Testing device

Abstract

The invention provides a testing device, the testing device is used for testing the power of different areas of a heating element, the testing device comprises a heat conduction pad, a plurality of temperature sensors and a controller, and the heat conduction pad is arranged on the heating surface of the heating element; the plurality of temperature sensors are arranged on the heat conduction pad and are arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the heating element; each temperature sensor is configured to obtain the temperature of an area, opposite to the temperature sensor, of the heating element; the controller is connected with the plurality of temperature sensors; and the controller is used for receiving the temperatures of the plurality of temperature sensors and determining the power of different areas of the heating element according to the plurality of temperatures. According to the invention, the power of different areas of the heating element can be tested.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of testing equipment, and in particular to a testing device. Background Art

[0002] The performance of a vehicle's power batteries (such as lithium-ion batteries) is highly dependent on operating temperature, with an optimal operating temperature range typically between 20 and 35°C. Excessively high temperatures can accelerate battery aging and even lead to the risk of thermal runaway, while excessively low temperatures can significantly reduce the battery's charge and discharge efficiency, shortening driving range and potentially damaging its lifespan.

[0003] In related technologies, batteries are typically heated using heating elements to maintain a suitable temperature range. However, it is currently impossible to test the power of different heating element regions. This can result in excessive or insufficient power in certain areas of the heating element, leading to excessively high or low temperatures in corresponding battery regions. This leads to poor temperature balance in the battery, impacting battery performance and service life. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above problems, an embodiment of the present application provides a testing device that can test the power of different areas of a heating element.

[0005] In order to achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of the present application provide the following technical solutions:

[0006] An embodiment of the present application provides a testing device for testing the power of different areas of a heating element. The testing device includes:

[0007] A thermal pad, which is arranged on the heating surface of the heating element;

[0008] a plurality of temperature sensors, the plurality of temperature sensors being disposed on the thermal pad and spaced apart along the extension direction of the heating element; wherein each of the temperature sensors is configured to obtain a temperature of an area opposite to the heating element and the temperature sensor;

[0009] A controller is connected to the plurality of temperature sensors; the controller is used to receive the temperatures of the plurality of temperature sensors and determine the power of different areas of the heating element according to the plurality of temperatures.

[0010] In a possible implementation, the heating element includes a plurality of heating chips with different powers, and the plurality of heating chips are arranged at intervals along a first direction, so that the heating element has a strip-shaped structure;

[0011] An orthographic projection of the heating chip on the thermal pad at least partially overlaps with an orthographic projection of the temperature sensor on the thermal pad.

[0012] In a possible implementation, the testing device further includes a testing power supply, and the testing power supply is electrically connected to the heating element.

[0013] In a possible implementation, the testing device further includes a cooling member, which is disposed on a side of the heating element away from the thermal pad, and the heating element is embedded in the cooling member.

[0014] In a possible implementation, the number of the heating elements includes at least two, and the at least two heating elements are spaced apart and arranged along the second direction;

[0015] The second direction intersects the first direction.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the testing device further includes a support member, which is arranged on a side of the cooling member facing away from the thermal pad, and the cooling member is arranged on the support member; the support member is used to reduce the heat conduction of the heating element in a direction away from the thermal pad.

[0017] In a possible implementation, the cooling member is connected to the supporting member via an adhesive layer.

[0018] In a possible implementation, the testing device further includes a protective cover, which is detachably connected to the support member and covers the thermal pad and the cooling member.

[0019] In a possible implementation, the protective cover includes a top plate opposite to the support member;

[0020] An aluminum block is arranged between the thermal pad and the top plate.

[0021] In a possible implementation, the thermal conductivity of the thermal pad is between 1-5 W / (m·K), and the thickness of the thermal pad is 0.5-2 mm.

[0022] In the test device provided in the embodiment of the present application, multiple temperature sensors are provided on the thermal pad, and the multiple temperature sensors are arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the heating element; wherein each temperature sensor is configured to obtain the temperature of the area of ​​the heating element opposite to the temperature sensor. The controller can receive the temperatures of the multiple temperature sensors and determine the power of different areas of the heating element based on multiple temperature, high temperature high power, and low temperature low power judgment criteria. In this way, it is possible to determine whether the power of different areas of the heating element meets the requirements, so that heating elements that do not meet the power requirements can be accurately identified at an early stage, greatly improving the yield of the heating element, thereby improving the temperature balance of the battery, and improving the performance and service life of the battery.

[0023] In addition to the technical problems solved by the embodiments of the present application, the technical features that constitute the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects brought about by the technical features of these technical solutions described above, other technical problems that can be solved by the testing device provided by the embodiments of the present application, other technical features included in the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects brought about by these technical features will be further described in detail in the specific implementation methods. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, a brief introduction will be given below to the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the test device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0026] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A magnified schematic diagram of area A in the middle.

[0027] Description of reference numerals:

[0028] 1000: test device;

[0029] 100: thermal pad;

[0030] 200: temperature sensor;

[0031] 300: heating element; 310: heating chip;

[0032] 400: Test power supply;

[0033] 500: cooling parts;

[0034] 600: support member;

[0035] 700: protective cover; 710: top plate;

[0036] 800: Aluminum block. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Given that different areas of the battery generate different amounts of heat, if a larger heating element is used to heat the battery, the temperatures in different areas of the battery will be different, and the temperatures in some areas will be too high, causing accelerated aging of the battery and even the risk of thermal runaway. Therefore, in the related art, multiple heating chips are usually integrated together to form a larger heating element. Among them, the power of multiple heating chips is different. If one of the heating chips is abnormal, the temperature of the area of ​​the battery opposite to the heating chip will be abnormal. Therefore, it is necessary to test the power of different areas of the heating element. In the related art, the power can only be tested by using a water immersion test, that is, the entire heating element is immersed in water and its overall heating power is measured. However, this method cannot distinguish the actual heating performance of different power areas (such as high power area and low power area) on the same heating element, which leads to the temperature of some areas of the battery being too high or too low, resulting in poor temperature balance of the battery, affecting the performance and service life of the battery.

[0038] In response to the above technical problems, an embodiment of the present application provides a testing device, which is provided with multiple temperature sensors on a thermal pad, and the multiple temperature sensors are arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the heating element; wherein each temperature sensor is configured to obtain the temperature of the area relative to the heating element and the temperature sensor. The controller can receive the temperatures of the multiple temperature sensors and determine the power of different areas of the heating element based on multiple temperature, high temperature high power and low temperature low power judgment criteria. In this way, it is possible to determine whether the power of different areas of the heating element meets the requirements, so that heating elements that do not meet the power requirements can be accurately identified at an early stage, greatly improving the yield of the heating element, avoiding the defect of excessively high or low temperatures in certain areas of the battery, thereby improving the temperature balance of the battery, and improving the performance and service life of the battery.

[0039] In order to make the above-mentioned purposes, features and advantages of the embodiments of the present application more obvious and easy to understand, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0040] Please refer to Figure 1The present embodiment provides a testing device 1000 for testing the power of different regions of a heating element 300. It should be understood that the different powers of different regions of the heating element 300 are due to the fact that the heating element 300 includes multiple heating chips 310 with different powers. This allows different powers to be applied to different regions of the heating element 300.

[0041] Please refer to Figure 2 The arrangement of the multiple heating chips 310 with different power levels can be regular or irregular. For example, the multiple heating chips 310 are spaced apart along the first direction, so that the heating element 300 forms a strip-like structure. This allows for a flexible gradient power distribution (e.g., a high-power zone in the center and low-power zones at both ends), perfectly matching the requirements of strong center heating and weak edge heating in applications such as batteries, effectively reducing the heating temperature difference of the battery.

[0042] The first direction may be the length direction of the heating element 300, that is, Figure 1 Middle X direction.

[0043] In the embodiment of the present application, the heating chip can be a positive temperature coefficient thermistor (PTC). When power is applied to the heating chip, current will pass through its internal material. Due to the resistance characteristics of the material itself (low resistance at low temperatures and a sharp increase in resistance at high temperatures), the initial current is large, resulting in Joule heating, causing the heating chip to self-heat.

[0044] Please refer to Figure 1 The testing device 1000 includes a thermal pad 100 and a plurality of temperature sensors 200. The thermal pad 100 is arranged on the heating surface of the heating element 300. The plurality of temperature sensors 200 are arranged on the thermal pad 100 and arranged along the extension direction of the heating element 300. That is, the plurality of temperature sensors 200 are arranged at intervals along the first direction and are arranged opposite to the heating element 300, that is, the temperature sensor 200 is arranged above the heating element 300 (such as directly above). Each temperature sensor 200 is configured to obtain the temperature of the area relative to the heating element 300 and the temperature sensor 200. In other words, each temperature sensor 200 is used to obtain the temperature of a heating chip 310, and then the temperature of the heating chip 310 is used to characterize the power of the heating chip 310.

[0045] In this embodiment of the present application, a thermal pad 100 is placed between the heating element 300 and the multiple temperature sensors 200. This ensures that each temperature sensor 200 only detects the local temperature of its corresponding heating chip 310, effectively isolating the thermal interference of adjacent heating chips 310 and ensuring that the temperature data strictly corresponds to the power zone. This solves the problem of traditional detection methods being unable to distinguish between adjacent power zones. Furthermore, the heat distribution effect of the thermal pad 100 suppresses the concentration of hot spots, avoiding measurement errors caused by uneven surface temperatures of the heating chips 310. It also protects the temperature sensors 200 from transient high temperature shocks, thereby extending their service life.

[0046] The present embodiment also sets the thermal conductivity and thickness of the thermal pad 100. For example, the thermal conductivity of the thermal pad 100 is between 1-5 W / (m·K), and the thickness of the thermal pad 100 is between 0.5-2 mm. This allows the heat generated by each heating chip 310 to be quickly and effectively transferred to the corresponding temperature sensor 200, thereby improving the test sensitivity of the temperature sensor 200.

[0047] The testing device 1000 also includes a controller, which is connected to the multiple temperature sensors 200 and is configured to receive the temperature of each temperature sensor 200. In this way, the controller can determine the power of different regions of the heating element 300 based on the temperature of each temperature sensor 200. It should be noted that since high power of the heating element 300 can generate high temperatures, this embodiment uses the heat generated by different regions of the heating element 300 to represent the power level.

[0048] During the specific operation process, the temperature of each temperature sensor 200 in different time periods can be tested, a test curve can be drawn for multiple temperatures, and the test curve can be compared with the threshold curve pre-stored in the controller. If the test curve is inconsistent with the threshold curve, it indicates that the power of the heating chip 310 opposite to the temperature sensor 200 is abnormal and there may be a risk of damage.

[0049] In this way, it is possible to determine whether the power of different areas of the heating element 300 meets the requirements, so that heating elements that do not meet the power requirements can be accurately identified in the early stages of production, greatly improving the yield of the heating element 300, and avoiding defects such as excessively high or low temperatures in certain areas of the battery, thereby improving the temperature balance of the battery and increasing the performance and service life of the battery.

[0050] In one possible implementation, the orthographic projection of a heater chip 310 on the thermal pad 100 at least partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of a temperature sensor 200 on the thermal pad 100. That is, in some embodiments, the orthographic projection of a heater chip 310 on the thermal pad 100 completely overlaps with the orthographic projection of a temperature sensor 200 on the thermal pad 100. In other embodiments, the orthographic projection of a heater chip 310 on the thermal pad 100 partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of a temperature sensor 200 on the thermal pad 100. In this way, the setting position of the temperature sensor 200 can be freely set according to the layout of multiple heater chips 310, so that the temperature sensor 200 preferentially senses the heat of the target chip, thereby improving the test accuracy of the test device 1000.

[0051] Please continue to refer to Figure 1 The testing device 1000 further includes a testing power supply 400, which is electrically connected to the heating element 300. For example, the heating element 300 has a first connection end and a second connection end, the first connection end being electrically connected to the positive electrode of the testing power supply 400, and the second connection end being electrically connected to the negative electrode of the testing power supply 400.

[0052] In this way, the test power supply 400 can be used to provide a stable current to the heating element 300, and the material properties of the heating element 300 can be used to cause it to self-heat. This stable current supply ensures the stability and consistency of the heating of the heating element 300, avoiding problems such as uneven heating or temperature instability caused by current fluctuations, thereby providing a stable and reliable heating environment for the battery and ensuring that the battery operates within the appropriate temperature range.

[0053] It should be noted that the test power supply 400 can be a constant current power supply (it can also be adjusted to other modes, such as constant voltage mode, as needed). By adjusting the output current of the test power supply 400, the heating power of the heating element 300 can be precisely controlled. In addition, the on-time of the test power supply 400 can also be controlled to ensure that the heat generated by the heating element 300 can be detected promptly and effectively by the temperature sensor 200.

[0054] In one possible implementation, the testing device 1000 further includes a cooling element 500, which is disposed on a side of the heating element 300 away from the thermal pad 100, and the heating element 300 is embedded in the cooling element 500. In this way, the cooling element 500 can be used as a support component to support the heating element 300, and the heating element 300 and the cooling element 500 are integrated into a single component. If the battery needs to be cooled, the cooling element 500 can be activated. If the battery needs to be heated, the heating element 300 can be activated.

[0055] It should be noted that each battery can be heated by one heating element 300, or other options are available. For example, the number of heating elements 300 includes at least two, and the at least two heating elements 300 are arranged at intervals along the second direction, and the second direction intersects the first direction. For example, the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction, that is, the second direction is Figure 1 In the embodiment of the present application, the number of the heating elements 300 is increased, thereby improving the heating effect of the heating elements 300 .

[0056] The following description is based on the example that the number of heating elements 300 is two. Figure 1 The two heating elements 300 are spaced apart along the second direction, such that the two heating elements 300 are located at the edge of the battery in the second direction. The number of heating chips 310 included in each heating element 300 can be selected in various ways. For example, each heating element 300 can have six heating chips 310. Thus, the number of heating chips 310 in the two heating elements 300 is twelve. Accordingly, the number of temperature sensors 200 is twelve.

[0057] Please continue to refer to Figure 1 The test device 1000 provided in the embodiment of the present application further includes a support member 600, which is disposed on a side of the cooling member 500 facing away from the thermal pad 100, and the cooling member 500 is disposed on the support member 600. In other words, the cooling member 500 is disposed on the support member 600, the heating element 300 is embedded on the cooling member 500, and the thermal pad 100 covers the cooling member 500 and the heating element 300.

[0058] Among them, the thermal conductivity coefficient of the support member 600 is less than the preset value, which indicates that the support member 600 has a lower thermal conductivity capability, which is used to reduce the heat conduction of the heating element 300 in the direction away from the thermal pad 100, thereby reducing the interference of environmental factors on the test results, making the test data more accurate and reliable, and able to truly reflect the power of each area of ​​the heating element 300.

[0059] It should be noted that the material of the support member 600 in this embodiment includes but is not limited to wood.

[0060] It should also be noted that the cooling member 500 and the supporting member 600 are connected by an adhesive layer, so that a stable overall structure can be formed. This connection method avoids the problems of looseness and gaps that may exist in traditional mechanical connections, and improves the connection strength between the two.

[0061] In a possible implementation, the testing device 1000 further includes a protective cover 700, which is detachably connected to the support member 600 and covers the thermal pad 100 and the cooling member 500. In other words, the protective cover 700 can cover all other structures.

[0062] In the embodiment of the present application, the protective cover 700 can be used to block the influence of the external environment on the heating element 300, ensuring that the energy of the heating element 300 comes from the test power supply 400. The test can be focused on a single factor of the heating element 300, and its key indicators such as heating characteristics and power changes can be accurately analyzed to avoid interference from external environmental variables, thereby improving the pertinence and accuracy of the test.

[0063] It should be noted that heat from the external environment may penetrate the highly translucent material in the form of radiation and enter the interior of the protective cover 700. The protective cover 700 has low light transmittance, which effectively blocks this radiative heat exchange, reducing the impact of the external ambient temperature on the heating element 300. This allows the heat of the heating element 300 to be more concentrated on heating the target object (such as a battery), improving heating efficiency and more accurately reflecting the heat generated by the heating element 300 itself.

[0064] In one possible implementation, the protective cover 700 includes a top plate 710 opposite to the support member 600 ; an aluminum block 800 is disposed between the thermal pad 100 and the top plate 710 . The aluminum block 800 can be used to simulate a battery.

[0065] Aluminum block 800, with similar thermal conductivity to a battery, is placed between the thermal pad 100 and the top plate 710 of the protective cover 700 to simulate a battery. This more accurately simulates the heat transfer process of a battery in actual use. Compared to direct contact between the thermal pad 100 and the top plate 710, aluminum block 800 more realistically reflects the heat exchange between the battery and its surroundings, making the test results more closely aligned with actual battery performance and providing a more reliable basis for the development and performance evaluation of battery-related products.

[0066] The various embodiments or implementation methods in this specification are described in a progressive manner. Each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments, and the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referenced to each other.

[0067] It should be noted that references in this specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "an exemplary embodiment," "some embodiments," and the like indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not necessarily every embodiment includes that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with an embodiment, it is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art to implement such feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments, whether explicitly described or not.

[0068] It should be noted that, in the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to a fixed connection, an indirect connection via an intermediate medium, internal communication between two components, or an interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0069] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the terms "upper" and "lower" should be explained. Unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or they can refer to internal communication between two components or an interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0070] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the term "and / or" merely represents a type of association relationship describing associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B may represent three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, the term "at least one" represents any combination of at least two of any one or more of a plurality of items. For example, at least one of A, B, and C may represent any one or more elements selected from a set including A, B, and C.

[0071] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the terms "upper," "lower," "front," "back," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inside," "outside," and the like indicate positions or location relationships based on the positions or location relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are intended only to facilitate the description of the present application and simplify the description, and do not indicate or imply that the devices or elements referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting the present application. Furthermore, the term "plurality" means two or more, unless otherwise specifically specified.

[0072] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", etc. (if any) are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequential order. It should be understood that the data used in this way can be interchangeable where appropriate, so that the embodiments of the present application described herein can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described herein. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any of their variations are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, for example, a process, method, system, product or device comprising a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units clearly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not clearly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.

[0073] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some or all of the technical features therein. These modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A testing device, characterized in that: The testing device is used to test the power of different areas of the heating element, and the testing device includes: A thermal pad, the thermal pad being arranged on the heating surface of the heating element; a plurality of temperature sensors, the plurality of temperature sensors being disposed on the thermal pad and spaced apart along the extension direction of the heating element; wherein each of the temperature sensors is configured to obtain a temperature of an area opposite to the heating element and the temperature sensor; A controller is connected to the multiple temperature sensors respectively; the controller is used to receive the temperatures of the multiple temperature sensors and determine the power of different areas of the heating element according to the multiple temperatures.

2. The testing device according to claim 1, wherein: The heating element comprises a plurality of heating chips with different powers, and the plurality of heating chips are arranged at intervals along a first direction so that the heating element has a strip-shaped structure; An orthographic projection of the heating chip on the thermal pad at least partially overlaps with an orthographic projection of the temperature sensor on the thermal pad.

3. The testing device according to claim 2, characterized in that The testing device further includes a testing power supply electrically connected to the heating element.

4. The testing device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The testing device further comprises a cooling member, which is arranged on a side of the heating element away from the thermal pad, and the heating element is embedded in the cooling member.

5. The testing device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The number of the heating elements includes at least two, and the at least two heating elements are arranged at intervals along the second direction; The second direction intersects the first direction.

6. The testing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The testing device further includes a support member, which is arranged on a side of the cooling member away from the thermal pad, and the cooling member is arranged on the support member; the support member is used to reduce the heat of the heating element from being conducted in a direction away from the thermal pad.

7. The testing device according to claim 6, characterized in that The cooling member is connected to the supporting member via an adhesive layer.

8. The testing device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The testing device further comprises a protective cover which is detachably connected to the supporting member and is provided with the thermal pad and the cooling member.

9. The testing device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The protective cover includes a top plate opposite to the support member; An aluminum block is arranged between the thermal pad and the top plate.

10. The testing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The thermal conductivity of the thermal pad is between 1-5 W / (m·K), and the thickness of the thermal pad is 0.5-2 mm.

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