Contact function-equipped multichannel charge/discharge power supply with voltage measurement

A contact function-equipped multichannel charge/discharge power supply has: first and second charge/discharge probes respectively connected to positive and negative electrodes of secondary batteries and first and second voltage-measurement probes, respectively connected to the positive and negative electrodes of the batteries; and charge/discharge means each provided for each of the batteries and each connected to a pair of the first and second charge/discharge probes. The power supply includes: trays each having a right-angled-quadrilateral shape in plan view, in which the batteries are arranged longitudinally and laterally at predetermined intervals; and substrates each having the charge/discharge means provided along the batteries arranged in each line in one direction, wherein the substrates are each provided with the first and/or second charge/discharge probes corresponding to the batteries arranged in each line in the one direction.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is related to a contact function-equipped multichannel charge/discharge power supply for performing charge/discharge tests of secondary batteries (i.e. a charge/discharge test apparatus for secondary batteries).

BACKGROUND ART

Today, the demand for secondary batteries used for IT appliances such as smart-phones or else and electric cars has been rapidly increasing.

In a last process during the mass production of the secondary batteries, a charge/discharge evaluation apparatus (a charge/discharge test apparatus) that performs activations and quality inspections of the produced secondary batteries is vastly used.

The charge/discharge evaluation apparatus vastly used currently is, as illustrated inFIG. 5, composed of a power supply unit90and a contact unit92(including a probe unit for positive electrodes93and a probe unit for negative electrodes94) that are separately independent. The contact unit92is connected to secondary batteries91that are test objects, and cables95are used to connect the power supply unit90and the contact unit92(e.g. see Patent Literature 1, 2). Incidentally, the secondary batteries91shown inFIG. 5are also plurally arranged in lines in the depth direction ofFIG. 5. The number: m of the secondary batteries91is larger than the number: n of a plurality of charge/discharge power supplies96(charge/discharge means) composing the power supply unit90(e.g. more than tenfold) (e.g. n<m).

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

Patent Literature 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2013-229201Patent Literature 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2011-146372

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

However, as described above, the cables95are used in the charge/discharge evaluation apparatus to connect the power supply unit90and the contact unit92. This leads to adverse effects such as the heat generated by the cables95, and influences of noises caused by pulling around the cables95.

Also, to keep maintainability, output from the power supply unit90and the probe units93,94is performed from only one direction using output terminals or connecters, and thus, impedances are different depending on charge/discharge channels (i.e. code groups to be each connected to each of the secondary batteries91). In order to resolve it, the lengths of the cables95are made to be changed (e.g. made to be longer) to equalize the impedances. As a result, the lengths of the cables95have to be made longer than necessity, and there have been problems such as deteriorations of efficiency caused by the heat generated by the cables95, and temperature and noise influences to the secondary batteries.

Furthermore, in the conventional technique where the power supply unit90and the contact unit92are separately disposed and connected by using the cables95, the more the number of the charge/discharge channels increases, the more complicating the wiring of the cables95gets. This leads to an increase in maintenance costs and larger errors in test results.

Moreover, since a ready-made product is used for the power supply unit90, there is a limit to making more compact the entire apparatus including the power supply unit90, the cables95, and the probe units93,94.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a contact function-equipped multichannel charge/discharge power supply that enables to, by eliminating or extremely shortening the cables that have been conventionally used for connecting the power supply unit and the contact unit, obtain good test results, resolve the adverse effects caused by using the cables, and additionally, make the apparatus structure more compact.

Solution to Problem

In order to achieve the above object, a contact function-equipped multichannel charge/discharge power supply according to the present invention has: first and second charge/discharge probes respectively connected to positive and negative electrodes of a plurality of secondary batteries and first and second voltage-measurement probes respectively connected to the positive and negative electrodes of the secondary batteries; and charge/discharge means each provided for each of the secondary batteries, each of the charge/discharge means being connected to a pair of the first and second charge/discharge probes, and the contact function-equipped multichannel charge/discharge power supply comprises:

trays each having a right-angled-quadrilateral shape in plan view, in each of the trays the secondary batteries being arranged longitudinally and laterally at predetermined intervals; and

substrates provided along the secondary batteries arranged in lines in one direction (one of the longitudinal and lateral directions), the substrates having the charge/discharge means corresponding to the secondary batteries arranged in the lines in the one direction,

wherein each of the substrates is provided with the first and/or second charge/discharge probes corresponding to the secondary batteries arranged in the lines in the one direction.

Note that a plurality of the secondary batteries are carried into the contact function-equipped multichannel charge/discharge power supply with: the first and second charge/discharge probes respectively connected to the positive and negative electrodes of a plurality of the secondary batteries and the first and second voltage-measurement probes respectively connected to the positive and negative electrodes of the secondary batteries; and the charge/discharge means each provided for each of the secondary batteries, each of the charge/discharge means being connected to a pair of the first and second charge/discharge probes, in a state where the secondary batteries are arranged in lines at regular intervals in each of the trays, and it is possible to form charge/discharge units by integrating, by one each, the charge/discharge means and the first and/or second charge/discharge probes each connected to each of the charge/discharge means, and form on each one of the substrates a plurality of the charge/discharge units that are corresponding to the secondary batteries in each of the lines.

The contact function-equipped multichannel charge/discharge power supply according to the present invention, it is preferred that each of the substrates be provided further with the first and/or second voltage-measurement probes corresponding to the secondary batteries arranged in the lines in the one direction.

The contact function-equipped multichannel charge/discharge power supply according to the present invention, it is preferred that a connecting terminal to be attached to a socket disposed in a fixed state be provided at an end portion of each of the substrates. This makes replacement and maintenance of the substrates easier.

The contact function-equipped multichannel charge/discharge power supply according to the present invention, it is preferred that each of the charge/discharge means be thermally insulated from the first and second charge/discharge probes corresponding thereto and from the first and second voltage-measurement probes corresponding thereto. This makes it possible to reduce heat interferences between the secondary batteries and the charge/discharge means.

The contact function-equipped multichannel charge/discharge power supply according to the present invention, it is preferred that the first and second charge/discharge probes and the first and second voltage-measurement probes be disposed above the secondary batteries.

The contact function-equipped multichannel charge/discharge power supply according to the present invention, it is also possible that the first charge/discharge probes and the first voltage-measurement probes are disposed above the secondary batteries, while the second charge/discharge probes and the second voltage-measurement probes are disposed below the secondary batteries.

Here, it is recommended that the first and second charge/discharge probes and the first and second voltage-measurement probes be each positioned at a central portion, in plan view, of a corresponding one of the secondary batteries.

The contact function-equipped multichannel charge/discharge power supply according to the present invention, it is preferred that the substrates next to one another be arranged with gaps, and a fan be provided on one side of each of the gaps.

The contact function-equipped multichannel charge/discharge power supply according to the present invention, it is preferred that output of the first and second voltage-measurement probes be connected to a control unit disposed outside and inspecting charge/discharge characteristics.

The contact function-equipped multichannel charge/discharge power supply according to the present invention, it is preferred that the substrates be printed circuit boards or flexible circuit boards. Incidentally, each of the secondary batteries is positioned by a holder.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

Since the contact function-equipped multichannel charge/discharge power supply according to the present invention includes the substrates provided along the secondary batteries arranged in lines in one direction and the substrates have the charge/discharge means corresponding to the secondary batteries arranged in the lines in the one direction, the cables conventionally used for connecting the power supply unit and the contact unit can be eliminated or extremely shortened.

This makes it possible to obtain good test results, resolve the adverse effects caused by using the cables, and additionally, make the apparatus structure more compact.

Additionally, in a case where the charge/discharge means are thermally insulated from the first and second charge/discharge probes and the first and second voltage-measurement probes, the interferences of heat energy generated by the charge/discharge means with the secondary batteries, and its reverse phenomena can be suppressed, and moreover, can be prevented. This makes it possible to decrease, and moreover eliminate, influences to the test results. Incidentally, it is preferred that the charge/discharge means, the first and second charge/discharge probes, the first and second voltage-measurement probes, and the secondary batteries be cooled with a fan/fans.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention will be described next with reference to the accompanying drawings to provide an understanding of the present invention.

As shown inFIG. 1, a contact function-equipped multichannel charge/discharge power supply (i.e. a charge/discharge test apparatus for secondary batteries)10according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes: first charge/discharge probes12and first voltage-measurement probes14connected to positive electrodes of, e.g., a plurality of cylindrical secondary batteries11; second charge/discharge probes13and second voltage-measurement probes15connected to negative electrodes of the secondary batteries11; and charge/discharge means16each provided for each of the secondary batteries11and each connected to a pair of the first and second charge/discharge probes12,13. With the contact function-equipped charge/discharge power supply10, good test results can be obtained, the adverse effects caused by using the cables can be resolved, and additionally, the apparatus structure can be made more compact. More detailed explanations will be provided below.

The contact function-equipped charge/discharge power supply (hereinafter, also referred as just to “the charge/discharge power supply”)10includes a casing (not shown in the figure) that is capable of accommodating a plurality of trays11a(one of the trays11ais shown inFIG. 1), in each of the trays11aa plurality of the secondary batteries11are arranged in lines, in a manner where the trays11aare placed at intervals in the height direction (where the trays11aare placed in a plurality of stages in the height direction).

An open/close door is provided on the front side of the casing, and the trays11acan be carried into and out from the casing by opening and closing the door. Note that although the carrying into/out of the trays11ais done by sliding the trays11ausing, e.g., a carrying means, the present invention is not limited to it. Additionally, the casing may be an open type one without the open/close door.

Each of the trays11ais a frame body that has a right-angled-quadrilateral (rectangular or square) shape in plan view (seeFIG. 2), and also has openings at its top and bottom. Each of the trays11aaccommodates and holds a plurality of the secondary batteries11in a manner where the secondary batteries11are arranged longitudinally and laterally (in the depth and lateral directions ofFIG. 1, i.e., in a matrix state with columns and rows) at regular intervals (predetermined intervals). More concretely, with each of the trays11a, holding frames (holders) for holding and positioning the secondary batteries11are provided longitudinally and laterally such that gaps are formed between the secondary batteries11next to one another. (The number of the holding frames is equal to the maximum number of the secondary batteries11that can be accommodated.)

InFIG. 1, one of the lines of the secondary batteries11in the depth direction (one line in one direction) is set as a column, and a state where a plurality of the columns of the secondary batteries11are arranged in the lateral direction is illustrated (only one row) (it is also the case inFIG. 3described below).

Although ways to arrange the secondary batteries in the trays11aare not particularly limited, the secondary batteries can be arranged by a plural number each, e.g., 16 each, at intervals in the depth and lateral directions ofFIG. 1(in this case, 16×16=256, 256 of the secondary batteries are arranged).

Above each of the trays11ainside the casing, a plurality of charge/discharge units17each provided for each of the secondary batteries11are disposed.

Each of the charge/discharge units17is placed over a corresponding one of the secondary batteries11, and is formed by integrating: one of the charge/discharge means16that are CC-CV (Constant Current-Constant Voltage) type ones; one each of the first charge/discharge probes12and the first voltage-measurement probes14both connected to the one of the charge/discharge means16and connectable to the positive electrode of the corresponding one of the secondary batteries11. Therefore, the charge/discharge units17(each of which has the charge/discharge means16, the first charge/discharge probe12, and the first voltage-measurement probe14) exist by the number corresponding to the maximum number of the secondary batteries11accommodated by one of the trays11a(i.e., the number of the charge/discharge units17is the same as the number of the secondary batteries11that each of the trays11acan accommodate).

Incidentally, the charge/discharge units17are attached to below-described substrates17aso as to be un-detachable from the substrates17a; however, they may be attached so as to be detachable and re-attachable.

Furthermore, the first charge/discharge probe12and the first voltage-measurement probe14in each of the charge/discharge units17are separately independently provided; however, they may be configured (made common) as one probe.

The charge/discharge units17are arranged in a plurality of columns so as to be corresponding to positions of the secondary batteries11arranged in a plurality of the columns (an arrow “a” inFIG. 2shows the direction of the columns). A plurality of the charge/discharge units17(charge/discharge means16) composing each of the columns (and corresponding to the secondary batteries11in each of the columns) are formed on a substrate17a. That is, the secondary batteries11are arranged in lines in one direction, the substrates17aare each provided along the secondary batteries11arranged in each of the lines, and each of the substrates17ahas the charge/discharge means16, the first charge/discharge probes12, and the first voltage-measurement probes14, all of which are corresponding to the secondary batteries11arranged in each of the lines in the one direction. Therefore, a plurality of the substrates17aare disposed with gaps17bin the lateral direction.

The substrates17aare printed circuit boards; however, they may be flexible circuit boards, and this makes it possible to absorb slight discrepancies (deviations) between pitches (gaps) of the charge/discharge units17and that of the secondary batteries11. Alternatively, those discrepancies in the pitches can be dissolved also by connecting with connecters the charge/discharge means16, the first charge/discharge probe12, and the first voltage-measurement probe14in each of the charge/discharge units17.

On each of the substrates17a, electric wiring for transmitting and receiving of electric signals between each of the charge/discharge means16and a charge/discharge controller (an example of a control unit)18disposed outside is formed. Incidentally, the charge/discharge controller18is a computer disposed outside the casing, and manages charging currents, charging voltages, discharging currents, and discharging voltages for each of the secondary batteries11.

A connecting terminal (not shown in the figure) is formed at an end portion (on the deeper side ofFIG. 1) of each of the substrates17a. By attaching the connecting terminal to a socket (not shown in the figure) disposed in a fixed state on the deeper side (back side) inside the casing, the transmitting and receiving the electric signals between the charge/discharge means16and the charge/discharge controller18is made to be possible.

Below each of the trays11ainside the casing, contact units19are disposed.

The contact units19are each placed under each of the secondary batteries11, and each of the contact units19is formed by integrating one each of: the second charge/discharge probes13and the second voltage-measurement probes15both connectable to the negative electrode of a corresponding one of the secondary batteries11. Therefore, the contact units19(each of which has the second charge/discharge probe13and the second voltage-measurement probe15) exist by the number corresponding to the maximum number of the secondary batteries11accommodated by one of the trays11a(i.e., the number of the contact units19is the same as the number of the secondary batteries11that each of the trays11acan accommodate).

Incidentally, the second charge/discharge probe13and the second voltage-measurement probe15in each of the contact units19are separately independently provided; however, they may be configured (made common) as one probe.

The trays11afor accommodating the secondary batteries11, and the above-described contact units19can be each moved up and down with an independent lifting up/down means (not shown in the figure).

This makes it possible to connect (attach) and detach the first charge/discharge probes12and the first voltage-measurement probes14to/from the positive electrodes of the secondary batteries11, and also to connect (attach) and detach the second charge/discharge probes13and the second voltage-measurement probes15to/from the negative electrodes of the secondary batteries11.

Additionally, by positioning each of the first and second charge/discharge probes12,13and each of the first and second voltage-measurement probes14,15at a central portion of a corresponding one of the secondary batteries11in plan view, the probes can be connected to the electrodes with no fail even if some deviations occur in relative positions among the positive and negative electrodes of the secondary batteries11, the first and second charge/discharge probes12,13, and the first and second voltage-measurement probes14,15. Note that it is preferred in this embodiment that the substrates17aprovided with the charge/discharge units17each formed, so as to be corresponding to the secondary batteries11arranged in each of the lines in the one direction, by integrating one each of: the first charge/discharge probes12; the first voltage-measurement probes14; and the charge/discharge means16, be disposed in a fixed state. However, the substrates17awith the charge/discharge units17formed may be made to be movable up and down.

For the first charge/discharge probes12and the first voltage-measurement probes14, an insulator20made from a resin or else is provided for each of the columns such that lower portions of the probes12,14having penetrated the insulator20protrude toward the positive electrodes of the secondary batteries11.

Also, for the second charge/discharge probes13and the second voltage-measurement probes15, an insulator21made from a resin or else is provided for each of the columns such that upper portions of the probes13,15having penetrated the insulator21protrude toward the negative electrodes of the secondary batteries11. Incidentally, the insulators21may not be provided.

Since these insulators20,21thermally insulate the charge/discharge means16from the first and second charge/discharge probes12,13and the first and second voltage-measurement probes14,15, it is possible to suppress or moreover prevent heat energy generated by the charge/discharge means16from interfering with the secondary batteries11.

Also, by providing a fan22on the deeper side (one side) of each of the gaps17bbetween the substrates17anext to one another, the heat energy can be suppressed or moreover prevented from interfering with the secondary batteries11. Note that the fan22may not necessarily be provided on the deeper side of every one of the gaps17b, but may be provided on the deeper side of only some (or one) of the gaps17b.

Furthermore, since the secondary batteries11next to one another have the gaps17btherebetween, winds from the fan(s)22can pass through the gaps17b.

When using the charge/discharge power supply10, the first charge/discharge probes12and the first voltage-measurement probes14are brought into contact to the positive electrodes of the secondary batteries11, and the second charge/discharge probes13and the second voltage-measurement probes15are brought into contact to the negative electrodes of the secondary batteries11.

Subsequently, the charge/discharge controller18charges the secondary batteries11by applying a voltage power supply supplied from required power supplies to the first and second charge/discharge probes12,13connected to the secondary batteries11, and/or discharges electric charge having already been charged in the secondary batteries11through the first and second charge/discharge probes12,13. Also, when charging/discharging of the secondary batteries11, the charge/discharge controller18measures the amount of electric currents flowing through the first and second voltage-measurement probes14,15and inter-terminal voltages of the secondary batteries11, that is, the electric voltages between the first and second voltage-measurement probes14,15.

Here, the charge/discharge controller18can regenerate the discharged currents output from the secondary batteries11and prepare for the next supply of the charging currents.

Further, charging/discharging patterns can be changed according to input signals input from, e.g., a control panel provided on the front surface of the casing and also according to programs of the charge/discharge controller18.

The charge/discharge controller18can also perform evaluations of the secondary batteries11, that is, inspections of charge/discharge characteristics by taking data of during the above-described charging/discharging such as current values, voltage values, charging/discharging time or else, from output of the first and second voltage-measurement probes14,15.

As described above, in the charge/discharge power supply10, the charge/discharge means16, the first charge/discharge probes12, and the first voltage-measurement probes14are integrated by one each. Thus, the cables conventionally used can be eliminated. Also, especially regarding the secondary batteries11and the second charge/discharge probes13(also the second voltage-measurement probes15in some cases), the cables conventionally used can be shortened.

This makes it possible to obtain good test results, resolve the adverse effects caused by using longer cables, and additionally, make the apparatus structure more compact.

A method for performing charge/discharge tests of the secondary batteries using the contact function-equipped multichannel charge/discharge power supply10according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be explained next, with reference toFIG. 1.

First, in a state where a plurality of the secondary batteries11to be test objects are arranged in the trays11a, each of the trays11ais carried into a region between the charge/discharge units17and the contact units19of the charge/discharge power supply10and moved up. This makes a plurality of the first charge/discharge probes12and a plurality of the first voltage-measurement probes14provided with the substrates17adisposed above the trays11abe connected to the positive electrodes of the secondary batteries11, and this also makes a plurality of the second charge/discharge probes13and a plurality of the second voltage-measurement probes15composing the contact units19disposed below the trays11abe oppositely placed with a gap with respect to the negative electrodes of the secondary batteries11.

Subsequently, by moving up the contact units19(lower fixtures), the second charge/discharge probes13and the second voltage-measurement probes15are brought into contact with (connected to) the negative electrodes of the secondary batteries11under a condition where the first charge/discharge probes12and the first voltage-measurement probes14are connected to the positive electrodes of the secondary batteries11.

Then, the secondary batteries11are charged and discharged repeatedly to be activated, and the inspections of the charge/discharge characteristics are performed.

After having finished the charge/discharge tests of the secondary batteries11, by moving down the contact units19(alternatively by moving up the substrates17a), the first charge/discharge probes12and the first voltage-measurement probes14are detached from the positive electrodes of the secondary batteries11, while the second charge/discharge probes13and the second voltage-measurement probes15are detached from the negative electrodes of the secondary batteries11.

Then, each of the trays11ais pulled out from the region between the charge/discharge units17and the contact units19to be carried out from the charge/discharge power supply10.

After that, the above-described procedures, that is: carrying the trays11a, in which the secondary batteries11to be newly inspected are arranged, into the casing of the charge/discharge power supply10; and carrying the trays11aout from the casing of the charge/discharge power supply10after finishing the charge/discharge tests, are repeatedly performed.

Next, a contact function-equipped multichannel charge/discharge power supply (i.e. a charge/discharge test apparatus for secondary batteries)30according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be explained, with reference toFIG. 3andFIG. 4. Since the contact function-equipped multichannel charge/discharge power supply30has a structure that is almost the same as that of the contact function-equipped multichannel charge/discharge power supply10according to the first embodiment of the present invention, identical reference signs will be given to common parts, and regarding these common parts, detailed explanations will be omitted.

The contact function-equipped multichannel charge/discharge power supply (hereinafter, also referred as just to “the charge/discharge power supply”)30includes: first charge/discharge probes12and first voltage-measurement probes14connected to positive electrodes of a plurality of prismatic secondary batteries31; second charge/discharge probes13and second voltage-measurement probes15connected to negative electrodes of the secondary batteries31; and charge/discharge means16each provided for each of the secondary batteries31and each connected to a pair of the first and second charge/discharge probes12,13.

The charge/discharge power supply30includes a casing (not shown in the figure) that is capable of accommodating a plurality of trays31a(one of the trays31ais shown inFIG. 3), in each of the trays31aa plurality of the secondary batteries31are arranged, in a manner where the trays31aare placed at intervals in the height direction. By means of an open/close door provided on the front side of the casing, the trays31aare carried into and out. However, the casing may be an open type one without the open/close door. Each of the trays31ais a frame body that has a right-angled-quadrilateral (rectangular or square) shape in plan view (seeFIG. 4), and also has openings at its top and bottom. Each of the trays31aaccommodates and holds a plurality of the secondary batteries31in a manner where the secondary batteries31are arranged longitudinally and laterally (in the depth and lateral directions ofFIG. 3in the tray31aat regular intervals (predetermined intervals). More concretely, with each of the trays31a, holding frames (holders) for holding and positioning the secondary batteries31are provided longitudinally and laterally such that gaps are formed between the secondary batteries31next to one another. (The number of the holding frames is equal to the maximum number of the secondary batteries31that can be accommodated.)

Above each of the trays31ainside the casing, a plurality of charge/discharge units32each provided for each of the secondary batteries31are disposed.

Each of the charge/discharge units32is placed over a corresponding one of the secondary batteries31, and is formed by integrating: one of the charge/discharge means16; one each of the first charge/discharge probes12and the first voltage-measurement probes14both connected to the one of the charge/discharge means16and connectable to the positive electrode of the corresponding one of the secondary batteries31; and one each of the second charge/discharge probes13and the second voltage-measurement probes15both connected to the one of the charge/discharge means16and connectable to the negative electrode of the corresponding one of the secondary batteries31. (The first and second charge/discharge probes12,13and the first and second voltage-measurement probes14,15are disposed above the secondary batteries31.) Therefore, the charge/discharge units32(each of which has the charge/discharge means16, the first and second charge/discharge probes12,13, and the first and second voltage-measurement probes14,15) exist by the number corresponding to the maximum number of the secondary batteries31accommodated by one of the trays31a(i.e., the number of the charge/discharge units32is the same as the number of the secondary batteries31that each of the trays31acan accommodate).

The charge/discharge units32are arranged in a plurality of columns so as to be corresponding to positions of the secondary batteries31arranged in a plurality of the columns (an arrow “a” inFIG. 4shows the direction of the columns). A plurality of the charge/discharge units32(charge/discharge means16) composing each of the columns (and corresponding to the secondary batteries31in each of the columns) are formed on a substrate32a. That is, the secondary batteries31are arranged in lines in one direction, the substrates32aare each provided along the secondary batteries31arranged in each of the lines, and each of the substrates32ahas the charge/discharge means16, the first and second charge/discharge probes12,13, and the first and second voltage-measurement probes14,15, all of which are corresponding to the secondary batteries31arranged in each of the lines in the one direction. Therefore, a plurality of the substrates32aare disposed with gaps32bin the lateral direction.

The substrates32ahave a structure that is basically the same as that of the substrates17aused in the above-mentioned first embodiment of the present invention, and on each of the substrates32a, electric wiring for transmitting and receiving of electric signals between each of the charge/discharge means16and a charge/discharge controller18is formed.

Below each of the trays31ainside the casing, a stage unit for lifting up/down33that can be moved up/down with a lifting up/down means (not shown in the figure) is disposed. By means of the stage units for lifting up/down33, the trays31aare moved up and down.

This makes it possible to connect (attach) and detach the first charge/discharge probes12and the first voltage-measurement probes14to/from the positive electrodes of the secondary batteries31, and the second charge/discharge probes13and the second voltage-measurement probes15to/from the negative electrodes of the secondary batteries31.

As described above, in the charge/discharge power supply30, the charge/discharge units32, which are each formed by integrating one each of: the charge/discharge means16; the first and second charge/discharge probes12,13; and the first and second voltage-measurement probes14,15, are provided on each of the substrates32aso as to be corresponding to the secondary batteries11in each of the columns. Therefore, the cables conventionally used can be partially omitted.

This makes it possible to obtain good test results, resolve the adverse effects caused by using the cables, and additionally, make the apparatus structure more compact.

The present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to any of the structures described in the above embodiments, and includes other embodiments and modifications conceivable within the scope of the matters described in the scope of the claims. For example, cases where a part/parts of or entirety of the embodiments and modifications described above are combined to configure a contact function-equipped multichannel charge/discharge power supply according to the present invention are also included within the scope of rights of the present invention.

In the above embodiments, lithium ion batteries are used as the secondary batteries. However, not limited to this, e.g., other secondary batteries such as nickel hydrogen batteries, capacitors such as electric dual layer capacitors, or else may be used.

Also, although in one of the above embodiments the secondary batteries are disposed such that the positive electrodes come to upside while the negative electrodes come to downside, it may be opposite (the positive electrodes come to downside while the negative electrodes come to upside). In this opposite case, the charge/discharge units placed above the secondary batteries come to be each formed by integrating: one of the charge/discharge means; and one each of the second charge/discharge probes and the second voltage-measurement probes both connected to the one of the charge/discharge means and connectable to the negative electrode of a corresponding one of the secondary batteries.

Incidentally, the charge/discharge units may be placed below the secondary batteries.

Additionally, in the above embodiments the cases where the charge/discharge means, the first charge/discharge probes, and the second voltage-measurement probes (and moreover, the second charge/discharge probes and the second voltage-measurement probes) are integrated by one each, and provided on each of the substrates, are described. However, the first and second voltage-measurement probes may not necessarily be provided on each of the substrates (i.e., the first and/or second voltage-measurement probes may be provided on each of the substrates). In this case, it is also possible that separately-independent wiring or substrates be provided.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

Since the contact function-equipped multichannel charge/discharge power supply according to the present invention enables to eliminate or extremely shorten the cables conventionally used for connecting the power supply unit and the contact unit, good test results can be obtained, the adverse effects caused by using the cables can be resolved, and additionally, the apparatus structure can be made more compact. This makes it possible to respond the rapidly increasing demand for the secondary batteries used for IT appliances such as smart-phones or else and electric cars, and thereby contribute to the development of industry.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST