Automatic test tool and method of fire alarm controller for energy storage power station

Abstract

The invention discloses an automatic test tool and method for a fire alarm controller for an energy storage power station, and the tool comprises a support which is fixedly provided with a test board, and the test board is connected with an upper computer through a USB. The support is provided with a supporting plate, a control plate is detachably installed on the supporting plate, a probe plate is installed on the support through a lifting assembly, the lifting assembly drives the probe plate to ascend and descend so that probes on the probe plate can be separated from or make contact with the control plate, and the control plate can be connected with the testing plate through a flat cable. Probes on the probe board are connected with the test board through a soft bar. The support is further detachably provided with a display panel and two bus boards, and the display panel and the two bus boards can be connected with the control panel through circuits. The test board arranged on the support is connected with the control board, the display board and the two bus boards, so that the detection of a plurality of circuit boards is realized, and the detection efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of circuit board testing technology, and in particular to an automated testing fixture and method for a fire alarm controller used in energy storage power stations. Background Technology

[0002] In the electronics manufacturing industry, PCBA testing is a crucial step in ensuring product quality. With the increasing complexity and integration of electronic products, the number of components on PCBAs is increasing, the density of test points is rising, and communication protocols are diversifying (such as CAN, RS485, RS232, etc.), placing extremely high demands on the comprehensiveness, accuracy, and efficiency of testing.

[0003] Traditional PCBA functional testing primarily relies on manual labor. Testers must follow complex test manuals, using tools such as multimeters and oscilloscopes to connect test points on the board under test one by one using jumper wires or test clips to perform voltage measurements, waveform observations, and communication verifications. This testing method has several inherent drawbacks:

[0004] 1. Extremely low efficiency: Manual wiring, measurement, and recording are time-consuming and cannot meet the needs of modern mass production, becoming a production bottleneck.

[0005] 2. Poor test consistency: Different testers have different operating habits and judgment standards. Even the same tester may make misjudgments when fatigued, resulting in low reliability of test results.

[0006] 3. Prone to human error: Complex wiring can easily lead to problems such as misconnection, omission, and short circuit, which not only affect test results but may also damage expensive PCBAs.

[0007] 4. High skill requirements for personnel: Testers need to have a deep understanding of circuit principles and testing procedures, resulting in high training costs, and personnel turnover poses a threat to quality stability.

[0008] 5. Lack of effective data traceability: Manual recording of test results is prone to errors and omissions, and is not conducive to big data analysis to optimize production processes and quality control.

[0009] While some automated testing equipment (such as ICT and FCT) exists on the market, they are often designed for single boards or specific test items, lacking versatility and costing a lot. For products like 2-in-1 mainframes, which include multiple functional units such as control boards, display boards, and two-bus boards, and require final integrated testing of the entire machine, there is a lack of a dedicated testing solution that can organically integrate the testing of each board, automate the process, and provide comprehensive data management.

[0010] A search revealed a Chinese patent with authorization announcement number CN209992617U and titled "Circuit Board Joint Functional Testing Device," which discloses a device for testing circuit boards by driving a probe plate to move vertically through a pressing component. The shortcoming of this patent is that it only enables the testing of one type of circuit board. Summary of the Invention

[0011] To address the technical problems existing in the background art, this invention proposes an automated testing fixture and method for a fire alarm controller used in energy storage power stations.

[0012] The present invention proposes an automated testing fixture for a fire alarm controller for an energy storage power station, including a bracket, on which a test board is fixed, and the test board is connected to a host computer via USB.

[0013] The bracket has a support plate, on which a control plate is detachably mounted. A probe plate is mounted on the bracket via a lifting assembly. The lifting assembly drives the probe plate to rise and fall so that the probes on the probe plate can be separated from or contacted by the control plate. The control plate and the test plate can be connected via a ribbon cable. The probes on the probe plate are connected to the test plate via a flexible ribbon cable.

[0014] The bracket can also be detachably mounted with a display panel and a two-wire board, both of which can be connected to the control board via wiring.

[0015] As a further optimization of the present invention, the bracket is provided with an inclined mounting plate, which gradually tilts away from the support plate from top to bottom. The test plate is mounted on the inclined mounting plate, and the display plate is detachably mounted on the inclined mounting plate. This achieves convenient operation for staff while saving space.

[0016] As a further optimization of the present invention, the bracket is provided with a positioning pin, and the control plate is provided with a positioning hole, wherein the positioning pin matches the positioning hole.

[0017] As a further optimization of the present invention, the lifting assembly is a push-pull quick clamp in the prior art, including a mounting frame, an L-shaped connecting rod rotatably mounted on the mounting frame, a connecting rod rotatably mounted at the corner of the L-shaped connecting rod, a sliding rod rotatably mounted on the connecting rod, the sliding rod being slidably mounted on the mounting frame, and the sliding rod being connected to the probe plate.

[0018] As a further optimization of the present invention, the test board is an integrated test board, which integrates a USB to CAN module to simulate a CAN bus node and perform communication tests with the CAN1 and CAN3 interfaces of the control board and the CAN2 dual-bus board.

[0019] As a further optimization of the present invention, the test board integrates a USB to 485 module, which is used to perform communication tests with the 4851 and 4852 interfaces of the control board and the 4853 interface of the display board.

[0020] As a further optimization of the present invention, the test board integrates a USB to 232 module, which is used to perform 232 communication tests with the control board and the display board.

[0021] As a further optimization of the present invention, the test board integrates a programmable power supply module: providing a stable and controllable 24V DC power supply for the control board, display board, etc. under test, and enabling power-on and power-off timing control.

[0022] An automated testing method for a fire alarm controller used in an energy storage power station includes the following steps:

[0023] S1. Control the probe plate to move downwards and make the probes on the probe plate contact the detection points on the control plate;

[0024] S2. The host computer software sends instructions to the test board, the test board receives the instructions and sends them to the control board for testing, and the test results are sent to the host computer software.

[0025] S3. The host computer software compares the test results with the set qualified data and outputs whether the test results are qualified.

[0026] Furthermore, the method includes testing the control board, as well as testing the display board and the two-wire board (also known as the loop board) connected to the control board.

[0027] The present invention proposes an automated testing fixture and method for a fire alarm controller for an energy storage power station. Through the setting of the test board and the conversion modules integrated on the test board (including USB to 485 module, USB to CAN module, USB to 232 module, etc.), the control board, the two-bus board and the display board can be tested simultaneously, thereby increasing the testing efficiency.

[0028] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the lifting component structure of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the core logic of the test in this invention.

[0032] Figure 4 This is the main interface of the host computer testing software of this invention;

[0033] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the CAN communication test principle of the control board described in the test fixture of this invention;

[0034] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the 485 communication test principle of the control board described in the test fixture of this invention;

[0035] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the communication test principle of the control board 232 described in the test fixture of the present invention;

[0036] In the diagram: 1. Bracket; 10. Support plate; 11. Inclined mounting plate; 2. Test plate; 3. Control plate; 4. Display plate; 5. Two-wire board; 6. Mounting bracket; 7. L-shaped connecting rod; 8. Slide rod; 9. Connecting rod; 12. Probe plate. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar symbols denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0038] like Figures 1-2 An automated testing fixture for a fire alarm controller used in an energy storage power station is shown, including a bracket 1, a test board 2 fixed on the bracket 1, and the test board 2 connected to a host computer via USB.

[0039] The bracket 1 has a support plate 10, on which a control plate 3 is detachably mounted. Specifically, the support plate 10 is provided with a positioning pin, and the control plate 3 has a positioning hole. The positioning pin matches the positioning hole. A probe plate 12 is mounted on the bracket 1 via a lifting assembly. The lifting assembly moves the probe plate 12 up and down to separate or contact the probe on the probe plate 12 with the control plate 3. The control plate 3 and the test plate 2 can be connected via a ribbon cable. The probe on the probe plate 12 is connected to the test plate 2 via a flexible ribbon cable.

[0040] The bracket 1 can also be detachably installed with a display board 4 and a two-wire board 5. Both the display board 4 and the two-wire board 5 can be connected to the control board 3 via wiring.

[0041] Preferably, the bracket is provided with an inclined mounting plate 11, which gradually tilts from top to bottom away from the support plate 10. The test plate 2 is mounted on the inclined mounting plate 11, and the display plate 4 is detachably mounted on the inclined mounting plate 11. This design achieves convenient operation for staff while saving space.

[0042] Preferably, the lifting assembly is a push-pull quick clamp in the prior art, including a mounting frame 6, an L-shaped connecting rod 7 rotatably mounted on the mounting frame 6, a connecting rod 9 rotatably mounted at the corner of the L-shaped connecting rod 7, a sliding rod 8 rotatably mounted on the connecting rod 9, the sliding rod 8 slidably mounted on the mounting frame 6, and the sliding rod 8 is connected to the probe plate 12. The sliding rod 8 is driven to rise and fall in the vertical direction by rotating the L-shaped connecting rod 7.

[0043] Specifically, the test board 2 integrates a USB to CAN module to simulate a CAN bus node and perform communication tests with the CAN1 and CAN3 interfaces of the control board 3 and the two-bus board 5CAN2.

[0044] Test board 2 integrates a USB to 485 module, which is used to perform communication tests with the 4851 and 4852 interfaces of control board 3 and the 4853 interface of display board 4.

[0045] Test board 2 integrates a USB to 232 module for 232 communication testing with control board 3 and display board 4, and serves as the command channel for functional testing, including passive input, relay output and other functions.

[0046] The test board 2 integrates a programmable power supply module: it provides a stable and controllable 24V DC power supply for the control board 3, display board 4, etc. under test, and can perform power-on and power-off sequence control.

[0047] During testing, test board 2 is connected to the probes on probe board 12 via jumper wires. Pressing down on probe board 12 ensures reliable contact with control board 3 and connects the necessary ribbon cables. During testing, test board 2 is connected to a 24V power supply and then to a computer via USB. The dedicated host computer testing software is then launched to begin testing. When testing display board 4 and the two-wire bus board 5, simply connect them accurately to test board 2 using ribbon cables.

[0048] It should be noted that the host computer has testing software: it runs on a regular PC and communicates with test board 2 via a USB cable. The software has an intuitive user interface, and its main functions include:

[0049] Test Project Management: Sub-interfaces are set up for Control Board 3 Test, Display Board 4 Test, Two-Way Bus Board 5 Test, Finished Product Inspection, etc. Each interface contains all the preset test projects for that unit.

[0050] Automated testing process: After the user selects the type of board under test and clicks "Start Test", the software will automatically execute all test items in a preset order, such as sending communication messages (i.e., commands), reading responses, controlling power on / off, and monitoring input signals.

[0051] The software automatically determines the results: It analyzes the collected data in real time based on preset qualification standards (such as message format, voltage range, on / off status, etc.) and automatically displays "qualified" or "unqualified".

[0052] Data recording and traceability: All test results (including serial number, test time, and individual results) are automatically saved to the database. The database supports querying and exporting test reports based on various conditions, providing a basis for quality analysis and product traceability.

[0053] When testing control board 3:

[0054] 1. Test preparation: The operator precisely places the control board 3 on the positioning pin of the support plate 10 and the test board 2 precisely on the positioning pin at the front of the frame; then, the operator connects the control board 3 and the test board 2 using the prefabricated cable; then, the operator connects the tooling's USB cable to the computer with the host computer test software installed.

[0055] 2. Start the test: The operator rotates the L-shaped connecting rod 7, causing the probe plate 12 to press down smoothly, ensuring reliable contact between all the precision probes on the probe plate 12 and the test points on the control board 3. Then, the fixture power is turned on. Next, the host computer software is run on the computer; the main interface is as follows: Figure 3 As shown.

[0056] 3. The operator first clicks "Open Connection" on the software. After "Connection Successful" is displayed, click "Control Board 3 Test," enter the test serial number, and then click "Start Test." The software will then automatically execute the following test procedures in a preset order. The core logic of the Control Board 3 function test is as follows: Figure 4 As shown:

[0057] CAN1 / CAN3 Communication Test: The host computer software sends a specific message to control board 3 via the USB-to-CAN module and verifies whether the reply message is correct. The test principle is as follows: Figure 5 As shown.

[0058] 4851 / 4852 Communication Test: The software sends a test command (i.e., a specific message) to control board 3 via a USB-to-485 module and verifies the correctness of the reply message. The test principle is as follows: Figure 6 As shown.

[0059] RS232 Communication Test: The software sends test commands to control board 3 via a USB-to-RS22 module and verifies the correctness of the response messages. The test principle is as follows: Figure 7 As shown.

[0060] Passive / active input, spray output / feedback, relay output test: The software sends commands, the control board 3 executes the corresponding actions, the fixture monitors the voltage or on / off status of the output point through probes, and reads the feedback information of the control board 3 through the 232 channel.

[0061] UPS signal test: Test board 2 enables the 5V test function, and control board 3 checks whether the UPS signal is normal.

[0062] After all tests are completed, the software makes a comprehensive judgment and displays "pass" or "fail" for a specific test module in a designated location on the interface, and lists the qualified and unqualified items.

[0063] 4. Data Recording and Traceability: For each test, regardless of pass or fail, the software automatically records the serial number of the tested board, the test time, detailed data for each test, and the results. This data is stored in a local database and can be easily retrieved using the "Retrieve Records" function, for use in production quality statistics and product lifecycle traceability.

[0064] During the testing of display panel 4:

[0065] The software primarily communicates with test board 2 via RS-232. The host computer sends commands to display board 4 to test its display screen, printer, buzzer, LEDs, buttons, Flash storage, RTC, and other functions. Some items (such as display effect and print quality) require manual confirmation from the operator based on software prompts.

[0066] Two-bus board 5 test: Select "Two-bus board 5 test". The software communicates with the two-bus board 5 through the CAN2 interface of test board 2 to test its CAN communication and version number reading functions.

[0067] Finished product inspection: After the control board 3, display board 4, and two-bus board 5 have all passed individual testing, they are connected into a complete unit according to the product definition. Then, select "finished product inspection" in the software to perform whole unit function verification such as main / backup power switching, self-test, two-bus alarm linkage, and comprehensive testing of panel buttons.

[0068] It should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "vertical," "horizontal," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention.

[0069] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between the components; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0070] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature.

[0071] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automated testing fixture for a fire alarm controller used in an energy storage power station, characterized in that, The system includes a support frame on which a test board is fixed, and the test board is connected to a host computer via USB. The bracket has a support plate, on which a control plate is detachably mounted. A probe plate is mounted on the bracket via a lifting assembly. The lifting assembly moves the probe plate up and down to separate or contact the probes on the probe plate with the control plate. The control plate and the test plate can be connected via a ribbon cable. The probes on the probe plate are connected to the test plate via a flexible ribbon cable. The bracket can also be detachably mounted with a display panel and a two-wire board, both of which can be connected to the control board via wiring.

2. The automated testing fixture for the fire alarm controller for an energy storage power station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bracket is provided with an inclined mounting plate, which is gradually tilted away from the support plate from top to bottom. The test plate is mounted on the inclined mounting plate, and the display plate is detachably mounted on the inclined mounting plate.

3. The automated testing fixture for the fire alarm controller for an energy storage power station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bracket is provided with a positioning pin, and the control board has a positioning hole, and the positioning pin matches the positioning hole.

4. The automated testing fixture for the fire alarm controller for energy storage power stations according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting assembly includes a mounting frame, an L-shaped connecting rod that is rotatably mounted laterally on the mounting frame, a connecting rod that is rotatably mounted laterally at the corner of the L-shaped connecting rod, a sliding rod that is rotatably mounted laterally on the connecting rod, and the sliding rod that is slidably mounted vertically on the mounting frame and connected to the probe plate.

5. The automated testing fixture for a fire alarm controller for an energy storage power station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The test board integrates a USB to CAN module, which is used to simulate a CAN bus node and perform communication tests with the CAN1 and CAN3 interfaces of the control board and the CAN2 dual-bus board.

6. The automated testing fixture for a fire alarm controller for an energy storage power station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The test board integrates a USB to 485 module, which is used for communication testing with the 4851 and 4852 interfaces of the control board and the 4853 interface of the display board.

7. The automated testing fixture for a fire alarm controller for an energy storage power station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The test board integrates a USB to 232 module, which is used for 232 communication testing with the control board and display board.

8. The automated testing fixture for a fire alarm controller for an energy storage power station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The test board integrates a programmable power supply module: it provides a stable and controllable 24V DC power supply for the control board, display board, etc. under test, and can perform power-on and power-off sequence control.

9. An automated testing method for a fire alarm controller used in an energy storage power station, comprising the following steps: S1. Control the probe plate to move downwards and make the probe on the probe plate contact the detection point on the control plate; S2. The host computer software sends instructions to the test board, the test board receives the instructions and sends them to the control board for testing, and the test results are sent to the host computer software. S3. The host computer software compares the test results with the set qualified data and outputs whether the test results are qualified.

10. The automated testing method for a fire alarm controller for an energy storage power station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method includes testing the control board, as well as the display board and the two-wire board connected to the control board.

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