Determination system, vehicle, and determination method

Abstract

The battery ECU is a system that determines a battery installed in a vehicle in a replaceable state while accumulating power used for driving the vehicle, and comprises a processor, a memory that stores the characteristics of a genuine product, which are the temperature change characteristics of an indicator that changes according to the temperature of the battery when it is not charging or discharging, and a sensor that acquires the characteristics to be determined, which are the temperature change characteristics of an indicator of a battery installed in the vehicle after replacement when it is not charging or discharging. The processor compares the characteristics to be determined acquired by the sensor with the characteristics of a genuine product stored in the memory, and determines whether the battery installed in the vehicle is a genuine product based on the comparison result.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a determination system, a vehicle, and a determination method, and in particular, to a determination system for a secondary battery mounted in said vehicle in an exchangeable state while accumulating power used for driving the vehicle, a vehicle equipped with a determination system for a secondary battery, and a determination method by the determination system for a secondary battery mounted in said vehicle in an exchangeable state while accumulating power used for driving the vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, in order to provide a semiconductor device capable of detecting non-standard battery cells with high precision, there was a technology that counts the number of charge / discharge cycles of a battery cell, measures the charge rate and internal resistance of the battery cell, calculates the internal resistance at the time of shipment of the battery cell by normalizing the internal resistance based on the number of cycles, temperature and charge rate, and performs a determination process to determine whether the battery cell is non-standard based on the internal resistance at the time of shipment (for example, see Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-114437).

[0003] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-114437 distinguishes genuine products based on internal resistance measured during charging. Consequently, there is a possibility of misjudging a battery cell as a genuine product if battery cells with identical internal resistance are assembled, even if the materials constituting the battery cell are different.

[0004] This disclosure is made to solve such problems, and its purpose is to provide a determination system, a vehicle, and a determination method that can determine whether a secondary battery is a genuine product without charging or discharging it.

[0005] The determination system regarding this disclosure is a determination system for a secondary battery mounted in a vehicle in a replaceable state while accumulating power used for driving the vehicle, and comprises a processor, a memory device storing a genuine product characteristic, which is a temperature change characteristic of a genuine product when not in charge or discharge of an indicator that changes according to the temperature of the secondary battery, and a characteristic acquisition unit acquiring a determination target characteristic, which is a temperature change characteristic of an indicator of a secondary battery mounted in the vehicle after replacement when not in charge or discharge. The processor compares the determination target characteristic acquired by the characteristic acquisition unit with the genuine product characteristic stored in the memory device, and determines whether the secondary battery mounted in the vehicle is a genuine product based on the comparison result.

[0006] According to this configuration, a judgment target characteristic, which is the temperature change characteristic of an indicator of a secondary battery installed in an acquired vehicle after replacement when not in the process of charging or discharging, is compared with a genuine product characteristic, which is the temperature change characteristic of an indicator that changes according to the stored temperature of the secondary battery when not in the process of charging or discharging, and from the comparison result, it is determined whether the secondary battery installed in the vehicle is a genuine product. As a result, a judgment system capable of determining whether a secondary battery is a genuine product even without charging or discharging it can be provided.

[0007] The indicator may be the open-circuit voltage of the secondary battery. With such a configuration, it is possible to determine whether a product is genuine by using the open-circuit voltage of the secondary battery without charging or discharging the secondary battery.

[0008] A secondary battery is configured to include multiple cells, and the indicator may be a binding load that binds the multiple cells. With such a configuration, it is possible to determine whether a product is genuine by using the binding load that binds the multiple cells of the secondary battery, even without charging or discharging the secondary battery.

[0009] In addition, the restraining load may be the restraining load at a predetermined open-circuit voltage. With such a configuration, even without charging or discharging the secondary battery, it is possible to determine whether it is a genuine product by using the restraining load that binds multiple cells of the secondary battery at a predetermined open-circuit voltage.

[0010] A secondary battery is configured to include a plurality of cells, and the indicator is the open-circuit voltage of the secondary battery and the constraint load binding the plurality of cells. A processor may compare the characteristic of the open-circuit voltage subject to judgment acquired by the characteristic acquisition unit with the characteristic of a genuine product to determine whether the difference is greater than or equal to a first threshold, and if it is determined to be greater than or equal to the first threshold, determine that the secondary battery is not a genuine product, and if it is determined to be less than the first threshold, compare the characteristic of the constraint load subject to judgment acquired by the characteristic acquisition unit with the characteristic of a genuine product to determine whether the difference is greater than or equal to a second threshold, and if it is determined to be greater than or equal to the second threshold, determine that the secondary battery is not a genuine product, and if it is determined to be less than the second threshold, determine that the secondary battery is a genuine product.

[0011] With this configuration, even without charging or discharging the secondary battery, it is possible to determine with higher precision whether it is a genuine product by using the open-circuit voltage of the secondary battery and the binding load binding multiple cells.

[0012] A secondary battery is configured to include a plurality of cells, and the indicator is the open-circuit voltage of the secondary battery and the constraining load binding the plurality of cells. A processor may determine whether the difference is greater than or equal to a first threshold by comparing the open-circuit voltage characteristic acquired by the characteristic acquisition unit with the characteristic of a genuine product when the representative value of the temperature at which the open-circuit voltage characteristic to be determined by the characteristic acquisition unit is within a first temperature range, and when the temperature at which the constraining load characteristic to be determined by the characteristic acquisition unit is within a second temperature range different from the first temperature range, compare the constraining load characteristic acquired by the characteristic acquisition unit with the characteristic of a genuine product to determine whether the difference is greater than or equal to a second threshold, and if it is determined that the difference is greater than or equal to the first threshold or greater than the second threshold, determine that the secondary battery is not a genuine product, and if it is determined that the difference is less than the first threshold or less than the second threshold, determine that the secondary battery is a genuine product.

[0013] With this configuration, even without charging or discharging the secondary battery, it is possible to determine with higher precision whether it is a genuine product by using the open-circuit voltage of the secondary battery and the binding load binding multiple cells.

[0014] The memory device stores information that can specify a graph representing the relationship between the value of an index and the temperature of a secondary battery as a characteristic of the product, and the processor may compare the graph with the value of the index for each of the changed multiple temperatures acquired by the characteristic acquisition unit.

[0015] With this configuration, it is possible to accurately determine whether a secondary battery is a genuine product without charging or discharging it.

[0016] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a vehicle is equipped with a secondary battery determination system. The secondary battery is installed in a replaceable state while accumulating power used for driving the vehicle. The determination system comprises a processor, a memory device that stores a genuine product characteristic, which is a temperature change characteristic of a genuine product when not in charge or discharge of an indicator that changes according to the temperature of the secondary battery, and a characteristic acquisition unit that acquires a determination target characteristic, which is a temperature change characteristic of an indicator of a secondary battery installed in the vehicle after replacement when not in charge or discharge. The processor compares the determination target characteristic acquired by the characteristic acquisition unit with the genuine product characteristic stored in the memory device, and determines whether the secondary battery installed in the vehicle is a genuine product based on the comparison result.

[0017] According to this configuration, it is possible to provide a vehicle capable of determining whether it is a genuine product without charging or discharging the secondary battery.

[0018] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the determination method is a determination method by a determination system for a secondary battery mounted in a vehicle in a replaceable state while accumulating power used for driving the vehicle. The determination system comprises a processor, a memory device storing a genuine product characteristic which is a temperature change characteristic of a genuine product when not in charge or discharge of an indicator that changes according to the temperature of the secondary battery, and a characteristic acquisition unit that acquires a determination target characteristic which is a temperature change characteristic of an indicator of a secondary battery mounted in the vehicle when not in charge or discharge. The determination method includes a step in which the processor compares the determination target characteristic acquired by the characteristic acquisition unit with the genuine product characteristic stored in the memory device, and a step of determining whether the secondary battery mounted in the vehicle is a genuine product from the comparison result.

[0019] According to this configuration, a determination method can be provided that makes it possible to determine whether a secondary battery is a genuine product without charging or discharging it.

[0020] The above and other objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become clear from the following detailed description of the present invention as understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0021] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating the overall configuration of a vehicle equipped with a judgment system according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the structure of the battery in this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an example of the configuration of a cell. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of the battery determination process of the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a graph showing the change in open-circuit voltage with respect to temperature change of the standard and non-standard parts of the battery in this embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the battery determination process of the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a graph showing the change in confining load at the same open-circuit voltage with respect to the temperature change of the standard and non-standard parts of the battery in this embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the battery determination process of the third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the battery determination process of the fourth embodiment. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same or substantial parts in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are not repeated.

[0023] In the following embodiments, an example in which the “judgment system” according to the present disclosure is mounted on a vehicle is described. However, the use of the “judgment system” according to the present disclosure is not limited to vehicles and may be, for example, stationary.

[0024] [First Embodiment]

[0025] System Configuration

[0026] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a vehicle (1) equipped with a judgment system according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the vehicle (1) is a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV). However, the type of vehicle (1) is not limited to this as long as it is a vehicle equipped with a battery pack. The vehicle (1) may be a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), or a Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV).

[0027] The vehicle (1) is equipped with an inlet (10), an AC / DC converter (20), a charge relay (CHR) (30), a battery pack (40), a motor generator (MG) (8), a power control unit (PCU) (50), a motor generator (MG) (60), and an electronic control unit (ECU) (70). The battery pack (40) is equipped with a battery (41), a monitoring unit (42), and a battery ECU (43) as a judgment system.

[0028] The inlet (10) is configured to allow the insertion of a charging connector provided at the tip of the charging cable (91). Through the charging cable (91), the vehicle (1) and an external power source (e.g., grid power source) (92) installed outside the vehicle (1) are electrically connected. The vehicle (1) is configured to enable "plug-in charging" by using power supplied from the external power source (92) to charge the battery (41).

[0029] The AC / DC converter (20) is electrically connected between the inlet (10) and the charging relay (30). The AC / DC converter (20) converts the AC power supplied from an external power source (92) through the inlet (10) into DC power and outputs the DC power to the charging relay (30). Additionally, the AC / DC converter (20) converts the DC power supplied from the battery (41) (or PCU (50)) through the charging relay (30) into AC power and outputs the AC power to the inlet (10).

[0030] The charging relay (30) is electrically connected to the power line connecting the AC / DC converter (20) and the battery (41). The charging relay (30) is opened / closed according to a control signal from the integrated ECU (70).

[0031] The battery (41) accumulates power to drive the motor generator (60) and supplies power to the motor generator (60) through the PCU (50). Additionally, the battery (41) is charged by power output from the AC / DC converter (20) during plug-in charging. Furthermore, the battery (41) is also charged by receiving generated power through the PCU (50) during power generation by the motor generator (60) (such as during regenerative generation).

[0032] The monitoring unit (42) includes a voltage sensor (421), a current sensor (422), a temperature sensor (423), and a load sensor (424). The voltage sensor (421) detects the voltage V of the battery (41). The current sensor (422) detects the current I input and output to the battery (41). The temperature sensor (423) is configured to include a thermistor or a thermocouple and detects the temperature T of the battery (41). The load sensor (424) detects the load L of the battery (41) (described later). Each sensor outputs a signal indicating the detection result to the battery ECU (43).

[0033] The battery ECU (43) includes a processor (431), such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory (432), such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory), and an input / output port (not shown) for inputting and outputting various signals. The battery ECU (43) manages the battery (41) in cooperation with the integrated ECU (70) based on the input of signals from each sensor of the monitoring unit (42) and maps and programs stored in the memory (432). In this embodiment, a major process executed by the battery ECU (43) is a "determination process" for determining whether the battery (41) is a genuine product. The determination process by the battery ECU (43) will be described later.

[0034] The PCU (50) includes, for example, an inverter and a converter. The PCU (50) performs bidirectional power conversion between the battery (41) and the motor generator (60) according to a control signal from the integrated ECU (70).

[0035] The motor generator (60) is a three-phase AC rotating electric device, for example, in which a permanent magnet is embedded in the rotor. The motor generator (60) rotates the drive shaft using power supplied from the battery (41). Additionally, the motor generator (60) can also generate power through regenerative braking. The AC power generated by the motor generator (60) is converted into DC power by the PCU (50) and charged into the battery (41).

[0036] The integrated ECU (70), like the battery ECU (43), includes a processor, memory, and input / output ports (not all shown). The integrated ECU (70) controls the equipment (AC / DC converter (20), charging relay (30), and PCU (50)) to ensure the vehicle (1) is in a desired state based on the input of signals from each sensor provided in the vehicle (1) and maps and programs stored in memory. The integrated ECU (70) controls the charging and discharging of the battery (41), for example, by controlling the AC / DC converter (20) and / or the PCU (50). Additionally, the ECUs mounted in the vehicle (1) may be configured to be integrated as appropriate, or configured to be divided by function.

[0037] Structure of the battery

[0038] FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the structure of a battery (41) in this embodiment. The battery (41) includes a plurality of stacks (410) (also called modules or blocks). The plurality of stacks (410) may be connected in series or in parallel. FIG. 2 shows one of the plurality of stacks (410) as a representative example.

[0039] The stack (410) includes a plurality of cells (81), a plurality of resin frames (82), a pair of end plates (83), and a pair of restraint bands (84). In the stack (410), a laminate is formed by stacking a plurality of cells (81) and a plurality of resin frames (82). Hereinafter, the height direction of the laminate is indicated as HG, the length direction (stacking direction) of the laminate is indicated as LN, and the width direction of the laminate is indicated as WD.

[0040] Each of the plurality of cells (81) is a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery, an all-solid-state battery, or a nickel-hydrogen battery. The number of cells included in the stack (410) is not particularly limited. The configuration of each cell (81) is common. The configuration of the cell (81) is described in FIG. 3.

[0041] Each of the plurality of resin frames (82) is positioned between two adjacent cells (81) in the stacking direction (LN).

[0042] A pair of end plates (83) are positioned at one end and the other end of the stacking direction (LN) of the laminate. That is, the end plates (83) are positioned to insert the laminate from both sides in the stacking direction (LN).

[0043] A pair of restraining bands (84) are placed on the upper and lower surfaces of the resin frame (82). The restraining bands (84) restrain a pair of end plates (83) that are fitted with a laminate together.

[0044] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an example of the configuration of a cell (81). In this example, the cell (81) is a lithium-ion battery.

[0045] The cell (81) is a rectangular cell having a roughly rectangular shape. The upper surface of the case of the cell (81) is sealed by a cover body (811). The cover body (811) is provided with a positive terminal (812) and a negative terminal (813). One end of each of the positive terminal (812) and the negative terminal (813) protrudes outward from the cover body (811). The other end of each of the positive terminal (812) and the negative terminal (813) is electrically connected to an internal positive terminal and an internal negative terminal (both not shown) inside the case, respectively. Additionally, although not shown, two adjacent cells (81) are electrically connected to each other by a bus bar.

[0046] An electrode body (814) is housed inside the case. The electrode body (814) is formed, for example, by stacking a positive electrode (815) and a negative electrode (816) through a separator (817) and winding them into a tube shape. The electrolyte is retained in the positive electrode (815), the negative electrode (816), and the separator (817), etc. Additionally, it is possible to use a stacked body instead of a wound body as the electrode body (814).

[0047] For the positive electrode (815), negative electrode (816), separator (817), and electrolyte, conventionally known configurations and materials as the positive electrode, negative electrode, separator, and electrolyte of a lithium-ion secondary battery may be used. As an example, the positive electrode (815) is an NCM (LiNi) positive electrode composite. 1 / 3 Co 1 / 3 Mn 1 / 3 It includes O2) and an aluminum (Al) foil as a positive electrode. The negative electrode (816) includes graphite (C) as a negative electrode compound and a copper (Cu) foil as a negative electrode. Polyolefin (e.g., polyethylene or polypropylene) may be used for the separator. The electrolyte includes an organic solvent (e.g., a mixed solvent of DMC (dimethyl carbonate), EMC (ethyl methyl carbonate), and EC (ethylene carbonate)), a lithium salt (e.g., LiPF6), and an additive (e.g., LiBOB (lithium bis(oxalate)borate) or Li [PF2(C2O4)2]).

[0048] <Judgment of Jojeonji (41)>

[0049] Regarding the aforementioned battery (41), it is thought that a distinction between genuine and non-genuine products is made based on the internal resistance measured during charging. In this case, even if the materials constituting the cells (81) of the battery (41) are different, if cells (81) with the same internal resistance are assembled, there is a possibility that the battery (41) may be mistakenly judged to be a genuine product.

[0050] Thus, the memory (432) of the battery ECU (43) stores the characteristic of a standard product, which is the temperature change characteristic of the standard product when the indicator (e.g., the open circuit voltage ("OCV") of the battery (41), or the load L that restrains the stack (410) of the battery (41), changes according to the temperature of the battery (41). The characteristic acquisition unit (e.g., voltage sensor (421), load sensor (424)) acquires the characteristic to be determined, which is the temperature change characteristic of the indicator of the battery (41) after replacement mounted on the vehicle (1) when it is not being charged or discharged. The processor (431) of the battery ECU (43) compares the characteristic to be determined acquired by the characteristic acquisition unit with the standard product characteristic stored in the memory (432), and determines whether the battery (41) mounted on the vehicle (1) is a standard product from the comparison result.

[0051] Accordingly, the characteristic subject to determination, which is the temperature change characteristic of the indicator of the battery (41) after replacement mounted on the acquired vehicle (1) when it is not being charged or discharged, and the characteristic of the genuine product, which is the temperature change characteristic of the indicator that changes according to the temperature of the stored battery (41) when it is not being charged or discharged, are compared, and from the comparison result, it is determined whether the battery (41) mounted on the vehicle (1) is a genuine product. As a result, it is possible to determine whether it is a genuine product even without charging or discharging the battery (41).

[0052] As shown in FIG. 2, a load sensor (424) is provided in the stacking direction (LN) of the stack of each stack (410). The load sensor (424) is configured to include a load cell or a tactile sensor, etc. The load sensor (424) measures fluctuations in the load constraining the stack (410) accompanying changes in the temperature of the battery (41) when it is not being charged or discharged.

[0053] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of the battery determination process of the first embodiment. This battery determination process is called and executed at a predetermined cycle from the upper processing by the processor (431) of the battery ECU (43). Referring to FIG. 4, the processor (431) of the battery ECU (43) determines whether the ignition switch (also called the "power switch") has been turned off immediately (step S111). "Immediately after being turned off" means after a relatively short period of time has elapsed since being turned off, for example, it may be the predetermined cycle of the first time (for example, the first time) after being turned off, or it may be after a predetermined number of seconds (for example, after 1 second) after being turned off.

[0054] If it is determined that the ignition switch has been turned off immediately ("Yes") in step S111, the processor (431) obtains the battery temperature T0 and the open circuit voltage V0 of the battery (41), respectively, from the detection values ​​from the temperature sensor (423) and the voltage sensor (421) (step S112).

[0055] After step S112, or if it is determined that it is not immediately after the ignition switch is turned off ("No" in step S111), the processor (431) determines whether it is a predetermined timing after the ignition switch is turned off (step S113). The predetermined timing after being turned off may be, for example, after a predetermined period (e.g., 1 hour) has elapsed since being turned off, or after the battery temperature has changed (e.g., decreased) by a predetermined temperature (e.g., 10°C) since being turned off. Additionally, the predetermined timing may be a predetermined timing, for example, a timing at every predetermined period, or a timing at every time the battery temperature changes (e.g., decreased) by a predetermined temperature (e.g., 5°C).

[0056] When it is determined that there is a predetermined timing after the ignition switch is turned off ("Yes" in step S113), the processor (431) obtains the battery temperature Tn and the open circuit voltage Vn of the battery (41), respectively, from the detection values ​​from the temperature sensor (423) and the voltage sensor (421) (step S114).

[0057] After step S114, or if it is determined that it is not a predetermined timing after the ignition switch is turned off ("No" in step S113), the processor (431) determines whether it is a timing to determine whether the battery (41) is a genuine product (step S121). The timing to determine whether the battery (41) is a genuine product may be, for example, immediately after the ignition switch is turned on, or after a specific period (e.g., a predetermined time such as 5 hours) has elapsed after the ignition switch is turned off. "Immediately after being turned on" means after a relatively short period has elapsed since being turned on, for example, it may be a predetermined period of a predetermined number of times (e.g., the first time) after being turned on, or after a predetermined number of seconds (e.g., after 1 second) after being turned on.

[0058] When it is determined that it is a judgment timing ("Yes") in step S121, the processor (431) compares the change in open-circuit voltage associated with the temperature change of the standard product corresponding to the battery temperature T0 when the ignition switch is turned off, which is stored in memory (432), with the change in open-circuit voltage obtained in steps S112 and S114 (step S122).

[0059] FIG. 5 is a graph showing the change in open-circuit voltage with respect to the temperature change of the standard and non-standard parts of the battery (41) in this embodiment. Open-circuit voltage is the voltage when the battery (41) is not energized. Referring to FIG. 5, this graph is a graph when the temperature of the battery (41) is 25°C immediately after the ignition switch is turned off. In the memory (432) of the battery ECU (43), at least data showing the graph of the standard part of the battery (41) is stored in advance, but data showing the graph of the non-standard part may also be stored. In addition, in the memory (432) of the battery ECU (43), data showing the graph of each of the multiple temperatures of the battery (41) immediately after the ignition switch is turned off (for example, temperatures for every predetermined temperature (e.g., 1°C) within a predetermined range (e.g., -30°C to +50°C)) is stored in advance.

[0060] As illustrated in FIG. 5, in standard and non-standard product A, as the temperature of the battery (41) decreases from 25°C, the voltage difference with the open-circuit voltage of the battery (41) immediately after the ignition switch is turned off gradually increases in the negative direction. That is, as the temperature decreases, the open-circuit voltage decreases. On the other hand, in non-standard product B, as the temperature of the battery (41) decreases from 25°C, the voltage difference with the open-circuit voltage of the battery (41) immediately after the ignition switch is turned off increases in the positive direction. That is, as the temperature decreases, the open-circuit voltage increases.

[0061] Returning to FIG. 4, the processor (431) determines whether the difference between the acquired open-circuit voltage and the graph value for the acquired temperatures T0 and Tn, as a result of the comparison in step S122, is greater than or equal to a first threshold (step S123).

[0062] If the car is determined to be below the first threshold ("No" in step S123), the processor (431) determines that the current battery (41) after replacement installed in the vehicle (1) is a genuine part (step S126).

[0063] Meanwhile, if the vehicle is determined to be above the first threshold ("Yes" in step S123), the processor (431) determines that the current battery (41) after replacement installed in the vehicle (1) is a non-standard part (step S127) and executes a warning process (step S128). As for the warning process, for example, it may be a process of notifying a warning on the HMI (Human Machine Interface) of the vehicle (1), a process of transmitting information indicating a warning to an external server such as the server of the manufacturer of the vehicle (1), or a process of transmitting information indicating a warning from this external server to the user's mobile terminal of the vehicle (1).

[0064] After step S126, after step S128, or if it is determined that it is not a judgment timing ("No" in step S121), the processor (431) returns the processing to be executed to the upper processing of the caller of this battery judgment processing.

[0065] [Second Embodiment]

[0066] In the first embodiment, the indicator used to determine whether the battery (41) is a standard product is the open-circuit voltage of the battery (41). In the second embodiment, the indicator used to determine whether the battery (41) is a standard product is the restraining load of the stack (410) of the battery (41).

[0067] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of a battery determination process of a second embodiment. This battery determination process is called and executed from a higher-level process at predetermined intervals by the processor (431) of the battery ECU (43). Also, in FIG. 6, the processing with the same step number as in FIG. 4 is the same processing as in FIG. 4, so redundant descriptions are not repeated.

[0068] If it is determined that the ignition switch has been turned off immediately ("Yes" in step S111), the processor (431) obtains the battery temperature T0, open circuit voltage V0, and restraint load L0 of the battery (41), respectively, from the detection values ​​from the temperature sensor (423), voltage sensor (421), and load sensor (424) (step S112A).

[0069] When it is determined that there is a predetermined timing after the ignition switch is turned off ("Yes" in step S113), the processor (431) obtains the battery temperature Tn, open circuit voltage Vn, and restraint load Ln of the battery (41), respectively, from the detection values ​​from the temperature sensor (423), voltage sensor (421), and load sensor (424) (step S114A).

[0070] When it is determined that it is a judgment timing ("Yes") in step S121, the processor (431) compares the change in the restraining load associated with the temperature change of a standard product with the same open-circuit voltage V0, which corresponds to the battery temperature T0 when the ignition switch is turned off and is stored in memory (432), with the change in the restraining load obtained in steps S112A and S114A (step S124).

[0071] FIG. 7 is a graph showing the change in the restraining load at the same open-circuit voltage with respect to the temperature change of the standard and non-standard parts of the battery (41) in this embodiment. Referring to FIG. 7, this graph is a graph when the temperature of the battery (41) is 10°C immediately after the ignition switch is turned off. In the memory (432) of the battery ECU (43), at least data showing the graph of the standard part of the battery (41) is stored in advance, but data showing the graph of the non-standard part may also be stored. In addition, in the memory (432) of the battery ECU (43), data showing the graph of each of the multiple temperatures of the battery (41) immediately after the ignition switch is turned off (for example, temperatures for each predetermined temperature (e.g., 1°C) within a predetermined range (e.g., -30°C to +50°C)) is stored in advance.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 7, in the standard and non-standard products, the amount of increase in the reduction of the load of the restraining load as the temperature of the battery (41) decreases from 10℃ is different.

[0073] Returning to FIG. 6, the processor (431) determines whether the difference between the load reduction amount, which is the difference between the acquired confining load Ln and the confining load L0 for the acquired temperature Tn, and the value of the graph is greater than or equal to a second threshold as a result of the comparison in step S122 (step S125).

[0074] If it is determined that the car is less than the second threshold ("No" in step S125), the processor (431) executes the processing of step S126 described in FIG. 4. Meanwhile, if it is determined that the car is greater than or equal to the second threshold ("Yes" in step S125), the processor (431) executes the processing of steps S127 and S128 described in FIG. 4.

[0075] [Third Embodiment]

[0076] In the first and second embodiments, the battery (41) is determined to be a genuine product by comparing one of a plurality of indicators, such as open circuit voltage and confined load, with an indicator of a genuine product. In the third embodiment, the battery (41) is determined to be a genuine product by using two or more of a plurality of indicators in stages and comparing them with an indicator of a genuine product.

[0077] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of a battery determination process of a third embodiment. This battery determination process is called and executed from a higher-level process at predetermined intervals by the processor (431) of the battery ECU (43). In addition, in FIG. 8, the processing with the same step number as FIG. 4 and FIG. 6 is the same processing as FIG. 4 and FIG. 6, so redundant descriptions are not repeated.

[0078] In FIG. 8, if the processor (431) determines in step S123 of FIG. 4 that the difference at each temperature is not greater than or equal to the first threshold ("No"), it performs the processing after step S124 of FIG. 6.

[0079] [Fourth Embodiment]

[0080] In the third embodiment, two or more of the multiple indicators are used in stages to determine whether the battery (41) is a standard product by comparing it with the indicator of a standard product. In the fourth embodiment, different indicators are used among the multiple indicators according to the temperature range of the battery (41) to determine whether the battery (41) is a standard product by comparing it with the indicator of a standard product.

[0081] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of a battery determination process of a fourth embodiment. This battery determination process is called and executed from a higher-level process at predetermined intervals by the processor (431) of the battery ECU (43). In addition, in FIG. 9, the processing with the same step number as FIG. 4, FIG. 6 and FIG. 8 is the same processing as FIG. 4, FIG. 6 and FIG. 8, so redundant descriptions are not repeated.

[0082] Steps S111 to S114A are identical to those in FIGS. 6 and FIGS. 8. If it is determined that the timing is not a predetermined timing after step S114A, or after the ignition switch is turned off ("No" in step S113), the processor (431) determines whether the timing is a timing to determine whether the battery (41) is a genuine product, just as in step S121 of FIGS. 4, FIGS. 6 and FIGS. 8 (step S131). If it is determined that the timing is not a determination timing ("No" in step S131), the processor (431) returns the processing to be executed to the processing above the caller of this battery determination processing.

[0083] Meanwhile, if it is determined that the timing is determined ("Yes" in step S131), the processor (431) determines whether the battery temperature T0 of the battery (41) immediately after the ignition off, obtained in step S112A, is within a predetermined range (step S132). Here, the predetermined range is the temperature range of the battery (41) such that the precision of comparison with a standard product using open circuit voltage is comparable to the precision of comparison with a standard product using a constrained load.

[0084] If it is determined that the battery temperature T0 is within a predetermined range ("Yes") in step S132, the processor (431) compares the change in open-circuit voltage associated with the temperature change of a standard product corresponding to the battery temperature T0 when the ignition switch is turned off, which is stored in memory (432), with the change in open-circuit voltage obtained in steps S112 and S114, just like in step S122 of FIGS. 4 and 8 (step S133).

[0085] The processor (431) determines whether the difference between the acquired open-circuit voltage and the value of the graph shown in FIG. 5, as a result of the comparison in step S133, for the acquired temperatures T0 and Tn, is greater than or equal to a first threshold (step S134).

[0086] If the car is determined to be below the first threshold ("No" in step S134), the processor (431), as in step S126 of FIGS. 4, 6 and 8, determines that the current battery (41) after replacement mounted on the vehicle (1) is a genuine part (step S151).

[0087] Meanwhile, if the car is determined to be above the first threshold ("Yes" in step S134), the processor (431), in the same manner as steps S127 and S128 of FIGS. 4, 6, and 8 respectively, determines that the current battery (41) after replacement installed in the vehicle (1) is a non-standard part (step S152) and performs a warning process (step S153).

[0088] If it is determined that the battery temperature T0 is not within a predetermined range ("No" in step S132), the processor (431) compares the change in the restraining load associated with the temperature change of a standard product with the same open-circuit voltage V0, which corresponds to the battery temperature T0 when the ignition switch is turned off and is stored in memory (432), as in step S124 of FIGS. 6 and 8, with the change in the restraining load obtained in steps S112A and S114A (step S141).

[0089] The processor (431) determines whether the difference between the load reduction amount, which is the difference between the acquired confining load Ln and the confining load L0 for the acquired temperature Tn as a result of the comparison in step S141, and the value of the graph shown in FIG. 7 is greater than or equal to a second threshold (step S142).

[0090] If it is determined that the car is below the second threshold ("No" in step S142), the processor (431) executes the processing of step S151 described above. Meanwhile, if it is determined that the car is above the second threshold ("Yes" in step S142), the processor (431) executes the processing of steps S152 and S153 described above.

[0091] [Variation Example]

[0092] (1) In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4, 6, 8 and 9, the value of the index is acquired immediately after ignition off and at a predetermined timing. However, this is not limited to this, and the timing at which the value of the index is acquired may be at a different timing, as shown in steps S111 and S113 of FIG. 4.

[0093] (2) In the above-described embodiment, as shown in step S122 of FIGS. 4 and 8, step S124 of FIGS. 6 and 8, and steps S133 and S141 of FIG. 9, the difference between the open-circuit voltage or the constricted load at the same battery temperature is less than a predetermined threshold, and it is determined to be a genuine product. However, it is not limited to this, and the method of comparing the acquired open-circuit voltage or constricted load value with the graph of the genuine product may be any other method as long as it is a method of comparing the degree of agreement between the two, for example, the degree of agreement may be evaluated by comparing the approximate line of multiple acquired values ​​with the graph.

[0094] (3) In the above-described embodiment, as shown in step S124 of FIGS. 6 and 8 and step S141 of FIG. 9, the change in the confining load is compared in the case of the same open-circuit voltage. However, this is not limited to this, and the change in the confining load may be compared by considering the open-circuit voltage to be the same regardless of whether the open-circuit voltage is the same.

[0095] (4) In the above-described embodiment, the battery ECU (43) as a judgment system of the vehicle (1) determines whether the battery (41) is a genuine product. However, it is not limited to this, and the device for determining whether the battery (41) is a genuine product is not limited to the battery ECU (43) as a judgment system, but may be an external device (data logger, server) capable of communicating with the vehicle (1).

[0096] In the case where the judgment system is a battery ECU (43), the acquisition unit for acquiring the temperature change characteristics of the indicators (e.g., open circuit voltage, restraint load) of the replacement battery (41) mounted in the vehicle (1) when it is not charging or discharging is a sensor (e.g., voltage sensor (421), load sensor (424)) provided in the vehicle (1). In the case where the judgment system is an external device, such an acquisition unit may be a communication unit of an external device that acquires sensor values ​​from the vehicle (1).

[0097] (5) In the above-described embodiment, the predetermined timing of step S113 of FIGS. 4, FIGS. 6, FIGS. 8 and FIGS. 9 may be one timing or multiple timings, as described above.

[0098] (6) The above-described embodiment can be understood as the initiation of a judgment system such as a battery ECU (43) or a vehicle (1) including a judgment system, the initiation of a judgment method or judgment program executed by the judgment system or vehicle (1), and the initiation of an external device executing the judgment method or judgment program.

[0099] [organize]

[0100] (1) As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, a determination system (e.g., battery ECU (43), external device) is a system for determining a battery (41) that is mounted on the vehicle (1) in a replaceable state while accumulating power used for driving the vehicle (1), and is equipped with a processor (e.g., processor (431). If the determination system is an external device, the CPU of the external device.) and a memory device (e.g., memory (432). If the determination system is an external device, the memory of the external device.) that stores a standard product characteristic, which is a standard product characteristic that is not in charge / discharge of an indicator that changes according to the temperature of the battery (41). If the determination system is an external device, the memory of the external device. and a characteristic acquisition unit (e.g., voltage sensor (421), load sensor (424). If the determination system is an external device, the communication unit) that acquires a determination target characteristic, which is a standard product characteristic that is not in charge / discharge of an indicator of the battery (41) mounted on the vehicle (1) after replacement. As shown in FIGS. 4, 6, 8 and 9, the processor compares the characteristic to be determined acquired by the characteristic acquisition unit with the characteristic of a genuine product stored in a memory device, and determines from the comparison result whether the battery (41) mounted on the vehicle (1) is a genuine product (e.g., step S122 of FIGS. 4 and 8, step S124 of FIGS. 6 and 8, step S133 and step S141 of FIGS. 9).

[0101] Accordingly, the characteristic subject to determination, which is the temperature change characteristic of the indicator of the battery (41) after replacement mounted on the acquired vehicle (1) when it is not being charged or discharged, and the characteristic of the genuine product, which is the temperature change characteristic of the indicator that changes according to the temperature of the stored battery (41) when it is not being charged or discharged, are compared, and from the comparison result, it is determined whether the battery (41) mounted on the vehicle (1) is a genuine product. As a result, it is possible to determine whether it is a genuine product even without charging or discharging the battery (41).

[0102] (2) As shown in FIGS. 4, 8 and 9, the indicator may be the open-circuit voltage of the battery (41). By doing so, even without charging or discharging the battery (41), it is possible to determine whether it is a genuine product by using the open-circuit voltage of the battery (41).

[0103] (3) As shown in FIG. 2, the battery (41) is configured to include a plurality of cells (81). As shown in FIG. 6, FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the indicator may be a binding load that binds the plurality of cells (81). By doing so, even without charging or discharging the battery (41), it is possible to determine whether it is a genuine product by using the binding load that binds the plurality of cells (81) of the battery (41).

[0104] (4) As shown in FIGS. 6, 8 and 9, the restraining load may be the restraining load at a predetermined open-circuit voltage. By doing so, even without charging or discharging the battery (41), it is possible to determine whether it is a genuine product by using the restraining load that binds the multiple cells (81) of the battery (41) at a predetermined open-circuit voltage.

[0105] (5) As shown in FIG. 2, the battery (41) is configured to include a plurality of cells (81). As shown in FIG. 8, the indicator is the open-circuit voltage of the battery (41) and the restraining load binding the plurality of cells (81). The processor compares the characteristic of the open-circuit voltage, which is the subject of determination obtained by the characteristic acquisition unit, with the characteristic of the standard product (e.g., step S122), determines whether the difference is greater than or equal to a first threshold (e.g., step S123). If it is determined that the difference is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the battery (41) is determined not to be a standard product (e.g., step S127). If it is determined that the difference is less than the first threshold, the processor compares the characteristic of the restraining load, which is the subject of determination obtained by the characteristic acquisition unit, with the characteristic of the standard product (e.g., step S124) to determine whether the difference is greater than or equal to a second threshold (e.g., step S125). If it is determined that the difference is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the battery (41) is determined not to be a standard product (e.g., step S127). If it is determined that the difference is less than the second threshold, the battery (41) is determined to be a standard product (e.g., step S127). S126) It is okay to do.

[0106] Accordingly, even without charging or discharging the battery (41), the open circuit voltage of the battery (41) and the restraining load binding the multiple cells (81) can be used to determine with higher precision whether it is a genuine product.

[0107] (6) As shown in FIG. 2, the battery (41) is configured to include a plurality of cells (81). As illustrated in FIG. 9, the indicator is the open-circuit voltage of the battery (41) and the restraining load binding the plurality of cells (81). The processor, when the representative value of the temperature at which the characteristic of the open-circuit voltage to be determined is acquired by the characteristic acquisition unit is in a first temperature range (e.g., a predetermined range) (e.g., when it is determined to be "yes" in step S132), compares the characteristic of the open-circuit voltage to be determined acquired by the characteristic acquisition unit with the characteristic of the standard product (e.g., step S133) to determine whether the difference is greater than or equal to the first threshold (e.g., step S134). When the representative value of the temperature at which the characteristic of the restraining load to be determined is acquired by the characteristic acquisition unit is in a second temperature range different from the first temperature range (e.g., a range different from the predetermined range) (e.g., when it is determined to be "no" in step S132), compares the characteristic of the restraining load to be determined acquired by the characteristic acquisition unit with the characteristic of the standard product (e.g., step S141) to determine whether the difference is greater than or equal to the second threshold. You may determine (e.g., step S142), and if it is determined that the first threshold or the second threshold is greater than or equal to the threshold, determine that the battery (41) is not a standard product (e.g., step S152), and if it is determined that the first threshold or the second threshold is less than or equal to the threshold, determine that the battery (41) is a standard product (e.g., step S151).

[0108] Accordingly, even without charging or discharging the battery (41), the open circuit voltage of the battery (41) and the restraining load binding the multiple cells (81) can be used to determine with higher precision whether it is a genuine product.

[0109] (7) As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the memory device stores information that can specify a graph showing the relationship between the value of the index and the temperature of the battery (41) as a characteristic of the product. As shown in FIGS. 4, 6, 8 and 9, the processor may compare the value of the index for each of the changed temperatures obtained by the characteristic acquisition unit with the graph (e.g., step S122 of FIGS. 4 and 8, step S124 of FIGS. 6 and 8, step S133 and step S141 of FIGS. 9).

[0110] By doing so, it is possible to accurately determine whether it is a genuine product without charging or discharging the battery (41).

[0111] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described, the embodiments disclosed herein should be considered illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included.

Claims

Claim 1 A determination system for a secondary battery mounted in a vehicle in a replaceable state while accumulating power used for driving the vehicle, comprising: a processor; a memory device storing a standard product characteristic, which is a temperature change characteristic of a standard product when not in charge / discharge of an indicator that changes according to the temperature of the secondary battery; and a characteristic acquisition unit acquiring a determination target characteristic, which is a temperature change characteristic of the indicator of the secondary battery mounted in the vehicle after replacement when not in charge / discharge. The processor compares the determination target characteristic acquired by the characteristic acquisition unit with the standard product characteristic stored in the memory device, and determines whether the secondary battery mounted in the vehicle is the standard product from the comparison result. The secondary battery is composed of a plurality of cells, and the indicator is a binding load that binds the plurality of cells. Claim 2 A determination system according to claim 1, wherein the indicator is the open-circuit voltage of the secondary battery in addition to the restraining load. Claim 3 delete Claim 4 In claim 1, the above-mentioned restraining load is a restraining load at a predetermined open-circuit voltage, a determination system. Claim 5 In paragraph 2, the processor compares the characteristic of the open-circuit voltage to be determined, acquired by the characteristic acquisition unit, with the characteristic of the genuine product to determine whether the difference is greater than or equal to a first threshold; if it is determined that the difference is greater than or equal to the first threshold, it determines that the secondary battery is not the genuine product; if it is determined that the difference is less than the first threshold, it compares the characteristic of the constrained load to be determined, acquired by the characteristic acquisition unit, with the characteristic of the genuine product to determine whether the difference is greater than or equal to a second threshold; if it is determined that the difference is greater than or equal to the second threshold, it determines that the secondary battery is not the genuine product; and if it is determined that the difference is less than the second threshold, it determines that the secondary battery is the genuine product. Claim 6 In paragraph 2, the processor determines whether the difference is greater than or equal to a first threshold by comparing the characteristic of the open-circuit voltage, which is the subject of determination, with the characteristic of the standard product obtained by the characteristic acquisition unit when the representative value of the temperature at which the characteristic of the open-circuit voltage is the subject of determination obtained by the characteristic acquisition unit when the representative value of the temperature at which the characteristic of the constrained load is the subject of determination obtained by the characteristic acquisition unit when the temperature at which the characteristic of the constrained load is the subject of determination obtained by the characteristic acquisition unit when the representative value of the temperature at which the characteristic of the constrained load is the subject of determination obtained by the characteristic acquisition unit when the characteristic of the standard product obtained by the characteristic acquisition unit determines whether the difference is greater than or equal to a second threshold; if it is determined that the difference is greater than or equal to the first threshold or greater than the second threshold, it determines that the secondary battery is not the standard product; and if it is determined that the difference is less than or equal to the first threshold or less than the second threshold, it determines that the secondary battery is the standard product. Claim 7 In claim 1, the memory device stores information that can specify a graph representing the relationship between the value of the index and the temperature of the secondary battery as the characteristic of the standard product, and the processor compares the value of the index for each of the changed multiple temperatures acquired by the characteristic acquisition unit with the graph, a determination system. Claim 8 A vehicle equipped with a secondary battery determination system, wherein the secondary battery is installed in a replaceable state while accumulating power used for driving the vehicle, and the determination system comprises a processor, a memory device storing a standard product characteristic which is a temperature change characteristic of a standard product when not in charge / discharge of an indicator that changes according to the temperature of the secondary battery, and a characteristic acquisition unit acquiring a determination target characteristic which is a temperature change characteristic of the indicator of the secondary battery installed in the vehicle after replacement when not in charge / discharge, the processor compares the determination target characteristic acquired by the characteristic acquisition unit with the standard product characteristic stored in the memory device, and determines whether the secondary battery installed in the vehicle is the standard product from the comparison result, wherein the secondary battery is composed of a plurality of cells, and the indicator is a constraining load that binds the plurality of cells. Claim 9 A determination method by a determination system for a secondary battery mounted in a vehicle in a replaceable state while accumulating power used for driving the vehicle, wherein the determination system comprises a processor, a memory device storing a standard product characteristic which is a temperature change characteristic of a standard product when not in charge / discharge of an indicator that changes according to the temperature of the secondary battery, and a characteristic acquisition unit acquiring a determination target characteristic which is a temperature change characteristic of the indicator of the secondary battery mounted in the vehicle after replacement when not in charge / discharge, and the determination method comprises a step in which the processor compares the determination target characteristic acquired by the characteristic acquisition unit with the standard product characteristic stored in the memory device, and a step of determining whether the secondary battery mounted in the vehicle is the standard product from the comparison result, wherein the secondary battery is composed of a plurality of cells, and the indicator is a constraining load that binds the plurality of cells.

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