Abnormality determination device and abnormality determination method

Abstract

The invention provides an abnormality determination apparatus and an abnormality determination method. The ECU executes a process including: a step of acquiring a detection result; a step of determining whether the vehicle is stopped; a step of determining whether the output value of the hydrogen sulfide sensor is equal to or greater than a first threshold value when it is determined that the vehicle is stopped; a step of turning on a warning light when it is determined that the output value is equal to or greater than the first threshold value; a step of determining whether the output value of the hydrogen sulfide sensor is equal to or greater than a second threshold value when it is determined that the vehicle is not stopped; and a step of turning on the warning lamp when it is determined that the output value is equal to or greater than the second threshold value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an abnormality determination device for a battery pack. Background Art

[0002] It is known that a detection device for detecting the concentration of hydrogen sulfide is arranged in a battery pack including a solid-state battery using a sulfide-based material, and the presence or absence of hydrogen sulfide is detected by the detection device to determine abnormality of the battery pack.

[0003] Regarding such a technology, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-041598 discloses a technology in which a concentration information acquisition unit for acquiring concentration information of hydrogen sulfide is provided in a battery pack case, and the presence or absence of hydrogen sulfide leakage is detected using the acquired concentration information. Summary of the invention

[0004] Due to the cooling and heating of the battery pack, the air in the box has uneven temperature, and air convection is generated in the box. As a result, when gas containing hydrogen sulfide is generated in the shell, the gas is easily stirred and diluted by convection. Therefore, it is sometimes impossible to detect hydrogen sulfide with high accuracy using the detection device. As a result, it is sometimes impossible to determine the abnormality of the battery pack with high accuracy.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an abnormality determination device and an abnormality determination method for determining an abnormality of a battery pack with high accuracy.

[0006] An abnormality determination device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a battery pack mounted on a mobile body, wherein a sulfide-based all-solid-state battery is housed in a box; a hydrogen sulfide sensor that outputs a signal indicating the concentration of hydrogen sulfide in the battery pack; and a determination unit that uses the output value of the hydrogen sulfide sensor to determine whether the battery pack has an abnormality. The determination unit determines that the battery pack has an abnormality when the output value is greater than a threshold value, and determines whether the battery pack has an abnormality using different values ​​as threshold values ​​depending on the state of the mobile body.

[0007] In this way, since the degree of air convection in the battery pack varies depending on the state of the moving object, by using different values ​​as thresholds according to the state of the moving object and determining whether the battery pack has an abnormality using the output value of the hydrogen sulfide sensor, it is possible to determine an abnormality in the battery pack with high accuracy.

[0008] In this embodiment, the mobile body is equipped with a cooling device for cooling the battery pack. The determination unit determines that the battery pack is abnormal when the output value is greater than a first threshold value when the cooling device is in operation, and determines that the battery pack is abnormal when the output value is greater than a second threshold value when the cooling device is not in operation. The second threshold value is a value greater than the first threshold value.

[0009] Thus, air convection in the battery pack is less likely to occur during operation of the cooling device. Therefore, hydrogen sulfide accumulated in the battery pack can be detected with high accuracy, and thus abnormality in the battery pack can be determined with high accuracy when the output value is greater than the first threshold value.

[0010] In this embodiment, the mobile body includes a vehicle. The determination unit determines that the battery pack has an abnormality when the output value is greater than a first threshold value when the vehicle is stopped, and determines that the battery pack has an abnormality when the output value is greater than a second threshold value when the vehicle is running. The second threshold value is a value greater than the first threshold value.

[0011] Thus, the battery pack generates less heat when the vehicle is parked, so air convection in the battery pack is less likely to occur. Therefore, hydrogen sulfide retained in the battery pack can be detected with high accuracy, and an abnormality in the battery pack can be determined with high accuracy when the output value is greater than the first threshold.

[0012] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, when the vehicle is in the system stop state and the vehicle is switched to the system start state within a predetermined time, the determination unit determines that the battery pack has an abnormality when the output value is greater than the first threshold.

[0013] In this way, hydrogen sulfide can be detected with high accuracy in a vehicle state where air convection does not occur in the battery pack, and thus abnormality in the battery pack can be determined with high accuracy when the output value is larger than the first threshold value.

[0014] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the abnormality determination device further includes a notification unit that notifies occurrence of an abnormality when the determination unit determines that an abnormality exists in the battery pack.

[0015] In this way, by notifying the occurrence of the abnormality using the notification unit, the user of the vehicle can be notified of the abnormality of the battery pack.

[0016] In the present embodiment, the mobile object includes a vehicle. The determination unit is activated every time a predetermined time has elapsed when the vehicle is in a system stop state, and determines that the battery pack has an abnormality when the output value is greater than a threshold value.

[0017] In this way, in a state of the vehicle where convection of air in the battery pack is not generated, hydrogen sulfide can be detected with high accuracy and abnormality of the battery pack can be determined with high accuracy.

[0018] In this embodiment, the abnormality determination device further includes a communication unit capable of communicating with a terminal. When the determination unit determines that the battery pack has an abnormality, the communication unit transmits information indicating that the battery pack has an abnormality to the terminal.

[0019] In this way, by using the communication unit to transmit information indicating the presence of an abnormality to the terminal, the user of the vehicle can be notified of the abnormality of the battery pack.

[0020] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the battery pack is configured to be externally chargeable using a power source external to the vehicle. The determination unit determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the battery pack during external charging of the battery pack.

[0021] In this way, in a state of the vehicle where convection of air in the battery pack is not generated, hydrogen sulfide can be detected with high accuracy and abnormality of the battery pack can be determined with high accuracy.

[0022] In this embodiment, the abnormality determination device further includes a communication unit and a notification unit capable of communicating with the terminal. When the determination unit determines that the battery pack has an abnormality, the notification unit notifies the battery pack of the abnormality using the notification unit and transmits information indicating that the battery pack has an abnormality to the terminal using the communication unit.

[0023] In this way, the abnormality of the battery pack can be notified to the user of the vehicle by notifying the abnormality of the battery pack using the notification unit and transmitting information indicating the abnormality of the battery pack to the terminal using the communication unit.

[0024] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to an abnormality determination method for a battery pack mounted on a mobile body and containing a sulfide-based all-solid-state battery in a box. The abnormality determination method includes: a step of outputting a signal indicating the concentration of hydrogen sulfide in the battery pack; a step of determining whether the battery pack has an abnormality using the output value of the concentration; a step of determining that the battery pack has an abnormality when the output value is greater than a threshold value; and a step of determining whether the battery pack has an abnormality using different values ​​as threshold values ​​according to the state of the mobile body.

[0025] The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 This is a diagram schematically showing the overall structure of a vehicle equipped with a battery pack.

[0027] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing a schematic structure of a battery pack.

[0028] Figure 3A and Figure 3B It is a diagram for explaining a schematic structure of a single cell in this embodiment.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the functional blocks constituted by the ECU.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the ECU.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a flowchart (part 1) showing an example of processing executed by the ECU in the modified example.

[0032] Figure 7 This is a flowchart (part 2) showing an example of processing executed by the ECU in the modified example.

[0033] Figure 8 This is a flowchart (part 3) showing an example of processing executed by the ECU in the modified example.

[0034] Fig. 9 This is a flowchart (part 4) showing an example of processing executed by the ECU in the modified example.

[0035] Fig.10 This is a flowchart (part 5) showing an example of processing executed by the ECU in the modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the same reference numerals are given to the same or corresponding parts in the drawings, and their description will not be repeated.

[0037] Figure 1 2 is a diagram schematically showing the overall structure of a vehicle 100 equipped with a battery pack 200. The vehicle 100 includes a battery pack 200 for storing electric power for traveling. The vehicle 100 is configured to be able to travel using the electric power stored in the battery pack 200. In the present embodiment, the case where the vehicle 100 is an electric vehicle (BEV) without an engine (internal combustion engine) is described as an example, but the vehicle 100 may also be a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) with an engine. A cooling device 202 is provided in the battery pack 200. The cooling device 202 is composed of, for example, a cooling passage configured to be able to exchange heat with a battery module in the battery pack 200 and a pump (both not shown) for circulating a coolant in the cooling passage.

[0038] The vehicle 100 is provided with a control device (ECU: Electronic Control Unit) 150. The ECU 150 is configured to be able to perform charging control and discharging control of the battery pack 200. The ECU 150 is configured to include a processor 151, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 152, a storage unit 153, and a communication unit 154. The RAM 152 functions as a working memory for temporarily storing data processed by the processor 151. In addition to the program, the storage unit 153 also stores information used in the program (for example, mapping, mathematical formulas, and various parameters). The processor 151 executes the program stored in the storage unit 153, thereby executing various controls in the ECU 150 (charging control of the battery pack 200, discharging control, cooling control using the cooling device 202, and communication control using the communication unit 154). The communication unit 154 is configured to be able to perform wireless communication with an external terminal 300 in a predetermined communication method.

[0039] ECU 150 sets a flag indicating operation to an on state when operating cooling device 202 by, for example, operating a pump to circulate coolant in the cooling passage, and sets the flag to an off state when stopping cooling device 202 .

[0040] The terminal 300 includes a control device 302, a communication device 304, and a touch panel display 306. The control device 302 includes a processor and a storage device such as a memory. The communication device 304 is configured to be able to wirelessly communicate with the communication unit 154 of the vehicle 100. The touch panel display 306 is composed of a display unit and an input unit (neither of which is shown in the figure). The control device 302 of the terminal 300 executes various control processes of the terminal 300 by executing the program in the memory through the processor.

[0041] The monitoring module 130 includes various sensors for detecting the state (e.g., voltage, current, and temperature) of the battery pack 200 (battery module 50), and outputs the detection results to the ECU 150. The battery pack 200 is charged by regenerative power from the travel drive unit 110 described later, or by power supplied from a charging device outside the vehicle 100 (external charging).

[0042] The vehicle 100 also includes a travel drive unit 110, an HMI (Human Machine Interface) device 120, a MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) 125, and drive wheels W. The travel drive unit 110 includes a PCU (Power Control Unit) and an MG (Motor Generator) (not shown), and is configured to use the power stored in the battery pack 200 to drive the MG to drive the vehicle 100. In addition, the MG is configured to perform regenerative power generation and supply the generated power to the battery pack 200. The travel drive unit 110 includes a vehicle speed sensor 112. The vehicle speed sensor 112 detects the speed (hereinafter referred to as the vehicle speed) Va of the vehicle 100 and sends the detection result to the ECU 150. Alternatively, instead of the vehicle speed sensor 112, the wheel speed detected by a wheel speed sensor that detects the rotation speed (wheel speed) of the drive wheel W may be sent to the ECU 150, and the vehicle speed Va may be calculated using the wheel speed in the ECU 150. Alternatively, the rotation speed detected by a rotation speed sensor that detects the rotation speed of the MG may be sent to the ECU 150, and the vehicle speed Va may be calculated using the rotation speed in the ECU 150. Alternatively, the current detected by a current sensor that detects the current flowing through the MG may be sent to the ECU 150, and the vehicle speed Va may be calculated using the current in the ECU 150.

[0043] The HMI device 120 includes an input device and a display device. The HMI device 120 may also include a touch panel display. The MIL 125 includes various warning lights arranged on the instrument panel. The MIL 125 includes, for example, a warning light indicating that an abnormality exists in the battery pack 200 .

[0044] The battery pack 200 includes a battery case 90 and a battery module 50 stored in the battery case 90. The battery case 90 is composed of a lower case 91 and an upper case 92. In the present embodiment, two battery modules 50 are stored in a space formed by the lower case 91 and the upper case 92. The battery pack 200 is mounted on the floor of the vehicle 100. In addition, the battery pack 200 can be mounted inside the vehicle 100 or outside the vehicle 100.

[0045] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing a schematic structure of the battery pack 200 . Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 The battery module 50 is a battery assembly formed by connecting a plurality of single cells 10 . The plurality of single cells 10 are stacked between a pair of end plates 31 , 32 .

[0046] Figure 3A and Figure 3BIt is a diagram for explaining a schematic structure of a cell 10 in the present embodiment. Figure 3A 1 is a top view of a cell 10. The cell 10 is a laminated all-solid-state battery using a laminate film as an exterior member 20, and a negative terminal (negative electrode tab) 1a and a positive terminal (positive electrode tab) 5a protrude from the exterior member 20. The laminate film may be, for example, a bag made of an aluminum laminate film, or a three-layer structure film in which aluminum foil is sandwiched between resin films.

[0047] Figure 3B The all-solid-state battery stack 15 housed in the exterior member 20 is shown. Figure 3A BB cross section. In the all-solid-state battery stack 15, the all-solid-state battery element 8 composed of the negative electrode collector layer 1, the negative electrode active material layer 2, the solid electrolyte layer 3, the positive electrode active material layer 4 and the positive electrode collector layer 5 stacked in sequence has a negative electrode collector layer 1 and a positive electrode collector layer 5, and the stacking order is set to the opposite direction and three are stacked. The negative electrode collector layer 1 is connected to the negative terminal 1a, and the positive electrode collector layer 5 is connected to the positive terminal 5a. In addition, the number of all-solid-state battery elements 8 included in the all-solid-state battery stack 15 can be one or more than four. The insulating film 7 insulates the all-solid-state battery stack 15 from the outer casing (laminated film) 20.

[0048] The single cell 10 is a sulfide-based all-solid-state battery. In the present disclosure, the so-called sulfide-based all-solid-state battery is a battery in which at least one of the materials of the positive electrode active material layer 4 and the materials of the solid electrolyte layer 3 contains a sulfur component. In the present embodiment, the solid electrolyte layer 3 contains a sulfide-based solid electrolyte. For example, the sulfide-based solid electrolyte can use phosphorus pentasulfide (P2S5) and lithium sulfide (Li2S) as starting materials. In this case, the positive electrode active material layer 4 can contain, for example, lithium cobalt oxide, lithium nickel oxide, lithium iron phosphate, etc. In the case where the solid electrolyte layer 3 is composed of an oxide-based solid electrolyte, a sulfur-based positive electrode active material is used as the positive electrode active material layer 4. As a sulfur-based positive electrode active material, it can be an organic sulfur compound or an inorganic sulfur compound. In addition, both the solid electrolyte layer 3 and the positive electrode active material layer 4 can contain a sulfur component.

[0049] In the single cell 10, for example, there is a concern that air may intrude from the sealed portion of the exterior member 20 (laminated film). If the intruded air contains moisture, the sulfur component contained in the solid electrolyte layer 3 or the positive electrode active material layer 4 reacts with the moisture to generate hydrogen sulfide, which may be released into the battery case 90.

[0050] Reference Figure 2, a plurality of cells 10 are arranged and stacked between a pair of end plates 31, 32. A plurality of cells 10 are sandwiched between a pair of end plates 31, 32 in a stacked state, and a predetermined restraining load is applied by a restraining belt (not shown) or the like. A pair of end plates 31, 32 are fixed to the bottom plate 30 by brackets 41, 42. The battery module 50 including the cells 10 stacked between a pair of end plates 31, 32 and the bottom plate 30 is fixed to the bottom surface 91a of the lower shell 91. The battery shell 90 is a box (housing) that accommodates the battery module 50.

[0051] A hydrogen sulfide sensor 70 is disposed inside the battery case 90. The hydrogen sulfide sensor 70 is a sensor that detects the concentration C of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) contained in the atmosphere (the air in the battery pack 200), and outputs a voltage signal indicating the detection result to the ECU 150. Hereinafter, the output value of the hydrogen sulfide sensor 70 is described as "output value Vb". The hydrogen sulfide sensor 70 may be, for example, a hot wire semiconductor sensor or a constant potential electrolytic sensor. In the present embodiment, the hydrogen sulfide sensor 70 is disposed on the bottom surface 91a of the lower case 91 or near the bottom surface 91a.

[0052] Figure 4 1 is a diagram showing functional blocks of the ECU 150. The ECU 150 includes a determination unit 150a and a notification unit 150b. The determination unit 150a determines whether a predetermined condition is satisfied based on a voltage signal output from the hydrogen sulfide sensor 70 and a voltage signal output from the vehicle speed sensor 112. The notification unit 150b performs a predetermined notification using at least one of the HMI device 120 and the MIL 125 when the determination unit 150a determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0053] In the battery pack 200 having the above structure, a solid-state battery using a sulfide material is included. Therefore, by using the hydrogen sulfide sensor 70 disposed in the battery case 90 to detect the presence or absence of hydrogen sulfide, it is possible to determine whether the battery pack 200 has an abnormality. However, there is a case where the air in the battery case 90 has a temperature unevenness due to the cooling and heating of the battery pack 200. Therefore, air convection is sometimes generated in the battery case 90. As a result, when a gas containing hydrogen sulfide is generated in the battery case 90, it is easily stirred and diluted due to convection. Therefore, there is a case where hydrogen sulfide cannot be detected with high accuracy using the hydrogen sulfide sensor 70. As a result, it is sometimes impossible to determine the abnormality of the battery pack 200 with high accuracy.

[0054] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the determination unit 150a determines that the battery pack 200 has an abnormality when the output value Vb of the hydrogen sulfide sensor 70 is greater than the threshold value, and determines whether the battery pack 200 has an abnormality using different values ​​as the threshold value depending on the state of the moving object. More specifically, the determination unit 150a determines that the battery pack 200 has an abnormality when the output value Vb of the hydrogen sulfide sensor 70 is greater than the first threshold value Vb(1), and determines that the battery pack 200 has an abnormality when the output value Vb is greater than the second threshold value Vb(2) when the vehicle 100 is traveling. The second threshold value Vb(2) is a value greater than the first threshold value Vb(1).

[0055] In this way, the degree of air convection in the battery pack 200 differs depending on whether the vehicle 100 is traveling or parked. In particular, when the vehicle is parked, the heat generated by the battery pack 200 is small, so air convection is less likely to occur in the battery pack 200. Therefore, when the vehicle is parked, by setting the threshold value to a value Vb(1) that is smaller than when the vehicle is traveling, hydrogen sulfide in the battery pack 200 can be detected with high accuracy. As a result, abnormality in the battery pack 200 can be determined with high accuracy.

[0056] Below, refer to Figure 5 An example of processing executed by ECU 150 will be described. Figure 5 : is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by ECU 150. A series of processing shown in this flowchart is repeatedly executed in a predetermined cycle.

[0057] In step (hereinafter referred to as S) 100, ECU 150 obtains detection results from various sensors. Specifically, ECU 150 obtains the detection result (output value Vb) of hydrogen sulfide sensor 70 and the detection result (vehicle speed Va) of vehicle speed sensor 112. Then, the process moves to S102.

[0058] In S102, ECU 150 determines whether vehicle 100 is parked. ECU 150 determines that vehicle 100 is parked when, for example, vehicle speed Va detected by vehicle speed sensor 112 is within a speed range corresponding to a parked state and is less than threshold value Va(0). If it is determined that vehicle 100 is parked (Yes in S102), the process moves to S104.

[0059] In S104, ECU 150 determines whether output value Vb of hydrogen sulfide sensor 70 is equal to or greater than first threshold value Vb(1). First threshold value Vb(1) is the output value of the sensor when concentration C of hydrogen sulfide reaches a predetermined first value. If it is determined that output value Vb of hydrogen sulfide sensor 70 is equal to or greater than first threshold value Vb(1) (Yes in S104), the process proceeds to S108. If it is determined that vehicle 100 is not within the speed range corresponding to the stopped state (i.e., within the speed range corresponding to the running state) or is not stopped (No in S102), the process proceeds to S106.

[0060] In S106, the ECU 150 determines whether the output value Vb of the hydrogen sulfide sensor 70 is greater than or equal to the second threshold value Vb(2). The second threshold value Vb(2) is the output value of the sensor when the concentration C of hydrogen sulfide becomes a predetermined second value (> the first value). When it is determined that the output value Vb of the hydrogen sulfide sensor 70 is greater than or equal to the second threshold value Vb(2) (Yes in S106), the process moves to S108. In addition, when it is determined that the output value Vb of the hydrogen sulfide sensor 70 is less than the first threshold value Vb(1) (No in S104), or when it is determined that the output value Vb of the hydrogen sulfide sensor 70 is less than the second threshold value Vb(2) (No in S106), the process returns to S100.

[0061] In S108, ECU 150 turns on a warning lamp in MIL 125 indicating that hydrogen sulfide is contained in the air in battery pack 200. Then, the process ends.

[0062] An example of the operation of ECU 150 based on the above-described structure and flowchart will be described.

[0063] For example, it is assumed that gas is generated inside any of the cells 10 included in the two battery modules 50 in the battery pack 200 due to deterioration or the like, and the generated gas flows out into the battery pack 200. As the generated gas flowing out of the cell 10 increases, the sulfur component contained in the gas also increases. As a result, hydrogen sulfide is generated by the sulfur component of the gas flowing out into the battery pack 200 and the moisture contained in the air in the battery pack 200. And as the outflowing gas increases, the concentration C of hydrogen sulfide in the battery pack 200 also increases.

[0064] When the detection result of the hydrogen sulfide sensor 70 and the detection result of the vehicle speed sensor 112 are acquired ( S100 ), it is determined whether the vehicle 100 is stopped ( S102 ).

[0065] <When the vehicle 100 is parked>

[0066] When the vehicle speed Va is equal to or lower than the threshold value Va(0), the vehicle 100 is determined to be stopped (YES in S102), and it is determined whether the output value Vb of the hydrogen sulfide sensor 70 is equal to or higher than the first threshold value Vb(1).

[0067] When the vehicle 100 is parked, the power of the battery pack 200 is not used. Therefore, there is no main cause of uneven temperature of the air in the battery pack 200, and air convection is not likely to occur. Hydrogen sulfide, which is heavier than air, will accumulate in the lower space in the battery pack 200. Therefore, by setting the first threshold value Vb(1) to be smaller than the second threshold value Vb(2), hydrogen sulfide can be detected with high accuracy. When the output value Vb of the hydrogen sulfide sensor 70 is greater than the first threshold value Vb(1) (the concentration C is greater than the first value) (yes in S104), it is determined that there is an abnormality in the battery pack 200, and the warning light is turned on (S108). When the output value Vb of the hydrogen sulfide sensor 70 is less than the first threshold value Vb(1) (no in S104), the warning light remains off.

[0068] <When the vehicle 100 is traveling>

[0069] When the vehicle speed Va is greater than the threshold value Va(0), it is determined that the vehicle 100 is traveling (NO in S102), and it is determined whether the output value Vb of the hydrogen sulfide sensor 70 is equal to or greater than the second threshold value Vb(2).

[0070] When the battery pack 200 is mounted outside the vehicle cabin, it may be affected by the wind during the travel of the vehicle 100. Alternatively, when the battery pack 200 is mounted inside the vehicle cabin, it may be affected by the air conditioning of the vehicle 100 on the air inside the vehicle cabin during the travel of the vehicle 100. Due to these influences, the temperature of the air inside the battery pack 200 may rise or fall locally, and convection may be easily generated. As a result, the gas containing hydrogen sulfide in the battery pack 200 is stirred and diluted. Therefore, by setting the second threshold value Vb(2) to be greater than the first threshold value Vb(1), it is possible to prevent false detection. When the output value Vb of the hydrogen sulfide sensor 70 is greater than the second threshold value Vb(2) (the concentration C is greater than the second value) (yes in S106), it is determined that there is an abnormality in the battery pack 200, and the warning light is turned on (S108). When the output value Vb of the hydrogen sulfide sensor 70 is less than the second threshold value Vb(2) (no in S106), the warning light is kept off.

[0071] As described above, according to the ECU 150 as the abnormality determination device involved in the present embodiment, the degree of air convection in the battery pack 200 is different depending on whether the vehicle 100 is running or parked. In particular, when the vehicle is parked, the heat generated by the battery pack 200 is small, so it is difficult to generate gas convection in the battery pack 200. Therefore, when the gas containing hydrogen sulfide is discharged into the battery pack 200, the hydrogen sulfide is heavier than the air and thus stays in the lower part of the battery pack 200. As a result, when the vehicle is parked, by setting the threshold value to a smaller value than when the vehicle is running, it is possible to detect hydrogen sulfide in the battery pack 200 with high accuracy. As a result, it is possible to determine the abnormality of the battery pack 200 with high accuracy. Therefore, it is possible to provide an abnormality determination device and an abnormality determination method that can determine the abnormality of the battery pack with high accuracy.

[0072] Modifications will be described below.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the vehicle 100 is described as an example of a mobile body, but any mobile body equipped with the battery pack 200 composed of sulfide-based solid-state batteries is not particularly limited to the vehicle 100. For example, a mobile body such as a train, a ship, or an aircraft may be used instead of the vehicle 100.

[0074] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the hydrogen sulfide sensor 70 is described as an example in which it is provided on the bottom surface of the battery case 90 , but it is not particularly limited to being provided on the bottom surface, and may be provided on the upper part of the battery case 90 or on the side surface.

[0075] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a case where one hydrogen sulfide sensor 70 is provided in the battery case 90 is described as an example, but a plurality of hydrogen sulfide sensors 70 may be provided in the battery case 90. For example, the hydrogen sulfide sensors 70 may be provided at two locations, namely, the front side of the battery case 90 (the front side of the vehicle 100) and the rear side of the battery case 90 (the rear side of the vehicle 100).

[0076] In this way, for example, even when the vehicle 100 is traveling uphill or downhill on a sloping road or is parked on a sloping road, hydrogen sulfide can be detected by using a sensor on the side where hydrogen sulfide is retained (for example, a sensor located vertically downward), thereby detecting the presence of hydrogen sulfide with high precision and determining an abnormality of the battery pack 200 with high precision.

[0077] Moreover, in the above-mentioned embodiment, it is assumed that the hydrogen sulfide sensor 70 outputs a voltage signal proportional to the concentration, but for example, it is also possible to output a first voltage when the concentration is greater than a second value, output a second voltage when the concentration is greater than the first value and less than the second value, and not output a signal when the concentration is less than the second value.

[0078] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, it is described that when the vehicle 100 is parked, the output value Vb of the hydrogen sulfide sensor 70 is determined to be greater than the first threshold value Vb(1), and when the vehicle 100 is traveling, the output value Vb of the hydrogen sulfide sensor 70 is determined to be greater than the second threshold value Vb(2). However, the state of the vehicle 100 (mobile body) is not limited to being parked and traveling. For example, the ECU 150 may determine whether the output value Vb of the hydrogen sulfide sensor 70 is greater than the first threshold value Vb(1) when the cooling device 202 of the vehicle 100 is in operation, and determine whether the output value Vb of the hydrogen sulfide sensor 70 is greater than the second threshold value Vb(2) when the cooling device 202 is not in operation. In this case, instead of Figure 5 The determination process of "whether the vehicle 100 is parked" in the process of S102 is executed to determine whether the cooling device 202 is in operation. Figure 5 The described processing is the same, so the detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0079] Even in this case, hydrogen sulfide accumulated in the battery pack 200 during the operation of the cooling device 202 can be detected with high accuracy, so that when the output value Vb is larger than the first threshold value Vb(1), an abnormality in the battery pack 200 can be determined with high accuracy.

[0080] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, it is described that when the vehicle 100 is stopped, it is determined whether the output value Vb of the hydrogen sulfide sensor 70 is equal to or greater than the first threshold value Vb(1), but the operation of the ECU 150 is not limited to this.

[0081] For example, the ECU 150 may determine whether the output value Vb(1) is greater than or equal to the first threshold value Vb(1) when the vehicle 100 is parked and the vehicle 100 is parked for a period of time after the vehicle 100 changes from the system stop state (IG-OFF state) to the system start state (IG-ON state) for a period of time that is within a predetermined period of time. Alternatively, the ECU 150 may determine whether the output value Vb is greater than or equal to the second threshold value Vb(2) when the condition is not satisfied. The predetermined period of time is not particularly limited as long as it is the period of time until the power is turned on.

[0082] Figure 6 This is a flowchart (part 1) showing an example of processing executed by ECU 150 in the modified example. Figure 6 The processing of S100, S102, S104, S106 and S108 is the same as that of Figure 5The processes of S100, S102, S104, S106 and S108 are the same as those of S101. Therefore, the detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0083] When it is determined that vehicle 100 is parked (YES in S102 ), the process proceeds to S200 .

[0084] In S200, ECU 150 determines whether the parking time after the transition from the IG-OFF state to the IG-ON state is within a predetermined time. ECU 150 uses a timer or the like to measure the elapsed time (parking time) when the IG-OFF state is transitioned to the IG-ON state. When it is determined that the parking time is within the predetermined time (Yes in S200), the process moves to S104. In addition, when the parking time has passed the predetermined time (No in S200), the process moves to S106.

[0085] In this way, especially when the parking time is within a predetermined time, by determining whether the output value Vb of the hydrogen sulfide sensor 70 is greater than or equal to the first threshold value Vb(1), hydrogen sulfide can be detected with high accuracy before the vehicle 100 starts traveling, thereby determining an abnormality of the battery pack 200 with high accuracy.

[0086] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, it is assumed that the output value Vb of the hydrogen sulfide sensor 70 is determined to be equal to or greater than the first threshold value Vb(1) when the vehicle 100 is stopped, but the ECU 150 may operate as follows. That is, the ECU 150 determines whether the output value Vb of the hydrogen sulfide sensor 70 is equal to or greater than the first threshold value Vb(1) when the vehicle 100 is stopped and the battery pack 200 is being externally charged by AC charging. The ECU 150 determines whether the output value Vb of the hydrogen sulfide sensor 70 is equal to or greater than the second threshold value Vb(2) when the vehicle 100 is stopped and the battery pack 200 is being externally charged by DC charging.

[0087] Figure 7 This is a flowchart (part 2) showing an example of processing executed by ECU 150 in the modified example. Figure 7 The processing of S100, S102, S104, S106 and S108 is the same as that of Figure 5 The processes of S100, S102, S104, S106 and S108 are the same as those of S101. Therefore, the detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0088] When it is determined that vehicle 100 is parked (YES in S102 ), the process proceeds to S300 .

[0089] In S300, ECU150 determines whether external charging is in progress. For example, when a connector is installed in an inlet of vehicle 100 (not shown) and a charging current flows through battery pack 200, ECU150 determines that external charging is in progress. For example, a switch or circuit that outputs an on signal to ECU150 when a connector is installed is provided in the inlet. When ECU150 receives an on signal from the switch or circuit, it determines that a connector is installed in the inlet. When it is determined that external charging is in progress (yes in S300), the process moves to S302.

[0090] In S302, ECU150 determines whether it is in AC charging. For example, when a connector is installed, a switch or circuit is provided at the insertion port, which outputs a signal indicating the type of connector installed to ECU150. For example, when ECU150 receives a signal from the switch or circuit that an AC charging connector is installed, it determines that it is in AC charging. In addition, when ECU150 receives a signal from the switch or circuit that a DC charging connector is installed, it determines that it is not in AC charging (in DC charging). When it is determined that it is in AC charging (yes in S302), the process moves to S104. In addition, when it is determined that it is not in AC charging (no in S302), the process moves to S106. In addition, when it is determined that it is not in external charging (no in S300), the process moves to S104.

[0091] In this way, when AC charging is in progress, the charging time is long and the battery pack 200 generates heat slowly. Therefore, the amount of heat generated is smaller than that in the case of DC charging, and air convection is less likely to occur in the battery pack 200. Therefore, hydrogen sulfide can be detected with high accuracy, and abnormality of the battery pack 200 can be determined with high accuracy. In addition, when DC charging is in progress, the amount of heat generated in the battery pack 200 is larger than that in the case of AC charging, and air convection may occur in the battery pack 200. Therefore, by determining whether the output value Vb of the hydrogen sulfide sensor 70 is equal to or greater than the second threshold value Vb(2), false detection can be prevented.

[0092] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the warning light is illuminated when the battery pack 200 is abnormal, but the notification method is not particularly limited to the lighting of the warning light as long as the user can at least be notified of the abnormality of the battery pack 200. For example, the warning may be displayed in the form of character information or an image on the display device of the touch panel display of the HIM 120, or a warning sound or a sound warning that the battery pack 200 is abnormal may be emitted from a speaker (not shown) or the like to notify the user of the abnormality of the battery pack 200.

[0093] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, when the battery pack 200 is abnormal, the user is notified of the abnormality of the battery pack 200 by lighting the warning light. However, the method of notifying the user is not limited to using the device in the vehicle 100. For example, in addition to lighting the warning light, information indicating that the battery pack 200 is abnormal may be sent to the user's terminal 300. Specifically, when the ECU 150 determines that the output value Vb of the hydrogen sulfide sensor 70 is greater than the threshold value (Vb(1) or Vb(2)), the ECU 150 lights the warning light and sends information indicating that the battery pack 200 is abnormal to the terminal 300 via the communication unit 154. When the terminal 300 receives the information indicating that the battery pack 200 is abnormal, the terminal 300 displays the information on the touch panel display 306 of the terminal 300.

[0094] Figure 8 This is a flowchart (part 3) showing an example of processing executed by ECU 150 in the modified example. Figure 8 The processing of S100, S102, S104, S106 and S108 is the same as that of Figure 5 The processes of S100, S102, S104, S106 and S108 are the same as those of S101. Therefore, the detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0095] When it is determined that the output value Vb of the hydrogen sulfide sensor 70 is equal to or greater than the first threshold value Vb(1) (Yes in S104) or when it is determined that the output value Vb is equal to or greater than the second threshold value Vb(2) (Yes in S106), the warning light is turned on (S108), and the process proceeds to S400.

[0096] In S400 , ECU 150 transmits information indicating that battery pack 200 is abnormal to a pre-registered terminal (eg, terminal 300 ) using communication unit 154 . Then, the process ends.

[0097] In this way, for example, when the user is far away from the vehicle 100 during external charging, the user can be notified that the battery pack 200 is abnormal.

[0098] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, it is described that when the vehicle 100 is parked, it is determined whether the output value of the hydrogen sulfide sensor 70 is equal to or greater than the first threshold value. However, when the system of the vehicle 100 is in a stopped state, the system of the vehicle 100 may be activated every time a predetermined time has passed, and it may be determined whether the output value Vb of the hydrogen sulfide sensor 70 is equal to or greater than the first threshold value Vb(1).

[0099] Fig. 9 This is a flowchart (part 4) showing an example of the processing executed by ECU 150 in the modified example. Fig. 9 The processing of S100, S102, S106 and S108 is the same as that of Figure 5 The processes of S100, S102, S106 and S108 are the same as those of S101. Therefore, the detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0100] When it is determined that vehicle 100 is parked (YES in S102 ), the process proceeds to S500 .

[0101] In S500 , ECU 150 determines whether or not the system of vehicle 100 is in a stopped state (IG-OFF state). When it is determined that the system of vehicle 100 is in a stopped state (YES in S500 ), the process proceeds to S502 .

[0102] In S502, ECU 150 determines whether the duration of the stop state is longer than a predetermined time. If it is determined that the duration of the stop state is longer than the predetermined time (YES in S502), the process proceeds to S504.

[0103] In S504, ECU 150 changes the system from the stopped state to the activated state (IG-ON state). Then, the process proceeds to S506.

[0104] In S506, ECU 150 determines whether output value Vb of hydrogen sulfide sensor 70 is equal to or greater than first threshold value Vb(1). If output value Vb is determined to be equal to or greater than first threshold value Vb(1) (Yes in S506), the process proceeds to S108. On the other hand, if output value Vb is determined to be less than first threshold value Vb(1) (No in S506), the process proceeds to S508.

[0105] In S508 , ECU 150 changes the system of vehicle 100 from the activated state to the stopped state. Then, the process returns to S100 .

[0106] In this way, when the system of the vehicle 100 is in the stopped state, it is changed to the activated state every time a predetermined time has passed, and the presence or absence of generation of hydrogen sulfide, that is, the presence or absence of abnormality in the battery pack 200 can be detected.

[0107] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment, it is described that whether the output value Vb is greater than the second threshold value Vb(2) is determined during the driving of the vehicle 100 regardless of the cooling state of the battery pack 200, but it may also be that even if the vehicle 100 is driving, when the cooling device 202 is in operation, it is determined whether the output value Vb is greater than the first threshold value Vb(1), and when the cooling device 202 is not in operation, it is determined whether the output value Vb is greater than the second threshold value Vb(2).

[0108] Fig.10 This is a flowchart (part 5) showing an example of processing executed by ECU 150 in the modified example. Fig.10 The processing of S100, S102, S104, S106 and S108 is the same as that of Figure 5 The processes of S100, S102, S104, S106 and S108 are the same as those of S101. Therefore, the detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0109] When it is determined that vehicle 100 is not parked (NO in S102 ), the process proceeds to S600 .

[0110] In S600, ECU 150 determines whether cooling device 202 is in operation. For example, when a flag indicating that cooling device 202 is in operation is on, ECU 150 determines that cooling device 202 is in operation. When cooling device 202 is determined to be in operation (Yes in S600), the process moves to S104. When cooling device 202 is determined not to be in operation (No in S600), the process moves to S106.

[0111] In this way, even when the vehicle 100 is running, when the cooling device 202 is in operation, the temperature unevenness can be eliminated and convection is not generated, so the presence or absence of generation of hydrogen sulfide can be detected with high accuracy.

[0112] In addition, all or part of the above-mentioned modified examples may be appropriately combined and implemented.

[0113] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described, the embodiments disclosed this time should be considered to be illustrative in all aspects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is represented by the scope of claims, and is intended to include all changes within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

Claims

1. An abnormality determination device, comprising: The battery pack is mounted on a mobile body and is composed of a sulfide-based all-solid-state battery housed in a box; a hydrogen sulfide sensor that outputs a signal representing the concentration of hydrogen sulfide within the battery pack; and a determination unit that determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the battery pack using the output value of the hydrogen sulfide sensor, The determination unit determines that the battery pack has an abnormality when the output value is greater than a threshold value, and The determination unit determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the battery pack by using different values ​​as the threshold value according to the state of the moving object.

2. The abnormality determination device according to claim 1, wherein: The mobile body is equipped with a cooling device for cooling the battery pack. The determination unit determines that the battery pack has an abnormality when the output value is greater than a first threshold value when the cooling device is in operation, and determines that the battery pack has an abnormality when the output value is greater than a second threshold value when the cooling device is not in operation, The second threshold is a value larger than the first threshold.

3. The abnormality determination device according to claim 1, wherein: The mobile body includes a vehicle, The determination unit determines that the battery pack has an abnormality when the output value is greater than a first threshold value when the vehicle is stopped, and determines that the battery pack has an abnormality when the output value is greater than a second threshold value when the vehicle is running, The second threshold is a value larger than the first threshold.

4. The abnormality determination device according to claim 3, wherein: The determination unit determines that the battery pack has an abnormality when the output value is greater than the first threshold value, when a stop time of the vehicle after the vehicle enters the system stop state and after the vehicle shifts to the system start state is within a predetermined time.

5. The abnormality determination device according to claim 4, wherein: The abnormality determination device further includes a notification unit configured to notify occurrence of an abnormality when the determination unit determines that the battery pack has an abnormality.

6. The abnormality determination device according to claim 1, wherein: The mobile body includes a vehicle, The determination unit is activated every time a predetermined time period elapses when the vehicle is in a system stop state, and determines that an abnormality exists in the battery pack when the output value is greater than the threshold value.

7. The abnormality determination device according to claim 6, wherein: The abnormality determination device further includes a communication unit capable of communicating with a terminal. When the determination unit determines that the battery pack has an abnormality, the communication unit transmits information indicating that the battery pack has an abnormality to the terminal.

8. The abnormality determination device according to claim 3, wherein: The battery pack is configured to be externally chargeable using a power source external to the vehicle. The determination unit determines whether or not an abnormality exists in the battery pack during the external charging of the battery pack.

9. The abnormality determination device according to claim 8, wherein: The abnormality determination device further comprises: a communication unit capable of communicating with a terminal; and Notification Department, When determining that the battery pack has an abnormality, the determination unit uses the notification unit to notify that the battery pack has an abnormality, and uses the communication unit to transmit information indicating that the battery pack has an abnormality to the terminal.

10. A method for determining an abnormality in a battery pack mounted on a mobile object and containing a sulfide-based all-solid-state battery in a box, wherein: include: the step of outputting a signal indicative of the concentration of hydrogen sulfide within the battery pack; A step of determining whether the battery pack has an abnormality using the output value of the concentration; The step of determining that the battery pack is abnormal when the output value is greater than a threshold value; and The step of determining whether or not the battery pack has an abnormality by using different values ​​as the threshold value according to the state of the moving object.

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