Test chamber and method for testing test materials

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for testing a test material (12) in a temperature- insulated test space of a test chamber (10), which test space is sealable against an environment (26), and to a test chamber, which comprises temperature control means for controlling the temperature of the test space and vibration means (15), which are arranged in an opening (21) formed in a wall (20) of the test space, the test material being arranged on a vibrator (14) of the vibration means in the test space and mechanical vibration of the test material and temperature changes in the test space being effected in accordance with a predetermined test sequence over a test period, a gap (22) formed between the wall and the vibration means being sealed by a flexible membrane (23) of the test chamber, and a partition (24) of the test chamber connecting the wall and the vibration means, which partition is pressure- and / or fire-resistant in comparison with the membrane.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a test chamber and a method for testing test materials using the test chamber, and more particularly to a climate chamber for regulating air, comprising a thermally insulated test space capable of being sealed to the environment, a temperature control device for receiving test materials and for controlling the temperature of the test space, the test chamber including a vibration device disposed in an opening formed in the wall of the test space, the test material being disposed on the vibrator of the vibration device within the test space, and, according to a predetermined test sequence, achieving mechanical vibration of the test material and temperature changes in the test space during a test period, the gap formed between the wall and the vibration device being sealed by a flexible membrane of the test chamber. Background Technology

[0002] Test chambers are commonly used to test the physical and / or chemical properties of objects, especially devices. Therefore, temperature test consoles or climate test consoles are known, within which temperatures ranging from -70°C to +180°C can be set. For climate test consoles, anticipated climate conditions can be added to the settings, and the device and / or test material are exposed to these conditions for a defined period of time. The test chamber can be implemented as a mobile, exotic device connected to a building only via a required supply line and including all components necessary for temperature and climate control. The temperature of the test space receiving the test material is typically controlled within an air circulation duct within the test space. One or more heat exchangers are installed in the air circulation duct for heating or cooling the air flowing through the air circulation duct and / or the test space. In this case, a fan or ventilator draws air from the test space and directs it through the air circulation duct to the corresponding heat exchanger. The temperature of the test material can be controlled in this way, or the test material can even be exposed to defined temperature variations. During test intervals, the temperature can fluctuate between the maximum and minimum temperatures of the test chamber. For example, DE 10 2016204 378A1 discloses such a test chamber.

[0003] Furthermore, it is known to vibrate an apparatus or test material during a predetermined test sequence to test the strength of components or the behavior of an apparatus under different temperatures and mechanical stresses. Vibration devices or shakers with a vibrating head or vibrator on which the test material is mounted are typically used for this purpose. To avoid having to place the entire vibration device within the test space and to avoid exposing the entire vibration device to temperature changes, openings are formed in the walls, typically randomly, for example, in the base, top plate, or sidewalls of the test space, through which at least the vibrator is inserted into the test space. To prevent the exchange of air in the test space with the air in the environment of the test space, the vibrator or vibration device is sealed by a flexible membrane over the test space, such that gaps are bridged by the flexible membrane, forming between the wall and the vibration device. The flexible membrane can be made at least partially or completely airtight and allows the vibrator to move relative to the wall or the test space. For example, since the air in the test space cannot be exchanged with the air in the environment, temperature and relative humidity changes may occur during the test sequence without significant loss, despite the presence of openings in the walls and the use of the vibration device.

[0004] However, depending on the test material, it may be damaged in the test chamber. Energy storage devices, such as lithium-ion batteries or accumulators, may catch fire or explode, often resulting in the leakage of toxic gases. When the test material is damaged in this way, the flexible membrane, which is typically required for vibration decoupling and for sealing the test chamber and vibration devices, can also be easily damaged, thus endangering the operators of the test chamber and systems located near it. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a test chamber and method for testing test chambers, both of which allow for the safe testing of hazardous test materials.

[0006] This objective is achieved by a test chamber having the features of claim 1 and a method having the features of claim 16.

[0007] The test chamber according to the present invention, particularly a climate chamber for regulating air, includes a thermally insulated test space capable of being sealed to the environment. The thermally insulated test space is used to receive test materials and a temperature control device for controlling the temperature of the test space. The test chamber includes a vibration device disposed in an opening formed in the wall of the test space. The test material is disposed on the vibrator of the vibration device within the test space, and mechanical vibration of the test material and temperature changes in the test space are achieved during a test period according to a predetermined test sequence. The gap formed between the wall and the vibration device is sealed by a flexible membrane of the test chamber. A partition of the test chamber connects the wall and the vibration device, and the partition is pressure-resistant and / or fire-resistant compared to the membrane.

[0008] In this context, the predetermined test sequence is a specification of test conditions for a planned test period. The test conditions include, at a minimum, mechanical vibration at a predetermined frequency and / or amplitude and a defined temperature. During the test period, temperature variations from one temperature level to another and / or a constant temperature over a period of time can be expected.

[0009] Furthermore, the membrane seals the gap between the wall and the vibrating device, making it partially or completely airtight. This gap is further bridged by a partition according to the invention. The partition is pressure-resistant and / or fire-resistant, thus preventing toxic gases, flames, pressure waves, debris, etc., from entering through the gap should the membrane be damaged, for example, in the event of an explosion or fire within the test space. The partition is typically implemented such that the wall is mechanically disconnected from the vibrating device, essentially preventing the vibration of the vibrating device from being transmitted to the walls of the test space. For example, this could lead to damage to the temperature control device or the walls surrounding the test space.

[0010] In particular, the membrane can be pre-designed to bridge the gap between the wall and the vibrator. In this case, only the vibrator is located within the test space, and the other components of the vibration device are therefore not exposed to the test conditions within the test space, such as temperature changes.

[0011] A diaphragm can bridge the gap between the wall and the housing of the vibrating device, or between the wall and the vibrator. The vibrator can be mounted within the housing in such a way that it vibrates relative to the housing at a certain frequency / amplitude. For example, the housing can also be positioned in an opening, such that a gap is also formed between the housing and the wall. In this case, the gap between the wall and the vibrator may be wider, and the gap between the wall and the housing may be relatively narrower. Alternatively, the diaphragm can bridge the gap between the wall and the vibrator, or between the wall and the housing, and thus close the gap in this location.

[0012] Separators are more resistant to chemicals than membranes. In the event of an explosion or, for example, when chemicals leak from a lithium-ion battery, they can damage the flexible membrane and thus potentially enter the environment. This can be prevented by separators, which are resistant to acids, alkalis, or other reactive chemicals.

[0013] According to the first embodiment, the partition can be implemented by an additional membrane that covers the membrane from the test space. The additional membrane can be used as a partition to supplement the membrane already in use. The additional membrane must be able to cover the membrane and thus protect it from harmful influences from the test space. For example, the additional membrane can bridge the gap between the wall and the vibrator and can be made of a different material than the membrane. Alternatively, the membrane can cover the additional membrane from the test space, thus the additional membrane is disposed outside the test space.

[0014] The partition can also have a second flexible membrane that covers the additional membrane from the environment. In this case, the additional membrane is surrounded by two flexible membranes, so that the additional membrane is not exposed to any harmful environmental influences or, for example, the humidity from the air in the test space.

[0015] According to an additional embodiment, the partition can be implemented using a labyrinth seal, the fins of which can be configured to allow relative movement between the vibrating device and the wall. For example, the labyrinth seal can be made of metal and have opposing fins engaged in the space between parallel fins. The fins can be arranged along the gap or in the direction of amplitude or vibrational motion to allow movement of the fins relative to each other, thus enabling movement of the vibrating device or vibrator relative to the wall. Simultaneously, pressure waves occurring within the test chamber are substantially unable to exit the test chamber or pass through the gap. Other safety devices, such as pressure relief valves, pressure diaphragms, or rupture discs, can be incorporated into the test space to alleviate pressure within the test chamber.

[0016] According to an additional advantageous embodiment, the partition can be implemented using shaped seals, the sealing elements of which are configured to allow relative movement between the vibrating device and the wall, and to establish a sealing contact when pressure unexpectedly increases in the test space. The shaped seals can be disposed on the wall and on the housing or vibrator of the vibrating device, in which case the sealing elements of the respective shaped seals merely contact each other when pressure unexpectedly increases or an explosion occurs in the test space. The sealing elements can be guided together by lowering the wall having an opening or test space to the vibrating device, or by moving the vibrating device in a direction toward the wall. This movement can be automatic due to increased pressure in the test space. Furthermore, an electric or pneumatic actuator can be provided, which can be actuated by a sensor when an increase in pressure is detected.

[0017] It is also advantageous when the diaphragm is implemented using a sliding seal, the sealing element of which is designed to allow relative movement between the vibrating device and the wall. The sealing element of the sliding seal can be pressed against the sidewall of the vibrator or the sidewall of the vibrating device's housing, for example, so that the gap can be significantly reduced and, in principle, completely sealed. For example, the sealing element can be made of rubber or other refractory materials.

[0018] According to an additional advantageous embodiment, the diaphragm can be implemented as having a sleeve made of metal. The sleeve can have a geometry that allows for flexible movement of the sleeve. For example, the sleeve can be formed like a bellows or made of a relatively thin metal sheet, so that relative movement between the vibrating device and the wall is still possible.

[0019] The sleeve can be rigidly mounted on a wall and / or vibrating device. For example, the sleeve can be mounted on a wall and vibrating device by screws and bridge the gap. The sleeve can also be made in multiple pieces and can be made of spring steel or a relatively soft metal.

[0020] Advantageously, the diaphragm can be implemented as the housing of the vibrating device. For example, the sleeve can extend sufficiently along the vibrating device such that the housing of the vibrating device is substantially surrounded by the diaphragm or sleeve. In this case, the diaphragm can be, for example, segmented to have sleeves and completely surround or enclose the vibrating device. The vibrating device can be placed on the ground of a building, in which case the diaphragm can also be guided to the ground or along the ground to below the vibrating device. The housing can be formed from metal in a particularly simple manner.

[0021] Furthermore, the partition may include an insulation layer disposed within the gap. For example, the insulation layer can be made of a non-combustible insulating material, a foamed non-combustible plastic material, or mineral wool. Mineral wool is particularly used to improve the fire resistance of the partition. The insulation layer can be disposed such that it covers any partition seals provided from the test space, thus protecting it from high temperatures. The insulation layer can be disposed between metal plates on the wall, on the vibration device, or directly between the wall and the vibration device. It is advantageous when the insulation layer is covered by a membrane, as this prevents moisture from the test space from penetrating the insulation layer.

[0022] The test chamber may have a temperature control device for controlling the temperature of the test space. In this case, a temperature range from -70°C to +180°C, preferably from -80°C to +200°C, can be generated within the test space by the temperature control device. The temperature control device may also have a cooling device, comprising a cooling circuit, a heat exchanger, a compactor, a condenser, and an expansion means. The cooling circuit contains a refrigerant, and the heat exchanger can be disposed within the test space. Alternatively, the temperature control device may have a heating device, comprising a heater and an additional heat exchanger. The heating device may be a resistance heater, for example, heating the test space in such a way that the temperature increase within the test space can be achieved via the additional heat exchanger. In this case, the cooling device includes a heat exchanger for cooling the air within the test space. The heat exchanger is cooled via a cooling circuit.

[0023] The test chamber may include a control device for setting physical test conditions by controlling and / or adjusting the air temperature, relative humidity, corrosive atmosphere, and / or component strength within the test space. For example, the control device may control the heating and cooling devices of the test chamber's temperature control system in such a way that cooling or heating the air entering the test space is possible, and an air temperature within the test space can be generated within a temperature range appropriate for the test sequence. Depending on the test chamber design, the control device may also create a corrosive atmosphere within the test space and can be used to control a vibration device. In this case, the control device can also be used to test the component strength of the test material. Simultaneously, it is also possible to independently control the temperature control system and vibration device of the test chamber using separate control devices.

[0024] In the method according to the invention, the method is used to test test materials in a thermally insulated test space of a test chamber, particularly a climate chamber for regulating air. The test chamber is capable of being sealed to the environment. The temperature of the test space containing the test material is controlled by a temperature control device of the test chamber. The test material is placed on a vibrator of a vibration device within the test space, and mechanical vibration of the test material and temperature changes in the test space are achieved during a test period according to a predetermined test sequence. The vibration device is disposed in an opening formed in the wall of the test space. The gap formed between the wall and the vibration device is sealed by a flexible membrane of the test chamber. The wall and the vibration device are connected to a partition of the test chamber, which is pressure-resistant and / or fire-resistant compared to the membrane. Further details regarding the advantages of the method according to the invention refer to the description of the advantages of the test chamber according to the invention.

[0025] Batteries or accumulators, preferably lithium-ion batteries, can be used as test materials. This is made possible because the test chamber has a separator that is pressure-resistant and / or fire-resistant compared to the membrane.

[0026] The test material can be manipulated in a test space and exposed to at least one physical test condition. For example, a battery used as a test material can be exposed to high temperatures and charged simultaneously.

[0027] Other advantageous embodiments of the method will become apparent from the description of the features of the dependent claims of claim 1 of the retraction device. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the test chamber of the first embodiment with a partition;

[0030] Figure 2This is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the partition;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the third embodiment of the partition;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the fourth embodiment of the partition. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a test chamber 10 with a test space 11 is shown, in which test material 12 is disposed. Test material 12 may be a rechargeable battery or a battery and is exposed to defined temperature variations within the test space 11. Test material 12 is rigidly positioned on the contact surface 13 of the vibrator 14 of a vibration device 15, allowing test material 12 to be exposed to vibrations of defined frequency and amplitude. Vibration device 15 also includes a housing 16, on which the vibrator 14 is movable relative to the direction of arrow 17. Vibration device 15 also includes a base 18, on which the housing 16 is mounted to cushion vibrations.

[0034] The test space 11 is formed by insulating walls 19 and 20, with an opening 21 formed in wall 20. The vibration device 15 protrudes into the test space 11 through the opening 21. The gap 22 between wall 20 and vibration device 15 is sealed by a flexible membrane 23, which is at least partially or completely airtight and bridges the gap 22 between wall 20 and vibrator 14.

[0035] In addition, a partition 24 is disposed in the test chamber 10. The partition 24 connects the wall 20 and the vibration device 15. Compared to the membrane 23, the partition 24 is pressure-resistant and / or fire-resistant. Figure 1 The embodiment shown illustrates that the partition 24 is a sleeve 25, which is made of metal and rigidly mounted on the wall 20 and the housing 16. In this case, the sleeve 25 is flexible enough that any possible vibrations of the housing 16 cannot be significantly transmitted to the wall 20.

[0036] For example, if the test material 12 is damaged during the test sequence, a fire, explosion, or leakage of gas or chemicals may occur within the test space 11. In this case, if the membrane 23 is damaged, the environment 26 of the test chamber 10 may be protectively isolated by a partition 24, which is relatively pressure-resistant and / or fire-resistant.

[0037] Figure 2A cross-sectional view of the test chamber 27 is shown. The wall 28 of the test space 29 of this test chamber also has an opening 30 and a vibration device 31 protruding into the test space 29. A flexible membrane 33 is disposed in the gap 32 formed between the wall 28 and the vibration device 31 to seal the gap 32 or the test space 29. The membrane 33 bridges the vibrator 34 of the vibration device 31 and the metal plate 35 disposed on the wall 28 which is continuous with it. In the gap 32, a partition 36 is implemented as a labyrinth seal 37. The labyrinth seal 37 has fins 38 that engage with each other and are positioned in the direction of movement of the vibrator 34, so that the vibration device 31 is mechanically disconnected from the wall 28. At the same time, the partition 36 thus implemented is pressure-resistant and / or fire-resistant compared to the membrane 33. Further, a heat insulation layer 39 is disposed in the gap 32. The heat insulation layer 39 is made of a non-combustible insulating material and protects the partition 36 from high temperatures.

[0038] Figure 3 A third embodiment of the test chamber 40 is shown, with... Figure 2 Compared to the test chamber 40, the test chamber 40 is provided with a membrane 41, which is flexible and at least partially or completely airtight, and is covered by an additional membrane 42, which forms a partition 43. Compared to the membrane 41, the additional membrane 42 is pressure-resistant and / or fire-resistant, and covers the membrane 41 from the test space 44. Furthermore, the partition 43 also has a second flexible membrane 45. The second membrane 45 is mounted on the wall 46 of the test chamber 40 and contacts the side surface 47 of the housing 48 of the vibration device 49 as a sealing element.

[0039] Figure 4 A fourth embodiment of the test chamber 50 is shown, with... Figure 2 Compared to the test chamber, test chamber 50 is provided with a membrane 51, which is flexible and at least partially or completely airtight. A sleeve 56 made of metal plate is provided in the gap 54 thus formed between the wall 52 and the vibration device 53 to seal the gap 54 or test space 55. The sleeve 56 bridges the membrane 51 to the vibrator 57 of the vibration device 53. The sleeve 56 is formed rigidly and is sufficiently far from the vibration device 53 so that any possible vibrations cannot be significantly transmitted to the sleeve 56.

Claims

1. A test chamber, a climate chamber for regulating air, comprising a heat-insulated test space that is sealable to the environment, a temperature control device for receiving test materials and for controlling the temperature of the test space, the test chamber including a vibration device disposed in an opening formed in the wall of the test space, the test material being disposed on a vibrator of the vibration device within the test space, and the mechanical vibration of the test material and the temperature change in the test space being realized according to a predetermined test sequence and within a test time period, the gap formed between the wall and the vibration device being sealed by a flexible membrane of the test chamber. Its features are, The test chamber has a partition connecting the wall and the vibration device. The partition is pressure-resistant and / or fire-resistant compared to the flexible membrane. The partition includes a heat insulation layer disposed in the gap. The partition is implemented by a labyrinth seal, the fins of which allow relative movement between the vibration device and the wall.

2. The test chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible membrane bridges the gap between the wall and the vibrator.

3. The test chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that, The diaphragm bridges the gap between the wall and the housing of the vibrating device, or the gap between the wall and the vibrator.

4. The test chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that, The separator is more resistant to chemicals than the flexible membrane.

5. The test chamber according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The partition is achieved through an additional membrane, which covers the flexible membrane from the test space.

6. The test chamber according to claim 5, characterized in that, The partition has a second flexible membrane, which covers the additional membrane from the environment.

7. The test chamber according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The partition is achieved through a shaped seal, the sealing element of which is designed to allow relative movement between the vibrating device and the wall, and to establish a sealing contact when the pressure is unexpectedly increased in the test space.

8. The test chamber according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The partition is achieved through a sliding seal, the sealing element of which allows relative movement between the vibrating device and the wall.

9. The test chamber according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The partition is implemented as a sleeve made of metal.

10. The test chamber according to claim 9, characterized in that, The sleeve is rigidly mounted on the wall and / or the vibration device.

11. The test chamber according to claim 9, characterized in that, The partition is implemented as the housing of the vibration device.

12. The test chamber according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The test chamber has a temperature control device for controlling the temperature of the test space, with a temperature range from -70°C to +180°C generated within the test space by the temperature control device. The temperature control device has a cooling device, which includes a cooling circuit, a heat exchanger, a compactor, a condenser, and an expansion device. The cooling circuit contains a refrigerant, and the heat exchanger is located in the test space. The temperature control device also has a heating device, which includes a heater and an additional heat exchanger.

13. The test chamber according to claim 12, characterized in that, The temperature range from -80℃ to +200℃ is generated within the test space by a temperature control device.

14. The test chamber according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The test chamber has a control device for setting physical test conditions by controlling and / or adjusting the air temperature, relative humidity, corrosive atmosphere and / or component strength within the test space.

15. A method for testing test materials in a temperature-insulated test space within a test chamber, the test chamber being a climate chamber for regulating air, the test space being sealable from the environment, the temperature of the test space containing the test materials being controlled by a temperature control device of the test chamber, the test materials being placed on a vibrator of a vibration device within the test space, and mechanical vibration of the test materials and temperature changes in the test space being achieved during a test period according to a predetermined test sequence, the vibration device being disposed in an opening formed in the wall of the test space, a gap being formed between the wall and the vibration device, the gap being sealed by a flexible membrane of the test chamber. Its features are, The wall and vibration device are connected to a partition in the test chamber. The partition is pressure-resistant and / or fire-resistant compared to the flexible membrane. The partition includes a heat insulation layer disposed in the gap. The partition is implemented by a labyrinth seal, the fins of which are configured to allow relative movement between the vibration device and the wall.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, Batteries or accumulators are used as test materials.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, Lithium-ion batteries were used as experimental materials.

18. The method according to claim 15, 16 or 17, characterized in that, The test material is manipulated in a test space and exposed to at least one physical test condition.

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