Battery type determination device and battery type determination method

Abstract

The present application provides a storage battery type determination device and a storage battery type determination method capable of determining the type of a storage battery without installing a component for identification. The storage battery type determination device includes an output control section that instructs a current application circuit to apply a specific current to a storage battery having a current collector and a winding body or having a current collector and a laminated body; a magnetic field characteristic measurement section that measures a magnetic field characteristic generated in the storage battery by the application of the current from the output control section; a storage section that stores a prescribed value of the magnetic field characteristic corresponding to the type of the storage battery; and a determination section that determines the type of the storage battery by comparing the prescribed value with a measurement value of the magnetic field characteristic measurement section that measures a magnetic field generated by a current flowing through the current collector of the storage battery.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a battery category determination device and a battery category determination method. Background Technology

[0002] Conventional methods for identifying the type of a storage battery based on its DC internal resistance during charging and discharging (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In such methods, a resistor with a preset resistance value is pre-installed in the battery, and the battery type is determined by measuring this resistance value during identification. Alternatively, methods exist that pre-install an IC chip in the battery and determine the battery type based on an identification signal output by the IC chip.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2015 / 133068 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, in previous technologies, it was costly to install components such as resistors and IC chips into the battery. Furthermore, when these components were counterfeited and installed on unintended batteries, the battery type could not be correctly identified.

[0008] The present invention was made in consideration of such circumstances, and one of its objectives is to provide a battery category determination device and a battery category determination method that can determine the category of a battery without installing identification components.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] The battery category determination device and battery category determination method of the present invention adopt the following structure.

[0011] (1): A battery classification determination device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: an output control unit that instructs a current application circuit to apply a specific current to a battery having a current collector and a winding body, or having a current collector and a laminated body; a magnetic field characteristic measuring unit that measures the magnetic field characteristics generated in the battery by the current applied from the output control unit; a storage unit that stores a predetermined value of the magnetic field characteristics corresponding to the battery classification; and a determination unit that determines the battery classification by comparing the predetermined value with the measured value of the magnetic field characteristic measuring unit, wherein the magnetic field characteristic measuring unit measures the magnetic field generated by the current flowing through the current collector of the battery.

[0012] (2): Based on the above (1) scheme, the magnetic field characteristic measuring unit measures the magnetic field generated by the current flowing through the connection between the current collector and the winding body, or the connection between the current collector and the laminate.

[0013] (3): A battery category determination device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises, in the above-described (1) aspect: a battery cell having a current collector and a winding body, or having a current collector and a stacked body; an output control unit that instructs a current application circuit to apply a specific current to a battery cell group, the battery cell group being formed by stacking the battery cells in a predetermined direction; a magnetic field characteristic measuring unit that measures the magnetic field characteristics generated in the battery cell group by applying the current from the output control unit; a storage unit that stores a predetermined value of the magnetic field characteristics corresponding to the category of the battery cell group; and a determination unit that determines the category of the battery cell group by comparing the predetermined value with the measured value of the magnetic field characteristic measuring unit, the magnetic field characteristic measuring unit being disposed in a region where the magnetic field generated by the current flowing through the current collectors of adjacent battery cells is enhanced.

[0014] (4): Based on any of the above schemes (1) to (3), the storage battery, the magnetic field characteristic measuring unit and the determination unit are mounted on the mobile body. The magnetic field characteristic measuring unit records the previous magnetic field characteristic measured when the power of the mobile body is disconnected, and measures the current magnetic field characteristic when the power is turned on again. The determination unit detects the change of the storage battery by comparing the previous magnetic field characteristic with the current magnetic field characteristic.

[0015] (5): Based on any of the schemes in (1) to (4) above, the specific current is a sine wave or a rectangular wave.

[0016] (6): A method for determining the battery category according to one aspect of the present invention causes a computer to perform the following processing: instructing a current application circuit to apply a specific current to a battery having a current collector and a winding body, or having a current collector and a laminated body; performing a measurement process in which the magnetic field characteristics generated in the battery by applying the current are measured; determining the category of the battery by comparing a predetermined value of the magnetic field characteristics corresponding to the category of the battery with the measured value of the magnetic field characteristics generated in the battery by applying the current; in the measurement process, measuring the magnetic field generated by the current flowing through the current collector of the battery.

[0017] (7): A method for determining the battery category according to one aspect of the present invention causes a computer to perform the following processing: an instruction current application circuit applies a specific current to a battery cell group, which is formed by stacking battery cells having current collectors and winding bodies, or having current collectors and stacked bodies, in a predetermined direction; a measurement process is performed in which the magnetic field characteristics generated in the battery cell group by applying the current are measured; the category of the battery cell group is determined by comparing a predetermined value of the magnetic field characteristics corresponding to the category of the battery cell group with the measured value of the magnetic field characteristics generated in the battery cell group by applying the current; in the measurement process, the magnetic field characteristics are measured in regions where the magnetic field generated by the current flowing through the current collectors of adjacent battery cells is enhanced.

[0018] Invention Effects

[0019] According to (1) to (7), the battery category determination device measures the magnetic field characteristics generated by applying current to a battery cell or battery cell group (battery), and determines the category of the battery cell or battery cell group by comparing the specified value of the magnetic field characteristics corresponding to the category of the battery cell or battery cell group with the measured value of the magnetic field characteristics, thereby enabling the determination of the battery category without installing identification components. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the outline of the structure of a single battery cell.

[0021] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing the outline of the current collection mechanism of the battery pack that makes up a single battery cell.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing a general outline of the structure of the wound electrode.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating a structural example of the battery category determination device in the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process by which the battery category determination device in the first embodiment determines the battery category of a target battery cell.

[0025] Figure 6 This diagram illustrates the magnetic field characteristics near the current collector of a single battery cell.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the measurement results of the battery category determination device in the first embodiment, which measures the magnetic field characteristics near the current collector of a single battery cell.

[0027] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an application example of the battery category determination device in the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating a structural example of the battery category determination device in the second embodiment.

[0029] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of a storage battery.

[0030] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing an example of the connection of individual battery cells in a storage battery.

[0031] Figure 12 It is a diagram illustrating the attraction or repulsion generated at the positive and negative terminals based on the direction of the current.

[0032] Figure 13 This diagram illustrates the testing of an unregistered battery inside a storage battery.

[0033] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating an application example of the battery category determination device in the second embodiment.

[0034] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0035] 100…Battery, 110…Positive terminal, 120…Negative terminal, 130…Busbar, 200…Battery cell, 210…Positive terminal, 220…Negative terminal, 300…Wound electrode, 301…Current collector, 301A…Positive current collector, 301B…Negative current collector, 310…Positive tab, 320…Negative tab, 330…Separator, 340…Positive electrode, 350…Negative electrode, 400A…Battery category determination device, 400B…Battery category determination device, 410…Internal battery, 420…Current output unit, 430…Magnetic field characteristic measurement unit, 440…Storage unit, 450…Control unit, 451…Output control unit, 454…Determination unit, 460…Determination result output unit, 470…Input unit. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Hereinafter, embodiments of the battery category determination device and battery category determination method of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] <First Implementation Method>

[0038] Figures 1-3 This is a diagram showing an example of a single battery cell in this embodiment. Figure 1 This section provides a summary of the structure of the battery cell 200. Figure 2 This section outlines the current collection mechanism of the battery pack that constitutes the battery cell 200. Figure 3This section shows an overview of the battery structure of the battery cell 200. Figure 1 The battery cell 200 shown has one or more wound electrode bodies 300 (wound bodies) and electrolyte (not shown) inside, and has a positive terminal 210 and a negative terminal 220.

[0039] In addition, the battery cell is 200. Figure 2 As shown, it has a positive electrode 340 and a negative electrode 350 for one or more wound electrode bodies 300 (see reference). Figure 3 The battery cell has a positive current collector 301A and a negative current collector 301B for collecting current. The positive current collector 301A is connected to the positive terminal 210 of the battery cell 200, and the negative current collector 301B is connected to the negative terminal 220 of the battery cell.

[0040] In addition, each wound electrode body 300, such as Figure 3 As shown, it includes a positive electrode tab 310, a negative electrode tab 320, a diaphragm 330, a positive electrode 340, and a negative electrode 350. The diaphragm 330 is a component that isolates the positive electrode 340 from the negative electrode 350 and retains the electrolyte, thereby ensuring ion conductivity between the positive electrode 340 and the negative electrode 350. The wound electrode body 300 is constructed by winding the positive electrode tab 310, the negative electrode tab 320, the diaphragm 330, the positive electrode 340, and the negative electrode 350... Figure 3 It is constructed by layering and winding in the order shown.

[0041] Figure 4This diagram illustrates a structural example of the battery classification determination device 400A in this embodiment. The battery classification determination device 400A includes an internal battery 410, a current output unit 420, a magnetic field characteristic measurement unit 430, a storage unit 440, a control unit 450, a determination result output unit 460, and an input unit 470. The control unit 450 is implemented, for example, by executing a program (software) using a hardware processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). Some or all of these components can also be implemented using hardware (including a circuitry) such as LSI (Large Scale Integration), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), and GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or through a combination of software and hardware. The program can be pre-saved in a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or flash memory (a storage device with a non-transitory storage medium), or it can be saved in a removable storage medium such as a DVD or CD-ROM (a non-transitory storage medium), and installed by mounting the storage medium onto a drive device.

[0042] The internal battery 410 is a battery that supplies the power required for the operation of the battery classification determination device 400A. Each functional unit of the battery classification determination device 400A is able to operate using the power supplied by the internal battery 410. The internal battery 410 can be a battery or an interface for obtaining power from other power sources.

[0043] The current output unit 420 is a current application circuit controlled to apply a specific current to the target battery cell 200. The specific current refers to the current applied to the target battery cell 200 for the purpose of identifying its battery type (hereinafter referred to as "identification current"). The current output unit 420 applies a current of the intensity indicated by the control unit 450 to the target battery 100. The current output by the current output unit 420 is applied to the battery 100 via the detector P1.

[0044] The magnetic field characteristic measuring unit 430 is a circuit that measures the magnetic field characteristics of the test object based on the detector signal obtained by the magnetic field measuring detector P2. More specifically, the battery category determination device 400A, through user operation, has the detector P2 scan the vicinity of the positive current collector 301A and / or the negative current collector 301B inside (or on the side) of the target battery cell 200. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the positive current collector 301A and / or the negative current collector 301B will be referred to as current collector 301. The magnetic field characteristic measuring unit 430 measures the magnetic field characteristics near current collector 301 when a specific current is applied to the target battery cell 200 based on the detector signal obtained by scanning. It should be noted that the timing of the magnetic field characteristic measuring unit 430 measuring the magnetic field characteristics of the target battery cell 200 is appropriately controlled by the control unit 450 in conjunction with the application of the identification current. The magnetic field characteristic measurement unit 430 outputs the measured value of the magnetic field characteristic of the target battery cell 200 to the control unit 450.

[0045] The storage unit 440 is configured using, for example, a magnetic storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a semiconductor storage device such as an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage unit 440 stores various information related to the operation of the battery classification determination device 400A. For example, the storage unit 440 stores measurement data of the magnetic field characteristics of the target battery cell 200, information indicating the battery classification determination result, setting information of the current applied to the target battery cell 200, and various program data for implementing the control unit 450. Furthermore, the storage unit 440 pre-stores corresponding information, which will be described later.

[0046] The control unit 450 controls the various functional units of the battery type determination device 400A so that the battery type determination device 400A can determine the battery type of the target battery 100. Specifically, the control unit 450 includes an output control unit 451 and a determination unit 454.

[0047] The output control unit 451 has the function of applying an identification current to the target battery cell 200 by controlling the output intensity of the current output unit 420. For example, the output control unit 451 can apply an alternating current that varies in a sinusoidal shape to the target battery cell 200 by continuously varying the output intensity of the current output unit 420. Alternatively, the output control unit 451 can also output and apply a direct current that varies in a rectangular shape to the target battery cell 200 by varying the output intensity of the current output unit 420 at predetermined times.

[0048] It should be noted that the output control unit 451 can also be configured to apply identification current to the target battery cell 200 when it detects that the target battery cell 200 is connected to the battery classification determination device 400A. Furthermore, if the battery classification determination device 400A is equipped with an input device such as a mouse or keyboard, the output control unit 451 can also be configured to apply identification current to the target battery cell 200 based on user input.

[0049] The determination unit 454 determines the battery type of the target battery cell 200 based on the magnetic field characteristic values ​​near the current collector 301 obtained for the target battery cell 200. Specifically, the determination unit 454 determines the battery type of the target battery cell 200 based on correspondence information that establishes a correspondence between the battery type and the magnetic field characteristic values ​​near the current collector measured for each type of battery cell. It should be noted that the correspondence information is pre-stored in the storage unit 440. The determination unit 454 outputs information indicating the result of the battery type determination for the target battery cell 200 (hereinafter referred to as "determination result information") to the determination result output unit 460.

[0050] The determination result output unit 460 outputs the determination result information output from the determination unit 454 in a predetermined manner. For example, the determination result output unit 460 may also include a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, and display the determination result information on such a display device. Additionally, the determination result output unit 460 may also include a wired or wireless communication interface, and transmit the determination result information to other communication devices via such a communication interface. Furthermore, the determination result output unit 460 may also include a sound output device such as a speaker, and output sound representing the content of the determination result information.

[0051] The input unit 470 has the function of inputting information related to the operation of the battery type determination device 400A. For example, the input unit 470 may be configured to have an input device such as a mouse or keyboard, and the required information may be input via these input devices. Alternatively, the input unit 470 may be configured to have a wired or wireless communication interface, and the required information may be input via these communication interfaces. The input unit 470 outputs the input information to the control unit 450.

[0052] Figure 5This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process by which the battery category determination device 400A of this embodiment determines the battery category of the target battery cell 200. Here, it is assumed that at the beginning of the flowchart, the battery category determination device 400A is connected to the target battery cell 200 (the target battery cell). First, in the battery category determination device 400A, an operation to apply an identification current to the target battery cell 200 is input via the input unit 470. Based on this operation input, the output control unit 451 controls the current output unit 420 to apply the identification current to the target battery cell 200 (step S101).

[0053] Next, detector P2 outputs a detector signal corresponding to the magnetic field characteristics near current collector 301 (step S102). Detector P2 can be a coil sensor, reed sensor, Hall element, MR (Magneto Resistive) sensor, MI (Magneto-Impedance) sensor, etc. For example, detector P2 outputs a detector signal representing the current value induced by the magnetic field, and magnetic field characteristic measurement unit 430 calculates the magnetic field component based on the current value represented by the detector signal (step S103), thereby measuring the magnetic field characteristics.

[0054] Next, the determination unit 454 determines whether the target battery cell 200 is a valid battery cell based on the measurement results of the magnetic field characteristics measured by the magnetic field characteristic measurement unit 430. Specifically, the determination unit 454 determines whether the measured magnetic field component is within the error range of the previous measurement value or within the range of a preset predetermined value (step S104). If it meets either of the above conditions, the target battery cell 200 is determined to be a valid battery cell; if it does not meet either of the above conditions, the target battery cell 200 is determined to be an invalid battery cell.

[0055] Here, if the target battery cell 200 is determined to be a valid battery cell (step S104 - Yes), the determination unit 454 performs normal operation processing (step S105). Normal operation processing includes processes that enable the target battery cell 200 to be used, processes performed after using the target battery cell 200, etc. On the other hand, if the target battery cell 200 is determined to be an invalid battery cell in step S104 (step S104 - No), the determination unit 454 performs abnormal operation processing (step S106). Abnormal operation processing includes processes that render the target battery cell 200 unusable, processes that notify the target battery cell 200 that it is an invalid battery cell, processes that issue warnings regarding the use of the target battery cell 200, etc.

[0056] Normal operation can be any operation performed when the target battery 100 is a legitimate battery, or any operation at all. Similarly, abnormal operation can be any operation performed when the target battery 100 is not a legitimate battery, or any operation at all. For example, the determination unit 454 can perform normal operation by performing operation that allows the vehicle to perform its normal functions, and abnormal operation by performing operation that limits the performance that the vehicle can perform. With such control, by limiting the performance that the vehicle can perform when a non-genuine battery is used in a vehicle manufactured by our company, it is possible to prevent the vehicle from being placed in a dangerous situation.

[0057] Additionally, for example, the determination unit 454 can also perform a process to maintain the warranty of a vehicle equipped with the target battery 100 as normal operation, and a process to stop the warranty of the vehicle as abnormal operation, for the system managing the warranty of the vehicle. With such control, it is possible to suppress undue costs to the vehicle manufacturer due to warranty issues arising from accidents or other incidents in vehicles that do not use genuine batteries.

[0058] Furthermore, for example, the determination unit 454 can also perform a process that includes vehicle data of vehicles equipped with target batteries 100 in the statistical processing objects as normal processing, and a process that excludes the vehicle data from the statistical processing objects as abnormal processing, based on the analysis of vehicle data collected through telematics. With such control, it is possible to suppress situations where the reliability of statistical processing and the quality of service provision decrease due to vehicle data from vehicles using non-genuine batteries.

[0059] It should be noted that the determination of the battery category and the corresponding normal or abnormal handling of the determination result can be performed during the inspection of the vehicle on which the target battery 100 is mounted, or during the start-up of the vehicle on which the target battery 100 is mounted.

[0060] Figure 6 and Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of the measurement results of the magnetic field characteristics near the current collector 301 of the battery cell 200 measured by the battery type determination device 400A of this embodiment. Figure 6 This represents a summary of the magnetic field generated by measuring the applied electric current. Figure 7 This indicates the measurement results. In Figure 6In the diagram, the dashed arrows indicate the flow of the identification current. The identification current flows from the positive terminal 210 through the positive current collector 301A to the wound electrode 300, then through the wound electrode 300 to the negative current collector 301B, and from the negative current collector 301B to the negative terminal 220. At this time, a magnetic field is generated circumferentially with the direction of the identification current as the axis by using the right-hand screw rule.

[0061] In this case, such as Figure 7 As shown, characteristic magnetic field characteristics MD1 and MD2 are known to form near the positive terminal 210 and negative terminal 220 of the battery cell 200, and near the positive current collector 301A and negative current collector 301B adjacent to them. Furthermore, it is known that such magnetic field characteristics represent a distribution corresponding to the physical characteristics of the battery structure. That is, when the location representing the characteristic magnetic field characteristics (hereinafter referred to as "characteristic point") is known in advance, the battery classification determination device 400A only needs to measure the magnetic field at least at such characteristic point, and it is not necessary to measure the magnetic field over the entire surface area of ​​the battery cell 200. For example, a magnetic field sensor (equivalent to detector P2) for battery classification determination can be pre-installed at the characteristic point of the battery cell 200. The battery classification determination device 400A of this embodiment obtains the magnetic field characteristics corresponding to such physical characteristics in advance, and determines the battery category of the target battery cell 200 by comparing it with the magnetic field characteristics measured for the target battery cell 200.

[0062] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an application example of the battery category determination device 400A according to the first embodiment. Figure 8 As an example of the application of the battery category determination device 400A, a battery cell 200 integrally formed with the battery category determination device 400A is shown. Figure 8An example is a battery classification device 400A positioned on the side near the positive current collector 301A of the battery cell 200. This is conceived in the case of measuring the magnetic field at a feature point near the positive current collector 301A. In this case, at least the detector P2, which measures the magnetic field characteristics, needs to be positioned near the positive current collector 301A; it is not necessary to position the entire battery classification device 400A on the side of the positive current collector 301A. Furthermore, when determining the battery classification based on the magnetic field characteristics near the negative current collector 301B, the detector P2 can also be positioned near the negative current collector 301B. Alternatively, the detector P2 can be positioned near both the positive and negative current collectors 301A and 301B, and the battery classification device 400A determines the battery classification based on the magnetic field characteristics of both current collectors 301. Furthermore, the magnetic field characteristics used to determine the battery type are not limited to the vicinity of the current collector 301, but can be measured at any characteristic point that can be used to determine the battery type.

[0063] The battery classification determination device 400A configured in this way can apply a specific current to the target battery 100 and determine the category of the target battery based on the magnetic field characteristic value observed as its response. Therefore, the battery classification determination device 400A according to this embodiment can determine the category of the target battery 100 without installing identification components.

[0064] For example, if the magnetic field characteristic value generated by the application of current indicates a genuine product, the battery category determination device 400A can be configured to determine whether the target battery cell 200 is a genuine or non-genuine product to classify it as a battery. Furthermore, if the magnetic field characteristic value indicates a characteristic of the battery cell 200 that varies depending on the vehicle model, the battery category determination device 400A can also be configured to determine the vehicle model in which the target battery cell 200 should be installed to classify it as a battery. In addition, if the attribute is related to the magnetic field characteristic value generated by the application of current, the battery category determination device 400A can also be configured to identify other attributes of the target battery cell 200.

[0065] <Second Implementation Method>

[0066] In the second embodiment, the battery category of the battery 100 obtained by integrating the battery cell 200 will be described. Figure 9This diagram illustrates a structural example of the battery category determination device 400B in the second embodiment. The battery category determination device 400B differs from the battery category determination device 400A in the following ways: the object for determining the battery category is battery 100 instead of individual battery cell 200, and the corresponding information table T2 is stored in the storage unit 440 instead of the corresponding information table T1. Other structures are the same as those in the battery category determination device 400B of the first embodiment. Therefore, in Figure 9 In the text, regarding these same structures, through annotations and... Figure 4 The same reference numerals are used in the accompanying drawings, but the descriptions are omitted.

[0067] The corresponding information table T2 is used by the determination unit 454 to determine the battery type. In this respect, it is the same as the corresponding information table T1. However, the corresponding information table T1 shows the correspondence between the magnetic field characteristics of the battery cell 200 and the battery type. In contrast, the corresponding information table T2 shows the correspondence between the magnetic field characteristics of the battery 100 and the battery type. In this respect, it is different from the corresponding information table T1.

[0068] Figure 10 This diagram illustrates an example of the storage battery 100 in the second embodiment. The storage battery 100 is constructed by connecting multiple battery cells 200 described in the first embodiment in series. The storage battery 100 includes a positive terminal 110 and a negative terminal 120, one or more busbars 130, and multiple battery cells 200. Figure 10 Battery cells 200-1 to 200-M are shown as examples of multiple battery cells 200. M is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0069] Each battery cell 200 internally has a wound electrode body 300 (wound body) and electrolyte (not shown), and has a positive terminal 210 and a negative terminal 220. The positive terminal 210-1 of battery cell 200-1 is connected to the positive terminal 110 of battery 100, and the negative terminal 220-M of battery cell 200-M is connected to the negative terminal 120 of battery 100. In addition, the positive terminal 210-i of battery cell 200-i (2≤i≤M) is connected to the negative terminal 220-j of battery cell 200-j via bus 130-j (j=i-1). On the other hand, the negative terminal 220-k of battery cell 200-k (1≤k≤M-1) is connected to the positive terminal 210-l of battery cell 200-l (l=k+1) via bus 130-k.

[0070] Figure 11 This diagram illustrates a connection example of the battery cells 200 in the storage battery 100. The battery cells 200 are connected by... Figure 11With such a configuration and connection, the following phenomenon occurs: the magnetic fields generated when the identification current is applied reinforce each other at specific locations, thus being strengthened, or weakened by each other, thus being weakened. This phenomenon related to magnetic field strength can become a characteristic for determining the battery type. Therefore, the battery type determination device 400B of the second embodiment pre-stores a correspondence information table T2, which establishes a correspondence between magnetic field characteristics with such characteristics and battery types, in the storage unit 440. Thus, the battery type determination device 400B can determine the battery type of the battery 100 based on the magnetic field characteristics observed when the identification current is applied to the battery 100.

[0071] Specifically, for example, in battery cells 200A and 200B connected to the negative and positive terminals via busbar 130-A, the magnetic field characteristics generated near the connection point R1 are as shown in diagram D1. Here, the directions of the identification currents flowing at the negative and positive terminals are different, thus generating opposing rotating magnetic fields MG1 and MG2 respectively by the right-hand screw rule. Furthermore, in this case, if the angle θ of the region R2 between the negative and positive terminals is within 45 degrees, the magnetic fields MG1 and MG2 within region R2 reinforce each other, being enhanced in the direction of magnetic flux. Additionally, such enhancement of the magnetic field sometimes occurs as follows... Figure 12 The positions of the negative and positive electrodes are changed as shown.

[0072] Figure 12 This diagram illustrates how the direction of the current generates attractive or repulsive forces at the positive and negative poles. First, as shown in the upper diagram, when the currents flowing in the same direction at the positive and negative poles, the magnetic fields in opposite directions weaken each other in the region between them, resulting in a decrease in the density of magnetic field lines. To eliminate this, a force acts to bring the positive and negative poles closer together. In this case, the position of either the positive or negative pole may change due to this force of approach. On the other hand, as shown in the lower diagram, when the currents flowing in different directions at the positive and negative poles, the magnetic fields in opposite directions strengthen each other in the region between them, resulting in a increase in the density of magnetic field lines. To eliminate this, a force acts to move the positive and negative poles away from each other. In this case, the position of either the positive or negative pole may change due to this force of away.

[0073] return Figure 11 This is an explanation. Furthermore, the strength of the magnetic field weakens as the distance from the rotation axis (direction of current) increases. Therefore, depending on the arrangement of the battery cells 200 inside the battery 100, the results of observing the magnetic field characteristics from the outside of the battery 100 will vary. The arrangement of the battery cells 200 is a design consideration during the manufacture of the battery 100; therefore, design differences depending on the product are sometimes reflected in the magnetic field characteristics.

[0074] The battery category determination device 400B of this embodiment stores in advance the correspondence between the magnetic field characteristics observed through the structural features of the battery 100 and the battery category as a correspondence information table T2, thereby enabling the determination of the battery category of the battery 100 based on the observed magnetic field characteristics. According to this structure, for example, the following... Figure 13 As shown, even if a portion of the multiple battery cells 200 contained in the battery 100 contains irregular battery cells, the irregular battery cells can be detected by observing the magnetic field characteristics of the battery 100 from a predetermined position outside the casing.

[0075] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating an application example of the battery category determination device 400B according to the second embodiment. Figure 14 As an example of the application of the battery category determination device 400B, a vehicle M equipped with the battery category determination device 400B is shown. Figure 14 The vehicle M is envisioned as a four-wheel drive passenger vehicle, but the vehicle equipped with the battery type determination device 400B can be any vehicle that uses the battery 100 as its power source, or any other vehicle. The vehicle M includes a vehicle control unit M1 for controlling various parts of the vehicle, a battery mounting unit M2 for mounting the battery 100 to the vehicle M, and a battery type determination device 400B for determining the battery type of the battery 100 mounted in the vehicle.

[0076] In this case, for example, the battery category determination device 400B, similar to the first embodiment, determines the battery category of the battery 100 installed in the vehicle M and performs normal or abnormal processing corresponding to the determination result. For example, if the battery 100 installed in the vehicle M is determined to be a genuine product, the battery category determination device 400B can grant permission to the vehicle control unit M1 to drive the vehicle M as a normal processing step. Conversely, if the battery 100 installed in the vehicle M is determined to be a non-genuine product, the battery category determination device 400B can instruct the vehicle control unit M1 not to drive the vehicle M as an abnormal processing step.

[0077] Alternatively, in this case, for example, the battery type determination device 400B can be configured such that: the magnetic field characteristic measuring unit 430 measures and records the magnetic field characteristic of the vehicle M when the engine is off (an example when the power is off) as the previous magnetic field characteristic, and measures the current magnetic field characteristic when the engine is turned on again (an example when the power is on), and the determination unit 454 compares the previous magnetic field characteristic with the current magnetic field characteristic, thereby detecting changes in the battery. It should be noted that the vehicle M is an example of a "moving body".

[0078] The battery classification determination device 400B of this second embodiment can apply a specific current to the target battery 100 with respect to the integrated battery cells 200, and determine the category of the target battery based on the magnetic field characteristic value observed as its response. Therefore, the battery classification determination device 400B according to this embodiment can determine the category of the target battery 100 without installing identification components.

[0079] Furthermore, the above embodiments mainly describe whether a battery is a genuine product as a type of storage battery. However, the magnetic field characteristic value generated when the current is applied for identification may also change if there is an abnormality in the battery cell 200 inside the storage battery 100. Therefore, by establishing a correspondence between such magnetic field characteristic value changes and the type of abnormality and maintaining it in the corresponding information table T2 in advance, the battery type determination device 400A or 400B (hereinafter collectively referred to as battery type determination device 400) can also be used to detect abnormalities in the storage battery 100 and the battery cell 200.

[0080] Furthermore, according to the battery category determination device 400 described in the above embodiments, the battery category can also be identified even for batteries (or individual battery cells) that do not have an IC chip or the like that can output identification signals. Therefore, it is not necessary to equip the battery with an IC chip, thus solving the battery problems caused by the interface and durability of IC chips.

[0081] Furthermore, the battery classification determination device 400 described in the above embodiments can be used for any battery whose magnetic field characteristics can be measured in advance to identify its classification. It is applicable to the classification of any battery other than vehicle batteries. For example, the battery classification determination device 400 can also be configured to determine the battery type of a so-called MPP (Mobile Power Pack), a removable portable battery that can be used as a power source in a small electric vehicle. Additionally, the battery classification determination device 400 can also be configured in a battery charging device or battery return device (so-called a battery exchanger, BEX) that can recycle and recharge a used MPP and then lend out a recharged MPP. The battery classification determination device 400 can be integrated with these MPPs or BEXs, or it can be configured separately.

[0082] The implementation methods described above can be performed as follows.

[0083] A battery category determination device, comprising:

[0084] Storage device, which stores a program; and

[0085] Hardware processor,

[0086] The hardware processor executes the program stored in the storage device to perform the following processing:

[0087] The current application circuit applies a specific current to the battery, which has a current collector and a wound body or has a current collector and a laminated body.

[0088] A measurement process is performed in which the characteristics of the magnetic field generated in the battery by applying the current are measured.

[0089] The battery category is determined by comparing a specified value of the magnetic field characteristics corresponding to the battery category with a measured value of the magnetic field characteristics generated in the battery by the application of the current; and

[0090] In the measurement process, the magnetic field generated by the current flowing through the current collector of the battery is measured.

[0091] The implementation methods described above can be performed as follows.

[0092] A battery category determination device, comprising:

[0093] Storage device, which stores a program; and

[0094] Hardware processor,

[0095] The hardware processor executes the program stored in the storage device to perform the following processing:

[0096] The current application circuit applies a specific current to a battery cell group, in which battery cells having current collectors and winding bodies, or having current collectors and stacked bodies, are stacked in a specified direction.

[0097] A measurement process is performed in which the magnetic field characteristics generated in the battery cell array by applying the current are measured.

[0098] The category of the battery cell group is determined by comparing a specified value of the magnetic field characteristics corresponding to the category of the battery cell group with a measured value of the magnetic field characteristics generated in the battery cell group by the application of the current; and

[0099] In the measurement process, the magnetic field characteristics are measured for regions where the magnetic field generated by the current flowing through the current collectors of adjacent battery cells is enhanced.

[0100] The above description illustrates specific embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to such embodiments in any way, and various modifications and substitutions can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A battery category determination device, wherein, The battery category determination device includes: The output control unit indicates that the current application circuit applies a specific current to the battery for the purpose of identifying the type of the battery, which has a current collector and a winding body, or has a current collector and a laminated body. A magnetic field characteristic measuring unit measures the magnetic field characteristics generated in the battery by applying the current from the output control unit. The storage section stores specified values ​​of the magnetic field characteristics corresponding to the type of the battery; as well as The determination unit determines the type of the battery by comparing the specified value with the measured value of the magnetic field characteristic measuring unit. The magnetic field characteristic measuring unit measures the magnetic field generated by the current flowing through the connection between the current collector and the winding body, or the connection between the current collector and the laminate, and thereby determines whether the battery is a valid battery based on the type of the battery.

2. The battery category determination device according to claim 1, wherein, The battery, the magnetic field characteristic measuring unit, and the determination unit are mounted on the mobile body. The magnetic field characteristic measuring unit records the previous magnetic field characteristic measured when the power to the moving body is disconnected, and measures the current magnetic field characteristic when the power is turned on again. The determination unit detects changes in the battery by comparing the previous magnetic field characteristics with the current magnetic field characteristics.

3. A battery category determination device, wherein, The battery category determination device includes: A single battery cell has a current collector and a wound body, or has a current collector and a laminated body; The output control unit indicates that the current application circuit applies a specific current to the battery cell group for the purpose of identifying the type of the battery cell group, which is formed by stacking the battery cells in a predetermined direction. The magnetic field characteristic measuring unit measures the magnetic field characteristics generated in the battery cell group by applying the current from the output control unit. The storage section stores specified values ​​of magnetic field characteristics corresponding to the type of the battery cell group; as well as The determination unit determines the category of the battery cell group by comparing the specified value with the measured value of the magnetic field characteristic measuring unit. The magnetic field characteristic measuring unit is positioned in a region where the magnetic field generated by the current flowing through the current collector of adjacent battery cells is enhanced.

4. The battery category determination device according to claim 3, wherein, The battery cell assembly, the magnetic field characteristic measuring unit, and the determination unit are mounted on the mobile body. The magnetic field characteristic measuring unit records the previous magnetic field characteristic measured when the power to the moving body is disconnected, and measures the current magnetic field characteristic when the power is turned on again. The determination unit detects changes in the battery cell group by comparing the previous magnetic field characteristics with the current magnetic field characteristics.

5. The battery category determination device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The specific current is a sine wave or a square wave.

6. A method for determining the category of a storage battery, wherein, The battery category determination method causes the computer to perform the following processing: An indicator current application circuit applies a specific current to a battery for the purpose of identifying the type of the battery, the battery having a current collector and a wound body, or having a current collector and a laminated body; A measurement process is performed in which the characteristics of the magnetic field generated in the battery by applying the current are measured. The category of the battery is determined by comparing a specified value of the magnetic field characteristics corresponding to the category of the battery with a measured value of the magnetic field characteristics generated in the battery by the application of the current. In the measurement process, the magnetic field generated by the current flowing through the connection between the current collector and the winding body, or the connection between the current collector and the laminate, is measured, thereby determining whether the battery is a valid battery based on the type of the battery.

7. A method for determining the category of a storage battery, wherein, The battery category determination method causes the computer to perform the following processing: The current application circuit applies a specific current to a battery cell group for the purpose of identifying the type of the battery cell group, which is formed by stacking battery cells having current collectors and winding bodies, or having current collectors and stacked bodies, in a specified direction. A measurement process is performed in which the magnetic field characteristics generated in the battery cell array by applying the current are measured. The category of the battery cell group is determined by comparing a specified value of the magnetic field characteristics corresponding to the category of the battery cell group with a measured value of the magnetic field characteristics generated in the battery cell group by the application of the current. In the measurement process, the magnetic field characteristics are measured for regions where the magnetic field generated by the current flowing through the current collectors of adjacent battery cells is enhanced.

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