Patent Description:
Increasing electrification, especially in the automotive industry, is visibly shifting the focus in the corresponding research and development. Particular attention has recently been paid to the development of new batteries and battery technologies, especially with regard to power density, materials, and range. The behavior of battery cells or batteries in the event of traffic accidents or other physical impacts on the battery is also an area that still requires extensive research in the development of modern electrified and battery-powered vehicles. For the occupants of a passenger car and for the rescue forces, the risks in the event of an accident must be reduced. To this end, there is a need for testing facilities to test the battery for possible design-related hazards during development or to analyze the behavior of the battery in different situations and improve the battery if necessary. In particular, the effects of mechanical impacts on the battery in different constellations, which can occur in an accident, for example, need to be investigated. Existing test procedures include the complete or partial destruction of the battery, also under electrical voltage. For this purpose, elaborate test apparatus may be necessary, for example to protect the test equipment from explosions, fire ignition or other emissions that may result from testing the battery.

Complex and time-consuming test procedures make the development of the battery more expensive. Often, many different test runs of the battery at different electrical settings are necessary, for example at different states of charge. But also the temperature and in particular the way of mechanical impact on the battery or battery cells have an influence on the test results.

<CIT> discloses a battery impact testing system according to the preamble of claim <NUM>.

Therefore, there is a fundamental need for test apparatuses and test setups that allow fast, flexible testing of batteries and that further develop and improve existing test rigs for batteries, also with a view to reducing costs in the development of batteries and/or quality and safety checks.

According to a first aspect, an actuator device for battery testing is provided. The actuator device comprises a housing comprising a rack and at least one protective panel which is mounted on the rack through attachment means, and at least one impact device which is configured to impact a battery and which is attached to the housing, wherein at least one protective panel of the at least one protective panel is an impact device protective panel comprising an opening through which an impact member of the impact device is passed towards the battery, characterized in that, the impact device can be attached to the housing on a side of a first side and a second side of the impact device protective panel which faces away from the battery.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a support frame. The support frame is configured to fix a battery, wherein an actuator device in accordance with the techniques of the first aspect or its embodiments is attached to the support frame through connecting means such that the battery can be impacted from one or more directions.

An effect of the technique of the present specification is to provide an actuator device for battery testing that may result in various advantages.

One particular advantage may be that the actuator device may allow flexible and cost-efficient battery testing. The flexibility in mounting the impact device on various sides of the housing allows the battery to be tested from different directions and with different angles of impact on the battery. Furthermore, the impact device can be mounted from one side to another during a test procedure without having to release the battery from a fixation, for example. Another advantage is that more than one impact devices can be mounted to the housing at the same time and tests can be carried out from several directions at the same time or one after the other without having to interchange the impact device between different test runs. This also provides an advantage in terms of increased safety during battery testing. By eliminating the need for conversions of the actuator device during a battery test, a test expert, for example, may not need to approach or make conversions to the actuator device until the test is complete. In addition to the safety aspect, the time required for a complete battery test can be reduced because no conversions are necessary between the individual test runs if, for example, all the necessary impact devices can already be attached to the housing at the start of the test.

Due to the flexible design and the possibility to test batteries of different dimensions, for example by using height-adjustable fixing devices or the support frame, which also allows testing of larger battery units, the techniques disclosed herein can make battery testing more cost-efficient. For example, the actuator device and support frame can be used to test and analyze individual battery cells, battery modules, or battery packs for mechanical impact, such as nail and crush penetration. The compact design of the actuator device also allows flexible use in climatic chambers or blast boxes.

The protective panels may protect the impact device from the consequences of the battery test. Furthermore, a flexible number of protective panels can be attached to the rack so that, if necessary, the battery can be shielded inside or parts of the test assembly may be protected from the battery in case of explosion, fire, or emission of other parts or gases during a mechanical impact test. Protecting test components and/or the impact device may lead to their reusability and thus may reduce battery testing costs.

Further embodiments of the techniques disclosed herein allow automation of battery testing when, for example, a larger number of batteries need to be tested, for example by using an automatic feeding device.

Other characteristics will be apparent from the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this disclosure. The drawings are intended to further explain the present disclosure and to enable a person skilled in the art to practice it. However, the drawings are intended as non-limiting examples. Common reference numerals on different figures indicate like or similar features.

The drawings referred to in this description are not to be understood as being drawn to scale except if specifically noted, and such drawings are only exemplary in nature.

An embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described here below.

The term "comprises", comprising, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, structure or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or structure or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by "comprises. a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.

For better understanding of this invention, reference would now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying Figures and description here below, further, in the following Figures, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same components in various views.

References throughout the preceding specification to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", "one example" or "an example", "one aspect" or "an aspect" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment", "in an embodiment", "one example" or "an example", "one aspect" or "an aspect" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or example.

Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable combinations and/or sub-combinations in one or more embodiments or examples.

<FIG> schematically illustrates an example of an actuator device <NUM> with at least one impact device <NUM> attached to a first side or a second side of the housing <NUM> in an exploded view.

According to the first aspect, the actuator device comprises a housing <NUM> comprising a rack <NUM> and at least one protective panel <NUM> which is mounted on the rack <NUM> through attachment means, and at least one impact device <NUM> which is configured to impact a battery <NUM> and which is attached to the housing <NUM>, wherein at least one protective panel of the at least one protective panel <NUM> is an impact device protective panel 130a comprising an opening <NUM> through which an impact member <NUM> of the impact device <NUM> is passed towards the battery <NUM>, characterized in that, the impact device <NUM> can be attached to the housing <NUM> on a side of a first side and a second side of the impact device protective panel 130a which faces away from the battery <NUM>. In an example, the rack <NUM> may form a cuboid with sides of different lengths or a cube with sides of the same length. In another example, the rack <NUM> may form a prismatic shape with sides of different lengths. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the rack <NUM> may have feet <NUM> such that there is a spacing between the rack <NUM> and a floor. In an example, the feet <NUM> may be adjustable in height. In an example, the feet <NUM> may comprise threaded shafts, and may be adjustable in height, for example, by rotation. In an example, the feet <NUM> may include an adherent surface facing towards floor or a platform, to prevent the actuator device <NUM> from sliding. In an example, the rack <NUM> may be constructed from a plurality of trusses. In an example, the plurality of trusses may be bolted together to form the rack <NUM>. In an example, the plurality of trusses may be welded together to form the rack <NUM>. In an example, the at least one protective panel <NUM> may be a sheet having a thickness in a range from <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, or more. For example, one or more side lengths of the rack <NUM> may be in a range from <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, or more. For example, different sides of the rack <NUM> may have different lengths according to the aforementioned ranges.

In an embodiment, the attachment means may comprise screw and female thread joints comprising a plurality of internal threads in the rack <NUM>, holes in the at least one protective panel <NUM>, and screws configured to fix the at least one protective panel <NUM> on the rack <NUM>, or wherein the attachment means comprises bolt and nut joints comprising threaded bolts on the rack <NUM>, holes in the at least one protective panel <NUM>, and nuts configured to fix the at least one protective panel <NUM> on the rack <NUM>, or wherein the attachment means comprises bolt and nut joints comprising holes in the rack <NUM>, threaded bolts on the at least one protective panel <NUM>, and nuts configured to fix the at least one protective panels <NUM> on the rack <NUM>, or wherein the attachment means comprises screw and nut joints comprising holes in the rack <NUM>, holes in the at least one protective panel <NUM>, and screws and nuts configured to fix the at least one protective panels <NUM> on the rack <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically illustrates an example of an actuator device with at least one impact device attached to a first side <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

In an example and as shown in <FIG>, the attachment means such as threaded holes and/or bolts may also be provided on a side of the rack <NUM> to which the at least one protective panel <NUM> is not attached to provide the ability to attach the at least one protective panel <NUM> to a side other than the first outer side <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. This may be advantageous to mount the impact device <NUM> to a different side of the housing <NUM> during battery testing. For example, the impact device protective panel 130a or 130b as shown in <FIG> may include attachment means, such as threaded holes, through holes, and/or bolts (not shown), to allow the impact device <NUM> to be attached to impact device protective panel 130a or 130b. In this regard, the impact device protective panel 130a or 130b is configured to allow the impact device <NUM> to be attached to both surfaces/sides of the at least one protective panel <NUM>. In an example and as shown in <FIG>, the impact device <NUM> may be attached to the first outer side <NUM> of the housing <NUM> when, for example, the battery <NUM> is arranged inside the rack <NUM>. The impact device protective panel may be arranged between the impact device <NUM> and the first outer side <NUM> of the housing <NUM> (not shown in <FIG>) For example, in a case where the battery <NUM> is arranged inside the rack <NUM>, the impact may be performed by the impact device <NUM> from the outside to the inside, towards the battery <NUM>. In an example, the impact device <NUM> may be attached to a first inner side of the housing <NUM> such that the impact device <NUM> is arranged inside the rack <NUM> (not shown). For example, in a case where the battery <NUM> is arranged outside of the rack <NUM>, an impact may be performed by the impact device <NUM> from the inside to the outside, that is, in a direction away from the rack <NUM>. In an example, the impact device protective panel 130a or 130b may be configured to allow the impact device <NUM> to be mechanically connected to the rack <NUM>, such as by a threaded connection. In an example, the impact device protective panel 130a or 130b may include through holes for screws or bolts to mechanically couple the impact device <NUM> to the rack <NUM>. In an example, the through holes may be arranged around the opening <NUM>. For example, the at least one protective panel <NUM> and/or the attachment means may be configured to be mounted to the rack <NUM> with an inner side facing outward, or to be mounted to the rack <NUM> with an inner side facing inward.

In general, the at least one protective panel <NUM> may be configured to protect the at least one impact device <NUM> in the case of a fire, an explosion, and/or emissions emitted by the battery <NUM> during testing. This may be advantageous in view of the reusability and protection of further testing equipment and the impact device <NUM> which may be affected by side effects of the battery test.

In an embodiment, the housing <NUM> may comprise at least two protective panels <NUM>, wherein the at least two protective panels <NUM> are configured to be mounted to various sides of the housing <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a case where multiple protective panels are attached to the rack <NUM>. For example, one of the at least two protective panels may be an impact device protective panel 130a to which the impact device <NUM> is attached. In this case, the impact device protective panel may protect the impact device <NUM> from side effects of the battery test such as explosion, and the remaining second protective panel 130c of the at least two protective panels <NUM> may protect, for example, other test components and/or persons from side effects of the battery test. In an example, the protective panel 130c of the at least two protective panels <NUM> that is not an impact device protective panel may not have an opening <NUM> but a closed surface. As mentioned above, the at least two protective panels <NUM> and/or the attachment means may be configured to allow the at least two protective panels <NUM> to be attached on different sides of the housing <NUM>. This may be advantageous, for example, in order to be able to perform a plurality of different test runs. For example, in a first case, a first protective panel of the at least two protective panels <NUM> may be attached to a first side of the housing <NUM> and a second protective panel of the at least two protective panels <NUM> may be attached to a second side of the housing <NUM>. In a second case, the first protective panel may be attached to the former position of the second protective panel and the second protective panel may be attached to the former position of the first protective panel. In an example, the at least two protective panels <NUM> may be interchanged with each other.

In an embodiment, the housing <NUM> may comprise at least two protective panels <NUM>, wherein at least two of the at least two protective panels <NUM> are impact device protective panels 130a, 130b and wherein the at least one impact device <NUM> can be interchangeably attached to the first protective panel 130a or the second protective panel 130b. <FIG> shows exemplary two possibilities for attaching the impact device <NUM> to the first protective panel 130a or the second protective panel 130b. For example, the opening <NUM> of the first protective panel 130a may be closed with a closure element, e.g., a plug, when the impact device <NUM> is attached to the second protective panel 130b. For example, the impact device <NUM> may be attached to the first protective panel 130a in a first test run and attached to the second protective panel 130b in a second test run, for example to perform an impact on the battery <NUM> from different directions. As explained above, the protective panels 130a, 130b can be attached to various sides of the housing <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically illustrates an example of an actuator device <NUM> with at least two impact devices 140a, 140b attached to various sides of the housing <NUM>. In an example, multiple impact devices <NUM>, but at least two impact devices 140a, 14b may be attached to various sides of the housing <NUM>. For example, two or more impact devices <NUM> may be advantageous when, for example, two or more test runs are performed in succession, or simultaneously, without requiring modification of the actuator device <NUM>. <FIG> is an exemplary illustration of an actuator device <NUM> without a protective panel <NUM> for ease of illustration. In an example, the impact device 140a and/or the impact device 140b may be mounted directly to the rack <NUM> with at least two impact device protective panels (not shown) disposed between each of the impact devices 140a, 140b and the corresponding side of the housing <NUM>. For example, through holes in the protective panels <NUM> may allow the impact devices 140a, 140b to be mounted directly to the rack <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the position of the bolts, holes or internal threads of the rack <NUM> matches the position of the holes or bolts of the least two protective panels <NUM> such that each of the at least two protective panels can be mounted on the rack <NUM> in place of another protective panel of the at least two protective panels. In an example, the first protective panel 130a can be mounted in place of the second protective panel 130b and vice versa. This embodiment may have the advantage that any protective panel may be attached to any side of the rack <NUM>. This may have the advantage that an impact on the battery <NUM> may be performed, for example, from different directions. This means that the attachment means are designed to allow each of the at least two protective panels to be mounted on the rack <NUM> in place of another protective panel of the at least two protective panels <NUM>. This allows flexibility to attach different protective panels 130a, 130b to different sides of the housing <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the rack <NUM> and/or the at least two protective panels <NUM> may further comprise positioning means such as holes in the rack <NUM> and bolts at the at least two protective panels or vice versa, wherein the positioning means are configured to position the at least two protective panels <NUM> on the rack <NUM> such that an outer circumferential surface of the housing <NUM> is at least partially closed. For example, when mounting the at least two protective panels <NUM>, the position means may serve to position the at least two protective panels <NUM> such that, for example, a gap between the first protective panel 130a and the second protective panel 130b of the at least two protective panels <NUM> may be reduced. In an example, the actuator device <NUM> may include at least three protective panels, at least four protective panels, at least five protective panels, or at least six protective panels. In an example, each or a part of the protective panels <NUM> may be positioned using the positioning means to, for example, substantially close a portion of the circumferential surface of the housing <NUM>. This may be advantageous, for example, to keep gases or emissions leaking from the battery <NUM> inside the housing <NUM> and away from test equipment, people, and/or the impact device <NUM> during the battery test.

In an embodiment, the at least two protective panels <NUM> may have the same external dimensions. In an example, the housing <NUM> may have a plurality of equally sized sides such that the at least two protective panels <NUM> may be attached to any of the plurality of equally sized sides of the housing <NUM>. For example, it may be advantageous that the at least two protective panels may have the same dimensions, and thus can be interchanged with each other. For example, the at least two protective panels <NUM> may be impact device protective panels, such that having the same external dimension allows the impact device to be attached to various sides of the housing <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

In an embodiment one panel of the at least two protective panels <NUM> may form a fixation panel <NUM>. The actuator device <NUM> further comprises a fixation device optionally attached to the fixation panel <NUM> and configured to at least fix the battery <NUM> inside the housing <NUM>. Returning to <FIG>, the fixation panel <NUM> may be a bottom panel of the actuator device <NUM>. In an example, the fixation device may be arranged on the bottom panel fixating the battery <NUM> for testing. In an example, the fixation device may be mounted on the rack <NUM> optionally without contacting any protective panel <NUM>. In an example, the fixation panel <NUM> may be attached to any other side of the rack <NUM> of the actuator device <NUM>. In an example, the fixation device may be adjustable at least in a first direction z perpendicular to the fixation panel <NUM>, in a second direction x parallel to the fixation panel <NUM>, and/or in a third direction y parallel to the fixation panel <NUM> and perpendicular to the second direction x. For example, the fixation device may be designed in the form of a chuck. For example, the fixation device may be manually or automatically adjustable in the first direction, the second direction and/or the third direction by means of rails and clamps or by means of threaded rods and internal threads.

In an embodiment, one panel of the at least two protective panels <NUM> may form a fixation panel <NUM>, and wherein the impact device <NUM> may be attached to a first outer side <NUM> of the housing <NUM> opposite the fixation panel <NUM>, and wherein the impact on the battery <NUM> may be performed in a first direction z perpendicular to the fixation panel <NUM>. <FIG> shows an exemplary arrangement of the impact device <NUM> opposite the fixation panel <NUM>. The protective panel which is not the fixation panel may form the impact device protective panel (not shown) to which the impact device <NUM> may be attached. As already mentioned above, the impact device <NUM> may be directly mechanically coupled to the rack <NUM>, wherein the impact device protective panel may be inbetween the impact device <NUM> and the rack <NUM> and may allow the impact device <NUM> to be mechanically coupled to the rack <NUM>. This may be advantageous to increase mechanical stability during battery testing.

<FIG> shows another arrangement of the impact device <NUM> which may be an alternative to the arrangement of <FIG> or may be in addition to the arrangement of <FIG>.

In an embodiment, and as exemplarily shown in <FIG>, one panel of the plurality of protective panels may form a fixation panel <NUM> and wherein the impact device <NUM> may be attached to a second outer side <NUM> of the housing <NUM> that is perpendicular to the fixation panel <NUM> and wherein the impact on the battery <NUM> is performed in a second direction x parallel to the fixation panel <NUM>. The second direction x may be perpendicular to the first direction z. The fixation panel <NUM> of <FIG> may be the same fixation panel <NUM> of <FIG>. In an example, the fixation panel <NUM> may serve as an area where to put the battery for testing, wherein the fixation device configured to at least fix the battery may be optionally attached to the fixation panel <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the impact device <NUM> may be attached to a third outer side of the housing <NUM> that is perpendicular to the second outer side <NUM> and the fixation panel <NUM> and wherein the impact on the battery <NUM> is performed in a third direction parallel to the fixation panel <NUM> and perpendicular to the second direction x parallel to the fixation panel <NUM>. This may be advantageous to allow the battery <NUM> to be tested from various directions, e.g., at least from the first direction z, the second direction x, and/or the third direction y. In an example, the impact device <NUM> may be sequentially attached to the first side, the second side, and/or the third side of the housing <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the actuator device <NUM> may comprise at least two impact devices <NUM>, wherein each of the at least two impact devices <NUM> may be attached to a side of the first outer side, the second outer side, or the third outer side of the housing <NUM> to which the other impact device is not attached. This may result in the advantage that, for example, the battery <NUM> can be tested simultaneously from at least two directions, or can be tested sequentially from at least two directions, without requiring modification of the actuation device <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the actuator device <NUM> may comprise at least three impact devices <NUM>, wherein each of the at least three impact devices <NUM> may be attached to the side of the first outer side, the second outer side, or the third outer side of the housing <NUM> to which none of the other two impact devices of the at least three impact devices is attached. This may result in the advantage that, for example, the battery <NUM> can be tested simultaneously from at least three directions, or can be tested sequentially from at least three directions, without requiring modification of the actuation device <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the at least one impact device <NUM> may comprise a linear actuator, such as an electrical linear motor or a pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, a captive bolt gun, a shot apparatus, or a retensioning device. In an example, the impact device <NUM> may be configured to perform a linear movement to impact the battery <NUM>. In an example, the actuation device <NUM> may comprise a control unit that provides, for example, an electrical drive signal or a trigger signal to the impact device <NUM>. In an example, the actuation device <NUM> may further comprise a computer system. In an example, the computer system may comprise a communication interface that receives, for example, data to start the battery test. In an example, the actuation device <NUM> may be connected to a remotely located computer system via electrical lines, wherein the remotely located computer system may be configured to provide a drive signal or a trigger signal to the impact device <NUM>. In an example, a pneumatic air supply system may be provided to provide necessary compressed air to a pneumatic cylinder forming the impact device <NUM>. In the case of hydraulics, an oil pump may be provided that provides necessary pressurized hydraulic oil, for example via hoses, to the impact device <NUM> to perform linear motion. In the case of a shot apparatus, a remote ignition may be provided that may be triggered, for example, via a radio link. This may be advantageous to protect persons from side effects of the battery test.

In an embodiment, the impact member <NUM> may comprise an end section comprising a nail, a needle, a bolt, or a projectile, or spherical or prismatic ball, configured to impact the battery. Returning to <FIG>, a needle exemplarily forms the end section of the impact member <NUM>. In an example, impacting the battery <NUM> may comprise penetrating the battery. In an example, a needle forming the end section of the impact member <NUM> may be advantageous to perform penetration of the battery <NUM>. In an example, the impact member <NUM> may be configured to apply pressure to a side surface of the battery <NUM> without penetrating an outer surface of the battery <NUM>. In an example, deformation of the battery <NUM> may occur. In an example, the impact member <NUM> may have a flat surface that contacts an outer surface of the battery <NUM>. In an example, the impact member <NUM> may include a bolt that optionally penetrates the battery <NUM> through the outer surface of the battery <NUM> during a test. In an example, the impact member <NUM> may comprise a shaft and/or an adaptor <NUM> configured to mechanically couple the end section to the impact device <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the actuator device <NUM> may further comprise the battery <NUM> to be tested, wherein the battery <NUM> may be at least one of a battery cell, a battery module, or a battery pack, and wherein the battery <NUM> may be arranged inside or outside the housing <NUM>, wherein the at least one impact device <NUM> may be inside the housing <NUM> in case the battery <NUM> is arranged outside the housing <NUM> and wherein the at least one impact device <NUM> may be outside the housing <NUM> when the battery <NUM> is arranged inside the housing. As mentioned above, and exemplarily shown in <FIG>, the impact device <NUM> is attached to the housing <NUM> on a side of the first side and the second side of the protective panel <NUM> serving as impact device protective panel which faces away from the battery <NUM>. The impact device <NUM> may be attached to the housing <NUM> inside or outside the housing <NUM> depending on the arrangement of the battery <NUM>. The impact device <NUM> may be attached to the housing <NUM> such that the impact device <NUM> may perform impacting the battery <NUM> either outwardly, that is, away from the actuation device <NUM>, or inwardly, depending on the arrangement of the battery <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically illustrates an example of an actuator device <NUM> with an automatic feeding device <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the actuation device <NUM> may further comprise an automatic feeding device <NUM>, configured to sequentially insert a plurality of batteries <NUM> into the interior of the housing <NUM> of the actuator device <NUM>, and to allow the plurality of batteries <NUM> to be tested by the impact device <NUM>. For example, a plurality of batteries may be tested sequentially in the form of series tests. In an example, a test of one battery of a plurality of batteries may be performed randomly. For example, the automatic feeding device <NUM> may comprise position sensors so that, for example, one battery at a time may be automatically positioned in the actuation device <NUM> to be tested. In an example, the position sensors may comprise light sensors, inductive sensors, capacitive sensors, or magnetic sensors, but are not limited to said sensors. In an example, the automatic feeding device <NUM> comprises a conveyor belt inserting the plurality of batteries in a first feeding direction y, wherein the first feeding direction y forms a predetermined angle with a direction z in which the impact may be performed. In an example, the predetermined angle is about <NUM>°, or in a range from <NUM>° to <NUM>°, or from <NUM> ° to <NUM>°. In an example, the impact may be performed perpendicular to the feeding direction y. In an example, the automatic feeding device may be connected to the computer system. The computer system may be configured to provide driving signals and/or control signals to the automatic feeding device. For example, the automatic feeding device <NUM> may have a timing that allows a feeding to be paused for a predetermined period of time to allow a battery of the plurality of batteries to be tested by the actuation device <NUM>. In an example, the feeding of the plurality of batteries may be performed using a robotic arm or an automatic feeding table. The automatic feeding may be advantageous to test a plurality of batteries in a cost-effective manner and/or with reduced amount of time.

In an embodiment, the material of the rack <NUM> and/or the protective panel <NUM> may comprise stainless steel. In an example, the material of the rack <NUM> and/or the protective panel <NUM> may comprise steel, galvanized steel, painted steel, aluminum, or a combination thereof. In an example, the rack <NUM> may be a weld assembly. In general, the housing may be configured to protect the impact device <NUM>, further test equipment, and/or persons involved in testing from side effects of the battery testing, such as explosion, fire, emissions from the battery, and/or hazards related to electrical voltage or current.

In an example, the actuator device <NUM> may comprise a temperature sensor located inside the housing <NUM> and configured to measure environmental temperature inside the housing <NUM> during testing. In an example, the actuator device <NUM> may comprise a temperature sensor located inside the battery <NUM> or attached to the battery <NUM>. For example, measuring the temperature may be advantageous, for example to determine room temperature for starting the battery test and/or to record the temperature profile of the battery and/or the environment during the testing procedure. For example, the temperature sensor may be connected to an evaluation unit and/or the computer system to record the signal from the temperature sensor and/or provide it visually to a user, for example. In an example, the temperature sensor inside the housing <NUM> and/or the temperature sensor inside the battery <NUM> or at the battery <NUM> may be one of a thermocouple, a thermistor, a resistance temperature sensor, or an infrared sensor, or a combination thereof. In an example, the temperature sensor may be attached to a positive tab of the battery <NUM>, to a negative tab of the battery <NUM>, and/or the surface of the battery <NUM>. In an example, a plurality of temperature sensors may be attached to the battery. In an example, the temperature sensor may be located at <NUM>/<NUM> of the battery length, at one-half of the battery length, and/or at <NUM>/<NUM> of the battery length.

In an example, the actuation device <NUM> may further comprise a pressure sensor or a load cell located inside the housing (<NUM>). In an example the pressure sensor may be connected to the computer system. For example, the pressure sensor and/or load cell may be used to record the pressure profile during the test procedure, for example by means of the computer system. In an example, the pressure curve can be visually displayed to the user.

In an example, the impact device may be configured to apply a force in a range from <NUM> kN to <NUM>,<NUM> kN to impact the battery <NUM>. In an example, the force may serve to penetrate the battery <NUM>, or apply pressure to the outer surface of the battery <NUM>. In an example, the force applied may be dependent on the impact member <NUM> and/or the end section. In an example, the impact member <NUM> may have a velocity in a range from <NUM>,<NUM>/s to <NUM>/s when impacting the battery <NUM>. In an example, the velocity may remain constant over the distance that the impact member <NUM> covers to the outer surface of the battery <NUM>. In an example, the velocity may increase or decrease over the distance that the impact member <NUM> covers to the battery <NUM>. For example, in a case when the battery is penetrated, the velocity of the impact member <NUM> may decrease starting from the point the impact member <NUM> enters the battery. In an example, the velocity of the impact member <NUM> may remain constant after entering the battery <NUM>, or may maintain the velocity that the impact member <NUM> has at the point when entering the battery <NUM>. In an example, the impact device 140b may be configured to penetrate the battery <NUM> and wherein the penetration depth of the impact member is in a range from <NUM> to <NUM> when penetrating the battery <NUM>. In an example, for penetrating the battery <NUM> the impact member <NUM> may comprise a needle or a nail as an end section.

In an embodiment, the housing <NUM> may comprise at least three protective panels interchangeably mounted on the rack, at least four protective panels interchangeably mounted on the rack <NUM>, at least five protective panels interchangeably mounted on the rack <NUM>, or at least six protective panels interchangeably mounted on the rack <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates the exemplary case where at least six protective panels may be mounted to the rack <NUM>, wherein two protective panels 130a, 130b of the at least six protective panels <NUM> may be impact device protective panels. In an example, the housing <NUM> may be (nearly) completely enclosed through the protective panels. In an example, only a portion of the sides of the racks <NUM> may be closed with protective panels <NUM>. In an example, the at least three protective panels, at least four protective panels, at least five protective panels, or at least six protective panels may be interchangeable with each other and/or each may be mounted on different sides of the rack <NUM>. For example, different numbers of the at least three protective panels, at least four protective panels, at least five protective panels, or at least six protective panels may be impact device protective panels, meaning that a plurality of impact devices <NUM> may be attached to each protective panel that is an impact device protective panel. As mentioned above, each opening <NUM> of an impact device protective panel may be closed in the case no impact device <NUM> is attached to the respective impact device protective panel.

The following description refers to <FIG>.

According to a second aspect, the support frame <NUM> may be configured to fix a battery <NUM>, wherein an actuator device <NUM> in accordance with the techniques and embodiments of the first aspect may be attached to the support frame <NUM> through connecting means such that the battery <NUM> can be impacted from one or more directions. The support frame may serve to test a battery pack. In an example, a battery pack may comprise a plurality of single battery cells, prismatic pouch, or cylindrical. The support frame <NUM> may be advantageous to test a battery <NUM>, a battery cell, a battery pack, or a battery stack whose outer dimensions exceed those suitable to be tested inside the housing of the actuator device <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically illustrates an example of the support frame <NUM> with the actuator device <NUM> attached to the support frame <NUM> at a first side.

In an embodiment, the actuator device <NUM> may be attached to the support frame <NUM> at the first side such that the impact device <NUM> impacts the battery from a first direction z.

<FIG> schematically illustrates an example of the support frame <NUM> with the actuator device <NUM> attached to the support frame <NUM> at a second side.

In an embodiment, the actuator device <NUM> may be attached to the support frame <NUM> at a second side such that the impact device <NUM> impacts the battery <NUM> from a second direction x perpendicular to the first direction z. In an example, the impact device <NUM> may be mounted inside the housing <NUM>, or on a side of the impact device protective panel facing away from the battery <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically illustrates an example of a support frame <NUM> with an actuator device <NUM> attached to the support frame <NUM> at a third side.

In an embodiment, the actuator device <NUM> may be attached to the support frame <NUM> at a third side such that the impact device <NUM> impacts the battery <NUM> from a third direction y perpendicular to the first direction z and the second direction x. Generally, the actuator device <NUM> may be attached to the first side, the second side, or the third side of the support frame <NUM> such that the impact device <NUM> is arranged inside the actuator device <NUM>. In an example, the impact is performed outwardly, that is, away from the actuator device <NUM> towards the battery <NUM> arranged inside the support frame <NUM>. Arranging the impact device <NUM> inside the actuator device <NUM> may serve to protect the impact device <NUM> during testing of the battery <NUM>. In an example, the connecting means may comprise screws and nuts joints, screw and female thread joints, or a locking mechanism.

<FIG> schematically illustrates an example of the support frame <NUM> comprising one or more protective transparent panels <NUM> and one or more cameras <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the support frame <NUM> may comprise one or more cameras <NUM> configured to record the battery testing. In an example, it may be advantageous to record the battery testing for subsequent analysis. In an example, the one or more cameras <NUM> may comprise thermal imaging cameras. The thermal imaging cameras may be configured to locate locations on the battery where temperature rises during battery testing. In an example, the one or more cameras <NUM> may be connected to the computer system. In an example, the computer system may include a memory on which the recording is stored. In an example, the one or more cameras <NUM> may include its own memory or a memory card.

In an embodiment, the support frame <NUM> may comprise a support assembly <NUM> adjustable in the first direction z, the second direction x, the third direction y, and/or a predetermined rotating angle, and configured to allow the impact device <NUM> of the actuator device <NUM> to impact the battery <NUM> from one or more directions. In an example, the battery <NUM> may be supported by the support assembly <NUM>. For example, the support assembly <NUM> may comprise cross members on which the battery may be positioned. In an example, the cross members may be adjustable in height via a screw clamp running vertically in an elongated hole. In an example, the support assembly <NUM> may also be horizontally adjustable by means of rails on the support frame <NUM>. In an example, the support assembly may also have rails that are inclined at a predetermined rotating angle to the first direction z, the second direction x, and/or the third direction y along which the impact is performed.

In an example, the support assembly <NUM> may be configured to fix the battery <NUM> during testing. Fixing of the battery <NUM> may be achieved by means of a clamp or chuck. In an example, a screw thread may be used to apply a clamping force to the battery <NUM> to fix the battery in the support assembly <NUM>. The fixing may be used to build up a counterforce when the impact device <NUM> impacts the battery <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the support frame <NUM> may further comprise one or more protective transparent panels <NUM> configured to protect the one or more cameras <NUM> during testing of the battery. <FIG> shows exemplary one or more protective transparent panels <NUM> arranged between the one or more cameras <NUM> and the actuation device <NUM> and/or the battery <NUM>. In an example, the material of the protective transparent panels <NUM> may comprise glass, polycarbonate, or polyvinyl chloride, or any other suitable transparent material. In an example, the one or more protective transparent panels <NUM> may be configured to protect further test equipment.

In an embodiment, the computer system may be configured to store test instructions and may be configured to provide driving signals to the support assembly <NUM> for adjusting in the first direction z, the second direction x, the third direction y, and/or the predetermined rotating angle, to receive signals from one or more detection sensors attached to the housing <NUM> configured to detect the at least one protective panel mounted on the rack, to provide driving signals to the impact device based on the test instructions, and to record the outcome of the battery test based on the output from at least one of the temperature sensor, the pressure sensor, or the one or more cameras <NUM>. In an example, the computer system may comprise at least one of a central processing unit (CPU) and a memory. The memory may comprise at least one of a randomaccess memory (RAM) or a read-only memory (ROM). The test instructions may be stored in the memory in the form of software code or a software-based instruction list. In an example, the support assembly <NUM> may be adjustable in the first direction z, the second direction x, the third direction y, and/or a predetermined rotating angle by means of an electrical drive configured to receive the driving signals provided by the computer system. The one or more detection sensors may comprise light sensors, inductive sensors, capacitive sensors, magnetic sensors, or a mechanical pushbutton switch, but are not limited to said sensors.

In order to summarize, the techniques provided herein may lead to the following advantages.

One particular advantage may be that the actuator device may allow flexible and cost-efficient battery testing. The flexibility in mounting the impact device on various sides of the housing allows the battery to be tested from different directions and with different angles of impact on the battery. Furthermore, the impact device can be mounted from one side to another during a test procedure without having to release the battery from a fixation, for example. Another advantage is that several impact devices can be mounted to the housing at the same time and tests can be carried out from several directions at the same time or one after the other without having to change the impact device between different test runs. This also provides an advantage in terms of increased safety during battery testing. By eliminating the need for conversions during a battery test, a test expert, for example, does not need to approach or make conversions to the actuator device until the test is complete. In addition to the safety aspect, the time required for a complete battery test can be reduced because no conversions are necessary between the individual test runs if, for example, all the necessary impact devices can already be attached to the housing at the start of the test.

Due to the flexible design and the possibility to test batteries of different dimensions, for example by using height-adjustable fixing devices or the support frame, which also allows testing of very large battery units, the techniques disclosed herein can make battery testing more cost-efficient. For example, the actuator device and support frame can be used to test and analyze individual battery cells, battery modules, or battery packs for mechanical impact, such as nail and crush penetration. The compact design of the actuator device also allows flexible use in climatic chambers or blast boxes.

The protective panels may protect the impact device from the consequences of the battery test. Furthermore, a flexible number of protective panels can be attached to the rack so that, if necessary, the battery can be shielded inside or parts of the test assembly may be protected from the battery in case of explosion, fire or emission of other parts or gases during a mechanical impact test. Protecting test components and/or the impact device may lead to their reusability and thus may reduce battery testing costs.

Claim 1:
An actuator device (<NUM>) for battery testing, comprising;
a housing (<NUM>) comprising
a rack (<NUM>) and
at least one protective panel (<NUM>) which is mounted on the rack (<NUM>) through attachment means; and
at least one impact device (<NUM>) which is configured to impact a battery (<NUM>) and which is attached to the housing (<NUM>), wherein at least one protective panel (<NUM>) of the at least one protective panel (<NUM>) is an impact device protective panel comprising an opening (<NUM>) through which an impact member (<NUM>) of the impact device (<NUM>) is passed towards the battery (<NUM>),
characterized in that,
the impact device (<NUM>) can be attached to the housing (<NUM>) on a side of a first side and a second side of the impact device protective panel (<NUM>) which faces away from the battery (<NUM>).