Material testing device and testing system

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of material testing device and test system, the utility model adopts upper and lower box structure, can let sample natural drop, reduce driving mechanism.In addition, through the integrated design of drying oven and test box, the transfer path and time of sample after drying can be reduced, and the influence of air moisture is avoided.Through the cooperation of sample inlet unit and test unit, the sample does not need to be contacted by personnel during the process of entering the measuring cup, and the precision of the test can be guaranteed in a relatively closed environment.In addition, through the cooperation of base, electronic scale, vibration table, electric push rod and scraper, the measuring cup can be moved smoothly, and the work of scraping, weighing, vibrating and measuring distance can be completed in one go, and the test process is simple and fast.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of sample parameter testing technology, specifically a material testing device and testing system. Background Technology

[0002] Lithium-ion batteries are widely used due to their advantages such as high voltage, high capacity, long cycle life, and no memory effect. For lithium-ion batteries, the characteristics of the positive and negative electrode materials and related processing techniques have a significant impact on their performance.

[0003] Bulk density and tapped density are key parameters in the field of powder materials, widely used in pharmaceuticals, chemicals, metallurgy, food, and other industries. For lithium-ion battery cathode materials, these two density indicators reflect the physical properties of powder under different packing states, affecting the uniformity of electrode coating and energy density, and have a significant impact on production processes, quality control, and product performance.

[0004] Traditional testing devices for the loose density of materials suffer from significant human error, relying heavily on operator technique. Factors such as filling speed and height also affect the results, making it impossible to reflect dynamic packing behavior. Therefore, overcoming these problems and shortcomings is a key issue that needs to be addressed. Utility Model Content

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is how to improve the automation level of the testing device and reduce human influence factors.

[0006] This utility model solves the above-mentioned technical problems through the following technical means:

[0007] A material testing device includes a drying oven, a testing chamber, a sample container, and a testing unit; the drying oven is located above the testing chamber, and the two are connected by a feeding channel, which is equipped with an electric valve; the sample container is located inside the drying oven, and the bottom of the sample container has a discharge port, which is connected to the feeding channel;

[0008] The testing unit includes a measuring cup, a base, an electronic scale, a vibrator, a scraper, a distance sensor, and an electric push rod. The measuring cup is located below the feeding channel. The top surfaces of the base, electronic scale, and vibrator are at the same height. The distance sensor is fixed above the vibrator. The base is located below the sample inlet tube. The electric push rod is fixed inside the testing chamber and is used to provide a pushing force to the measuring cup, causing it to transfer sequentially from the base to the electronic scale and then to the vibrator. The scraper is fixed between the base and the electronic scale, and during the transfer of the measuring cup from the base to the electronic scale, the scraper flattens the sample on the top of the measuring cup.

[0009] This invention employs an upper and lower chamber structure, allowing samples to fall naturally and reducing the need for a drive mechanism. Furthermore, the integrated design of the drying chamber and testing chamber minimizes the transfer path and time of dried samples, preventing the influence of moisture in the air. Through the cooperation of the sample introduction unit and the testing unit, no personnel contact is required during sample entry into the measuring cup, ensuring testing accuracy in a relatively enclosed environment. Additionally, the coordinated use of the base, electronic scale, vibration table, electric push rod, and scraper enables smooth movement of the measuring cup and the simultaneous completion of leveling, weighing, vibration, and distance measurement, making the testing process simple and fast.

[0010] Furthermore, it also includes a sample injection unit; the sample injection unit is located inside the test chamber; the sample injection unit includes a sample injection tube and a vibrating element; the sample injection tube includes a top opening and a bottom opening, the top opening is located directly below the feed channel, and a screen is installed at the bottom opening and located above the measuring cup; the vibrating element acts on the sample injection tube to make it vibrate.

[0011] Furthermore, the top of the scraper is rotatably fixed inside the test chamber, and the bottom is a swing end. When the bottom hangs freely, its height is lower than the height of the top opening when the measuring cup is placed on the base.

[0012] Furthermore, the drying oven includes a heat radiating element, which is an infrared heat radiating element or a ceramic heating element fixed on the inner walls of two opposite sides of the drying oven.

[0013] Furthermore, it also includes a cooling unit, which includes a coil fixed to the top or side wall of the drying oven; the coil is connected to a cooling medium supply mechanism.

[0014] Furthermore, the vibrating element is an ultrasonic transmitter located outside the sample inlet tube, and the vibrating element is fixed to the inner side wall of the test chamber.

[0015] Furthermore, the test chamber has an air inlet and an exhaust outlet; the air inlet is connected to an inert gas supply unit, and the exhaust outlet is equipped with a one-way valve.

[0016] Furthermore, there are gaps between the electronic scale and the base and the vibrator.

[0017] Furthermore, the length of the base along the direction of movement of the measuring cup is at least twice the diameter of the measuring cup.

[0018] This utility model also provides a material testing system, including the above-mentioned testing device, and further including a controller; the controller controls the opening and closing of the vibrating component, the vibrator, and the electric push rod.

[0019] The advantages of this utility model are:

[0020] This invention employs an upper and lower chamber structure, allowing samples to fall naturally and reducing the need for a drive mechanism. Furthermore, the integrated design of the drying chamber and testing chamber minimizes the transfer path and time of dried samples, preventing the influence of moisture in the air. Through the cooperation of the sample introduction unit and the testing unit, no personnel contact is required during sample entry into the measuring cup, ensuring testing accuracy in a relatively enclosed environment. Additionally, the coordinated use of the base, electronic scale, vibration table, electric push rod, and scraper enables smooth movement of the measuring cup and the simultaneous completion of leveling, weighing, vibration, and distance measurement, making the testing process simple and fast. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the testing device in Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0022] Drying oven 1, feeding channel 11, sealing door 12, heat radiation component 13, testing chamber 2, air inlet 21, exhaust port 22, sample container 3, sample injection unit 4, sample injection tube 41, vibrating component 42, sieve 43, testing unit 5, measuring cup 51, base 52, electronic scale 53, vibrator 54, scraper 55, distance sensor 56, electric push rod 57. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the embodiments of this utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0024] Example 1

[0025] This embodiment provides a material testing device, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the assembly includes a drying chamber 1, a testing chamber 2, a sample container 3, and a testing unit 5; the drying chamber 1 is located above the testing chamber 2. To simplify the structure, a partition can be installed inside a PP / PC composite material chamber to divide the chamber into upper and lower cavities. The upper cavity is the drying chamber 1, and the lower cavity is the testing chamber 2. A through hole is made in the partition to form a feeding channel 11 between the two cavities. To ensure the sealing effect of the testing chamber 2 later, an electric valve, such as a solenoid valve, can be installed in the feeding channel 11. A sealing door 12 is opened on the top or side wall of the drying chamber 1 for easy opening and addition of powder samples. Figure 1The sealing door 12 shown is located at the top of the drying chamber 1 for easy operation. The drying chamber 1 uses a heat radiating element 13 to heat and dry the material. The heat radiating element 13 can be an infrared lamp or a ceramic heating element fixed to the inner walls of two opposite sides of the drying chamber 1. The method of fixing the infrared lamp or ceramic heating element to the inside of the drying chamber 1 is existing technology and will not be described in detail. After the material is dried, it needs to be cooled before being placed into the test chamber 2 below. Therefore, this embodiment also includes a cooling unit, which includes a coil. The coil is fixed to the top wall of the drying chamber 1 or to other side walls except for the fixed heat radiating element. The coil is connected to a cooling medium supply mechanism (not shown in the figure). Cold water is the most economical cooling medium. The coil can be embedded in the inner wall of the drying chamber 1, with both ends of the coil extending out of the side walls of the drying chamber 1 to achieve circulation. The structure of the coil embedded in the side walls of the drying chamber 1 is conventional technology and will not be described in detail.

[0026] Sample container 3 is located inside drying chamber 1. A discharge port is located at the bottom of sample container 3, which can be directly connected to a through-hole at the bottom of drying chamber 1. This allows powdered samples to be dispensed into the testing unit 5 below via the opening and closing of a solenoid valve. In this embodiment, sample container 3 can be a high-temperature resistant metal container, generally funnel-shaped (wider at the top, narrower at the bottom). The bottom opening of the funnel is directly welded or glued to the perimeter of the through-hole on the bottom wall of drying chamber 1 for sealing. The bottom opening of sample container 3 can be sealed using a solenoid valve. In this embodiment, a sealing door is located on one side wall of testing chamber 2, which can be opened and closed to facilitate the placement of various components inside testing chamber 2. The sealing effect of the sealing door meets the testing requirements.

[0027] Test unit 5 includes a measuring cup 51, a base 52, an electronic scale 53, a vibrator 54, a scraper 55, a distance sensor 56, and an electric push rod 57. The base 52, electronic scale 53, and vibrator 54 are arranged in a straight line at the bottom of test chamber 2, and their top surfaces are at the same height. The distance sensor 56 is fixed above the vibrator 54, generally on the top wall of test chamber 2. Of course, the height of the distance sensor 56 from the top surface of the vibrator 54 should be greater than the height of the measuring cup 51. The distance sensor 56 can be a laser rangefinder. The base 52 is located directly below the sample inlet tube 41. The electric push rod 57 is fixed inside test chamber 2 and is used to provide a pushing force to the measuring cup 51, so that it is transferred from the base 52 to the electronic scale 53 and then to the vibrator 54. The scraper 55 is fixed between the base 52 and the electronic scale 53. During the process of transferring the measuring cup 51 from the base 52 to the electronic scale 53, the scraper 55 scrapes the sample on the top of the measuring cup 51 to level it. It should be noted that, in order to reduce friction, the surfaces of the base 52, electronic scale 53, and vibrator 54 are smooth metal surfaces. In the initial state, the measuring cup 51 is placed on the base 52, directly below the feed channel 11. Generally, the diameter of the measuring cup 51 is larger than that of the feed channel 11 to prevent the sample from scattering outside the measuring cup 51.

[0028] The measuring cup 51 in this embodiment conforms to the standard (ISO or ASTM) in size and shape. It is a special double cylindrical device with graduations and a volume of 100ML. The powder layer height can be accurately measured before and after compaction. It is composed of a multi-layer structure of composite materials (outer insulating layer + inner conductive layer). By adding conductive fillers such as electrostatic dissipative plastics, carbon fibers, and metal powders, the surface resistance is reduced, thereby reducing the impact of static electricity on the material.

[0029] Vibrator 54 can be an electromagnetic vibration table (amplitude / frequency adjustable, conforming to ISO / ASTM standards).

[0030] When the feed channel 11 delivers the sample to the measuring cup 51, the sample at the top of the measuring cup 51 is in a raised state and needs to be leveled before weighing. Then, the measuring cup 51 is vibrated to compact the sample. The distance sensor 56 can detect the height of the sample after vibration compaction, and then calculate the sample's performance parameters based on the sample weight and height. Therefore, in this embodiment, the top of the measuring cup 51 needs to be leveled before it is transferred to the electronic scale 53, and the scraped sample must not fall onto the electronic scale 53. Therefore, a base 52 is designed, and the length of the base 52 should be at least twice the diameter of the measuring cup 51 to ensure that the measuring cup 51 travels at least one diameter on the base 52, allowing the scraper 55 to scrape from the front to the back of the measuring cup 51 to complete one full leveling action. Therefore, the feed channel 11 is located above the base 52 and biased towards the side of the base away from the electronic scale. Similarly, when receiving the sample, the measuring cup 51 is also placed on the side of the base 52 away from the electronic scale, so that the side of the base 52 facing the electronic scale 53 has sufficient length for the measuring cup 51 to travel. In this embodiment, the scraper 55 is a strip-shaped plate, with its top ends fixed to the side walls of the test chamber 2 via pivots. This allows the scraper 55 to swing along the pivots, with its bottom hanging freely at a height lower than the top opening of the measuring cup 51 when placed on the base 52. When the measuring cup 51 moves forward and initially contacts the scraper 55, the scraper 55 tilts, its bottom rising. As the measuring cup 51 continues forward, the scraper 55 scrapes across the top opening of the measuring cup 51, removing excess sample. This swinging design of the scraper 55 avoids the problem of inaccurate height control.

[0031] Of course, to prevent the scraped sample from falling onto the electronic scale 53, this embodiment arranges the electronic scale 53 and the base 52 at intervals. The intervals should not be too large to ensure that the measuring cup 51 does not tip over when transferred from the base 52 to the electronic scale 53. Similarly, the electronic scale 53 and the vibration table are also arranged at intervals. It should be noted that the bottom outer ring of the measuring cup 51 can be designed with a chamfer to facilitate its transition to the electronic scale 53 or the vibrator 54.

[0032] The test chamber 2 has an air inlet 21 and an exhaust port 22; the air inlet 21 is connected to an inert gas supply unit, and the exhaust port 22 is equipped with a one-way valve. During testing, to avoid the influence of air on the sample's moisture content, in this embodiment, after adding a sufficient amount of sample to the measuring cup 51, the solenoid valve is closed, the test chamber is sealed, and the inert gas injection system is activated to displace the air inside the test chamber 2. Of course, a water-oxygen probe can be installed inside the test chamber 2 to facilitate monitoring the environmental data within the test chamber 2.

[0033] In this embodiment, a clamp adapted to the diameter of the measuring cup 51 is welded to the front end of the electric push rod 57. The clamp width can be slightly larger. When the electric push rod 57 is started, the clamp is engaged with the outer wall of the measuring cup 51, which can make the measuring cup 51 bear force evenly and prevent it from tipping over. Of course, the stroke of the electric push rod 57 should be sufficient to push the measuring cup 51 onto the vibration table.

[0034] Example 2

[0035] This embodiment, based on embodiment 1, further includes a sample introduction unit 4. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the sample injection unit 4 is also located inside the test chamber 2, arranged vertically with the test unit 5. The sample injection unit 4 includes a sample injection tube 41 and a vibrator 42. The sample injection tube 41 is made of stainless steel with a polished surface and a Teflon coating, making it easy to clean and preventing sample adhesion. The sample injection tube 41 includes a top opening and a bottom opening. The top opening is located directly below the solenoid valve, and its size can be slightly larger than the flow size after the solenoid valve is opened to prevent material from scattering outside the sample injection tube 41. The bottom opening of the sample injection tube 41 is located directly above the measuring cup 51, and its size is smaller than the diameter of the measuring cup 41 to prevent sample splashing. A screen 43 is installed at the bottom opening of the sample injection tube 41. The vibrator 42 acts on the sample injection tube 41 to vibrate it, thereby dispersing or trapping agglomerated materials. The sieve 43 can also effectively avoid uneven filling and improve the effects of excessively tight or loose packing. In this embodiment, the vibrating element 42 uses ultrasonic vibration. Ultrasonic waves can propagate in an inert gas environment. Using ultrasonic vibration simplifies the internal structure of the test chamber 2, requiring only one ultrasonic transmitter to be fixed inside the test chamber 2. The emission range of the ultrasonic transmitter should cover the sample inlet tube 41. The sample inlet tube is fixed to the inner wall of the test chamber 2 by clamps (not shown in the figure). The clamps can be conventional sample tube clamps, which can be purchased directly from the market and fixed to the inner wall of the test chamber 2 with screws. After the clamps hold the sample inlet tube 41, the sample inlet tube 41 is suspended in the air. Under the action of ultrasonic waves, the sample inlet tube 41 vibrates slightly, which is sufficient to physically break up any clumps (because the sample itself is dry and loose, even if it clumps, it is easy to break up). The clamps can be made of metal or polyethylene, which have a certain degree of toughness. The slight vibration of the sample inlet tube 41 is within the toughness tolerance range of the clamps.

[0036] Example 3

[0037] This embodiment provides a material testing system, including the testing device of Embodiment 2, and also includes a controller; the controller controls the opening and closing of electric components such as drying, cooling, vibrating element 42, vibrator 54, electric push rod 57, solenoid valve, and inert gas injection, as well as the acquisition of various data. A control box can also be set below the test chamber 2, and the controller, operation buttons, etc. can be arranged inside the control box. The structure is prior art and will not be described in detail.

[0038] In this embodiment, the testing apparatus is used by first opening the sealing door 12 and placing a sufficient amount of sample powder into the sample container 3. At this point, the sample has very low moisture content. To ensure testing accuracy, the thermal radiation unit is activated to dry the sample. After drying for a certain period, the sealing door 12 is closed to isolate the drying chamber 1 from the external environment. The cooling unit is then activated to cool the sample. After cooling to the set temperature, the solenoid valve and vibrator 42 are opened, allowing the sample to enter the sample inlet tube 41 and pass through a sieve to ensure that the sample falling into the measuring cup 51 does not clump. When the measuring cup 51 is full, the solenoid valve is closed, and the inert gas injection system is activated to convert the environment of the testing chamber 2 to an inert gas environment. Then, the electric push rod 57 is activated, allowing the measuring cup 51 to be transferred sequentially to the electronic scale 53 and the vibration table. Finally, after the vibration table vibrates for a set time, the distance sensor 56 measures the sample height. The controller obtains the sample weight and the sample height after vacuuming, and can then output parameters such as loose density, tapped density, Hausner ratio, and compression ratio. The above control program is existing technology.

[0039] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A material testing device, characterized in that, It includes a drying oven, a testing chamber, a sample container, and a testing unit; the drying oven is located above the testing chamber, and the two are connected by a feeding channel, which is equipped with an electric valve; the sample container is located inside the drying oven, and the bottom of the sample container has a discharge port, which is connected to the feeding channel; The testing unit includes a measuring cup, a base, an electronic scale, a vibrator, a scraper, a distance sensor, and an electric push rod. The measuring cup is located below the feeding channel. The base, electronic scale, and vibrator have the same top surface height. The distance sensor is fixed above the vibrator. The base is located below the sample inlet tube. The electric push rod is fixed inside the testing chamber and is used to provide a pushing force to the measuring cup, causing it to transfer sequentially from the base to the electronic scale and then to the vibrator. The scraper is fixed between the base and the electronic scale, and during the transfer of the measuring cup from the base to the electronic scale, the scraper flattens the sample on the top of the measuring cup.

2. The material testing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a sample injection unit; the sample injection unit is located inside the test chamber; the sample injection unit includes a sample injection tube and a vibrating element; the sample injection tube includes a top opening and a bottom opening, the top opening is located directly below the feed channel, and a screen is installed at the bottom opening and located above the measuring cup; the vibrating element acts on the sample injection tube to make it vibrate.

3. The material testing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The top of the scraper is fixed inside the test chamber, while the bottom is a swing end. When the bottom hangs freely, its height is lower than the height of the measuring cup.

4. The material testing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The drying oven includes a heat radiating element, which is an infrared heat radiating element or a ceramic heating element fixed on the inner walls of two opposite sides of the drying oven.

5. The material testing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It also includes a cooling unit, which includes a coil fixed to the top or side wall of the drying chamber; the coil is connected to a cooling medium supply mechanism.

6. The material testing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The vibrating element is an ultrasonic transmitter located outside the sample inlet tube, and the vibrating element is fixed to the inner side wall of the test chamber.

7. The material testing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The test chamber has an air inlet and an exhaust outlet; the air inlet is connected to an inert gas supply unit, and the exhaust outlet is equipped with a one-way valve.

8. The material testing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, There are gaps between the electronic scale and the base and the vibrator.

9. The material testing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The length of the base along the direction of movement of the measuring cup is at least twice the diameter of the measuring cup.

10. A material testing system, characterized in that, The testing apparatus, including any one of claims 1 to 9, further includes a controller; the controller controls the opening and closing of the vibrating element, the vibrator, and the electric push rod.

Images