Test tool and method for simulating bearing strength of end plate of battery module in end period of battery cell life

Abstract

The invention discloses a battery module end plate pressure-bearing strength test tool and method for simulating the end period of the service life of a battery cell, and the tool comprises a tool bottom plate, a pressure generation device, a limiting mechanism and a detection mechanism, and the tool bottom plate is provided with a battery module end plate and a battery cell. The two battery module end plates clamp battery cells, the pressure generating device is arranged between the two battery cells and used for applying pressure to the battery module end plates and the battery cells, the limiting mechanism comprises a limiting plate and a restraining piece, the limiting plate is arranged on the side, away from the battery cells, of the battery module end plates, the limiting plate is detachably connected with the tool bottom plate, and the restraining piece is arranged on the limiting plate. The restraining piece surrounds the battery module end plate, the battery cell and the pressure generating device, and the detection mechanism comprises a pressure sensor and a display screen. The battery module end plate pressure-bearing strength testing tool for simulating the end period of the battery cell life has the advantages that the pressure-bearing strength of the battery module end plate is efficiently verified, the testing precision is high, and the testing time is saved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of test equipment, and in particular to a test tooling and method for simulating the bearing pressure strength of the end plate of a battery module at the end of the service life of a battery cell. Background Art

[0002] The competition in the energy storage industry is becoming increasingly fierce, and the requirements for batteries are also constantly increasing. The problem of the swelling force of battery cells has begun to emerge. During the charge and discharge cycle of lithium-ion battery cells, the volume will expand due to internal chemical reactions. At the end of the service life of the battery cells, the pressure on the end plate of the module caused by the swelling of the battery cells will be several times that during the normal charge and discharge cycle of the battery cells, posing a great test to the bearing pressure strength of the end plate inside the battery module. The swelling force during the charge and discharge cycle of the battery cells comes from the internal chemical reactions of the battery cells. Therefore, it is difficult to obtain the bearing pressure strength of the end plate of the battery module at the end of the service life of the battery cells through simulation, and the time period required for this process by experiment or simulation is relatively long. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention is made based on the inventor's discovery and recognition of the following facts and problems: The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems in the related art to a certain extent. To this end, an embodiment of the present invention provides a test tooling and method for simulating the bearing pressure strength of the end plate of a battery module at the end of the service life of a battery cell. The test tooling and method for simulating the bearing pressure strength of the end plate of a battery module at the end of the service life of a battery cell have the advantages of efficiently verifying the bearing pressure strength of the end plate of the battery module, high test accuracy, and saving test time.

[0004] According to the test tooling for simulating the bearing pressure strength of the end plate of a battery module at the end of the service life of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention, the test tooling for simulating the bearing pressure strength of the end plate of a battery module at the end of the service life of a battery cell includes a tooling bottom plate, a pressure generating device, a limiting mechanism, and a detection mechanism. The battery module end plate and the battery cell are arranged on the tooling bottom plate, and the two battery module end plates clamp the battery cell. The pressure generating device is arranged between the two battery cells to apply pressure to the battery module end plate and the battery cell. The limiting mechanism includes a limiting plate and a restraint. The limiting plate is arranged on the side of the battery module end plate away from the battery cell, and the limiting plate is detachably connected to the tooling bottom plate. The restraint is arranged around the battery module end plate, the battery cell, and the pressure generating device to fix the battery module end plate and the battery cell. The detection mechanism includes a pressure sensor and a display screen. The pressure sensor is located between the pressure generating device and the battery cell to detect the pressure, and the display screen is electrically connected to the pressure sensor.

[0005] The test tool for simulating the bearing pressure strength of the end plate of a battery module at the end of the service life of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention has the advantages of efficiently verifying the bearing pressure strength of the end plate of the battery module, high test accuracy, and saving test time. This application has the following advantages: Through the test tool, it is possible to approximately and equivalently simulate the bearing pressure strength of the end plate of the battery module at the end of the service life of the battery module under different manufacturers, different brands, and different series and parallel arrangements of battery cells. The test efficiency is high, the results are accurate, and it can greatly save the test time while ensuring the experimental accuracy, shortening the product market launch cycle.

[0006] In some embodiments, the limiting mechanism further includes a force-bearing block, the force-bearing block abuts against the side of the battery cell away from the end plate of the battery module, and the pressure sensor is located between the force-bearing block and the pressure generating device.

[0007] In some embodiments, the limiting mechanism further includes a cushion block, the cushion block is located on the tooling bottom plate, and both ends of the cushion block abut against the force-bearing block respectively.

[0008] In some embodiments, a card slot is provided on the side surface of the end plate of the battery module, and the card slot is used to cooperate with the restraint member.

[0009] In some embodiments, the pressure sensor is connected to the display screen through a pressure data acquisition line.

[0010] In some embodiments, positioning holes are respectively provided on the tooling bottom plate and the limiting plate, and bolts pass through the positioning holes to threadedly connect and fix the limiting plate to the tooling bottom plate.

[0011] In some embodiments, the pressure generating device is a manual hydraulic pump.

[0012] The method for simulating the bearing pressure strength of the end plate of a battery module at the end of the service life of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention, the method for simulating the bearing pressure strength of the end plate of a battery module at the end of the service life of a battery cell, includes the following steps:

[0013] Calculate the pressure value of the end plate of the battery module, and apply pressure to the end plate of the battery module according to the pressure value;

[0014] Arrange the cushion block and the force-bearing block on the tooling bottom plate, fix the limiting plates at both ends of the tooling bottom plate, and arrange the battery cell and the end plate of the battery module on the tooling bottom plate;

[0015] Arrange the pressure generating device on the cushion block, arrange the pressure sensor between the force-bearing block and the telescopic end of the manual hydraulic pump, and adjust the manual hydraulic pump until the pressure sensor is clamped between the manual hydraulic pump and the force-bearing block;

[0016] Surround the end plate of the battery module, the force-bearing block, and the battery cell with the restraint member, and adjust the manual hydraulic pump until the restraint belt is tightened;

[0017] Remove the limit plate, adjust the manual hydraulic pump to apply pressure to the force-bearing block for a pressure test, observe the deformation of the end plate of the battery module and record the pressure change.

[0018] In some embodiments, the pressure value y = αln x + β, where the parameter α is the electrical performance of the battery cell and the parameter β is the mechanical strength of the battery cell housing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a test fixture for simulating the bearing strength test of the end plate of a battery module at the end of the battery cell life according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 is a front view schematic diagram of a test fixture for simulating the bearing strength test of the end plate of a battery module at the end of the battery cell life according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of the tooling bottom plate of a test fixture for simulating the bearing strength test of the end plate of a battery module at the end of the battery cell life according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 4 is a schematic structural diagram of the limit plate of a test fixture for simulating the bearing strength test of the end plate of a battery module at the end of the battery cell life according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 5 is a top view schematic diagram of a test fixture for simulating the bearing strength test of the end plate of a battery module at the end of the battery cell life according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 6 is a left view schematic diagram of a test fixture for simulating the bearing strength test of the end plate of a battery module at the end of the battery cell life according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Reference numerals: 1, restraint member; 2, end plate of battery module; 3, limit plate; 4, force-bearing block; 5, spacer block; 6, tooling bottom plate; 7, pressure generating device; 8, pressure sensor; 9, battery cell; 10, display screen; 11, pressure data acquisition line. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0026] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below. The examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are intended to explain the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0027] According to the test tool for simulating the bearing pressure strength of the end plate of a battery module at the end of the service life of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention, the test tool for simulating the bearing pressure strength of the end plate of a battery module at the end of the service life of a battery cell includes a tooling bottom plate 6, a pressure generating device 7, a limiting mechanism, and a detecting mechanism. The battery module end plate 2 and the battery cell 9 are arranged on the tooling bottom plate 6. The two battery module end plates 2 clamp the battery cell 9. The pressure generating device 7 is arranged between the two battery cells 9 to apply pressure to the battery module end plate 2 and the battery cell 9. The limiting mechanism includes a limiting plate 3 and a constraining member 1. The limiting plate 3 is arranged on the side of the battery module end plate 2 away from the battery cell 9. The limiting plate 3 is detachably connected to the tooling bottom plate 6. The constraining member 1 is arranged around the battery module end plate 2, the battery cell 9, and the pressure generating device 7 and fixes the battery module end plate 2 and the battery cell 9. The detecting mechanism includes a pressure sensor 8 and a display screen 10. The pressure sensor 8 is located between the pressure generating device 7 and the battery cell 9 to detect the pressure. The display screen 10 is electrically connected to the pressure sensor 8. The tooling bottom plate 6 provides a platform for placing the battery module end plate 2 and the battery cell 9. The pressure generating device 7 is arranged with the battery cell 9 and the battery module end plate 2 at both ends to simulate the structure of the battery module in reality, ensuring the accuracy of the test results is closer to the actual situation. The pressure generating device 7 is arranged between the two battery cells 9 to apply pressure evenly and simulate the pressure-bearing situation at the end of the service life of the battery cell 9. The limiting mechanism is used to constrain the battery cell 9 and the battery module end plate 2. The limiting plate 3 is used to assist in fixing the battery module end plate 2. The constraining member 1 is used to integrate the battery cell 9, the battery module end plate 2, the pressure generating device 7, etc. into a whole. The constraining member 1 can be used to simulate the outer shell of the battery module. The detecting mechanism detects the pressure data in real time through the pressure sensor 8, facilitating the recording and analysis of the data.

[0028] The test tool for simulating the bearing pressure strength of the end plate of a battery module at the end of the service life of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention has the advantages of efficiently verifying the bearing pressure strength of the end plate of the battery module, high test accuracy, and saving test time.

[0029] In some embodiments, the limiting mechanism further includes a force-bearing block 4. The force-bearing block 4 abuts against the side of the battery cell 9 away from the battery module end plate 2. The pressure sensor 8 is located between the force-bearing block 4 and the pressure generating device 7.

[0030] Specifically, the force-bearing block 4 can be a steel block. The force-bearing block 4 is used to make the battery cell 9 receive pressure evenly. The direct contact between the force-bearing block 4 and the pressure generating device 7 can protect the battery cell 9. The pressure sensor 8 is located between the force-bearing block 4 and the pressure generating device 7 to detect the pressure applied by the pressure generating device 7 on the force-bearing block 4.

[0031] In some embodiments, the limiting mechanism further includes a spacer block 5. The spacer block 5 is located on the tooling bottom plate 6. The two ends of the spacer block 5 respectively abut against the force-bearing block 4.

[0032] Specifically, the spacer block 5 is arranged on the tooling bottom plate 6 to support the pressure generating device 7, and the force receiving blocks 4 are arranged at both ends of the spacer block 5 to limit the position of the force receiving blocks 4.

[0033] In some embodiments, a card slot is provided on the side surface of the battery module end plate 2, and the card slot is used to cooperate with the restraint member 1.

[0034] Specifically, the restraint member 1 is a steel rolling belt, and the card slot is arranged on the side surface of the battery module end plate 2 to limit the steel rolling belt. The width of the card slot is adapted to the width of the steel rolling belt to limit the relative movement of the steel rolling belt with respect to the battery module end plate 2, avoiding the inclination and relaxation of the steel rolling belt from affecting the close contact between the battery module end plate 2, the battery cell 9, and the force receiving block 4 and causing inaccurate pressure data.

[0035] In some embodiments, the pressure sensor 8 is connected to the display screen 10 through a pressure data acquisition line.

[0036] Specifically, the data detected by the pressure sensor 8 is sent to the display screen 10 through the pressure data acquisition line, and the display screen 10 displays the real-time detected pressure value, which is convenient for observing and recording the pressure change.

[0037] In some embodiments, positioning holes are respectively provided on the tooling bottom plate 6 and the limiting plate 3, and bolts pass through the positioning holes to threadedly connect and fix the limiting plate 3 to the tooling bottom plate 6.

[0038] Specifically, after aligning the positioning hole of the limiting plate 3 with the positioning hole on the tooling bottom plate 6, the bolts pass through the positioning holes and are threadedly connected and fixed to the tooling bottom plate 6 to fix the limiting plate 3. When it is necessary to disassemble the limiting plate 3, the bolts can be loosened to remove the limiting plate 3.

[0039] In some embodiments, the pressure generating device 7 is a manual hydraulic pump.

[0040] Specifically, the manual hydraulic pump is convenient for controlling the stroke of the pump to adjust the pressure application magnitude, has simple operation and good safety, does not require the participation of electrical components, reduces the safety risk, and has a simple structure and strong reliability.

[0041] According to the method for simulating the bearing pressure strength test of the battery module end plate at the end of the battery cell life according to the embodiment of the present invention, the method for simulating the bearing pressure strength test of the battery module end plate at the end of the battery cell life includes the following steps:

[0042] Calculate the pressure value of the battery module end plate 2, and apply pressure to the battery module end plate 2 according to the pressure value;

[0043] Arrange the spacer block 5 and the force receiving blocks 4 on the tooling bottom plate 6, fix the limiting plates 3 at both ends of the tooling bottom plate 6, and arrange the battery cell 9 and the battery module end plate 2 on the tooling bottom plate 6;

[0044] Arrange the pressure generating device 7 on the spacer block 5, arrange the pressure sensor 8 between the force receiving block 4 and the telescopic end of the manual hydraulic pump, and adjust the manual hydraulic pump to clamp the pressure sensor 8 between the manual hydraulic pump and the force receiving block 4;

[0045] Arrange the restraint member 1 around the end plate 2 of the battery module, the force receiving block 4, and the battery cell 9, and adjust the manual hydraulic pump until the restraint belt is tightened;

[0046] Remove the limit plate 3, adjust the manual hydraulic pump to pressurize the force receiving block 4 for a pressure test, observe the deformation of the end plate 2 of the battery module and record the pressure change.

[0047] The technical advantages of the method for simulating the bearing pressure strength test of the end plate of the battery module at the end of the battery cell life according to the embodiments of the present invention are the same as those of the above-mentioned tooling for simulating the bearing pressure strength test of the end plate of the battery module at the end of the battery cell life, and will not be elaborated here.

[0048] In some embodiments, the pressure value y = αln x + β, where the parameter α is the electrical performance of the battery cell, and the parameter β is the mechanical strength of the battery cell housing.

[0049] Specifically, the superposition relationship of the expansion force of the battery cell conforms to a logarithmic function, and the two parameters of the function affect the calculation of the pressure value. The parameters can be obtained by fitting the data of multiple battery cell charging cycles and pressure tests.

[0050] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc. indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

[0051] In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, the features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features. In the description of the present invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0052] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly defined or limited, terms such as "installed", "connected", "linked", "fixed", etc. shall be understood in a broad sense. For example, it may be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or integrated; it may be a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or communicable with each other; it may be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it may be the communication inside two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements, unless otherwise clearly defined. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0053] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly defined or limited, the first feature being "on" or "under" the second feature may be that the first and second features are in direct contact, or the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Moreover, the first feature being "above", "over" and "on top of" the second feature may be that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or merely indicates that the first feature has a higher horizontal height than the second feature. The first feature being "under", "beneath" and "underneath" the second feature may be that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or merely indicates that the first feature has a lower horizontal height than the second feature.

[0054] In the present invention, terms such as "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples", etc. mean that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic descriptions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and combine the different embodiments or examples described in this specification and the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0055] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it can be understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Any changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations made by those of ordinary skill in the art to the above embodiments are within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A test fixture for the pressure bearing strength of a battery module end plate simulating the end of the battery life, characterized in that: include: A tooling bottom plate, on which a battery module end plate and a battery cell are arranged, and two battery module end plates clamp the battery cell; A pressure generating device, the pressure generating device is arranged between the two battery cells to apply pressure to the battery module end plate and the battery cells; A limiting mechanism, the limiting mechanism comprising a limiting plate and a restraining member, the limiting plate being arranged on a side of the battery module end plate away from the battery cell, the limiting plate being detachably connected to the tooling bottom plate, and the restraining member being arranged around the battery module end plate, the battery cell and the pressure generating device and fixing the battery module end plate and the battery cell; The detection mechanism comprises a pressure sensor and a display screen. The pressure sensor is located between the pressure generating device and the battery cell to detect pressure. The display screen is electrically connected to the pressure sensor.

2. The test fixture for the end plate pressure strength of a battery module simulating the end of the battery life of a battery cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The limiting mechanism further includes a force-bearing block, which abuts against a side of the battery cell away from the battery module end plate, and the pressure sensor is located between the force-bearing block and the pressure generating device.

3. The test fixture for testing the end plate pressure strength of a battery module at the end of the life of a simulated battery cell according to claim 2, characterized in that: It also includes a cushion block, which is located on the tooling bottom plate, and two ends of the cushion block are respectively abutted against the force-bearing block.

4. The test fixture for testing the end plate pressure strength of a battery module at the end of the life of a simulated battery cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: A card slot is provided on the side of the battery module end plate, and the card slot is used to cooperate with the restraining member.

5. The test fixture for the end plate pressure strength of a battery module simulating the end of the battery life of a battery cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressure sensor is connected to the display screen via a pressure data acquisition line.

6. The test fixture for testing the end plate pressure strength of a battery module at the end of the life of a simulated battery cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: Positioning holes are respectively arranged on the tooling bottom plate and the limiting plate, and bolts pass through the positioning holes to threadably connect and fix the limiting plate to the tooling bottom plate.

7. The test fixture for testing the end plate pressure strength of a battery module at the end of the life of a simulated battery cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressure generating device is a manual hydraulic pump.

8. A method for testing the pressure bearing strength of a battery module end plate at the end of a simulated battery cell life, using the test fixture for testing the pressure bearing strength of a battery module end plate at the end of a simulated battery cell life as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: Calculate the pressure value of the battery module end plate, and apply pressure to the battery module end plate according to the pressure value; Arrange the cushion blocks and stress blocks on the tooling bottom plate, fix the limit plates at both ends of the tooling bottom plate, and arrange the battery cells and battery module end plates on the tooling bottom plate; Arrange a pressure generating device on the cushion block, arrange a pressure sensor between the force-bearing block and the telescopic end of the manual hydraulic pump, and adjust the manual hydraulic pump to clamp the pressure sensor between the manual hydraulic pump and the force-bearing block; Arrange the restraints around the battery module end plate, the stress block, and the battery cell, and adjust the manual hydraulic pump until the restraint belt is tightened; The limit plate is removed, and the manual hydraulic pump is adjusted to pressurize the force-bearing block for pressure testing, and the deformation of the battery module end plate is observed and the pressure change is recorded.

9. The test fixture for testing the end plate pressure strength of a battery module at the end of the life of a simulated battery cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressure value y=α ln x+β, parameter α is the electrical performance of the battery cell, and parameter β is the mechanical strength of the battery cell casing.

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