Method for analyzing holders and batteries

Abstract

A holder (Hd1) is provided with: a placement member (43) in which a battery (Bt1) is placed; and a storage member (42) in which a storage chamber (R) is formed. The storage member (42) is provided with an X-ray transmitting window member (41). The holder (Hd1) further comprises a biasing mechanism (44). When the placement member (42) is stored in the storage chamber (R), a portion of the battery (Bt1) faces the window member (41). In the storage member (42) and / or the placement member (42), unevenly distributed spaces (431) which are unevenly distributed in regions different from a region facing the window member (41) and which retain an electrolyte are formed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a holder and a method for analyzing a battery, and more particularly to a battery holder for use in performing X-ray spectroscopic analysis of battery materials.

Background Art

[0002] X-ray spectroscopic analysis of battery materials is effective for examining state changes due to charge and discharge of battery materials and state changes due to deterioration. Battery materials generally have a property of easily reacting with the atmosphere. For this reason, laminated batteries in which battery materials are covered with a laminated film such as resin are in circulation.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Patent Document 1 (International Publication No. 2019 / 163023) discloses an X-ray spectroscopic analyzer that disassembles a laminated battery, sets a battery material to be analyzed in a sample holder, and performs analysis.

[0005] However, in the case of such a method of disassembling and analyzing a laminated battery, even if the state of the battery material at a certain point during charge and discharge can be analyzed, there is a problem that it is difficult to analyze the continuous change of the battery material during charge and discharge. However, when irradiating X-rays on a battery material covered with an exterior body such as a laminated film, the X-ray intensity may vary significantly due to the influence of the electrolytic solution injected into the exterior body.

[0006] This disclosure was made to solve the aforementioned problems, and its purpose is to enable X-ray spectroscopic analysis of battery materials covered by an outer casing while reducing the influence of the electrolyte inside the outer casing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention is a holder for holding a battery to be subjected to X-ray analysis, wherein the battery includes an X-ray-transmitting outer casing, electrodes and an electrolyte sealed within the outer casing, the holder comprises a placement member in which the battery is placed, and a storage member having a storage chamber for housing the placement member, the storage member being provided with an X-ray-transmitting window member, the holder further comprising a biasing mechanism for biasing the battery placed in the placement member toward the window member, the storage member being configured such that when the placement member is housed in the storage chamber, a portion of the battery placed in the placement member faces the window member, and the storage member and / or placement member are formed with a segregation space for retaining the electrolyte which is segregated in a region of the outer casing that is different from the region facing the window member.

[0008] A second aspect of the invention is a method for analyzing a battery, comprising the steps of: irradiating a battery held in a holder with an excitation beam; spectrally analyzing characteristic X-rays generated from the battery to detect the intensity for each wavelength; and processing a signal indicating the intensity for each wavelength of the characteristic X-rays, wherein the battery includes an X-ray-transmitting casing, electrodes and an electrolyte sealed within the casing, the holder comprises a placement member in which the battery is placed, and a storage member having a storage chamber for housing the placement member, the storage member being provided with an X-ray-transmitting window member, the holder further comprising a biasing mechanism for biasing the battery placed in the placement member toward the window member, the storage member being configured such that when the placement member is housed in the storage chamber, a portion of the battery placed in the placement member faces the window member, and the storage member and / or placement member having a segregated space in which the electrolyte, which is segregated in a region of the casing different from the region facing the window member, is retained. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, electrolyte that is unevenly distributed in areas within the outer casing that are different from the area facing the window member is retained in the unevenly distributed space. As a result, the thickness of the electrolyte between the window member and the battery is reduced. Consequently, it becomes possible to perform X-ray spectroscopic analysis of the battery material covered by the outer casing while reducing the influence of the electrolyte within the outer casing. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the analytical apparatus related to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This diagram schematically shows the internal configuration of the main unit of the device. [Figure 3] This diagram schematically shows the internal configuration of the main unit of the device. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the battery used in Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the holder according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] This is a conceptual diagram illustrating how some of the electrolyte and gas inside the battery move into the recessed area when the battery is biased against the window plate by the biasing mechanism. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart explaining the process related to X-ray spectroscopy. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the holder according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 9] This is a plan view showing the configuration of the battery used in Embodiment 2. [Figure 10] This figure shows how the excess portion of the outer casing expands in the holder according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the holder according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 12] This diagram shows how the arrangement member containing the folded batteries is stored in the storage member. [Figure 13] This figure shows the chamfered portion and recess provided on the arrangement member. [Figure 14] This is a diagram of a modified example 1. [Figure 15] It is a diagram showing a spacer related to Modification 2. [Figure 16] It is a diagram showing how the spacer is arranged between the window plate and the battery. [Figure 17] It is a flowchart showing a method for analyzing a battery when the spacer related to Modification 2 is applied to Embodiment 3.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the figures, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will not be repeated.

[0012] Embodiment 1. [Configuration of the Analyzer] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an analyzer 100 according to Embodiment 1. The analyzer 100 is an X-ray spectroscopic analyzer equipped with a wavelength-dispersive spectroscope. Hereinafter, as an example of the X-ray spectroscopic analyzer, a wavelength-dispersive fluorescent X-ray analyzer will be described. The "wavelength-dispersive" X-ray spectroscopic analyzer spectroscopically analyzes characteristic X-rays (fluorescent X-rays) with a spectroscopic element, measures the intensity of characteristic X-rays for each target wavelength, and detects a characteristic X-ray spectrum.

[0013] Referring to FIG. 1, the analyzer 100 has a device body 10 and a signal processing device 20. The device body 10 is configured to irradiate a sample with excitation X-rays and detect characteristic X-rays generated from the sample. In the analyzer 100 according to the present embodiment, a sample held in a holder Hd1 (see FIG. 2) is analyzed. A detection signal corresponding to the characteristic X-rays detected by the device body 10 is transmitted to the signal processing device 20.

[0014] The signal processing device 20 includes a controller 22, a display 24, and an operation unit 26. The signal processing device 20 controls the operation of the device body 10. Further, the signal processing device 20 processes the detection signal transmitted from the device body 10 and displays the processing result on the display 24.

[0015] A display 24 and an operation unit 26 are connected to the controller 22. The display 24 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel capable of displaying images. The operation unit 26 receives user input for the analysis device 100. The operation unit 26 is typically composed of a touch panel, keyboard, mouse, etc.

[0016] The controller 22 has, as its main components, a processor 30, memory 32, a communication interface (I / F) 34, and an input / output interface (I / F) 36. Each of these components is connected to each other via a bus so that they can communicate with one another.

[0017] The processor 30 is typically an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The processor 30 controls the operation of the analyzer 100 by reading and executing a program stored in the memory 32. Specifically, the processor 30 detects characteristic X-rays generated from the sample and analyzes the detected characteristic X-ray data by executing the program. Although the example in Figure 1 illustrates a configuration with a single processor, the controller 22 may have a configuration with multiple processors.

[0018] Memory 32 is implemented using non-volatile memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), and flash memory. Memory 32 stores programs executed by the processor 30, or data used by the processor 30.

[0019] The input / output interface 36 is an interface for enabling communication between the processor 30 and the display 24, and between the processor 30 and the operation unit 26.

[0020] The communication interface 34 is a communication interface for enabling communication between the main unit 10 and the controller 22. The communication interface 34 is composed of an adapter or connector. The communication method may be a wireless communication method such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or a wired communication method such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus).

[0021] [Principle of wavelength-dispersive X-ray analysis] Figures 2 and 3 schematically show the internal configuration of the main body 10 of the apparatus. The main body 10 includes a holder Hd1 for holding a battery Bt1, an excitation source 120, a slit 130, a spectroscopic crystal 140, and a detector 150. In Figure 2, the surface of the holder Hd1 that holds the battery Bt1 is defined as the XY plane, and the direction of irradiation of excitation X-rays from the excitation source 120 is defined as the Z axis direction. In this specification, "up" refers to the positive Z axis direction, and "down" refers to the negative Z axis direction. The spectroscopic crystal 140 and the detector 150 constitute the "spectrometer" in this disclosure.

[0022] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the holder Hd1. The holder Hd1 has a cylindrical shape, and a storage chamber R is formed inside it in which the battery Bt1 is housed. A window W is formed on the upper surface of the holder Hd1. A window plate 41 is placed in the window W. The window plate 41 is an example of a window member.

[0023] The detector 150 includes a plurality of detection elements 151. The excitation source 120 is an X-ray source that irradiates the battery Bt1 with excitation light (excitation X-rays). Instead of an X-ray source, an electron source may be used as the excitation source 120. The excitation light emitted from the excitation source 120 irradiates the battery Bt1. In the example in Figure 2, the excitation light is irradiated perpendicularly to the surface of the battery Bt1, but the excitation light may be irradiated at an angle tilted to the surface of the battery Bt1.

[0024] In the spectroscopic crystal 140, a specific crystal plane is parallel to the crystal surface. Only this specific crystal plane can be used for detecting characteristic X-rays. This prevents the false detection of characteristic X-rays reflected by Bragg from other crystal planes.

[0025] As shown in Figure 2, when excitation X-rays are irradiated onto the battery Bt1 from the excitation source 120, characteristic X-rays are emitted from the battery Bt1. The emitted characteristic X-rays have different wavelengths depending on the material constituting the battery Bt1. In Figure 2, the excitation X-rays emitted from the excitation source 120 irradiate the region from position A1 to position A2. The characteristic X-rays emitted from the region from position A1 to position A2 pass through the slit 130 and reach the spectroscopic crystal 140. In Figure 2, characteristic X-rays generated at positions A1 and A2 are shown by dashed lines for illustrative purposes.

[0026] Characteristic X-rays emitted from battery Bt1 pass through slit 130 and irradiate the spectroscopic crystal 140. Depending on the location where the characteristic X-rays are generated in battery Bt1, the incident angle of the characteristic X-rays on the spectroscopic crystal 140 differs.

[0027] Of the characteristic X-rays incident from battery Bt1 onto the spectroscopic crystal 140, only those with wavelengths that satisfy the Bragg reflection conditions are diffracted by the spectroscopic crystal 140 and reach the detector 150.

[0028] The characteristic X-rays diffracted by the spectroscopic crystal 140 are emitted at the same angle as the incident angle. Therefore, the Bragg-reflected characteristic X-rays are detected by the detection element 151 positioned at a location corresponding to the emission angle among the multiple detection elements 151. In this way, characteristic X-rays with wavelengths satisfying the Bragg condition at different diffraction angles are detected by each of the multiple detection elements. In other words, by knowing which detection element detected the characteristic X-rays, the wavelengths contained in the characteristic X-rays can be identified. On the other hand, the wavelength of characteristic X-rays differs for each substance. Therefore, by identifying which detection element detected the characteristic X-rays in the detector 150, the substance contained in the battery Bt1 to be analyzed can be identified.

[0029] In this way, the spectrometer of the main unit 10 spectrally analyzes the characteristic X-rays generated by the battery Bt1 irradiated with excitation X-rays and detects the intensity for each wavelength. The main unit 10 transmits the intensity for each detection element (the intensity for each of the multiple detection elements) to the signal processing unit 20. As a result, the signal processing unit 20 can acquire multiple wavelengths and the intensity of the characteristic X-rays corresponding to each of the multiple wavelengths.

[0030] As described above, in the analytical apparatus 100, the spectrometer of the main body 10 spectrally analyzes the characteristic X-rays generated by the battery Bt1 irradiated with excitation X-rays and detects the intensity for each wavelength. The signal processing device 20 processes the signal output from the main body 10. Therefore, the analytical apparatus 100 can perform X-ray spectroscopic analysis of the state of the battery Bt1.

[0031] [Battery configuration] Next, the configuration of battery Bt1 will be described. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of battery Bt1 used in Embodiment 1. Battery Bt1 is a laminate-type lithium-ion secondary battery. Battery Bt1 includes a positive electrode 51, a negative electrode 52, a separator 53, an electrolyte 70, an outer casing 60, a positive electrode tab lead Te1, and a negative electrode tab lead Te2. Hereinafter, the positive electrode 51, the negative electrode 52, and the separator 53 will be collectively referred to as the "battery body 50".

[0032] The positive electrode 51 includes a positive electrode material (not shown) and a positive electrode current collector. The positive electrode material is, for example, a single or composite metal oxide of cobalt, nickel, or manganese, or an iron phosphate-based material such as LiFePO4. The positive electrode current collector is, for example, aluminum.

[0033] The negative electrode 52 includes a negative electrode material (not shown). The negative electrode material is, for example, a carbon-based material or an alloy-based material. The negative electrode 52 may also include a negative electrode current collector (not shown). The negative electrode current collector is, for example, copper. A separator 53 is provided between the positive electrode 51 and the negative electrode 52. The separator 53 is, for example, a microporous membrane made of polyolefin. The electrolyte 70 includes, for example, a lithium salt and an organic solvent.

[0034] The outer casing 60 is made of, for example, a laminate film containing a resin film material. The outer casing 60 is flexible and is positioned to cover the battery body 50. The outer casing 60 protects the positive electrode 51 and the negative electrode 52 from the atmosphere by preventing the atmosphere from entering the battery Bt1. The outer casing 60 insulates the positive electrode 51 from the outside of the battery Bt1 and insulates the negative electrode 52 from the outside of the battery Bt1.

[0035] The outer casing 60 has the property of transmitting X-rays. The outer casing 60 has a significantly lower effect in attenuating excitation X-rays and characteristic X-rays than the separator 53 and the positive electrode current collector. Therefore, X-ray spectroscopy of the positive electrode 51 can be performed with the battery body 50 covered by the outer casing 60.

[0036] Each of the positive electrode tab lead Te1 and the negative electrode tab lead Te2 is a lead wire for drawing electricity from inside the battery Bt1. The positive electrode tab lead Te1 is connected to the positive electrode 51 at the top of the positive electrode 51 and protrudes from inside the casing 60 to the outside of the casing 60. The negative electrode tab lead Te2 is connected to the negative electrode 52 at the bottom of the negative electrode 52 and protrudes from inside the casing 60 to the outside of the casing 60.

[0037] [Internal structure of the holder] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the internal configuration of holder Hd1 according to Embodiment 1. Referring to Figure 6, holder Hd1 comprises a storage member 42, an arrangement member 43, and a biasing mechanism 44. The storage member 42 has a hollow cylindrical shape. The storage member 42, together with the arrangement member 43, has a storage chamber R in which the battery Bt1 is stored. The upper surface 43t of the arrangement member 43 constitutes the arrangement surface in which the battery Bt1 is placed.

[0038] The user places the battery Bt1 on the upper surface 43t of the placement member 43, and then places the placement member 43 into the storage member 42 so that the battery Bt1 faces the window W of the holder Hd1. A window plate 41 is fitted into the window W. Therefore, when the placement member 43 is stored in the storage chamber R of the storage member 42, the battery Bt1 placed on the placement member 43 faces the window plate 41. The biasing mechanism 44 includes a spring and is provided on the lower surface of the placement member 43. The biasing mechanism 44 biases the battery Bt1 placed on the placement member 43 toward the window plate 41.

[0039] Multiple recesses 431 are formed on the upper surface 43t of the placement member 43. Figure 5 shows an example in which two recesses 431 are formed on the upper surface 43t. When the placement member 43 is viewed from above in the Y-axis direction, the recesses 431 may be configured to penetrate the placement member 43. When the placement member 43 is viewed from above in the Y-axis direction, the recesses 431 may be configured not to penetrate at least one of the two surfaces of the placement member 43 that are parallel to the XZ plane.

[0040] [Function of recess 431] Figure 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating how a portion of the electrolyte 70 and gas 80 inside the battery Bt1 moves into the recess 431 when the battery Bt1 is biased against the window plate 41 by the biasing mechanism 44. As shown in Figure 6, when the battery Bt1 placed on the placement member 43 is biased against the window plate 41, the battery Bt1 is pressed against the upper surface 43t of the placement member 43. This causes the casing 60 to deform. A portion of the deformed casing 60, along with some of the electrolyte 70 and gas 80 inside the battery Bt1, fits into the recess 431.

[0041] Therefore, when the battery Bt1 is biased toward the window plate 41 by the biasing mechanism 44, some of the electrolyte 70 and gas 80 in the battery Bt1 move into the recess 431. In other words, when the battery Bt1 placed on the placement member 43 is biased toward the window plate 41 by the biasing mechanism 44, the electrolyte 70 is unevenly distributed and retained in a region of the outer casing 60 that is different from the region facing the window plate 41 (the region of the outer casing 60 located within the recess 431). Here, the recess 431 is an example of an uneven distribution space for unevenly distributing and retaining the electrolyte 70 in the outer casing 60. Also, the recess 431 is an example of a first recess.

[0042] In Figure 6, the thickness of the battery Bt1 before it is biased against the window plate 41 by the biasing mechanism 44 is shown as th1, and the thickness of the battery Bt1 after it is biased against the window plate 41 by the biasing mechanism 44 is shown as th2. Here, th2 is smaller in size than th. In other words, the biasing mechanism 44 causes the battery Bt1 to be biased against the window plate 41, which shortens the distance between the battery body 50 inside the battery Bt1 and the window plate 41.

[0043] As a result, the amount of electrolyte 70 and gas 80 present between the battery body 50 and the window plate 41 is reduced, preventing significant fluctuations in X-ray intensity due to their influence. Here, the battery body 50 includes battery materials such as a positive electrode 51 and a negative electrode 52. Therefore, according to Embodiment 1, it is possible to perform X-ray spectroscopic analysis of the battery material covered by the outer casing 60 while reducing the influence of the electrolyte 70 or gas 80 inside the outer casing 60.

[0044] Generally, battery samples have a structure covered with a laminate material such as a resin film or a metal material. The laminate material has a metal layer formed on it to prevent the intrusion of moisture and oxygen from the atmosphere. By covering the battery sample with a laminate material, it is possible to prevent the battery sample, which has a highly reactive electrolyte, from being exposed to the atmosphere.

[0045] However, when X-rays are irradiated onto such laminated battery samples, the X-ray intensity fluctuates depending on the residual gas and electrolyte thickness within the laminate. For this reason, the mainstream method of X-ray analysis has traditionally been "destructive analysis." In destructive analysis, the laminated battery sample is dismantled, and only the battery material necessary for X-ray analysis is extracted from the sample. A problem with this type of destructive analysis is that it is not possible to repeatedly evaluate the same battery sample while changing its charge state.

[0046] Therefore, in this disclosure, the window plate 41 of the holder Hd1 functions as a wall, and a segregation space is provided within the storage chamber R that houses the battery Bt1 to segregate and retain the electrolyte 70 in the outer casing 60, thereby reducing the amount of electrolyte 70 present between the window plate 41 and the battery body 50. According to this disclosure, the above-mentioned problems caused by destructive analysis can be solved. In addition, the analysis procedure can be simplified because it is not necessary to disassemble the battery sample each time an analysis is performed.

[0047] [Processing flow in analytical instruments] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the process related to X-ray spectroscopy. The user performs X-ray spectroscopy of battery Bt1 using the analyzer 100 based on the following process.

[0048] First, the user prepares battery Bt1 and performs charging and discharging of battery Bt1 (step S1). Specifically, the user installs battery Bt1 into holder Hd1. Next, the user connects the positive electrode tab lead Te1 and the negative electrode tab lead Te2 of battery Bt1 to the charging and discharging device and performs charging and discharging of battery Bt1.

[0049] Next, the processor 30 included in the signal processing device 20 determines whether or not the user has entered an instruction to start analysis using the operation unit 26 (step S2). If no instruction to start analysis has been entered, the processor 30 repeats step S2.

[0050] When an instruction to start the analysis is received, the processor 30 drives the excitation source 120 to irradiate the battery Bt1 held in the holder Hd1 with excitation X-rays (step S3). As a result, the positive electrode 51 and the negative electrode 52 are exposed to the excitation X-rays via the casing 60.

[0051] Next, the spectrometer spectrally analyzes the characteristic X-rays generated by the battery Bt1 and detects the intensity for each wavelength (step S4). The detected signals are transmitted to the signal processing device 20.

[0052] Next, the processor 30 processes a signal indicating the intensity of characteristic X-rays at each wavelength (step S5). Then, the processor 30 stores the processing result in the memory 32 and displays the processing result on the display 24 (step S6).

[0053] Embodiment 2. Next, Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 10. In Embodiment 2, holder Hd2 is used instead of holder Hd1. The configuration of the analytical apparatus used in Embodiment 2 is the same as in Embodiment 1, except for the configuration of the holder.

[0054] In the holder Hd2 of Embodiment 2, it is preferable to use battery Bt2 instead of battery Bt1. The battery body 50 of battery Bt2 is covered by a large-sized outer casing 60 with an excess portion provided in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the battery body 50. Embodiment 2 will be described in detail below.

[0055] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the internal configuration of holder Hd2 according to Embodiment 2. Figure 9 is a plan view showing the configuration of battery Bt2 used in Embodiment 2. Figure 10 is a diagram showing how the excess portion 60S of the outer casing 60 expands in holder Hd2 according to Embodiment 2.

[0056] In Embodiment 1, a recess 431 formed on the upper surface 43t of the placement member 43 was introduced as an example of a distribution space for distributing and retaining the electrolyte 70 within the outer casing 60. In Embodiment 2, an example is described in which such a distribution space is provided between the storage chamber R of the storage member 42 and the side surface 43s of the placement member 43a.

[0057] Holder Hd2, like holder Hd1, includes a storage member 42 and a biasing mechanism 44. As can be seen by comparing Figures 5 and 8, the placement member 43a of holder Hd2 is smaller in size in the X-axis direction than the placement member 43 of holder Hd1. As a result, in holder Hd2, a space 42S is formed between the storage chamber R of the storage member 42 and the side surface 43s of the placement member 43a. Part of the battery Bt2 is housed in the space 42S. The outer casing 60 covering the battery Bt2 will now be described with reference to Figure 9.

[0058] As shown in Figure 9, the excess portion 60S of the casing 60 is located on both sides of the battery body 50, which includes the separator 53. Preferably, the volume of the excess portion 60S is greater than or equal to the total amount of electrolyte 70 injected into the casing 60. The excess portion 60S of the casing 60 is located above the space 42S shown in Figure 8. In the state shown in Figure 8, the biasing mechanism 44 biases the battery Bt2, which is placed on the placement member 43a, against the window plate 41. As a result, the battery Bt2 is pressed against the upper surface 43t of the placement member 43a, and the casing 60 deforms. At this time, some of the electrolyte 70 from the battery Bt2 flows into the excess portion 60S of the casing 60 along with the gas 80. As a result, the excess portion 60S expands in the space 42S shown in Figure 8. Space 42S is an example of a distribution space for unevenly distributing and retaining the electrolyte 70 inside the casing 60. Furthermore, space 42S is an example of a space formed between the side surface 43s of the placement member 43a and the wall of the storage room R when the placement member 43a is stored in the storage room R.

[0059] As some of the electrolyte 70 from the battery Bt2 flows into the excess portion 60S of the outer casing 60 along with the gas 80, the distance between the battery body 50 and the window plate 41 within the battery Bt2 is shortened, similar to Embodiment 1. As a result, the amount of electrolyte 70 and gas 80 present between the battery body 50 and the window plate 41 is reduced, preventing significant fluctuations in X-ray intensity due to their influence. Therefore, according to Embodiment 2, similar to Embodiment 1, it is possible to perform X-ray spectroscopic analysis of the battery material covered by the outer casing 60 while reducing the influence of the electrolyte 70 or gas 80 within the outer casing 60.

[0060] Furthermore, the arrangement member 43a in Embodiment 2 may also be provided with a recess 431 similar to that of the arrangement member 43. This makes it even easier to remove the electrolyte 70 and other substances inside the battery Bt2 that would interfere with the analysis from between the window plate 41 and the battery body 50.

[0061] Embodiment 3. Next, Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to Figures 11 to 13. In Embodiment 3, holder Hd3 is used instead of holder Hd1. The configuration of the analytical apparatus used in Embodiment 3 is the same as in Embodiment 1, except for the configuration of the holder.

[0062] The holder Hd3 in Embodiment 3 is intended to accommodate the battery Bt3. The casing 60 of the battery Bt3 is provided with an excess portion 60S, similar to the casing 60 of the battery Bt2. However, the excess portion 60S of the casing 60 of the battery Bt3 is longer than that of the casing 60 of the battery Bt2. Embodiment 3 will now be described in detail.

[0063] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of holder Hd3 according to Embodiment 3. Figure 12 shows how the arrangement member 43b, on which the bent battery Bt3 is placed, is housed in the storage member 42. Figure 13 shows the chamfered portion 435 and recessed portion 432 provided on the arrangement member 43b.

[0064] In Embodiment 1, a recess 431 formed on the upper surface 43t of the placement member 43 was introduced as an example of a distribution space for unevenly distributing and retaining the electrolyte 70 inside the outer casing 60. In Embodiment 3, an example in which such a distribution space is provided on the side surface 43s of the placement member 43b will be described.

[0065] Holder Hd3, like holder Hd1, includes a storage member 42 and a biasing mechanism 44. Holder Hd3, like holder Hd2 according to Embodiment 2, includes a placement member 43b that is smaller in size than the storage chamber R of the storage member 42.

[0066] As shown in Figure 11, in Embodiment 3, the battery Bt3 is placed on the upper surface 43t and both sides 43s of the placement member 43b in a bent state. Recesses 432 are formed on both sides 43s of the placement member 43b. The recesses 432 are an example of a distribution space for unevenly distributing and retaining the electrolyte 70 inside the outer casing 60. The recesses 432 are also an example of a second recess.

[0067] Here, with reference to Figure 12, the method for storing the battery Bt3 in the storage chamber R of the storage member 42 will be explained. The user places the battery Bt3 on the placement member 43b such that the battery body 50 (see Figure 4) is positioned on the upper surface 43t of the placement member 43b. At this time, two excess portions 60S formed on the outer casing 60 protrude from the upper surface 43t of the placement member 43b. The user folds the excess portions 60S that protrude from the upper surface 43t of the placement member 43b so that they are in contact with both sides 43s of the placement member 43b.

[0068] As a result, excess portions 60S are positioned on each of the two sides 43s of the placement member 43b (see Figure 13). As shown in Figure 13, a chamfered portion 435 is formed at the boundary between the upper surface 43t and the side surface 43s of the placement member 43b. The chamfered portion 435 supports the user operation of folding the excess portion 60S toward the side surface 43s of the placement member 43b.

[0069] The user places the placement member 43b, on which the battery Bt3 is placed, into the storage chamber R of the storage member 42. This places the battery Bt3 in the holder Hd3 in the manner shown in Figure 11. The excess portions 60S located on each of the two sides 43s of the placement member 43b are held by the sides 43s of the placement member 43b and the wall of the storage chamber R.

[0070] In the state shown in Figure 11, the biasing mechanism 44 biases the battery Bt3, which is placed on the placement member 43b, against the window plate 41. As a result, the battery Bt3 is pressed against the upper surface 43t of the placement member 43b, and the casing 60 deforms. At this time, some of the electrolyte 70 from the battery Bt3 flows into the excess portion 60S of the casing 60 along with the gas 80. As a result, the excess portion 60S expands in the recess 432.

[0071] As some of the electrolyte 70 from the battery Bt3 flows into the excess portion 60S of the outer casing 60 along with the gas 80, the distance between the battery body 50 and the window plate 41 within the battery Bt3 is shortened, similar to Embodiment 1. As a result, the amount of electrolyte 70 and gas 80 present between the battery body 50 and the window plate 41 is reduced, preventing significant fluctuations in X-ray intensity due to their influence. Therefore, according to Embodiment 3, similar to Embodiment 1, it is possible to perform X-ray spectroscopic analysis of the battery material covered by the outer casing 60 while reducing the influence of the electrolyte 70 or gas 80 within the outer casing 60.

[0072] Furthermore, the arrangement member 43b in the third embodiment may also be provided with a recess 431 similar to that of the arrangement member 43. This makes it even easier to remove the electrolyte 70 and other substances inside the battery Bt3 that would interfere with the analysis from between the window plate 41 and the battery body 50.

[0073] [Example 1] Next, with reference to Figure 14, Modification 1 will be described. Figure 14 is a diagram showing Modification 1. Here, as Modification 1, the arrangement member 43c will be described. The arrangement member 43c is a modified version of the arrangement member 43b related to Embodiment 3, with the addition of a configuration that allows for easy connection of the charge / discharge device 171 and a leaf spring 437.

[0074] The battery Bt3 is placed in the placement member 43c, similar to the placement member 43b. As shown in Figure 14, the placement member 43c is provided with a pair of leaf springs 437, 437 for fixing the battery Bt3 to both sides 43s of the placement member 43c. The user folds the battery Bt3 against the side 43s of the placement member 43c, and then inserts the folded portion of the battery Bt3 into the leaf springs 437. This fixes the folded portion of the battery Bt3 against the side 43s of the placement member 43c to the side 43s of the placement member 43c by the leaf springs 437. The leaf springs 437 are an example of a fixing part.

[0075] The user may then place the battery Bt3, which is fixed to the placement member 43c in this manner, into the storage member 42 in the manner shown in Figure 12, and analyze the battery Bt3 with the analysis device 100.

[0076] Alternatively, the user may charge and discharge the battery Bt3, which is fixed to the placement member 43c in this manner, by connecting it to the charge / discharge device 171. In this case, the user places the placement member 43c to which the battery Bt3 is fixed with its bottom facing upwards on a test stand or the like, as shown in Figure 14. The placement member 43c is provided with a positive terminal T1 that is connected to the positive electrode tab lead Te1 of the battery Bt3, and a negative terminal T2 that is connected to the negative electrode tab lead Te2 of the battery Bt3. The user connects the positive electrode tab lead Te1 to the positive terminal T1, and connects the negative electrode tab lead Te2 to the negative terminal T2. The user then connects the positive terminal T1 and the negative terminal T2 to the charge / discharge device 171.

[0077] As shown in Figure 14, an opening 438 is formed in the bottom surface of the placement member 43c. By inserting a rod-shaped pressurizing member 172 into the opening 438, the user can charge and discharge the battery Bt3 using the charge / discharge device 171 while pressurizing the battery Bt3 between the top surface of the placement member 43c and the test stand.

[0078] As described above, the arrangement member 43c is an addition to the arrangement member 43b in Embodiment 3, with the addition of a configuration that allows for easy connection of the charge / discharge device 171 and a leaf spring 437. Of the configurations added to the arrangement member 43b, the configurations related to the positive terminal T1, the negative terminal T2, and the opening 438 may be applied to the arrangement member 43 in Embodiment 1 or the arrangement member 43a in Embodiment 2.

[0079] [Differentiation 2] Next, Modification 2 will be described with reference to Figures 15 and 16. Figure 15 shows the spacer 46 related to Modification 2. Figure 16 shows how the spacer 46 is positioned between the window plate 41 and the battery Bt3.

[0080] The spacer 46 related to the modified example 2 is applicable to any of Embodiments 1 to 3. Here, as a representative example, an example of applying the spacer 46 to Embodiment 3 will be described. As shown in Figure 16, the spacer 46 is intended to be inserted between the window plate 41 and the battery Bt3.

[0081] As shown in Figure 15, the spacer 46 is a component with a notch 461 formed on one side of a rectangle. The spacer 46 is manufactured from a resin such as polyimide or polyethylene. The spacer 46 has a mesh structure. The mesh structure prevents a decrease in the intensity of X-rays transmitted from the window plate 41 through the spacer 46 to the battery Bt3. The spacer 46 is manufactured, for example, by a 3D printer.

[0082] Here, an example is described in which the spacer 46 is placed between the positive electrode 51 and the window plate 41 via the outer casing 60. However, the spacer 46 may also be placed between the negative electrode 52 and the upper surface 43t of the placement member 43b via the outer casing 60. In other words, the outer casing 60 may be sandwiched between two spacers 46.

[0083] The thickness of the spacer 46 is approximately the same as the thickness of the positive electrode tab lead Te1. For example, if the thickness of the positive electrode tab lead Te1 is approximately 0.1 mm, it is desirable that the thickness of the spacer 46 also be approximately 0.1 mm.

[0084] After the user places the battery Bt3 on the placement member 43b (see Figure 13), the user places the spacer 46 on top of the battery Bt3. At this time, the user adjusts the placement position of the spacer 46 so that the notch 461 of the spacer 46 corresponds to the position of the positive electrode tab lead Te1 of the battery Bt3. The user may also apply adhesive or the like to the spacer 46 so that it is fixed to the battery Bt3 before placing the spacer 46 on the battery Bt3.

[0085] Furthermore, if a spacer 46 is also placed below the battery Bt3, the user adjusts the position of the spacer 46 so that the notch 461 of the spacer 46 corresponds to the position of the negative electrode tab lead Te2 of the battery Bt3.

[0086] Subsequently, the user places the placement member 43b, in which the battery Bt3 and spacer 46 are positioned, into the storage member 42. As a result, as shown in Figure 16, the spacer 46 is inserted between the window plate 41 and the outer casing 60 of the battery Bt3.

[0087] Subsequently, the biasing mechanism 44 biases the battery Bt3, which is placed on the placement member 43, toward the window plate 41. This pushes the electrolyte 70 present between the outer casing 60 and the positive electrode 51 toward the excess portion 60S (see Figure 13). According to the modified example 2, a small amount of electrolyte 70 (or gas 80) present between the outer casing 60 and the positive electrode 51 can be released outside the X-ray irradiation area. As a result, it becomes possible to perform X-ray spectroscopic analysis of the battery material covered by the outer casing 60 while further reducing the influence of the electrolyte 70 or gas 80 inside the outer casing 60.

[0088] [Method for analyzing batteries when spacers are applied] Next, with reference to Figure 17, a method for analyzing a battery when the spacer 46 related to Modification 2 is applied to Embodiment 3 will be described. Figure 17 is a flowchart showing a method for analyzing a battery when the spacer 46 related to Modification 2 is applied to Embodiment 3. The method for analyzing a battery will be described below based on the flowchart.

[0089] First, the user covers the battery body 50 with an outer casing 60 having an excess portion 60S (step S11). Next, the user injects the electrolyte 70 into the outer casing 60 (step S12). Then, the user seals the battery body 50 inside the outer casing 60 (step S13). This creates the battery Bt3. The user may also perform the procedure described below using a battery Bt3 that has been manufactured in advance by a battery manufacturer.

[0090] Next, the user places the battery Bt3 on the upper surface 43t of the placement member 43b (step S14). Next, the user places the spacer 46 on top of the battery Bt3 (step S15). Next, the user folds the excess portion 60S of the battery Bt3 onto the side surface 43s of the placement member 43b and places it on the side surface 43s of the placement member 43b (step S16). Next, the user places the placement member 43b with the battery Bt3 in it into the storage chamber R (step S17). Next, the user performs the analysis process (step S18). The flow of the analysis process has already been explained as steps S2 to S6 in Figure 7. Therefore, that explanation will not be repeated here. The user analyzes the battery Bt3 according to the procedure described above.

[0091] [Aspect] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above-described exemplary embodiments are specific examples of the following embodiments.

[0092] (Article 1) A holder according to one embodiment is a holder for holding a battery to be subjected to X-ray analysis, the battery comprising an X-ray-transmitting outer casing, electrodes and an electrolyte sealed in the outer casing, the holder comprising a placement member in which the battery is placed, and a storage member having a storage chamber for housing the placement member, the storage member being provided with an X-ray-transmitting window member, the holder further comprising a biasing mechanism for biasing the battery placed in the placement member toward the window member, the storage member being configured such that when the placement member is housed in the storage chamber, a portion of the battery placed in the placement member faces the window member, and the storage member and / or the placement member having a segregated space in which the electrolyte, which is segregated in a region of the outer casing different from the region facing the window member, is retained.

[0093] According to the holder described in paragraph 1, electrolyte that is unevenly distributed in areas within the outer casing that are different from the area facing the window member is retained in the unevenly distributed space. As a result, the thickness of the electrolyte between the window member and the battery is reduced. Consequently, it becomes possible to perform X-ray spectroscopic analysis of the battery material covered by the outer casing while reducing the influence of the electrolyte within the outer casing.

[0094] (Clause 2) In the holder described in paragraph 1, the arrangement member includes the arrangement surface on which the battery is arranged, and the uneven distribution space includes a recess formed on the arrangement surface.

[0095] According to the holder described in paragraph 2, when the battery placed on the placement member is biased toward the window member by the biasing mechanism, the electrolyte inside the casing is retained in the recess formed on the placement surface, thereby reducing the thickness of the electrolyte between the window member and the battery.

[0096] (Clause 3) In the holder described in paragraph 2, the arrangement surface includes a first surface that faces the window member when the battery arranged on the arrangement member is biased toward the window member by the biasing mechanism, and the recess includes a first recess formed on the first surface.

[0097] According to the holder described in paragraph 3, when the battery placed in the arrangement member is biased toward the window member by the biasing mechanism, the electrolyte inside the casing is retained in the first recess formed on the first surface facing the window member, thereby reducing the thickness of the electrolyte between the window member and the battery.

[0098] (Clause 4) In the holder described in paragraph 2, the arrangement member includes a first surface facing the window member and a second surface intersecting the first surface when the battery arranged in the arrangement member is biased toward the window member by a biasing mechanism, a portion of the battery is arranged on the first surface and the other portion of the battery is arranged on the second surface in a bent state, the arrangement surface includes the first surface and the second surface, and the recess includes a second recess formed on the second surface.

[0099] According to the holder described in paragraph 4, when the battery placed in the placement member is biased toward the window member by the biasing mechanism, the electrolyte inside the casing is retained in the second recess formed on the second surface of the placement member, thereby reducing the thickness of the electrolyte between the window member and the battery.

[0100] (Clause 5) In the holder described in paragraph 4, a chamfered portion is formed at the boundary between the first surface and the second surface.

[0101] According to the holder described in Section 5, the chamfered portion supports the user's action of bending the outer casing.

[0102] (Clause 6) In the holder described in paragraph 4 or 5, the arrangement member further comprises a fixing portion for fixing a battery on the second surface.

[0103] According to the holder described in paragraph 6, the battery is fixed to the second surface by the fixing part. (Clause 7) In the holder described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, the unevenly distributed space includes the space formed between the side surface of the placement member and the wall of the storage chamber when the placement member is stored in the storage chamber.

[0104] According to the holder described in paragraph 7, when the battery placed in the placement member is biased toward the window member by the biasing mechanism, the electrolyte inside the casing is retained in the space formed between the side of the placement member and the wall of the storage chamber, thereby reducing the thickness of the electrolyte between the window member and the battery.

[0105] (Clause 8) The holder described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 7 further comprises a spacer disposed between the window member and the battery.

[0106] According to the holder described in paragraph 8, the spacer can further reduce the amount of electrolyte in the battery present in the area corresponding to the window member.

[0107] (Section 9) In the holder described in Section 8, the spacer has a mesh structure. According to the holder described in paragraph 9, the reduction in X-ray intensity is prevented by the mesh structure.

[0108] (Section 10) In the holder described in Section 8 or 9, the battery further comprises an electrode tab lead disposed between the electrode and the casing, the spacer having a notch formed therein, such that the electrode tab lead and the notch overlap when the spacer is placed between the window member and the battery.

[0109] According to the holder described in paragraph 10, the electrolytic solution present in the portion corresponding to the thickness of the electrode tab lead can be effectively removed from the vicinity of the window member.

[0110] (Clause 11) In the holder described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 10, the electrodes include a positive electrode and a negative electrode, the battery further comprises a positive electrode tab lead electrically connected to the positive electrode and a negative electrode tab lead electrically connected to the negative electrode, and the arrangement member further comprises a positive electrode terminal electrically connected to the positive electrode tab lead and a negative electrode terminal electrically connected to the negative electrode tab lead.

[0111] According to the holder described in paragraph 11, the battery can be charged and discharged while it is placed in the placement member.

[0112] (Clause 12) A method relating to another embodiment is a method for analyzing a battery, comprising the steps of irradiating a battery held in a holder with an excitation beam, spectrally analyzing characteristic X-rays generated from the battery to detect the intensity for each wavelength, and processing a signal indicating the intensity for each wavelength of the characteristic X-rays, wherein the battery includes an X-ray-transmitting casing, electrodes and an electrolyte sealed in the casing, the holder comprises a placement member in which the battery is placed, and a storage member having a storage chamber for housing the placement member, the storage member being provided with an X-ray-transmitting window member, the holder further comprising a biasing mechanism for biasing the battery placed in the placement member toward the window member, the storage member being configured such that when the placement member is housed in the storage chamber, a portion of the battery placed in the placement member faces the window member, and the storage member and / or placement member having a segregated space in which the electrolyte, which is segregated in a region of the casing different from the region facing the window member, is retained.

[0113] According to the method described in Section 12, electrolyte that is unevenly distributed in areas within the outer casing that are different from the area facing the window member is retained in the unevenly distributed space. As a result, the thickness of the electrolyte between the window member and the battery is reduced. Consequently, it becomes possible to perform X-ray spectroscopic analysis of the battery material covered by the outer casing while reducing the influence of the electrolyte within the outer casing.

[0114] (Section 13) In the method described in Section 12, the placement member includes a placement surface on which the battery is placed, the uneven space includes a recess formed in the placement surface, the placement member includes a first surface facing the window member and a second surface intersecting the first surface when the battery placed in the placement member is biased to the window member by a biasing mechanism, the placement surface includes the first surface and the second surface, the recess includes a second recess formed in the second surface, the method for analyzing the battery further includes the step of placing the battery on the placement surface, the step of placing a portion of the battery on the first surface and the step of placing the other portion of the battery on the second surface with the battery bent.

[0115] According to the method described in paragraph 13, when the battery placed in the placement member is biased toward the window member by the biasing mechanism, the electrolyte inside the casing is retained in the second recess formed on the second surface of the placement member, thereby reducing the thickness of the electrolyte between the window member and the battery.

[0116] (Paragraph 14) The method described in paragraph 12 or 13 further includes the step of placing a spacer on the battery in order to interpose a spacer between the window member and the battery.

[0117] According to the method described in paragraph 14, the electrolytic solution present in the portion corresponding to the thickness of the electrode tab lead can be effectively removed from the vicinity of the window member.

[0118] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0119] 10 Main unit, 20 Signal processing unit, 22 Controller, 24 Display, 26 Operation unit, 30 Processor, 31 Opening, 32 Memory, 34 Communication I / F, 36 Input / Output I / F, 41 Window plate (beryllium plate), 42 Storage member, 42S Space, 43, 43a~43c Arrangement member, 43t Top surface, 43s Side surface, 44 Biasing mechanism, 46 Spacer, 50 Battery body, 51 Positive electrode, 52 Negative electrode, 53 Separator, 60 Outer casing, 60S Excess part, 70 Electrolyte, 80 Gas, 100 Analytical device, 120 Excitation source, 130 Slit, 140 Spectroscopic crystal, 150 Detector, 151 Detection element, 171 Charge / discharge device, 431, 432 Recess, 435 Chamfered part, 437 Leaf spring, 438 opening, 461 notch, A1, A2 position, Bt1~Bt3 battery, Hd1~Hd3 holder, R storage chamber, T1 positive terminal, T2 negative terminal, Te1 positive tab lead, Te2 negative tab lead, W window.

Claims

1. A holder for holding a battery that is the subject of X-ray analysis, The aforementioned battery includes an outer casing through which X-rays can pass, and electrodes and an electrolyte sealed within the outer casing. The aforementioned holder is, The arrangement member on which the battery is placed, The storage member comprises a storage chamber formed for storing the aforementioned arrangement member, The storage member is provided with a window member that allows X-rays to pass through. The holder further comprises a biasing mechanism that biases the battery, which is arranged in the arrangement member, toward the window member. The storage member is configured such that when the arrangement member is stored in the storage chamber, a portion of the battery arranged in the arrangement member faces the window member. A holder wherein the storage member and / or the arrangement member have a segregated space formed therein for retaining the electrolyte that is segregated in a region within the outer casing that is different from the region facing the window member.

2. The arrangement member includes an arrangement surface on which the battery is arranged, The holder according to claim 1, wherein the unevenly distributed space includes a recess formed on the arrangement surface.

3. The arrangement surface includes a first surface that faces the window member when the battery arranged in the arrangement member is biased toward the window member by the biasing mechanism, The holder according to claim 2, wherein the recess includes a first recess formed on the first surface.

4. The aforementioned arrangement member is When the battery arranged in the arrangement member is biased toward the window member by the biasing mechanism, the first surface facing the window member and Including a second surface that intersects with the first surface, A portion of the battery is arranged on the first surface, and another portion of the battery is arranged on the second surface in a folded state. The arrangement surface includes the first surface and the second surface, The holder according to claim 2, wherein the recess includes a second recess formed on the second surface.

5. The holder according to claim 4, wherein a chamfered portion is formed at the boundary between the first surface and the second surface.

6. The holder according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the arrangement member further comprises a fixing portion for fixing the battery on the second surface.

7. The holder according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the unevenly distributed space includes the space formed between the side surface of the arrangement member and the wall of the storage chamber when the arrangement member is stored in the storage chamber.

8. The holder according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a spacer disposed between the window member and the battery.

9. The holder according to claim 8, wherein the spacer has a mesh structure.

10. The battery further comprises an electrode tab lead disposed between the electrode and the outer casing, The aforementioned spacer has a notch formed in it. The holder according to claim 9, wherein the electrode tab lead and the notch overlap when the spacer is placed between the window member and the battery.

11. The electrode includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode. The battery further comprises a positive electrode tab lead electrically connected to the positive electrode and a negative electrode tab lead electrically connected to the negative electrode. The aforementioned arrangement member is The positive terminal electrically connected to the positive tab lead, The holder according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a negative electrode tab lead and a negative electrode terminal electrically connected thereto.

12. A method for analyzing batteries, The steps include irradiating the battery held in the holder with an excitation beam, The steps include: spectrally analyzing the characteristic X-rays generated from the battery and detecting the intensity for each wavelength; The process includes a step of processing a signal indicating the intensity of each wavelength of the characteristic X-rays, The aforementioned battery includes an outer casing through which X-rays can pass, and electrodes and an electrolyte sealed within the outer casing. The aforementioned holder is, The arrangement member on which the battery is placed, The storage member comprises a storage chamber formed for storing the aforementioned arrangement member, The storage member is provided with a window member that allows X-rays to pass through. The holder further comprises a biasing mechanism that biases the battery, which is arranged in the arrangement member, toward the window member. The storage member is configured such that when the arrangement member is stored in the storage chamber, a portion of the battery arranged in the arrangement member faces the window member. A method for analyzing a battery, wherein the storage member and / or the arrangement member have a segregated space formed therein in which the electrolyte that is segregated in a region of the outer casing that is different from the region that the window member faces is retained.

13. The arrangement member includes an arrangement surface on which the battery is arranged, The aforementioned unevenly distributed space includes a recess formed on the arrangement surface, The aforementioned arrangement member is When the battery arranged in the arrangement member is biased toward the window member by the biasing mechanism, the arrangement member includes a first surface facing the window member and a second surface intersecting the first surface. The arrangement surface includes the first surface and the second surface, The aforementioned recess includes a second recess formed on the second surface, The analysis method for the aforementioned battery is: The step further includes placing the battery on the aforementioned placement surface, The step of placing the battery on the aforementioned placement surface is, The steps include placing a portion of the battery on the first surface, A method for analyzing a battery according to claim 12, comprising the step of placing another part of the battery on the second surface in a bent state.

14. A method for analyzing a battery according to claim 12 or 13, further comprising the step of placing the spacer on the battery in order to interpose the spacer between the window member and the battery.

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