DE102013218716A1 - Testing device for electrical components - Google Patents

Abstract

A test apparatus (10) for testing the insulation resistance of a plurality of test pieces (20), the test apparatus comprising: at least one electrically conductive contact rail (12, 14) as a first test pole (42) for electrically and electrically contacting electrical terminals (24) Test specimens (20), connection means (30) for electrically connecting a respective housing (22) of a respective one of the specimen (20) to a second test pole (44), and an insulation tester (40) connected to and arranged for an insulation resistance measurement between the test poles (42, 44).

Description

The present invention relates to a test apparatus for testing the insulation resistance of a plurality of test pieces according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention is also directed to a test method for testing the insulation resistance of a plurality of test pieces according to the preamble of claim 6.

STATE OF THE ART

Electrical components, such as Sensors of lithium-ion (Li-Ion) batteries must be isolated from the housing in accordance with the relevant VDE regulations. To verify this, a voltage may be applied between the housing of the device and its contacts, e.g. 2.7 kV, and the existing insulation resistance can be measured. As part of the incoming goods inspection must be carried out on a large number of electrical components, this test by a person. This is particularly time consuming and therefore costly.

The publication DE 33 46 859 A1 For example, discloses a complex tester for automatic component inspection. The test apparatus is arranged to inspect various components for an electrical value to perform a target-actual comparison, for example, whether a chip is acceptable in the measured value or not.

The disadvantage is that the test apparatus is very complex and must be specially adapted for each component. Also, the device still requires a lot of time to be tested in large quantities in mass production. This can be improved by using several such test devices in parallel. But this means more capital investment, especially when a variety of components are to be tested.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Thus, at least one object of the present invention is to at least partially overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, it is an object of the invention to propose a test device or a test method for components with which large quantities of electrical components can be tested quickly, in particular simultaneously, and easily.

This object is achieved at least partially with the features of the test device according to the invention of the independent claim 1 and with the features of the test method according to the invention according to the independent claim 6. Further features and details of the invention will become apparent from the respective dependent claims, the description and the drawings. In this case, features and details that are described in connection with the test device according to the invention apply, of course, also in connection with the test method according to the invention and vice versa, so that with respect to the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention always reciprocal reference is or may be.

The core idea of the invention is to switch the electrical components to be tested, in particular sensors for lithium-ion batteries, in parallel in the test apparatus or the test method of the invention, so that for several components at the same time (meaning simultaneously) only one insulation test is performed must be performed. By parallel testing of several electrical components, the time required for the test is significantly reduced. In the present text, the term test specimen is used as a synonym for electrical component.

A first aspect of the invention relates to a test apparatus for testing the insulation resistance of a plurality of test pieces. For this purpose, the test apparatus has at least one electrically conductive contact rail as a first test pole for parallel and electrically conductive contacting electrical connections of the specimens, connecting means for electrically connecting a respective housing of a respective one of the specimen to a second Prüfpol, and an insulation tester which is connected to and arranged is for an insulation resistance measurement between the test poles, on.

A second aspect of the invention relates to a test method for testing the insulation resistance of a plurality of test pieces. For this purpose, the test method comprises the steps of: contacting the electrical connections of the test objects in a parallel and electrically conductive manner to form a first test pole, establishing respective electrical connections between the respective housing of the test objects to a second test pole, and measuring an insulation resistance between the test poles ,

The test device can ideally be equipped with clamping means which are set up in such a way that they allow the electrical connections of the test items to be pressed against the contact rail for electrical contacting. The clamping means can also be realized so that the contact rail is designed in the manner of a clamp with parallel opposing clamping surfaces, so that the electrical connections of the specimens can be clamped between the clamping surfaces.

The clamping means may be equipped with resilient elements to ensure that the electrical connections of the specimens are pressed with a predetermined force against the contact rail. For example, the clamping means may alternatively or additionally comprise a toggle lever or a spindle in the manner of a screw clamp in order to press the electrical connections of the test objects with the predetermined force against the contact rail. The predetermined contact pressure ensures that the electrical resistance of the transition from the terminals of the test specimens to the contact rail is as small as possible.

The connecting means for connecting the individual housing of the specimens to the second Prüfpol can be designed as cable connections which are electrically connected at one end to the second Prüfpol and at the other end, for example by means of a clamp, each with the housing of the specimens, in particular include, are connectable. The comprehensive connection ensures that the measurement of the insulation resistance between the respective housing of a device under test and its electrical connections is not falsified by poor contact between the housing and the second test pole.

The testing of the insulation resistance involves comparing whether the measured insulation resistance is in the range of a predetermined limit. If this is not the case, then each individual test object alone is measured in order to identify the faulty test object.

The predetermined limit value is determined as the quotient of the required insulation resistance between the electrical connections and the housing of one of the test objects and the number of test objects. This results from the parallel connection of the specific number of DUTs.

The invention is particularly suitable for use in the incoming goods inspection of series production of, for example, lithium-ion battery systems for use in hybrid and electric vehicles. The safety of such battery systems is one of the key factors in industrialization. It is therefore expected that measures to increase safety will be introduced in series at the earliest possible date.

EMBODIMENTS

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description in which, with reference to the drawings, embodiments of the invention are described in detail. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description may each be essential to the invention individually or in any desired combination. Functionally similar or identical components or components are partially provided with the same reference numerals. They show (schematically):

1 a side view of a test structure according to the invention;

2 a sectional view through the test structure of the invention 1 along the lines AA;

3 the basic sequence of a test method according to the invention;

4 schematic representations of the inventive clamping means with at least one resilient element; and

5 schematic representations of a further inventive clamping means with at least one spindle.

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth. It is understood, however, that embodiments of the invention may be used without these specific details. In other instances, well-known circuits, structures and methods are not shown in detail so as not to obscure the understanding of the present description.

1 a side view of a test device according to the invention 10 , wherein a representation of a clamping device, such as spindle, has been omitted; corresponding clamping forces are indicated by the arrows 1 and 2 illustrates

2 a sectional view through the test structure of the invention 1 along the lines AA.

The tester 10 for testing the insulation resistance of a large number of test items 20 has two contact rails 12 . 14 of which at least one with an electrically conductive layer 16 is provided. With the electrically conductive layer 16 can the electrical connections 24 the examinees 20 contacted in parallel and electrically conductive and with a first Prüfpol 42 get connected.

connecting means 30 for electrically connecting a respective housing 22 which serves as another electrical contact 22 serves, a respective one of the candidates 20 with a second test pole 44 are as cable connections 30 executed.

An insulation tester 40 is with the test poles 42 . 44 connected and set up to provide an insulation resistance between the test poles 42 . 44 to eat.

In the 1 to 3 not shown clamping means 11 at the contact rails 12 . 14 are each set up, the contact rails 12 . 14 against the electrical connections 24 the examinees 20 to press for an electrical contact. Alternatively, the two contact rails 12 . 14 in the manner of a clamp with parallel, opposing clamping surfaces 13 . 15 ( 1 ) for clamping the electrical connections 24 the examinees 20 between the clamping surfaces 13 . 15 be designed. The clamping means 11 can be resilient elements 11 , 3 have to the electrical connections 24 the examinees 20 with a predetermined force 1 . 2 against the at least one contact rail 12 . 14 or vice versa. In a particularly simple embodiment, the clamping means 11 as a toggle or spindle 11.4 be designed in the manner of a screw clamp to the electrical connections 24 the examinees 20 with a predetermined force 1 . 2 between the two contact rails 12 . 14 press or clamp.

The connecting means 30 are designed as cable connections that are at one end 34 with the second test pole 44 via a distributor 45 are connected. On the other end 32 are the cable connections each with a to the housing shape of the specimens 20 adapted clamp to connect with the housing 22 preferably include connectable.

In order to simulate the insulation resistance of a plurality of samples simultaneously, i. To be tested in parallel, the procedure according to the invention is as follows.

In a first step S1, the electrical connections 24 a certain number n of test pieces 20 in a parallel and electrically conductive manner by means of at least one electrically conductive contact rails 12 and or 14 contacted in parallel with a first Prüfpol 42 connect to. Ie electrical components, such as sensors, are called DUTs 20 into the tester 10 curious, on the at least one conductive contact rail 12 or 14 , on which or with the electrical contacts or connections 24 the components are clamped. By means of resilient elements 11.3 If necessary, an even better contact can be ensured. Such a clamp can eg by means of a toggle or a spindle 11.4 respectively. At least one of the contact rails 12 . 14 then forms the first test pole 42 for the insulation test.

Thereafter, in a second step S2 respective electrical connections 30 each from each of the housings 22 the examinees 20 via a distributor 45 to a second test pole 44 produced. That is, over the distributor 45 be the case 22 the examinees 20 , eg sensors, with the tester or insulation resistance meter 40 connected. The connection 30 can eg with terminals located on respective cables, comparable to the clamping means 11 from the 4 and 5 , Which take place at a second Prüfpol 44 located opposite cable end. Preferably, one of the terminals each contact one of the housings 22 as comprehensive as possible.

Subsequently, in a third step S3, the insulation resistance between the test poles 42 and 44 measured.

Then, in a fourth step S4, the measured insulation resistance is compared to be in a range around a predetermined limit value. A range around a certain limit value is therefore useful, since in the case of measuring too large a measurement value for the insulation resistance it must be assumed that the test setup is not in order, eg at a certain point an interruption or too large a contact resistance, eg between first test pole 42 and the measuring device 40 for the insulation resistance, is present.

If this is the case, then it is assumed that all examinees 20 , eg sensors, are OK, as far as the insulation resistance is concerned. Thereafter, the process goes to step S5 where it ends for the n samples, ie, the measured n samples are taken out of the test apparatus and the process can start again with new n samples at step S1, or if no further samples 20 present, ie go to step S9.

If it is determined in step S4 that the insulation resistance is not in the predetermined range, then it must be checked in a step S6 whether the measured value is too large or too small. If the measured value is too large, the test apparatus is checked in a step S7 and if necessary the structure is corrected and then the test method for the n test pieces is carried out again in step S1.

If it has been determined in step S6 that the measured value is too small, then in step S8 every single one of the n test pieces must 20 measured to identify the potentially faulty candidate. Thereafter, the test procedure ends in step S9 or goes again to step S1 with another n test samples.

The predetermined limit value is determined as a quotient of the required insulation resistance between the electrical connections 24 and the housing 22 one of the candidates 20 and the number of candidates 20 , It is understood, of course, that the candidates 20 are identical.

Due to the parallel arrangement can be used for multiple samples 20 the total insulation resistance resulting as a parallel connection is measured. If this is in the range around the desired limit, all candidates are 20 okay. If not the candidates have to 20 individually checked to find if necessary the faulty test object. This reduces the test procedure for specimens that are in order by the factor n.

In the 4 is the test direction according to the invention 10 from the 1 represented, wherein also the clamping means 11 is recognizable. By this clamping means 11 become the two contact rails 12 . 14 to the examinees 20 pressed, what through the two arrows 1 . 2 is hinted that the predetermined contact pressure of the clamping means 11 suggests. In this case, the clamping means 11.2 spring-loaded plunger 11.2 on, which are mounted on a "U" shaped bracket longitudinally displaceable to each other. Between the two pestles 11.2 can the examinees 20 be arranged with the two contact rails 12 . 14 to be in electrical contact. To the contact pressure 1 . 2 the two pestles 11.2 to produce are two resilient elements 11.3 provided the two pestles 11.2 inside to the "U" shaped strap 11.1 to press. In the context of the invention, it is also conceivable that the two contact rails 12 . 14 directly with the pestles 11.3 are connected, wherein optionally provided an electrical insulation between the plungers. At the contact rails 12 . 14 can directly use the electrical wires 42 be arranged.

In the further 5 is schematically another clamping means 11 shown. Here again is a "U" shaped bracket 11.1 provided, in the interior of the specimens 20 can be arranged. Like in the 5 can be seen, is now the predetermined force 1 . 2 not by a spring element 11.3 but through the spindle 11.4 generated. Here is the spindle 11.4 screwed in and out by a thread around the two contact rails 12 . 14 on the electrical connections 24 the examinees 20 to press. Also in this case, the two contact rails 12 . 14 also directly on the clamping means 11 be arranged, also with an electrical insulation between the contact rails 12 . 14 may be present to possibly electrical connections 24 the examinees 20 to contact with different electrical charge.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 3346859 A1 [0003]

Claims (9)

Tester ( 10 ) for testing the insulation resistance of a plurality of test pieces ( 20 ), characterized by at least one electrically conductive contact rail ( 12 . 14 ) as a first test pole ( 42 ) for parallel and electrically conductive contacting electrical connections ( 24 ) of the candidates ( 20 ), Connecting means ( 30 ) for electrically connecting a respective housing ( 22 ) of a respective examinee ( 20 ) with a second test pole ( 44 ), and an insulation tester ( 40 ), which is connected to and arranged for an insulation resistance measurement between the test poles ( 42 . 44 ). Tester ( 10 ) according to claim 1, characterized by clamping means ( 11 ), which are of the type configured, the electrical connections ( 24 ) of the candidates ( 20 ) for an electrical contact against the at least one contact rail ( 12 . 14 ) or vice versa, or the contact rail ( 12 . 14 ), which in the manner of a clamp with parallel opposing clamping surfaces ( 13 . 15 ) for clamping the electrical connections ( 24 ) of the candidates ( 20 ) is designed in between. Tester ( 10 ) according to claim 2, further characterized in that the clamping means ( 11 ) resilient elements ( 11.3 ) to the electrical connections ( 24 ) of the candidates ( 20 ) with a predetermined force ( 1 . 2 ) against the at least one contact rail ( 12 . 14 ) or vice versa. Test device (10) according to claim 2 or 3, further characterized in that the clamping means comprise a toggle lever or a spindle in the manner of a screw clamp to hold the electrical connections ( 24 ) of the candidates ( 20 ) with a predetermined force against the at least one contact rail ( 12 . 14 ) or to clamp in between. Tester ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the connecting means ( 30 ) Cable connections are at one end ( 34 ) with the second test pole ( 44 ) and at the other end ( 32 ) by means of a clamp with the housing ( 22 ) of a test object ( 20 ) in particular, are connectable. Test method for testing the insulation resistance of a large number of test pieces ( 20 ), characterized by the following steps: contacting the electrical connections ( 24 ) of the candidates ( 20 ) in a parallel and electrically conductive manner to a first Prüfpol ( 42 ) make respective electrical connections between the respective housing ( 22 ) of the candidates ( 20 ) to a second test pole ( 44 ), and measuring an insulation resistance between the test poles ( 42 . 44 ). A test method according to claim 6, characterized by comparing whether the measured insulation resistance is within a predetermined threshold, and if not, then measuring each individual sample. Test method according to one of claims 6 and 7, characterized in that the predetermined limit value is determined by the required insulation resistance between the electrical connections ( 24 ) and the housing ( 22 ) one of the candidates ( 20 ) divided by the number of candidates ( 20 ). Test method according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the test method with a test device ( 10 ) is carried out according to claims 1 to 5.

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