Airtightness detection tool for liquid-cooled battery shell

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of airtightness detection tool of liquid cooling battery shell, including test assembly and locking assembly, including test seat and positioning mechanism, test seat is provided with sealing element, test area and sealing area, sealing area is surrounded in test area, sealing element is set in sealing area;Positioning mechanism includes first positioning element and positioning drive element, first positioning element is driven by positioning drive element and is close to or far from test area;First positioning element is provided with first test hole;Locking assembly includes at least two first locking mechanism, at least two first locking mechanism interval distribution around sealing area, first locking mechanism includes first locking element and first locking drive element, first locking element is driven by first locking drive element and is close to or far from sealing area movement, to compress sealing element. It cooperates with at least two locking elements, forms multiple-point uniform compression force to battery shell and sealing element, reduces shell displacement probability, and then greatly reduces the error rate of airtightness detection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery testing technology, and in particular to a tooling for testing the airtightness of a liquid-cooled battery casing. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of new energy vehicle power battery manufacturing, the airtightness of the liquid-cooled battery casing is directly related to the safety and reliability of the battery system. Traditional airtightness testing fixtures generally use simple mechanical positioning structures such as fixed blocks or manual clamps. During the pressurization phase of the airtightness test (usually filled with 0.2-0.5MPa compressed air), the pressure difference inside the casing will generate radial thrust. Because traditional positioning structures lack a real-time locking compensation mechanism, the casing may experience slight movement, causing the initially sealed interface to momentarily separate. This dynamic displacement can lead to fluctuations in the leakage rate detection value, resulting in poor repeatability of test data from traditional fixtures and a high error rate in airtightness testing of the same batch of casings. Utility Model Content

[0003] In order to overcome at least one of the defects of the prior art, the present invention provides an airtightness testing fixture for a liquid-cooled battery casing, which employs at least two locking components working together to form a multi-point uniform clamping force on the battery casing and the sealing component, thereby reducing the probability of casing displacement and significantly reducing the error rate of airtightness testing.

[0004] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its problem is: A gas tightness testing fixture for a liquid-cooled battery casing includes: The test assembly includes a test base and a positioning mechanism. The test base is provided with a seal, a test area, and a sealing area. The sealing area surrounds the test area, and the seal is disposed in the sealing area. The positioning mechanism includes a first positioning component and a positioning drive component. The first positioning component is installed on the test base and moves closer to or further away from the test area under the action of the positioning drive component. A first test hole is provided on the first positioning component. A locking assembly includes at least two first locking mechanisms, which are spaced apart around the sealing area. Each first locking mechanism includes a first locking member and a first locking drive member. The first locking member moves closer to or away from the sealing area under the drive of the first locking drive member to press the sealing member.

[0005] Furthermore, the test base is provided with a second positioning member, which is spaced apart from the first positioning member. The second positioning member is provided with a second test hole, which is corresponding to the first test hole.

[0006] Furthermore, the test stand is provided with a third positioning element, which is spaced apart from the second positioning element.

[0007] Furthermore, the first positioning member is provided with a first clamping block, and the first clamping block is provided with a third test hole, which communicates with the first test hole.

[0008] Furthermore, the first positioning element is provided with a plurality of blocking blocks, which are spaced apart on the first positioning element.

[0009] Furthermore, the first locking drive includes a first drive shaft, which is rotatably connected to the first locking member.

[0010] Furthermore, the locking assembly includes a second locking mechanism, which includes a second locking member and a second locking drive member. The second locking member is disposed above the first locking member, and the second locking member moves closer to or away from the sealing area under the drive of the second locking drive member.

[0011] Furthermore, the second locking drive includes a second drive shaft, which is rotatably connected to the second locking member.

[0012] Furthermore, the second locking member includes a second clamping block, which moves closer to or further away from the sealing area under the action of the second locking member.

[0013] Furthermore, the test stand is provided with a mounting base, and the positioning drive component is mounted on the mounting base.

[0014] In summary, the airtightness testing fixture for a liquid-cooled battery casing provided by this utility model has the following technical effects: When the battery casing contacts the sealing element, multiple first locking elements, driven independently by their corresponding first locking drive elements, synchronously approach the sealing area, applying external force from different directions to tightly press the battery casing and the sealing element together, thus stably locking the battery casing onto the sealing area. Subsequently, an airtightness testing instrument can be connected through the test hole on the first positioning element to complete the testing operation. Because multiple first locking elements apply external force to the battery casing and the sealing element from multiple directions, the bonding stability of the two is improved, effectively reducing the probability of displacement of the battery casing due to internal air pressure fluctuations during the testing process, thereby reducing the error rate of the airtightness test. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model from another perspective; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the test stand in this utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the test stand from another perspective in this utility model; Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the structure of this utility model; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first clamping block in this utility model; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the battery casing in this utility model; The meanings of the reference numerals in the attached figures are as follows: 10. Test base; 11. Test area; 12. Sealing area; 13. Sealing element; 14. Second positioning element; 141. Second test hole; 15. Third positioning element; 16. Mounting base; 20. Positioning mechanism; 21. First positioning element; 211. First clamping block; 2111. Third test hole; 212. Sealing block; 213. First test hole; 22. Positioning drive element; 30. First locking mechanism; 31. First locking element; 32. First locking drive element; 321. First drive shaft; 40. Second locking mechanism; 41. Second locking element; 411. Second clamping block; 42. Second locking drive element; 421. Second drive shaft; 50. Battery casing; 51. Air inlet. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0018] In this invention, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "middle," "vertical," "horizontal," "lateral," and "longitudinal" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily for the purpose of better describing this invention and its embodiments, and are not intended to limit the indicated device, element, or component to having a specific orientation, or to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation.

[0019] Furthermore, in addition to indicating direction or positional relationship, some of the aforementioned terms may also have other meanings. For example, the term "above" may also be used in some cases to indicate a certain dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0020] Furthermore, the terms "installation," "setup," "equipped with," "connection," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or an internal connection between two devices, components, or parts. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0021] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are primarily used to distinguish different devices, components, or parts (which may be the same or different in specific type and construction), and are not intended to indicate or imply the relative importance or quantity of the indicated devices, components, or parts. Unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0022] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described below with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0023] See Figures 1 to 7This utility model discloses an airtightness testing fixture for a liquid-cooled battery casing 50, including a testing component and a locking component. The testing component includes a testing base 10 and a positioning mechanism 20. A sealing element 13, a testing area 11, and a sealing area 12 are provided on the testing base 10. The sealing area 12 surrounds the testing area 11, and the sealing element 13 is disposed in the sealing area 12. The positioning mechanism 20 includes a first positioning element 21 and a positioning drive element 22. The first positioning element 21 is installed on the testing base 10 and moves closer to or away from the testing area 11 under the drive of the positioning drive element 22. A first testing hole 213 is provided on the first positioning element 21. The locking component includes at least two first locking mechanisms 30, which are distributed at intervals around the sealing area 12. Each first locking mechanism 30 includes a first locking element 31 and a first locking drive element 32. The first locking element 31 moves closer to or away from the sealing area 12 under the drive of the first locking drive element 32 to press the sealing element 13.

[0024] Based on the above structure, during assembly, the sealing area 12 is arranged around the outer periphery of the test area 11, so that the sealing element 13, after installation, naturally surrounds the outer periphery of the test area 11, forming a surrounding sealing structure. During testing, the cavity to be tested of the battery housing 50 is placed facing the test area 11, so that the edge of the battery housing 50 is pressed against the sealing element 13. Subsequently, the first locking drive 32 is activated, driving the first locking element 31 to move towards the sealing area 12 until the first locking element 31 is in close contact with the edge of the battery housing 50 and a continuous pressing force is applied. At this time, the pressing force is transmitted to the sealing element 13 through the battery housing 50. The sealing element 13, through its own elastic deformation, forms a full-area fit with the contact surface of the battery housing 50, achieving a tight sealing connection between the battery housing 50 and the sealing element 13, which can minimize the probability of gas leakage from the gap between the two during the testing process.

[0025] After the battery casing 50 and the seal 13 are reliably pressed together, the positioning drive 22 is activated, driving the first positioning element 21 to move towards the test area 11 until the first test hole 213 is completely aligned with and connected to the air inlet 51 on the battery casing 50. Then, the airtightness testing instrument is sealed to the first test hole 213, and the airtightness test of the battery casing 50 can be initiated. During the test, since at least two first locking mechanisms 30 are distributed circumferentially along the sealing area 12, multi-point coordinated pressing is achieved through multiple first locking elements 31, forming a uniform circumferential locking force on the seal 13 and the battery casing 50. This ensures that the seal 13 and the casing surface remain in a tight fit, effectively reducing the possibility of displacement of the battery casing 50 due to internal air pressure fluctuations during the test. This solves the problem of "overpressure at the center and underpressure at the edge" caused by single-point pressure in traditional tooling, reducing the error rate of airtightness testing.

[0026] Furthermore, compared to traditional simple mechanical positioning structures such as fixed blocks or manual clamps, this embodiment provides a stable and controllable driving force through the first locking drive component 32, enabling the first locking component 31 to apply a continuous and balanced clamping force. Combined with the structural design of the sealing area 12 surrounding the test area 11, this ensures that the sealing component 13 is always in a uniformly compressed state (compression deviation controlled within the design range), thereby effectively blocking leakage channels that may be caused by micro-displacement of the housing and reducing the problem of distorted test data caused by seal failure in traditional tooling.

[0027] It should be noted that both the positioning drive component 22 and the first locking drive component 32 in this embodiment can be driven by existing hydraulic drive mechanisms or pneumatic cylinders. During assembly, the first positioning component 21 is directly connected to the output shaft (piston rod) of the positioning drive component 22. The linear driving force output by the hydraulic cylinder or pneumatic cylinder drives the first positioning component 21 to move closer to or away from the test area 11 along a preset trajectory. Similarly, the first locking component 31 is connected to the piston rod of the first locking drive component 32 during assembly. With the power output provided by the hydraulic cylinder or pneumatic cylinder, the first locking component 31 is driven to smoothly complete the pressing action of approaching the sealing area 12 or the unlocking action of moving away from the sealing area 12. The stable output characteristics of hydraulic or pneumatic pressure provide reliable power support for the stable operation of the tooling.

[0028] In addition, the sealing element 13 in this embodiment can be an existing silicone gasket or rubber gasket, etc. Its shape is set to perfectly match the sealing area 12, and after assembly, it can form a full-area fit with the surface of the sealing area 12.

[0029] Furthermore, the test base 10 is provided with a second positioning member 14, which is spaced apart from the first positioning member 21. The second positioning member 14 is provided with a second test hole 141, which is correspondingly provided with the first test hole 213.

[0030] Specifically, the second positioning member 14 is set inside the test area 11. During installation, after the battery housing 50 is installed in the test area 11, the second positioning member 14 can abut against the inner wall of the battery housing 50, thereby forming a preliminary positioning of the battery housing 50. This lays a stable foundation for the first locking member 31 to press the battery housing 50 into place, effectively reducing the impact of the battery housing 50's positional shift on the accuracy of subsequent locking and testing.

[0031] Because the second positioning member 14 is provided with a second test hole 141, and this second test hole 141 is conductive to the first test hole 213, even if the inside of the battery housing 50 is close to the first positioning member 21 and abuts against the inner wall of the battery housing 50, it will not obstruct the gas tightness tester from delivering gas into the battery housing 50. The gas can smoothly enter the battery housing 50 through the first test hole 213 and the second test hole 141 in sequence, ensuring the continuity and stability of gas flow during the test.

[0032] Furthermore, the test seat 10 is provided with a third positioning element 15, which is spaced apart from the second positioning element 14.

[0033] Specifically, the third positioning member 15 and the second positioning member 14 form a multi-point support structure with spacing, allowing them to abut against the inner wall or specific positioning parts of the battery housing 50 from more directions. Compared to relying solely on single-point or a few-point positioning with the second positioning member 14, this multi-point collaborative positioning method significantly improves the installation stability of the battery housing 50 in the test area 11, effectively limiting the horizontal rotation or displacement of the battery housing 50. Especially for larger and more complex liquid-cooled battery housings 50, this reduces positional changes caused by uneven weight distribution or minor external impacts, providing a more stable foundation for subsequent locking and testing.

[0034] Furthermore, since different models or specifications of liquid-cooled battery housings 50 may have different internal structures and positioning requirements, the third positioning element 15 increases the adjustability and versatility of the positioning points. In conjunction with the second positioning element 14, it can better adapt to battery housings 50 of different sizes and internal structures, improving the tooling's versatility and applicability.

[0035] Furthermore, the first positioning member 21 is provided with a first pressing block 211, and the first pressing block 211 is provided with a third test hole 2111, which is in communication with the first test hole 213.

[0036] Specifically, when the first positioning member 21 moves towards the test area 11 under the drive of the positioning drive member 22, the first clamping block 211 moves synchronously with it until it abuts against the periphery of the air inlet 51 on the battery casing 50. At this time, the driving force output by the positioning drive member 22 is transmitted to the first clamping block 211 through the first positioning member 21, causing it to apply a targeted clamping force to the periphery of the air inlet 51, causing the edge of the air inlet 51 of the battery casing 50 to form a tightly fitting sealing surface with the first clamping block 211. This reduces the connection gap between the third test hole 2111 and the air inlet 51, reduces the risk of gas leakage from the gap, and further improves the gas sealing performance during the testing process.

[0037] In addition, since the third test hole 2111 on the first clamping block 211 is connected to the first test hole 213 of the first positioning member 21, forming a continuous gas channel, the gas delivered by the air tightness testing instrument can smoothly enter the battery casing 50 through the first test hole 213 and the third test hole 2111 in sequence, ensuring the stability and continuity of the test gas flow.

[0038] It should be noted that the first clamping block 211 in this embodiment can be made of an elastic material (such as silicone, fluororubber, etc.) to enhance the tightness of the fit with the battery housing 50 through the elastic recovery force of the first clamping block 211, buffer the impact force during the clamping process, and reduce the squeezing damage to the weak area around the air inlet 51 of the battery housing 50 caused by rigid contact.

[0039] More specifically, the first positioning member 21 is provided with a plurality of sealing blocks 212, which are spaced apart on the first positioning member 21. When there are multiple non-detection openings on the battery housing 50, when the first positioning member 21 moves toward the test area 11 and docks with the battery housing 50, the multiple spaced sealing blocks 212 can respectively correspond to and tightly abut against the corresponding non-detection openings on the battery housing 50, thereby reliably sealing these openings that do not need to participate in the detection.

[0040] Furthermore, the first locking drive member 32 includes a first drive shaft 321, which is rotatably connected to the first locking member 31.

[0041] Specifically, during the test preparation phase, the operator can apply an external force to the first locking member 31 in a direction away from the sealing area 12, causing the first locking member 31 to rotate around the first drive shaft 321 and deviate from above the sealing area 12, thereby creating sufficient space for the placement of the battery casing 50. At this time, the user can smoothly place the battery casing 50 into the test area 11 and position its edge in the preset position of the sealing area 12, effectively reducing the problem of the first locking member 31 blocking the sealing area 12 and preventing the edge of the battery casing 50 from being properly placed, thus improving operational convenience.

[0042] Once the edge of the battery casing 50 is fully fitted with the seal 13, the operator can apply external force to the first locking member 31 again, causing it to rotate in the opposite direction around the first drive shaft 321 until it is directly above the edge of the battery casing 50. Then, the first locking drive member 32 is activated, driving the first drive shaft 321 to move the first locking member 31 toward the sealing area 12, thereby tightly pressing the battery casing 50 and the seal 13 together.

[0043] Furthermore, the locking assembly includes a second locking mechanism 40, which includes a second locking member 41 and a second locking drive member 42. The second locking member 41 is located above the first locking member 31, and the second locking member 41 moves closer to or further away from the sealing area 12 under the drive of the second locking drive member 42.

[0044] Specifically, after the first locking member 31 applies a stable clamping force to the edge of the battery casing 50 from below, the second locking drive member 42 can be activated, causing the second locking member 41, located above the first locking member 31, to apply further pressure from the vertical direction, pressing the top of the battery casing 50. This coordinated clamping method forms a three-dimensional constraint structure, effectively counteracting the upward pushing or lateral displacement forces that may occur in the battery casing 50 due to changes in internal air pressure during the testing process, further reducing the probability of displacement, thereby significantly improving the reliability of the sealing interface and reducing the probability of instantaneous leakage caused by slight movement of the casing.

[0045] More specifically, the second locking drive member 42 includes a second drive shaft 421, which is rotatably connected to the second locking member 41. Thus, when placing or removing the battery housing 50, the second locking member 41 can be rotated to deviate from the area above the housing, reducing operational interference and improving ease of installation and removal.

[0046] Furthermore, the second locking member 41 includes a second pressing block 411, which moves closer to or further away from the sealing area 12 under the action of the second locking member 41.

[0047] Specifically, when the second locking member 41 moves towards the sealing area 12 under the action of the second locking drive member 42, the second pressing block 411, as a component that directly contacts the top of the battery housing 50, can form a tighter fit with the top of the battery housing 50 through its own structural design. Compared to the second locking member 41 directly contacting the housing, the second pressing block 411 can increase the contact area, making the pressure distribution more uniform and reducing damage to the top of the battery housing 50 caused by excessive local pressure.

[0048] In addition, the second clamping block 411 can be made of a material with a certain degree of elasticity, so as to enhance the tightness of the fit with the battery housing 50 through the elastic recovery force of the second clamping block 411, buffer the impact force during the clamping process, and reduce the squeezing damage to the weak area around the air inlet 51 of the battery housing 50 caused by rigid contact.

[0049] More specifically, the test base 10 is provided with a mounting base 16, on which the positioning drive component 22 is mounted. The mounting base 16 provides a stable mounting foundation for the positioning drive component 22. Through the rigid connection with the test base 10, the positioning drive component 22 can be firmly fixed in the preset position, reducing the risk of displacement or shaking of the positioning drive component 22 due to vibration, force or other factors during operation.

[0050] The technical means disclosed in this utility model are not limited to those disclosed in the above embodiments, but also include technical solutions composed of any combination of the above technical features. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principle of this utility model, and these improvements and modifications are also considered within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A fixture for testing the airtightness of a liquid-cooled battery casing, characterized in that, include: The test assembly includes a test base and a positioning mechanism. The test base is provided with a seal, a test area, and a sealing area. The sealing area surrounds the test area, and the seal is disposed in the sealing area. The positioning mechanism includes a first positioning component and a positioning drive component. The first positioning component is installed on the test base and moves closer to or further away from the test area under the action of the positioning drive component. A first test hole is provided on the first positioning component. A locking assembly includes at least two first locking mechanisms, which are spaced apart around the sealing area. Each first locking mechanism includes a first locking member and a first locking drive member. The first locking member moves closer to or away from the sealing area under the drive of the first locking drive member to press the sealing member.

2. The airtightness testing fixture for the liquid-cooled battery casing as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The test stand is provided with a second positioning component, which is spaced apart from the first positioning component. The second positioning component is provided with a second test hole, which is corresponding to the first test hole.

3. The airtightness testing fixture for the liquid-cooled battery casing as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The test stand is provided with a third positioning component, which is spaced apart from the second positioning component.

4. The airtightness testing fixture for the liquid-cooled battery casing as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first positioning member is provided with a first clamping block, and the first clamping block is provided with a third test hole, which is in communication with the first test hole.

5. The airtightness testing fixture for a liquid-cooled battery casing as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first positioning element is provided with a plurality of blocking blocks, which are spaced apart on the first positioning element.

6. The airtightness testing fixture for a liquid-cooled battery casing as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first locking drive includes a first drive shaft, which is rotatably connected to the first locking member.

7. The airtightness testing fixture for a liquid-cooled battery casing as described in any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The locking assembly includes a second locking mechanism, which includes a second locking member and a second locking drive member. The second locking member is located above the first locking member, and the second locking member moves closer to or away from the sealing area under the drive of the second locking drive member.

8. The airtightness testing fixture for the liquid-cooled battery casing as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The second locking drive includes a second drive shaft, which is rotatably connected to the second locking member.

9. The airtightness testing fixture for a liquid-cooled battery casing as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The second locking member includes a second clamping block, which moves closer to or further away from the sealing area under the action of the second locking member.

10. The airtightness testing fixture for a liquid-cooled battery casing as described in any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The test stand is provided with a mounting base, and the positioning drive component is mounted on the mounting base.

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