Device for testing battery

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for testing a battery having an electrode terminal, the apparatus comprising: a power supply unit configured to supply power; a power supply path having one side connected to the electrode terminal and the other side connected to the power supply unit, and configured to provide a path to supply power from the power supply unit to the electrode terminal; a temperature sensing unit disposed on at least one side of the power supply path and configured to measure a temperature of the power supply path; a heating unit disposed on at least one side of the power supply path and configured to apply heat to the power supply path; and a control unit configured to control the application of heat by the heating unit in accordance with a temperature measurement result by the temperature sensing unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to battery testing apparatus. More specifically, this disclosure relates to battery fast charging testing apparatus.

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0094019, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on July 16, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Technology

[0003] Secondary batteries are highly adaptable across product categories and possess electrical characteristics such as high energy density, making them widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electric sources. These secondary batteries are gaining attention as a new energy source for improving environmental sustainability and energy efficiency, not only because their main advantage is a significant reduction in fossil fuel use, but also because they do not generate byproducts from energy consumption.

[0004] Currently widely used rechargeable batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. When a high output voltage is required, multiple battery cells can be connected in series to form a battery module or battery pack. Alternatively, to increase charge and discharge capacity, multiple battery cells can be connected in parallel to configure a battery module or battery pack.

[0005] A common method for configuring battery packs by connecting multiple battery cells in series / parallel is to first configure a battery module containing one or more battery cells, and then configure the battery pack or battery rack by adding other components to one or more battery modules. Recently, cell-to-pack type battery packs have been manufactured, in which multiple battery cells are stored directly in the battery pack casing, etc., rather than being modularized.

[0006] Furthermore, multiple battery modules are needed to accurately test the battery pack's performance, such as temperature and efficiency, during rapid charge and discharge. However, manufacturing and testing multiple battery modules before their design is finalized results in a significant waste of time and money. Additionally, performing tests using multiple battery modules necessitates increasing the size of the test chamber.

[0007] If a single battery module is used for testing, the test conditions may differ from the actual conditions of the battery pack, leading to problems in accurately predicting temperatures during fast charging. In particular, when multiple battery modules are electrically connected to each other, heat is not dissipated through the current cables when they are connected.

[0008] However, when using a module, heat may be dissipated through the current cable when it is connected.

[0009] Therefore, it is necessary to develop a structure that can simulate almost the same conditions as a battery pack with multiple battery modules using a single battery module when conducting battery fast charging tests. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Technical issues

[0011] This disclosure aims to address the problems of the prior art, and therefore aims to provide a battery testing device that, when performing fast charging tests, can use a single battery module to simulate almost the same conditions as a battery pack with multiple battery modules.

[0012] However, the technical problems sought to be solved by this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the following description of the invention that are not mentioned above.

[0013] Technical solution

[0014] In one aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus for testing a battery having electrode terminals is provided, and the apparatus for testing the battery may include: a power supply unit configured to supply power; a power path having one end connected to the electrode terminals and another end connected to the power supply unit, and the power path being configured to provide a path for supplying power from the power supply unit to the electrode terminals; a temperature sensing unit disposed on at least one side of the power path and configured to measure the temperature of the power path; a heating unit disposed on at least one side of the power path and configured to apply heat to the power path; and a controller configured to control the application of heat by the heating unit based on the temperature measurement result of the temperature sensing unit.

[0015] The controller can be configured to maintain the temperature of the power path uniformly based on the temperature of the power path measured by the temperature sensing unit.

[0016] The controller can be configured to control whether to operate the heating unit based on the temperature of the power path measured by the temperature sensing unit.

[0017] The temperature sensing unit may include a first temperature sensing unit and a second temperature sensing unit, which are disposed on opposite sides of the length of the power path.

[0018] The controller can be configured to keep the difference between the temperature measured by the first temperature sensing unit and the temperature measured by the second temperature sensing unit below a certain temperature.

[0019] The heating unit can be located on one side of the first temperature sensing unit.

[0020] The heating unit may include a first heating unit and a second heating unit, which are disposed on opposite sides of the length of the power path.

[0021] The controller can be configured to operate either the first heating unit or the second heating unit if the difference between the temperature measured by the first temperature sensing unit and the temperature measured by the second temperature sensing unit is equal to or greater than a specific temperature.

[0022] The controller can be configured to stop either the first heating unit or the second heating unit after either of the first heating unit or the second heating unit has been operated, if the difference between the temperature measured by the first temperature sensing unit and the temperature measured by the second temperature sensing unit becomes lower than a certain temperature.

[0023] The power path may include: a first path configured to be connected to a power supply unit; and a second path configured to be connected to the first path and the electrode terminals.

[0024] The temperature sensing unit and the heating unit can be located on one side of the second path.

[0025] The battery testing apparatus disclosed herein may also include a housing configured to accommodate a second path.

[0026] Beneficial effects

[0027] According to one aspect of this disclosure, when conducting battery fast charging tests, a single battery module can be used to simulate conditions nearly identical to those of a battery pack with multiple battery modules. Therefore, the temperature of the battery pack during fast charging can be accurately predicted using a single battery module.

[0028] Furthermore, according to one aspect of this disclosure, the cost and time required for fast-charging battery testing can be minimized.

[0029] In addition, this disclosure may also have various other effects, which will be described in various embodiments, or descriptions of effects that are readily inferred by those skilled in the art will be omitted. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the foregoing disclosure, serve to provide a further understanding of the technical features of the present disclosure; therefore, the present disclosure is not to be construed as limited to the drawings.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a battery testing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a battery testing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a battery testing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a battery testing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a battery testing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a battery testing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of a battery testing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before the description, it should be understood that the terminology used in the specification and appended claims should not be construed as limited to its general or dictionary meaning, but rather interpreted based on the meaning and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure, on the basis of the principle that the inventors are allowed to appropriately define the terminology for the best interpretation.

[0039] Therefore, the description presented herein is merely a preferred example for illustrative purposes only and does not represent the full scope of this disclosure. It should be understood that other equivalents and modifications may be made to this disclosure without departing from its scope.

[0040] Furthermore, this disclosure may include various embodiments. Repeated descriptions of substantially the same or similar configurations will be omitted from the various embodiments, and descriptions will be based on the differences between them.

[0041] Furthermore, although terms indicating directions such as up (down), down (downward), left, right, front (forward), and back (backward) are used in this specification, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains that these terms are merely for convenience of interpretation with reference to the accompanying drawings and may vary depending on the position of the target object or the observer's position.

[0042] For example, in the embodiments of this disclosure, the X-axis direction shown in the figure can indicate the left-right direction, the Y-axis direction can indicate the front-back direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction on the horizontal plane (XY plane), and the Z-axis direction can indicate the up-down direction (vertical direction) perpendicular to the X-axis and Y-axis directions, that is, the height direction of the battery cell.

[0043] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a battery testing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] The battery testing apparatus 1 according to this disclosure is an apparatus for testing battery 10.

[0045] Battery 10 can be a battery cell. A battery cell can be a rechargeable battery. Alternatively, battery 10 can be a battery module comprising multiple battery cells. Specifically, a single battery 10 may be provided in this disclosure.

[0046] Alternatively, the battery 10 may also have electrode terminals 11. Electrode terminals 11 can be configured to be electrically connected to the battery cells. Electrode terminals 11 can be configured to transmit status information related to the battery 10 to external components via electrical connection. For example, electrode terminals 11 can be configured to transmit voltage information of the battery cells to an external control device such as a BMS (Battery Management System). Additionally, electrode terminals 11 can be configured to transfer current from the outside to the battery 10.

[0047] Two electrode terminals 11 may be provided on both sides of the battery 10 in the width direction. The electrode terminals 11 may include a negative terminal and a positive terminal.

[0048] Reference Figure 1 The battery testing apparatus 1 according to this disclosure includes a power supply unit 100, a power path 200, a temperature sensing unit 300, a heating unit 400, and a controller 500.

[0049] The power supply unit 100 can be configured to supply power. The battery testing device 1 can be configured to receive power from an external power source and charge the battery 10. The power source can provide charging power or receive discharging power.

[0050] The power path 200 can be configured to provide a path for supplying power from the power unit 100 to the electrode terminals 11. That is, current can be supplied to the battery 10 through the power path 200. Therefore, the power path 200 can convert the power supplied from the power unit 100 to generate current and supply the current to the electrode terminals 11 of the battery 10.

[0051] The power path 200 can be configured to extend along its length. One end of the power path 200 can be connected to the electrode terminal 11, and the other end can be connected to the power supply unit 100. Connection terminals can be provided on both sides of the power path 200.

[0052] The temperature sensing unit 300 may be disposed on at least one side of the power path 200. The temperature sensing unit 300 may be configured to measure the temperature of the power path 200. The temperature sensing unit 300 may be configured to measure the temperature of the power path 200 directly or indirectly. The temperature sensing unit 300 may be configured to measure the temperature around the power path 200.

[0053] The heating unit 400 may be disposed on at least one side of the power path 200. The heating unit 400 may be configured to apply heat to the power path 200.

[0054] The controller 500 can be configured to be electrically or communicatively connected to the temperature sensing unit 300 and the heating unit 400. The controller 500 can be configured to receive information related to the temperature of the power path 200 as measured by the temperature sensing unit 300. The controller 500 can be configured to control the application of heat to the heating unit 400 based on the temperature measurement results from the temperature sensing unit 300.

[0055] According to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, during the fast charging test of battery 10, the temperature of the side of power path 200 connected to battery 10 can be almost the same as the temperature of the side connected to power unit 100. Therefore, heat can be prevented from being dissipated to the outside through power path 200.

[0056] Therefore, according to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, fast charging tests can be performed using a single battery 10 to simulate conditions almost identical to those with multiple batteries. Furthermore, during the fast charging test of the battery 10, the temperature of the battery 10 during fast charging can be accurately measured.

[0057] Testing can be performed using a single battery module to simulate conditions nearly identical to those of a battery pack comprising multiple battery modules. Therefore, the temperature of the battery pack during fast charging can be accurately predicted using a single battery module.

[0058] More specifically, the controller 500 can be configured to uniformly maintain the temperature of the power path 200 based on the temperature of the power path 200 measured by the temperature sensing unit 300.

[0059] Additionally, the controller 500 can be configured to control whether to operate the heating unit 400 based on the temperature of the power path 200 measured by the temperature sensing unit 300.

[0060] For example, when the temperature of a specific portion of the power path 200, as measured by the temperature sensing unit 300, is lower than a specific temperature, the controller 500 can control the heating unit 400 to operate and apply heat to that specific portion of the power path 200. Therefore, the temperature of that specific portion of the power path 200 can be kept uniform.

[0061] Specifically, during fast charging tests of battery 10, the temperature of a portion of the power path 200 may decrease as it moves away from battery 10. However, according to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, the temperature of the portion of the power path 200 away from battery 10 can be maintained uniformly, thereby preventing heat dissipation toward power unit 100.

[0062] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a battery testing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a battery testing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0063] The temperature sensing unit 300 can be configured to be in direct contact with the power path 200. Alternatively, the temperature sensing unit 300 can be configured to be spaced at a predetermined distance from the power path 200.

[0064] Additionally, multiple temperature sensing units 300 can be configured. For example, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the embodiments shown, the temperature sensing unit 300 may include a first temperature sensing unit 310 and a second temperature sensing unit 320.

[0065] The first temperature sensing unit 310 and the second temperature sensing unit 320 can be disposed on opposite sides of the power path 200 along its length. The first temperature sensing unit 310 can be disposed further away from the battery 10 than the second temperature sensing unit 320. For example, the first temperature sensing unit 310 can be disposed closer to the power unit 100. The second temperature sensing unit 320 can be disposed closer to the battery 10.

[0066] In this configuration, the controller 500 can be configured to maintain the difference between the temperature measured by the first temperature sensing unit 310 and the temperature measured by the second temperature sensing unit 320 below a specific temperature. In this specification, the temperature measured by the first temperature sensing unit 310 will be defined as the first measurement temperature, and the temperature measured by the second temperature sensing unit 320 will be defined as the second measurement temperature.

[0067] For example, the difference between the first measured temperature and the second measured temperature can be maintained below 0.5°C. The controller 500 can be configured to maintain the difference between the first measured temperature and the second measured temperature below 0.5°C.

[0068] The heating unit 400 can be configured to be in direct contact with the power path 200. Alternatively, the heating unit 400 can be configured to be spaced apart from the power path 200 by a predetermined distance. The heating unit 400 can be configured to face the temperature sensing unit 300, and the power path 200 is located between the heating unit 400 and the temperature sensing unit 300.

[0069] During the fast charging test of battery 10, the temperature of a portion of the power path 200 may decrease as it moves further away from battery 10. That is, the first measured temperature may be lower than the second measured temperature. Therefore, as... Figure 3 In the embodiment shown, the heating unit 400 may be disposed on one side of the first temperature sensing unit 310.

[0070] In this case, the controller 500 can be configured to operate the heating unit 400 located on one side of the first temperature sensing unit 310 when the difference between the first measured temperature and the second measured temperature is equal to or greater than a specific temperature.

[0071] According to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, since the temperature can be kept almost the same on both sides of the power path 200 in the length direction, heat dissipation toward the power unit 100 can be suppressed during the fast charging test of the battery 10.

[0072] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a battery testing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a battery testing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0073] Multiple heating units 400 can be set. For example, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the embodiments shown, the heating unit 400 may include a first heating unit 410 and a second heating unit 420.

[0074] The first heating unit 410 and the second heating unit 420 can be disposed on opposite sides of the power path 200 along its length. The first heating unit 410 can be disposed further away from the battery 10 than the second heating unit 420. For example, the first heating unit 410 can be disposed closer to the power supply unit 100. The second heating unit 420 can be disposed closer to the battery 10.

[0075] Additionally, the first heating unit 410 may be disposed on one side of the first temperature sensing unit 310, and the second heating unit 420 may be disposed on one side of the second temperature sensing unit 320. The first heating unit 410 may be disposed facing the first temperature sensing unit 310, and the power path 200 may be located between the first heating unit 410 and the first temperature sensing unit 310. The second heating unit 420 may be disposed facing the second temperature sensing unit 320, and the power path 200 may be located between the second heating unit 420 and the second temperature sensing unit 320.

[0076] The controller 500 can be configured to operate either the first heating unit 410 or the second heating unit 420 when the temperatures measured by the first temperature sensing unit 310 and the second temperature sensing unit 320 are different from each other. That is, the controller 500 can be configured to operate the heating unit 400 located on the side of the temperature sensing unit 300 that measures the lower of the two temperatures when the first and second measured temperatures are different from each other. Specifically, either the first heating unit 410 or the second heating unit 420 can be operated when the difference between the first and second measured temperatures is equal to or greater than a specific temperature. For example, the specific temperature could be 0.5°C.

[0077] According to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, the heating unit 400 disposed on the side with the lower temperature on both sides of the power path 200 can be operated to keep the first measurement temperature and the second measurement temperature almost the same, so that the temperature difference between the two sides of the power path 200 can be kept below a certain temperature.

[0078] Furthermore, when either the first heating unit 410 or the second heating unit 420 is operated such that the difference between the temperature measured by the first temperature sensing unit 310 and the temperature measured by the second temperature sensing unit becomes lower than a specific temperature, the controller 500 can be configured to stop either the first heating unit 410 or the second heating unit 420. That is, the controller 500 can be configured to stop the operation of the heating unit 400 after its operation, when the difference between the first measured temperature and the second measured temperature is lower than a specific temperature. For example, the specific temperature could be 0.5°C.

[0079] According to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, since the temperature difference between the two sides of the power path 200 along its length can be kept below a specific temperature, heat dissipation toward the power unit 100 can be suppressed during the fast charging test of the battery 10.

[0080] Furthermore, according to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, when the first measurement temperature and the second measurement temperature are not the same and when the difference between them is less than a predetermined threshold, the operation of the heating unit 400 can be prevented, thereby ensuring test efficiency and accuracy.

[0081] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a battery testing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 7 This is a perspective view of a battery testing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0082] Power path 200 can have multiple paths. For example, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As disclosed in the illustrated embodiment, the power path 200 may include a first path 210 and a second path 220. The first path 210 may be configured to connect to the power supply unit 100. The first path 210 may be configured to provide a path for supplying power from the power supply unit 100.

[0083] The second path 220 can be configured to connect to the first path 210 and the electrode terminal 11 of the battery 10. That is, one end of the second path 220 can be connected to the first path 210, and the other end can be connected to the electrode terminal 11. The second path 220 can be configured to provide a path for supplying power from the first path 210.

[0084] According to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, since the power path 200 is configured in a two-stage manner, fast charging tests of the battery 10 can be performed by connecting the second path 220 to the commercially available first path 210. As described above, testing convenience can be ensured.

[0085] In addition, the temperature sensing unit 300 and the heating unit 400 can be disposed on one side of the second path 220.

[0086] As a more specific example, the first temperature sensing unit 310 and the second temperature sensing unit 320 may be disposed on opposite sides of the length direction of the second path 220. The first temperature sensing unit 310 may be disposed further away from the battery 10 than the second temperature sensing unit 320. For example, the first temperature sensing unit 310 may be disposed closer to the first path 210. The second temperature sensing unit 320 may be disposed closer to the battery 10.

[0087] Furthermore, the first heating unit 410 and the second heating unit 420 can be disposed on opposite sides of the power path 200 along its length. The first heating unit 410 can be disposed further away from the battery 10 than the second heating unit 420. For example, the first heating unit 410 can be disposed closer to the first path 210. The second heating unit 420 can be disposed closer to the battery 10.

[0088] Additionally, the first heating unit 410 may be disposed on one side of the first temperature sensing unit 310, and the second heating unit 420 may be disposed on one side of the second temperature sensing unit 320. The first heating unit 410 may be disposed facing the first temperature sensing unit 310, and the second path 220 may be located between the first heating unit 410 and the first temperature sensing unit 310. The second heating unit 420 may be disposed facing the second temperature sensing unit 320, and the second path 220 may be located between the second heating unit 420 and the second temperature sensing unit 320.

[0089] The controller 500 can be configured to operate either the first heating unit 410 or the second heating unit 420 when the temperatures measured by the first temperature sensing unit 310 and the second temperature sensing unit 320 are different from each other. That is, the controller 500 can be configured to operate the heating unit 400 located on the side of the temperature sensing unit 300 that measures the lower of the two temperatures when the first and second measured temperatures are different from each other. Specifically, either the first heating unit 410 or the second heating unit 420 can be operated when the difference between the first and second measured temperatures is equal to or greater than a specific temperature. For example, the specific temperature could be 0.5°C.

[0090] According to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, the heating unit 400 disposed on the side with the lower temperature in the second path 220 can be operated to keep the first measurement temperature and the second measurement temperature almost the same, so that the temperature difference between the two sides of the second path 220 can be kept below a certain temperature.

[0091] Furthermore, when either the first heating unit 410 or the second heating unit 420 is operated such that the difference between the temperature measured by the first temperature sensing unit 310 and the temperature measured by the second temperature sensing unit becomes lower than a specific temperature, the controller 500 can be configured to stop either the first heating unit 410 or the second heating unit 420. That is, the controller 500 can be configured to stop the operation of the heating unit 400 after its operation, when the difference between the first measured temperature and the second measured temperature is lower than a specific temperature. For example, the specific temperature could be 0.5°C.

[0092] According to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, since the temperature difference between the two sides of the second path 220 in the longitudinal direction can be kept below a certain temperature, heat dissipation toward the first path 210 during the fast charging test of the battery 10 can be suppressed.

[0093] Furthermore, according to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, when the first measurement temperature and the second measurement temperature are not the same and when the difference between them is less than a predetermined threshold, the operation of the heating unit 400 can be prevented, thereby ensuring test efficiency and accuracy.

[0094] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 The battery testing apparatus 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may further include a receiving portion. The receiving portion 600 may be configured to receive at least a portion of the power path 200. Specifically, in Figure 7 In the embodiment shown, the receiving part 600 can be configured to receive the second path 220.

[0095] The receiving portion 600 can be configured with an electrically insulating material. Alternatively, the receiving portion 600 can be configured with a thermally insulating material.

[0096] Additionally, the housing 600 can be configured to house the temperature sensing unit 300 and the heating unit 400. In other words, the housing 600 can be modularized by housing the second path 220, the temperature sensing unit 300, and the heating unit 400 therein.

[0097] According to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, a fast charging test of the battery 10 can be performed by connecting the modular second path 220, the temperature sensing unit 300 and the heating unit 400 to a commercial power supply unit 100 and a power path 200 (e.g., the first path 210).

[0098] The receiving portion 600 can be configured such that at least one side of it can be opened. Therefore, one side of the receiving portion 600 can be opened to connect the second path 220 and other components.

[0099] In addition, such as Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 In the embodiment shown, one end of the power path 200 can be connected to the electrode terminal 11 via a fastening member 700. The fastening member 700 can be configured as a bolt or the like. The fastening member 700 can be configured to pass through the power path 200. Therefore, the battery testing device 1 can be configured to be attached to and detached from the battery 10.

[0100] exist Figure 7In the illustrated embodiment, one end of the second path 220 can be connected to the first path 210, and the other end can be connected to the electrode terminal 11. One end of the second path 220 can be connected to the first path 210 via a first fastening member 710, and the other end can be connected to the electrode terminal 11 via a second fastening member 720. The first fastening member 710 can be configured to pass through both the second path 220 and the first path 210. The second fastening member 720 can be configured to pass through both the second path 220 and the electrode terminal 11. Therefore, the second path 220 can be configured to be attached to and detached from both the battery 10 and the first path 210.

[0101] According to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, the modular second path 220, temperature sensing unit 300 and heating unit 400 can be manufactured separately, so that fast charging tests of battery 10 can be easily performed by connecting the modules to the existing battery 10 and power supply unit 100.

[0102] As described above, although this disclosure has been described with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and various modifications and variations can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the technical concept of this disclosure and the equivalent scope of the described claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for testing a battery, the battery having electrode terminals, the apparatus for testing the battery comprising: A power supply unit configured to supply power; A power path having one end connected to the electrode terminal and another end connected to the power unit, and the power path being configured to provide a path for supplying power from the power unit to the electrode terminal; A temperature sensing unit is disposed on at least one side of the power path and configured to measure the temperature of the power path; A heating unit is disposed on at least one side of the power path and configured to apply heat to the power path; as well as A controller configured to control the application of heat from the heating unit based on temperature measurements from the temperature sensing unit.

2. The apparatus for testing batteries according to claim 1, in, The controller is configured to uniformly maintain the temperature of the power path based on the temperature of the power path measured by the temperature sensing unit.

3. The apparatus for testing batteries according to claim 1, in, The controller is configured to control whether to operate the heating unit based on the temperature of the power path measured by the temperature sensing unit.

4. The apparatus for testing batteries according to claim 1, in, The temperature sensing unit includes: A first temperature sensing unit and a second temperature sensing unit are disposed on opposite sides of the length direction of the power path.

5. The apparatus for testing batteries according to claim 4, in, The controller is configured to keep the difference between the temperature measured by the first temperature sensing unit and the temperature measured by the second temperature sensing unit below a certain temperature.

6. The apparatus for testing batteries according to claim 4, in, The heating unit is located on one side of the first temperature sensing unit.

7. The apparatus for testing batteries according to claim 4, in, The heating unit includes: A first heating unit and a second heating unit are disposed on opposite sides of the length direction of the power path.

8. The apparatus for testing batteries according to claim 7, in, The controller is configured to If the difference between the temperature measured by the first temperature sensing unit and the temperature measured by the second temperature sensing unit is equal to or greater than a specific temperature, either the first heating unit or the second heating unit shall be operated.

9. The apparatus for testing batteries according to claim 8, in, The controller is configured to After either the first heating unit or the second heating unit is operated, if the difference between the temperature measured by the first temperature sensing unit and the temperature measured by the second temperature sensing unit becomes lower than the specific temperature, either the first heating unit or the second heating unit shall be stopped.

10. The apparatus for testing batteries according to claim 1, in, The power path includes: A first path, configured to connect to the power supply unit; and A second path is configured to connect to the first path and the electrode terminal.

11. The apparatus for testing batteries according to claim 10, in, The temperature sensing unit and the heating unit are disposed on one side of the second path.

12. The apparatus for testing batteries according to claim 10, The apparatus for testing the battery also includes a receiving portion configured to accommodate the second path.

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