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 test apparatus and a secondary battery test system, and more particularly to a system for measuring gas generated from a secondary battery.

Background Art

[0002] Various secondary battery test apparatuses have been proposed. All of those secondary battery test apparatuses are for testing a specific type of secondary battery. There is a demand for realizing a general-purpose secondary battery test apparatus, that is, a secondary battery test apparatus capable of testing secondary batteries of various sizes or various types.

[0003] The secondary battery test apparatus 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, the gas leaked from the opening or the gas generated from the content leaked from the opening is analyzed. Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, and Non-Patent Document 1 disclose apparatuses for testing a primary battery or a secondary battery. All of those apparatuses have a tool for forming an opening in the exterior of the battery. Only the forward and backward movement of any of the tools is allowed.

[0004] In the secondary battery test, it is necessary to form an opening at an appropriate position in 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 realizing a general-purpose secondary battery test apparatus, there is a demand for realizing a tool capable of forming an opening at a desired position in the exterior of the secondary battery.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Non-Patent Documents

[0006]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a secondary battery test apparatus capable of testing secondary batteries having various sizes or various forms. Alternatively, an object of the present invention is to provide a secondary battery test apparatus capable of forming an opening at a desired position on the exterior of a secondary battery.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The secondary battery test apparatus according to the present invention includes a sealed container, a fixture for detachably fixing a secondary battery in the sealed container, 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. A first tool having the first tool, a first holder provided on the sealed container for holding the first tool while maintaining the airtightness of the sealed container and allowing the first tool to move forward and backward and tilt, and a discharge port provided on the sealed container for discharging gas released from the secondary battery. It is characterized by including.

[0009] The secondary battery test system according to the present invention includes the above secondary battery test apparatus, a gas measurement device for measuring the gas discharged from the discharge port, and a trap provided between the discharge port and the gas measurement device for trapping contents other than the gas that are the contents discharged from the secondary battery. It is characterized by including.

Effects of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to perform tests on secondary batteries having various sizes or various forms. Alternatively, according to the present invention, it is possible to form an opening in a desired part of the exterior of the secondary battery.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

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

[0013] (1) Outline of the Embodiment The secondary battery test device according to the embodiment includes a sealed container, a fixture, a first tool, a first holder, and a discharge port. The fixture is a device for detachably fixing the secondary battery inside the sealed container. The first tool includes a first tip portion for forming an opening in the exterior of the secondary battery inside 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 forward and backward movement and tilting movement of the first tool. The discharge port is provided in the sealed container and discharges the gas released from the secondary battery.

[0014] According to the above configuration, in addition to the forward and backward movement of the first tool, the tilting movement of the first tool is allowed, so an opening can be formed within a wide range in the exterior of the secondary battery fixed inside the sealed container. For example, if an opening is formed substantially perpendicular to the electrode stacking direction (the alternating stacking direction of a plurality of positive electrode plates and a plurality of negative electrode plates) in the secondary battery, a short circuit between the positive and negative electrodes caused by the formation of the opening can be avoided, and the advantage that the charge and discharge test of the secondary battery can be performed even after the formation of the opening can be obtained.

[0015] The first tool and the first holding portion 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 portion. Due to the tilting movement of the first tool, the first tip portion performs a pendulum movement or a swinging movement.

[0016] If an opening is formed in the exterior of the secondary battery with the secondary battery housed inside the sealed container, a situation where the gas generated from the secondary battery mixes with the atmosphere can be avoided. The orientation or posture of the secondary battery may be selected when the secondary battery is fixed by the fixture. In the embodiment, the fixture has a slide structure, a telescopic structure, a flexible fixing member, etc.

[0017] The secondary battery test apparatus 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 within the sealed container, and a second handle that is operated by the user outside the sealed container. The second holder is provided at a position separated from the first holder in the sealed container, and holds the second tool while maintaining the airtightness of the sealed container and allowing the forward and backward movement and the tilting movement of the second tool.

[0018] According to the above configuration, since the first tool and the second tool are provided at two different positions from each other, an opening can be formed within a wider range in the exterior of the secondary battery fixed within the sealed container. In the embodiment, the first holder and the second holder are arranged such 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 the embodiment, the sealed container has a side plate and a ceiling plate. The first holder is provided on the side plate. The second holder is provided on the ceiling plate. For example, the first outer surface of the secondary battery fixed within the sealed container faces the side plate, and the second outer surface of the secondary battery faces the ceiling plate. In that 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 a plurality of 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 and backward movement of the second tool is a movement along the central axis of the second tool. The tilting movement of the second tool is a movement 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 and the second tip are made of a non-conductive material. According to this configuration, short circuits within the secondary battery mediated by the tool can be prevented, and electric shock can also be prevented. The entire tool may be made of a non-conductive material.

[0022] In an embodiment, all or part of the sealed container has transparency. Thereby, the secondary battery fixed in the sealed container can be observed from the outside of the sealed container. According to this configuration, an opening can be formed in the exterior of the secondary battery by using the first tool or the second tool while observing the secondary battery.

[0023] The secondary battery test apparatus according to the embodiment includes 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 respectively provided in the sealed container. The first internal cable connects the first terminal of the secondary battery and the first relay terminal. The second internal cable connects the second terminal of the secondary battery and the second relay terminal. The first relay terminal and the second relay terminal are respectively terminals connected to the charge and discharge tester. According to this configuration, a charge and discharge test of the secondary battery can be performed while the secondary battery is placed in the sealed container. The gas generated during the charge and discharge test is measured.

[0024] The secondary battery test system according to the embodiment includes the above-described secondary battery test apparatus, a gas measurement device that measures the gas discharged from the discharge port of the secondary battery test apparatus, and a trap device that is provided between the discharge port of the secondary electron test apparatus and the gas measurement device and traps the contents other than the gas discharged from the secondary battery. According to this configuration, since the trap device is provided, contamination of the gas measurement device by the contents other than the gas can be prevented or reduced. The trap device traps liquids and solid particles.

[0025] In an embodiment, the trap device includes a buffer tank that stores the contents other than the gas, and a filter that is provided downstream of the buffer tank and blocks the passage of the contents other than the gas. According to this configuration, since the two types of traps function step by step, contamination of the gas measurement device can be effectively prevented.

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

[0027] In FIG. 1, the secondary battery test system 10 includes a secondary battery test 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 test device 12 has a sealed container 28. The internal space 30 of the sealed container 28 is an airtight space. A secondary battery 32 is disposed in the internal space 30. Specifically, the secondary battery 32 is detachably fixed on the bottom plate of the sealed container 28 by a fixture 34.

[0029] The sealed container 28 is provided with a discharge port 36, an introduction port 38, and a discharge port 40. The discharge ports 36 and 40 are outlets. The introduction port 38 is an inlet. The vacuum pump 14 is connected to the discharge port 36. The purge gas tank 16 is connected to the introduction port 38 via the mass flow controller 18. The mass spectrometer 24 is connected to the discharge port 40 via the 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 making the inside thereof vacuum. 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 made vacuum, the purge gas is sent into the inside of the sealed container 28. At this time, the flow rate of the purge gas is controlled by the mass flow controller 18. As will be described later, after the start of introduction of the purge gas, an opening is formed in the exterior of the secondary battery. Gas existing inside the secondary battery 32 leaks through the opening. Alternatively, gas is generated from the leaked contents through the opening.

[0031] The gas discharged from the discharge port 40 is sent through the trap device 19 to the mass spectrometer 24 as a gas measuring device. The mass spectrometer 24 is composed of an ion source, a mass analyzer, an ion detector, an information processing device, and the like. The mass spectrometer 24 generates a mass spectrum of the gas. Based on the mass spectrum, one or more components contained in the gas are identified. A gas chromatograph or the like may be provided between the secondary battery test 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 introduction port of the buffer tank 20, a tube 46 is provided between the discharge port of the buffer tank 20 and the introduction 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, 50 is, for example, a capillary tube. The buffer tank 20 is provided with a pressure sensor S for detecting the internal pressure.

[0033] The control device 26 is composed of an information processing device such as a computer. The control device 26 controls the operations of the elements constituting the secondary battery test system 10. A detection signal from the pressure sensor S is input to the control device 26. The information processing device in the mass spectrometer 24 may function as the control device 26. The operations of the elements constituting the secondary battery test system 10 may be switched manually.

[0034] The secondary battery test 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 and discharge tester 25 via cables 68 and 70.

[0036] The charge and discharge tester 25 is used as necessary, and it controls the charging and discharging of the secondary battery. The gas released from the secondary battery is measured during the charging and discharging process of the secondary battery.

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

[0038] FIG. 2 shows a configuration example of the secondary battery test device 12. In FIG. 2, the same elements as those shown in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals.

[0039] The sealed container 28 is a container having airtightness, pressure resistance, and electrical insulation. The sealed container 28 is composed of a bottom plate 28A, a frame body 28B, and a ceiling plate 28C. They are made of, for example, polycarbonate. All or part of the frame body 28B is transparent, and similarly, all or part of the ceiling plate 28C is also transparent. The user can observe the secondary battery 32 inside the sealed container 28 through the transparent part.

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

[0041] The ceiling panel 28C moves in an opening and closing motion. In its closed state, the ceiling panel 28C has a horizontal posture. A sealing member (not shown) is provided between the ceiling panel 28C and the frame body 28B. In the illustrated configuration example, the ceiling panel 28C rotates about the rotation axis C (see reference numeral 72). A hinge is provided between the frame body 28B and the ceiling panel 28C, but its illustration is omitted. 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 detachably fixed on the bottom panel 28A by the fixture 34. The fixture 34 is composed of a plurality of sliders 34A, 34B, and 34C. The secondary battery 32 is restrained by those sliders 34A, 34B, and 34C. The slider 34A and the slider 34B each slide in the y direction. The slider 34C slides in the x direction.

[0043] A discharge port 36 is attached to the side panel 28B1, and an introduction port 38 is also attached. A discharge port 40 is attached to the side panel 28B4. Those ports 36, 38, and 40 each have a valve. Any of the ports may be provided on the ceiling panel 28C.

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

[0045] In the illustrated configuration example, the first tool unit 56 is attached to the side panel 28B4, and the 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 the first tool 60 is, for example, a ceramic cutter having electrical insulation. The first tool 60 is composed of a tip portion 60a, a handle 60b, and an intermediate portion 60c.

[0047] The tip portion 60a is a sharp portion for forming an opening in the exterior of the secondary battery 32 inside the sealed container 28. The tip portion 60a has a spire shape, a tapered shape, a conical shape, etc. The form of the tip portion 60a may be knife-shaped. The handle 60b is a rod-shaped portion that is operated by the user outside the sealed container 28. The intermediate portion 60c, which corresponds to a shaft, is between the tip portion 60a and the handle 60b. The intermediate portion 60c is held by the 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 forward and backward movement and tilting movement of the first tool 60. 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 orthogonal to the side plate 28B4, or in other words, parallel to the x direction. The central axis of the first holder 62 passes through the vicinity of the central portion on 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 with respect 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 at a position far from the secondary battery 32, the handle 60b is operated so that the tip 60a faces the target position on the exterior of the secondary battery 32, that is, the posture of the first tool 60 is determined (see reference numeral 78). Thereafter, the handle 60b is pushed in so that the tip 60a reaches the target position (see reference numeral 80). When the tip 60a pierces the target position by the forward movement of the first tool 60, an opening (hole or crack) is formed in the exterior of the secondary battery 32. The tip 60a may be laterally moved to form a slit in the exterior of the secondary battery 32. The contents of the secondary battery leak out from the opening formed by the first tool 60. The contents include gas. Alternatively, gas is generated from the leaked contents. Those gases are the measurement target or the analysis target.

[0051] The second tool unit 58 is provided at a position away from the first tool unit 56. The second tool unit 58 has the same configuration as 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 74a, a handle 74b, and an intermediate 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 tips 60a, 74a may be made different from each other. The handle 74b is a portion operated by the user outside the sealed container 28. The intermediate portion 74c is between the tip 74a and the handle 74b. The intermediate portion 74c is held by the 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 forward and backward movement and tilting movement of the second tool 74. 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 orthogonal to the ceiling plate 28C and parallel to the z direction. The central axis of the second holder 76 passes near the end portion (the portion close to the main surface) of a specific side surface in 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 with respect 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 operation method of the second tool 74 is the same as the operation method of the first tool 60.

[0056] FIG. 3 shows the structure of the first tool unit 56. The second tool unit also has the same structure as the structure shown in FIG. 3.

[0057] As already described, the first holder 62 holds the first tool while maintaining the airtightness of the sealed container and allowing the forward and backward movement and tilting movement of the first tool 60. Specifically, the first holder 62 has a ball 86, an outer case 88, and an inner case 90. The ball 86 has a through hole. The intermediate portion of the first tool 60 is inserted into the through hole. O-rings 92, 94 are arranged inside the through hole. They are seal 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 and 98 are seal members for maintaining airtightness during the tilting movement of the first tool 60, i.e., during the rotational movement of the ball 86.

[0059] The outer case 88 and the inner case 90 are fixed to the side plate 28B4. The reference numeral 80 represents the forward and backward movement of the first tool 60. The reference numeral 78 represents the tilting movement of the first tool 60. The reference numeral 100 indicates the origin in 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. Thereby, the airtightness of the sealed container is maintained during the movement of the first tool 60, and the space reachable by the tip of the first tool 60 is enlarged. Other structures may be adopted as the structure of the first holder 62.

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

[0062] FIG. 5 shows the 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 for storing a liquid or a solid. An introduction nozzle 114 and a discharge nozzle 116 are provided on the upper surface 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] Through the tube 44 and the introduction nozzle 114, the gas discharged from the sealed container is introduced into the interior 112 of the container 110. The gas is sent from the interior 112 through the discharge nozzle 116 to the tube 46. The interior of the mass spectrometer is under negative pressure, and the gas in the sealed container flows from the sealed container through the trap device 19 to the mass spectrometer. Such gas flow is promoted by the purge gas.

[0064] When a liquid or a 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 upper surface plate. The pressure in the interior 112 is detected by the pressure sensor S. Based on the detection signal of the pressure sensor S, the storage 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 be determined.

[0065] The filter 22 has quartz glass fibers (quartz glass wool). Solid particles and droplets are trapped by the quartz glass fibers. Another filter may be provided 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] FIG. 6 shows another example of the tool unit. 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 holder 124 is fixed to the side plate or the ceiling plate 125. The holder 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 a plurality of 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 those openings 130a, 130b. The two openings 130a, 130b and the tool 122 are adhered to ensure airtightness.

[0068] As the tool 122 moves forward and backward (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 expansion and contraction) (see reference numerals 126-129). Thus, the retainer 124 has a bellows structure and holds the tool 122 while maintaining the tightness of the sealed container and allowing the forward and backward movement and the tilting movement of the tool 122.

[0069] FIG. 7 shows another example of the fixture. A secondary battery 32 is placed on the bottom plate 28A. The fixture has bands 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, the band 134 covers the secondary battery 32, and the secondary battery 32 is constrained by the band 134.

[0070] FIG. 8 shows a first example of the secondary battery test method according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of devices are connected to the secondary battery test apparatus. In the initial state, three valves provided at the two discharge ports and the introduction port are closed.

[0071] In S10, the secondary battery is fixed inside the sealed container. In S12, the two terminals of the secondary battery and the two relay terminals are connected by two cables. Then, in S14, the airtight state of the sealed container is formed. In S16, the valve in the suction discharge port is opened, and the operation of the vacuum pump is started. Thereby, the air inside the sealed container is sucked, and finally, the inside of the sealed container becomes a vacuum state. After the formation of the vacuum state, the valve in the suction discharge port is closed, and the operation of the vacuum pump is stopped.

[0072] In S18, the valve in the discharge port for gas discharge is opened, and gas discharge is started. In S20, the valve in the introduction port is opened, and purge gas is introduced into the sealed container. At that time, the flow rate of the purge gas is adjusted by a mass flow controller. 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, the gas measurement described below is started.

[0073] Specifically, in S24, first, either the first tool unit or the second tool unit is selected by the user. 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 in the exterior of the secondary battery. Through the opening, gas in the secondary battery leaks out. Alternatively, the contents in the secondary battery leak out through the opening. Gas is generated from the leaked contents.

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

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

[0076] FIG. 9 shows a second example of the secondary battery test method according to the embodiment. In this second example, a glove box is used. S100 indicates 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 arranged inside the glove box. The inside of the glove box is filled with an inert gas (for example, argon gas). In S10, the secondary battery is fixed inside 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 equipment shown in FIG. 1 is connected to the sealed container. In S18, the discharge of gas from the sealed container is started, and in S22, background measurement is carried out. In S24, an opening is formed in the exterior of the secondary battery using the selected tool unit. The gas generated thereby is measured in S26.

[0079] In the examples shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, an opening was formed in the exterior of the secondary battery after the background measurement and before the charge and discharge test of the secondary battery, but an opening may be formed in the exterior of the secondary battery after the background measurement and after the charge and discharge test of the secondary battery. Even in that case, the gas released through the opening is analyzed by a mass spectrometer.

[0080] According to the above embodiment, it is possible to test secondary batteries having various sizes or various forms. Further, an opening can be formed at a desired site in the exterior of the secondary battery. Therefore, a versatile secondary battery test device can be provided. Tests of other secondary batteries or primary batteries may be carried out using the above configuration.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0081] 10 Secondary battery test system, 12 Secondary battery test device, 19 Trap device, 28 Sealed container, 32 Secondary battery, 34 Fixture, 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 a secondary battery within the sealed container, a first tool having a first tip portion 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 on the sealed container for holding the first tool while maintaining the airtightness of the sealed container and allowing the first tool to move forward and backward and tilt, a discharge port provided on the sealed container for discharging gas released from the secondary battery, A secondary battery test apparatus, characterized by including the above.

2. In the secondary battery test apparatus according to Claim 1, a second tool having a second tip portion for forming an opening in the exterior of the secondary battery within the sealed container and a second handle operated by the user outside the sealed container, a second holder provided at a position separated from the first holder in the sealed container for holding the second tool while maintaining the airtightness of the sealed container and allowing the second tool to move forward and backward and tilt, A secondary battery test apparatus, characterized by including the above.

3. In the secondary battery test apparatus according to Claim 2, the sealed container has a side plate and a ceiling plate, the first holder is provided on the side plate, the second holder is provided on the ceiling plate, A secondary battery test apparatus, characterized by the above.

4. In the secondary battery test apparatus according to Claim 2, both the first tip portion and the second tip portion are made of a non-conductive material, A secondary battery test apparatus, characterized by the above.

5. In the secondary battery test apparatus according to Claim 1, all or part of the sealed container has transparency, whereby the secondary battery fixed within the sealed container can be observed from outside the sealed container, A secondary battery test apparatus, characterized by the above.

6. In the secondary battery test apparatus according to Claim 1, a first relay terminal provided on the sealed container, a second relay terminal provided on the sealed container, a first internal cable connecting the first terminal of the secondary battery and the first relay terminal, a second internal cable connecting the second terminal of the secondary battery and the second relay terminal, including, the first relay terminal and the second relay terminal are respectively terminals connected to a charge and discharge tester, A secondary battery test apparatus, characterized by the above.

7. The secondary battery test apparatus according to Claim 1, A gas measurement device that measures the gas discharged from the discharge port, A trap device provided between the discharge port and the gas measurement device, which traps the contents discharged from the secondary battery other than the gas, A secondary battery test system characterized by including the above.

8. In the secondary battery test system according to claim 7, The trap device is, A buffer tank that stores the contents other than the gas, A filter provided at the subsequent stage of the buffer tank to block the passage of the contents other than the gas, Including, A secondary battery test system characterized by this.

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