JP3666785B2 - Multiple battery automatic test method and apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a battery characteristic automatic testing apparatus indispensable for evaluation of various batteries.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, the demand for batteries has increased due to the downsizing, high performance, and portability of various electronic devices. Accordingly, the improvement and development of batteries are becoming increasingly active. New application areas for batteries are also expanding.
[0003]
For battery development and application to new areas, prior evaluation of the battery by characteristic tests is indispensable. In other words, since the performance of the battery greatly depends on the use conditions, prior evaluation of the battery by a characteristic test is necessary. Moreover, these conditions can affect not only performance but also battery safety. When developing a battery or applying it to a new application, it is important to conduct a battery test that reflects various conditions of actual use as faithfully as possible.
[0004]
A test that satisfies these requirements is not easy because it requires a lot of manpower and equipment.
[0005]
FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a conventional charging / discharging device 100.
[0006]
The conventional charging / discharging device 100 is a device that can control only charging / discharging of the test battery 2, and data recording is dependent on a recorder that is an external device. The conventional charging / discharging device 100 mainly includes a constant current / constant voltage power source 1, a constant current load device 3, and a controller 4 having a display diode 41. The function of the constant current / constant voltage power source 1 varies depending on the voltage of the test battery 2. That is, when the charge / discharge conditions are defined within a fixed voltage range, the constant current constant voltage power supply 1 operates as a constant current source, and the charge / discharge conditions are defined with a fixed time. The constant current constant voltage power supply 1 operates as a constant current source up to the set voltage, and after reaching the set voltage, the constant current constant voltage power supply 1 continues to operate as a constant voltage power supply for a specified time. To do.
[0007]
The constant current load device 3 is a device that changes the value of the load so that the current value supplied to the load by the test battery 2 maintains a constant set value. The controller 4 controls the constant current and constant voltage power source 1, the constant current load device 3, and the switches S1 and S2 according to the set charge / discharge conditions. The recorder 6 records the change with time of the voltage of the test battery 2.
[0008]
By the way, in recent years, a test apparatus for battery test has finally been developed, and several problems can be solved. This test apparatus not only mechanically sets test conditions, but also automates the setting, change, data collection, and the like of test conditions as the computer develops.
[0009]
FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an improved type conventional charge / discharge test apparatus 100a.
[0010]
The charge / discharge test apparatus 100a is a computer-controlled test apparatus, and can record data as compared with the charge / discharge test apparatus 100, and can extract necessary information when necessary.
[0011]
In the charge / discharge test apparatus 100a, the CPU 7 is provided in place of the controller 4 in the charge / discharge test apparatus 100, and the main purpose is the ROM 8, the display 9 for displaying the charge / discharge test status, the work RAM 10, and the data output. And a keyboard 12 for inputting individual charge / discharge conditions (setting of time, current value, voltage range, etc.), and necessary test conditions and data are stored in a recording medium. Is. The ROM 8 stores a program for charge / discharge control and data recording in advance, and the CPU 7 controls the entire charge / discharge system by this program.
[0012]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, these charge / discharge test apparatuses 100 and 100a can test only one test battery per unit, and after charging and discharging conditions are set and the conditions are satisfied, charging and discharging are automatically performed. It can only be performed alternately, it is not possible to connect a plurality of test batteries and perform a storage characteristic test at the same time, and the temperature of the test can be changed according to the charge, discharge, and rest state individually. Can not.
[0013]
Therefore, in the above conventional example, when a storage test for discharging or a storage test for charging and discharging is performed in a state where it is left at different environmental temperatures for different periods, a thermostat corresponding to each temperature is provided. Prepare and store test batteries in the thermostatic chamber.-When the fixed period has arrived, remove the test batteries from the thermostatic chamber and place them in the charge / discharge test equipment for measurement. However, there is a problem that a large amount of labor is required and errors in work procedures may occur frequently.
[0014]
Further, in the above-described conventional example, if each test battery is individually set as a charge / discharge device, a huge number of devices are required, resulting in a high cost.
[0015]
The present invention does not require an enormous amount of labor, is less likely to cause errors in work procedures, and can prevent a high cost due to setting each test battery individually in a charge / discharge device. An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic battery testing method and apparatus.
[0016]
It is an object of the present invention to provide an automatic test apparatus for a plurality of batteries that can be handled by a single test apparatus when a plurality of test batteries are subjected to storage characteristic tests at different environmental temperatures and different standing periods. It is what.
[0017]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention relates to an automatic test apparatus that tests and evaluates characteristics of various batteries, a battery test unit that controls a test current, a control / recording unit that performs test control and manages data, and a test that has a plurality of environmental temperature control functions. A battery storage container, a charging time zone for one test battery, a discharging time zone for the one test battery, a charging time zone for the second and subsequent test batteries, and the second and subsequent test batteries. Control so that it does not overlap with the discharge time zone If all other test batteries are inactive and the test of other test batteries is scheduled to start after more than half of the test time of the own test battery has elapsed, Run the test To do.
[0018]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an automatic test apparatus 101 for a plurality of batteries according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0019]
The automatic test apparatus 101 includes a charge / discharge test apparatus 50 and a test battery storage unit 18.
[0020]
The charge / discharge test apparatus 50 controls the measurement of the four test batteries 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d. The charge / discharge test apparatus 50 includes a battery test unit 16 and a control / recording unit 17.
[0021]
The battery test unit 16 includes a constant current constant voltage power source 1, a constant current load device 3, and a switch unit S.
[0022]
The switch unit SW includes switches SW1 and SW2 and switch units SW11 and SW21 in the conventional example. The switch units SW11 and SW21 are switches that allow a plurality of test batteries to be tested without overlapping in time, and have channels a, b, c, and d, respectively. The channels a, b, c, and d are connected to the test battery storage containers 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d, and selection of the channels a, b, c, and d is controlled by the CPU 7. Note that test batteries 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d are stored in the test battery storage containers 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d, respectively.
[0023]
The test battery storage unit 18 includes test battery storage containers 13a to 13d that store the test batteries 2a to 2d, temperature controllers 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d, and temperature monitors 15a, 15b, 15c, and 15d. It is.
[0024]
Each of the test batteries 2a to 2d is individually stored in the test battery storage containers 13a to 13d in order to manage the test temperature, and temperature control is performed by the temperature controllers 14a to 14d and the temperature monitors 15a to 15d.
[0025]
CPU7 is similarly arrange | positioned at each of storage container 13a-13d, monitoring temperature by temperature sensor 15a-15d arrange | positioned at each of storage container 13a-13d according to the charging / discharging test conditions set beforehand. The temperatures of the storage containers 13a to 13d are controlled by the temperature controllers 14a to 14d.
[0026]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a modification of the above embodiment, in which one control / recording unit 17 controls each of the six battery test units 16a to 16f.
[0027]
In FIG. 1, the battery test unit 16 is composed of only one unit with respect to the control / recording unit 17. However, if necessary, as shown in FIG. Thus, a plurality of battery test units 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, and 16f may be connected and controlled.
[0028]
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration relating to the temperature control mechanism inside the test battery storage container 13 in the embodiment shown in FIG.
[0029]
In the automatic test apparatus 101, the temperature controllers 14a to 14d are arranged in the storage containers 13a to 13d, respectively, to control the environmental temperature. In order to allow more test batteries to be tested with less expensive equipment. As shown in FIG. 3, the storage containers 13a to 13d are heated by a pipe 19 connected to a hot bath 20 containing an appropriate heating medium, and a pipe 21 connected to a coolix 22 containing an appropriate cooling medium. The environmental temperature setting may be executed by cooling the storage container 13. Note that “storage container 13” is used as a general term for the storage containers 13a to 13d.
[0030]
FIG. 4 is a diagram more specifically showing the temperature control mechanism inside the test battery storage container 13 in the above embodiment.
[0031]
The hot bath 20 and the COOLNICS 22 are piped to the test battery storage container 13, and the open / close valve such as a solenoid valve or the like installed at an appropriate location where the hot bath 20, the COOLNICS 22 and the storage container 13 are piped therefrom. The CPU 7 controls the temperature in the storage container 13 while controlling 23 and 24.
[0032]
The CPU 7 measures the discharge of each of the test batteries 2a to 2d stored in each of the storage containers 13a to 13d in accordance with a preset test condition without any time overlap. In order to perform or to measure charging and discharging, the constant current / constant voltage power supply 1, the constant current load device 3, the switches SW1, SW2, and the selection switches SSW1, SW21 of the test batteries 2a to 2d are controlled.
[0033]
Further, the automatic test apparatus 101 can perform voltage monitoring, current value control, charging / discharging voltage range, charging / discharging, and downtime, which are performed in the conventional example. The CPU 7 performs test management of the target test battery.
[0034]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a test management procedure in the above embodiment.
[0035]
First, each of the test batteries 2a to 2d is stored in the storage containers 13a to 13d, and the ID (number, name, etc.) and test conditions of the test batteries 2a to 2d and the storage containers 13a to 13d are assumed by the keyboard 12. The discharging time or the total time related to charging and discharging is input by the keyboard 12 (S1).
[0036]
Next, the CPU 7 first examines whether there is a test battery currently being measured (referred to as “another test battery”) among the test batteries 2a to 2d in accordance with the input conditions (S2). ). If the other test battery (the test battery currently being measured) does not exist, the constant current / constant voltage power supply 1 and the constant current load device 3 are controlled so as to immediately start the test. If a plurality of test batteries to be tested (referred to as “target test batteries”) are installed at the same time, it is programmed in advance so that the tests are started in the order of the storage containers 13a to 13d.
[0037]
When one or more of the other test batteries are present, the CPU 7 compares and examines all the test conditions of the other test battery and the test conditions of the target test battery (the test battery to be tested from now on). Whether or not the discharge of the target test battery, or the charge and discharge, can be carried out completely at any time (day) of all the rest times (stop days) of the other test batteries is input in advance. A study is made based on the rest time (the number of rest days) and the estimated time for discharging or charging and discharging (S3). If it is determined that the test of the target test battery cannot be performed, the CPU 7 stops the charge / discharge test (S4) and indicates to the practitioner that the test is not possible using the display 9, the printer 11, and the like.
[0038]
On the other hand, if the CPU 7 determines that the test of the target test battery can be performed during the suspension of the other test battery (S5), the test conditions of all the other test batteries and the test of the target test battery are determined. In contrast, whether or not each of the other test batteries can be completely discharged or charged and discharged during the rest period (resting day) of the target test battery. This is examined based on the pre-input pause time (number of days off) and the estimated time required for discharging or charging and discharging. If it is determined that the test cannot be performed, the CPU 7 stops the charge / discharge test (S4), and indicates that the test cannot be performed to the practitioner using the display 9, the printer 11, and the like.
[0039]
If the CPU 7 determines that the test can be performed, the test of the target test battery can be performed, and the test is started (S11). The CPU 7 first examines whether any of the other test batteries is discharging or charging (S12). If any of the other test batteries is being measured, the target test battery waits (S13). After the preset time, the CPU 7 examines again whether or not any of the other test batteries is being discharged or charged.
[0040]
If all of the other test batteries are at rest (S12), the CPU 7 performs the other test during the expected input discharge time of the target test battery or the total time required for charging and discharging. It is examined whether or not the time at which any of the batteries starts discharging or the time at which charging starts is included (S14). If none of the other test batteries starts discharging or charging during the discharging and charging of the target battery, the target battery does not perform a preset pause (S14a). Then, a pause for a predetermined time is carried out (S21). If a predetermined pause has already been carried out (S14a), discharging is started immediately and then charging is carried out (S22). If the target battery is being discharged or charged, the time at which the other battery starts to be discharged, or if charging is started, the earliest start time It is examined whether or not the time to be discharged is before the half of the estimated total number of hours required for discharging or charging and discharging the target test battery (S15). If it is before ½ of the total time has elapsed, the CPU 7 performs control so as to stop the start of the discharge or charge of the target test battery and wait (S16).
[0041]
If the scheduled time at which discharge or charging is started earliest is later than half of the estimated total number of hours required for discharging or charging and discharging the target test battery (S15), The CPU 7 controls the constant current / constant voltage power supply 1 and the constant current load device 3 and, if the target test battery has not performed a preset pause (S15a), performs a pause for a predetermined time (S21). If a predetermined pause has already been performed (S15a), discharging is immediately started (S21), and then charging is performed (S22).
[0042]
Further, when the discharge of the target test battery, or the charging and discharging ends (S21), the CPU 7 examines whether or not it is the end of the measurement. If the measurement is completed, no further measurement is performed. If necessary, the display 9 and the printer 11 are used to indicate to the practitioner.
[0043]
If necessary measurements remain thereafter, the operation is paused again (S26), and then the constant current / constant voltage power supply 1, the constant current load device are performed so as to perform the test by repeating the above-described steps S12 to S24. 3 is controlled.
[0044]
In this way, one automatic test apparatus 101 can measure a plurality of test batteries. If testing is performed with different environmental temperatures during rest, discharging, and charging, the CPU 7 monitors the temperature by the temperature sensors 15a to 15d and starts the temperature controller 14a to 14a before starting discharging or charging. 14d is controlled to increase or decrease the environmental temperature, and the temperature is monitored at a constant time interval by the temperature sensors 15a to 15d, and after confirming that the predetermined temperature has been reached, the CPU 7 performs constant current constant voltage power supply 1 Then, the constant current load device 3 is controlled to start discharging or charging.
[0045]
When changing the temperature of the downtime, the program can be arbitrarily set whether to include or not to include the time to reach the specified temperature by raising or lowering the temperature as necessary. Options may be provided in advance.
[0046]
Other temperature control patterns may be adopted as the temperature control pattern in the above embodiment.
[0047]
It is also possible to change the test conditions of each test battery during the test. In this case, options are set in advance so that the program for inputting conditions can be changed. Even when the test conditions are changed midway, basically, the test management procedure in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 may be followed.
[0048]
Further, the battery test automatic test apparatus 101 can have a data management mechanism that appropriately stores test data and can retrieve it when necessary. In the case of data management, for example, current, voltage, temperature, and if necessary, distortion of the test battery storage container 13 and other values are automatically collected with time according to changes in the determined voltage for a determined time. This collected data is stored. When the data is extracted, for example, the test battery charge or discharge capacity, temperature, voltage, current, or their time-varying values, or their differential values may be extracted numerically or graphically. However, information about the test will be adjusted as necessary.
[0049]
Moreover, in the said Example, you may make it provide some safety devices as needed.
[0050]
The above-described embodiment has a mechanism in which a test is not performed over a certain charge / discharge time or voltage range, as in the case of a test apparatus commercially available. In addition, the test is automatically stopped when the battery is discharged for less than the set-determined discharge time or for more than the set-determined charge time. Alternatively, the test may be stopped immediately when the set voltage change range is exceeded during discharging, charging, and resting time.
[0051]
In the above embodiment, in addition to these conventional safety mechanisms, after reaching the set environmental temperature, stop the test if it deviates more than the fixed temperature, and do not reach the set temperature within the set time. In some cases, a safety mechanism such as stopping subsequent tests may be added.
[0052]
In the above embodiment, the temperature of the test battery main body may be monitored, and a mechanism may be provided that immediately stops the test when the battery main body reaches a certain temperature or higher. By having these mechanisms, it is possible to automatically control the environmental temperature according to the test and the test conditions, and to evaluate the characteristics of a plurality of test batteries.
[0053]
Note that a procedure other than the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 may be adopted as long as the tests can be performed on a plurality of test batteries without duplication.
[0054]
Next, the above embodiment will be described more specifically.
[0055]
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing discharge, rest conditions, etc. determined for the three test batteries in the above embodiment.
[0056]
Using the automatic test apparatus 101, the storage characteristics of three AA Ni / Cd test batteries were tested. The Ni / Cd test batteries were installed in separate storage containers, and the test was started by inputting the discharge and rest conditions, the assumed discharge time, the test battery number, and the storage container number shown in FIG. Note that no test battery other than the test battery is installed in the automatic test apparatus 101.
[0057]
In the test, after the assumed discharge time of the test batteries 2a, 2b, and 2c has elapsed, the test battery 2a is zero. 25 after start of rest at C. The test battery 2b starts 25 pauses after 5 hours. The test battery 2c starts to be stopped at C, 55 after another 5 hours from the start of the test battery 2b. C paused. In this test, the time required for the change from each temperature during the pause to the discharge temperature of 25 ° C. is not included in the pause time.
[0058]
FIG. 7 is a diagram in which the voltages and environmental temperatures of the test batteries 2a, 2b, and 2c are plotted with respect to the elapsed time from the end of the rest of the test battery.
[0059]
In the figure, the end of the discharge of the test battery 2a and the start of the discharge of the test battery 2bno are performed almost simultaneously and overlap each other.
[0060]
As is clear from FIG. 7, each test battery was discharged at each temperature after 28 days of rest without overlapping each other in time. The storage characteristic test of the test battery can be executed.
[0061]
Using an automatic test apparatus 101 that is testing a plurality of test batteries (NiCd batteries), the storage characteristics of carbonated Ni / MH batteries have already been tested.
[0062]
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing discharge, charge, rest conditions, and assumed charge / discharge time for each test battery.
[0063]
The test was started by inputting the discharge, charge and rest conditions, the assumed charge / discharge time, the test battery number, and the storage container number shown in FIG. Note that two Ni / Cd batteries scheduled to be charged and discharged at the start of the Ni / MH test battery were tested.
[0064]
FIG. 9 is a diagram in which the voltages and environmental temperatures of the test batteries Ni / MH, Ni / Cd1, and Ni / Cd2 are plotted with respect to the elapsed time from the end of the rest of the test battery.
[0065]
Note that the elapsed time in FIG. 9 indicates the time from the end of the Ni / Cd1 pause time at which discharge and charging start the earliest among the three test batteries.
[0066]
Regarding the start of the test of the Ni / MH battery, the automatic test apparatus 101 determines that the time of the shaded portion in which all the test batteries during the measurement time of Ni / Cd1 and Ni / Cd2 in FIG. From the comparison with the assumed charge / discharge time of the MH battery, it is determined that the shaded portion is insufficient, and the test is started after the elapsed time of 23.5 hours in FIG. It is raised to C.
[0067]
In FIG. 9, when about 23 hours have elapsed, the Ni / Cd2 discharge is completed, the temperature of Ni / Cd2 rapidly decreases, and immediately after the end of the Ni / Cd2 discharge, the Ni / MH discharge starts. This point is clearly shown in FIG. 9, and it is also clearly shown in FIG. 9 that the temperature is about 20 ° C. at the start of Ni / MH discharge. That is, as is clear from FIG. 9, even when a new test battery (Ni / MH) is added in the middle of the test of the other test battery (Ni / Cd2), discharging and charging of the battery during the test, Discharging and charging of the added battery can be performed without duplication.
[0068]
According to the above embodiment, the battery characteristic automatic test apparatus 101 includes a battery test unit that controls a test current, a control / recording unit that performs test control and manages data, and a test battery storage container that has a plurality of environmental temperature control functions. In order to conduct a storage characteristic test that measures the discharge capacity at regular intervals, a plurality of test batteries that are configured in a set temperature environment are charged and discharged at preset time intervals. This makes it possible to perform a test control in which the start and end are repeated independently for each test battery without overlapping.
[0069]
Further, the battery characteristic automatic test apparatus 101 determines the environmental temperature inside each test battery storage container during charging, discharging, and resting according to the start and end of charging and discharging of the test battery stored in the container. Each container can be adjusted independently.
[0070]
By the above means, a battery test unit for controlling the test current, a control / recording unit for controlling the test and managing the data, and a battery storage container having a temperature control function, among the plurality of test batteries. Depending on the start or end of one battery being discharged or charged, it is possible to control the discharge of another test battery or the end or start of charging without duplication. The internal temperature can be set for each container according to the start and end of charging and discharging of the test battery stored in the container.
[0071]
According to FIG. 8, each battery has a charging time of 15 hours, but according to FIG. 9, it is actually shorter than that. The 15 hours is a value calculated from the initial data, and the battery charging time is shortened with use. Even in this case, there is no problem in use by monitoring the current value and voltage.
[0072]
In the above embodiment, four test batteries are tested, but the measurement of a plurality of test batteries other than four may be controlled.
[0073]
In addition, although a test battery pack may be used instead of a test battery, in this specification, suppose that a test battery is the concept containing a test battery pack.
[0074]
That is, in the above-described embodiment, in the automatic test apparatus for testing and evaluating the characteristics of various batteries, the storage means for storing the test battery in the test battery storage container, the condition setting means for setting the test condition of the test battery, and the self test A test-in-judgment means for judging that another test battery other than the battery is being tested, a pause-in-judgment judgment means for judging that the other test battery is in a pause, and the self-test Test schedule determination means for determining whether or not the test of the other test battery is scheduled to start while the battery is inactive, and testing the self test battery when all of the other test batteries are inactive Means for canceling the test of the self-test battery when it is impossible to test the other test battery during the test of the self-test battery. And other tests above If not all of the ponds are under test, or if all of the other test batteries are inactive and the test of the other test batteries is not scheduled to start during the test of the own test battery, or When all of the other test batteries are at rest and the test of the other test battery is scheduled to start after more than half of the test time of the own test battery has elapsed, the self test battery This is an automatic test apparatus for battery testing, comprising test execution means for executing the test and repeating means for repeating the test execution means for each test battery.
[0075]
Further, when the above embodiment is grasped as a method, in an automatic test apparatus that tests and evaluates characteristics of various batteries, a storage stage for storing the test battery in a test battery storage container, a condition setting stage for setting test conditions for the test battery, A determination stage during testing for determining that another test battery other than the own test battery is under test; a determination stage during suspension for determining that the other test battery is in suspension; A test schedule determination stage for determining whether or not the test of the other test battery is scheduled to start while the test battery of the self is inactive, and the self test battery when all of the other test batteries are inactive. If it is impossible to test the test battery, or if it is impossible to test the other test battery during the test of the self test battery, the test of the self test battery is stopped. To cancel the test If all of the other test batteries are not under test, or all of the other test batteries are not in operation, and the test of the other test battery is scheduled to start during the test of the own test battery. If not, or if all of the other test batteries are not in operation and the test of the other test battery is scheduled to start after more than half of the test time of the self test battery has elapsed The battery test automatic test method includes a test execution stage for executing the test of the self-test battery and a repetition stage for repeating the test execution stage for each test battery.
[0076]
Furthermore, when the above embodiment is grasped as a recording medium, a condition setting procedure for setting test conditions for the test battery and a test for determining that another test battery other than the own test battery is being tested Judgment procedure, Judgment procedure during pause to judge that the other test battery is paused, and Judgment whether or not the test of the other test battery is scheduled to start during the pause of the own test battery If it is impossible to test the self test battery when all of the other test batteries are at rest, or during the test of the self test battery When it is impossible to test the test battery, the test stop procedure for stopping the test of the self test battery and the test battery other than the other test batteries are not being tested. All of the rest When the test of the other test battery is not scheduled to start during the test of the self test battery, or all of the other test batteries are not in operation and more than half of the test time of the self test battery When the test of the other test battery is scheduled to start after the elapse of time, a test execution procedure for executing the test of the self test battery and a repeating procedure for repeating the test execution procedure for each test battery are performed. A computer-readable recording medium recording a program to be executed by a computer. The program is stored in the ROM 8, the RAM 10, or the like.
[0077]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, when a plurality of batteries are automatically tested, enormous labor is not required, the occurrence of work procedure errors is small, and each test battery is individually set in a charge / discharge device. The high cost can be prevented.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an automatic test apparatus 101 for a plurality of batteries according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a modification of the above embodiment, in which one control / recording unit 17 controls each of the six battery test units 16a to 16f.
3 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration related to a temperature control mechanism inside a test battery storage container 13 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 4 is a diagram specifically showing a temperature control mechanism inside the test battery storage container 13 in the embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a test management procedure in the embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing discharge, resting conditions, etc. determined for three test batteries in the above example.
FIG. 7 is a diagram in which the voltages and environmental temperatures of the test batteries 2a, 2b, and 2c are plotted against the elapsed time from the end of the rest of the test battery.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing discharge, charge, rest conditions, and assumed charge / discharge time for each test battery.
FIG. 9 is a diagram in which the voltages and environmental temperatures of test batteries Ni / MH, Ni / Cd1, and Ni / Cd2 are plotted against the elapsed time from the end of the rest of the test battery.
10 is a block diagram showing a conventional charging / discharging device 100. FIG.
FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a conventional charge / discharge test apparatus 100a of an improved type.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ... constant current constant voltage power supply,
2a to 2d ... test batteries,
7 ... CPU,
8 ... ROM,
9 ... Display,
10 ... RAM,
11 ... Printer,
12 ... Keyboard,
13a to 13d ... test battery storage container,
14a-14d ... temperature controller,
15a-15d ... temperature sensor,
16, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16f ... battery test unit,
17 ... Control / recording unit,
18 ... Test battery storage,
19 ... heating medium supply pipe,
20 ... Hot bath,
21 ... Cooling medium supply pipe,
22 ... Cournisque.

Claims (5)

In automatic test equipment that tests and evaluates the characteristics of various batteries,
A test battery storage section having a plurality of test battery storage containers for storing test batteries;
Charge control is performed by selecting one of the plurality of test batteries and supplying a test current, discharge control is performed by selecting and discharging one of the plurality of test batteries, and 1 one eye charging time period of the test cell and the discharge time zone, and the second and subsequent charge-discharge test device for controlling so as not to overlap with the charging time period or the discharge time period of the test cell;
Storage means for storing the test battery in the test battery storage container;
Condition setting means for setting test conditions for the test battery;
An in-test determination means for determining that another test battery other than the own test battery is being tested;
An in-rest judging means for judging that the other test battery is in an in-rest;
A test schedule judging means for judging whether or not the test of the other test battery is scheduled to start during the suspension of the self test battery;
Testing the other test battery when it is impossible to test the own test battery when all of the other test batteries are at rest, or during the test of the own test battery A test stopping means for stopping the test of the self-test battery when the test is impossible;
When all of the other test batteries are not under test, or when all of the other test batteries are not in operation and the test of the other test battery is not scheduled to start during the test of the own test battery Or when all of the other test batteries are at rest and the test of the other test battery is scheduled to start after more than half of the test time of the own test battery has elapsed. A test execution means for executing a test of the own test battery;
Repeating means for repeating the test execution means for each test battery;
An automatic test apparatus for battery testing, comprising: In an automatic test method for testing and evaluating the characteristics of various batteries,
Charge control is performed by selecting one of a plurality of test batteries and supplying a test current, discharge control is performed by selecting and discharging one of the plurality of test batteries, and one eye charging time period of the test cell and the discharge time zone, and the second charge-discharge test step of controlling so as not to overlap with the charging time period or the discharge time period after the test cell;
A storage stage for storing the test battery in the test battery storage container;
A condition setting stage for setting test conditions for the test battery;
An in-test determination stage for determining that another test battery other than the own test battery is being tested;
An in-rest judging step for judging that the other test battery is in an in-rest;
A test schedule determining stage for determining whether or not the test of the other test battery is scheduled to start while the self test battery is suspended;
Testing the other test battery when it is impossible to test the own test battery when all of the other test batteries are at rest, or during the test of the own test battery A test suspension stage in which the test of the self-test battery is stopped when the test is impossible;
When all of the other test batteries are not under test, or when all of the other test batteries are not in operation and the test of the other test battery is not scheduled to start during the test of the own test battery Or when all of the other test batteries are at rest and the test of the other test battery is scheduled to start after more than half of the test time of the self test battery has elapsed. A test execution stage for performing a test of its own test battery;
Repeating the above test execution stage for each test battery;
An automatic test method for battery testing, comprising: In claim 2,
The temperature inside the test battery storage container at the time of charging, discharging and resting of the test battery is determined depending on the start and end of charging and discharging of the test battery stored in the test battery storage container. An automatic test method for battery testing, wherein the test battery storage containers are changed independently of each other. Charge control is performed by selecting one of a plurality of test batteries and supplying a test current, discharge control is performed by selecting and discharging one of the plurality of test batteries, and one eye charging time period of the test cell and the discharge time zone, the charge-discharge test procedure for controlling so as not to overlap with the second and subsequent charging time period or the discharge time period of the test cell;
A condition setting procedure for setting test conditions for the test battery;
A test-in-progress determination procedure for determining that another test battery other than the self-test battery is being tested;
A determination procedure during rest to determine that the other test battery is resting;
A test schedule determination procedure for determining whether or not the test of the other test battery is scheduled to start during the suspension of the self test battery;
Testing the other test battery when it is impossible to test the own test battery when all of the other test batteries are at rest, or during the test of the own test battery A test stopping procedure for canceling the test of the self-test battery when the test is impossible;
When all of the other test batteries are not under test, or when all of the other test batteries are not in operation and the test of the other test battery is not scheduled to start during the test of the own test battery Or when all of the other test batteries are at rest and the test of the other test battery is scheduled to start after more than half of the test time of the self test battery has elapsed. A test execution procedure for performing a test of the own test battery;
Repeating the above test execution procedure for each test battery;
The computer-readable recording medium which recorded the program for making a computer perform. In claim 4,
The temperature inside the test battery storage container at the time of charging, discharging and resting of the test battery is determined according to the start and end of charging and discharging of the test battery stored in the test battery storage container. A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute a procedure for changing the test battery storage containers independently of each other.

Images