Impact detection method, battery system and vehicle comprising battery system

Abstract

A method of impact detection, a battery system, and a vehicle including the battery system are disclosed. The battery system includes: a battery cell in a housing; and an impact detection circuit including an electrical resistor circuit supported by the base plate member adjacent to the battery cell, and including electrically brittle conductors electrically connected in parallel with each other, each electrically brittle conductor configured to be damaged in response to an impact causing deformation of the electrically brittle conductor; a voltage source connected to the electrical resistor circuit and configured to apply a voltage to the electrical resistor circuit; and a detector configured to determine at least one of an electrical resistance of the electrical resistor circuit and a current flowing through the electrical resistor circuit, and detecting an impact on the battery system based on determining at least one of an increase in resistance and a drop in current due to breakage of at least one of the electrically brittle conductors.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery system including an impact detection circuit and a method for detecting an impact on the battery system. In addition, a vehicle including the battery system is provided. Background Art

[0002] Recently, vehicles for transporting goods and people using electricity as a source of power have been developed. Such electric vehicles are cars driven by electric motors, using energy stored in rechargeable batteries. Electric vehicles can be powered by batteries alone, or can be in the form of hybrid vehicles powered by, for example, gasoline generators or hydrogen fuel cells. Hybrid vehicles can include a combination of electric motors and traditional internal combustion engines. Typically, an electric vehicle battery EVB or traction battery is a battery used to power the propulsion of a battery electric vehicle BEV. The difference between electric vehicle batteries and starting batteries, lighting batteries, and ignition batteries is that they are designed to provide power for a sustained period of time. Rechargeable batteries (or secondary batteries) differ from primary batteries in that they are designed to be repeatedly charged and discharged, while the latter are designed to provide only irreversible conversion of chemical energy to electrical energy. Low-capacity rechargeable batteries are used as power sources for small electronic devices such as cellular phones, notebook computers, cameras, etc., while high-capacity rechargeable batteries are used as power sources for electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, etc.

[0003] Rechargeable batteries can be used as battery modules, each battery module is formed by a plurality of battery cells coupled in series and / or in parallel to each other, so as to provide high energy storage density, such as for motor drives of hybrid vehicles. For example, a battery module can be formed by interconnecting the electrode terminals of a plurality of battery cells in a certain arrangement or configuration, which depends on the desired amount of electricity and in order to achieve a high power rechargeable battery.

[0004] A battery pack is a group of any number of (usually identical) battery modules. Battery modules can be configured in series, parallel, or a mixture of both to deliver a desired voltage, capacity, and / or power density. The components of a battery pack include individual battery modules and interconnects that provide electrical conductivity between battery modules.

[0005] The battery system may further include a battery management system (BMS), which is any suitable electronic system configured to manage rechargeable battery cells, battery modules, and battery packs, such as by protecting the batteries from operating outside their safe operating range, monitoring their status, calculating and reporting charge level (SoC) data, controlling its environment, authenticating it, and / or balancing it. For example, the BMS can monitor the state of the battery cells represented by voltage (e.g., the total voltage of the battery pack or battery module, and / or the voltage of an individual battery cell), temperature (e.g., the average temperature of the battery pack or battery module, the coolant inlet temperature, the coolant outlet temperature, or the temperature of an individual battery cell), coolant flow (such as flow rate, coolant pressure), and current. The BMS can be centralized, such that a single controller is connected to the battery cells by multiple lines. In other examples, the BMS can also be distributed, with a BMS board mounted on each battery cell, with only a single communication cable between the battery cell and the controller.

[0006] The BMS can prevent operation outside the safe operating range of the battery by including an internal switch (such as a relay or solid-state device) that opens if the battery operates outside its safe operating range, requests the device to which the battery cell is connected to reduce or even terminate the use of the battery, and actively controls the environment, such as through a heater, fan, air conditioning, or liquid cooling. Under abnormal operating conditions, the battery pack should generally be disconnected from the load connected to the terminals of the battery pack. Therefore, the battery system further includes a battery disconnect unit (BDU) electrically connected between the battery module and the battery system terminals.

[0007] Despite any modular structure, the battery system of the related art includes a battery housing that serves as a shell that seals the battery system from the environment and provides structural protection for components of the battery system. The battery system with the housing is usually installed as a whole into their application environment, for example, an electric vehicle.

[0008] Battery systems, such as automotive battery systems, include battery cells that may be dangerous in the event of a fire. Therefore, it is desirable to warn passengers before any danger occurs external to the battery.

[0009] A battery system located below a vehicle may be affected by road conditions, such as rocks and other solid objects from the road, or by obstacles such as road bollards. Impacts to the battery system caused by these obstacles should be detected because such impacts may cause failure of at least a portion of the battery system. Therefore, impact detection is desirable for safe operation of the battery system and / or the vehicle using it.

[0010] However, existing impact detection for battery systems may require expensive and complex components. In the related art, strain gauge detectors can be used to detect impacts on battery systems. These strain gauge detectors (such as those disclosed in US2022 / 0029215A1) can have at least one conductor track to sense mechanical stress, which can cause bending of the conductor, which is converted into an electrical signal. This change is then evaluated by a control unit. The above solution requires multiple strain gauge detectors to perform local sensing at various locations in the battery system to detect impacts.

[0011] It is desirable to provide a battery system and a vehicle including the battery system that safely and reliably detects an impact on the battery system based on various information using fewer resources to safely operate the battery system.

[0012] The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the invention and therefore it may contain information that does not constitute prior art. Summary of the invention

[0013] According to some aspects of the present disclosure, a battery system is provided, comprising: a plurality of battery cells in a housing; and an impact detection circuit, the impact detection circuit comprising: an electrical resistor circuit, the electrical resistor circuit being supported by a base plate member adjacent to the plurality of battery cells and comprising a plurality of electrically fragile conductors electrically connected in parallel to each other, each of the plurality of electrically fragile conductors being configured to break in response to an impact that causes deformation of each of the plurality of electrically fragile conductors; a voltage source connected to the electrical resistor circuit and configured to apply a voltage to the electrical resistor circuit; and a detector configured to: determine at least one of an electrical resistance of the electrical resistor circuit and a current flowing through the electrical resistor circuit, and detect an impact on the battery system based on determining at least one of an increase in resistance and a decrease in current due to breakage of at least one of the plurality of electrically fragile conductors.

[0014] In some embodiments, the electrical resistor circuit further includes a plurality of electrical resistors, and each of the plurality of electrically fragile conductors is electrically connected in series with at least one electrical resistor.

[0015] In some embodiments, each electrically fragile conductor of the plurality of electrically fragile conductors is interconnected between two electrical resistors of the plurality of electrical resistors.

[0016] In some embodiments, the detector is configured to: determine at least one of an amount of increase in resistance and an amount of decrease in current in response to breakage of at least one of a plurality of electrically brittle conductors; and determine the severity of an impact on the battery system based on at least one of the amount of increase in resistance and the amount of decrease in current.

[0017] In some embodiments, the detector is configured to determine the number of broken electrically fragile conductors based on at least one of an amount of resistance increase and an amount of current drop.

[0018] In some embodiments, the electrical resistor circuit further includes a plurality of electrical resistors, and wherein the plurality of electrical resistors have the same electrical resistance value.

[0019] In some embodiments, each electrically fragile conductor of the plurality of electrically fragile conductors is an aluminum strip.

[0020] In some embodiments, the electrical resistor circuit is located on a surface of the floor member that faces the plurality of battery cells.

[0021] In some embodiments, the base member is separate from the housing and is located below the housing.

[0022] In some embodiments, the floor member is a bottom floor of the housing.

[0023] In some embodiments, the plurality of electrically fragile conductors are spaced apart from one another and positioned such that the electrical resistor circuit spans across the base plate member.

[0024] In some embodiments, the electrical resistor circuit further includes multiple electrical resistors, and the multiple electrical resistors have different electrical resistance values, and the detector is configured to: determine at least one of an amount of resistance increase and an amount of current decrease in response to breakage of at least one of the multiple electrically brittle conductors; and determine a location on the base plate component where an impact occurs based on at least one of the amount of resistance increase and the amount of current decrease.

[0025] According to some aspects of the present invention, a vehicle including the above-mentioned battery system is provided.

[0026] In some embodiments, the battery system is positioned in a bottom portion of the vehicle.

[0027] According to some aspects of the present invention, a method for detecting an impact on a battery system is provided, the method comprising: providing a battery system, the battery system comprising: a plurality of battery cells housed in a housing; an electrical resistor circuit at the housing, the electrical resistor circuit comprising a plurality of electrically fragile conductors electrically connected in parallel to each other, wherein each of the plurality of electrically fragile conductors is configured to break in response to an impact that causes deformation of the electrical fragile conductor among the plurality of electrically fragile conductors; applying a voltage to the electrical resistor circuit by a voltage source; and determining, by a detector, at least one of an electrical resistance of the electrical resistor circuit and a current flowing through the electrical resistor circuit, and detecting, by the detector, an impact on the battery system based on determining at least one of an increase in resistance and a decrease in current due to breakage of at least one of the plurality of electrically fragile conductors. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art by describing in detail exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0029] Figure 1A to Figure 1B Schematic diagrams of a battery system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure in a state where no impact occurs and in a state where an impact occurs are respectively illustrated;

[0030] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a battery system according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0031] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B The impact detection circuit in a state where no impact occurs and in a state where an impact occurs according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are respectively illustrated;

[0032] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4B illustrates respectively an increase in resistance and a decrease in current caused by breakage of at least one electrically fragile conductor according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 5 A method of detecting an impact to a battery system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated; and

[0034] Figure 6 A vehicle including a battery system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0035] Some reference signs

[0036] 10 battery cells

[0037] 20 Shell

[0038] 22 Bottom plate components

[0039] 24 Surface

[0040] 26Deformation

[0041] 30 Impact detection circuit

[0042] 40 electrical resistor circuit

[0043] 42 Electrically brittle conductors

[0044] 43 damage point

[0045] 44 Resistors

[0046] 46 Resistors

[0047] 50 Voltage Source

[0048] 60 detection units (or detectors)

[0049] 62 Control Unit

[0050] 63 Memory

[0051] 64 sensor units

[0052] 66 Shunt Resistor

[0053] 68 Amplifier

[0054] 70 Obstacles

[0055] 100 battery system

[0056] 1000 vehicles

[0057] 1100 bottom part DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] Embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The effects and features of exemplary embodiments and methods of implementation thereof will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals represent the same elements, and redundant descriptions are omitted for the sake of brevity. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments shown herein.

[0059] Therefore, processes, elements, and techniques that are not considered necessary for a full understanding of the aspects and features of the present disclosure for those of ordinary skill in the art may not be described.In the drawings, the relative sizes of elements, layers, and regions may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0060] Spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly. In addition, it will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being "between" two elements, it can be the only element between the two elements, or one or more intervening elements may also be present.

[0061] The terms used herein are intended to describe specific embodiments, rather than to limit the concepts of the present invention. As used herein, the singular form "a" is also intended to include the plural form, unless the context clearly states otherwise. It should also be understood that when used in this specification, the terms "comprise", "include", and "have" specify the presence of stated features, wholes, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or combinations thereof.

[0062] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. For example, the expression "A and / or B" means A, B, or A and B. When preceding a list of elements, expressions such as "one or more" and "at least one" modify the entire list of elements, rather than the individual elements of the list. For example, the expressions "one or more of A, B, and C," "at least one of A, B, or C," "at least one of A, B, and C," and "at least one selected from the group consisting of A, B, and C" mean only A, only B, only C, both A and B, both A and C, both B and C, or all of A, B, and C.

[0063] Furthermore, when describing embodiments of the present inventive concept, the use of “may” refers to “one or more embodiments of the present inventive concept.” Furthermore, the term “exemplary” is intended to refer to an example or illustration.

[0064] It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on another element or layer," "connected to," "coupled to," or "adjacent to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, connected to, coupled to, or adjacent to another element or layer, or one or more intervening elements or layers may be present. When an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to," "directly coupled to," "in contact with," "directly in contact with," or "immediately adjacent to" another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers.

[0065] As used herein, the terms "substantially," "approximately," and similar terms are used as terms of approximation, rather than terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent variation in measured or calculated values ​​that one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize. In addition, if the term "substantially" is used in conjunction with a feature that can be expressed in a numerical value, the term "substantially" means a range of + / - 5% of that value centered around that value.

[0066] As used herein, the terms "use," "in use," and "used" may be considered synonymous with the terms "utilize," "utilizing," and "utilized," respectively.

[0067] Herein, the terms "upper" and "lower" are defined according to the z-axis. For example, the upper cover is positioned at the upper portion of the z-axis, and the lower cover is positioned at the lower portion of the z-axis. In the accompanying drawings, the size of the elements may be exaggerated for clarity. For example, in the accompanying drawings, the size or thickness of each element may be arbitrarily shown for the purpose of illustration, and thus the embodiments of the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited thereto.

[0068] The electronic or power devices and / or any other related devices or components according to the embodiments of the present disclosure described herein can be implemented using any suitable hardware, firmware (e.g., application specific integrated circuits), software, or a combination of software, firmware, and hardware. In addition, the various components of these devices can be implemented on flexible printed circuit films, tape carrier packages (TCPs), printed circuit boards (PCBs), or formed on a substrate. The electrical connections or interconnections described herein can be realized by, for example, wires or conductive elements on a PCB or another circuit carrier. The conductive elements can include metallization (e.g., surface metallization) and / or pins, and / or can include conductive polymers or ceramics. Additional electrical energy can be transmitted by wireless connection (e.g., using electromagnetic radiation and / or light).

[0069] In addition, the various components of these devices can be processes or threads running on one or more processors in one or more computing devices, which execute computer program instructions and interact with other system components to perform the various functions described herein. The computer program instructions are stored in a memory that can be implemented in a computing device using standard storage devices such as, for example, random access memory (RAM). The computer program instructions can also be stored in other non-transitory computer-readable media such as, for example, CD-ROMs, flash drives, etc.

[0070] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a battery system is provided, which includes a plurality of battery cells housed in a housing. The battery system further includes an impact detection circuit. The impact detection circuit includes an electrical resistor circuit supported by a bottom plate member adjacent to the plurality of battery cells. The electrical resistor circuit includes a plurality of electrically brittle conductors or a plurality of electrically brittle conductor strips electrically connected in parallel to each other. Each of the electrically brittle conductors is configured to break in response to an impact that causes deformation of the electrically brittle conductor. The battery system further includes a voltage source connected to the electrical resistor circuit. The voltage source applies a voltage to the electrical resistor circuit. A detection unit (also referred to as a detector) is configured to determine the electrical resistance of the electrical resistor circuit and / or the current flowing through the electrical resistor circuit. The detection unit is configured to detect an impact on the battery system based on determining an increase in resistance and / or a decrease in current due to the breakage of at least one of the electrically brittle conductors.

[0071] The electrically brittle conductor may be long and thin so that it will break in response to deformation. In other words, the detection unit may be a signal conditioning circuit. The electrically brittle conductor may be a conductive brittle strip. The electrically brittle conductor may be an uncoated conductor so that the electrically brittle conductor may break in the event of deformation. The electrically brittle conductor may be made of aluminum or the like. In some other embodiments, the electrically brittle conductor may be made of an alloy material, such as a carbon metal alloy or the like. The detection unit may include a control unit (also referred to as a controller). In addition, the detection unit may include a sensing unit (also referred to as a sensor) or a measuring unit to indirectly or directly determine the resistance of the electrical resistor circuit and / or the current flowing through the electrical resistor circuit. The electrical resistor circuit is supported by a bottom plate member adjacent to a plurality of battery cells. For example, the position of the electrical resistor circuit may be at the bottom portion of the housing. For example, the bottom plate member may be positioned below the plurality of battery cells. Therefore, the impact detection circuit may be positioned below the housing. For example, a bottom plate member supporting the electrical resistor circuit may be disposed below the housing and separated from the housing. The electrical resistor circuit may be disposed on a bottom plate member of the housing. Furthermore, the base plate member exhibits a certain robustness (or firmness) in the installation due to the resistors thereon.

[0072] The battery system has the feature that since the electrically brittle conductor breaks in response to deformation, an impact on the battery system can be accurately detected without requiring too many resources. Therefore, when the deformation of the electrically brittle conductor caused by the impact has occurred, for example, when the deformation is above a threshold value, the electrically brittle conductor breaks. Due to the breakage of at least one electrically brittle conductor, current can no longer flow through the at least one electrically brittle conductor. Therefore, the breakage of at least one brittle conductor changes the resistance of the (entire) resistor circuit.

[0073] Therefore, in order to detect an impact on the battery system, the present disclosure utilizes one (e.g., only one) detection unit that monitors the current through the resistor circuit and / or the resistance of the resistor circuit. Therefore, the resources used for impact detection can be reduced because it is sufficient to monitor the overall current and / or resistance of the resistor circuit, rather than monitoring each of the electrically brittle conductors. In addition, the electrically brittle conductors on the base plate can provide a stronger installation robustness for the base plate. Therefore, a very economical, fast and accurate detection is achieved. For example, when the current drops and / or the resistance increases above a threshold value, respectively, the detection unit can determine an impact to detect breakage of the brittle conductor. In response to the impact detection, a further warning signal can be output, or the battery can be disconnected in response to the impact detection.

[0074] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the electrical resistor circuit further includes a plurality of electrical resistors. Each electrically brittle conductor is electrically connected in series with at least one electrical resistor. In other words, the electrically brittle conductor and the corresponding at least one electrical resistor form an electrical path within the electrical resistor circuit. The resistance of the electrically brittle conductor is relatively small. Therefore, in the case of using only an electrically brittle conductor, the resistance change and the current change may be small and difficult to detect. Therefore, in the case where the resistor is connected in series with one electrically brittle conductor, when a breakage occurs, the resistance increase and the current drop of the resistor circuit are increased compared to when the electrical resistor is not included. Therefore, because the change of the electrical resistance is increased in the case where the resistor is connected in series with one electrically brittle conductor, it is easier to detect the impact on the battery system. The relatively small resistance of the electrically brittle conductor comes from the breakage characteristics and / or at least partly from the oxide layer formed during manufacturing. Therefore, by including a resistor, it is easier for the detection unit to determine the breakage of at least one brittle conductor. Therefore, a common detection unit can be used. The resistance value of the electrical resistor may be, for example, between 0.1 kΩ and 10 kΩ, or between 0.5 kΩ and 5 kΩ, or between 0.8 kΩ and 1.2 kΩ or 0.8 kΩ and 1 kΩ. The resistance value may be significantly higher than the resistance value of the electrically fragile conductor. Therefore, this allows reliable and accurate detection. In addition, the electrically fragile conductor on the base plate together with the electrical resistor may give the base plate installation robustness.

[0075] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, each electrically brittle conductor is interconnected between two electrical resistors. For example, each of the plurality of electrically brittle conductors is electrically connected in parallel to each other through two electrical resistors respectively located at both ends of each electrically brittle conductor. This configuration allows the resistance of each parallel electrical path to be further increased. Therefore, in this case and compared to when only one resistor is connected in series, the change in current or resistance of the detection circuit is further increased, which further simplifies the detection of the impact. In addition, the resistor circuit can have an improved operating balance. Therefore, this makes the detection more reliable and accurate.

[0076] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the detection unit is configured to: determine the amount of resistance increase and / or current drop in response to the breakage of at least one of the electrically brittle conductors, and determine the severity of the impact on the battery system based on the amount of resistance increase and / or current drop. That is, the more the electrically brittle conductors are broken, the greater the resistance increase and / or current drop. In other words, the greater the resistance increase and / or current drop, the more brittle conductors are broken due to the impact. Therefore, the amount of resistance increase and / or current drop indicates a proportional impact severity. This means that the detection unit can determine the severity of the impact or the intensity of the impact for damage assessment based on the resistance increase and / or current drop. A warning or battery disconnection can be provided based on the severity (e.g., to a user or driver).

[0077] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the detection unit may be configured to: determine the number of broken electrically fragile conductors. Since the resistance values ​​may be pre-stored, the resistance increase and / or current drop may be used by the detection unit (i.e., by the control unit) to determine the number of broken electrically fragile conductors. This information may be used for repair, i.e., reinstallation and reconfiguration of the resistor circuit after an impact has occurred.

[0078] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, multiple electrical resistors have the same electrical resistance value. This can simplify the determination of the number of broken electrically fragile conductors and the assessment of the severity of the impact in an easy manner. In addition, it is easy to define the minimum threshold value of the current drop or resistance increase to be detected.

[0079] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the plurality of electrically brittle conductors are aluminum strips. Aluminum strips can be produced to be thin and long, and include brittle characteristics as well as being conductive. Therefore, aluminum strips are a suitable (e.g., optimal) choice.

[0080] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, an electrical resistor circuit is disposed on a surface of a bottom plate member facing a plurality of battery cells. Therefore, deformation of the bottom plate member caused by an impact (i.e., bending by reaching a given bending radius) directly transfers the deformation to at least one brittle conductor so that the brittle conductor can be broken. Therefore, this configuration is suitable for realizing the breakage characteristics of the electrically brittle conductor. In addition, the bottom plate member protects the resistor circuit from environmental damage and facilitates connection.

[0081] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the base plate member is separated from the housing and is arranged below the housing. Therefore, the base plate member and the resistor circuit supported thereon can be installed separately from the housing. In addition, the base plate member exhibits a certain robustness (or firmness) in the installation due to the resistor thereon.

[0082] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the floor member is a bottom floor of the housing. In this case, the impact determined by the detection unit can represent the impact that the components in the battery system are experiencing. Therefore, the detection result represents the damage caused by the impact to the battery system.

[0083] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a plurality of electrically fragile conductors are spaced apart from one another and are located such that the span of the electrical resistor circuit extends across the base plate member and / or the housing (e.g., predefined positions). Thus, the detection area is increased (e.g., maximized) to ensure that the detection unit detects any impact to the battery system. Thus, the sensitivity is improved.

[0084] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a plurality of electrical resistors have different electrical resistance values, and a detection unit is configured to determine the location where an impact occurs based on the amount of resistance increase and / or current drop. Therefore, for each brittle conductor breakage, a corresponding resistance increase and / or current drop may occur due to the corresponding resistance value. The detection unit can therefore identify which of the electrical brittle conductors has broken based on previously stored resistance values ​​and pre-stored positions and the detected amount of resistance increase and / or current drop, and based on the measurement, to determine the location of the impact. Therefore, a positioning feature can be implemented by encoding the electrical resistor with different pre-stored resistance values ​​and pre-stored positions.

[0085] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for detecting an impact on a battery system includes: providing a battery system, the battery system including: a plurality of battery cells housed in a housing; an impact detection circuit, including: an electrical resistor circuit supported by a bottom plate member adjacent to the plurality of battery cells and including a plurality of electrically brittle conductors electrically connected in parallel to each other, wherein each electrically brittle conductor is configured to break in response to an impact that causes deformation of the electrically brittle conductor. The method further includes applying a voltage to the electrical resistor circuit including the plurality of electrically brittle conductors through a voltage source. The method may further include determining, by a detection unit, an electrical resistance of the electrical resistor circuit and / or a current flowing through the electrical resistor circuit. The method may further include detecting an impact on the battery system based on determining an increase in resistance and / or a decrease in current due to breakage of at least one of the electrically brittle conductors.

[0086] The method has the same or substantially the same features as described above in the context of the battery system. The above embodiments of the battery system can also be implemented in the method. Therefore, additional details thereof can be referred to the above section.

[0087] According to some embodiments, a vehicle is provided that includes a battery system according to some embodiments. The battery system may be arranged in a bottom portion of the vehicle. Thus, impact detection may be implemented to detect a potentially dangerous impact to the battery system.

[0088] Figure 1A to Figure 1B Schematic diagrams of the battery system 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are respectively illustrated in a state where no impact occurs and a state where an impact occurs. Figure 1A A schematic representation of components of the battery system 100 and a schematic top view of its components, the schematic top view illustrating a state where the battery system 100 is not impacted, and Figure 1B The battery system 100 is shown in the figure in a state where an impact occurs. Figure 1B The cross section of the indicated section AA, at Figure 2 The impact on the battery system 100 is further shown in FIG.

[0089] The battery system 100 includes a plurality of battery cells 10. Herein, the battery cells 10 are only schematically shown as projections in a top view.

[0090] In the present case, the battery cell 10 is shown as a prismatic shape, but this is merely an example and the battery cell 10 may have a different shape. A plurality of battery cells 10 may be positioned according to a set or predetermined arrangement and electrically interconnected to provide one or more common outputs.

[0091] The battery cell 10 is housed in the housing 20. Figure 1A to Figure 1B In FIG. 1 , the outline of the outer case 20 is provided only in an illustrative manner. The outer case 20 may protect the battery cells 10 from external impacts and may stably support the battery cells 10 at their designated positions.

[0092] The battery system 100 includes a shock detection circuit 30. The shock detection circuit 30 Figure 1A to Figure 1B The impact detection circuit 30 can detect an impact on the battery system 100 , for example, an impact on the housing 20 of the battery system 100 .

[0093] The impact detection circuit 30 includes an electrical resistor circuit 40, such as Figure 1A to Figure 1B As shown in the figure. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B , further explaining the electrical resistor circuit 40 in more detail according to some embodiments.

[0094] The electrical resistor circuit 40 is supported by the base member 22, such as Figure 1AThe bottom plate member 22 may be a bottom plate of the housing 20. However, the bottom plate member 22 may also be a separate bottom plate disposed below the housing 20. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the electrical resistor circuit 40 may be disposed on the base member 22. Thus, an impact that affects the housing 20 may affect the electrical resistor circuit 40 in the same manner and thus promote breakage as used below.

[0095] like Figure 1A As shown in FIG. 2 , the electrical resistor circuit 40 includes a plurality of electrically fragile conductors 42. The electrically fragile conductors 42 are configured to break in response to an impact that causes the deformation 26, i.e., when bent by reaching a given bending radius of the electrically fragile conductors 42. Figure 1B In FIG. 1 , a breaking point 43 is shown, at which the electrically fragile conductor 42 is broken due to an impact on the battery system 100 .

[0096] Figure 2 Publicly published along Figure 1B 4. In this example, the electrically brittle conductor 42 is disposed on the surface 24 of the bottom plate member 22 facing the battery cell 10. The bottom plate member 22 may be a separate member relative to the housing 20. In some other embodiments, the bottom plate member 22 may be the bottom floor of the housing 20. The obstacle 70 below the bottom plate member 22 causes an impact on the battery system 100, resulting in Figure 2 The deformation 26 is shown in the figure. The deformation 26 occurs in the base member 22 and is transmitted to the electrically fragile conductor 42 provided on the base member 22. Therefore, as a result of the impact, the electrically fragile conductor 42 may be broken, such as Figure 2 The positioning of the electrically fragile conductor 42 disposed on the base member 22 may promote bending and breakage compared to being disposed below the base member 22. Such impact may be caused by various obstacles 70 or various objects. For example, such obstacles 70 may be such as Figure 2 The road bollards shown in the figure, but the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0097] Therefore, the electrically fragile conductors 42 have a breakage characteristic. That is, each electrically fragile conductor 42 can break in response to an impact on the battery system 100 that causes deformation of the electrically fragile conductor 42. When the electrically fragile conductor 42 is sufficiently bent above a deformation threshold, the electrically fragile conductor 42 breaks, such as Figure 2 Therefore, if Figure 1B (or Figure 3B) As illustrated in [reference], the broken conduction path through the electrically brittle conductor 42 becomes non-conductive. Each of the plurality of electrically brittle conductors 42 can be an aluminum strip to provide brittle characteristics while providing a thin and long conductor.

[0098] The electrically brittle conductors 42 are electrically connected in parallel with each other. Thus, the plurality of electrically brittle conductors 42 are connected to a common input node and a common output node, as Figure 1A to Figure 1B illustrated in [reference].

[0099] The impact detection circuit 30 further includes a voltage source 50, as Figure 1A illustrated in [reference]. The voltage source 50 is a voltage source having a predetermined voltage output. For example, the voltage output can be about 5V or about 3.3V. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0100] The voltage source 50 is connected to the electrical resistor circuit 40. In the above example, the voltage source can be connected to the common output and input nodes of the electrical resistor circuit 40.

[0101] Thus, because the voltage source 50 is connected to the electrical resistor circuit 40, the voltage source 50 causes currents I and I' to flow through the electrical resistor circuit 40.

[0102] Referring to Figure 1A , in the absence of deformation, the current I is supported by the plurality of electrically brittle conductors 42 connected in parallel because each of the electrically brittle conductors 42 in the electrically brittle conductors 42 provides a conduction path. Referring to Figure 1B , in the case where at least one of the electrically brittle conductors 42 is deformed, the reduced current I' (where I' < I) is supported by the plurality of electrically brittle conductors 42 connected in parallel. In the Figure 1B example, exactly one of the electrically brittle conductors 42 is broken.

[0103] The impact detection circuit 30 further includes a detection unit (also referred to as a detector) 60. The detection unit 60 is Figure 1A illustrated in [reference]. A more detailed example of the detection unit 60 can be found in Figure 3A [reference].

[0104] The detection unit 60 is configured to determine the electrical resistance R, R' of the electrical resistor circuit 40 and / or the currents I, I' flowing through the electrical resistor circuit 40. Such detection can be provided by various suitable means capable of determining resistance and / or current.

[0105] For example, the detection unit 60 may include at least one sensing unit 64 for determining the electrical resistance R, R' and / or the current I, I' of the electrical resistor circuit 40. Furthermore, the control unit 62 may include at least one processor for processing received measurement signals of the electrical resistance R, R' and / or the current I, I'. The memory 63 may be operably connected to the control unit 62. The determination of the resistance R, R' may be indirect (by determining / measuring auxiliary electrical characteristics) or may be direct. The sensing unit 64 may be a voltage sensor, which measures the voltage across the resistor. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B , to determine the resistance R, R' and / or the current I, I' of the electrical resistor circuit 40. The current I, I' and / or the resistance R, R' are overall characteristics of the electrical resistor circuit 40. Thus, the resistance R, R' refers to the resistance of the electrical resistor circuit 40, and the current I, I' refers to the current flowing through the entire electrical resistor circuit 40.

[0106] The detection unit 60 is also configured to detect an impact on the battery system 100. The detection of such an impact is performed when the detection unit 60 determines an increase in resistance ΔR and / or a decrease in current ΔI due to a breakage of at least one of the electrically fragile conductors 42. That is, an increase in resistance ΔR=R'-R and / or a decrease in current ΔI=I-I' is used to identify an impact on the battery system 100. For example, lower thresholds for the current drop ΔI and the increase in resistance ΔR may be set or predetermined to prevent unnecessary detection when no electrically fragile conductor 42 is actually broken.

[0107] For example, when the electrically fragile conductor 42 is broken due to the deformation 26 caused by the impact, the current cannot flow through the broken electrically fragile conductor, such as Figure 1B As indicated in . Therefore, the resistance of the electrical resistor circuit 40 increases to R' (which is greater than the resistance R). This resistance change ΔR is Figure 4A is shown relative to the time axis.

[0108] At the same time, in response to the breakage of at least one electrically brittle conductor 42, the current supported by the electrical resistor circuit 40 drops to I' (which is less than the current I). This current change ΔI is Figure 4B is shown relative to the time axis.

[0109] Therefore, because according to the present disclosure it is sufficient to detect the overall current I, I′ and / or resistance R, R′ of the electrical resistor circuit 40 compared to monitoring each of the electrically fragile conductors 42 individually, fewer resources are utilized while allowing accurate determination of the impact.

[0110] Reference again Figure 1A to Figure 1B, a plurality of electrically fragile conductors 42 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other and located at predefined positions of the base plate member 22, so that the span of the electrically fragile conductors 42 extends over the base plate member 22. The electrically fragile conductors 42 cover an area / size corresponding to the housing 20. Therefore, an impact can be detected over the entire area of ​​the housing 20. Because deformation of the base plate member 22 causes deformation of the electrically fragile conductors 42, breakage of the electrically fragile conductors 42 can occur and be detected at various positions of the base plate member 22.

[0111] Reference to the present disclosure FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B , shows a shock detection circuit 30 according to some embodiments. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B 1 and 2 respectively show a state where no shock occurs (ie, a healthy state) of the battery system 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure and a state where a shock occurs to the battery system 100. For the sake of brevity, FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B Zhongyu Figure 1A to Figure 1B The description of those elements that are common will not be repeated here.

[0112] In some embodiments, the electrical resistor circuit 40 further includes a plurality of electrical resistors 44, 46. Herein, each of the electrically fragile conductors 42 is electrically connected in series with at least one electrical resistor 44, 46. The electrically fragile conductors 42 generally have a very small resistance value. Therefore, in the event of a breakage of the electrically fragile conductor, the resistance difference ΔR=R'-R and / or the current drop ΔI=I-I' is small. Therefore, the detection of the impact by the detection unit 60 may be difficult, or at least require a complex detection device and a higher resolution.

[0113] Therefore, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, at least one electrical resistor 44, 46 is connected in series with the electrically brittle conductor 42. The resistance value of the at least one electrical resistor 44, 46 may be significantly higher than the resistance value of the electrically brittle conductor 42. Therefore, in the event that the at least one electrically brittle conductor 42 is broken due to an impact, no current can flow through the corresponding at least one electrical resistor 44, 46. This results in a higher resistance difference ΔR=R'-R and / or a current drop ΔI=I-I' compared to the case where the electrical resistors 44, 46 are not used. As a result, the at least one resistor 44, 46 simplifies the signal detection of the impact by the detection unit 60. Therefore, a more reliable detection can be achieved.

[0114] like Figure 3A In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the detection unit 60 may include a control unit 62. The control unit 62 may include processing capabilities to process received measurement signals of the electrical resistance R, R' and / or the current I, I'. In addition, a sensing unit 64 may be provided to directly or indirectly measure the resistance and current. For example, a shunt resistor 66 may be used together with an amplifier 68, such as Figure 3A. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. Therefore, when at least one electrical resistor 44, 46 is used in series with the electrically brittle conductor 42, the performance requirements (e.g., sensitivity, noise, and amplification requirements) of the amplifier 68 can be reduced compared to when the electrical resistors 44, 46 are not used, resulting in a smaller, simpler, and / or more cost-effective amplifier. For example, when at least one electrical resistor 44, 46 is used, the amplifier 68 can even be omitted.

[0115] In some embodiments, FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B As shown in the figure, each electrically fragile conductor 42 is interconnected between two electrical resistors 44, 46. For example, each of the plurality of electrically fragile conductors 42 is electrically connected in parallel to each other through two electrical resistors 44, 46 respectively located at both ends of each electrically fragile conductor. Therefore, in the event that at least one electrically fragile conductor 42 is broken, this configuration allows a further increase in the resistance difference ΔR=R'-R and / or the current drop ΔI=I-I', which makes it easier for the detection unit 60 to detect the impact, thereby achieving more reliable detection.

[0116] The present disclosure further provides various ways to assess the occurrence of an impact. For example, more specific information about the impact on the battery system 100 can be extracted for further diagnosis of the impact. This will be further explained below, and also refer to Figure 5 method.

[0117] The detection unit 60 may determine the amount of resistance increase ΔR and / or the amount of current decrease ΔI in response to the breakage of at least one of the electrically fragile conductors 42. Figure 4B , the current drop ΔI due to the breakage of one electrically brittle conductor 42 may have a value of approximately 2.5 μA, which is detected by the detection unit 60. The detection unit 60 may then determine the severity of the impact on the battery system 100 based on the amount of resistance increase ΔR and / or based on the amount of current drop ΔI.

[0118] Therefore, because a shock with a higher severity may cause more electrically fragile conductors 42 to break, this results in a higher resistance increase ΔR and / or a larger current drop ΔI. Therefore, the resistance increase ΔR and / or the current drop ΔI can be used to assess the severity of the shock. This detection is also Figure 5 The S500 is shown.

[0119] In addition, the detection unit 60 can determine the number of broken electrically fragile conductors 42 based on the amount of resistance increase ΔR and / or the amount of current drop ΔI. For example, when each of the plurality of electrical resistors 44 has the same electrical resistance value, the detection unit 60 can determine the number of broken electrically fragile conductors 42 via the control unit 62. For example, the control unit 62 can use pre-stored resistance values. The pre-stored values ​​can be provided in the memory 63. The determined number of broken electrically fragile conductors 42 can be used to repair the impact detector circuit 30 after the impact occurs. This detection is also referred to as Figure 5 The S600 is described.

[0120] In some other embodiments, each electrical resistor 44 of the plurality of electrical resistors 44 may have a different electrical resistance value that may be distinguished from other resistors of the plurality of resistors 44. In this case, the detection unit 60 may be configured to determine the location on the bottom plate member 22 where the impact occurred based on the amount of resistance increase ΔR and / or the amount of current drop ΔI. For example, the detection unit 60 may obtain the pre-stored resistance value and the pre-stored location of the electrical resistor 44 via the control unit 62. The pre-stored values ​​may be provided in the memory 63. Therefore, the detection unit 60 may identify a specific electrical resistor corresponding to a broken brittle conductor from the determined amount of resistance increase ΔR and / or amount of current drop ΔI. Therefore, the location may be determined based on the pre-stored location. The location information may be used to estimate which battery components may be affected by the impact. The detection also refers to Figure 5 The S700 is described.

[0121] Figure 5 A method of detecting an impact on a battery system 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The actions described herein may be performed by the battery system 100 as disclosed above. Therefore, further details omitted in this section may be described in the above disclosure.

[0122] The method discloses providing a battery system 100 (S100), the battery system 100 including a plurality of battery cells 10 housed in a housing 20. An electrical resistor circuit 40 is supported by a base member 22 adjacent to the plurality of battery cells 10. For example, the electrical resistor circuit 40 extends along a plane below the battery cells 10. The electrical resistor circuit 40 may be as wide as the housing 20. That is, the electrical resistor circuit 40 may be disposed on the base member 22 or may be integrated therein. The electrical resistor circuit 40 includes a plurality of electrically brittle conductors 42 electrically connected in parallel to each other such that each electrically brittle conductor 42 is configured to break in response to an impact that causes deformation of the electrically brittle conductor 42. Further structural features are described above with respect to Figures 1A to 3B Described.

[0123] The method includes applying a voltage to the electrical resistor circuit 40 via the voltage source 50 (S200). This causes a current to flow through the electrical resistor circuit 40, as described above.

[0124] The method further includes determining the electrical resistance R, R' of the electrical resistor circuit 40 and / or the current I, I' flowing through the electrical resistor circuit 40 by the detection unit 60 (S300). The method further includes detecting the impact on the battery system 100 by the detection unit 60 when the resistance increase ΔR and / or the current decrease ΔI due to the breakage of at least one of the electrical fragile conductors 42 is determined (S400). Therefore, the impact can be accurately detected using only one detection unit.

[0125] In addition, as already mentioned above, the method may include determining the amount of resistance increase ΔR and / or the amount of current drop ΔI in response to the breakage of at least one of the electrically brittle conductors 42, so as to determine the severity of the impact on the battery system 100 based on the amount of resistance increase ΔR and / or the amount of current drop ΔI (S500). The above description may provide further details thereof.

[0126] Furthermore, the method may include determining the number of broken electrically fragile conductors 42 based on the amount of resistance increase ΔR and / or the amount of current drop ΔI ( S600 ). In some embodiments, the resistors may have the same resistance value.

[0127] Furthermore, the method may include determining a location on the base member 22 where the impact (or breakage) occurs based on the amount of resistance increase ΔR and / or the amount of current drop ΔI ( S700 ). In some embodiments, the electrical resistors may have the same resistance value.

[0128] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, Figure 6 A vehicle 1000 is shown including a battery system 100. The battery system 100 may be positioned in a bottom portion 1100 of the vehicle. The battery system 100 may have accurate and resource-saving impact detection, which may be easily integrated.

[0129] In summary, a battery system 100 is provided that allows accurate detection of an impact (by using an electrically fragile conductor 42 that breaks due to the impact in an electrical resistor circuit 40). The detection utilizes reduced resources and includes features that improve detection accuracy.

[0130] It should be understood that the embodiments described herein should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. The description of features or aspects in each embodiment should generally be considered to be applicable to other similar features or aspects in other embodiments. Although one or more embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A battery system comprising: a plurality of battery cells in a housing; as well as Shock detection circuit, comprising: an electrical resistor circuit supported by a floor member adjacent the plurality of battery cells and comprising a plurality of electrically fragile conductors electrically connected in parallel to one another, each of the plurality of electrically fragile conductors being configured to break in response to an impact that causes deformation of the each of the plurality of electrically fragile conductors; a voltage source connected to the electrical resistor circuit and configured to apply a voltage to the electrical resistor circuit; and The detector is configured as: determining at least one of an electrical resistance of the electrical resistor circuit and a current flowing through the electrical resistor circuit, and An impact to the battery system is detected based on determining at least one of an increase in resistance and a decrease in current due to a breakage of at least one of the plurality of electrically fragile conductors.

2. The battery system according to claim 1, wherein: The electrical resistor circuit further includes a plurality of electrical resistors, and Wherein, each of the plurality of electrically fragile conductors is electrically connected in series with at least one electrical resistor.

3. The battery system according to claim 2, wherein: Each of the plurality of electrically fragile conductors is interconnected between two electrical resistors of the plurality of electrical resistors.

4. The battery system according to claim 1, wherein: The detector is configured to: determining at least one of an amount of resistance increase and an amount of current drop in response to the breaking of the at least one of the plurality of electrically fragile conductors; as well as Based on the at least one of the amount of the resistance increase and the amount of the current drop, a severity of the shock to the battery system is determined.

5. The battery system according to claim 4, wherein: The detector is configured to: The number of broken electrically fragile conductors is determined based on the at least one of the amount of the resistance increase and the amount of the current drop.

6. The battery system according to claim 1, wherein: The electrical resistor circuit further includes a plurality of electrical resistors, and Wherein, the plurality of electrical resistors have the same electrical resistance value.

7. The battery system according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of electrically fragile conductors is an aluminum strip.

8. The battery system according to claim 1, wherein: The electrical resistor circuit is located on a surface of the bottom plate member facing the plurality of battery cells.

9. The battery system according to claim 1, wherein: The base member is separated from the housing and is located below the housing.

10. The battery system according to claim 8, wherein: The floor member is the bottom floor of the housing.

11. The battery system according to claim 8, wherein: The plurality of electrically fragile conductors are spaced apart from one another and are positioned such that the electrical resistor circuit spans across the base plate member.

12. The battery system according to claim 11, wherein: The electrical resistor circuit further comprises a plurality of electrical resistors, wherein the plurality of electrical resistors have different electrical resistance values, and Wherein, the detector is configured as: determining at least one of an amount of resistance increase and an amount of current drop in response to the breaking of the at least one of the plurality of electrically fragile conductors; and A position on the base member where the impact occurs is determined based on the at least one of the amount by which the resistance increases and the amount by which the current decreases.

13. A vehicle comprising a battery system according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The vehicle according to claim 13, wherein: The battery system is positioned in a bottom portion of the vehicle.

15. A method for detecting an impact to a battery system, the method comprising: A battery system is provided, the battery system comprising: a plurality of battery cells housed in the housing; an electrical resistor circuit at the housing, the electrical resistor circuit comprising a plurality of electrically fragile conductors electrically connected in parallel to each other, wherein each electrically fragile conductor of the plurality of electrically fragile conductors is configured to break in response to an impact that causes deformation of the each electrically fragile conductor of the plurality of electrically fragile conductors; applying a voltage to the electrical resistor circuit from a voltage source; and determining, by a detector, at least one of an electrical resistance of the electrical resistor circuit and a current flowing through the electrical resistor circuit, and An impact to the battery system is detected by the detector based on determining at least one of an increase in resistance and a decrease in current due to a breakage of at least one of the plurality of electrically fragile conductors.

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