Battery test jig

Abstract

To provide a battery test jig capable of performing a battery test in a state where a temperature of a battery can be more accurately controlled.SOLUTION: A battery test jig 10 comprises a body part 11 having a recessed surface 17 corresponding to the shape of a battery C, and a lid 12 having a recessed surface 18 corresponding to the shape of the battery C and sandwiching the battery C between the recessed surface 18 and the recessed surface 17 of the body part 11. The body part 11 has a flow passage 35 that circulates a heat medium to adjust a temperature of the battery C.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery testing fixture. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a test device that performs a charge / discharge test on a battery after adjusting the environmental temperature of the battery to a predetermined temperature. This type of test device has a thermostatic chamber that creates a predetermined temperature environment, and a battery is placed in the thermostatic chamber to control the temperature around the battery to a predetermined temperature. Then, a battery test such as a charge / discharge test is performed in this predetermined temperature environment. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-164297 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the battery test performed in a thermostatic chamber disclosed in Patent Document 1, although the air temperature around the battery is controlled, the battery test is not necessarily performed in a state where the battery temperature is maintained at a predetermined temperature. In other words, since the battery temperature may change depending on the current passing through the battery, the battery test is not necessarily performed in a state where the battery temperature is maintained at a required predetermined temperature.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned conventional technology, and an object of the present invention is to provide a battery testing fixture that enables battery testing under conditions where the battery temperature can be more accurately controlled. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the battery testing fixture according to the present invention includes a main body having a recessed surface corresponding to the shape of a battery, and a lid having a recessed surface corresponding to the shape of the battery and sandwiching the battery between the recessed surface and the recessed surface of the main body. The main body has a flow passage for circulating a heat medium for adjusting the temperature of the battery.

[0007] In the battery testing jig according to the present invention, a battery can be sandwiched between the recessed surface of the main body and the recessed surface of the lid. That is, the battery is held by the main body and the lid, and in this state, the temperature of the battery can be adjusted to a predetermined temperature via the main body by circulating a heat medium through the flow path of the main body. Therefore, compared with a case where the air temperature around the battery is adjusted to a predetermined temperature, such as a thermostatic bath, the temperature of the battery can be adjusted more accurately to a required predetermined temperature. That is, since the main body is provided with a flow path for circulating the heat medium, the temperature of the main body, which holds the battery in cooperation with the lid, is controlled by controlling the temperature of the heat medium. Therefore, it is possible to more accurately control the temperature of the battery via the main body. In addition, since the battery can be held in a predetermined position simply by sandwiching the battery between the recessed surface of the main body and the recessed surface of the lid, the effort required for preparation for the battery test can be reduced.

[0008] The flow passage may be positioned so that at least a portion of the flow passage overlaps with the recessed surface of the main body when viewed in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the main body and the lid are attached to each other.

[0009] In this embodiment, the flow path of the heat medium does not protrude from the recessed surface in the direction in which the main body and the lid are attached to each other, or the amount of protrusion from the recessed surface in the direction in which the main body and the lid are attached to each other can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size of the battery test jig. In addition, it is possible to configure the flow path to be located near the battery, so in that case, it is possible to make the temperature of the battery closer to the temperature of the heat medium.

[0010] The flow passage may be disposed on each side of the recessed surface of the main body portion. In this aspect, it is possible to increase the efficiency of heat transfer to the battery and reduce temperature bias in the main body portion, thereby reducing temperature bias in the battery.

[0011] The flow passage may be straight. In this embodiment, the flow passage of the heat transfer medium does not protrude from the recessed surface in the direction in which the main body and the lid are attached to each other, or the amount of protrusion from the recessed surface can be further reduced. Therefore, it is possible to further reduce the size of the battery test jig. In addition, the flow resistance of the heat transfer medium can be reduced.

[0012] The battery testing jig may include a fastening portion for fastening the lid to the main body. In this case, the main body may have a protruding portion that protrudes from a surface to which the lid is attached so as to secure a fastening portion for the fastening portion. In this aspect, it is possible to reduce the size of the battery testing jig while securing the fastening force of the fastening portion for fastening the lid to the main body.

[0013] The battery testing fixture may include a head having a fastening portion for fastening the lid body to the main body portion, and an elastic body interposed between the head and the lid body for allowing the lid body to be displaced away from the main body portion due to expansion of the battery.

[0014] In this embodiment, the fastening portion fastens the lid to the main body. Meanwhile, when the lid attempts to move away from the main body due to battery expansion, the elastic body is pressed against the head and deforms, allowing the lid to move away from the main body. Therefore, since the lid can be displaced to follow the expansion of the battery, the force acting on the fastening portion when the battery expands can be reduced, thereby preventing damage to the fastening portion.

[0015] The battery testing fixture may include a temperature adjusting section for further adjusting the temperature of the main body section whose temperature has been adjusted by the heat medium.

[0016] In this embodiment, the temperature of the battery adjusted by the heat medium can be further adjusted by the temperature adjustment unit. Therefore, for example, when temperature adjustment is performed on multiple batteries using the heat medium, temperature adjustment by the temperature adjustment unit can be added to some of the batteries, in which case tests at different temperature levels can be performed simultaneously. In addition, even if the temperature of the battery is not accurately adjusted by the heat medium, it is possible to accurately adjust the temperature of the battery by the temperature adjustment unit. Therefore, the temperature accuracy of the battery can be improved without increasing the accuracy of the temperature management of the heat medium. Effect of the Invention

[0017] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to carry out a battery test under conditions in which the battery temperature can be more accurately controlled. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery test fixture according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the battery test fixture as viewed from above. [Diagram 3] 13 is a diagram showing a modified example in which the flow passage is shifted from the extension line of the female thread portion and the protrusion and recess are omitted. FIG. [Figure 4] 13 is a diagram showing a modified example in which a flow passage is located on an extension line of a female screw portion and a protrusion and a recess are omitted. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a modification of the modification of FIG. 4 in which a flow passage is disposed on the rear side of the main body-side recessed surface in the fitting direction. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a modified example in which a plurality of battery holding portions are provided. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a modification in which a temperature adjustment unit is provided in the modification of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a modification of the modification of FIG. 6 in which a temperature adjustment unit is provided for each battery holding unit. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a battery test fixture for holding a prismatic battery. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a battery test fixture for holding a laminated battery. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0020] The battery testing jig according to this embodiment is used to maintain a battery at a predetermined temperature while holding the battery in a predetermined position when conducting a battery test such as a charge / discharge test. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the battery testing jig 10 includes a main body 11 made of a single piece of material (e.g., made of metal), a lid 12 made of a single piece of material (e.g., made of metal), and a fastening part 13 for fixing the lid 12 to the main body 11.

[0021] The battery C is held by being sandwiched between a recessed surface (body-side recessed surface 17) formed in the main body 11 and a recessed surface (lid-side recessed surface 18) formed in the lid body 12. That is, the main body-side recessed surface 17 is formed on a mating surface (body-side mating surface 19) of the main body 11 with the lid body 12, and the lid-side recessed surface 18 is formed on a mating surface (lid-side mating surface 20) of the lid body 12 with the main body 11. Then, by bringing the main body-side mating surface 19 and the lid-side mating surface 20 facing each other, the main body-side recessed surface 17 and the lid-side recessed surface 18 form a battery holding portion 22.

[0022] The body-side recessed surface 17 and the lid-side recessed surface 18 have a recessed shape corresponding to the shape of the battery C to be held. In the illustrated example, the battery C has a circular cross section when viewed from above, so the body-side recessed surface 17 and the lid-side recessed surface 18 have a concave arc shape when viewed from above. The body-side recessed surface 17 and the lid-side recessed surface 18 are formed on the body-side mating surface 19 and the lid-side mating surface 20 over the entire length from one end to the other end in one direction (the vertical direction in FIG. 1).

[0023] In addition, since the main body side recessed surface 17 and the lid side recessed surface 18 are both formed by semicircular arcs, the main body side mating surface 19 and the lid side mating surface 20 face each other across an imaginary plane P (Figure 2) passing through the center of the battery C.

[0024] The body-side mating surface 19 and the lid-side mating surface 20 contact the side of the battery C directly or via a heat transfer sheet (not shown). On the other hand, the body-side mating surface 19 and the lid-side mating surface 20 may contact each other directly or via a heat transfer sheet (not shown), or may be spaced apart from each other.

[0025] The fastening portion 13 is provided to fix the cover 12 to the main body 11. The fastening portion 13 is composed of, for example, a plurality of fasteners (a plurality of bolts 13a), and the threaded portion of each bolt 13a is screwed into a corresponding female threaded portion 24 formed in the main body 11. The female threaded portions 24 are provided on both sides of the main body recessed surface 17 so as to extend from the main body mating surface 19 in a direction perpendicular to the mating surface 19.

[0026] In the illustrated example, the female screw portion 24 is provided at two locations, one above and one below, but this is not limited to this. It may be provided at one location in the center in the vertical direction, or at three or more locations in the vertical direction.

[0027] The bolt 13a is inserted into a through hole 26 formed in the lid 12. The bolt 13a is screwed into the female thread portion 24 of the body 11 while being inserted into the through hole 26 of the lid 12. This positions the lid 12 relative to the body 11.

[0028] An elastic body 30 is interposed between the head 13b of the bolt 13a and the lid 12. The elastic body 30 is composed of a coil spring that is compressed as the bolt 13a is tightened into the female screw portion 24. When the coil spring is compressed, the lid 12 is pressed against the body 11. As a result, the body-side recessed surface 17 and the lid-side recessed surface 18 are pressed against the battery C. On the other hand, when the battery C expands during the battery test, the lid 12 is pressed by the battery C in a direction away from the body 11, and in that case, the elastic body 30 is compressed and the lid 12 is displaced. That is, the elastic body 30 is configured to allow the lid 12 to be displaced in a direction away from the body 11 due to the expansion of the battery C. The elastic body 30 is not limited to a coil spring.

[0029] The lid 12 is provided with a temporary fastening member 32. The temporary fastening member 32 is a member for temporarily fastening the lid 12 to the body 11 before the lid 12 is fixed to the body 11 by the fastening portion 13. By hooking the temporary fastening member 32 onto a protrusion 33 (FIG. 1) of the body 11, it becomes possible to hold the lid 12 in a predetermined position before tightening the bolt 13a.

[0030] The main body 11 is provided with a flow passage 35 for circulating a heat medium for adjusting the temperature of the battery C. By circulating a heat medium (e.g., cooling water, brine, hot water) supplied from a heat medium source not shown in the figure through the flow passage 35, the main body 11 can be maintained at a predetermined temperature.

[0031] The flow passage 35 protrudes from one end surface and the other end surface of the main body 11, and is configured to be connected to a pipe (not shown) that is connected to a heat medium source. Therefore, the main body 11 is connected to this pipe, and is arranged at a predetermined position so as to be supported by the pipe. Then, the battery C is held in the battery testing jig 10 by attaching the lid 12 to the main body 11 arranged at this predetermined position.

[0032] The flow passages 35 are disposed on both sides of the body-side recessed surface 17 in a direction (left-right direction in FIG. 2) perpendicular to the direction in which the body 11 and the lid 12 are attached to each other (attaching direction) and the direction in which the body-side recessed surface 17 extends (up-down direction in FIG. 1). That is, a pair of flow passages 35 are provided. This makes it possible to prevent the amount of heat transferred to the battery C from being biased in the left-right direction of the battery C.

[0033] Each flow passage 35 extends straight in the direction in which the main body-side recessed surface 17 extends (the vertical direction in FIG. 1). That is, the heat medium supplied from the heat medium source flows straight in one direction, so that the heat medium flows easily.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 2, each flow passage 35 is arranged in a cross section perpendicular to the direction in which the main body-side recessed surface 17 extends (the vertical direction in Fig. 1), at a position where a part of the flow passage 35 overlaps with the main body-side recessed surface 17 when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the attachment direction (the horizontal direction in Fig. 2). That is, the flow passage 35 is arranged so that a part of the flow passage 35 protrudes from the main body-side recessed surface 17 in the attachment direction (the upward direction in Fig. 2). Since the flow passage 35 is arranged in such a position, it is possible to prevent the main body part 11 from becoming large in size in order to form the flow passage 35. Note that the flow passage 35 may be arranged in a position where the entire flow passage 35 overlaps with the main body-side recessed surface 17 when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the attachment direction.

[0035] The flow passage 35 is positioned so as to pass on an extension of the female screw portion 24. Since the flow passage 35 is set at a position not too far from the body-side recessed surface 17, the body 11 is provided with a protrusion 37 that protrudes the body-side mating surface 19 in a direction away from the flow passage 35 so that the female screw portion 24 does not interfere with the flow passage 35. The protrusion 37 is configured so as to protrude the body-side mating surface 19 toward the lid 12. The formation of the protrusion 37 ensures the length of the female screw portion 24 (fastening portion), so that the fastening force of the lid 12 can be ensured while the body 11 is made compact.

[0036] On the other hand, the lid body 12 is provided with a recess 38 having a shape corresponding to the shape of the protrusion 37. Therefore, the main body side mating surface 19 and the lid side mating surface 20 include central portions 19a, 20a extending in a direction passing near the center of the battery C, and outer portions 19b, 20b extending at positions shifted in the mating direction from the central portions 19a, 20a. In the mating direction, the outer portions 19b, 20b are disposed at positions farther from the flow passage 35 than the central portions 19a, 20a, so that the female screw portion 24 (fastening portion) can be formed longer than in a configuration in which the main body side mating surface 19 and the lid side mating surface 20 are formed in a single plane.

[0037] As described above, in this embodiment, the battery C can be sandwiched between the body-side recessed surface 17 of the body 11 and the lid-side recessed surface 18 of the lid 12. That is, the battery C is held by the body 11 and the lid 12, and in this state, the temperature of the battery C can be adjusted to a predetermined temperature via the body 11 by circulating a heat medium through the flow path 35 of the body 11. Therefore, compared with a case where the air temperature around the battery C is adjusted to a predetermined temperature, such as a thermostatic bath, the temperature of the battery C can be adjusted more accurately to a required predetermined temperature. That is, since the flow path 35 for circulating the heat medium is provided in the body 11, the temperature of the body 11 that holds the battery C in cooperation with the lid 12 is controlled by controlling the temperature of the heat medium. Therefore, it is possible to more accurately control the temperature of the battery C via the body 11. In addition, since the battery C can be held in a predetermined position simply by sandwiching the battery C between the body-side recessed surface 17 and the lid-side recessed surface 18, the effort required for preparation work for a battery test can be reduced.

[0038] In this embodiment, since the flow passage 35 is disposed at a position where a part of the flow passage 35 overlaps the main body-side recessed surface 17 when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the mounting direction (left-right direction in FIG. 2), it is possible to reduce the amount by which the flow passage 35 protrudes from the main body-side recessed surface 17 in the mounting direction. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the battery testing jig 10. Furthermore, since the flow passage 35 is disposed close to the battery C, it is possible to bring the temperature of the battery C closer to the temperature of the heat medium.

[0039] In addition, in this embodiment, the flow passages 35 are arranged on both sides of the main body side recessed surface 17, thereby improving the heat transfer efficiency to the battery C and reducing temperature bias in the main body portion 11, thereby reducing temperature bias in the battery C.

[0040] In addition, in this embodiment, since the flow passage 35 has a straight shape, the amount of protrusion of the flow passage 35 from the main body side recessed surface 17 in the attachment direction can be further reduced. This makes it possible to further reduce the size of the battery testing jig 10. In addition, the flow resistance of the heat transfer medium can be reduced.

[0041] In addition, in this embodiment, the main body portion 11 has a protrusion 37 that protrudes the main body side mating surface 19, so that the fastening force of the fastening portion 13 for fastening the lid body 12 to the main body portion 11 is ensured, while the battery testing jig 10 can be made smaller.

[0042] In this embodiment, when the expansion of the battery C causes the lid body 12 to be displaced in a direction away from the main body 11 so as to be pressed against the head 13b of the bolt 13a, the elastic body 30 deforms. This allows the lid body 12 to move in a direction away from the main body 11. Therefore, since the lid body 12 can be moved to follow the expansion of the battery C, the force acting on the fastening portion 13 when the battery C expands can be reduced, and thus damage to the fastening portion 13 can be prevented.

[0043] It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and should not be considered restrictive. The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and improvements are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the configuration shown in FIG. 2, the flow passage 35 is located on the extension line of the female thread portion 24, but this is not limiting. For example, the flow passage 35 may be located at a position shifted from the extension line of the female thread portion 24.

[0044] In the above embodiment, the main body 11 has the protrusion 37 and the lid 12 has the recess 38, but the protrusion 37 and the recess 38 may not be provided. In that case, for example, as shown in Fig. 3, the flow passage 35 may be disposed at a position shifted from the extension line of the female thread portion 24. In this case, it is possible to prevent the main body 11 from becoming large in the fitting direction.

[0045] In addition, in a configuration in which the flow passage 35 is disposed on an extension line of the female thread portion 24, the protrusion 37 and the recess 38 may not be provided as shown in Fig. 4. In this case, the flow passage 35 may be disposed at a position where it does not overlap the main body side recessed surface 17 when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the attachment direction. In addition, in a configuration in which the flow passage 35 is disposed at a position where it does not overlap the main body side recessed surface 17 when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the attachment direction, the flow passage 35 may be disposed on the back side of the main body side recessed surface 17 in the attachment direction as shown in Fig. 5.

[0046] 6, the battery testing jig 10 may be configured to hold a plurality of batteries C. In this case, body-side recessed surfaces 17 and lid-side recessed surfaces 18 are provided according to the number of batteries C to be held. Flow paths 35 may also be provided between adjacent body-side recessed surfaces 17, but it is also possible to omit the flow paths 35 between the body-side recessed surfaces 17. In addition, the configuration for holding a plurality of batteries C may employ the configurations shown in FIGS. 3 to 5.

[0047] In the case of a battery testing jig 10 configured to hold a plurality of batteries C, a temperature adjustment unit 40 may be provided so as to change the temperature level of each battery C, as shown in Fig. 7. The temperature adjustment unit 40 may be configured with a thermoelectric conversion element such as a Peltier element, or may be configured with a heater. The temperature adjustment unit 40 is used to correct the temperature of the main body 11, which is adjusted by the heat medium flowing through the flow path 35.

[0048] The temperature adjustment unit 40 is attached near some of the batteries C, and functions to make the temperature of the portion of the main body 11 that contacts the some of the batteries C different from the temperature of the portion that contacts the other batteries C. In this way, by controlling the plurality of batteries C to different temperatures, battery tests at different temperature levels can be performed simultaneously. When battery tests at different temperature levels are performed simultaneously, heat media of different temperatures may flow in the flow paths 35 near some of the batteries C and in the flow paths 35 near the other batteries C.

[0049] 8, the temperature adjustment units 40 may be provided corresponding to each of all the batteries C. Even in this case, the temperature adjustment units 40 are used to correct the temperature of the main body 11 adjusted by the heat medium flowing through the flow passage 35. In this case, the temperature adjustment units 40 may be used to finely adjust the temperature adjusted by the heat medium. Note that each temperature adjustment unit 40 may adjust each battery C to a different temperature.

[0050] The temperature adjustment unit 40 can also be provided in a battery testing fixture 10 configured to hold one battery C. In this case, the temperature adjustment unit 40 functions to finely adjust the temperature of the main body 11 adjusted by the heat medium.

[0051] Further, in the above embodiment, the flow passage 35 is formed in a shape that extends straight, but this is not limited thereto, and it may be formed in, for example, a meandering shape.

[0052] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the elastic body 30 is provided, but in cases where tests that cause the battery C to swell are not performed, the elastic body 30 can be omitted.

[0053] 1 to 8 show a battery testing jig 10 that holds cylindrical batteries C, but the battery testing jig 10 may be configured to hold rectangular batteries C, as shown in Fig. 9. In this case, the body-side recessed surface 17 and the lid-side recessed surface 18 are configured to form a battery holding portion 22 with a rectangular cross section, rather than being formed with an arc-shaped cross section. Even in this case, the flow passage 35 may be disposed at a position where at least a portion of the flow passage 35 overlaps the body-side recessed surface 17 when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the attachment direction.

[0054] 10, the battery testing jig 10 may be configured to hold a flat battery C such as a laminated battery C. In this case, the flow passage 35 may be arranged to pass through the back side of the main body-side recessed surface 17. Even in the case of a laminated battery C, the protrusion 37 and the recess 38 can be omitted as long as there is no interference with the flow passage 35. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 10: Battery test fixture 11: Main body 12: Lid 13: Fastening part 13b:Head 17: Concave surface on the main body side 18: Concave surface on the lid side 19: Main body side mating surface 20: Lid side fitting surface 30: Elastic body 35: Distribution path 37: Protruding part 40: Temperature adjustment section C:Battery

Claims

1. A main body having a recessed surface corresponding to the shape of the battery; a cover having a recessed surface corresponding to a shape of the battery and sandwiching the battery between the recessed surface and the recessed surface of the main body; The battery testing fixture, wherein the main body portion has a flow passage through which a heat transfer medium for adjusting a temperature of the battery flows.

2. 2. The battery testing fixture according to claim 1, wherein the flow passage is positioned so that at least a portion of the flow passage overlaps with the recessed surface of the main body when viewed in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the main body and the lid are attached to each other.

3. The battery test fixture according to claim 1 , wherein the flow passages are disposed on both sides of the recessed surface of the main body.

4. 3. The battery test fixture according to claim 1, wherein the flow passage has a straight shape.

5. a fastening portion for fastening the lid body to the main body, 3. The battery testing jig according to claim 1, wherein the main body has a protruding portion on a surface to which the lid is attached, the protruding portion protruding so as to secure a fastening portion for the fastening portion.

6. a fastening portion having a head portion and fastening the lid body to the main body portion; 3. The battery testing fixture according to claim 1, further comprising: an elastic body interposed between the head and the lid body, the elastic body allowing the lid body to be displaced in a direction away from the main body due to expansion of the battery.

7. 2. The battery testing fixture according to claim 1, further comprising a temperature adjusting section for further adjusting the temperature of the main body section whose temperature has been adjusted by the heat medium.

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