Secondary battery test device and secondary battery test system

Abstract

To realize a secondary battery test device capable of forming an opening at a desired position on the exterior of a secondary battery.SOLUTION: A secondary battery 32 is fixed in a sealed container 28. A first tool unit 56 and a second tool unit 58 are provided in the sealed container 28. The first tool unit 56 is composed of a first tool 60 and a first holder 62. The second tool unit 58 is composed of a second tool 74 and a second holder 76. The first holder 62 holds the first tool 60 while maintaining the airtightness of the sealed container and allowing the first tool 60 to move back and forth and tilt. The second holder 76 has a configuration similar to the first holder 62.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a secondary battery testing device and a secondary battery testing system, and more particularly to a system for measuring gas generated from a secondary battery. [Background technology]

[0002] Various secondary battery test devices have been proposed. All of these secondary electronic test devices perform tests on a specific type of secondary battery. There is a demand for a versatile secondary battery test device, that is, a secondary battery test device that can perform tests on secondary batteries of various sizes or various types.

[0003] The secondary battery testing device has a tool for forming an opening such as a cut or a hole in the exterior of the secondary battery. In the secondary battery test, gas leaking from the opening or gas generated from the contents leaking from the opening is analyzed. Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, and Non-Patent Document 1 disclose devices for testing primary or secondary batteries. All of these devices have a tool for forming an opening in the exterior of the battery. All of the tools are allowed to move forward and backward only.

[0004] In a secondary battery test, it is necessary to form an opening at an appropriate position on the exterior of the secondary battery. The appropriate position is, for example, a position where an electrical short circuit can be avoided and a position where gas release can be expected. In order to realize a versatile secondary battery test device, it is necessary to realize a tool that can form an opening at a desired position on the exterior of the secondary battery. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-313437 A [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-186007 [Non-patent literature]

[0006] [Non-Patent Document 1] Kazuma Kumai et al., Gas generation mechanism due to electrolyte decomposition in commercial lithium-ion cell, Journal of power Sources, 81-82, 1999, pp. 715-719. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a secondary battery testing device capable of testing secondary batteries having various sizes or shapes, or to provide a secondary battery testing device capable of forming an opening at a desired position in the exterior of a secondary battery. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The secondary battery testing apparatus of the present invention is characterized in including: a sealed container; a first tool having a fastener for removably fixing a secondary battery within the sealed container; a first tip for forming an opening in the exterior of the secondary battery within the sealed container; and a first handle operated by a user outside the sealed container; a first holder provided in the sealed container for holding the first tool while maintaining the airtightness of the sealed container and allowing forward and backward movement and tilting movement of the first tool; and an exhaust port provided in the sealed container for discharging gas released from the secondary battery.

[0009] The secondary battery testing system of the present invention is characterized in that it includes the above-mentioned secondary battery testing apparatus, a gas measuring apparatus that measures the gas discharged from the exhaust port, and a trapping apparatus that is provided between the exhaust port and the gas measuring apparatus and traps contents released from the secondary battery other than the gas. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, secondary batteries having various sizes or shapes can be tested, or an opening can be formed in a desired portion of the exterior of the secondary battery. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a secondary battery testing system according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a secondary battery testing device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a retainer. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a fixing device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a trap device. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of the cage. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the fixing device. [Figure 8] 1 is a diagram showing a first example of a secondary battery testing method according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] 11 is a diagram showing a second example of a method for testing a secondary battery according to the embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] (1) Overview of the embodiment The secondary battery testing device according to the embodiment includes a sealed container, a fixture, a first tool, a first holder, and an exhaust port. The fixture is an instrument for removably fixing the secondary battery in the sealed container. The first tool has a first tip for forming an opening in the exterior of the secondary battery in the sealed container, and a first handle operated by a user outside the sealed container. The first holder is provided in the sealed container and holds the first tool while maintaining the airtightness of the sealed container and allowing the first tool to move back and forth and tilt. The exhaust port is provided in the sealed container and discharges gas released from the secondary battery.

[0014] According to the above configuration, since the first tool is permitted to move forward and backward as well as tilt, the opening can be formed in a wide range in the exterior of the secondary battery fixed in the sealed container. For example, if the opening is formed substantially perpendicular to the electrode stacking direction (alternate stacking direction of multiple positive electrodes and multiple negative electrodes) in the secondary battery, it is possible to avoid short-circuiting between the positive and negative electrodes due to the opening formation, and it is also possible to perform a charge / discharge test on the secondary battery even after the opening is formed.

[0015] The first tool and the first holding part each have a virtual central axis. The forward and backward movement of the first tool is a movement along the central axis of the first tool. The tilting movement of the first tool is a movement that tilts (or rotates) the central axis of the first tool from the central axis of the first holding part. The tilting movement of the first tool causes the first tip to perform a swiveling or rocking movement.

[0016] If an opening is formed in the exterior of the secondary battery while the secondary battery is housed in the sealed container, it is possible to prevent a situation in which gas generated from the secondary battery mixes with the atmosphere. The orientation or posture of the secondary battery may be selected when fixing the secondary battery with the fixing device. In an embodiment, the fixing device has a sliding structure, an expandable structure, a flexible fixing member, or the like.

[0017] The secondary battery testing device according to the embodiment further includes a second tool and a second holder. The second tool has a second tip for forming an opening in the exterior of the secondary battery inside the sealed container, and a second handle operated by a user outside the sealed container. The second holder is provided at a position in the sealed container separated from the first holder, and holds the second tool while maintaining the airtightness of the sealed container and allowing the second tool to move back and forth and tilt.

[0018] According to the above configuration, since the first tool and the second tool are provided at two different positions, an opening can be formed in a wider range in the exterior of the secondary battery fixed in the sealed container. In the embodiment, the first holder and the second holder are arranged so that the central axis of the first holder and the central axis of the second holder intersect, in other words, so as to face two outer surfaces of the secondary battery.

[0019] In an embodiment, the sealed container has a side panel and a ceiling panel. The first holder is provided on the side panel. The second holder is provided on the ceiling panel. For example, a first outer surface of a secondary battery fixed in the sealed container faces the side panel, and a second outer surface of the secondary battery faces the ceiling panel. In this case, an opening is formed in the first outer surface by the first tool, or an opening is formed in the second outer surface by the second tool. Usually, one opening is formed, but multiple openings may be formed. Three or more tools and three or more holders may be provided.

[0020] The second tool and the second holder each have a central axis. The forward / backward motion of the second tool is a motion along the central axis of the second tool. The tilting motion of the second tool is a motion that tilts the central axis of the second tool from the central axis of the second holder.

[0021] In the embodiment, both the first tip portion and the second tip portion are made of a non-conductive material. This configuration can prevent a short circuit in the secondary battery via the tool, and can also prevent electric shock. Each tool may be entirely made of a non-conductive material.

[0022] In the embodiment, all or a part of the sealed container is transparent. This allows the secondary battery fixed in the sealed container to be observed from the outside of the sealed container. With this configuration, an opening can be formed in the exterior of the secondary battery using the first tool or the second tool while observing the secondary battery.

[0023] The secondary battery testing device according to the embodiment has a first relay terminal, a second relay terminal, a first internal cable, and a second internal cable. The first relay terminal and the second relay terminal are each provided in a sealed container. The first internal cable connects a first terminal of the secondary battery to the first relay terminal. The second internal cable connects a second terminal of the secondary battery to the second relay terminal. The first relay terminal and the second relay terminal are each terminals connected to a charge / discharge tester. With this configuration, a charge / discharge test of the secondary battery can be performed while the secondary battery is placed in the sealed container. Gas generated during the charge / discharge test is measured.

[0024] A secondary battery testing system according to an embodiment includes the above-mentioned secondary battery testing device, a gas measurement device that measures gas discharged from an exhaust port of the secondary battery testing device, and a trap device that is provided between the exhaust port of the secondary electronics testing device and the gas measurement device and traps contents other than gas that are discharged from the secondary battery. With this configuration, since the trap device is provided, contamination of the gas measurement device by contents other than gas can be prevented or reduced. The trap device traps liquid and solid particles.

[0025] In an embodiment, the trap device includes a buffer tank for storing contents other than gas, and a filter provided downstream of the buffer tank for preventing the passage of contents other than gas. With this configuration, the two types of traps function in stages, so that contamination of the gas measurement device can be effectively prevented.

[0026] (2) Details of the embodiment 1 shows an example of the configuration of a secondary battery test system according to an embodiment. The secondary battery to be tested is, for example, a rechargeable lithium ion battery. The secondary battery test system according to the embodiment can test various types and sizes of secondary batteries with the configuration described below.

[0027] In FIG. 1, a secondary battery testing system 10 includes a secondary battery testing device 12, a vacuum pump 14, a purge gas tank 16, a mass flow controller 18, a trap device 19, a mass spectrometer 24, a charge / discharge tester 25, a control device 26, and the like.

[0028] The secondary battery testing device 12 has a sealed container 28. An internal space 30 of the sealed container 28 is an airtight space. A secondary battery 32 is placed in the internal space 30. Specifically, the secondary battery 32 is detachably fixed onto the bottom plate of the sealed container 28 by a fixing device 34.

[0029] The sealed container 28 is provided with an exhaust port 36, an inlet port 38, and an exhaust port 40. The exhaust ports 36 and 40 are exhaust outlets. The inlet port 38 is an inlet. The exhaust port 36 is connected to a vacuum pump 14. The inlet port 38 is connected to a purge gas tank 16 via a mass flow controller 18. The exhaust port 40 is connected to a mass spectrometer 24 via a trap device 19.

[0030] The vacuum pump 14 is a device for removing internal gas such as air from the inside of the sealed container 28 and creating a vacuum inside the container. The purge gas tank 16 is filled with an inert gas such as helium gas or argon gas as a purge gas. After the inside of the sealed container 28 is evacuated, the purge gas is fed into the inside of the sealed container 28. At that time, the flow rate of the purge gas is controlled by the mass flow controller 18. As described later, after the introduction of the purge gas starts, an opening is formed in the exterior of the secondary battery. Gas present inside the secondary battery 32 leaks out through the opening. Alternatively, gas is generated from the contents leaking through the opening.

[0031] The gas discharged from the discharge port 40 is sent through the trap device 19 to a mass spectrometer 24 serving as a gas measurement device. The mass spectrometer 24 is composed of an ion source, a mass analyzer, an ion detector, an information processing device, and the like. A mass spectrum of the gas is generated by the mass spectrometer 24. One or more components contained in the gas are identified based on the mass spectrum. A gas chromatograph or the like may be provided between the secondary battery testing device 12 and the mass spectrometer 24.

[0032] The trap device 19 has a buffer tank 20 and a filter 22 connected in series. A tube 44 is provided between the discharge port 40 of the sealed container 28 and the inlet port of the buffer tank 20, a tube 46 is provided between the discharge port of the buffer tank 20 and the inlet port of the filter 22, and a tube 50 is provided between the discharge port of the filter 22 and the mass spectrometer 24. Each of the tubes 44, 46, and 50 is, for example, a capillary tube. The buffer tank 20 is provided with a pressure sensor S that detects the pressure therein.

[0033] The control device 26 is configured with an information processing device such as a computer. The control device 26 controls the operation of each element constituting the secondary battery testing system 10. A detection signal from the pressure sensor S is input to the control device 26. An information processing device in the mass spectrometer 24 may function as the control device 26. The operation of each element constituting the secondary battery testing system 10 may be manually switched.

[0034] The secondary battery testing device 12 according to the embodiment has a first tool unit 56 and a second tool unit 58 provided in the sealed container 28. The first tool unit 56 is composed of a first tool 60 and a first holder 62. The second tool unit 58 is composed of a second tool and a second holder. The first tool unit 56 and the second tool unit 58 are selectively used. They will be described in detail later.

[0035] The sealed container 28 is provided with a first terminal (first relay terminal) 52 and a second terminal (second relay terminal) 54. One terminal of the secondary battery 32 is electrically connected to the first terminal 52 via a cable 64. The other terminal of the secondary battery 32 is electrically connected to the second terminal 54 via a cable 66. The first terminal 52 and the second terminal 54 are electrically connected to the charge / discharge tester 25 via cables 68 and 70.

[0036] The charge / discharge tester 25 is used as necessary to control the charging and discharging of the secondary battery, and measures the gas released from the secondary battery during the charging and discharging process of the secondary battery.

[0037] 1, each element other than the secondary battery test device 12 is used or installed as necessary. Other measuring devices may be arranged in place of the mass spectrometer 24. Other devices may be further added to the secondary battery test system 10.

[0038] Fig. 2 shows an example of the configuration of a secondary battery testing device 12. In Fig. 2, the same elements as those shown in Fig. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0039] The sealed container 28 is a container that is airtight, pressure resistant, and electrically insulating. The sealed container 28 is composed of a bottom plate 28A, a frame 28B, and a ceiling plate 28C. They are made of, for example, polycarbonate. All or a part of the frame 28B is transparent, and similarly, all or a part of the ceiling plate 28C is also transparent. A user can observe the secondary battery 32 in the sealed container 28 through the transparent parts.

[0040] The frame 28B is made up of four side plates 28B1 to 28B4. Each of the side plates 28B1 to 28B4 is a vertical plate. The side plates 28B1 and 28B3 are perpendicular to the y direction, and the side plates 28B2 and 28B4 are perpendicular to the x direction.

[0041] The ceiling plate 28C moves to open and close. In the closed state, the ceiling plate 28C has a horizontal position. A seal member (not shown) is provided between the ceiling plate 28C and the frame 28B. In the illustrated configuration example, the ceiling plate 28C rotates about the rotation axis C (see reference numeral 72). A hinge is provided between the frame 28B and the ceiling plate 28C, but is not shown. The size of the sealed container 28 in the x direction is, for example, 30 cm, the size in the y direction is, for example, 30 cm, and the size in the z direction is, for example, 5 cm.

[0042] In the illustrated configuration example, the secondary battery 32 is removably fixed onto the bottom plate 28A by a fixture 34. The fixture 34 is composed of multiple sliders 34A, 34B, and 34C. The secondary battery 32 is restrained by these sliders 34A, 34B, and 34C. The sliders 34A and 34B each perform a sliding motion in the y direction. The slider 34C performs a sliding motion in the x direction.

[0043] An exhaust port 36 is attached to the side panel 28B1, and an inlet port 38 is attached to the side panel 28B4. An exhaust port 40 is attached to the side panel 28B4. The ports 36, 38, and 40 each have a valve. Any of the ports may be provided in the ceiling panel 28C.

[0044] Terminals 52, 54 are attached to the ceiling plate 28C. The terminal 52 and one terminal of the secondary battery 32 are connected by a cable 64. The terminal 54 and the other terminal of the secondary battery 32 are connected by a cable 66.

[0045] In the illustrated configuration example, a first tool unit 56 is attached to the side panel 28B4, and a second tool unit 58 is attached to the ceiling panel 28C.

[0046] The first tool unit 56 is composed of a first tool 60 and a first holder 62. The first tool 60 extends along its central axis, and is, for example, a ceramic cutter having electrical insulation properties. The first tool 60 is composed of a tip portion 60a, a handle 60b, and a middle portion 60c.

[0047] The tip 60a is a sharp portion for forming an opening in the exterior of the secondary battery 32 inside the sealed container 28. The tip 60a has a sharp shape, such as a pointed shape, a tapered shape, or a cone shape. The tip 60a may be in the form of a knife. The handle 60b is a rod-like portion that is operated by a user outside the sealed container 28. Between the tip 60a and the handle 60b is an intermediate portion 60c that corresponds to a shaft. The intermediate portion 60c is held by a first holder 62.

[0048] The first holder 62 is a structure that holds the first tool 60 while maintaining the airtightness of the sealed container 28 and allowing the first tool 60 to move back and forth and tilt. The first holder 62 is fixed to the side plate 28B4. The first holder 62 has a ball joint structure, which will be described in detail later. The terminal surface (main surface) of the secondary battery 32 faces the inner surface of the side plate 28B4.

[0049] The central axis of the first holder 62 is perpendicular to the side panel 28B4, in other words, parallel to the x direction. The central axis of the first holder 62 passes through near the center of the terminal surface of the secondary battery 32. The forward and backward movement of the first tool 60 is a movement along the central axis of the first tool 60. The tilting movement of the first tool 60 is a movement that tilts or rotates the central axis of the first tool 60 relative to the central axis of the first holder 62. The first tool 60 can be freely tilted in the y direction and the z direction.

[0050] For example, in a state where the first tool 60 is retracted, that is, in a state where the first tool 60 is located far from the secondary battery 32, the handle 60b is operated so that the tip 60a faces a target position on the exterior of the secondary battery 32, that is, the attitude of the first tool 60 is determined (see reference numeral 78). After that, the handle 60b is pushed in so that the tip 60a reaches the target position (see reference numeral 80). When the tip 60a of the first tool 60 advances and pierces the target position, an opening (hole or tear) is created in the exterior of the secondary battery 32. The tip 60a may be moved laterally to form a slit in the exterior of the secondary battery 32. The contents of the secondary battery leak from the opening created by the first tool 60. The contents include gas. Or, gas is generated from the leaked contents. These gases are the measurement or analysis target.

[0051] The second tool unit 58 is provided at a position separated from the first tool unit 56. The second tool unit 58 has a similar configuration to the first tool unit 56. Specifically, the second tool unit 58 is composed of a second tool 74 and a second holder 76. The second tool 74 extends along its central axis and is, for example, a ceramic cutter. The second tool 74 is composed of a tip portion 74a, a handle 74b, and a middle portion 74c.

[0052] The tip 74a is a sharp portion for forming an opening in the exterior of the secondary battery 32 inside the sealed container 28. The shape of the tip 74a is the same as the shape of the tip 60a. The shapes of the two tip portions 60a, 74a may be different from each other. The handle 74b is a portion that is operated by a user outside the sealed container 28. Between the tip 74a and the handle 74b is an intermediate portion 74c. The intermediate portion 74c is held by a second holder 76.

[0053] The second holder 76 is a structure that holds the second tool 74 while maintaining the airtightness of the sealed container 28 and allowing the second tool 74 to move back and forth and tilt. The second holder 76 is attached to the ceiling plate 28C. The second holder 76 has a ball joint structure. A specific side surface (the upper surface in FIG. 2) of the secondary battery 32 faces the inner surface of the ceiling plate 28C.

[0054] The central axis of the second holder 76 is perpendicular to the ceiling panel 28C and parallel to the z direction. The central axis of the second holder 76 passes through the vicinity of an end portion (a portion close to the main surface) of a specific side surface of the secondary battery 32.

[0055] The forward and backward movement of the second tool 74 is a movement along the central axis of the second tool 74 (see reference numeral 84). The tilting movement of the second tool 74 is a movement that tilts the central axis of the second tool 74 relative to the central axis of the second holder 76 (see reference numeral 82). The second tool 74 can be freely tilted in the x-direction and the y-direction. The method of operating the second tool 74 is the same as the method of operating the first tool 60.

[0056] 3 shows the structure of the first tool unit 56. The second tool unit has a structure similar to that shown in FIG.

[0057] As already explained, the first retainer 62 retains the first retainer while maintaining the airtightness of the sealed container and allowing the first tool 60 to move back and forth and tilt. Specifically, the first retainer 62 has a ball 86, an outer case 88, and an inner case 90. The ball 86 has a through hole. The middle part of the first tool 60 is inserted into the through hole. O-rings 92, 94 are disposed inside the through hole. These are sealing members for maintaining airtightness during the forward and backward movement of the first tool 60.

[0058] The outer case 88 and the inner case 90 are members that rotatably hold the ball 86. An O-ring 96 is disposed inside the outer case 88, and an O-ring 98 is disposed inside the inner case 90. The O-rings 96, 98 are sealing members that maintain airtightness during tilting movement of the first tool 60, i.e., during rotational movement of the ball 86.

[0059] The outer case 88 and the inner case 90 are fixed to the side plate 28B4. Reference numeral 80 represents the forward and backward movement of the first tool 60. Reference numeral 78 represents the tilting movement of the first tool 60. Reference numeral 100 represents the origin of the tilting movement (rotational movement) of the first tool 60. The origin 100 coincides with the center of the ball 86.

[0060] The first holder 62 has an airtight structure and a ball joint structure, which maintains the airtightness of the sealed container during the movement of the first tool 60 and expands the space that the tip of the first tool 60 can reach. Other structures may be adopted as the structure of the first holder 62.

[0061] 4 shows a specific configuration example of the fixture 34. The secondary battery 32 is placed on the bottom plate 28A. As already described, the fixture 34 has three sliders 34A, 34B (slider 34C is not shown in FIG. 4). Each of the sliders 34A, 34B is composed of L-shaped metal fittings 102, 104 and slide pins 106, 108. Each of the slide pins 106, 108 is a screw or a bolt. Other fixtures may be provided as the fixture 34.

[0062] 5 shows a specific configuration of the trap device 19. The trap device 19 is composed of a buffer tank 20 and a filter 22. The buffer tank 20 has a container 110 that stores a liquid or solid. An introduction nozzle 114 and a discharge nozzle 116 are provided on the upper plate of the container 110. A tube 44 is connected to the introduction nozzle 114, and a tube 46 is connected to the discharge nozzle 116.

[0063] Gas discharged from the sealed container is introduced into the interior 112 of the container 110 via the tube 44 and the inlet nozzle 114. The gas is sent from the interior 112 to the tube 46 via the outlet nozzle 116. The inside of the mass spectrometer is at negative pressure, and the gas in the sealed container flows from the sealed container to the mass spectrometer via the trap device 19. Such a flow of gas is promoted by the purge gas.

[0064] When a liquid or solid is introduced into the interior 112 of the container 110, such contents remain in the interior 112. A pressure sensor S is provided on the top plate. The pressure sensor S detects the pressure in the interior 112. Based on the detection signal of the pressure sensor S, accumulation of a certain amount of contents in the container 110 is determined. Based on the detection signal of the pressure sensor S, clogging in the tube may also be determined.

[0065] The filter 22 has quartz glass fibers (quartz glass wool). The quartz glass fibers trap solid particles and liquid droplets. Another filter may be used as the filter 22. A tube 46 is provided between the buffer tank 20 and the filter 22. A tube 50 is provided between the filter 22 and the mass spectrometer.

[0066] Another example of the tool unit is shown in Fig. 6. The tool unit 120 can be used as the first tool unit or the second tool unit. The tool unit 120 is composed of a tool 122 and a holder 124. The tool 122 is, for example, a ceramic cutter.

[0067] The retainer 124 is fixed to a side panel or a ceiling panel 125. The retainer 124 is composed of an outer bellows 124A and an inner bellows 124B. The outer bellows 124A and the inner bellows 124B each have a series of multiple structural units. Each structural unit is a series of mountain folds and valley folds. Openings 130a, 130b are formed in the outer bellows 124A and the inner bellows 124B, and the tool 122 passes through these openings 130a, 130b. The two openings 130a, 130b and the tool 122 are bonded to ensure airtightness.

[0068] As the tool 122 moves back and forth (see reference numeral 134), the outer bellows 124A and the inner bellows 124B expand and contract (see reference numerals 126-129). As the tool 122 tilts (see reference numeral 133), the outer bellows 124A and the inner bellows 124B deform (including expand and contract) (see reference numerals 126-129). In this way, the retainer 124 has a bellows structure, and retains the tool 122 while maintaining the tightness of the sealed container and allowing the tool 122 to move back and forth and tilt.

[0069] Another example of the fastener is shown in Fig. 7. The secondary battery 32 is placed on the bottom plate 28A. The fastener has a band 134 and pins 136, 138. Both ends of the band 134 are fixed by the pins 136, 138. The band 134 has flexibility and elasticity. As shown in the figure, the band 134 covers the secondary battery 32, and the secondary battery 32 is restrained by the band 134.

[0070] A first example of the secondary battery testing method according to the embodiment is shown in Fig. 8. As shown in Fig. 1, a plurality of devices are connected to a secondary battery testing device. In the initial state, the three valves provided at the two exhaust ports and the inlet port are closed.

[0071] In S10, the secondary battery is fixed inside the sealed container. In S12, two terminals of the secondary battery and two relay terminals are connected by two cables. After that, in S14, the sealed container is made airtight. In S16, the valve in the suction exhaust port is opened and the operation of the vacuum pump is started. This causes the air in the sealed container to be sucked out, and finally, the inside of the sealed container is made into a vacuum state. After the vacuum state is formed, the valve in the suction exhaust port is closed and the operation of the vacuum pump is stopped.

[0072] In S18, a valve in an exhaust port for exhausting gas is opened, and gas exhaust is started. In S20, a valve in an inlet port is opened, and purge gas is introduced into the sealed container. At that time, a mass flow controller adjusts the flow rate of the purge gas. S20 may be executed before S18. In S22, background measurement is performed prior to gas measurement. Specifically, each component contained in the atmosphere is measured by a mass spectrometer. After the detection values ​​of those components are stabilized, gas measurement, which will be described below, is started.

[0073] Specifically, in S24, first, the user selects either the first tool unit or the second tool unit. Usually, the tool unit to be used is selected according to the opening formation position (target position) on the exterior of the secondary battery in the sealed container. Using the selected tool unit, the user forms an opening on the exterior of the secondary battery. Gas in the secondary battery leaks out through the opening. Alternatively, the contents in the secondary battery leak out through the opening. Gas is generated from the leaked contents.

[0074] In S26, the gas discharged into the sealed container is mass-analyzed in a mass spectrometer. Specifically, a mass spectrum of the gas is generated. One or more components contained in the gas are identified based on the mass spectrum.

[0075] When it is desired to measure the gas generated during charging and discharging, steps S28 and S30 are carried out. In step S28, a charge and discharge test is started by a charge and discharge tester. For example, a charging period is set first, and then a discharging period is set. The gas generated during the charging period and the gas generated during the discharging period are analyzed by the same method as described above.

[0076] 9 shows a second example of the secondary battery testing method according to the embodiment. In this second example, a glove box is used. S100 shows a plurality of steps performed using the glove box.

[0077] In S102, a secondary battery test device (specifically, a sealed container) and a secondary battery are placed in a glove box. The inside of the glove box is filled with an inert gas (e.g., argon gas). In S10, the secondary battery is fixed in the sealed container. In S14, the inside of the sealed container is made airtight.

[0078] In S104, the sealed container is taken out of the glove box, and then the device shown in Fig. 1 is connected to the sealed container. In S18, gas discharge from the sealed container is started, and in S22, background measurement is performed. In S24, an opening is formed in the exterior of the secondary battery using a selected tool unit. The gas thus generated is measured in S26.

[0079] 8 and 9, the opening is formed in the exterior of the secondary battery after the background measurement and before the charge / discharge test of the secondary battery, but the opening may be formed in the exterior of the secondary battery after the background measurement and after the charge / discharge test of the secondary battery. Even in this case, the gas released through the opening is analyzed by the mass spectrometer.

[0080] According to the above embodiment, secondary batteries having various sizes or shapes can be tested. Also, an opening can be formed in a desired portion of the exterior of the secondary battery. Therefore, a versatile secondary battery testing device can be provided. Tests of other secondary batteries and primary batteries may be performed using the above configuration. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 10 secondary battery test system, 12 secondary battery test apparatus, 19 trap apparatus, 28 sealed container, 32 secondary battery, 34 fixing device, 56 first tool unit, 58 second tool unit, 60 first tool, 62 first holder, 74 second tool, 76 second holder.

Claims

1. A sealed container; a fixture for removably fixing the secondary battery in the sealed container; a first tool having a first tip portion for forming an opening in an exterior of the secondary battery within the sealed container and a first handle operated by a user outside the sealed container; a first holder provided in the sealed container and configured to hold the first tool while maintaining airtightness of the sealed container and allowing forward / backward movement and tilting movement of the first tool; an exhaust port provided in the sealed container for exhausting gas released from the secondary battery; A secondary battery testing device comprising:

2. 2. The secondary battery testing apparatus according to claim 1, a second tool having a second tip portion for forming an opening in an exterior of the secondary battery within the sealed container and a second handle operated by the user outside the sealed container; a second holder that is provided in the sealed container at a position separated from the first holder and that holds the second tool while maintaining airtightness of the sealed container and allowing forward / backward movement and tilting movement of the second tool; A secondary battery testing device comprising:

3. 3. The secondary battery testing apparatus according to claim 2, The sealed container has a side panel and a ceiling panel, The first retainer is provided on the side plate, The second retainer is provided on the ceiling plate. A secondary battery testing device comprising:

4. 3. The secondary battery testing apparatus according to claim 2, The first tip portion and the second tip portion are both made of a non-conductive material. A secondary battery testing device comprising:

5. 2. The secondary battery testing apparatus according to claim 1, The sealed container is entirely or partially transparent, so that the secondary battery fixed in the sealed container can be observed from outside the sealed container. A secondary battery testing device comprising:

6. 2. The secondary battery testing apparatus according to claim 1, A first relay terminal provided in the sealed container; A second relay terminal provided in the sealed container; a first internal cable connecting a first terminal of the secondary battery and the first relay terminal; a second internal cable connecting a second terminal of the secondary battery and the second relay terminal; Including, The first relay terminal and the second relay terminal are terminals connected to a charge / discharge tester, A secondary battery testing device comprising:

7. The secondary battery testing device according to claim 1 ; a gas measuring device for measuring the gas discharged from the exhaust port; a trapping device provided between the exhaust port and the gas measuring device for trapping contents other than the gas discharged from the secondary battery; A secondary battery testing system comprising:

8. 8. The secondary battery testing system according to claim 7, The trapping device comprises: A buffer tank for storing contents other than the gas; a filter provided downstream of the buffer tank to prevent passage of contents other than the gas; Including, A secondary battery testing system comprising:

Images