Secondary battery charging and discharging device

Abstract

This invention significantly improves the workability and safety of the probe pins used in secondary battery charging and discharging devices, which are connected to secondary batteries for charging and discharging. [Solution] The device comprises a contact portion 210 that contacts the tip of the probe pin, a support portion 220 that supports the contact portion 210, and a cleaning sheet 211 disposed on the surface of the contact portion 210 that contacts the probe pin. The cleaning sheet 211 cleans the tip of the probe pin as the contact portion 210 contacts and separates from the tip of the probe pin, and the support portion 220 rotates the contact portion 210 in the direction of the probe pin's axis when the contact portion that has been in contact with the probe pin separates from the probe pin 210.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a charge-discharge device for a secondary battery that performs charge-discharge for activating and quality inspection of a secondary battery used in IT devices such as smartphones and electric vehicles, and particularly relates to a technology for assisting cleaning and maintenance of probe pins provided in the charge-discharge device for a secondary battery.

Background Art

[0002] Today, the demand for secondary batteries used in IT devices such as smartphones and electric vehicles is rapidly increasing. In the final process of a mass production factory of this type of secondary battery, a charge-discharge device that performs charge-discharge for activating and quality inspection of the produced secondary battery is widely used. By using such a charge-discharge device, it has become possible to mechanize the activation and quality inspection of secondary batteries that were previously performed manually, contributing to the realization of mass production of secondary batteries.

[0003] Here, such a charge-discharge device generally performs predetermined charge-discharge on a secondary battery to be inspected through a power supply unit having a plurality of power supply boards corresponding to a plurality of secondary batteries. In the power supply unit of the charge-discharge device, a plurality of power supply boards that come into contact with a large number of secondary batteries from above to execute charge-discharge are housed in a power supply case serving as a housing, and probe pins (contact pins, electrode pins) on the bottom surface side of the power supply board come into contact with electrodes (positive electrode, negative electrode) of the secondary battery from above to execute a charge-discharge inspection. As a technology related to the power supply unit of such a charge-discharge device for a secondary battery, for example, "Multi-channel charge-discharge power supply with contact function" disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

[0005] Conventional charging and discharging devices for secondary batteries have required proper and efficient cleaning and maintenance of the probe pins, which are connected to and energized by the numerous secondary batteries being tested for charging and discharging.

[0006] The present invention was proposed to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a secondary battery charge / discharge device that allows for quick and efficient cleaning of probe pins provided on the power board of a power supply unit constituting a secondary battery charge / discharge device, which are used to connect to a secondary battery for charging and discharging, and that significantly improves the workability and safety of maintenance of the probe pins, and is particularly suitable for power supply units known as so-called cableless type / fixture integrated type, in which the probe pins of the power supply board can be directly connected to the secondary battery to be inspected. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides a probe pin cleaning device for cleaning probe pins connected to the electrodes of a secondary battery to charge and discharge the secondary battery, comprising a contact portion that contacts the tip of the probe pin and a support portion that supports the contact portion, wherein the contact portion cleans the tip of the probe pin by contacting and separating from the tip of the probe pin.

[0008] In particular, the probe pin cleaning device according to the present invention is configured such that when the contact portion that has come into contact with the probe pin moves away from the probe pin, the support portion rotates the contact portion in the direction of the axis of the probe pin.

[0009] Furthermore, the present invention can also be implemented as a method for cleaning probe pins that can be carried out by the probe pin cleaning device according to the present invention as described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to perform quick and efficient cleaning of probe pins, which are provided on the power board of a power supply unit constituting a secondary battery charging and discharging device and are used to connect to a secondary battery for charging and discharging, thereby significantly improving the workability and safety of maintenance of the probe pins. Therefore, this makes it possible to provide a cleaning device and cleaning method for the probe pins of a secondary battery charge / discharge device that is particularly suitable for power supply units, such as so-called cableless / fixture-integrated types, that allow direct connection of the probe pins of the power supply board to the secondary battery being inspected. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view showing the overall configuration of the disassembled power supply case, power supply board, and battery container of the secondary battery charging and discharging device, which is the premise of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 schematically shows the overall configuration of the assembled power supply case, power supply board, and battery container of the secondary battery charging and discharging device. (a) is a schematic perspective view of the state before the power supply board makes contact with the battery, and (b) is a schematic perspective view of the state after contact has been made. [Figure 3] These are schematic plan and front views illustrating the overall configuration of a cylindrical battery, which is a secondary battery subject to inspection in a secondary battery charging and discharging device. [Figure 4] This is a schematic perspective view showing the overall configuration of a probe pin cleaning device that houses and arranges the probe pin cleaning jig according to the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a schematic, enlarged perspective view of the main part showing the probe pin cleaning jig according to the present invention in a state where it is placed and fixed in the jig container of a probe pin cleaning device. [Figure 6] This is a schematic perspective view showing the overall configuration of the probe pin cleaning jig according to the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a partially cross-sectional schematic perspective view showing the contact portion and support portion of the probe pin cleaning jig according to the present invention in a disassembled state. [Figure 8]It is a schematic partial cross-sectional perspective view seen from the front, schematically showing the arrangement relationship between the probe pin cleaning jig and the probe pins according to the present invention. [Figure 9] It is a schematic partial cross-sectional perspective view seen from above, schematically showing the arrangement relationship between the probe pin cleaning jig and the probe pins according to the present invention. [Figure 10] It is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the operation of the gear structure provided in the support portion of the probe pin cleaning jig according to the present invention. [Figure 11] In the probe pin cleaning jig according to the present invention, it is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the operation of the contact portion and the cleaning sheet that rotate by the support portion.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, while referring to the drawings attached to this specification, embodiments in which the charge and discharge device for a secondary battery according to the present invention is embodied will be described to facilitate understanding of the present invention. The charge and discharge device for a secondary battery to be maintained by the probe pin cleaning device and the probe pin cleaning jig according to the present invention is, for example, for activating and quality inspecting secondary batteries used in IT devices such as smartphones and electric vehicles. It is a charge and discharge device for a secondary battery that performs a predetermined charge and discharge process on the produced secondary battery in the final process of a secondary battery mass production factory.

[0013] Specifically, the charge and discharge device for a secondary battery targeted in one embodiment of the present invention is used, for example, for activating and quality inspecting secondary batteries such as produced lithium-ion batteries (test batteries: hereinafter, also simply referred to as "batteries"), and is a device for charging and discharging a plurality of secondary batteries at once (simultaneously) in a plurality of test channels. First, while referring to FIGS. 1-3, the configuration and outline of the charge and discharge device for a secondary battery that is a premise of the present invention will be described.

[0014] Generally, in a battery production factory, there is a process (charge and discharge inspection) of charging and discharging current to the battery in order to activate the initial battery, and the device used there is a charge and discharge device (charge and discharge inspection device). Here, the charge-discharge inspection is one of the most important processes for determining the quality of a lithium-ion battery by repeatedly charging and discharging at current, voltage, and temperature values determined in the manufacture of the lithium-ion battery. It is an advanced technology that simultaneously requires a high-precision charge-discharge inspection function, excellent safety, and energy savings.

[0015] By performing such charge-discharge inspections with high precision, it becomes possible to charge and discharge with high precision the cells, which are the constituent materials of the lithium-ion battery installed in the device during the charge-discharge inspection process, and accumulate and analyze data on the performance and safety of the battery in each cell. And by classifying the cells produced based on the analysis data, it becomes possible to provide the market with safer and higher-performance lithium-ion batteries.

[0016] Here, for a charge-discharge device for performing such a charge-discharge inspection, it is common to electrically connect the output terminal of the power supply circuit and the battery with a cable. However, in such a charge-discharge device with a cable connection method, there are drawbacks such as heat generation from the cable, noise effects due to the routing of the cable, and power loss due to an increase in resistance due to the lengthening of the cable. Therefore, in order to suppress the power consumption generated in such a cable, a method of not using a cable or making the cable as short as possible has been proposed. For example, there is a method of providing a probe pin (electrode pin) for current output on a power supply circuit board (power supply board) and directly contacting the probe pin with the battery. Such a method of the charge-discharge device is called a "cableless method" or "fixture integrated type".

[0017] The charge-discharge device for a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present invention employs a structure and device in which the electrode pin (probe pin) of a power supply unit that performs charge-discharge, called such a "cableless method / fixture integrated type", can directly contact the battery to be inspected. Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the overall configuration of the disassembled power supply case, power supply board, and battery container that constitute the "cableless / fixture-integrated" (hereinafter also simply referred to as "integrated") secondary battery charging and discharging device, which is the premise of the present invention. Figure 2 schematically shows the overall configuration of the assembled power supply case, power supply board, and battery container shown in Figure 1. (a) is a schematic perspective view of the state before the power supply board (probe pins) makes contact with the battery, and (b) is a schematic perspective view of the state after contact has been made.

[0018] The secondary battery charging and discharging devices shown in these figures are used for activating and quality testing of batteries (secondary batteries) 60 such as lithium-ion batteries that have been produced, and are capable of charging and discharging multiple batteries 60 at once. Specifically, the secondary battery charging and discharging device targeted in this embodiment includes a power supply unit 1 positioned above a battery container 50 containing a plurality of batteries 60 to be inspected, and the power supply unit 1 is capable of performing predetermined charging and discharging on the plurality of batteries 60.

[0019] [Power supply unit] The power supply unit 1 comprises a plurality of power supply boards 20 that contact each battery 60 in the battery container 50 from above and perform predetermined charging and discharging, and a power supply case 10 that can house the plurality of power supply boards 20 in a suspended state at predetermined positions corresponding to each battery 60 in the battery container 50. The power supply unit 1 constitutes an "integrated" charging and discharging device in which probe pins (electrode pins) 21 protruding from the lower side of the power supply boards 20 can directly contact the electrodes (positive electrode 61 / negative electrode 62) of the battery 60.

[0020] [Power supply case] The power supply case 10 is an enclosure for housing and holding multiple power supply boards 20, and as shown in Figure 1, in the secondary battery charging and discharging device targeted in this embodiment, it has an opening on the front and bottom sides. As a result, multiple power supply boards 20 can be inserted from the front side of the power supply case 10, multiple power supply boards 20 can be housed in parallel, and the bottom surface of each power supply board 20 will be exposed from the bottom side of the power supply case 10. Furthermore, each power board 20 inserted and housed in the power case 10 has a connector 22 at the leading end in the insertion direction that is mated and connected to a connector (not shown) located at the rear end of the power case 10, and a screw hole 23 at the rear end in the insertion direction that is screwed and secured to a tap 11 and screw 12 on the front side of the power case 10.

[0021] This allows multiple power supply boards 20 to be housed in a suspended state in predetermined positions within the power supply case 10, and to be detachably removed. In the example shown in Figure 1-2, eight power supply boards 20 are inserted into the power supply case 10 at predetermined positions and intervals, and are housed and held in a suspended state.

[0022] Furthermore, the power supply case 10 also has an opening on its bottom side, so that the bottom sides of each of the multiple power supply boards 20 housed and fixed in the power supply case 10 are exposed from the power supply case 10, and the multiple probe pins (electrode pins) 21 provided on the bottom side of the power supply boards 20 are exposed and protrude from the bottom side of the power supply case 10. As a result, the multiple probe pins 21 of each power board 20 directly contact and electrically connect with the multiple batteries 60 housed in the battery container 50 located below the power unit 1, at predetermined positions, without the need for cables or the like.

[0023] Furthermore, the power supply case 10 is not particularly limited in terms of configuration or structure, as long as it has space to accommodate a predetermined number of power supply boards 20, allows for insertion and removal of the power supply boards 20 from the front, and allows the probe pins 21 of the power supply boards 20 to be exposed and protrude from the bottom. Therefore, including the connector on the rear end of the case (not shown) as described above, the power supply case 10 is equipped with the necessary components and structure for the power supply unit 1, just like a typical secondary battery charging and discharging device.

[0024] [Power board] The power supply board 20 is a power supply circuit board that contacts each battery 60 in the battery container 50 from above and performs predetermined charging and discharging. Specifically, as shown in Figure 1-2, the power supply board 20 consists of a substrate formed in the shape of a plate, and each power supply board 20 is inserted into the power supply case 10 from the front in the depth direction, and multiple power supply boards are housed and arranged in parallel.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1, each power supply board 20 is equipped with a connector 22 on the leading end (rear end) side in the case insertion direction. When each power supply board 20 is inserted into and housed in the power supply case 10, the connector 22 is mated and connected to a connector (not shown) located on the rear end side of the power supply case 10, and a predetermined charging and discharging process is executed under the control of a control means (charge / discharge controller) not shown. Although not specifically shown in Figure 1-2, it goes without saying that the necessary electronic components and battery circuits for performing predetermined charge and discharge processes on the battery 60 are mounted on the circuit board surface (front / back) of each power supply board 20.

[0026] Furthermore, each power supply board 20 has a screw hole 23 protruding from its rear end in the insertion direction, which faces and abuts against the upper edge of the opening on the front side of the power supply case 10. This screw hole 23 is screwed and fixed to the tap 11 on the front side of the power supply case 10 via a screw 12. This allows a predetermined number of power supply boards 20 to be housed in a suspended state in predetermined positions within the power supply case 10, and to be detachably removed. In the example shown in Figure 1-2, for example, eight power supply boards 20 are detachably housed and fixed in predetermined positions within the power supply case 10.

[0027] Furthermore, the power supply board 20 is equipped with multiple probe pins (electrode pins) 21 on its bottom side that can make contact with the battery inside the battery container 50. The probe pins 21 are connected to the positive electrode 61 and negative electrode 62 (see Figure 3) of the battery 60 housed in the battery container 50, which will be described later. They are configured as, for example, a pair of positive / negative contact pins, or multiple (multiple pairs) of positive / negative contact pins. In the example shown in Figure 1-2, each power supply board 20 has seven (seven pairs) of probe pins 21 protruding from the case insertion direction at predetermined positions and intervals, corresponding to the number of batteries 60 housed in the battery container 50.

[0028] These multiple probe pins 21 are exposed and protrude downward from an opening on the bottom side of the power case 10 when each power board 20 is housed and fixed in the power case 10, so that the multiple probe pins 21 of each power board 20 can directly contact and electrically connect with the multiple batteries 60 housed in the battery container 50 located below the power unit 1 at predetermined positions. Furthermore, if both electrodes (positive and negative) of the battery 60 are not located on the top surface of the battery, for example, if one of the electrodes of the battery 60 is located on the bottom surface of the battery, one of the probe pins 21 of the power supply board 20 can be made to contact and connect to the electrode (positive or negative) on the bottom surface of the battery 60 via, for example, a cable harness. Therefore, the number, configuration, and form of the probe pins 21 can be appropriately adjusted according to the arrangement and configuration of the electrodes of the connected battery 60.

[0029] [Battery container / battery] The battery container 50 is a container that houses multiple batteries 60 to be inspected in a secondary battery charging and discharging device, and is also called a tray, pallet, transport tray, etc. Specifically, the battery container 50 is configured as a container having a housing space that opens on the top side, and a predetermined number of batteries 60 can be arranged in multiple vertical and horizontal planes. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, cylindrical secondary batteries (cylindrical batteries) can be arranged as batteries 60 in a total of 56 units in 7 rows vertically (depth direction in the drawing) x 8 rows horizontally (left-right direction in the drawing) at predetermined intervals.

[0030] The battery 60 housed in the battery container 50 is a secondary battery (lithium-ion battery) that is subject to inspection by the secondary battery charge / discharge device, and is configured to perform predetermined charging and discharging by contacting the probe pins 21 of the power board 20 of the power supply unit 1. Specifically, the secondary battery charging and discharging device is equipped with a transport system consisting of transport means, transport paths, lifting means, lifting mechanisms (not shown), etc., which are called mechanical units, into which a battery container 50 containing a battery 60 is inserted, placed, transported, and moved up and down. Through the transport operation by the transport means and the lifting operation by the lifting means that constitute this transport system, the battery container 50 containing the battery 60 is moved and transported to a predetermined position below the corresponding predetermined power board 20 in which the charge and discharge test is performed, and at that predetermined position, the battery container 50 containing the battery 60 can move up and down.

[0031] As a result, the battery 60 housed in the battery container 50 is transported to a predetermined position and moved up and down, making contact with the probe pins 21 of the power board 20, and the charging and discharging process is performed. After the charging and discharging process is complete, the lifting mechanism moves the battery container 50 downward, releasing contact with the probe pins 21 of the power board 20. The battery container 50 can then be removed from the position on which the lifting mechanism is mounted, allowing the battery 60, which has finished charging and discharging, to be removed from the battery container 50.

[0032] Furthermore, the battery container 50 (battery 60) inserted into and mounted in the transport system of the charge / discharge device and transported to a predetermined position is identified and specified by identification information attached to the battery container 50 (e.g., two-dimensional code, RF tag, IC chip, etc.), and its presence and position are detected by detection means such as sensors provided in the transport means and lifting means. As a result, the target battery container 50 (battery 60) is transported to the predetermined transport position without error, and the charge / discharge inspection is performed without error by the predetermined power supply unit 1 and power supply board 20.

[0033] Figure 2(a) shows a battery container 50 containing a battery 60 mounted and positioned at a predetermined location on a lifting mechanism (not shown) below the power supply case 10, and the battery container 50 moves up and down as the lifting mechanism moves. Figure 2(b) shows the battery container 50 raised upwards and combined with the power supply unit 1. In this state, the probe pins 21 of the power supply board 20 and the electrodes (positive electrode 61 / negative electrode 62) of the battery 60 make direct contact, enabling current transmission from the power supply board 20 to the battery.

[0034] Figure 3 shows an example of a battery 60 housed in the battery container 50 described above. The battery 60 shown in the figure is an example of a cylindrical battery, in which the projection in the center of the top surface of the battery is the positive electrode 61, and almost the entire other surface (top surface) is the negative electrode 62. For such a battery 60, the probe pins 21 of the power supply board 20 of the battery unit 1 located above it make contact with the positive electrode 61 and negative electrode 62 of the battery 60, respectively, thereby making an electrical connection and performing a predetermined charge and discharge process on the battery 60. As mentioned above, the probe pins 21 of the power supply board 20 can be configured to correspond to the electrodes on the battery 60 side to be tested, for example, by consisting of a pair of positive / negative contact pins, multiple (multiple pairs) of positive / negative contact pins, or multiple contact pins with different numbers for positive / negative.

[0035] Here, the batteries to be inspected by the power supply unit 1 (charge / discharge device for secondary batteries) according to this embodiment include several types (forms and structures), including the cylindrical battery 60 shown in Figure 3. Generally, there are cylindrical, prismatic, and laminated type batteries as described below. In this embodiment, a cylindrical battery 60 is illustrated and described, but the form and structure of the battery are not particularly limited, and it goes without saying that other forms of batteries (prismatic / laminated) can also be applied as subjects for inspection of the secondary battery charging and discharging device targeted by the present invention.

[0036] [Cylindrical type] Cylindrical batteries, such as the 18650 / 21700 battery, are cylindrical in shape and, as shown in Figure 1, are most suitable for the "integrated" power supply unit 1. The contact between the power supply board 20 (probe pins 21) and the battery 60 is typically made by probe pins. [Square shape] Rectangular batteries are rectangular in shape and can be handled by the "integrated" power supply unit 1. However, since the battery shape varies depending on the battery's application and target, it may be necessary to adapt the power supply unit 1 accordingly. Contact between the power supply board 20 and the battery 60 is generally made using probe pins. Depending on the battery, a pressure restraint mechanism or jig may be required to ensure reliable contact with the probe pins. [Laminated type] Laminated batteries are pouch-shaped batteries and, unlike cylindrical batteries, cannot be directly connected to the "integrated" power unit 1. A harness is required, however, this can be addressed through improvements and development. The contact between the power board 20 and the battery 60 typically uses a dedicated clip, which increases the amount of wiring compared to rectangular and cylindrical batteries, resulting in higher costs.

[0037] [Probe pin cleaning device] Next, an embodiment of the probe pin cleaning device according to the present invention, which is intended for a secondary battery charging and discharging device having the configuration described above, will be described. Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the overall configuration of one embodiment of a probe pin cleaning device 100 in which a probe pin cleaning jig 200 is housed and arranged. Figure 5 is a schematic, enlarged perspective view of the main parts showing the probe pin cleaning jig 200 positioned and fixed in the jig container 150 of the probe pin cleaning device 100.

[0038] As shown in these figures, the probe pin cleaning device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention is a device for cleaning the probe pins that are connected to the electrodes of a secondary battery and used for charging and discharging the secondary battery, and is provided in the above-mentioned secondary battery charging and discharging device (see Figure 1-2). Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the probe pin cleaning device 100 includes a plurality of probe pin cleaning jigs 200 for cleaning the probe pins 21, and a jig container 150 for housing and holding a predetermined number of the plurality of probe pin cleaning jigs 200 in predetermined positions.

[0039] [Jig container] The jig container 150 is a container constructed to be almost the same shape and size as the battery container 50 (see Figure 1-2) described above, and is designed to house and hold the same number of probe pin cleaning jigs 200 as the number of batteries 60 housed in the battery container 50, in the same positions as the batteries 60. Specifically, the jig container 150 is configured as a container having a storage space that opens on the top side, and a predetermined number of probe pin cleaning jigs 200 corresponding to the batteries 60 housed in the battery container 50 can be arranged in multiple vertical and horizontal planes.

[0040] For example, if the jig container 150 is configured to correspond to the battery container 50 shown in Figure 1, then the cylindrical probe pin cleaning jigs 200 can be arranged in a total of 56 units in 7 rows vertically (depth direction in the drawing) x 8 rows horizontally (left-right direction in the drawing) at predetermined intervals. Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 4, the cylindrical probe pin cleaning jigs 200 are configured to be arranged in 16 vertical (depth direction in the drawing) x 16 horizontal (left-right direction in the drawing) = 256 units at predetermined intervals, corresponding to other battery containers 50 not shown.

[0041] Then, similar to the battery container 50 described above, the jig container 150 containing the probe pin cleaning jig 200 is mounted and inserted into the transport system of the charge / discharge device described above. As a result, the jig container 150, which has been transported and placed in a predetermined position, can move upward and rise by being transported by the transport means and raised and lowered by the lifting means (see Figure 2). In this way, the transport system of the charging and discharging device allows the probe pin cleaning jig 200, which is housed and held in the jig container 150, to come into contact with the probe pins 21 of the power board 20 at a predetermined position (see Figure 2(b)), and the probe pin cleaning process of the probe pin tips is performed by the probe pin cleaning jig 200, similar to the charging and discharging of a normal battery 60.

[0042] The battery 60 housed in the battery container 50 is a secondary battery (lithium-ion battery) that is subject to inspection by the secondary battery charge / discharge device, and is configured to perform predetermined charging and discharging by contacting the probe pins 21 of the power board 20 of the power supply unit 1. Specifically, the jig container 150, which houses and holds multiple probe pin cleaning jigs 200 corresponding to the batteries 60 housed in the battery container 50, is inserted into and mounted on the transport system provided in the charge / discharge device described above. Through transport operations by the transport means constituting the transport system and lifting operations by the lifting means, it is transported and positioned at a predetermined location below the corresponding predetermined power board 20 that performs charge / discharge testing on the batteries 60 housed in the battery container 50. At this predetermined location, the jig container 150 containing the probe pin cleaning jigs 200 is moved up and down. As a result, the probe pin cleaning jig 200 housed in the jig container 150 can make contact with and separate from the probe pins 21 of the power board 20 of the power supply unit (see Figure 1-2) of the charge / discharge device, and can clean and wash the tips of the probe pins.

[0043] Furthermore, the jig container 150 (probe pin cleaning jig 200) is identified and specified, similar to the battery container 50 (battery 60) described above, by identification information attached to the jig container 150 (e.g., a two-dimensional code, RF tag, IC chip, etc.), and its presence and location can be detected by detection means such as sensors provided on the transport means and lifting means. This ensures that the target jig container 150 (probe pin cleaning jig 200) is transported to the predetermined transport position without error, and that the cleaning of the probe pins 21 of the predetermined power supply unit 1 and power supply board 20 is performed without error. Here, it is preferable that the jig container 150 be (almost) the same shape and size as the electrical container 50 so that it can be transported and handled in the same way as the battery container 50 (transport tray) used in the charge / discharge device. However, the jig container 150 and the electrical container 50 do not necessarily have to be physically exactly the same shape and size. As long as the jig container 150 can be inserted into and mounted in the transport system of the charge / discharge device described above, and can be transported and moved within that transport system, it is of course possible for the jig container 150 to have different dimensions, shape, etc. from the electrical container 50.

[0044] After the cleaning process is complete, the lifting mechanism moves downward, causing the jig container 150 to move downward, separating and releasing contact with the probe pins 21 of the power board 20 (see Figure 2(a)), and the jig container 150 can be withdrawn from the mounting position of the transport system and lifting mechanism. This allows, for example, the probe pin cleaning jig 200 to be removed from the jig container 150, and necessary processing and management such as replacement and maintenance can be performed. In this way, with the probe pin cleaning device 100 of this embodiment, by simply setting the jig container 50 containing multiple probe pin cleaning jigs 200 below the power supply unit 1 using the same operations and movements as the battery container 50 containing multiple batteries 60, it becomes possible to easily, quickly, and safely clean the numerous probe pins 21 protruding from the multiple power supply boards 20.

[0045] [Probe pin cleaning jig] The probe pin cleaning jig 200 is housed and held in the jig container 150 as described above, and is a cleaning means that can clean and wash the tip of the probe pin 21 of the power supply board 20 of the power supply unit (see Figure 1-2) of the secondary battery charging / discharging device by repeatedly making contact with and separating from the probe pin 21. Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view showing the overall configuration of one embodiment of the probe pin cleaning jig 200. Specifically, as shown in Figure 6, the probe pin cleaning jig 200 is configured in a cylindrical shape with a height and flat area similar to that of the battery 60 housed in the battery container 50, and includes a contact portion 210 that contacts the tip of the probe pin 21 and a support portion 220 that supports the contact portion 210.

[0046] Furthermore, as the jig container 150 moves up and down, the contact portion 210 comes into contact with and separates from the tip of the probe pin 21 from below, thereby cleaning the tip of the probe pin 21. The upper surface of the contact portion 210 is provided with a surface-shaped cleaning sheet 211 that faces and contacts the probe pin 21. The tip of the probe pin 21 contacts and presses against the surface of this cleaning sheet 211, and when it is separated and released, the tip of the probe pin 21 is polished and smoothed, dirt and other contaminants are removed, and cleaning is performed.

[0047] Here, as the cleaning sheet 211, for example, a cleaning sheet (referred to as a cleaning sheet in this specification) sold (handled) by Mypox Co., Ltd. can be used (see the website below). https: / / product.mipox.co.jp / products / film / PO_0002 / These cleaning sheets come in multiple varieties, differing in the material of the abrasive, the shape and size of the abrasive particles, and even the pressure and thickness of the abrasive coating. A variety of cleaning sheets are available to suit different types of objects to be cleaned (in this invention, the probe pin 21). In this embodiment, for example, if the tip of the probe pin 21 has an uneven shape, the SWE type (model name: WA6000-SWE FWX) cleaning sheet from Mypox Co., Ltd. can be used. However, this is not the only option, and cleaning sheets can be appropriately selected and used to match the tip shape of the probe pin.

[0048] The contact portion 210 and the support portion 220 that constitute the probe pin cleaning jig 200 are configured to be detachable from each other. Figure 7 shows the contact portion 210 and support portion 220 of the probe pin cleaning jig 200 of this embodiment in a disassembled state. By configuring the contact portion 210 and the support portion 220 to be detachable and separable in this way, for example, only the contact portion 210 can be removed from the probe pin cleaning jig 200 which is housed and held in the jig container 150, allowing for inspection and replacement of the contact portion 210, including the cleaning sheet 211.

[0049] Furthermore, the detachable and separable structure for the contact portion 210 and the support portion 220 can be configured, for example, by a screw structure in which the contact portion 210 and the support portion 220 are screwed together. Furthermore, to facilitate attachment, detachment, and assembly, it can also be configured, for example, with a so-called one-touch coupler structure (coupler socket / coupler plug structure). The cleaning sheet 211 needs to be replaced after a certain number of contacts (cleaning) with the probe pin 21. By adopting a configuration and structure that allows for easy attachment, detachment, and assembly of the contact part 210 and the support part 220, only the contact part (head part) 210 to which the cleaning sheet 211 is attached can be easily attached, detached, and replaced. Furthermore, the screw structure and one-touch coupler structure prevent twisting of the contact portion 210 and the support portion 220, enabling reliable cleaning of the probe pin.

[0050] Furthermore, the contact portion 210 and support portion 220 that constitute the probe pin cleaning jig 200 are configured such that when the contact portion 210 that has come into contact with the probe pin 21 moves away from the probe pin 21, the support portion 220 rotates the contact portion 210 in the direction of the axis of the probe pin 21. Figure 8 is a schematic, partially cross-sectional perspective view from the front, illustrating the arrangement of the probe pin cleaning jig 200 and the probe pins. Similarly, Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view from above, showing a partial cross-section illustrating the arrangement of the probe pin cleaning jig and the probe pins.

[0051] As shown in these figures, in this embodiment, the support portion 220 that supports the contact portion 210 is equipped with a gear structure 221 and a spring 222 that elastically biases and presses the gear structure 221 toward the contact portion 210, as shown in Figure 7. With such a gear structure 221 and spring 222, the contact portion 210 supported by the support portion 220 can elastically contact and separate from the probe pin 21. Then, as the gear structure 221 is elastically pressed and biased toward the contact portion 210 by the spring 222, when the contact portion 210 that has been in contact with the probe pin 21 moves away from the probe pin 21, the contact portion 210 is rotated and moved by a predetermined angular interval in the direction of the axis of the probe pin 21.

[0052] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the gear structure 221 provided in the support portion 220 of the probe pin cleaning jig 200 according to this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the gear structure 221 of this embodiment is configured to include an upper gear section, a middle gear section, and a lower gear section that engage with each other in a detachable manner. (1) In the state before the contact portion 210 makes contact with the probe pin 21 (before contact), the upper gear portion and the middle gear portion are engaged due to the biasing force and pressing force of the spring 222, and the middle gear portion and the lower gear portion are separated. (2) Next, when the contact portion 210 is in contact with the probe pin 21, the raising of the lifting means causes the upper gear portion and the middle gear portion to separate against the biasing force and pressing force of the spring 222, and the middle gear portion moves in the rotational direction of the contact portion 210 and engages with the lower gear portion. (3) Furthermore, as the lifting mechanism descends, the contact portion 210 separates from the probe pin 21, and the biasing and pressing force of the spring 222 separates the lower gear portion and the middle gear portion, causing the middle gear portion to move in the rotational direction of the contact portion 210 and engage with the upper gear portion.

[0053] The operation of this gear structure 221 causes the contact portion 210 to rotate by a predetermined angular interval, equal to the movement of the gear structure 221, relative to the axis direction of the probe pin 21. As a result, when the probe pin cleaning jig 200 moves up and down, it makes contact with the probe pin 21, and then the gear structure 221 causes the upper gear part and the lower gear part to move and rotate relative to each other. This ensures that during the next cleaning, the probe pin 21 will come into contact with a new contact surface of the cleaning sheet 211 on the contact part 210, allowing for continuous, effective, and reliable cleaning.

[0054] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the contact portion 210 and cleaning sheet 211, which are rotated by the support portion 220, in the probe pin cleaning jig 200 of this embodiment. In the example shown in the figure, when the three probe pins 21 are in contact with the cleaning sheet 211 of the contact portion 210 at three contact positions, at the next contact timing, the contact portion 210 rotates and moves at a predetermined angular interval (for example, 120-degree intervals), causing it to contact with the cleaning sheet 211 at a new contact position.

[0055] As a result, the contact portion 210 of the probe pin cleaning jig 200 rotates when it makes contact and separates, eliminating the need for any rotational or driving means for the probe pin cleaning jig 200 or the probe pin 21, and thus enabling the realization of a "drive source-less" jig / device that does not require any power for driving. In this way, the contact surface of the cleaning sheet 211, which is provided on the upper flat surface of the probe pin cleaning jig 200, moves and comes into contact with a new surface each time, thereby maximizing the cleaning effect.

[0056] As described above, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the probe pins, which are provided on the power board of the power supply unit constituting a secondary battery charging and discharging device and are connected to a secondary battery for charging and discharging, can be cleaned quickly and efficiently, and the workability and safety of the probe pins for maintenance can be greatly improved. In particular, according to the present invention, in a secondary battery charging and discharging device, by simply placing a jig container 50 containing multiple probe pin cleaning jigs 200 below the charging and discharging device (power supply unit) in substantially the same work and process as when performing a charge and discharge test on a secondary battery to be inspected, it becomes possible to easily, quickly, and safely clean a large number of probe pins 21 provided on multiple power supply boards 20 all at once. Therefore, this makes it possible to provide a cleaning device and cleaning method for the probe pins of a secondary battery charge / discharge device that is particularly suitable for power supply units, such as so-called cableless / fixture-integrated types, that allow direct connection of the probe pins of the power supply board to the secondary battery being inspected.

[0057] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration of the secondary battery charging and discharging device was explained using a "cableless / fixture-integrated" type as an example, in which the probe pins 21 of the power supply board 20 of the power supply unit 1 and the electrodes (positive electrode 61 / negative electrode 62) of the device to be inspected 60 are in direct contact. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to the connection structure between the power supply unit and the battery, as long as the probe pins (electrode pins) provided on the power supply board can be cleaned. Therefore, the present invention can also be applied to (conventional) charge / discharge devices that electrically connect the probe pins of the power supply circuit to the battery with a cable, when cleaning the probe pins of the power supply circuit.

[0058] Furthermore, the secondary battery charging and discharging device described above is equipped with a power supply unit that serves as a control means (charge / discharge controller) for executing and controlling predetermined charging and discharging processes. This includes a physical electrical circuit (not shown) or a computer that executes predetermined processes, means, and functions based on program (software) instructions, replacing the physical electrical circuit. The program sends commands to each component of the computer, causing the power supply unit 1 to perform predetermined charging and discharging processes and functions according to the present invention. Therefore, each process, means, and function of the power supply unit of the secondary battery charging and discharging device targeted by the present invention can be realized by specific means involving the cooperation of a program and a computer.

[0059] Here, all or part of the program is provided, for example, on a magnetic disk, optical disk, semiconductor memory, or any other computer-readable recording medium, and the program read from the recording medium is installed on the computer and executed. Alternatively, the program can be loaded and executed directly on the computer via a communication line without using a recording medium. Furthermore, the computer that controls the secondary battery charging / discharging device and power supply unit can be configured as a single information processing device (e.g., a single personal computer) or as multiple information processing devices (e.g., a group of multiple server computers).

[0060] Specifically, the information processing device that constitutes the power control means (charge / discharge controller) is composed of hardware including, for example, a CPU, RAM, ROM, HDD, input device, display device (display), and communication interface. These components are connected by a system bus, and data is exchanged via the system bus. The CPU (Central Processing Unit), also called the central processing unit, is the central processing part of the computer, controlling each device and performing calculations and processing of data. RAM (Random Access Memory) is a type of memory device that allows data to be erased and rewritten. ROM (Read Only Memory) is a type of memory device using semiconductors, etc., where data can only be written once during manufacturing, and only recorded data can be read during use. HDD (Hard Disk Drive) is an auxiliary storage device that uses the properties of magnetic material to record and read information. Also, HDDs may be used in conjunction with, for example, SSDs (Solid State Drives). Input devices are used by the user to give operation instructions to the computer or to input characters, etc., and specifically consist of keyboards, mice, etc. Display devices consist of, for example, liquid crystal displays. Each device in this system may be equipped with a touch panel function that integrates an input device and a display device. It may also be equipped with a communication function (communication interface) that enables communication with other terminals or information processing devices. A communication interface (interface) is a device for communicating with other devices according to a predetermined communication standard, and includes, for example, a Network Interface Card (NIC). [Industrial applicability]

[0061] The present invention is suitably applicable as an apparatus and method for cleaning and maintaining probe pins in secondary battery charge / discharge devices that perform charging and discharging for the activation and quality inspection of secondary batteries used in IT equipment such as smartphones and electric vehicles. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0062] 1. Power supply unit (charge / discharge device for secondary batteries) 10 Power Supply Cases 20 Power Boards 21 Probe pins (electrode pins) 100 Probe Pin Cleaning Device 150 Jig container 200 Probe Pin Cleaning Jig 210 Contact area 211 Cleaning Sheets 220 Support part

Claims

1. A probe pin cleaning device for cleaning probe pins that are connected to the electrodes of a secondary battery to charge and discharge the secondary battery, A contact portion that contacts the tip of the probe pin, It comprises a support portion that supports the contact portion, As the support portion moves, The contact portion cleans the tip of the probe pin by making contact with and separating from the tip of the probe pin, When the contact portion of the support portion that has been in contact with the probe pin moves away from the probe pin, the support portion rotates the contact portion in the direction of the axis of the probe pin. A probe pin cleaning device characterized by the following features.

2. The support portion moves up and down relative to the probe pin, The contact portion contacts and separates from the tip of the probe pin. The probe pin cleaning device according to feature 1.

3. In a charge / discharge device for charging and discharging the secondary battery, if the device is equipped with a lifting mechanism for moving the secondary battery up and down relative to the probe pin, The support portion moves up and down relative to the probe pin via the lifting and lowering means of the charging and discharging device, The contact portion contacts and separates from the tip of the probe pin. The probe pin cleaning device according to feature 2.

4. The aforementioned support portion, The gear structure comprises an upper gear section, a middle gear section, and a lower gear section that engage with each other in a detachable manner. In the state before the contact portion contacts the probe pin, the upper gear portion and the middle gear portion are engaged, and the middle gear portion and the lower gear portion are separated. With the contact portion in contact with the probe pin, the upper gear portion and the middle gear portion separate, and the middle gear portion moves in the rotational direction of the contact portion and engages with the lower gear portion. When the contact portion moves away from the probe pin, the lower gear portion and the middle gear portion move apart, and the middle gear portion moves in the rotational direction of the contact portion and engages with the upper gear portion, The contact portion is rotated in the direction of the axis of the probe pin. The probe pin cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The contact portion includes a cleaning sheet that cleans the tip of the probe pin by contacting and separating from the probe pin. The probe pin cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The contact portion and the support portion are configured to be detachable. The probe pin cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The contact portion elastically contacts and separates from the probe pin. The probe pin cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The probe pin cleaning device is A probe pin cleaning jig comprising the contact portion and the support portion, The system comprises a jig container capable of accommodating multiple probe pin cleaning jigs, The jig container is It is constructed to be the same shape and size as a transport tray capable of housing and transporting multiple secondary batteries. The probe pin cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2.

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