Testing laboratory system and method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a test chamber system (10) having a test chamber (11), the test chamber having a test space (16) for receiving a test object, in particular a battery, and a pressure relief device (17), the test space serving to subject the test object to a test, in particular a stress test, thereby causing a preferably intense pressure increase in the test space, the pressure relief device being configured to relieve the increased pressure in the test space, the test chamber system having an air conditioning unit (12) for air conditioning, the air conditioning unit being connected to the test chamber such that the air conditioning unit is capable of air conditioning the test chamber.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a test chamber system including a test chamber and a method for relieving pressure in a test chamber of the test chamber system, the test chamber having a test space for receiving a test object, in particular a battery, the test space serving to subject the test object to a test, in particular a stress test, as a result of which a preferably intense pressure increase is caused in the test space. [Background technology]

[0002] It is well known in the prior art to subject batteries and battery cells to stress tests (accelerated tests, abuse tests, safety tests, reliability tests) simulating abuse or misuse such as extreme high or low temperatures, mechanical damage or abnormal electrical stress such as short circuit, overcharging or deep discharging. This test usually involves the forced destruction of the battery using a suitably constructed test chamber, which is placed in the test space of the test chamber and then destroyed, for example by nail penetration performed with a penetration device in the test chamber. The destruction of the battery leads to an explosion of hydrogen and other gases. The test space must be capable of rapidly dissipating the associated shock wave. Usually, an open container or bunker serves as the test space, allowing the shock wave to easily dissipate from the test space. The (highly) toxic gases generated during the test simply escape into the surrounding environment. Furthermore, the use of a container or bunker as the test space does not allow repeated testing of the specimens, especially under climatic simulation conditions.

[0003] Furthermore, air-conditioned test chambers are known in the prior art, which have a test space for receiving a test material, which test space is configured to be closed off from the surrounding environment, is insulated and is equipped with a temperature control device for controlling the temperature of the test space. This kind of test chamber or climatic cabinet, which can be found for example in US Pat. No. 5,399,433, is usually used to test the physical and / or chemical properties of a test material. The test material is placed in the test space and the temperature is controlled by means of a temperature control device. However, such test chambers are not suitable for carrying out stress tests of batteries, in particular due to the lack of explosion-proofing of the test chamber and its components and the inability to rapidly dissipate shock waves from the test space. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] DE 102016204378 A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The object of the invention is therefore to propose a test chamber system which allows improving the performance of tests, in particular stress tests, on test specimens, in particular batteries, and a method for relieving pressure in the test chamber of the test chamber system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This object is achieved by a test laboratory system having the features of claim 1 and by a method having the features of claim 24.

[0007] The test chamber system of the present invention comprises a test chamber, which has a test space for receiving a test specimen, in particular a battery, and a pressure relief device, the test space having the function of subjecting the test specimen to a test, in particular a severe test, whereby a preferably intense pressure increase is caused in the test space, the pressure relief device being configured to release (relieve) the increased pressure in the test space, the test chamber system having an air conditioning unit for air conditioning, the air conditioning unit being connected to the test chamber such that the air conditioning unit can air condition the test chamber.

[0008] The test chamber system according to the invention comprises a test chamber, which has a test space for receiving a test specimen and a pressure relief device for relieving the pressure in the test chamber or test space. In the test space, the test specimen can be placed in order to carry out the test. The test specimen can be a battery or battery cell, and the test can be a stress test, which can simulate abuse or misuse, such as extreme high or low temperatures, mechanical damage, or abnormal electrical stress, such as short circuit, overcharging, deep discharge, etc. For example, the battery can be destroyed by nail penetration, which is performed by a penetration device in the test chamber. The stress test can result in a violent pressure rise in the test space. The test can also be a high voltage test, in which case a high current introduced into the test space or the test specimen can lead to the formation of an arc, which can discharge with high thermal energy. The resulting rapid temperature rise of the air in the test space can also lead to a violent pressure rise in the test space. Advantageously, the test chamber or test space can be explosion-proof or explosion-resistant in order to withstand without being destroyed the violent pressure rise and the associated shock waves that occur during the testing of the test specimen. The pressure relief device may be used to relieve pressure in the test chamber or space in the event of a pressure rise or overpressure, or to dissipate shock waves from the space.

[0009] The test chamber system according to the invention also comprises an air conditioning unit for air conditioning, which is connected to the test chamber or test space in such a way that the test chamber or test space can be air conditioned or temperature controlled. Thus, the test chamber system includes, in addition to the test chamber, an air conditioning unit configured for air conditioning the test chamber or test space. This makes it possible to repeatedly carry out tests under particularly climatic simulation conditions. The air conditioning unit is connected to the test chamber or test space in such a way that conditioned or temperature-controlled air can pass from the air conditioning unit to the test chamber or test space. In other words, the air conditioning unit is used for air conditioning or temperature control of the test space. Advantageously, the test space can be closed and insulated from the surrounding environment. Since the components required for air conditioning are essentially arranged in the air conditioning unit separately from the test chamber, only a few special or simple protective measures are required to protect these components from the intense pressure build-ups and associated shock waves that occur in the test chamber or test space. For example, at least one conduit of the test chamber system connecting the air conditioning unit to the test chamber, or at the test chamber supply air connection or at the test chamber exhaust air connection, can be provided with a gate valve or a pipe gate or a non-return valve that can prevent the air conditioning unit from being destroyed by the shock waves. The shock waves can be completely or almost completely dissipated by a pressure relief device in the test chamber. Advantageously, the test chamber and the air conditioning unit are of modular construction. Furthermore, the test space can be configured as a double shell construction with an inner shell forming a thermally insulated or temperature-insulated test box for receiving the test specimen and an outer shell forming a housing surrounding the test box. The temperature-controlled test box can be of lightweight construction with the lowest possible mass, making it possible to temperature-control the test box or to vary its temperature in a thermally favorable manner.

[0010] As a result, the test chamber system according to the invention makes it possible to carry out tests, in particular stress tests, on test objects, in particular batteries, in a simplified manner.

[0011] The air conditioning unit can advantageously be configured as an air conditioning module or an external module. The air conditioning unit can be arranged remotely from the test chamber. Alternatively, the air conditioning unit can be arranged directly in the test chamber, in particular on a side of the test chamber. In this case, the air conditioning unit can be attached to the test chamber, in particular in a detachable manner, so that the entire test chamber system is compact and, depending on the configuration, can even be mobile or movable.

[0012] Advantageously, the test chamber system may comprise at least one conduit, preferably two conduits, via which the air conditioning unit may be connected to the test chamber. The conduits may be pipes or hoses. Furthermore, the test chamber system may comprise a rack for supporting the conduits. If two conduits are provided, a first conduit may be provided for the supply air and a second conduit may be provided for the exhaust air. The two conduits may form a convection air circuit between the test chamber and the air conditioning unit. If only one conduit is provided, it may be used for the supply air.

[0013] In an embodiment of the invention, the air conditioning unit can form a further test chamber, in particular a climate chamber, which can have a further test space for receiving a test material, the further test space being configured to be closed off from the surrounding environment and insulated. In other words, a test chamber for air conditioning or a climate cabinet, which is actually mainly used for testing physical and / or chemical properties of test materials that can be received in the test space of the test chamber for air conditioning, can be used as a further test chamber for air conditioning a test chamber of a test chamber system. This further test space can then be connected to said test space. Advantageously, if a user already has such a test chamber for air conditioning, he can purchase a test chamber with a pressure relief device and a test space, and possibly a conduit to combine the two test chambers to form a test chamber system according to the invention and then test the test specimens. Furthermore, the test chamber for air conditioning can be switched from a mode in which the test chamber for air conditioning can be used for testing physical and / or chemical properties of test materials to yet another mode in which the test chamber for air conditioning can be used for air conditioning a test chamber of a test chamber system. While the test chamber is used for conditioning the test chamber of the test chamber system with conditioned air or as an additional test chamber, the test space of the test chamber for air conditioning or the additional test chamber can be free of test material. Advantageously, the air conditioning unit can have a temperature control device.

[0014] Advantageously, the temperature control device can be used to determine a temperature, in particular in said further test space, in the temperature range of -70°C to +180°C, preferably in the temperature range of -55°C to +150°C. By connecting an air conditioning unit to the test room, a temperature in this temperature range can also be determined in the test space. The test room can be configured to be heat-resistant to temperatures in this temperature range. Furthermore, the test room can be configured to be heat-resistant to short-term maximum loads up to a temperature of +1100°C. Advantageously, the temperature control device can have a cooling device with a cooling circuit having a refrigerant, a heat exchanger, a compressor, a condenser and an expansion element. The heat exchanger of the cooling circuit can be arranged such that the air circulated by the fan or the ventilation device of the temperature control device can come into contact with the heat exchanger. This makes it possible to cool the circulating air by means of the heat exchanger with the cooling device. The heat exchanger can be connected to or integrated in the cooling circuit, so that the refrigerant circulating in the cooling circuit can flow through it. The cooling device may also have a compressor and a condenser for the compressed refrigerant, the condenser being arranged downstream of the compressor in the direction of flow of the refrigerant. The compressed refrigerant is at high pressure and essentially in gaseous state after compression, and condenses in the condenser to essentially liquid state. The liquid refrigerant then flows through an expansion element, where it expands due to the pressure drop and becomes gaseous again. It then passes through a heat exchanger, where cooling takes place. The gaseous refrigerant is then sucked back into the compressor and compressed. The term expansion element refers to an expansion valve, a throttle, a throttling valve or any other suitable means for creating a restriction in a fluid line.

[0015] The temperature control device can advantageously have a heating device with a heater and a further heat exchanger. The heating device can for example be an electric resistance heater which can heat the second heat exchanger so that the further heat exchanger can increase the temperature. If the heat exchanger and the further heat exchanger can be controlled in a targeted manner by the control device for cooling or heating the circulating air, the temperature control device can set the temperature in the temperature range from -70°C to +180°C, preferably from -55°C to +150°C.

[0016] Alternatively, the air conditioning unit can be formed with a heating device, in particular a convection heating device or a hot air gun, in particular for heating one side without convection or only with supply air. With the heating device or the temperature control device of the heating device, a temperature within the temperature range of +20°C to +200°C can be set. The heating device does not require refrigeration technology, so that the test chamber system or the air conditioning unit can be produced at low cost. The convection heating device can have a fan and / or a counter control device for end value control with compressed air. Furthermore, the hot air gun can have a heating element that can be switched on / off in a clocked or controlled manner.

[0017] The air conditioning unit may advantageously comprise a control device for controlling and / or regulating the temperature.

[0018] Advantageously, the test chamber can be connected to an air treatment system. Gases or vapours, especially (highly) toxic gases and vapours, and also particles or dust or soot, etc., generated during the test or during the explosion or combustion can be removed from the test space by the air treatment system and purified, if necessary, before being released into the surrounding environment. This can limit or prevent environmental damage. Furthermore, further contamination of the test chamber by particles, dust, soot, etc. can be prevented.

[0019] Additionally, a pressure relief device may be positioned above the test volume.

[0020] Furthermore, the test chamber may have a substructure that can be positioned below the test space, preferably a movable substructure. The substructure may be a tubular frame. Similarly, the air conditioning unit may be configured to be movable.

[0021] Advantageously, the pressure relief device can be configured to be reversible, i.e., such that it is not destroyed during the test or rupture, in particular by parts flying out or flying off due to the rupture. It is therefore not necessary to replace the pressure relief device after the test or rupture. Alternatively, the pressure relief device can be configured to be irreversible, for example a rupturable disk. In this case, however, the pressure relief device or the rupture disk must be replaced after the test or rupture.

[0022] Advantageously, the pressure relief device has at least one pressure relief flap, preferably four pressure relief flaps, which can tightly close the test space from the surrounding environment when the pressure relief device is closed and leave the test space open when the pressure relief device is open. As a result of the rupture, the pressure relief device or pressure relief flap can move from the closed state to the open state, allowing the shock wave or excess pressure to escape through the opening of the test space, preferably through the top, which remains open in the open state, relieving the pressure in the test chamber or test space. Advantageously, several pressure relief flaps can be provided. In this case, the opening can remain wide open even if the opening angle of the pressure relief flap is relatively small. Preferably, four pressure relief flaps can be provided. However, two, three or more pressure relief flaps can also be provided. The total cross-sectional or relief area of ​​the four pressure relief flaps is less than 0.7 m 2 From 0.9m 2 , preferably 0.78m 2 It can be.

[0023] Advantageously, the pressure relief device may have a support frame on which the pressure relief flap rests in the closed state. The pressure relief flap may rest on the support frame at one end of the pressure relief flap. A sealant may be provided between the pressure relief flap and the support frame to hermetically seal the test space. The support frame may divide the opening into a plurality of regions according to the shape of the pressure relief flap, in which case each pressure relief flap may close or cover one region in the closed state.

[0024] The pressure relief device may advantageously comprise a heater for heating the pressure relief flap and / or the support frame, in order to prevent the pressure relief flap from freezing (sticking) to the support frame or from freezing to each other. The heater may be arranged on the support frame, in particular the heater may be arranged on the edge or periphery of the pressure relief flap or along the support surface of the pressure relief flap. The pressure relief flap may also be heated over the entire cross-sectional area of ​​the pressure relief flap.

[0025] The pressure relief flap can advantageously have a triangular cross-sectional shape. The pressure relief flap can preferably have a cross-sectional shape in the shape of an isosceles triangle with two legs and a base. The opening of the test space can be square-shaped, and four pressure relief flaps, each having a cross-section in the shape of an isosceles triangle, can cover the square-shaped opening in the closed state. The apex of the isosceles triangle can meet in the essential center of the square-shaped opening. The apex is to be understood as the corner point opposite the base of the isosceles triangle.

[0026] The pressure relief flap can advantageously be made of a fiber composite material, which can consist of fibers and a resin into which the fibers can be cast, so that the pressure relief flap is mechanically stable whilst being of lightweight construction, i.e. having a relatively low mass or weight, which enables the pressure relief flap to achieve a relatively high opening speed.

[0027] Alternatively, the pressure relief flap can be made of spring steel strip material, which allows a comparatively inexpensive production of the test chamber or test chamber system. In this case, in order to prevent ice formation on the surface of the pressure relief flap at low temperatures, which is likely due to the higher thermal conductivity of the spring steel strip material compared to that of the fiber composite material, an air curtain, for example of dry compressed air, can additionally be generated above the pressure relief flap. For this purpose, the pressure relief device can have a compressed air device.

[0028] The pressure relief device may advantageously have a frame. The pressure relief flap may then be arranged on or attached to the frame. The pressure relief flap may be attached to the frame by a hinge. The pressure relief flap may advantageously be arranged on the frame at the base or on the base side, respectively, relative to an isosceles triangle. The frame may be a tubular frame. However, the pressure relief flap may also be attached to the test chamber.

[0029] Advantageously, the pressure relief flap can be attached to the frame by at least one hinge, which can have an oblong hole, which allows the pressure relief flap to be opened relatively quickly by lifting it linearly. However, the pressure relief flap can also be arranged on the frame or in the test space so that it can be lifted vertically.

[0030] Advantageously, the pressure relief device may comprise a damper.

[0031] Advantageously, the damper may have a baffle plate or a movement limiting device for stopping the pressure relief flap in the open state and a damper element for damping (weakening) the baffle plate. The baffle plate or the baffle plate impact surface may be configured such that the pressure relief flap can impact the baffle plate with its entire cross-sectional area in the open state, i.e. the pressure relief flap can transmit impact energy or force to the baffle plate over its entire cross-sectional area. An embodiment without a baffle plate is also conceivable, whereby the pressure relief flap can impact the damper element directly when open.

[0032] The damper element may advantageously be a hydraulic damper, a gas pressure damper or a spring damper, for example a spiral spring.

[0033] Advantageously, the pressure relief device may comprise a retaining member for holding the pressure relief flap open, thereby preventing the pressure relief flap from being damaged by heat from a fire occurring in the test space after rupture, for example a catch mechanism may be provided which allows it to be opened again after the test specimen has burned out.

[0034] Advantageously, the test chamber can have a preferably hydraulically driven penetration device for penetrating or destroying the test specimen. At least one, preferably two hydraulic cylinders of the penetration device can be arranged below the test space to protect against high temperatures, the hydraulic cylinder being provided as the drive device. Heat, fire, rapidly expanding gases, etc. can escape freely, especially upwards, via an exhaust duct. The piston rods of the hydraulic cylinders extend from the bottom to the top and can protrude into the test space. If the penetration device has two hydraulic cylinders, each of the two hydraulic cylinders can have a piston rod, in which case the piston rods can be connected to each other at the ends via a traverse material and then placed in the test space. Alternatively, only a single hydraulic cylinder can be provided, especially if the forces required for penetration are relatively low. This allows the test chamber system or the penetration device to be produced more cost-effectively. In this embodiment too, the piston rods of the hydraulic cylinders can be provided with a traverse material. For example, a ring-shaped force transmission element of rectangular cross section can be arranged on the piston rod for this purpose, in which case the traverse material can be formed at the top of the force transmission element or at the top of the rectangular part. However, instead of a hydraulic drive, a pneumatic drive or an electromechanical drive may also be provided.

[0035] The penetrating device can advantageously have a penetrating element, preferably nail-shaped, by means of which the test body can be penetrated from above. The penetrating element can be arranged on a piston rod of a hydraulic cylinder of the penetrating device. In particular, the penetrating element can be arranged on a traverse material. The penetrating element can then be pulled or pushed from above into the test body by one or more hydraulic cylinders. Furthermore, a force absorbing plate of the test chamber, for example with a thickness of several centimeters, can be arranged below the test space or between the test space and the substructure to absorb the forces or tensile forces occurring during penetration. Since the force absorbing plate is arranged below the test space or between the test space and the substructure, it does not have adverse thermal effects. The penetrating element is preferably nail-shaped, i.e. with a sharp tip. Alternatively, the penetrating element can be planar or linear, so as to generate surface or line loads. Linear penetrating elements can be used, for example, to induce bending in the test body. The penetrating device can be configured so that a number of different types of penetrating elements can be used interchangeably or in a modular manner. Alternatively or additionally, the piercing elements may penetrate laterally through the test piece.

[0036] In the method according to the invention for relieving pressure in a test chamber of a test chamber system by means of a pressure relief device of the test chamber, a test object, in particular a battery, is placed in a test space of the test chamber, the test object is subjected to a test, in particular a stress test, in the test space, as a result of which a preferably intense pressure increase is caused in the test space, the pressure relief device relieves the increased pressure in the test space, and an air conditioning unit of the test chamber system for air conditioning is connected to the test chamber such that the air conditioning unit provides air conditioning for the test chamber.

[0037] For the advantageous effects of the method according to the invention, please refer to the description of the effects of the test chamber system according to the invention.

[0038] Advantageously, upon an increase in pressure, at least one pressure release flap, preferably four pressure release flaps, of a pressure release device for releasing pressure in the test space moves from a closed state of the pressure release device in which the pressure release flap can tightly close the test space from the ambient environment to an open state of the pressure release device in which the pressure release flap can leave the test space open to the ambient environment.

[0039] Advantageously, the pressure relief device or pressure relief flap is not destroyed during or as a result of the test or rupture.

[0040] Further advantageous embodiments of the method are evident from the characterizing claims subordinate to claim 1 of the device.

[0041] In the following, preferred embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0042] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the test chamber system from one side. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the test chamber system from the other side. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a pressure relief device of a test chamber of the test chamber system, viewed from one side with the pressure relief device in an open position. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the pressure relief device with the pressure relief device in a closed position. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the pressure relief device in a closed position. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of the test chamber in an open state as seen from above. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a further embodiment of a test chamber. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of a test chamber according to another embodiment. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a test chamber of another embodiment as viewed from above with the pressure relief device of the test chamber in an open position. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a test chamber of another embodiment with the door of the test space of the test chamber open and the penetration device of the test chamber retracted. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of a test chamber of another embodiment with the door open and the penetration device extended. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of a testing chamber of another embodiment, seen from one side of the door hinge area. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view of the pin fixture of the test space. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective, partially cut away view of a further embodiment of the test chamber with the penetration device of the test chamber retracted. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective, partially cut away view of a further embodiment of the test chamber with the penetrating device in an extended position. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a partial perspective view of a test chamber system according to another embodiment, seen obliquely from one side. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a perspective side view of a test chamber system according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0043] 1 to 6 show a test chamber system 10 having a test chamber 11 and an air conditioning unit 12 forming a further test chamber, the test chamber 11 and the air conditioning unit 12 being connected by a first conduit 13 and a second conduit 14 of the test chamber system 10. The first conduit 13 and the second conduit 14 are supported on a rack 15 of the test chamber system 10. The air conditioning unit 12 is used to air condition the test chamber 11.

[0044] Test chamber 11 has a test space 16 and a pressure relief device 17. Test space 16 has a door 18 on a side with a window 19 that allows a test specimen (not shown) to be introduced into test space 16 when door 18 is open. When door 18 is closed, door 18 seals test space 16 on the side.

[0045] The pressure relief device 17, located above the test space 16, includes a frame 20 and four pressure relief flaps 21, each formed from a fiber composite material and each having an isosceles triangular cross-sectional shape, with each pressure relief flap 21 attached to the frame 20 at the base of the isosceles triangle by a hinge 22 of the pressure relief device 17 having an oval hole 23. The pressure relief device 17 further includes a support frame 24, which is also attached to the frame 20, on which the pressure relief flaps 21 rest when the pressure relief device 17 is closed. A heater 25 of the pressure relief device 17 prevents the pressure relief flaps 21 from freezing (sticking) to the support frame 24 when the pressure relief device 17 is closed. Furthermore, the pressure relief device 17 comprises for each pressure relief flap 21 a damper 26 with a baffle plate 27 for stopping the pressure relief flap 21 in the open state of the pressure relief device 17, and a damper element 28 which is a hydraulic damper and serves to damp the baffle plate 27. The cross section of the baffle plate 27 is essentially of the same shape and size as the cross section of the pressure relief flap 21, so that the pressure relief flap 21 rests against the baffle area of ​​the baffle plate 27 which has the total cross section of the pressure relief flap 21 when the pressure relief device 17 is open. When the pressure relief device 17 is closed, the test space 16 or an opening 29 at the top of the test space 16 is closed or covered by the pressure relief flap 21 against the surrounding environment 30. More precisely, the support frame 24 divides the opening 29 into four areas 31, each of which is closed by a pressure relief flap 21 when the pressure relief device 17 is closed. When pressure relief device 17 is opened, test space 16 , opening 29 and area 31 remain open to the surrounding environment 30 .

[0046] Furthermore, the test chamber 11 has a movable undercarriage 32 disposed below the test space 16 .

[0047] In figures 7 to 13 a test chamber 33 is shown which is substantially similar to the test chamber 11. In the following, the differences between the two embodiments of the test chamber are basically described, but are not limited thereto. Basically, the test chamber 11 can have features which distinguish the test chamber 33 from the test chamber 11. Similarly, the test chamber 33 can have features which distinguish the test chamber 11 from the test chamber 33. Furthermore, the test chamber 33 can be connected to the air conditioning unit 12, in particular by a first conduit 13 and a second conduit 14.

[0048] The test chamber 33 has a pressure relief device 34, the frame of which has four covers 35 for the pressure relief device 34 arranged on the sides, which for reasons of visibility are not shown in Figure 9. The covers 35 are used in particular for the gas-tight connection of the downstream gas purification system.

[0049] Furthermore, the test chamber 33 has a test space 36 which can be closed at the side by a door 37 of the test space 36. The test space 36 is arranged on a substructure 38 of the test chamber 33, and a force absorbing plate 39 of the test chamber 33 is arranged between the test space 36 and the substructure 38.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 10 and Fig. 11, the test chamber 33 is equipped with a hydraulically driven penetrating device 40 for penetrating a test specimen (not shown) that can be placed in the test space 36. The penetrating device 40 has two hydraulic cylinders 41 arranged below the test space 36, each of which has a piston rod 42 extending from bottom to top and projecting into the test space 36, and the piston rods 42 are connected to each other at their ends via a traverse material 43 arranged in the test space 36. Furthermore, the penetrating device 40 has a nail-shaped penetrating element 44 arranged on the traverse material 43, extending from top to bottom and capable of penetrating the test specimen from above. Furthermore, a table 45 of the test space 36 is arranged in the test space 36, on which the test specimen can be placed. Fig. 10 shows the penetrating device 40 in a retracted state of the penetrating device 40 or the hydraulic cylinders 41, and Fig. 11 shows the penetrating device 40 in an extended state of the penetrating device 40 or the hydraulic cylinders 41. A test specimen, which can be placed on a table 45, can be penetrated or broken by moving the penetrating device 40 from the extended state to the retracted state, allowing the penetrating element 44 to penetrate the test specimen.

[0051] As can further be seen from Figures 10 and 11, the test space 36 is constructed with two shells, an inner shell 46 forming an insulating test box for receiving the test specimen and an outer shell 47 forming a housing surrounding the test box. The test box to be temperature controlled is of lightweight construction with as little mass as possible, so that the test box can be temperature controlled or its temperature can be changed in a thermally favorable manner. The test box is connected to the housing via a pin attachment 48 shown in Figure 13.

[0052] Furthermore, a pipe gate 51 for the test space 36 is provided at a connection 52 of the test space 36, which serves to allow the flow of supply or exhaust air, to prevent destruction of an air conditioning unit (not shown) that can be connected to the connection 52.

[0053] Furthermore, the test space 33 has four length compensation hinges 49 for providing the contact pressure of the door 37. Figure 12 shows a partial perspective view from one side of the test chamber 33 and the test space 36 in the region of the hinge 50 of the door 37, where one of the length compensation hinges 49 is clearly visible.

[0054] 14 and 15 show a test chamber 53, which differs fundamentally from the test chamber 33 in that the penetration device 54 of the test chamber 53 only has a single hydraulic cylinder 55. The piston rod 56 of the hydraulic cylinder 55 is provided with a traverse 57, which allows the penetration of the test specimen 58 from above. See also the description of the other figures.

[0055] 16 and 17 show a test chamber system 59 having a test chamber 60 and an air conditioning unit 61 configured as a convection heating device and located or attached directly to the side of the test chamber 60 and connectable to the test chamber 60 by a conduit (not shown) of the test chamber system 59. Please see the description of the other figures.

Claims

1. A test chamber system (10, 59) having a test chamber (11, 33, 53, 60), The test chamber comprises a test space (16, 36) for receiving a test object (58), in particular a battery, and a pressure relief device (17, 34), The test space serves to subject a test specimen to a test, in particular a severe test, thereby causing a preferably intense pressure increase in the test space, the pressure relief device is configured to relieve the increased pressure in the test space, and the test chamber system has an air conditioning unit (12, 61) for air conditioning, the air conditioning unit being connected to the test chamber such that the air conditioning unit can air condition the test chamber.

2. 2. The test laboratory system of claim 1, A test chamber system, characterised in that it comprises at least one conduit (13, 14), preferably two conduits, connecting said air conditioning unit (12, 61) to said test chamber (11, 33, 53, 60).

3. 3. The test laboratory system according to claim 1, 1. A test chamber system, comprising: an air conditioning unit (12) forming a further test chamber, in particular a climatic chamber, which has a further test space for receiving a test material, the further test space being configured to be closed off from the surrounding environment (30) and being temperature insulated.

4. The test laboratory system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A test room system, characterized in that the air conditioning unit (12) is equipped with a temperature control device.

5. 5. The test laboratory system of claim 4, The test chamber system, characterized in that the temperature control device is configured to set the temperature in the temperature range of -70°C to +180°C, preferably in the temperature range of -55°C to +150°C.

6. 6. The test laboratory system according to claim 4 or 5, The test chamber system, wherein the temperature control device comprises a cooling device having a cooling circuit including a refrigerant, a heat exchanger, a compressor, a condenser, and an expansion element.

7. 7. The test laboratory system according to claim 4, 11. A test chamber system, comprising: a temperature control device having a heating device including a heater and a further heat exchanger.

8. 3. The test laboratory system according to claim 1, A test chamber system, characterized in that the air conditioning unit (61) is a heating device, in particular a convection heating device or a hot air gun.

9. 9. The test laboratory system according to claim 1 , A test room system, characterized in that the air conditioning unit (12, 61) has a control device for controlling and / or regulating the temperature.

10. 10. The test laboratory system according to claim 1, 1. A test chamber system comprising: a pressure relief device (17, 34) having at least one pressure relief flap (21), preferably four pressure relief flaps, which closes off the test space (16, 36) from the ambient environment (30) when the pressure relief device is closed, and which leaves the test space (16, 36) open when the pressure relief device is open.

11. 11. The test laboratory system of claim 10, 2. A test chamber system, comprising: a pressure relief device (17, 34) having a support frame (24) on which the pressure relief flap (21) rests in the closed state.

12. 12. The test laboratory system of claim 11, 2. A test chamber system, comprising: a pressure relief device (17, 34) having a heater (25) for heating the pressure relief flap (21) and / or the support frame (24).

13. 13. The test laboratory system according to any one of claims 10 to 12, A test chamber system, characterized in that the pressure relief flap (21) has a triangular cross section.

14. A test laboratory system according to any one of claims 10 to 13, 2. A test chamber system, characterized in that the pressure relief flap (21) is made of a fiber composite material.

15. A test laboratory system according to any one of claims 10 to 13, 2. A test chamber system, characterized in that the pressure relief flap (21) is made of a strip material of spring steel.

16. 16. The test laboratory system according to claim 10, The test chamber system, wherein the pressure relief device (17, 34) comprises a frame (20).

17. 17. The test laboratory system of claim 16, A test chamber system, characterized in that the pressure relief flap (21) is attached to the frame (20) by at least one hinge (22) having an oblong hole (23).

18. 18. The test laboratory system according to any one of claims 10 to 17, A test chamber system, characterized in that the pressure relief device (17, 34) comprises a damper (26).

19. 20. The test laboratory system of claim 18, The damper (26) comprises a baffle plate (27) for stopping the pressure relief flap (21) in an open state, and a damper element (28) for damping the baffle plate.

20. 20. The test laboratory system of claim 19, The test chamber system, characterized in that the damper element (28) is a hydraulic damper, a gas pressure damper or a spring damper.

21. 21. The test laboratory system according to any one of claims 10 to 20, 2. A test chamber system, comprising: a pressure relief device (17, 34) having a retaining member for holding the pressure relief flap (21) in an open position.

22. 22. The test laboratory system according to any one of claims 1 to 21, 10. A test chamber system, characterized in that the test chamber (11, 33, 53, 60) comprises a preferably hydraulically actuated penetration device (40, 54) for penetrating the test body (58).

23. 23. The test laboratory system of claim 22, 10. A test chamber system, comprising: a test specimen (58) having a test piece (58) and a test piece (58) for test on said test piece (58) and a test piece (58) for test on said test piece (58).

24. 1. A method for relieving pressure in a test chamber (11, 33, 53, 60) of a test chamber system (10, 59) using a test chamber pressure relief device (17, 34), comprising: A method for receiving a test object (58), in particular a battery, in a test space (16, 36) of the test chamber, in which the test object is subjected to a test, in particular a severe test, in the test space, causing a preferably intense pressure increase in the test space, the pressure relief device relieving the pressure increase in the test space, and an air conditioning unit (12, 61) of a test chamber system for air conditioning being connected to the test chamber such that the air conditioning unit air-conditions the test chamber.

25. 25. The method of claim 24, 13. The method of claim 12, wherein at least one pressure relief flap (21), preferably four pressure relief flaps (21) of the pressure relief device (17, 34) move, upon pressure increase, from a closed state of the pressure relief device, in which the pressure relief flap closes the test space from the ambient environment (30), to an open state of the pressure relief device, in which the pressure relief flap opens the test space to the ambient environment, thereby relieving pressure in the test space (16, 36).

26. 26. The method of claim 24 or 25, The method according to claim 1, wherein the pressure relief device (17, 34) is not destroyed during testing.

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