrusion 31 of the guide structure 30 of the present invention and the positioning structure, in a suspended state and hold it in place without falling off.

[0163] By using a rack or bracket with the same structure as the guide structure 30 and the locking mechanism, the temporary storage of the power board 20 can be performed easily, safely and quickly, and the maintenance of the power unit 1 can be performed more efficiently.

[0164] [Industry availability]

[0165] The present invention can be suitably used as a charging and discharging device for secondary batteries used in IT machines such as smartphones and electric vehicles for activation and quality inspection.

[0166] [Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures]

[0167] 1. Power supply unit (charge and discharge device for secondary batteries)

[0168] 10 Power Supply Housing

[0169] 11 Threaded hole

[0170] 12 screws

[0171] 20 Power Board

[0172] 21 Electrode needles

[0173] 22 connectors

[0174] 23 Screw holes

[0175] 30. Guiding Structure

[0176] 31. Protrusion

[0177] 32. Track Section

[0178] 50 Battery Container

[0179] 60-cell battery (cylindrical battery)

[0180] 61 Positive electrode

[0181] 62 Negative electrode.

Claims

1. A charging and discharging device for secondary batteries, comprising a power supply unit disposed above a battery container housing a plurality of secondary batteries to be inspected, the charging and discharging device for secondary batteries being capable of performing predetermined charging and discharging on the secondary batteries using the power supply unit, characterized in that, The power supply unit includes: Multiple power boards contact each secondary battery inside the battery container from above and perform the prescribed charging and discharging; A power supply housing capable of suspending and housing the plurality of power boards in predetermined positions corresponding to the secondary batteries within the battery container; and A guiding structure that detachably guides the plurality of power boards in a suspended state within the power housing. Through the guide structure, the plurality of power boards are suspended within the power housing, detachable, and held in place without falling off.

2. The charging and discharging device for secondary batteries according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guiding structure consists of engaging structures that are disposed on the upper edge of each of the plurality of power boards and on the inner side of the power housing corresponding to each of the plurality of power boards.

3. The charging and discharging device for a secondary battery according to claim 2, characterized in that, The engaging mechanism consists of the following components: A protrusion extending along the long side of the upper edge of each of the plurality of power boards and protruding to both sides of the power board; and The track section is located on the inner top plate of the power supply housing and can be engaged with the protrusion.

4. The charging and discharging device for secondary batteries according to claim 3, characterized in that, The engaging structure includes a positioning structure that holds the plurality of power boards in a suspended state at a predetermined position within the power housing.

5. The charging and discharging device for secondary batteries according to claim 4, characterized in that, The positioning structure consists of a protrusion provided on each of the plurality of power boards and abutting against the track portion at a predetermined position within the power housing.

Images