Battery testing device

Abstract

The battery test device (1) is equipped with a sealed battery holder (4) that can detachably accommodate a secondary battery (3), a constant temperature bath (2) in which the battery holder (4) is accommodated, and a charge / discharge test device (7) that charges and discharges the secondary battery (3) accommodated in the battery holder (4) to test it. The battery holder (4) is made of a fire-resistant and pressure-resistant container capable of withstanding the ignition of the secondary battery (3), and the exhaust port (4b) is connected to an exhaust pipe (15) that discharges gas inside the battery holder (4) when the secondary battery (3) ignites, thereby discharging the gas to the outside of the constant temperature bath (2) to release pressure.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery testing device for performing charge and discharge tests of a secondary battery. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, a test apparatus for testing secondary batteries is known, configured to allow the mounting portions of multiple test secondary batteries to be removed and inserted within a constant temperature bath. In secondary batteries, a charge-discharge test is performed at a predetermined ambient temperature (e.g., Patent Document 1).

[0003] As a result of charge-discharge tests, secondary batteries that ignite may also appear. Although the response to ignition is not mentioned in Patent Document 1, there were methods such as detecting the generated smoke, supplying water into the battery holder, and extinguishing the ignited secondary battery. Prior art literature

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5738660 The problem to be solved

[0005] However, multiple battery holders are arranged inside the constant temperature bath with almost no gaps. Therefore, in the case of water extinguishing, water could penetrate adjacent battery holders, affecting the charge and discharge tests of secondary batteries that were not ignited.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of these circumstances and aims to provide a battery testing device capable of performing charge and discharge tests of a secondary battery without using water, etc. means of solving the problem

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the present invention is a battery testing device for performing a charge-discharge test of a secondary battery, comprising: a sealed battery holder for detachably accommodating the secondary battery; a constant temperature bath in which the battery holder is accommodated; and a charge-discharge testing device for charging and discharging the secondary battery accommodated within the battery holder.

[0008] The battery holder is characterized by being made of a fire-resistant, pressure-resistant container capable of withstanding the ignition of the secondary battery, and having an exhaust port connected to a passage for discharging gas inside the battery holder to the outside of the constant temperature bath when the secondary battery ignites.

[0009] When testing a secondary battery using the battery testing device of the present invention, some secondary batteries may ignite. The battery holder of the secondary battery is made of a fire-resistant and pressure-resistant container and encloses the secondary battery in a sealed manner. Therefore, it is possible to essentially trap the gas (exhaust gas) generated by the ignition and prevent it from leaking to the outside.

[0010] In addition, the battery holder has an exhaust port connected to a passage for discharging gas generated by ignition. Therefore, the gas can be guided to the outside of the constant temperature bath through the said passage to relieve pressure. In this way, the battery testing device of the present invention can handle the occurrence of ignition in a secondary battery without using water or the like.

[0011] In the battery testing device of the present invention, it is preferable that the battery holder has a plurality of compartments partitioned for each secondary battery, and that each compartment is capable of detachably accommodating the secondary battery, and that the exhaust port is provided to guide the gas inside the compartment into the passage.

[0012] According to this configuration, each chamber housing a secondary battery within the battery holder has an exhaust port that directs the gas (exhaust gas) inside the chamber into a passage. Therefore, if a secondary battery ignites during a test, the gas can be discharged from that chamber to release pressure. As a result, the battery testing device of the present invention can reliably test each secondary battery without affecting adjacent secondary batteries.

[0013] In addition, in the present invention, it is preferable that a plurality of the battery holders are accommodated in parallel in the constant temperature bath.

[0014] With this configuration, multiple battery holders are accommodated in parallel within a constant temperature bath, allowing for the simultaneous testing of multiple secondary batteries. Even if a secondary battery ignites during testing, adjacent battery holders are not affected because they are sealed.

[0015] In addition, the battery test apparatus of the present invention preferably has a first common passage for introducing the gas discharged from a plurality of battery holders and discharging it to the outside of the constant temperature bath.

[0016] According to this configuration, in each battery holder housing a secondary battery, internal gas (exhaust gas) is collected in a first common passage through an exhaust port. The gas then flows through the first common passage and is discharged to the outside of the constant temperature bath. Therefore, the battery testing device of the present invention can reliably discharge gas to the outside without leakage within the constant temperature bath.

[0017] In addition, in the battery test apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable that each of the battery holders has a first check valve that allows exhaust to the first common passage and prevents inflow from the first common passage.

[0018] The first check valve of each battery holder allows exhaust to the first common passage but prevents inflow from the first common passage into each battery holder. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the gas (exhaust gas) circulating in the first common passage from flowing back into each battery holder.

[0019] In addition, the battery test apparatus of the present invention has a second common passage as the passage, which combines the gas discharged from the exhaust port and discharges it to the outside of the constant temperature bath.

[0020] It is preferable that the above exhaust port has a second check valve that allows exhaust to the second common passage and prevents inflow from the second common passage.

[0021] According to this configuration, the gas (exhaust gas) discharged from the exhaust port flows through the second common passage and is discharged to the outside of the constant temperature bath. Additionally, the exhaust port has a second check valve. The second check valve allows exhaust into the second common passage but prevents inflow from the second common passage. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the gas flowing through the second common passage from flowing back into the room. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0022] FIG. 1 is an overall view of a battery test apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side view of a battery test apparatus according to a first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a battery holder according to a first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a top view of a battery holder of the first embodiment (without top cover). FIG. 5 is an overall view of a battery test apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a top view of a battery holder of the second embodiment (without top cover). Specific details for implementing the invention

[0023] [First embodiment]

[0024] First, with reference to FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2, a battery test device (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0025] FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a battery test device (1), and for the purpose of explanation, the interior of the constant temperature bath (2) is made visible. The battery test device (1) is a device for evaluating a secondary battery by charging and discharging the secondary battery. The battery test device (1) is equipped with a constant temperature bath (2) that maintains a constant internal temperature, a plurality of battery holders (4) that are housed within the constant temperature bath (2) and can detachably accommodate a secondary battery (3), and a charge / discharge test device (7) capable of charging and discharging the secondary battery (3) (see FIG. 4) through a contact probe (5) and a cable (6).

[0026] The constant temperature bath (2) is a device controlled to maintain a constant internal temperature by circulating temperature-controlled air, and is structured to prevent the influence of temperature changes from the surrounding environment.

[0027] A slide rail (2b) is provided inside the constant temperature bath (2) to guide the slide of the battery holder (4). Additionally, an external opening / closing door (2a) is provided on the front of the constant temperature bath (2). The battery holder (4) can be withdrawn from the front of the constant temperature bath (2) along the slide rail (2b) by opening the opening / closing door (2a) of the constant temperature bath (2).

[0028] Battery holders (4) are accommodated in parallel within the constant temperature bath (2). In FIG. 1, the lowest battery holder (4) is shown for illustrative purposes, but in reality, as shown in FIG. 2, six battery holders (4) are arranged in each of the five stages. The arrangement of the battery holders (4) is not limited to this and can be appropriately changed.

[0029] In the constant temperature bath (2), each battery holder (4) is connected to a charge / discharge test device (7). The charge / discharge test device (7) can perform a charge / discharge test on the secondary battery (3) inside the battery holder (4).

[0030] The battery holder (4) of the first embodiment is a rectangular holder (single channel type) capable of detachably sealing and accommodating one secondary battery (3). This battery holder (4) is made of a fire-resistant and pressure-resistant container capable of withstanding even if the secondary battery (3) is ignited during a charge / discharge test.

[0031] When some of the secondary batteries (3) are ignited by a charge / discharge test, as shown in FIG. 2, exhaust gas is discharged from the exhaust port of the battery holder (4) through the flexible hose (10) to the outside of the constant temperature bath (2) via the exhaust pipe (15) protruding upward from the constant temperature bath (2). Alternatively, the configuration may be such that the exhaust gas is guided from the flexible hose (10) of the battery holder (4) to the exhaust pipe (15) via the common passage (13) (the 'first common passage' of the present invention). Furthermore, the flow of the exhaust gas is as indicated by the dashed arrow.

[0032] Next, the battery holder (4) will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3 and FIGS. 4.

[0033] First, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a battery holder (4) in a sealed state. On one side (right side of the drawing) of the battery holder (4), a connector (4a) and an exhaust port (4b) are provided. The connector (4a) is a connector that connects the battery holder (4) and a cable (6) extending from the charge / discharge test device (7).

[0034] Additionally, the exhaust port (4b) is an opening for discharging gas inside the battery holder (4) to the outside. The exhaust port (4b) is configured to be connectable to a flexible hose (10) (the ‘passage’ of the present invention) that guides the gas to the outside of the constant temperature bath (2).

[0035] The upper surface of the battery holder (4) is an upper cover (4c) that opens and closes when taking out and inserting the secondary battery (3). The upper cover (4c) is secured by a locking mechanism (4d) on the other side of the battery holder (4) (opposite side to the connector (4a)).

[0036] Next, FIG. 4 illustrates the appearance when the upper cover (4c) of the battery holder (4) is removed. In the battery holder (4), a secondary battery (3) (cylindrical) can be set approximately in the center. The positive contact probe pin (5a) and the negative contact probe pin (5b) are both connected to the cable (6) of the charge / discharge test device (7).

[0037] The upper side of the drawing of the secondary battery (3) is made in contact with the contact probe pin (5a). Additionally, the contact probe pin (5b) is configured to be movable in the vertical direction and is made in contact with the secondary battery (3) from the lower side of the drawing. By doing so, the secondary battery (3) can be tested by the charge / discharge test device (7). As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, since a plurality of battery holders (4) are accommodated in parallel in the constant temperature bath (2), the battery test device (1) can test a plurality of secondary batteries (3) simultaneously.

[0038] When testing the secondary battery (3), a secondary battery (3) that ignites may also be produced. However, the battery holder (4) is made of a fire-resistant and pressure-resistant container and contains the secondary battery (3) in a sealed manner. Therefore, the gas (exhaust gas) generated by the ignition can be contained within the battery holder (4) so ​​that it does not leak out.

[0039] Additionally, exhaust gas generated by ignition is discharged from the exhaust port (4b) through the flexible hose (10). The exhaust gas flows from the flexible hose (10) to the exhaust pipe (15) (see FIG. 2) and can be guided to the outside of the constant temperature bath (2) to relieve pressure. In this way, the battery holder (4) of the present embodiment can handle the occurrence of ignition in the secondary battery (3) without using water, and the exhaust gas does not leak out of the constant temperature bath (2). Furthermore, in the event that there is a secondary battery (3) that ignites, the battery holder (4) does not affect the adjacent battery holder (4).

[0040] In the case where the flexible hose (10) of each battery holder (4) is configured to be inserted into a common passage (13) (see FIG. 2), a check valve (13a) (the ‘first check valve’ of the present invention) may be provided in the common passage (13). The check valve (13a) is structured to open by the wind pressure of exhaust gas inside the battery holder (4). The check valve (13a) allows exhaust to the common passage (13) but prevents inflow from the common passage (13) into the battery holder (4). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the exhaust gas flowing through the common passage (13) from flowing back into each battery holder (4).

[0041] The battery holder (4) may be configured to allow testing of secondary batteries other than cylindrical ones. For example, in the case of a secondary battery with laminated cell specifications, testing can be performed by attaching each electrode to a current contact clip and a voltage contact clip, respectively. In the same way, testing of a secondary battery with prismatic cell specifications can also be performed.

[0042] [Second embodiment]

[0043] Next, with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, a battery test apparatus (20) according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Also, the same reference numerals are used for components identical to those of the battery test apparatus (1) of the first embodiment, and some descriptions are omitted.

[0044] FIG. 5 is an overall perspective view of a battery test device (20), and for the sake of explanation, the interior of the constant temperature bath (2) is made visible. As shown in FIG. 5(a), the battery test device (20) is equipped with a constant temperature bath (2), a plurality of battery holders (24) that are housed in the constant temperature bath (2) and can detachably accommodate a secondary battery (3), and a charge / discharge test device (7) (not shown) capable of charging and discharging the secondary battery (3).

[0045] Battery holders (24) are accommodated in parallel within the constant temperature bath (2). In this embodiment, five battery holders (24) are arranged in a total of two stages for each stage. The arrangement of the battery holders (24) is not limited to this and can be appropriately changed. Additionally, a slide rail (2b) is provided within the constant temperature bath (2) to guide the slide of the battery holders (24), and the battery holders can be pulled out along the slide rail (2b) from the front of the constant temperature bath (2).

[0046] FIG. 5(b) is a side view of a battery test device (20). Each battery holder (24) has its interior divided into six chambers (241 to 246). That is, the battery holder (24) is a rectangular holder (multi-channel type) capable of detachably sealing and accommodating one secondary battery (3) in each chamber (241 to 246). In addition, the number of chambers within the battery holder (24) can be appropriately changed.

[0047] Above the battery holder (24), a common passage (21) (the 'second common passage' of the present invention) is provided for discharging exhaust gas to a constant temperature bath (2). Although details will be described later, each chamber (241~246) of the battery holder (24) has an exhaust port, and exhaust gas discharged from the exhaust port is combined in the common passage (21).

[0048] In front of each common passage (21), one common passage (23) (the "first common passage" of the present invention) is provided for each stage. The common passage (23) is a common passage into which gas from five battery holders (24) is combined. Additionally, each common passage (23) is connected to each exhaust pipe (25), and the tip of each exhaust pipe (25) protrudes from the constant temperature bath (2). Accordingly, exhaust gas flows from the exhaust port of the room (241-246) in the order of the common passage (21), the common passage (23), and the exhaust pipe (25), and is discharged to the outside of the constant temperature bath (2). Furthermore, the flow of exhaust gas is as indicated by the dashed arrow.

[0049] FIG. 6 illustrates the appearance when the upper cover of the battery holder (24) is removed. In the battery holder (24), the interior is divided into rooms (241 to 246), and one secondary battery (3) (cylindrical) can be set in each room (241 to 246).

[0050] The positive contact probe pin (5a) and the negative contact probe pin (5b) are both connected to a cable (6) connected to a charge / discharge test device (7). Additionally, the cable (6) of the battery holder (24) and the charge / discharge test device (7) is connected through a connector (24a) provided on one side (right side of the drawing) of the battery holder (24).

[0051] The upper side of the drawing of the secondary battery (3) is made in contact with the contact probe pin (5a). The contact probe pin (5a) is configured to be movable in the vertical direction of the drawing and is made in contact with the secondary battery (3) from the upper side of the drawing. In addition, the lower side of the drawing of the secondary battery (3) is made in contact with the contact probe pin (5b). By doing so, the secondary battery (3) can perform a charge / discharge test using the charge / discharge test device (7).

[0052] When testing the secondary battery (3), a secondary battery (3) that ignites may also be produced. However, each chamber (241 to 246) within the battery holder (24) is made of a fire-resistant and pressure-resistant container and contains the secondary battery (3) in a sealed manner. Therefore, the exhaust gas generated by the ignition can be contained so that it does not leak to the outside.

[0053] When exhaust gas is generated by ignition, it is discharged from the exhaust ports (24b to 24g). For example, when the secondary battery (3) in the room (241) ignites, the generated exhaust gas is discharged from the exhaust port (24b). Above the exhaust port (24b), a check valve (211) (the 'second check valve' of the present invention) connected to the common passage (21) is provided.

[0054] The check valve (211) has a mechanism that opens due to the wind pressure of the exhaust gas. Specifically, the cover portion of the check valve (211) is structured to cover the exhaust ports (24b to 24g). The cover portion rotates around a rotation axis and is pressed in the direction of the exhaust ports (24b to 24g) by a spring. When the cover portion receives wind pressure, it rotates and opens away from the exhaust ports (24b to 24g).

[0055] The check valves (211-216) allow exhaust to the common passage (21) but prevent inflow from the common passage (21) into the rooms (241-246). Therefore, it is possible to prevent exhaust gas flowing through the common passage (21) from flowing back into the rooms (241-246).

[0056] The connection portion (21a) at the end (right side of the drawing) of the common passage (21) is connected to the common passage (23). As shown in FIG. 5(b), a check valve (23a) (the 'first check valve' of the present invention) may be provided in the common passage (23). The check valve (23a) is opened by the wind pressure of exhaust gas from the common passage (21), allowing exhaust to the common passage (23) but preventing inflow from the common passage (23) into the common passage (21). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the exhaust gas flowing through the common passage (23) from flowing back into the common passage (21) and each battery holder (24).

[0057] In this way, the battery test device (20) can direct the exhaust gas to the outside of the constant temperature bath (2) to relieve pressure. The battery holder (24) of this embodiment can handle the occurrence of ignition of the secondary battery (3) without using water, and can discharge the exhaust gas to the outside without leaking out of the constant temperature bath (2).

[0058] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist thereof. In the above embodiments, a battery test device (1) (battery test device (20)) equipped with a plurality of battery holders (4) (battery holders (24)) in a constant temperature bath (2) was described, but it is not limited thereto. For example, there may be only one battery holder (4) (battery holders (24)) in the constant temperature bath (2).

[0059] In addition, although the first embodiment describes a configuration in which one secondary battery (3) is accommodated within the battery holder (4), it is not limited to this. For example, a configuration in which multiple secondary batteries (3) can be accommodated within one battery holder (4) may be used.

[0060] In the battery test device (1) of the first embodiment, a check valve (13a) is provided in the common passage (13), but a check valve may also be provided in the exhaust port (4b) of the battery holder (4), and either one is sufficient. In addition, in the battery test device (20) of the second embodiment, check valves (211~216) are provided in the common passage (21) and a check valve (23a) is provided in the common passage (23), but either one is sufficient. Explanation of the symbols

[0061] 1: Battery test apparatus 2: Constant temperature bath 2a : Opening / closing door 2b : Slide rail 3 : Secondary battery 4 : Battery holder (single channel type) 4a : Connector 4b : Exhaust port 4c: Top cover 4d: Lock mechanism 5 : Contact probe 5a : Contact probe pin (positive) 5b : Contact probe pin (negative) 6 : Cable 7 : Charge / Discharge Test Device 10 : Flexible Hose 13: Common passage 13a: Check valve 15 : Exhaust pipe 20 : Battery test device 21: Common passage 211~216: Check valves 23: Common passage 23a: Check valve 24: Battery holder (multi-channel type) 25: Exhaust pipe 241~246 : Room

Claims

Claim 1 A battery testing device for performing charge and discharge tests on a secondary battery, comprising: a sealed battery holder that can detachably accommodate the secondary battery; a constant temperature bath in which the battery holder is accommodated; a charge and discharge testing device for charging and discharging the secondary battery accommodated in the battery holder; and a first common passage installed inside the constant temperature bath that combines the gases discharged from a plurality of the battery holders and discharges them to the outside of the constant temperature bath. The battery holder is made of a fire-resistant, pressure-resistant container capable of withstanding the ignition of the secondary battery, and is provided with an exhaust port that can be connected to a passage that discharges the gas inside the battery holder to the outside of the constant temperature bath when the secondary battery ignites. A plurality of the battery holders are accommodated in parallel in the constant temperature bath. The gas discharged from the battery holders passes through the passage installed inside the constant temperature bath and the first common passage, and is discharged to the outside of the constant temperature bath by an exhaust pipe protruding from the constant temperature bath. Each of the battery holders allows exhaust to the first common passage. A battery test device characterized by having a first check valve that prevents inflow from the first common passage. Claim 2 A battery testing device according to claim 1, wherein the battery holder has a plurality of compartments partitioned for each secondary battery, each compartment capable of detachably accommodating the secondary battery, and the exhaust port is provided to guide the gas inside the compartment into the passage. Claim 3 A battery test device according to paragraph 2, characterized in that, as the passage, it has a second common passage that combines the gas discharged from the exhaust port and discharges it to the outside of the constant temperature bath, and the exhaust port has a second check valve that allows exhaust to the second common passage and prevents inflow from the second common passage. Claim 4 delete Claim 5 delete Claim 6 delete

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