Method and system for battery charging and testing with semi-automatic

Abstract

A method and system is provided for calibrating a plurality of electrical circuits used to charge and test a plurality of battery cells. An improved cell rack module includes at least one movable platen having a plurality of pin assemblies removably secured thereto. The movable platen is slidably movable within the cell rack module between an extended position or a retracted position. Extension mechanisms are used to force the movable platen into the extended position during calibration, charging and testing procedures, and retraction mechanisms return the platen to the retracted position when the extension mechanisms are not actuated. When the movable platen is in the extended position, the pin assemblies are maintained in electrical contact with either the battery cells associated with a conventional cell tray or contact plates associated with a calibration tray. In this situation, the pin assemblies allow for current and voltage signal transmission between charging and testing circuitry and the battery cells or contact plates. Each pin assembly can be quickly and easily disconnected from the movable platen and replaced if it becomes damaged or worn out. Each calibration tray includes control circuitry that is electrically connected to the charging and testing circuitry via certain pin assemblies. The control circuitry allows for selective application of one or more known calibration standards across the contact plates during the calibration procedures.