Calibration device and calibration method for charge / discharge testing device

Abstract

To provide a calibration device and calibration method for a charge / discharge testing device that can calibrate the current applied to a secondary battery from the charge / discharge power supply of the charge / discharge testing device without interfering with the charge / discharge testing work performed by the charge / discharge testing device. [Solution] A calibration device for calibrating the current applied to secondary batteries ch1~ch3 from charge / discharge power supplies ch1~ch3 of a charge / discharge inspection device equipped with charge / discharge power supplies ch1~ch3 for charging and discharging secondary batteries ch1~ch3, comprising a current detection means connected to a charge / discharge path L1+~L3+ connecting the charge / discharge power supplies ch1~ch3 and secondary batteries ch1~ch3, and enabling calibration of the current applied to secondary batteries ch1~ch3 from charge / discharge power supplies ch1~ch3 while charge / discharge inspection of secondary batteries ch1~ch3 can be performed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for calibrating a current applied from a charge-discharge power supply of a charge-discharge inspection apparatus having a charge-discharge power supply for charging and discharging a secondary battery to the secondary battery.

Background Art

[0002] The charge-discharge inspection apparatus includes a charge-discharge power supply for performing charge and discharge, and a secondary battery to be inspected is connected to this charge-discharge power supply to perform a charge-discharge inspection of the secondary battery. In charge-discharge inspection, for example, due to the secular deterioration of the charge-discharge power supply of the charge-discharge inspection apparatus, the actual value (current value) during charge and discharge deviates from the input set value, resulting in an error. Therefore, it is necessary to periodically inspect whether the charge-discharge inspection is being performed normally based on the input set value. Depending on the inspection results, it may be necessary to calibrate the charge-discharge power supply.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes that in a charge-discharge inspection apparatus including a plurality of battery inspection units that execute charge-discharge inspection of a secondary battery, when a calibration process is executed in a battery inspection unit provided with a calibration apparatus, charge-discharge inspection of the secondary battery is executed in other battery inspection units. However, in the battery inspection unit provided with the calibration apparatus, a secondary battery cannot be disposed and charge-discharge inspection cannot be executed, so the efficiency of charge-discharge inspection decreases.

[0004] Also, Patent Document 2 describes using a charge-discharge power supply other than the calibration target as a load (resistance load) required for calibration. However, it is necessary to operate the charge-discharge power supply to be calibrated and the charge-discharge power supply to be the load separately for charging and discharging, and the sequence for this becomes complicated.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a calibration device and calibration method for a charge-discharge inspection device that can calibrate the current applied to a secondary battery from the charge-discharge power supply of the charge-discharge inspection device without interfering with the charge-discharge inspection work performed by the charge-discharge inspection device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] As a result of investigations to achieve the above objectives, the inventors found that the above objectives could be solved by using a secondary battery as a calibration load while it is in a state where charge and discharge tests can be performed, and by detecting the current applied to the secondary battery from a charge / discharge power supply, thus completing the present invention.

[0008] In other words, the present invention is as follows: [1] A calibration device for calibrating the current applied to a secondary battery from a charge / discharge power supply of a charge / discharge inspection device that is equipped with a charge / discharge power supply for charging and discharging a secondary battery, The charging / discharging path connecting the charging / discharging power supply and the secondary battery is connected to a current detection means for detecting the current applied from the charging / discharging power supply to the secondary battery, A calibration device for a charge-discharge inspection device, characterized in that it can calibrate the current applied to the secondary battery from the charge-discharge power supply while the secondary battery is in a state where charge-discharge inspection can be performed.

[0009] [2] The current detection means is arranged in parallel with the charge-discharge path, A calibration device for a charge-discharge inspection device according to [1] above, characterized in that it is provided with a current detection path on which the current detection means is provided and a switching means for switching the flow of current in the charge-discharge path.

[0010] [3] A calibration device for a charge-discharge inspection device according to [1] or [2] above, characterized in that the current detection means can be connected to a plurality of charge-discharge paths.

[0011] [4] Furthermore, the system includes a voltage detection means connected to the charge / discharge path for detecting the voltage applied to the secondary battery from the charge / discharge power supply, A calibration device for a charge-discharge inspection device according to any one of the above [1] to [3], characterized in that it can calibrate the voltage applied to the secondary battery from the charge-discharge power supply while the secondary battery is in a state in which a charge-discharge inspection of the secondary battery can be performed.

[0012] [5] The voltage detection means is arranged in parallel with the charge-discharge path, Calibration device for a charge / discharge inspection device according to [4] above, characterized in that a connection means is provided to enable the connection of the voltage detection path, on which the voltage detection means is provided, to the charge / discharge path.

[0013] [6] A calibration device for a charge-discharge inspection device according to [4] or [5], characterized in that the voltage detection means can be connected to a plurality of charge-discharge paths.

[0014] [7] A calibration method for calibrating the current applied to a secondary battery from a charge / discharge power supply of a charge / discharge testing apparatus equipped with a charge / discharge power supply for charging and discharging a secondary battery, A calibration method for a charge-discharge inspection device, characterized by calibrating the current applied from the charge-discharge power supply to the secondary battery in a state in which a charge-discharge inspection of the secondary battery can be performed, using a current detection means connected to a charge-discharge path connecting the charge-discharge power supply and the secondary battery, which detects the current applied from the charge-discharge power supply to the secondary battery.

[0015] [8] A calibration method for a charge-discharge inspection apparatus according to [7], characterized in that, during the performance of a charge-discharge inspection of the secondary battery, the current flow in the charge-discharge path is switched to a current detection path arranged in parallel with the charge-discharge path and provided with the current detection means, and the current applied from the charge-discharge power supply to the secondary battery is detected.

[0016] [9] The current detection means can be connected to a plurality of charge and discharge paths, and sequentially switches the current flows of the plurality of charge and discharge paths to a current detection path provided with the current detection means, and detects the currents applied from the charge and discharge power supply to the secondary battery respectively. The calibration method of the charge and discharge inspection device according to [7] or [8] above, characterized in that.

[0017]

[10] Further, by a voltage detection means connected to the charge and discharge path and detecting the voltage applied from the charge and discharge power supply to the secondary battery, in a state where the charge and discharge inspection of the secondary battery can be performed, the voltage applied from the charge and discharge power supply to the secondary battery is calibrated. The calibration method of the charge and discharge inspection device according to any one of [7] to [9] above, characterized in that.

[0018]

[11] During the charge and discharge inspection of the secondary battery, the voltage applied from the charge and discharge power supply to the secondary battery is detected. The calibration method of the charge and discharge inspection device according to

[10] above, characterized in that.

[0019]

[12] The voltage detection means can be connected to a plurality of charge and discharge paths, and the voltage detection means is sequentially connected to the plurality of charge and discharge paths, and the voltages applied from the charge and discharge power supply to the secondary battery are detected respectively. The calibration method of the charge and discharge inspection device according to

[10] or

[11] above, characterized in that.

Effect of the Invention

[0020] According to the calibration device and calibration method of the charge and discharge inspection device of the present invention, it is possible to provide a calibration device and calibration method of a charge and discharge inspection device that can calibrate the current applied from the charge and discharge power supply of the charge and discharge inspection device to the secondary battery without interfering with the charge and discharge inspection work by the charge and discharge inspection device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] It is an explanatory diagram of a calibration device of a charge and discharge inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is an explanatory diagram of a charge and discharge inspection device to which the calibration device of the charge and discharge inspection device is applied. [Figure 3] It is an explanatory diagram of a calibration device for a charge-discharge inspection device according to a modified example of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is an explanatory diagram of a charge-discharge inspection device to which the calibration device of the charge-discharge inspection device is applied. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart of a calibration method for a charge-discharge inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart of a calibration method for a charge-discharge inspection device according to a modified example of the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] The calibration device for the charge-discharge inspection device of the present invention is a calibration device that calibrates the current applied from the charge-discharge power supply of a charge-discharge inspection device equipped with a charge-discharge power supply that performs charge-discharge on a secondary battery to the secondary battery, It is connected to a charge-discharge path that connects the charge-discharge power supply and the secondary battery, and is provided with current detection means for detecting the current applied from the charge-discharge power supply to the secondary battery. In a state where charge-discharge inspection of the secondary battery can be performed, it is characterized in that the current applied from the charge-discharge power supply to the secondary battery can be calibrated.

[0023] Here, being calibratable in a state where charge-discharge inspection of the secondary battery can be performed means that calibration can be performed without changing the arrangement during charge-discharge inspection of the charge-discharge power supply and the secondary battery. Also, calibration means at least confirming whether the function of the charge-discharge power supply is normal. Specifically, it means measuring the current value applied from the charge-discharge power supply to the secondary battery, and further the voltage value (hereinafter, also referred to as the actually measured value). Thus, after calibration, for example, it is preferable to perform the following modes. 1) Detect the error between the instructed current value (command value) to be applied and the actual current value (actually measured value) applied from the charge-discharge power supply to the secondary battery 2) Detect the error between the actual current value (actually measured value) applied from the charge-discharge power supply to the secondary battery and the current value detected by the charge-discharge power supply (power supply monitor value) Here, error detection may be performed by method 1) alone, by method 2) alone, or by both methods 1) and 2). The same applies to the voltage value. If the detected error is not within the pre-set specified range, the charging / discharging power supply can be calibrated using this calibration device or another device with the detected error. The specified range for this error should, for example, be approximately half the power supply output accuracy. Specifically, if the output accuracy of the charging / discharging power supply is 1% of full scale, it is desirable to set the specified range for the error to within approximately 0.5%.

[0024] [Charge / Discharge Testing Device] The charge-discharge inspection apparatus to which the calibration device of the present invention is applied is not particularly limited as long as it is equipped with a charge-discharge power supply that charges and discharges a secondary battery, and can be equipped with various devices for performing charge-discharge inspections of a secondary battery, for example, an embodiment that is equipped with a control means provided above the charge-discharge power supply.

[0025] As a control means, for example, an information processing device such as a personal computer connected to the charging / discharging power supply via a power communication bus or the like for managing various types of data can be cited. Preferably, this information processing device has controller functions such as mediating data transmitted and received between the charging / discharging power supply and the device, processing various types of data (such as error detection), abnormality detection, and current calibration processing such as calculating current correction values ​​(the same applies to voltage). It is also possible to configure the controller with controller functions and the personal computer separately, with the personal computer only performing the management of various types of data.

[0026] This control means may be provided in the calibration device for the charge / discharge testing device of the present invention, rather than in the charge / discharge testing device itself. In this case, the calibration of the charge / discharge power supply will be performed in the calibration device for the charge / discharge testing device of the present invention. Furthermore, an information processing device equipped with the above-described controller function can be provided in the calibration device of the charge / discharge inspection device of the present invention, and this information processing device and the information processing device provided in the charge / discharge inspection device can mutually transmit and receive various types of data via wired or wireless means.

[0027] Furthermore, the configuration of the charge / discharge testing device can include, for example, a battery storage chamber for storing secondary batteries, in which secondary batteries are stored and charge / discharge tests of secondary batteries are performed. One or more battery storage chambers can be provided, and there are no particular limitations on how secondary batteries are stored in the battery storage chamber, but from the viewpoint of work efficiency, it is preferable to use, for example, a tray containing multiple secondary batteries. The charge / discharge power supply provided by the charge / discharge testing device may be one per battery compartment, or it may be two or more.

[0028] (Charge / discharge power supply) The charge / discharge power supply is a bidirectional DC-DC converter, and specifically, it can be configured to include, for example, a converter section, a detector, a PWM output control circuit, a CPU, and the like. The control method for the charge / discharge power supply can be digital control or PI control, with digital control being preferred. The modulation method can be pulse width modulation (PWM), frequency modulation (PFM), phase modulation (PM), and the like.

[0029] Here, the converter section includes, for example, a switching element and a smoothing circuit (inductor and / or capacitor) composed of semiconductor elements. The detector includes an ammeter for detecting current and a voltmeter for detecting voltage. For example, a shunt resistor or current sensor can be used as the ammeter, and for example, an operational amplifier such as an operational amplifier or gain amplifier can be used as the voltmeter. A PWM output control circuit is a circuit that uses feedback control to keep the current and / or voltage values ​​detected by a detector constant. The CPU is a microcontroller (MCU) that operates the charging and discharging power supply and has functions such as measuring and controlling current and voltage, and communicating with the control means described above.

[0030] Examples of charge / discharge testing using this charge / discharge power supply include a method of performing CC (Constant Current) charge / discharge, which evaluates cycle characteristics by repeatedly charging and discharging at a constant current value, and a method of performing CV (Constant Voltage) charge / discharge, which initially performs charge / discharge with a constant current CC, and then performs charge / discharge at a constant voltage once the secondary battery voltage reaches a specified value (cutoff voltage). Thus, when the charge / discharge power supply receives and controls the command value in analog, it is necessary to calibrate the current in a constant current state. However, when the command value receives and controls the power supply digitally, there is no command error, so the current can be calibrated by measuring the error between the detected value of the charge / discharge power supply and the measured value of the control means. Furthermore, when calibrating the voltage, when the charge / discharge power supply receives and controls the command value in analog, it is necessary to calibrate the voltage in a constant voltage state. However, when the command value receives and controls the power supply digitally, there is no command error, so the voltage can be calibrated by measuring the error between the detected value of the charge / discharge power supply and the measured value of the control means.

[0031] (Secondary battery) The secondary batteries used for charge / discharge testing are not particularly limited as long as they have a charge / discharge configuration, and examples include lithium-ion batteries and nickel-metal hydride batteries. Furthermore, their size is not particularly limited, and examples include small batteries such as SMD (surface-mount) type all-solid-state batteries, and their shapes can include rectangular parallelepipeds, thin plates, discs, cubes, cylinders, etc.

[0032] The calibration device for the charge / discharge testing apparatus of the present invention is a novel invention that uses a secondary battery used for charge / discharge testing as a load for calibration. This makes it possible to calibrate the current applied to the secondary battery from the charge / discharge power supply while the secondary battery is in a state where charge / discharge testing can be performed. Thus, the current applied to the secondary battery from the charge / discharge power supply of the charge / discharge testing apparatus can be calibrated without interfering with the charge / discharge testing operation of the charge / discharge testing apparatus.

[0033] The following describes the various components of the calibration apparatus for the charge / discharge testing apparatus of the present invention.

[0034] [Current detection means] The current detection means is connected to the charge / discharge path that connects the charge / discharge power supply and the secondary battery, and is a means for detecting the current applied from the charge / discharge power supply to the secondary battery. If there are multiple charge / discharge paths and multiple charge / discharge power supplies, it is preferable to make one current detection means capable of connecting to multiple charge / discharge paths. This is because, due to the need for traceability (a portmanteau of trace and ability), the current detection means also needs to be calibrated periodically, and if there are multiple current detection means, multiple levels of management are required. Examples of charge and discharge paths include wiring, printed circuit boards, and various circuits.

[0035] Examples of current detection means include a configuration comprising a current detector and a measuring instrument connected to the current detector. Here, the current detector is, for example, a device connected in parallel to the charge / discharge path, and examples of current detectors include non-contact current sensors and shunt resistors. Furthermore, the measuring instrument is connected to a current detector and has a current measurement function to measure the value of the current detector (current value), as well as a communication function to communicate with the control means described above. An example of such a measuring instrument is a digital multimeter (DMM).

[0036] The current detection means is arranged in parallel with the charge / discharge path to form a current detection path, and it is preferable that a switching means is provided to switch the current flow in this current detection path and the charge / discharge path. Examples of switching means include semiconductor relays and mechanical relays, and from the viewpoint of durability, it is preferable to use semiconductor relays. The mounting position of this switching means is not particularly limited as long as it can switch the flow of current between the current detection path and the charge / discharge path. For example, it is preferable to provide two (a total) in the current detection path located on both sides of the current detection means, and one in the charge / discharge path.

[0037] The connection of the current detection path (calibration device) equipped with this current detection means to the charge / discharge path can be performed, for example, when the current detection path (calibration device) is irremovably attached to the charge / discharge path, or when it is removable from the charge / discharge path (see Figures 1 and 2). Examples of the current detection path include wiring, printed circuit boards, and various circuits. Examples of removable components include contact probes, terminal blocks, and connectors, and a structure that allows for easy attachment and detachment is desirable.

[0038] (Preferred embodiment) The calibration device of the present invention preferably further comprises, along with a current detection means, a voltage detection means for detecting the voltage applied to the secondary battery from a charge / discharge power supply. The voltage detection means is connected to the charge / discharge path connecting the charge / discharge power supply and the secondary battery, and is a means for detecting the voltage applied from the charge / discharge power supply to the secondary battery. It allows for calibration of the voltage applied from the charge / discharge power supply to the secondary battery while the secondary battery is in a state where charge / discharge testing can be performed. If there are multiple charge / discharge paths and multiple charge / discharge power supplies, it is preferable to be able to connect one voltage detection means to multiple charge / discharge paths. This is because, due to the need for traceability, the voltage detection means also needs to be calibrated periodically, and if there are multiple voltage detection means, multiple management systems are required. Examples of charge and discharge paths include wiring, printed circuit boards, and various circuits.

[0039] Examples of voltage detection means include a measuring instrument having a voltage measurement function for measuring the voltage applied to the secondary battery from a charging / discharging power supply, and a communication function for communicating with the control means described above. An example of such a measuring instrument is a digital multimeter (DMM).

[0040] When a voltage detection means is arranged in parallel with the charge / discharge path, it is preferable that a connection means is provided to enable the voltage detection path, on which the voltage detection means is located, to be connected to the charge / discharge path. Examples of connection methods include semiconductor relays and mechanical relays, and from the viewpoint of durability, it is preferable to use semiconductor relays. The mounting position of this connection means is not particularly limited as long as it can detect the voltage applied to the secondary battery from the charge / discharge power supply. For example, it is preferable to provide two (a total) on each side of the voltage detection path located on both sides of the voltage detection means.

[0041] The connection of the voltage detection path (calibration device) equipped with this voltage detection means to the charge / discharge path can be performed, for example, when the voltage detection path (calibration device) is irremovably attached to the charge / discharge path, or when it is removable from the charge / discharge path (see Figures 3 and 4). Examples of the voltage detection path include wiring, printed circuit boards, and various circuits. Examples of removable components include contact probes, terminal blocks, and connectors, and a structure that allows for easy attachment and detachment is desirable.

[0042] Typically, the charge / discharge path connecting the power supply and the secondary battery, specifically the wiring through which current flows and the voltage sensing wire for detecting voltage, are separate. Therefore, it is desirable to connect a current detection means and a voltage detection means to each wire, but this is not particularly limited.

[0043] Although the current detection means and voltage detection means described above are configured separately, they can also be combined into a single configuration. Specifically, for example, by configuring a digital multimeter with two channels, current and voltage can be measured simultaneously with a single digital meter.

[0044] Furthermore, it is preferable that the current detection means and voltage detection means described above be connected to the control means described above. Specifically, for example, a configuration in which a digital multimeter, which is the current detection means and voltage detection means, is connected to the controller can be mentioned. Note that the current detection means and voltage detection means may also be connected to a control means different from the control means connected to the charge / discharge power supply described above, and in this case, it is preferable to communicate data, etc., between these two control means.

[0045] The calibration method for the charge / discharge testing apparatus of the present invention is a calibration method for calibrating the current applied from the charge / discharge power supply of the charge / discharge testing apparatus to a secondary battery, using the calibration apparatus for the charge / discharge testing apparatus of the present invention as described above, and is characterized in that the current applied from the charge / discharge power supply to the secondary battery is calibrated in a state in which the charge / discharge testing of the secondary battery can be performed, by means of a current detection means connected to the charge / discharge path connecting the charge / discharge power supply and the secondary battery, which detects the current applied from the charge / discharge power supply to the secondary battery.

[0046] Here, "calibrating while the secondary battery's charge / discharge test can be performed" means calibrating without changing the arrangement of the charge / discharge power supply and the secondary battery during the test. This can be done during the test, but it is not prohibited to do so before or after the test. Therefore, it is not necessarily required to calibrate using the same recipe as the charge / discharge test.

[0047] For example, during a charge / discharge test of a secondary battery, it is preferable to switch the current flow in the charge / discharge path to a current detection path arranged in parallel with the charge / discharge path and equipped with a current detection means, thereby detecting the current applied from the charge / discharge power supply to the secondary battery. This allows for switching while power is supplied (during the charge / discharge test), and enables calibration of the current applied from the charge / discharge power supply to the secondary battery in accordance with the test content of the charge / discharge test.

[0048] Furthermore, if the current detection means can be connected to multiple charge / discharge paths, it is preferable to sequentially switch the current flow in the multiple charge / discharge paths to the current detection path where the current detection means is provided, thereby detecting the current applied from the charge / discharge power supply to the secondary battery in each path. This simplifies the device configuration.

[0049] Furthermore, it is preferable to calibrate the voltage applied from the charge / discharge power supply to the secondary battery in a state where the charge / discharge test of the secondary battery can be performed, by using a voltage detection means connected to the charge / discharge path that detects the voltage applied from the charge / discharge power supply to the secondary battery. This allows for the detection and calibration of not only the current applied from the charge / discharge power supply to the secondary battery, but also the voltage.

[0050] In this case, it is preferable to detect the voltage applied to the secondary battery from the charge / discharge power supply during the charge / discharge test of the secondary battery. This makes it possible to detect the voltage applied to the secondary battery from the charge / discharge power supply while power is supplied (during the charge / discharge test), and to calibrate according to the test content of the charge / discharge test.

[0051] Furthermore, if the voltage detection means can be connected to multiple charge / discharge paths, it is preferable to connect the voltage detection means sequentially to the multiple charge / discharge paths and detect the voltage applied from the charge / discharge power supply to the secondary battery in each path. This simplifies the device configuration.

[0052] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the calibration apparatus for the charge / discharge inspection apparatus of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0053] The calibration device for a charge-discharge inspection device (hereinafter also simply referred to as the calibration device) according to one embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 1 and 2 is a calibration device that calibrates the current applied to the test batteries ch1 to ch3 from the power supplies ch1 to ch3 (charge-discharge power supplies) of a charge-discharge inspection device equipped with power supplies ch1 to ch3 (charge-discharge power supplies) that charge and discharge the test batteries ch1 to ch3 (secondary batteries). Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram of the calibration device for a charge-discharge inspection device, and Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram of the calibration device shown in Figure 1 applied to a charge-discharge inspection device, with the area enclosed by the dotted line in Figure 2 being the calibration device shown in Figure 1. Although the calibration device according to this embodiment is equipped with ch1 to ch3, the number is not limited.

[0054] As shown in Figure 2, the charge / discharge testing device is equipped with power supplies ch1 to ch3 and a personal computer (control means) with controller functions to which these power supplies ch1 to ch3 are connected. By placing the test batteries ch1 to ch3 in the charge / discharge testing device and connecting test battery ch1 to power supply ch1, test battery ch2 to power supply ch2, and test battery ch3 to power supply ch3, the device becomes ready to perform charge / discharge testing.

[0055] Specifically, in the charge / discharge test device, connector CN1 is attached to the current-carrying wiring L1+~L3+ (charge / discharge path) connected to each Iout+ (output side) of power supply ch1~ch3, and connector CN2 is attached to the current-carrying wiring L1+~L3+ (charge / discharge path) connected to each + (anode) of test battery ch1~ch3. On the other hand, each Iout- of power supply ch1~ch3 and each - (cathode) of test battery ch1~ch3 are directly connected by wiring L1-~L3-, respectively. Connector CN1 is a device having connection terminal I+ attached to the wiring L1+~L3+ connected to each Iout+ of power supply ch1~ch3, and connector CN2 is a device having connection terminal I+ attached to the wiring L1+~L3+ connected to each + of test battery ch1~ch3.

[0056] In this case, if a calibration device is not applied to the charge / discharge test device (i.e., current calibration is not required), the Iout+ terminals of power supply ch1~ch3 and the + terminals of test batteries ch1~ch3 are connected via connectors CN1 and CN2, either through a dummy board or directly without using a dummy board. That is, each I+ terminal of connector CN1 connected to power supply ch1~ch3 is connected to each I+ terminal of connector CN2 connected to test batteries ch1~ch3.

[0057] The calibration device applied to this charge / discharge testing device comprises a current detection means that includes a current detector and a digital multimeter (hereinafter also referred to as DMM) connected to the current detector. The DMM is detachably connected to a personal computer via a communication connector (communication CN), and the current detector is connected to connector CN1 via connector CN11 and to connector CN2 via connector CN12.

[0058] Specifically, the calibration device includes a connector CN11 having three connection terminals I+ connected to power supply ch1 to ch3, and a connector CN12 having three connection terminals I+ connected to test batteries ch1 to ch3. The connection terminals I+ of connector CN11 and connector CN12 are directly connected by wiring L11 to L13 for each of ch1 to ch3, serving as charge and discharge paths. That is, in ch1, connectors CN11 and CN12 are connected by wiring L11 with a switching relay RL11, in ch2, by wiring L12 with a switching relay RL12, and in ch3, by wiring L13 with a switching relay RL13.

[0059] Furthermore, current detection paths equipped with current detectors are arranged in parallel with the three wires L11 to L13 that serve as the charging and discharging paths.

[0060] In channel 1, a switching relay RL11 is attached to wiring L11, which serves as the charge / discharge path, and switching relays RL21 and RL31 are attached to both sides of the current detector on wiring L21, which is the current detection path to which the current detector is connected. Therefore, the flow of current between the charge / discharge path and the current detection circuit can be switched by controlling the on / off state of switching relays RL11, RL21, and RL31. In other words, these switching relays RL11, RL21, and RL31 constitute the switching means (the same applies to channels 2 and 3).

[0061] Furthermore, the DMM, current detector, and switching relay mentioned above can be made more compact by mounting them on a circuit board or the like to create a unit, thus saving space in the charge / discharge testing equipment where the calibration device is installed. Furthermore, by attaching connectors CN1 and CN2 to power supply channels 1-3 and test battery channels 1-3, it becomes possible to directly connect connectors CN1 and CN2 without using a calibration device. Therefore, when applying a calibration device to the charge / discharge test device (when current calibration is required), it is only necessary to attach connector CN11 to connector CN1 and connector CN12 to connector CN2, respectively. When directly connecting, contact resistance due to the switching relay can be eliminated.

[0062] Next, a calibration method using the calibration device for the charge / discharge inspection device of the present invention described above will be explained with reference to Figure 5. This section begins with the explanation of the battery being tested in the charge / discharge testing device. The following explanation uses power supply channel 1 and battery channel 1 as examples; the same applies to power supply channel 2 and battery channel 2, and power supply channel 3 and battery channel 3.

[0063] (Step 1) First, by turning on the switching relay RL11 and turning off the switching relays RL21 and RL31, the power supply channel 1 and the test battery channel 1 are connected. In other words, the charge / discharge test can be performed.

[0064] (Step 2) In this state, for example, to start calibration, first, a command to start calibration of power channel 1 is sent from the PC to the DMM, instructing the DMM to perform the measurement.

[0065] (Step 3) This instruction turns on switching relays RL21 and RL31, and all relays, including switching relays RL11, RL21, and RL31, turn on.

[0066] (Step 4) After a few seconds, only the switching relay RL11 is turned OFF. This switches the current flow from power supply channel 1 to test battery channel 1 from the charge / discharge path to the current detection path.

[0067] (Step 5) The DMM measures the current value detected by the current detector.

[0068] (Step 6) After the current measurement by the current detector is completed, the computer measures the error between the current value that power supply channel 1 is supposed to apply (command value) and the detected value measured by the DMM. If this error is outside the specified range (outside the acceptable range), a correction value is calculated and saved. This saved correction value is then used to calibrate power supply channel 1. On the other hand, if the error between the current value (command value) that power supply channel 1 actually applies and the detected value measured by the DMM is within a specified range (acceptable range), the process of calculating and saving the correction value can be omitted (calibration is not performed).

[0069] (Step 7) The computer instructs the DMM to stop current measurement.

[0070] (Step 8) This instruction turns on the switching relay RL11, and all relays, including switching relays RL11, RL21, and RL31, turn on.

[0071] (Step 9) After a few seconds, switch relays RL21 and RL31 are turned OFF. This switches the current flow from power supply channel 1 to test battery channel 1 from the current detection path to the charge / discharge path.

[0072] The above procedure is performed sequentially for power supply channel 2 and test battery channel 2, and for power supply channel 3 and test battery channel 3. Furthermore, when calibrating the current, for example, switching from power supply channel 1 to power supply channel 2, and from power supply channel 2 to power supply channel 3, may be done during pauses in the charge / discharge test. However, even during the charge / discharge test, the wiring impedance is low and hardly changes, so no particular problems will arise.

[0073] As described in steps 3 and 8 above, by turning on all relays, including switching relay RL11, switching relay RL21, and switching relay RL31, the power supply ch1 and the test battery ch1 can be electrically disconnected, allowing for continuous charging, discharging, and calibration operations.

[0074] Calibration can be performed using the same recipe (procedure) as the charge-discharge test, without actually performing a charge-discharge test on the test battery after it has been made charge-dischargeable. However, calibration can also be performed while the battery is undergoing charge-discharge testing. Specifically, calibration can be performed after the charge-discharge test, or vice versa, each time the current value applied to the test battery is changed.

[0075] Next, we will describe a calibration device (hereinafter also simply referred to as the calibration device) for a charge / discharge inspection device according to a modified example of the present invention shown in Figures 3 and 4. This calibration device, in addition to the configuration of the calibration device shown in Figures 1 and 2 described above, is a device that calibrates the voltage applied to the secondary battery from the charge / discharge power supply, so we will explain this configuration in detail.

[0076] The calibration device for the charge / discharge testing device is a calibration device that calibrates the voltage applied to the test batteries ch1 to ch3 (secondary batteries) from the power supply ch1 to ch3 of the charge / discharge testing device, which is equipped with power supply ch1 to ch3 (charge / discharge power supply) that charges and discharges the test batteries ch1 to ch3 (secondary batteries). Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram of the calibration device for the charge / discharge testing device according to a modified example, and Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram in which the calibration device shown in Figure 3 is applied to the charge / discharge testing device, with the area enclosed by the dotted line in Figure 4 being the calibration device shown in Figure 3.

[0077] As shown in Figure 4, in the charge / discharge test device, voltage sensing lines LS1+ to LS3+ (charge / discharge paths) connected to the Vsens+ of each power supply ch1 to ch3 are attached to current-carrying wiring L1+ to L3+ that connects the anodes (+) of each test battery ch1 to ch3 to the connector CN2, respectively. In addition, voltage sensing lines LS1- to LS3- (charge / discharge paths) connected to the Vsens- of each power supply ch1 to ch3 are attached to current-carrying wiring L1- to L3- that directly connect the cathodes (-) of each test battery ch1 to ch3.

[0078] The voltage sensing lines LS1+~LS3+ and LS1-~LS3- of each of the channels 1~3 are connected to the wirings L31+~L33+ and L31-~L33-, respectively, and connector CN3 is attached to the wirings L31+~L33+ and L31-~L33-. Connector CN3 is a device that has a connection terminal V+ attached to the wirings L31+~L33+ and a connection terminal V- attached to the wirings L31-~L33-.

[0079] The calibration device applied to this charge / discharge testing device includes, as described above, a current detection means comprising a current detector and a digital multimeter (hereinafter also referred to as DMM) connected to the current detector, and the DMM also functions as a voltage detection means, and the DMM is detachably connected to a personal computer via a communication connector (communication CN), and is connected to connector CN3 via connector CN13.

[0080] Specifically, the calibration device is equipped with a connector CN13 having connection terminals V+ and V- connected to power supply ch1 to ch3, respectively. The connection terminal V+ of this connector CN13 and the V+ of the DMM are directly connected by wiring L131+ to L133+ for ch1 to ch3, and the connection terminal V- of this connector CN13 and the V- of the DMM are directly connected by wiring L131- to L133- for ch1 to ch3. Since these wirings L131+~L133+ and L131-~L133- serve as voltage detection paths, the DMM is placed in parallel with the charging and discharging paths, L1+~L3+ and L1-~L3-.

[0081] In this case, in channel 1, a connecting relay RL41 is attached to wiring L131+ and a connecting relay RL51 is attached to wiring L131-. Therefore, the voltage value applied from power supply channel 1 to test battery channel 1 can be detected by controlling the on / off state of connecting relays RL41 and RL51 (the same applies to channels 2 and 3).

[0082] Furthermore, the DMM and connecting relays mentioned above can be made more compact by mounting them on a circuit board or the like to create a unit, thus saving space in the charge / discharge testing equipment where the calibration device is installed. Furthermore, by attaching connector CN3 to the voltage sensing line side and connector CN13 to the DMM side, the DMM can be attached to and detached from the voltage sensing line. Therefore, when applying a calibration device to the charge / discharge testing device (when voltage calibration is required), it is sufficient to attach connector CN13 on the DMM side to connector CN3 on the voltage sensing line side. If a calibration device is not applied to the charge / discharge testing device (when voltage calibration is not required), the connector CN3 on the voltage sensing line side can be left open.

[0083] Next, a calibration method using the calibration device for the charge / discharge inspection device according to the modified version of the present invention described above will be explained with reference to Figure 6. This calibration method is a method that uses a voltage detection means in addition to the current detection means shown in Figure 5 described above, so this calibration method will be explained in detail.

[0084] This section explains the process starting from the state in which the test battery is placed in the charge / discharge testing device. The following explanation will use power supply channel 1 and test battery channel 1 as examples, but the same applies to power supply channel 2 and test battery channel 2, and power supply channel 3 and test battery channel 3.

[0085] (Step 1) First, by turning OFF the connection relays RL41 and RL51, the DMM is disconnected from the charge / discharge path. In other words, the charge / discharge test can be performed, but the voltage value cannot be detected.

[0086] (Step 2) In this state, for example, to start calibration, you first send a calibration start command for power channel 1 from the PC to the DMM, instructing the DMM to perform the measurement.

[0087] (Step 3) This instruction turns on connecting relays RL41 and RL51, making it possible to detect the voltage value.

[0088] (Step 4) The voltage value detected by the DMM is measured.

[0089] (Step 5) After the DMM finishes measuring the voltage value, the PC measures the error between the voltage value that power supply channel 1 is supposed to apply (command value) and the detected value measured by the DMM. If this error is outside the specified range (outside the acceptable range), a correction value is calculated and saved (stored). This saved correction value is then used to calibrate power supply channel 1. On the other hand, if the error between the voltage value (command value) that power supply channel 1 actually applies and the detected value measured by the DMM is within a specified range (acceptable range), the process of calculating and saving the correction value can be omitted (calibration is not performed).

[0090] (Step 6) The computer instructs the DMM to stop voltage measurement.

[0091] (Step 7) After a few seconds, connect relays RL41 and RL51 are turned OFF. This disconnects the DMM from the charge / discharge path.

[0092] The above procedure is performed sequentially for power supply channel 2 and test battery channel 2, and for power supply channel 3 and test battery channel 3.

[0093] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to one embodiment, the present invention is not limited in any way to the configuration described in the above embodiment, and includes other embodiments and modifications that can be considered within the scope of the matters described in the claims. For example, the scope of the present invention also includes cases in which a calibration device and calibration method for a charge / discharge inspection device of the present invention are constructed by combining some or all of the above embodiments and modifications. For example, when applying a calibration device to a charge / discharge testing device, it is preferable to configure the calibration device by including the charge / discharge path as part of the components of the calibration device. However, it is also possible to use an existing charge / discharge path that is pre-installed in the charge / discharge testing device. Specifically, a current detection means and a voltage detection means can be connected to the charge / discharge path, and a switching means can be provided in the existing charge / discharge path. [Industrial applicability]

[0094] The calibration apparatus and calibration method for the charge / discharge testing apparatus of the present invention are industrially useful because they do not interfere with the charge / discharge testing operation performed by the charge / discharge testing apparatus and allow for the calibration of the current applied to the secondary battery from the charge / discharge power supply of the charge / discharge testing apparatus.

Claims

1. A calibration device for calibrating the current applied to a secondary battery from a charge / discharge power supply, which is a charge / discharge testing device equipped with a charge / discharge power supply for charging and discharging a secondary battery, The charging / discharging path connecting the charging / discharging power supply and the secondary battery is connected to a current detection means for detecting the current applied from the charging / discharging power supply to the secondary battery, In a state where the charging and discharging tests of the secondary battery can be performed, when it is possible to calibrate the current applied to the secondary battery from the charging and discharging power supply, The current detection means is arranged in parallel with the charge / discharge path, and a switching means is provided to switch the current flow in the current detection path and the charge / discharge path, and it is possible to connect to multiple charge / discharge paths. Furthermore, it includes a voltage detection means connected to the charge / discharge path for detecting the voltage applied to the secondary battery from the charge / discharge power supply, In a state where the secondary battery can be subjected to charge and discharge testing, the voltage applied to the secondary battery from the charge / discharge power supply can be calibrated. The voltage detection means is arranged in parallel with the charge / discharge path, and a connection means is provided that allows the voltage detection path on which the voltage detection means is provided to be connected to the charge / discharge path, thereby enabling connection to multiple charge / discharge paths. A calibration device for a charge / discharge testing device, characterized by the following features.

2. The calibration device for a charge-discharge inspection device according to Claim 1, wherein the charge-discharge path comprises a wiring through which current flows and a voltage sensing line for detecting a voltage connected to the wiring, the current detection means is connected to the wiring through which current flows, and the voltage detection means is connected to the voltage sensing line.

3. A calibration method for calibrating the current applied to a secondary battery from a charge / discharge power supply of a charge / discharge testing apparatus equipped with a charge / discharge power supply for charging and discharging a secondary battery, When calibrating the current applied from the charge / discharge power supply to the secondary battery in a state where the charge / discharge test of the secondary battery can be performed, a current detection means connected to the charge / discharge path connecting the charge / discharge power supply and the secondary battery is used to detect the current applied from the charge / discharge power supply to the secondary battery. The current detection means can be connected to multiple charge / discharge paths, During the charging and discharging test of the secondary battery, the current flow in the plurality of charging and discharging paths is sequentially switched to the current detection path, which is arranged in parallel with the charging and discharging paths and is equipped with the current detection means, in order to detect the current applied from the charging and discharging power supply to the secondary battery. Furthermore, when calibrating the voltage applied from the charge / discharge power supply to the secondary battery in a state where the charge / discharge test of the secondary battery can be performed, a voltage detection means connected to the charge / discharge path and used to detect the voltage applied from the charge / discharge power supply to the secondary battery is used. The voltage detection means can be connected to multiple charge / discharge paths, During the charging and discharging test of the secondary battery, the voltage detection means is sequentially connected to the plurality of charging and discharging paths to detect the voltage applied to the secondary battery from the charging and discharging power supply. A calibration method for a charge / discharge testing device, characterized by the following features.

4. The calibration method for a charge-discharge inspection apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the charge-discharge path comprises a wiring through which current flows and a voltage sensing line for detecting a voltage connected to the wiring, the current detection means is connected to the wiring through which current flows, and the voltage detection means is connected to the voltage sensing line.

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