Battery system, abnormality determination system, vehicle, abnormality determination method, and server

Abstract

Accurately determine the cause of temperature rise. [Solution] The battery system includes a battery stack 150, a housing 101 that houses the battery stack 150 and is installed in a vehicle, thermistors 102-112 that detect a first temperature of the housing 101, thermistors 114-120 that detect a second temperature within the housing 101, and a battery ECU 304 that compares the detection results of thermistors 102-112 with the detection results of thermistors 114-120 to determine whether a temperature rise in the battery stack is due to a change in the external environment of the battery pack 100 or a malfunction of a battery cell.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery system. [Background technology]

[0002] Techniques for detecting the temperature of each cell in a battery pack composed of multiple battery cells are known. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-198515 (Patent Document 1) discloses a technique for detecting the temperature of multiple battery cells by moving a thermistor using a servo mechanism. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-198515 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When an abnormal temperature rise is detected in a battery pack having the above-described configuration, it is necessary to accurately determine whether the abnormal temperature rise is caused by a malfunction of the battery pack or a change in the external environment of the battery pack.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a battery system, an abnormality determination system, a vehicle, an abnormality determination method, and a server that can accurately determine the cause of a temperature rise. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A battery system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a battery cell, a housing that houses the battery cell and is mounted on a vehicle, a first detection device that detects a first temperature that indicates the temperature of the housing, a second detection device that detects a second temperature that indicates the temperature inside the housing, and a first control device that compares the detection results by the first detection device with the detection results by the second detection device to determine whether a temperature rise in the battery cell is due to a change in the external environment of the housing or a malfunction of the battery cell.

[0007] In this way, the detection results from the first detection device and the second detection device can be used to determine whether the temperature rise in the battery cell is due to a change in the external environment or a malfunction in the battery cell, thereby making it possible to accurately determine the cause of the abnormal temperature rise.

[0008] In one embodiment, the first control device determines that the temperature increase is caused by a change in the external environment when a first rate of increase of the first temperature is higher than a second rate of increase of the second temperature, and determines that the temperature increase is caused by a malfunction of a battery cell when the second rate of increase is higher than the first rate of increase.

[0009] In this way, it is possible to accurately distinguish whether the temperature rise in the battery cell is caused by a change in the external environment or by a malfunction in the battery cell.

[0010] In yet another embodiment, the battery system further includes a second control device capable of communicating with a server external to the vehicle, and the first control device activates the second control device and causes it to transmit information from which a determination result can be obtained to the server.

[0011] In this way, information from which a determination result can be obtained can be saved in the server, so that the determination result of the cause of the temperature rise can be obtained on the server side.

[0012] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the first detection device is provided at a position other than on a path that exhausts gas from the battery cell to the outside of the housing when gas is generated in the battery cell.

[0013] In this way, even if gas is generated in the battery cell, the generated gas is prevented from affecting the detection of the first temperature using the first detection device.

[0014] In one embodiment, the housing contains a plurality of battery cells. Insulating plates are provided between the battery cells to insulate the battery cells. The first detection device is provided below the insulating plates.

[0015] In this way, the first detection device is provided below the insulating plate, which makes it easier to assemble the first detection device to the battery cell.

[0016] An abnormality determination system according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes a battery pack, a first detection device that detects a first parameter that correlates with the internal temperature of the battery pack, a second detection device that detects a second parameter that has a smaller correlation with the internal temperature than the first parameter and that correlates with the external temperature of the battery pack, and a control device that uses the first parameter and the second parameter to determine whether an abnormality has occurred inside or outside the battery pack.

[0017] In this way, by using the first parameter and the second parameter, it is possible to determine with high accuracy whether an abnormality has occurred inside or outside the battery pack.

[0018] In one embodiment, the control device determines that an abnormality has occurred outside the battery pack when a predetermined change in the second parameter occurs before a predetermined change in the first parameter occurs.

[0019] In this way, if an abnormality occurs outside the battery pack, the second parameter changes before the first parameter changes, making it possible to accurately determine that an abnormality has occurred outside the battery pack.

[0020] In yet another embodiment, the control device determines that an abnormality has occurred within the battery pack if a predetermined change in the first parameter occurs before a predetermined change in the second parameter occurs.

[0021] In this way, if an abnormality occurs inside the battery pack, the first parameter changes before the second parameter changes, making it possible to accurately determine that an abnormality has occurred inside the battery pack.

[0022] Additionally, in some embodiments, the predetermined change comprises a change of greater than or equal to a predetermined value in a predetermined period of time.

[0023] In this way, it is possible to determine with high accuracy whether an abnormality has occurred inside or outside the battery pack, depending on whether a predetermined change has occurred in the first parameter or the second parameter.

[0024] In yet another embodiment, the second detection device includes a plurality of detection targets, and when a predetermined change occurs in at least one of the plurality of detection targets before a predetermined change occurs in the other detection targets, the control device identifies a location of the abnormality outside the battery pack using a position corresponding to the at least one detection target.

[0025] In this way, the location where the abnormality has occurred outside the vehicle can be identified with high accuracy.

[0026] In yet another embodiment, the first and second detection devices are mounted on a vehicle. The control device is provided on a server capable of communicating with the vehicle. The first detection device detects an internal temperature as a first parameter. The second detection device detects an external temperature as a second parameter. When an abnormality occurs in the vehicle, the vehicle transmits information about the first and second parameters to the server.

[0027] In this way, it is possible to determine with high accuracy whether the abnormality has occurred inside or outside the battery pack.

[0028] In yet another embodiment, the first and second detection devices are mounted on a vehicle. The control device is provided on a server capable of communicating with the vehicle. The first detection device detects an interior temperature as a first parameter. The second detection device detects pressure in a tire of the vehicle as a second parameter. When an abnormality occurs in the vehicle, the vehicle transmits information about the first and second parameters to the server.

[0029] In this way, it is possible to determine with high accuracy whether the abnormality has occurred inside or outside the battery pack.

[0030] An abnormality determination system according to another aspect of the present disclosure determines whether an abnormality has occurred inside or outside the battery pack using a first parameter that correlates with the internal temperature of the battery pack and a second parameter that has a smaller correlation with the internal temperature than the first parameter and that correlates with the external temperature of the battery pack.

[0031] A vehicle according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes a battery pack, an acquisition device that acquires the internal temperature and external temperature of the battery pack, and a control device that transmits information to a server, the information including a first parameter that correlates with the internal temperature and a second parameter that has a smaller correlation with the internal temperature than the first parameter and is correlated with the external temperature.

[0032] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for determining whether an abnormality has occurred in a battery pack, the method including the steps of detecting a first parameter correlated with an internal temperature of the battery pack, detecting a second parameter that has a smaller correlation with the internal temperature than the first parameter and that correlates with an external temperature of the battery pack, and determining whether the abnormality has occurred inside or outside the battery pack using the first parameter and the second parameter.

[0033] A server according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition device that acquires information from a vehicle equipped with a battery pack, the information including a first parameter that correlates with the internal temperature of the battery pack and a second parameter that has a smaller correlation with the internal temperature than the first parameter and that correlates with the external temperature of the battery pack, and a control device that uses the acquired first and second parameters to determine whether an abnormality has occurred inside the battery pack or outside the vehicle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0034] According to the present disclosure, there are provided a battery system, an abnormality determination system, a vehicle, an abnormality determination method, and a server that are capable of determining the cause of a temperature rise with high accuracy. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a battery system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is an example of a configuration of a control device and a process executed by the control device. [Figure 3] 10 is another example of the configuration of the control device and the processing executed by the control device. [Figure 4] 10 is yet another example of the configuration of the control device and the processing executed by the control device. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for determining a cause. [Figure 6] 10 is yet another example of the configuration of the control device and the processing executed by the control device. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an abnormality determination system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by each of a vehicle and a server in the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a history of detection results from a battery temperature sensor and an outside air temperature sensor. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the history of the detection results of the battery temperature sensor and the outside air temperature sensor. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the abnormality determination system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an abnormality determination system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by each of a vehicle and a server in the third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a history of detection results from a battery temperature sensor and a tire pressure sensor. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the history of detection results of the battery temperature sensor and the tire pressure sensor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0037] First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a battery system 1 according to a first embodiment. The battery system 1 includes a battery pack 100. The battery pack 100 is mounted on an electrically powered vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. The battery pack 100 includes a housing 101, a battery stack 150, and a battery ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 304. The battery stack 150 includes multiple battery cells 152, 154, 156, 158, 160, 162, and 164 (hereinafter referred to as "multiple battery cells 152-164"). The battery stack 150 is configured by arranging multiple battery cells with the larger surface facing the adjacent battery cell. The battery stack 150 is housed in a housing 101. The housing 101 is provided with multiple thermistors 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, and 112 (hereinafter referred to as "thermistors 102-112"). The multiple thermistors 102-112 correspond to a "first detection device" that detects the temperature of the housing 101. The multiple thermistors 102-112 are configured to be able to detect the temperature at the positions where they are installed (hereinafter, may be referred to as "first temperatures"). The multiple thermistors 102-112 only need to be able to detect the temperature of the housing 101, and are not limited to being installed at the positions shown in FIG. 1. The multiple battery cells 152-164 are provided with multiple thermistors 114, 116, 118, and 120 (hereinafter, referred to as "thermistors 114-120"). Specifically, thermistors 114-120 are respectively provided between the battery cells 152 and 154, between the battery cells 156 and 158, between the battery cells 158 and 160, and between the battery cells 162 and 164. The multiple thermistors 114-120 correspond to a "second detection device" that detects the temperature inside the housing 101. The plurality of thermistors 114-120 are configured to be able to detect temperatures at the positions where they are installed (hereinafter, these may be referred to as "second temperatures"). The plurality of thermistors 114-120 only need to be able to detect the temperature inside the housing 101, and are not limited to being installed at the positions shown in FIG.

[0038] The thermistors 102-112 and thermistors 114-120 are temperature sensors that detect temperature based on changes in resistance. Note that the temperature sensors are not limited to thermistors. The thermistors 102-112 and thermistors 114-120 are connected to, for example, the battery ECU 304. The battery ECU 304 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memory (not shown), and performs predetermined operations by executing programs stored in the memory. The battery ECU 304 uses the thermistors 102-112 and thermistors 114-120 to obtain information about the temperatures at the locations where the thermistors are installed.

[0039] For example, the battery ECU 304 can determine a temperature abnormality in the battery pack 100 when the temperature of the battery pack 100 is within an abnormal temperature range (for example, a high temperature range) using the detection results of the thermistors 102-112 and thermistors 114-120.

[0040] However, when an abnormal temperature rise is detected in the battery pack 100, it is necessary to accurately determine whether the abnormal temperature rise is caused by a malfunction of one of the battery cells in the battery pack 100 or by a change in the external environment of the battery pack 100.

[0041] Therefore, in this embodiment, the battery ECU 304 compares the detection results from thermistors 102-112 with the detection results from thermistors 114-120 to determine whether the temperature rise in the battery pack 100 is caused by a change in the external environment or a battery malfunction.

[0042] More specifically, the battery ECU 304 determines that the temperature rise is caused by a change in the external environment when the first rate of rise of the first temperature detected by any of the thermistors 102-112 is higher than the second rate of rise of the second temperature detected by any of the thermistors 114-120, and determines that the temperature rise is caused by a battery malfunction when the second rate of rise is higher than the first rate of rise.

[0043] In this way, it is possible to determine whether the temperature rise in battery pack 100 is caused by a change in the external environment or a battery malfunction, using the detection results from thermistors 102-112 and the detection results from thermistors 114-120. Therefore, the cause of the abnormal temperature rise can be determined with high accuracy.

[0044] The battery ECU 304, for example, calculates the rate of temperature rise detected by thermistors 102-112 and 114-120. The battery ECU 304, for example, calculates the amount of temperature change per unit time (hereinafter simply referred to as "rate of rise"). When a predetermined condition is met, the battery ECU 304 compares the maximum value (1) of the rate of temperature rise detected by thermistors 102-112 with the maximum value (2) of the rate of temperature rise detected by thermistors 114-120. The predetermined condition may include, for example, a condition that at least one of the thermistors 102-112 and 114-120, an average value, or a maximum value, exceeds a threshold value, or a condition that a detection value of a cell temperature sensor (not shown) that detects the temperature of any of the multiple battery cells 152-164 exceeds a threshold value. The predetermined condition may be a condition for calculating the rate of rise.

[0045] For example, if maximum value (1) is greater than maximum value (2) and the difference between them is greater than a threshold value, battery ECU 304 determines that the temperature rise in battery pack 100 is caused by a change in the external environment.

[0046] On the other hand, if the maximum value (2) is greater than the maximum value (1) and the difference between them is greater than the threshold value, the battery ECU 304 determines that the temperature rise in the battery pack 100 is caused by a battery malfunction.

[0047] Figure 1(A) shows an example of the change in temperature detected by thermistors 112 and 114. The vertical axis in Figure 1(A) represents temperature, and the horizontal axis represents time. The solid line (1) in Figure 1(A) represents the change in temperature over time detected by thermistor 114, and the dashed line (II) represents the change in temperature over time detected by thermistor 112.

[0048] Assume that the temperature of the battery pack 100 rises rapidly between time T(0) and time T(1), and then the rate of temperature rise gradually changes. In this case, the battery ECU 304 calculates the rate of temperature rise using the detection results of each thermistor each time a detection result is acquired. The battery ECU 304 calculates the rate of temperature rise for each thermistor and identifies maximum values ​​(1) and (2). In (A) of FIG. 1, for example, the rate of temperature rise calculated using the detection result of thermistor 112 among thermistors 102-112 is identified as maximum value (2), and the rate of temperature rise calculated using the detection result of thermistor 114 among thermistors 114-120 is identified as maximum value (1). For example, during the period from time T(0) to time T(1), the battery ECU 304 determines that the temperature rise of the battery pack is caused by a change in the external environment when maximum value (1) is greater than maximum value (2) and the difference between maximum values ​​(1) and (2) is greater than a threshold value.

[0049] In the present embodiment, the cause of the temperature rise has been described as being determined using maximum value (1) and maximum value (2), but the cause of the temperature rise may also be determined, for example, from the results of a comparison (size and magnitude of difference) between the average value (1) of the rate of temperature rise detected by thermistors 102-112 and the average value (2) of the rate of temperature rise detected by thermistors 114-120. Furthermore, when battery ECU 304 determines that the temperature rise is caused by a battery malfunction, it may identify the battery cell in which the malfunction is occurring (for example, the battery cell with the maximum temperature) using the detection results of thermistors 114-120.

[0050] Furthermore, the thermistors 102-112 may be provided on insulating plates between the battery cells instead of at the positions shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 1(B) shows an example of a cross-sectional view of the battery pack 100 as seen from the direction of the arrow X. As shown in Fig. 1(B), an insulating plate 155 is provided between the battery cells 154 and 156. An insulating plate 157 is provided between the battery cells 156 and 158. An insulating plate 159 is provided between the battery cells 158 and 160. An insulating plate 161 is provided between the battery cells 160 and 162.

[0051] A bus bar module (hereinafter referred to as BBM) 170 is provided in the battery stack 150. The BBM 170 can connect the positive and negative terminals of the plurality of battery cells 152-164 in a predetermined combination, thereby connecting the plurality of battery cells 152-164 in series.

[0052] In this embodiment, a temperature sensor such as a thermistor for detecting the temperature of housing 101 may be provided in the lower portion (hatched area) of the insulating plate. In this case, BBM 170 is provided with a circuit for connecting the thermistor and battery ECU 304 in addition to a connection member for connecting terminals. In this way, each thermistor provided on the insulating plate can transmit a temperature detection signal to battery ECU 304 by being connected to BBM 170 by harness 172, for example.

[0053] Furthermore, the thermistors 102-112 and thermistors 114-120 are provided at positions other than on a path along which gas generated from any of the battery cells 152-164 flows out of the battery pack 100. FIG. 1C shows a view of the battery pack 100 as seen from the direction of arrow Y. As shown in FIG. 1C, a BBM 170 is provided on top of the battery stack 150. For example, when gas is generated from any of the battery cells 152-164, if the gas flows out of the housing 101 of the battery pack 100 and is discharged to the outside of the battery pack 100 along the path indicated by the solid arrow, the thermistors are positioned so as not to be located at position 122 on the path. Alternatively, if the gas flows out and is discharged to the outside of the battery pack 100 along the path indicated by the dashed arrow, the thermistors are positioned so as not to be located at position 126 on the path.

[0054] Furthermore, the thermistors 102-112 may be assembled and fixed so as to be sandwiched between the upper and lower portions of the housing 101. FIG. 1D shows an example of fixing the heat collection plate 200 to the housing 101. The heat collection plate 200 includes a plate-shaped member 200a and a sealing member 200b. A thermistor for detecting the temperature of the housing 101 is attached to the plate-shaped member 200a. A portion bent downward at a right angle is formed in the middle of the plate-shaped member 200a. A sealing member 200b is provided on the horizontal portion other than the right-angle bent portion so as to surround the periphery of the plate-shaped member 200a in the width direction. The housing 101 includes an upper portion 101a and a lower portion 101b. The battery stack 150 is fixed to the bottom surface of the lower portion 101b. The upper part 101a is assembled to close the opening of the lower part 101b, and the battery stack 150 is housed in the housing 101. A recess is formed in part of the mating surface of the lower part 101b with the upper part 101a. Before the upper part 101a is assembled to the lower part 101b, a horizontal part of the plate-shaped member 200a is attached to the recess. When the upper part 101a is assembled to the lower part 101b, the gap in the recess is closed by the plate-shaped member 200a and the sealing member 200b.

[0055] As described above, battery system 1 according to the present embodiment can determine whether a temperature rise in battery pack 100 is caused by a change in the external environment or a battery malfunction, using the detection results from thermistors 102-112 that detect the temperature of casing 101 and the detection results from thermistors 114-120 that detect the temperature inside casing 101. More specifically, if the first rate of rise of a first temperature of any of thermistors 102-112 is higher than the second rate of rise of a second temperature of any of thermistors 114-120, it can be determined that the temperature rise is caused by a change in the external environment, and if the second rate of rise is higher than the first rate of rise, it can be determined that the temperature rise is caused by a battery malfunction. Therefore, a battery system capable of accurately determining the cause of a temperature rise is provided.

[0056] Furthermore, the thermistors 102-112 are provided at positions other than on the path that discharges gas from the battery cell to the outside of the housing 101 when gas is generated in the battery cell, thereby preventing the gas generated in the battery cell from affecting the detection of the first temperature and the second temperature.

[0057] Furthermore, since the thermistors 102-112 are provided below the insulating plates between the battery cells, the thermistors 102-112 can be easily assembled into the battery stack.

[0058] Modifications will be described below. In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the battery ECU 304 determines the cause of the temperature rise in the battery pack 100, but the detection results of the thermistor and the determination results of the cause of the temperature rise may also be transmitted to another control device (another ECU or an external server, etc.).

[0059] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration, processing, and operation of a control device 300 according to a modified example. As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 300 further includes, in addition to a battery ECU 304, an EHV-ECU 302, an AC-ECU 306, a zone ECU 308, a verification ECU 310, a DCM (Data Communication Module) 312, a storage device 314, and a central gateway (hereinafter referred to as CGW) 316. The EHV-ECU 302 cooperates with other ECUs to comprehensively control the vehicle systems. The AC-ECU 306 controls the air conditioning system. The zone ECU 308 controls the operation of devices within a predetermined area of ​​the vehicle (such as the front, center, or rear of the vehicle). The verification ECU 310 performs verification processing for locking and unlocking, etc. The DCM 312 is configured to be able to communicate with an external server 400. The storage device 314 stores various types of information in a storage area. The CGW 316 relays communications between, for example, a communication network including the EHV-ECU 302 and the battery ECU 304, a communication network including the AC-ECU 306, the zone ECU 308, and the verification ECU 310, and a communication network including the DCM 312 and the memory device 314.

[0060] Each ECU includes a processor and a memory (neither of which are shown). The processor executes a program stored in the memory to realize a predetermined operation of the controlled object. The control device 300 executes the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 2 to perform the operation shown in the timing chart of FIG. 2.

[0061] In step (hereinafter, step will be abbreviated as S) 100, the battery ECU 304 enters the activated state. The battery ECU 304 enters the activated state, for example, when a predetermined activation condition is met while the vehicle system is stopped. The predetermined activation condition includes a condition that a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous activation. In S102, the battery ECU 304 determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the battery temperature. The battery ECU 304 determines that there is an abnormality in the battery temperature when the magnitude of the difference between the current temperature value and the previous temperature value detected by the cell temperature sensor is greater than a threshold value. If it is determined that there is an abnormality in the battery temperature (YES in S102), the process proceeds to S104. If it is determined that there is no abnormality in the battery temperature (NO in S102), the process returns to S100. In S104, the battery ECU 304 transmits an activation request to the zone ECU 308 and the DCM 312. In S106, the zone ECU 308 and the DCM 312 enter the activated state in response to the activation request. In S108, the battery ECU 304 and the zone ECU 308 output various sensor values, including the sensor output values ​​(hereinafter simply referred to as sensor values) of thermistors 102-112 and thermistors 114-120, to the DCM 312. The various sensor values ​​further include the temperature of each battery cell, the voltage of each battery cell (hereinafter referred to as cell voltage), and the outside air temperature. The cell voltages are detected by voltage sensors (not shown) provided in each battery cell 152-164 and transmitted to the control device 300. In the following description, the sensor values ​​detected by the thermistors 114-120 may be referred to as pack ambient temperature, and the sensor value of the cell temperature sensor may be referred to as cell temperature. In S110, the DCM 312 transmits the received sensor values ​​to the server 400.

[0062] When this process is executed, as shown in the timing chart of FIG. 2, the magnitude of the temperature difference becomes equal to or smaller than the threshold value at times t1 and t2, and battery ECU 304 is activated intermittently. When the magnitude of the temperature difference becomes larger than the threshold value at time t3, it is determined that there is an abnormality in the battery temperature (YES at S102). In this case, at time t4, an activation request is transmitted to zone ECU 308 and DCM 312 (S104), and at time t5, zone ECU 308 and DCM 312 are activated (S106). At time t6, battery ECU 304 and zone ECU 308 transmit sensor values ​​to DCM 312 (S108). At time 7, DCM 312 transmits the received sensor values ​​to server 400 (S110). Server 400 performs a predetermined analysis process using the received data. The predetermined analysis process includes, for example, a process of determining whether a temperature rise in battery pack 100 is caused by a battery malfunction or a change in the external environment. The determination method is as described above, and therefore detailed description will not be repeated. In this manner, the determination of an abnormal temperature rise in the battery pack 100 can be executed by the server 400. Note that although the cause of the temperature rise has been described here as being determined by the server 400, for example, the determination result of the cause of the temperature rise in the battery ECU 304 may be transmitted to the server 400 via the DCM 312 instead of or in addition to the sensor value. The DCM 312 transmits identification information (such as a serial number) for identifying the vehicle or the battery pack 100 to the server together with the received data. The server 400 associates the identification information with the received data and stores them in a storage device.

[0063] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration, processing, and operation of control device 300 in a modified example. Control device 300 in Fig. 3 is similar to control device 300 in Fig. 2 except for the operations described below, and detailed description thereof will not be repeated. The operation shown in the timing chart of Fig. 3 is performed by control device 300 executing the processing shown in the flowchart of Fig. 3.

[0064] In S200, the zone ECU 308 enters an activated state. The zone ECU 308 enters an activated state when a predetermined activation condition (the same condition as described above) is met while the vehicle system is stopped. In S202, the zone ECU 308 determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the outside air temperature. The zone ECU 308 determines that there is an abnormality in the outside air temperature when the magnitude of the difference between the current value and the previous value of the outside air temperature detected by an outside air temperature sensor (not shown) is greater than a threshold value. If it is determined that there is an abnormality in the outside air temperature (YES in S202), the process proceeds to S204. Meanwhile, if it is determined that there is no abnormality in the outside air temperature (NO in S202), the process returns to S200. In S204, the zone ECU 308 transmits a start-up request to the battery ECU 304 and the DCM 312. In S206, the battery ECU 304 and the DCM 312 enter an activated state in response to the start-up request. In S208, battery ECU 304 and zone ECU 308 output various sensor values ​​to DCM 312. In S210, DCM 312 transmits the received sensor values ​​to server 400.

[0065] When this processing is executed, as shown in the timing chart of Fig. 3, at times t8 and t9, the magnitude of the temperature difference between the battery temperatures becomes equal to or smaller than the threshold value, and zone ECU 308 is intermittently activated. At time t10, when the magnitude of the temperature difference becomes greater than the threshold value, it is determined that there is an abnormality in the outside air temperature (YES in S202). At time t11, a startup request is transmitted to battery ECU 302 and DCM 312 (S204), and at time t12, battery ECU 302 and DCM 312 are activated (S206). At time t13, battery ECU 304 and zone ECU 308 transmit sensor values ​​to DCM 312 (S208). At time t14, DCM 312 transmits the received sensor values ​​to server 400 (S210). The operation of server 400 is as described above, and therefore detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0066] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing yet another example of the configuration, processing, and operation of control device 300 in a modified example. Control device 300 in Fig. 4 is similar to control device 300 in Fig. 2 except for the operations described below, and detailed description thereof will not be repeated. The operation shown in the timing chart of Fig. 4 is performed by control device 300 executing the processing shown in the flowchart of Fig. 4.

[0067] In S300, EHV-ECU 302 and battery ECU 304 are activated. EHV-ECU 302 and battery ECU 304 are activated when predetermined activation conditions (same conditions as described above) are met while the vehicle system is stopped. In S302, EHV-ECU 302 or battery ECU 304 determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the battery temperature. The determination method is as described above, and detailed description will not be repeated. If it is determined that there is an abnormality in the battery temperature (YES in S302), the process proceeds to S304. If it is determined that there is no abnormality in the battery temperature (NO in S302), the process returns to S300. In S304, EHV-ECU 302 or battery ECU 304 transmits a activation request to zone ECU 308 and DCM 312. In S306, upon receiving the activation request, zone ECU 308 and DCM 312 are activated. In S308, sensor values ​​are transmitted from zone ECU 308 and battery ECU 304 to EHV-ECU 302. In S310, EHV-ECU 302 performs diagnostic processing, which will be described later. In S312, EHV-ECU 302 transmits the diagnostic result to DCM 312. In S314, DCM 312 transmits data on the diagnostic result to server 400.

[0068] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the diagnostic processing. EHV-ECU 302 executes the processing shown in FIG. 5 as the diagnostic processing.

[0069] In S400, the EHV-ECU 302 receives the cell voltage, cell temperature, pack ambient temperature, and outside air temperature. The EHV-ECU 302 receives the above information from the zone ECU 308 and the battery ECU 304. In S402, the EHV-ECU 302 determines whether various conditions are met in accordance with a determination table to determine whether the temperature abnormality in the battery pack 100 is caused by a battery malfunction, a change in the external environment, or an unknown cause. Depending on the combination of conditions that are met, the EHV-ECU 302 determines whether the temperature abnormality is caused by a battery malfunction, a change in the external environment, or an unknown cause. In the process shown in FIG. 4, the cause of the temperature abnormality is determined in accordance with the determination table of FIG. 5 (I).

[0070] The classification table in (I) of Figure 5 shows whether condition 1 is met for cell voltage / cell temperature, whether condition 2 is met for pack ambient temperature, whether condition 3 is met for outside air temperature, and the determination results (A) to (D) determined by combinations of these conditions. Condition 1 includes a condition that the cell voltage or cell temperature (temperature detected by a cell temperature sensor) of at least one of the multiple battery cells is greater than a threshold value. Condition 2 includes a condition that the pack ambient temperature (temperature detected by at least one of thermistors 114-120) is greater than a threshold value. Condition 3 includes a condition that the outside air temperature is greater than a threshold value.

[0071] If conditions 1 and 2 of the above conditions are met, a determination result (A) is set indicating that the cause is a battery malfunction. If conditions 2 and 3 are met, a determination result (B) is set indicating that the cause is a change in the external environment. If only condition 2 is met, a determination result (C) is set indicating that the cause is a change in the external environment. If conditions 1, 2, and 3 are all met, a determination result (D) is set indicating that the cause is unknown.

[0072] In S404, EHV-ECU 302 determines whether the cause of the temperature rise in battery pack 100 is a battery malfunction. If it is determined that the cause is a battery malfunction (YES in S404), the process proceeds to S406. In S406, EHV-ECU 302 generates a determination result indicating that the cause is a battery malfunction. If it is determined that the cause is not a battery malfunction (NO in S404), the process proceeds to S408. In S408, EHV-ECU 302 determines whether the cause of the temperature rise is a change in the external environment. If it is determined that the cause is a change in the external environment (YES in S408), the process proceeds to S410. In S410, EHV-ECU 302 generates a determination result indicating that the cause is a change in the external environment. If it is determined that the cause is not a change in the external environment (NO in S408), the process proceeds to S412. In S412, EHV-ECU 302 generates a determination result indicating that the determination is impossible. The generated determination result is transmitted to DCM 312 in S312.

[0073] When this processing is performed, as shown in the timing chart of Figure 4, at times t20 and t21, the temperature difference between the battery temperatures becomes equal to or smaller than the threshold value, and EHV-ECU 302 and battery ECU 304 are intermittently activated. At time t22, the temperature difference becomes greater than the threshold value, and it is determined that there is an abnormality in the battery temperature (YES in S302). At time t23, a startup request is sent to zone ECU 308 and DCM 312 (S304), and at time t24, zone ECU 308 and DCM 312 are started (S306). At time t25, zone ECU 308 and battery ECU 304 send sensor values ​​to EHV-ECU 302 (S308). At time t26, EHV-ECU 302 executes diagnostic processing (S310). When the diagnostic process is executed, it is determined whether various conditions are met (S402) using the received cell voltage, cell temperature, pack ambient temperature, and outside air temperature (S400). If the determination result is (A) according to the isolation table (I) (YES in S404), a determination result is generated stating that the cause is a battery malfunction (S406). On the other hand, if the determination result is (B) or (C) (NO in S404 and YES in S406), a determination result is generated stating that the cause is a change in the external environment (S410). At time t27, EHV-ECU 302 transmits the determination result of the diagnostic process (diagnosis result) to DCM 312 (S312). DCM 312 transmits the received diagnosis result to server 400 (S314).

[0074] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing yet another example of the configuration, processing, and operation of control device 300 in a modified example. Control device 300 in Fig. 6 is similar to control device 300 in Fig. 2 except for the operations described below, and detailed description thereof will not be repeated. The operation shown in the timing chart of Fig. 6 is performed by control device 300 executing the processing shown in the flowchart of Fig. 6.

[0075] At S500, EHV-ECU 302 and zone ECU 308 are activated. EHV-ECU 302 and zone ECU 308 are activated when predetermined activation conditions (the same conditions as described above) are met while the vehicle system is stopped. At S502, EHV-ECU 302 or zone ECU 308 determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the outside air temperature. The determination method is as described above, and detailed description will not be repeated. If it is determined that there is an abnormality in the outside air temperature (YES at S502), the process proceeds to S504. If it is determined that there is no abnormality in the outside air temperature (NO at S502), the process returns to S500. At S504, EHV-ECU 302 or zone ECU 308 transmits a activation request to battery ECU 304 and DCM 312. At S506, battery ECU 304 and DCM 312 are activated. In S508, sensor values ​​are transmitted from battery ECU 304 and zone ECU 308 to EHV-ECU 302. In S510, EHV-ECU 302 performs diagnostic processing. This diagnostic processing differs from the processing described in FIG. 5 in that a determination result indicating the cause of the temperature abnormality is generated according to the isolation table of FIG. 5 (II) instead of the isolation table of FIG. 5 (I). The rest of the processing is as described above, and detailed description will not be repeated.

[0076] The breakdown table in (II) of Figure 5 shows whether condition 1 is met, whether condition 2 is met, whether condition 3 is met, and the judgment results (A) to (F) determined based on the combination of these conditions. The details of conditions 1 to 3, and the contents and conditions for meeting judgment results (A) to (D) have been described above, and detailed explanations will not be repeated. If condition 1 and condition 3 are met, a judgment result (E) is set indicating that the cause is unknown. If only condition 3 is met, a judgment result (F) is set indicating that a change in the external environment is the cause.

[0077] In S512, EHV-ECU 302 transmits the diagnosis result to DCM 312. In S514, DCM 312 transmits data on the diagnosis result to server 400.

[0078] When this process is performed, as shown in the timing chart of Figure 6, at times t30 and t31, the magnitude of the temperature difference between the outside air temperatures becomes equal to or smaller than the threshold value, and the EHV-ECU 302 and the zone ECU 308 are intermittently activated. At time t32, the magnitude of the temperature difference becomes greater than the threshold value, and it is determined that there is an abnormality in the outside air temperature (YES in S502). In this case, at time t33, a start-up request is sent to the battery ECU 304 and the DCM 312 (S504), and at time t34, the battery ECU 304 and the DCM 312 are activated (S506). At time t35, the zone ECU 308 and the battery ECU 304 send sensor values ​​to the EHV-ECU 302 (S508). At time t36, the EHV-ECU 302 executes diagnostic processing (S510). When the diagnostic process is executed, it is determined whether various conditions are met (S402) using the received cell voltage, cell temperature, pack ambient temperature, and outside air temperature (S400). If the determination result is (A) according to the isolation table (II) (YES in S404), a determination result is generated stating that the cause is a battery malfunction (S406). On the other hand, if the determination result is (B), (C), or (F) (NO in S404 and YES in S406), a determination result is generated stating that the cause is a change in the external environment (S410). At time t37, EHV-ECU 302 transmits the determination result of the diagnostic process (diagnosis result) to DCM 312 (S512). DCM 312 transmits the received diagnosis result to server 400 (S514).

[0079] The above-described modifications may be implemented in whole or in part in appropriate combination. <Second embodiment> The configuration and operation of the abnormality determination system according to the second embodiment will be described below. The abnormality determination system according to this embodiment is configured to determine, when the temperature of a battery pack mounted in a vehicle rises, whether the temperature rise is due to an abnormality inside the battery pack or an abnormality outside the vehicle (for example, arson), using a battery temperature sensor and an outside air temperature sensor. The configuration of the abnormality determination system according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 7.

[0080] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an abnormality determination system 500 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the abnormality determination system 500 includes a server 400 and a vehicle 600. The server 400 is communicatively connected to each of a plurality of vehicles including the vehicle 600. A storage device (not shown) of the server 400 stores, for example, identification information for identifying the plurality of vehicles in advance, and identifies a vehicle with which communication is to be performed using the identification information received from the plurality of vehicles. While FIG. 7 shows an example in which the server 400 and the vehicle 600 are communicatively connected, other vehicles are also communicatively connected to the server 400 in a similar manner, and detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0081] The server 400 includes a control device 402 and a communication device 404. The control device 402 includes an acquisition unit 402a and a determination unit 402b.

[0082] The acquisition unit 402a acquires information on the history of detection results (output value history) of the battery temperature sensor 351 (described later) and the history of detection results (output value history) of the outside air temperature sensor 352 (described later) from the vehicle 600. The determination unit 402b identifies the location of the abnormality using the information acquired by the acquisition unit 402a. A method for identifying the location of the abnormality will be described later.

[0083] Communication device 404 is configured to be capable of wireless communication with DCM 312 of vehicle 600. The communication method between server 400 and DCM 312 is the same as that described in the first embodiment, and therefore detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0084] Vehicle 600 includes EHV-ECU 302, battery ECU 304, DCM 312, smoke exhaust temperature sensor 350, battery temperature sensor 351, and outside air temperature sensor 352. EHV-ECU 302, battery ECU 304, and DCM 312 have the same configurations as EHV-302, battery ECU 304, and DCM 312 described in the first embodiment above. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0085] The smoke exhaust section temperature sensor 350 is provided in the smoke exhaust section of the battery pack 100, detects the temperature of the gas in the smoke exhaust section, and transmits a signal indicating the detection result to the EHV-ECU 302. The smoke exhaust section is configured to guide gas or the like to the outside of the battery pack 100 when the gas or the like is released from at least one of the plurality of battery cells in the battery pack 100. The smoke exhaust section temperature sensor 350 transmits a signal indicating the detection result to the EHV-ECU 302 every time a predetermined time elapses, even when the system of the vehicle 600 is stopped.

[0086] The battery temperature sensor 351 is provided at a predetermined position in the battery pack 100, detects the temperature of the battery cell at the predetermined position, and transmits the detection result to the battery ECU 304. Note that the battery temperature sensor 351 may transmit the detection result to an ECU other than the battery ECU 302, and an ECU other than the battery ECU 302 may transmit the detection result to the battery ECU 302, or an ECU other than the battery ECU 304 and the EHV-ECU 302 may transmit the detection result to the EHV-ECU 302. The battery temperature sensor 351 corresponds to a "first detection device that detects a first parameter correlated with the internal temperature of the battery pack."

[0087] The outside air temperature sensor 352 is provided at a predetermined position on the vehicle 600, detects the ambient temperature at the predetermined position as the temperature of the outside air around the vehicle 600, and transmits the detection result to the EHV-ECU 302. The outside air temperature sensor 352 may transmit the detection result to an ECU other than the EHV-ECU 302, and the ECU other than the EHV-ECU 302 may transmit the detection result to the EHV-ECU 302. The outside air temperature sensor 352 corresponds to a "second detection device that detects a second parameter that has a smaller correlation with the internal temperature than the first parameter and that is correlated with the external temperature of the battery pack." The outside air temperature sensor 352 may be replaced by a sensor that detects any temperature of the vehicle 600 and is provided at a position at least farther from the battery pack 100 than the battery temperature sensor 351.

[0088] The EHV-ECU 302 includes an abnormality detection unit 302a, a startup unit 302b, and an information acquisition unit 302c.

[0089] The abnormality detection unit 302a determines whether an abnormality has occurred in the vehicle 600 while the system of the vehicle 600 is stopped. For example, the abnormality detection unit 302a determines that an abnormality has occurred in the vehicle 600 while the system is stopped when the temperature detected by the smoke exhaust temperature sensor 350 in the vehicle 600 while the system is stopped has risen above a threshold value during the immediately preceding predetermined period. For example, the abnormality detection unit 302a may set an abnormality occurrence flag to an ON state when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred.

[0090] The activation unit 302b activates predetermined electrical devices when the abnormality detection unit 302a determines that an abnormality has occurred. The predetermined electrical devices include devices for identifying whether the abnormality has occurred inside or outside the battery pack 100. The predetermined electrical devices include, for example, the DCM 312, the battery temperature sensor 351, and the outside air temperature sensor 352. The activation unit 302b activates the predetermined electrical devices when, for example, an abnormality occurrence flag is in an on state.

[0091] The information acquisition unit 302c acquires information about the history of detection results from the battery temperature sensor 351 and the history of detection results from the outside air temperature sensor 352. For example, the information acquisition unit 302c acquires the history of output values ​​from the battery temperature sensor 351 and the history of output values ​​from the outside air temperature sensor 352 for a predetermined period immediately preceding the point in time when it was determined that an abnormality had occurred. The information acquisition unit 302c transmits the acquired information about the various histories to the server 400 via the DCM 312. Note that the information about the various histories may include, for example, a history of output voltage values ​​or a history of values ​​converted into temperatures.

[0092] An example of the operation of the abnormality determination system 500 according to the present embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by each of the vehicle 600 and the server 400 according to the second embodiment. The processing shown in Fig. 8 is repeatedly executed at a predetermined control period by each of the vehicle 600 (specifically, the control device 300) and the server 400 (specifically, the control device 402). The content of the processing executed by the control device 300 of the vehicle 600 will be described below.

[0093] In S600, control device 300 determines whether an abnormality has occurred. The method of determination has been described above, and therefore detailed description thereof will not be repeated. If it is determined that an abnormality has occurred (YES in S600), the process proceeds to S602.

[0094] In S602, the control device 300 starts up various devices (specifically, predetermined electrical devices including the DCM 312, the battery temperature sensor 351, and the outside air temperature sensor 352). The control device 300 starts up the various devices by supplying power to the DCM 312 and to the ECUs connected to the battery temperature sensor 351 and the outside air temperature sensor 352, and makes it possible to acquire sensor information and transmit it to the server 400. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S604.

[0095] In S604, the control device 300 acquires information about the history of the detection results of the battery temperature sensor 351 and the history of the detection results of the outside air temperature sensor 352 (hereinafter referred to as sensor information), and transmits the acquired sensor information to the server 400. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S606.

[0096] In S606, control device 300 executes a notification process. The notification process may, for example, display text information or an image indicating the occurrence of an abnormality on a display device (not shown) in vehicle 600. If it is determined that no abnormality has occurred (NO in S600), this process is ended. Next, the contents of the process executed by control device 402 of server 400 will be described.

[0097] In S700, control device 402 determines whether or not to receive sensor information from vehicle 600. If it is determined that sensor information will be received (YES in S700), the process proceeds to S702.

[0098] In S702, the control device 402 executes an analysis process to analyze the sensor information. The control device 402 determines whether the abnormality occurs inside the battery pack 100 or outside the vehicle 600, for example, using the sensor information.

[0099] For example, when a predetermined change occurs in the output value of battery temperature sensor 351 before the output value of outside air temperature sensor 352, control device 402 determines that an abnormality has occurred inside battery pack 100. Furthermore, when a predetermined change occurs in the output value of outside air temperature sensor 352 before the output value of battery temperature sensor 351, control device 402 determines that an abnormality has occurred outside vehicle 600. The predetermined change includes, for example, a change in which the amount of change per unit time exceeds a threshold value. Note that the threshold value is, for example, set in advance for each sensor.

[0100] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the history of the detection results of battery temperature sensor 351 and outside air temperature sensor 352. The vertical axis in Fig. 9 represents the output values ​​of battery temperature sensor 351 and outside air temperature sensor 352. The horizontal axis in Fig. 9 represents time.

[0101] (A) of Fig. 9 shows the relationship between the output value of battery temperature sensor 351 and time, and LN1 in Fig. 9 shows an example of the change over time in the output value of battery temperature sensor 351. (B) of Fig. 9 shows the relationship between the output value of outside air temperature sensor 352 and time, and LN2 in Fig. 9 shows an example of the change over time in the output value of outside air temperature sensor 352.

[0102] For example, the control device 402 calculates a first amount of change per unit time in the output value of the battery temperature sensor 351 and a second amount of change per unit time in the output value of the outside air temperature sensor 352.

[0103] For example, as shown in LN1 and LN2 in Figure 9, if at time T(0) the second change amount exceeds the threshold value but the first change amount does not exceed the threshold value, the control device 402 determines that an abnormality has occurred outside the vehicle 600 because a predetermined change has occurred in the output value of the outside air temperature sensor 352 before the battery temperature sensor 351.

[0104] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the history of the detection results of the battery temperature sensor 351 and the outside air temperature sensor 352. The vertical axes of FIG. 10 respectively represent the output value of the battery temperature sensor 351 and the output value of the outside air temperature sensor 352. The horizontal axes of FIG. 10 both represent time. (A) of FIG. 10 shows the relationship between the output value of the battery temperature sensor 351 and time. Therefore, LN3 in FIG. 10 shows an example of the change over time in the output value of the battery temperature sensor 351. (B) of FIG. 10 shows the relationship between the output value of the outside air temperature sensor 352 and time. Therefore, LN4 in FIG. 10 shows an example of the change over time in the output value of the outside air temperature sensor 352.

[0105] 10, if the first amount of change exceeds the threshold value but the second amount of change does not exceed the threshold value at time T(1), the control device 402 determines that an abnormality has occurred inside the battery pack 100 because a predetermined change has occurred in the output value of the battery temperature sensor 351 before the change in the output value of the outside air temperature sensor 352. Then, the process proceeds to S704.

[0106] At S704, control device 402 executes notification processing. Control device 402 transmits, for example, information about the occurrence and location of the abnormality to the terminal of the user of vehicle 600. Control device 402 may, for example, read information about the user's terminal associated with the identification information of vehicle 600 from a storage device, and use the read information to transmit information about the occurrence and location of the abnormality to the user's terminal. Alternatively, control device 402 may, for example, transmit information about the occurrence and location of the abnormality to vehicle 600, or may display the information on an interface such as a display device of server 400. Thereafter, the processing ends. Note that, if it is determined that sensor information has not been received (NO at S700), this processing ends.

[0107] The operation of the abnormality determination system 500 according to the present embodiment based on the above-described structure and flowchart will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the abnormality determination system 500 according to the second embodiment.

[0108] As shown in (A) of Fig. 11, for example, assume that vehicle 600 is parked in a parking lot. At this time, a connector of a charging station is connected to vehicle 600, thereby charging battery pack 100 mounted on vehicle 600. While vehicle 600 is parked, it is determined whether or not an abnormality has occurred using the detection result of smoke exhaust temperature sensor 350 (S600). If it is determined that no abnormality has occurred (NO in S600), it is determined whether or not an abnormality has occurred every time a predetermined time has elapsed (S600).

[0109] 11(B), for example, if an abnormality (e.g., arson) occurs on the left rear side outside vehicle 600, the generated heat will increase the temperature of the gas in the smoke exhaust section of battery pack 100, and the temperature detected by smoke exhaust section temperature sensor 350 will also increase. When the detected temperature exceeds the threshold value, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred (YES in S600).

[0110] If it is determined that an abnormality has occurred, a predetermined electrical device is started (S602), and the output value history of the battery temperature sensor 351 and the output value history of the outside air temperature sensor 352 are acquired, and the acquired sensor information on the various histories is transmitted to the server 400 (S604). In the vehicle 600, text information indicating that an abnormality has occurred is displayed (S606).

[0111] As shown in Fig. 11(C), when the server 400 receives the sensor information (YES in S700), as shown in Fig. 11(D), the received sensor information is stored in the storage device of the server 400. As shown in Fig. 11(E), the stored sensor information is subjected to an analysis process and used to identify the location of the abnormality (S702).

[0112] For example, once the location of the abnormality is identified, it may be displayed on a display device in the server 400, or, as shown in (F) of Figure 11, information about the location of the abnormality may be sent to the terminal of the user of the vehicle 600 (S704).

[0113] As described above, according to the abnormality determination system 500 of this embodiment, when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the vehicle 600 based on the detection result by the smoke exhaust temperature sensor 350, the history of the detection results by the battery temperature sensor 351 and the history of the detection results by the outside air temperature sensor 352 are transmitted to the server 400, so that the server 400 can accurately determine whether the abnormality that has occurred in the vehicle 600 has occurred inside the battery pack 100 or outside the vehicle 600. Therefore, it is possible to provide an abnormality determination system, an abnormality determination method, a vehicle, and a server that can accurately determine the cause of a temperature rise.

[0114] Modifications will be described below. In the above-described embodiment, the control device 300 has been described as transmitting sensor information to the server 400 and then executing an alarm process in which text information and an image indicating that an abnormality has occurred are displayed on the display device. However, for example, the control device 300 may acquire information about the location where the abnormality has occurred from the server 400 and display text information and an image indicating the acquired location on the display device, or may identify the location where the abnormality has occurred using the sensor information and display text information and an image indicating the identified location on the display device.

[0115] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example was described in which the history of detection results by battery temperature sensor 351 provided at a predetermined position within battery pack 100 and the history of detection results by outside air temperature sensor 352 are transmitted to server 400 to determine whether an abnormality has occurred inside battery pack 100 or outside vehicle 600. However, for example, instead of the history of detection results by battery temperature sensor 351, the history of detection results by any of battery temperature sensors provided at multiple locations within battery pack 100 may be transmitted to server 400, or the history of the average temperature values ​​at each location detected by battery temperature sensors provided at multiple locations may be transmitted to server 400.

[0116] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the detection result of the smoke exhaust temperature sensor 350 is used to determine whether an abnormality has occurred, but whether the abnormality has occurred inside the battery pack 100 or outside the vehicle 600, any sensor that detects the temperature of an object whose temperature rises will suffice, and is not particularly limited to the smoke exhaust temperature sensor 350. For example, the smoke exhaust temperature sensor 350 may be replaced by a battery temperature sensor 351 or an outside air temperature sensor 352.

[0117] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case where the internal temperature of the battery pack 100 is detected using the battery temperature sensor 351 has been described as an example, but it is sufficient if a parameter correlated with the internal temperature of the battery pack 100 can be detected, and the use of the battery temperature sensor 351 is not particularly limited. For example, instead of the battery temperature sensor 351, a sensor that detects the temperature of a component other than the cell, such as the housing of the battery pack 100, or the ambient temperature may be used.

[0118] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, it has been described that the server 400 determines whether the abnormality has occurred inside the battery pack 100 or outside the vehicle 600, but the determination may also be made in any of the ECUs of the control device 300 of the vehicle 600.

[0119] The above-described modifications may be implemented in whole or in part in appropriate combination. <Third embodiment> The configuration and operation of an abnormality determination system according to a third embodiment will be described below. In the above-described second embodiment, an example was described in which the outside temperature of the battery pack 100 is detected using the outside air temperature sensor 352. However, in the present embodiment, an example will be described in which a tire pressure sensor that detects the pressure of the tires of the vehicle 600 is used instead of the outside air temperature sensor 352 as a parameter correlated with the outside temperature of the battery pack 100. That is, the abnormality determination system according to this embodiment is configured to determine, when the temperature of a battery pack mounted on a vehicle rises, whether the temperature rise is due to an abnormality inside the battery pack or an abnormality outside the vehicle (for example, arson) using the battery temperature sensor and the tire pressure sensor. The configuration of the abnormality determination system according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 12.

[0120] 12 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an abnormality determination system 500 according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG.

[0121] The server 400 includes a control device 402 and a communication device 404. The control device 402 includes an acquisition unit 402a and a determination unit 402b.

[0122] The acquisition unit 402a acquires information on the history of detection results (history of output values) of the battery temperature sensor 351 (described later) and the history of detection results (history of each output value) of the tire pressure sensors FR354, FL356, RR358, and RL360 (described later) from the vehicle 600. The determination unit 402b identifies the location of the abnormality using the information acquired by the acquisition unit 402a. A method for identifying the location of the abnormality will be described later.

[0123] Vehicle 600 differs from vehicle 600 in the second embodiment described above in that it includes tire pressure sensors FR354, FL356, RR358, and RL360 instead of outside air temperature sensor 352. Except as described below, the rest of the configuration and operation are the same as those of vehicle 600 in the second embodiment described above. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0124] Tire pressure sensor FR354, diaphragm pressure sensor FL356, tire pressure sensor RR358, and tire pressure sensor RL360 are connected to EHV-ECU 302 of vehicle 600. Hereinafter, tire pressure sensor FR354, diaphragm pressure sensor FL356, tire pressure sensor RR358, and tire pressure sensor RL360 may be collectively referred to as the "tire pressure sensors."

[0125] Tire pressure sensor FR354 is provided on the right front wheel of vehicle 600, detects the air pressure of the tire of the right front wheel (hereinafter referred to as tire pressure), and transmits the detection result to EHV-ECU 302. Tire pressure sensor FL356 is provided on the left front wheel of vehicle 600, detects the tire pressure of the left front wheel, and transmits the detection result to EHV-ECU 302. Tire pressure sensor RR358 is provided on the right rear wheel of vehicle 600, detects the tire pressure of the right rear wheel, and transmits the detection result to EHV-ECU 302. Tire pressure sensor RL360 is provided on the left rear wheel of vehicle 600, detects the tire pressure of the left rear wheel, and transmits the detection result to EHV-ECU 302. Note that each tire pressure sensor may transmit its detection result to an ECU other than EHV-ECU 302, and the ECU that receives the detection result may transmit the detection result of each tire pressure sensor to EHV-ECU 302. The tire pressure sensor corresponds to the "second detection device."

[0126] EHV-ECU 302 includes an abnormality detection unit 302a, a startup unit 302b, and an information acquisition unit 302c. Abnormality detection unit 302a has a configuration similar to that of abnormality detection unit 302a in the second embodiment shown in Fig. 7. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0127] When the abnormality detection unit 302a determines that an abnormality has occurred, the activation unit 302b activates predetermined electrical devices, such as the DCM 312, the battery temperature sensor 351, and the tire pressure sensors.

[0128] The information acquisition unit 302c acquires information about the history of detection results from the battery temperature sensor 351 and the tire pressure sensors. For example, the information acquisition unit 302c acquires the history of output values ​​from the battery temperature sensor 351 and the history of output values ​​from the tire pressure sensors for a predetermined period immediately preceding the point in time when it was determined that an abnormality had occurred. The information acquisition unit 302c transmits the acquired information about the various histories to the server 400 via the DCM 312. The information about the various histories may include, for example, the history of output voltage values, or may include the history of values ​​converted into temperature or pressure.

[0129] An example of the operation of the abnormality determination system 500 according to the present embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by each of the vehicle 600 and the server 400 according to the third embodiment. The processing shown in Fig. 13 is repeatedly executed at a predetermined control period by each of the vehicle 600 (specifically, the control device 300) and the server 400 (specifically, the control device 402). Note that the same step numbers are assigned to the processing of the flowchart shown in Fig. 13 that is the same as that of Fig. 8, and the processing content is the same except as described below. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be provided.

[0130] The following describes the details of the processing executed by control device 300 of vehicle 600. If it is determined that an abnormality has occurred (YES in S600), the processing proceeds to S652.

[0131] At S652, the control device 300 starts up various devices (specifically, predetermined electrical devices including the DCM 312, the battery temperature sensor 351, and the tire pressure sensors). The control device 300 starts up the various devices by supplying power to the DCM 312 and to the ECUs connected to the battery temperature sensor 351 and the tire pressure sensors, thereby enabling the acquisition of sensor information and transmission of the information to the server 400. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S654.

[0132] In S654, control device 300 acquires information about the history of detection results from battery temperature sensor 351 and the history of detection results from the tire pressure sensors (hereinafter referred to as sensor information), and transmits the acquired sensor information to server 400. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S606.

[0133] Next, a description will be given of the process executed by the control device 402 of the server 400. If it is determined that the sensor information is to be received (YES in S700), the process proceeds to S752.

[0134] In S752, the control device 402 executes an analysis process to analyze the sensor information. The control device 402 determines whether the abnormality occurs inside the battery pack 100 or outside the vehicle 600, for example, using the sensor information.

[0135] For example, if a predetermined change occurs in the output value of battery temperature sensor 351 before the output value of the tire pressure sensor, control device 402 determines that an abnormality has occurred inside battery pack 100. Furthermore, if a predetermined change occurs in the output value of at least one of tire pressure sensors FR354, FL356, RR358, and RL360 before the output value of battery temperature sensor 351, control device 402 determines that an abnormality has occurred outside vehicle 600. The predetermined change includes, for example, a change in the amount of change per unit time exceeding a threshold value. Note that the threshold value is, for example, set in advance for each sensor.

[0136] Figure 14 is a diagram showing an example of the history of detection results from battery temperature sensor 351 and tire pressure sensors. The vertical axis in Figure 14 represents output values ​​from battery temperature sensor 351, tire pressure sensor FR 354, tire pressure sensor FL 356, tire pressure sensor RR 358, and tire pressure sensor RL 360. The horizontal axis in Figure 14 represents time.

[0137] FIG. 14A shows the relationship between the output value of the battery temperature sensor 351 and time, and LN5 in FIG. 14 shows an example of the change in the output value of the battery temperature sensor 351 over time. FIG. 14B shows the relationship between the output value of the tire pressure sensor FR354 and time, and LN6 in FIG. 14 shows an example of the change in the output value of the tire pressure sensor FR354 over time. FIG. 14C shows the relationship between the output value of the tire pressure sensor FL356 and time, and LN7 in FIG. 14 shows an example of the change in the output value of the tire pressure sensor FL356 over time. FIG. 14D shows the relationship between the output value of the tire pressure sensor RR358 and time, and LN8 in FIG. 14 shows an example of the change in the output value of the tire pressure sensor RR358 over time. FIG. 14E shows the relationship between the tire pressure sensor RL360 and time, and LN9 in FIG. 14 shows an example of the change in the pressure output value of the tire pressure sensor RL360 over time.

[0138] The control device 402 calculates, for example, a temperature change per unit time in the output value of the battery temperature sensor 351, a first change per unit time in the output value of the tire pressure sensor FR354, a second change per unit time in the output value of the tire pressure sensor FL356, a third change per unit time in the output value of the tire pressure sensor RR358, and a fourth change per unit time in the output value of the tire pressure sensor RL360.

[0139] For example, as shown in LN5 to LN9 in FIG. 10, if at time T(2) the magnitude of the temperature change amount exceeds the threshold value and none of the first change amount, second change amount, third change amount, and fourth change amount exceed the threshold value, the control device 402 determines that an abnormality has occurred inside the battery pack 100 because a predetermined change has occurred in the output value of the battery temperature sensor 351 before the tire pressure sensor.

[0140] Fig. 15 is a diagram showing another example of the history of the detection results of the battery temperature sensor 351 and the tire pressure sensors. The vertical axis in Fig. 15 is the same as the vertical axis in Fig. 14, so detailed description thereof will not be repeated. The horizontal axis in Fig. 15 indicates time.

[0141] FIG. 15A shows the relationship between the output value of the battery temperature sensor 351 and time, and LN10 in FIG. 15 shows an example of the change in the output value of the battery temperature sensor 351 over time. FIG. 15B shows the relationship between the output value of the tire pressure sensor FR354 and time, and LN11 in FIG. 15 shows an example of the change in the output value of the tire pressure sensor FR354 over time. FIG. 15C shows the relationship between the output value of the tire pressure sensor FL356 and time, and LN12 in FIG. 15 shows an example of the change in the output value of the tire pressure sensor FL356 over time. FIG. 15D shows the relationship between the output value of the tire pressure sensor RR358 and time, and LN13 in FIG. 15 shows an example of the change in the output value of the tire pressure sensor RR358 over time. FIG. 15E shows the relationship between the tire pressure sensor RL360 and time, and LN14 in FIG. 15 shows an example of the change in the output value of the tire pressure sensor RL360 over time.

[0142] 10, for example, if at time T(3) the magnitude of the fourth change amount exceeds the threshold value and the magnitudes of the temperature change amount and the first to third change amounts do not exceed the threshold value, control device 402 determines that a predetermined change has occurred in the output value of the tire pressure sensor (particularly tire pressure sensor RL360) before battery temperature sensor 351, and therefore an abnormality has occurred in the outer left rear wheel of vehicle 600. Then, the process proceeds to S754.

[0143] At S754, control device 402 executes a notification process. Control device 402 transmits information about the occurrence and location of the abnormality to the terminal of the user of vehicle 600, for example. The information about the location of the abnormality includes information about whether the abnormality is inside battery pack 100 or outside vehicle 600, as well as information about which of the four wheels of vehicle 600 the abnormality is occurring on. Control device 402 may, for example, read information about the user's terminal associated with the identification information of vehicle 600 from a storage device, and use the read information to transmit information about the occurrence and location of the abnormality to the user's terminal. Alternatively, control device 402 may, for example, transmit information about the occurrence and location of the abnormality to vehicle 600, or display the information on an interface, such as a display device, of server 400.

[0144] The operation of the abnormality determination system 500 according to this embodiment based on the above-described structure and flowchart will now be described.

[0145] For example, assume that vehicle 600 is parked in a parking lot. At this time, a connector of a charging station is connected to vehicle 600, and battery pack 100 mounted on vehicle 600 is being charged. While vehicle 600 is parked, it is determined whether or not an abnormality has occurred using the detection result of smoke exhaust temperature sensor 350 (S600). If it is determined that no abnormality has occurred (NO in S600), it is determined whether or not an abnormality has occurred every time a predetermined time has elapsed (S600).

[0146] For example, if an abnormality such as arson occurs on the left rear side of vehicle 600, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor provided at the smoke exhaust port will also rise. When the detected temperature exceeds the threshold value, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred (YES in S600).

[0147] If an abnormality is detected, the ECUs to which DCM 312, battery temperature sensor 351, tire pressure sensor FR354, tire pressure sensor FL356, tire pressure sensor RR358, and tire pressure sensor RL360 are connected are activated (S652). Then, sensor information including the output value history of battery temperature sensor 351 and the output value history of tire pressure sensors FR354, tire pressure sensor FL356, tire pressure sensor RR358, and tire pressure sensor RL360 is transmitted to server 400 (S654). In vehicle 600, text information indicating that an abnormality has occurred is displayed (S606).

[0148] When server 400 receives the sensor information (YES in S700), the received sensor information is stored in a storage device of server 400. The stored sensor information is subjected to an analysis process and used to identify the location of the abnormality (S752).

[0149] For example, if a predetermined change occurs in the output value of the tire pressure sensor RL360 before the battery temperature sensor 351, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred on the outside left rear wheel side of the vehicle 600.

[0150] For example, when the location of the abnormality is identified, it is displayed on a display device in the server 400, or information about the location of the abnormality (on the left rear wheel side outside the vehicle 600) is sent to the terminal of the user of the vehicle 600 (S754).

[0151] As described above, according to the abnormality determination system 500 of this embodiment, when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the vehicle 600 based on the detection result from the smoke exhaust temperature sensor 350, the history of the detection results from the battery temperature sensor 351 and the history of the detection results from the tire pressure sensors are transmitted to the server 400, so that the server 400 can accurately determine whether the abnormality that has occurred in the vehicle 600 is occurring inside the battery or outside the vehicle 600, and in which wheel the abnormality has occurred. Therefore, it is possible to provide an abnormality determination system, an abnormality determination method, a vehicle, and a server that can accurately determine the cause of a temperature rise.

[0152] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the location of an abnormality is identified based on the position of the tire pressure sensor where a predetermined change occurs in any of the tire pressure sensors. However, for example, if a predetermined change occurs in any two of the four sensors that make up the tire pressure sensor, multiple locations of abnormality may be identified depending on the sensor positions, or if a predetermined change occurs in two sensors on the front wheels of the vehicle 600, the front part of the vehicle 600 may be identified as the location of abnormality, or if a predetermined change occurs in two sensors on the rear wheels of the vehicle 600, the rear part of the vehicle 600 may be identified as the location of abnormality, or if a predetermined change occurs in two sensors on the right wheel side of the vehicle 600, the right side of the vehicle 600 may be identified as the location of abnormality, or if a predetermined change occurs in two sensors on the left wheel side of the vehicle 600, the left side of the vehicle 600 may be identified as the location of abnormality.

[0153] The modified examples are the same as those in the second embodiment, and therefore detailed description thereof will not be repeated. The modified examples may be implemented in whole or in part in appropriate combination.

[0154] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0155] 1 Battery system, 100 Battery pack, 101 Housing, 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120 Thermistor, 150 Battery stack, 152, 154, 156, 158, 160, 162, 164 Battery cell, 155, 157, 159, 161 Insulating plate, 200 Heat collecting plate, 200a Plate-shaped member, 200b Sealing member, 300 Control device, 302 EHV-ECU, 302a Abnormality detection unit, 302b Start unit, 302c Information acquisition unit, 304 Battery ECU, 308 Zone ECU, 312 DCM, 314 Storage device, 350 Smoke exhaust temperature sensor, 351 Battery temperature sensor, 352 Outside air temperature sensor, 354 Tire pressure sensor FR, 356 tire pressure sensor FL, 358 tire pressure sensor RR, 360 tire pressure sensor RL, 400 server, 402 control device, 402a acquisition unit, 402b judgment unit, 404 communication device, 500 abnormality determination system, 600 vehicle.

Claims

1. A battery cell; a housing that houses the battery cell and is mounted on a vehicle; a first detector configured to detect a first temperature indicative of a temperature of the housing; a second detector configured to detect a second temperature indicative of a temperature inside the housing; a first control device that compares the detection results from the first detection device with the detection results from the second detection device to determine whether a temperature rise in the battery cell is caused by a change in the external environment of the housing or a malfunction of the battery cell.

2. 2. The battery system of claim 1, wherein the first control device determines that the temperature rise is caused by a change in the external environment when a first rate of rise of the first temperature is higher than a second rate of rise of the second temperature, and determines that the temperature rise is caused by a malfunction of the battery cell when the second rate of rise is higher than the first rate of rise.

3. the battery system further includes a second control device capable of communicating with a server external to the vehicle; The battery system according to claim 1 , wherein the first control device activates the second control device and causes the second control device to transmit information from which a determination result can be obtained to the server.

4. The battery system according to claim 1 , wherein the first detection device is provided at a position other than on a path for discharging gas from the battery cell to the outside of the housing when the gas is generated in the battery cell.

5. The housing accommodates a plurality of battery cells, an insulating plate is provided between the battery cells to insulate the battery cells from each other; The battery system according to claim 1 , wherein the first detection device is provided below the insulating plate.

6. A battery pack and a first detection device that detects a first parameter correlated with an internal temperature of the battery pack; a second detection device that detects a second parameter that has a smaller correlation with the internal temperature than the first parameter and that is correlated with an external temperature of the battery pack; a control device that determines whether an abnormality has occurred inside or outside the battery pack using the first parameter and the second parameter.

7. 7. The abnormality determination system according to claim 6, wherein the control device determines that an abnormality has occurred outside the battery pack when a predetermined change in the second parameter occurs before a change in the first parameter occurs.

8. 7. The abnormality determination system according to claim 6, wherein the control device determines that an abnormality has occurred inside the battery pack when a predetermined change in the first parameter occurs before a predetermined change in the second parameter occurs.

9. The abnormality determination system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the predetermined change includes a change equal to or greater than a predetermined value in a predetermined period of time.

10. the second detection device includes a plurality of detection targets; 7. The abnormality determination system of claim 6, wherein the control device, when a predetermined change occurs in at least one of the plurality of detection targets before a predetermined change occurs in other detection targets, identifies the location of the abnormality outside the battery pack using a position corresponding to the at least one detection target.

11. the first detection device and the second detection device are mounted on a vehicle; the control device is provided in a server that can communicate with the vehicle, the first detection device detects the internal temperature as the first parameter; the second detection device detects an outside air temperature as the second parameter; The abnormality determination system according to claim 6 , wherein the vehicle transmits information about the first parameter and the second parameter to the server when an abnormality occurs in the vehicle.

12. the first detection device and the second detection device are mounted on a vehicle; the control device is provided in a server that can communicate with the vehicle, the first detection device detects the internal temperature as the first parameter; the second detection device detects the pressure in a tire of the vehicle as the second parameter; The abnormality determination system according to claim 6 , wherein the vehicle transmits information about the first parameter and the second parameter to the server when an abnormality occurs in the vehicle.

13. An abnormality determination system that determines whether an abnormality has occurred inside or outside the battery pack using a first parameter that correlates with the internal temperature of the battery pack and a second parameter that has a smaller correlation with the internal temperature than the first parameter and correlates with the external temperature of the battery pack.

14. A battery pack and an acquisition device for acquiring an internal temperature and an external temperature of the battery pack; A vehicle comprising: a control device that transmits to a server information including a first parameter that correlates with the internal temperature and a second parameter that has a smaller correlation with the internal temperature than the first parameter and that correlates with the external temperature.

15. An abnormality determination method for determining an abnormality in a battery pack, comprising: detecting a first parameter correlated with an internal temperature of the battery pack; detecting a second parameter that is less correlated with the internal temperature than the first parameter and that is correlated with an external temperature of the battery pack; and determining whether an abnormality has occurred inside or outside the battery pack using the first parameter and the second parameter.

16. an acquisition device that acquires information from a vehicle equipped with a battery pack, the information including a first parameter that correlates with an internal temperature of the battery pack and a second parameter that has a smaller correlation with the internal temperature than the first parameter and that correlates with an external temperature of the battery pack; a control device that determines whether an abnormality has occurred inside the battery pack or outside the vehicle using the acquired first parameter and second parameter.

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