Contact resistance abnormality diagnosis method and contact resistance abnormality diagnosis system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a contact resistance abnormality diagnosis method and system, and includes the steps of receiving, when a battery connector of a battery pack is coupled to a plurality of system connectors of a plurality of battery swapping systems (BSSs) at a plurality of first time points with a first connector combination, from the plurality of BSSs, a plurality of first contact resistance values ​​for the first connector combination at the plurality of first time points; when the battery connector is coupled to a plurality of vehicle connectors of a plurality of vehicles at a plurality of second time points with a second connector combination, receiving, from the plurality of vehicles, a plurality of second contact resistance values ​​for the second connector combination at the plurality of second time points; a central server sorting the plurality of first and second contact resistance values ​​in time order of the plurality of first and second time points to generate a log table; and determining the status of the battery connector, the plurality of system connectors, and the plurality of vehicle connectors based on the log table.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0144699, filed on October 26, 2023, and all contents disclosed in the documents of this Korean patent application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a contact resistance abnormality diagnosis method and a contact resistance abnormality diagnosis system. [Background technology]

[0003] Due to the nature of the usage environment, swappable battery packs charged via a BSS (Battery Swapping System / Station) are often connected and disconnected multiple times between multiple BSSs and multiple vehicles. This repeated connection and disconnection to and from various devices can cause fatigue in the battery pack connectors or lead to the formation of foreign matter in the connectors.

[0004] If the contact resistance of the connector increases due to deformation caused by accumulated fatigue or the intrusion of foreign objects, the performance of the battery pack may deteriorate when charging and discharging the battery pack. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention provides a contact resistance abnormality diagnosis method and system for diagnosing abnormalities in connectors provided in a replaceable battery pack, the battery pack, the BSS, and the vehicle by monitoring the contact resistance of the connector between the battery pack and the BSS and the contact resistance of the connector between the battery pack and the vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the invention, a method for diagnosing contact resistance abnormalities is performed by a processor executing a connector contact abnormality diagnosis program stored in a memory. The method includes the steps of: when a battery connector of a battery pack is coupled to a plurality of system connectors of a plurality of battery swapping systems (BSSs) at a plurality of first time points with a first connector combination; when the battery connector is coupled to a plurality of vehicle connectors of a plurality of vehicles at a plurality of second time points with a second connector combination; when the battery connector is coupled to a plurality of vehicle connectors of a plurality of vehicles at a plurality of second time points with the second connector combination; and ...

[0007] The method may further include transmitting a diagnostic result indicating the status of the battery connector, the plurality of system connectors, and the plurality of vehicle connectors to a user terminal.

[0008] Each of the plurality of first contact resistance values ​​may be a value derived by dividing the difference between the positive terminal voltage of the battery connector and the positive terminal voltage of a corresponding one of the plurality of system connectors by the charging current of the battery pack at each of the plurality of first time points.

[0009] Each of the plurality of second contact resistance values ​​may be a value derived by dividing the difference between the positive terminal voltage of the battery connector and the positive terminal voltage of a corresponding one of the plurality of vehicle connectors by the discharge current of the battery pack at each of the plurality of second points in time.

[0010] The method may further include a step of determining that the state of the system connector corresponding to the first resistance value or the vehicle connector corresponding to the first resistance value among the plurality of system connectors and the plurality of vehicle connectors is abnormal when a second resistance value immediately after a first resistance value that exceeds a predetermined upper threshold is smaller than the first resistance value among the plurality of first contact resistance values ​​and the plurality of second contact resistance values.

[0011] The method may further include determining that the state of the battery connector is abnormal if a predetermined number or more of the plurality of first contact resistance values ​​and the plurality of second contact resistance values ​​consecutively exceed a predetermined upper threshold.

[0012] The method may further include determining that the state of the battery connector is abnormal when a slope between two contact resistance values ​​at two adjacent points in time among the plurality of first contact resistance values ​​and the plurality of second contact resistance values ​​is continuously greater than or equal to a predetermined critical slope.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, a contact resistance abnormality diagnosis system includes: a memory storing a connector contact abnormality diagnosis program for an exchangeable battery pack; a processor that executes the connector contact abnormality diagnosis program to determine the status of a battery connector of the battery pack, a plurality of system connectors of a plurality of battery swapping systems (BSSs), and a plurality of vehicle connectors of a plurality of vehicles; and a communication unit that, when the battery connector is coupled to a system connector of each of the plurality of BSSs with a first connector coupling at a plurality of first time points, receives from the plurality of BSSs a plurality of first contact resistance values ​​for the first connector coupling corresponding to the plurality of first time points; and, when the battery connector is coupled to a vehicle connector of each of the plurality of vehicles with a second connector coupling at a plurality of second time points, receives from the plurality of vehicles a plurality of second contact resistance values ​​for the second connector coupling corresponding to the plurality of second time points. The processor generates a log table by arranging the plurality of first contact resistance values ​​and the plurality of second contact resistance values ​​in chronological order of the plurality of first time points and the plurality of second time points, and determines the status of the battery connector, the plurality of system connectors, and the plurality of vehicle connectors based on the log table.

[0014] The communication unit may transmit diagnostic results indicating the status of the battery connector, the plurality of system connectors, and the plurality of vehicle connectors to a user terminal.

[0015] The battery pack can derive a corresponding contact resistance value from among the plurality of first contact resistance values ​​by dividing the difference between the positive terminal voltage of the battery connector and the positive terminal voltage of a corresponding one of the plurality of system connectors by the charging current of the battery pack at each of the plurality of first time points.

[0016] The battery pack can derive a corresponding contact resistance value from among the plurality of second contact resistance values ​​by dividing the difference between the positive terminal voltage of the battery connector and the positive terminal voltage of a corresponding one of the plurality of vehicle connectors by the discharge current of the battery pack at each of the plurality of second time points.

[0017] If, among the plurality of first contact resistance values ​​and the plurality of second contact resistance values, a second resistance value immediately following a first resistance value that exceeds a predetermined upper threshold is smaller than the first resistance value, the processor can determine that the state of the system connector corresponding to the first resistance value or the vehicle connector corresponding to the first resistance value among the plurality of system connectors and the plurality of vehicle connectors is an abnormal state.

[0018] If a predetermined number or more of the plurality of first contact resistance values ​​and the plurality of second contact resistance values ​​consecutively exceed a predetermined upper threshold, the processor can determine that the state of the battery connector is abnormal.

[0019] If the slope between two contact resistance values ​​among the plurality of first contact resistance values ​​and the plurality of second contact resistance values ​​at two adjacent points in time is continuously greater than or equal to a predetermined critical slope, the processor can determine that the state of the battery connector is abnormal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to sense changes in contact resistance between connectors of a replaceable battery pack, smooth the flow of current when charging or discharging the battery pack, and improve the life of the battery pack.

[0021] According to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the risk of the battery pack becoming difficult to use due to the occurrence of a connector contact abnormality.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a connector can be repaired before a problem occurs in the operation of a BSS, vehicle, etc. to which a replaceable battery pack can be connected, thereby improving the convenience and reducing costs of managing the BSS, vehicle, etc.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the utility of a replaceable battery pack can be improved by managing the replaceable battery pack, the BSS, the vehicle, etc. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a contact abnormality diagnosis system for a replaceable battery pack according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the detailed configuration of a battery connector. [Figure 3] 1 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a system connector or a vehicle connector. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the battery pack and BSS illustrated in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] 5 is a block diagram illustrating a battery pack according to an embodiment coupled to the BSS illustrated in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 6 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment in which one end of the BSS illustrated in FIG. 5 is connected to a system connector. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the battery pack and the vehicle illustrated in FIG. 1. [Figure 8] 8 is a block diagram illustrating a battery pack according to an embodiment connected to the vehicle shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 9 is a block diagram showing an embodiment in which one end of the vehicle shown in FIG. 8 is connected to a vehicle connector. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram schematically showing a detailed configuration of the central server shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 to 9. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a graph indicated by a log table according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a graph indicated by a log table according to an embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a graph indicated by a log table according to an embodiment. [Figure 14] 1 is a flowchart of a contact resistance abnormality diagnosis method according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Identical or similar components will be designated by identical or similar reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted. The suffixes "module" and / or "section" used in the following description are used solely for ease of description and do not have any distinct meanings or functions. Furthermore, when describing the embodiments disclosed herein, detailed descriptions of related publicly known technologies will be omitted if it is deemed that such descriptions may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed herein. Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are intended to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein, and the technical concepts disclosed herein should not be limited by the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, or alternatives within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0026] Terms including ordinal numbers such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited to those terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.

[0027] In this application, terms such as "comprise" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, but are understood not to preclude the possible presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0028] In one embodiment, a component that controls another component under a specific control condition may be installed with an implementation program as a set of commands that embody a control algorithm required to control the other component. The control component may process input data and stored data according to the installed program and generate output data. The control component may include a non-volatile memory that stores the program and a memory that stores data.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a contact abnormality diagnosis system for a replaceable battery pack according to one embodiment.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 1, the contact resistance abnormality diagnosis system 1 for a replaceable battery pack may include a battery pack 10, a plurality of battery swapping systems (BSS) 30_1 to 30_3, a plurality of vehicles 40_1, 40_2, a central server 50, and a user terminal 60.

[0031] The battery pack 10 may include a battery connector 21. The battery pack 10 is an exchangeable battery pack and may be detached and attached multiple times between each of the multiple BSSs 30_1 to 30_3 or between different applications. Hereinafter, the application may refer to a battery pack counterpart such as a motorcycle, a cart, or an automobile. For convenience of explanation, the application will be referred to as a vehicle.

[0032] The plurality of vehicles 40_1, 40_2 may be two-wheeled vehicles, cars, carts, etc. The battery pack 10 can be attached to and detached from each of the plurality of vehicles 40_1, 40_2 multiple times.

[0033] Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, when describing the common operation and technical features of the plurality of BSSs 30_1 to 30_3, the plurality of BSSs 30_1 to 30_3 will be collectively referred to as BSS30. In FIG. 1, the number of the plurality of BSSs 30_1 to 30_3 is shown as three, but this is for convenience of explanation and the present invention is not limited to this. The contact resistance abnormality diagnosis system 1 can include two or more BSSs. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the number of the plurality of BSSs will be assumed to be three.

[0034] The BSS 30_1 may include a system connector 22_1, the BSS 30_2 may include a system connector 22_2, and the BSS 30_3 may include a system connector 22_3. Each of the plurality of BSSs 30_1 to 30_3 (e.g., 30_1) may charge the battery pack 10 coupled to a corresponding system connector (e.g., 22_1) among the plurality of system connectors 22_1 to 22_3.

[0035] Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, when describing the common operation and technical features of the plurality of system connectors 22_1 to 22_3, the plurality of system connectors 22_1 to 22_3 will be collectively referred to as system connector 22. The system connector 22 is coupled to and electrically connected to the battery connector 21. The battery connector 21 may be coupled to one (e.g., 22_10) of the plurality of system connectors 22_1 to 22_3, and electrically connect a corresponding BSS (e.g., 30_1) of the plurality of BSSs 30_1 to 30_3 to the battery pack 10.

[0036] In FIG. 1, for the sake of convenience, among the plurality of BSSs 30_1 to 30_3, the BSS to which the battery pack 10 is connected is shown as BSS 30_1, and among the plurality of vehicles 40_1 and 40_2, the usage application to which the battery pack 10 is connected is shown as vehicle 40_1, but this is for the sake of convenience, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0037] Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, when describing the common operations and technical features of the plurality of vehicles 40_1, 40_2, the plurality of vehicles 40_1, 40_2 will be collectively referred to as vehicle 40. In FIG. 1, the number of the plurality of vehicles 40_1, 40_2 is shown as two, but this is for convenience of explanation and the present invention is not limited to this. The contact resistance abnormality diagnosis system 1 can include two or more vehicles. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the number of the plurality of vehicles will be assumed to be two.

[0038] The vehicle 40_1 may include a vehicle connector 23_1, and the vehicle 40_2 may include a vehicle connector 23_2. Each of the plurality of vehicles 40_1, 40_2 (e.g., 40_1) may discharge the battery pack 10 coupled to a corresponding vehicle connector (e.g., 23_1) among the plurality of vehicle connectors 23_1, 23_2.

[0039] Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, when describing the common operation and technical features of the plurality of vehicle connectors 23_1, 23_2, the plurality of vehicle connectors 23_1, 23_2 will be collectively referred to as vehicle connector 23. The vehicle connector 23 may be coupled to and electrically connected to the battery connector 21. The battery connector 21 may be coupled to one (e.g., 23_1) of the plurality of vehicle connectors 23_1, 23_2, and electrically connect a corresponding vehicle (e.g., 40_1) of the plurality of vehicles 40_1, 40_2 to the battery pack 10.

[0040] The central server 50 can communicate with the BSS 30 and / or the vehicle 40 via a network and can also communicate with the user terminal 60 via the network. Hereinafter, the network may be wired or wireless. For example, the network may be LTE communication for the vehicle 40, Ethernet communication for each of the multiple BSSs 30_1 to 30_3, etc. The central server 50 can receive charging contact resistance information and discharge contact resistance information from the BSS 30 and / or the vehicle 40. The charging contact resistance information may be the contact resistance of a connector connecting the battery pack 10 and the BSS 30 to each other when charging the battery pack 10, and the discharge contact resistance information may be the contact resistance of a connector connecting the battery pack 10 and the vehicle 40 to each other when discharging the battery pack 10. For example, the central server 50 can receive charging contact resistance information from the BSS 30_1 and discharge contact resistance information from the vehicle 40_1.

[0041] The battery pack 10 may be coupled to each of the plurality of BSSs 30_1 to 30_3 one or more times, and may be coupled to each of the plurality of vehicles 40_1, 40_2 one or more times. The plurality of BSSs 30_1 to 30_3 may receive charging contact resistance information from the battery pack 10 corresponding to each coupling time, and transmit the charging contact resistance information to the central server 50 at any time within a predetermined time period from the time of reception. The plurality of vehicles 40_1, 40_2 may receive discharge contact resistance information from the battery pack 10 corresponding to each coupling time, and transmit the discharge contact resistance information to the central server 50 at any time within a predetermined time period from the time of reception.

[0042] When connected to one (e.g., 30_1) of the plurality of BSSs 30_1 to 30_3, the battery pack 10 can perform a charging operation (hereinafter, "charging operation") using power supplied from the connected BSS (e.g., 30_1). When connected to one (e.g., 40_1) of the plurality of vehicles 40_1, 40_2, the battery pack 10 can perform a discharging operation (hereinafter, "discharging operation") to supply power to the connected vehicle (e.g., 40_1). The battery pack 10 can alternately perform a charging operation from one (e.g., 30_1) of the plurality of BSSs 30_1 to 30_3 and a discharging operation to one (e.g., 40_1) of the plurality of vehicles 40_1, 40_2.

[0043] For example, after the discharging operation performed by the battery pack 10 connected to the vehicle 40_1 is completed, the battery pack 10 may be electrically disconnected from the vehicle 40_1 and electrically connected to the BSS 30_1 to perform a charging operation. After the charging operation performed by the battery pack 10 connected to the BSS 30_1 is completed, the battery pack 10 may be electrically disconnected from the BSS 30_1 and electrically connected to the vehicle 40_1 to perform a discharging operation again.

[0044] 1 illustrates that the battery pack 10 performs charging operation via a plurality of BSSs 30_1 to 30_3 and performs discharging operation via a plurality of vehicles 40_1 and 40_2, but this is for convenience of explanation and the present invention is not limited to this. Hereinafter, the description of the plurality of BSSs 30_1 to 30_3 can be applied to an apparatus including a charging device that can charge the battery pack 10, and the description of the plurality of vehicles 40_1 and 40_2 can be applied to an apparatus including a load that receives power supply from the battery pack 10.

[0045] The battery pack 10 may be deformed due to accumulated fatigue of the connectors, or foreign matter may be present between the connectors, due to repeated connection and disconnection between the multiple BSSs 30_1 to 30_3 and the multiple vehicles 40_1, 40_2. The contact resistance abnormality diagnosis system 1 can determine the states of the battery connector 21, the system connector 22, and the vehicle connector 23 based on the contact resistance value of the connector combination generated when the battery connector 21 is connected to the system connector 22 and the contact resistance value of the connector combination generated when the battery connector 21 is connected to the vehicle connector 23.

[0046] The central server 50 can transmit the diagnosis results indicating the determined states of the battery connector 21, the system connector 22, and the vehicle connector 23 to the user terminal 60. The user terminal 60 can provide a screen showing the diagnosis results via the application 61. The user can check the screen displayed on the user terminal 60, and if any of the battery connector 21, the system connector 22, and the vehicle connector 23 has an abnormality, can take measures such as diagnosing the abnormality or repairing it.

[0047] FIG. 2 is an exemplary diagram showing a detailed configuration of the battery connector.

[0048] 2, the battery connector 21 may include a positive pin 211, a negative pin 212, a signal terminal 213, a guide pin 214, a strap 215, a fixing hole 216, and a main body 217. The battery connector 21 may be a female connector.

[0049] 2, the positive electrode pin 211 may be connected to a positive electrode of the battery pack 10. The negative electrode pin 212 may be connected to a negative electrode of the battery pack 10. The positive electrode pin 211 and the negative electrode pin 212 may be connected to a path through which a large current of the battery pack 10 flows.

[0050] 2 , when the battery connector 21 is connected to the system connector 22, the signal terminal 213 can transmit and receive signals to and from the system connector 22. When the battery pack 10 is connected to the vehicle connector 23, the signal terminal 213 can transmit and receive signals to and from the vehicle connector 23. The guide pin 214 may be a region that is coupled with a guide pin of the system connector 22 or the vehicle connector 23. The strap 215 may be made of a rubber material to waterproof the positive pin 211, the negative pin 212, the signal terminal 213, etc. The fixing holes 216 are a plurality of holes formed in the main body 217, and fixing members for fixing the battery connector 21 to the system connector 22 or the battery connector 21 to the vehicle connector 23 may be coupled to the fixing holes 216.

[0051] FIG. 3 is an exemplary diagram showing a detailed configuration of a system connector or a vehicle connector.

[0052] 3, each of the system connector 22 and the vehicle connector 23 may include a positive pin 231, a negative pin 232, a signal terminal 233, a guide pin 234, a strap 235, a fixing hole 236, and a main body 237. Each of the system connector 22 and the vehicle connector 23 may be a male connector.

[0053] 2 and 3, when the system connector 22 or the vehicle connector 23 is connected to the battery connector 21, the positive pin 231 shown in FIG. 3 may be in contact with and electrically connected to the positive pin 211 shown in FIG. 2, and the negative pin 232 shown in FIG. 3 may be in contact with and electrically connected to the negative pin 212 shown in FIG. 2. The positive pin 231 may be connected to both ends of the BSS 30 or both ends of the vehicle 40. The negative pin 232 may be connected to the negative end of the BSS 30 or the negative end of the vehicle 40. The positive pin 231 and the negative pin 232 may be connected to a path through which a large current flows in the BSS 30 or the vehicle 40.

[0054] 2 and 3, when the system connector 22 or the vehicle connector 23 is connected to the battery connector 21, the signal terminal 233 is connected to the signal terminal 213 shown in FIG. 2 to transmit and receive signals to and from the battery connector 21. Referring to FIG. 3, the signal terminal 233 may include two terminals 233a and 233b. The two terminals 233a and 233b may be configured symmetrically with respect to the positive pin 231, and the two terminals 233a and 233b may be connected to each other. Therefore, the signal terminal 213 shown in FIG. 2 can transmit and receive signals to and from the BSS 30 or the vehicle 40 regardless of whether it is connected to either of the two terminals 233a and 233b.

[0055] This is to enable signals to be transmitted and received regardless of the connection direction when the battery connector 21 is connected to the system connector 22 or the vehicle connector 23.

[0056] 2 and 3, the guide pin 234 may be a region that is coupled with the guide pin 214 of the battery connector 21. The strap 235 may be made of a rubber material to waterproof the positive pin 231, the negative pin 232, the signal terminal 233, etc. The fixing holes 236 are a plurality of holes formed in the main body 237, and fixing members for fixing the system connector 22 and the battery connector 21 or for fixing the system connector 22 and the battery connector 21 may be coupled to the fixing holes 236.

[0057] FIG. 4 is a block diagram that schematically illustrates the configuration of the battery pack and BSS shown in FIG.

[0058] 4, the contact resistance abnormality diagnosis system 1 includes a battery pack 10, a BSS 30, and a central server 50. In the following description of the battery pack 10, the BSS 30, and the central server 50, some parts that overlap with the previous description may be omitted.

[0059] 4 , the battery pack 10 may include a battery module 110, a battery management system (BMS) 120, a switching element 130, a relay 140, and a battery connector 21. Both ends P21+ and P21− of the battery pack 10 may be electrically connected to the battery connector 21.

[0060] The battery module 110 may include a plurality of battery cells 101-103. In Fig. 4, the plurality of battery cells 101-103 are connected in series and the number of the plurality of battery cells 101-103 is illustrated as three, but this is for convenience of explanation and the present invention is not limited thereto. The battery module 110 may be realized as two or more battery cells connected in series, two or more battery cells connected in parallel, or two or more battery cells connected in parallel.

[0061] A positive electrode node B+ of the battery module 110 may be connected to the positive electrode of the battery cell 101 located closest to the positive electrode among the plurality of battery cells 101 to 103. A negative electrode node B− of the battery module 110 may be connected to the negative electrode of the battery cell 103 located closest to the negative electrode among the plurality of battery cells 101 to 103.

[0062] One end of the switching element 130 may be coupled to a positive electrode node B+ of the battery module 110, and the other end of the switching element 130 may be coupled to one end of the relay 140. The other end of the relay 140 may be coupled to one end P21+ of the battery module 110. The switching element 130 may connect the power supply of the battery pack 10 to the BSS 30 or the vehicle 40. For example, the switching element 130 may be a power distribution unit (PDU) such as a relay or a contactor in an electric vehicle (EV).

[0063] The BMS 120 may include a main control unit (MCU) 121, a battery monitoring integrated circuit (BMIC) 122, a plurality of analog-digital converters (ADCs) 123 to 125, and a battery memory 126.

[0064] The battery memory 126 may include at least one type of storage medium, including flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card-type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), RAM (Random-Access-Memory), SRAM (Static Random-Access-Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk.

[0065] The MCU 121 can control the operation of the BMIC 122. The MCU 121 can generate a relay control signal RCS and a switching control signal SCS and supply them to the corresponding elements of the relay 140 and the switching element 130.

[0066] The switching element 130 and the relay 140 may be realized by a fuse, a field-effect transistor (FET), a relay, a contactor, etc. One end of the switching element 130 is connected to one end B+ of the battery module 110, and the other end of the switching element 130 is connected to one end of the relay 140. The closing and opening of the switching element 130 can be controlled by a switching control signal SCS supplied from the MCU 121.

[0067] One end of the relay 140 is connected to the other end of the switching element 130, and the other end of the relay 140 is connected to one end P21+ of the battery pack 10. The closing and opening of the relay 140 can be controlled by a relay control signal RCS supplied from the MCU 121.

[0068] The battery pack 10 may be coupled to an external device. The external device may include a load and a charging device, such as an inverter, a converter, etc. In one embodiment, the external device may reside in the BSS 30 or the vehicle 40.

[0069] The BMIC 122 may be coupled to both ends of each of the plurality of battery cells 101 to 103. The BMIC 122 can derive the cell voltage of each of the plurality of battery cells 101 to 103 based on signals received from both ends of each of the plurality of battery cells 101 to 103. The BMIC 122 can transmit the cell voltage of each of the plurality of battery cells 101 to 103 to the MCU 121.

[0070] The BMIC 122 may include a plurality of terminals P_1 to P_3. The BMIC 122 is connected to a plurality of ADCs 123 to 125 via the plurality of terminals P_1 to P_3. The BMIC 122 may receive voltage signals from one end of the switching element 130, the other end of the switching element 130, and the other end of the relay 140 based on signals received via the plurality of terminals P_1 to P_3. The BMIC 122 may derive a voltage across the switching element 130 and a voltage across the relay 140 based on the signals received from the plurality of terminals P_1 to P_3. The BMIC 122 may determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the switching element 130, the relay 140, etc., in a control state based on the voltage across the switching element 130 and the voltage across the relay 140. Here, the control state may include the MCU 121 controlling the switching element 130 to open or close and / or controlling the relay 140 to open or close.

[0071] The BMIC 122 can derive the voltage of one terminal P21+ of the battery pack 10 based on the signal received from the terminal P_3.

[0072] The BMIC 122 can transmit the voltage at one end of the switching element 130, the voltage at the other end of the switching element 130, and the voltage at one end P21+ of the battery pack 10 to the MCU 121. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the voltage at one end P21+ of the battery pack 10 will be referred to as the "pack positive electrode voltage."

[0073] The BSS 30 may include a charging device 310, an electronic control unit (ECU) 320, a communication unit 330, and a system connector 22. Both ends P22+ and P22− of the BSS 30 may be electrically connected to the system connector 22. The system connector 22 may be coupled to at least one component in the BSS 30. Both ends P22+ and P22− of the BSS 30 may be electrically connected to the charging device 310.

[0074] The charging device 310 can supply power to a battery pack connected to both ends P22+ and P22− of the BSS 30. Both ends of the charging device 310 may be connected to the system connector 22. One end of the charging device 310 may be connected to both ends P22+ of the BSS 30, and the other end of the charging device 310 may be connected to the other end P22− of the BSS 30. The charging device 310 can send and receive signals to and from the ECU 320. The MCU 410 can communicate with the central server 50 via a network and send and receive signals and / or data.

[0075] The ECU 320 can control the operations of the charging device 310 and the communication unit 330. The ECU 320 can derive the voltage of the one end P22+ of the BSS 30 based on a signal received from the one end P22+ of the BSS 30.

[0076] The communication unit 330 can communicate with the central server 50 via a network based on signals received from the ECU 320. The communication unit 540 can include components for communicating with other components via wires and / or wirelessly.

[0077] The battery connector 21 may be coupled to the system connector 22. Hereinafter, the manner in which the battery connector 21 is coupled to the system connector 22 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0078] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a battery pack according to an embodiment coupled to the BSS shown in FIG.

[0079] 5, the contact resistance abnormality diagnosis system 1 includes a battery pack 10, a BSS 30, and a central server 50. In the following description of the battery pack 10, the BSS 30, and the central server 50, portions that overlap with the previous description may be omitted.

[0080] When the battery connector 21 is coupled to the system connector 22, the battery connector 21 and the system connector 22 are electrically connected, and one end P21+ of the battery pack 10 may be electrically connected to one end P22+ of the BSS 30, and the other end P21- of the battery pack 10 may be electrically connected to the other end P22- of the BSS 30.

[0081] Hereinafter, the battery connector 21 and the system connector 22 in a coupled state will be referred to as a connector combination 210. When the battery connector 21 is coupled to the system connector 22, the MCU 121 can transmit and receive signals to and from the ECU 320 via the connector combination 210.

[0082] The BSS 30 may include a charging device. Both terminals P21+ and P21− of the battery pack 10 may be connected to the charging device of the BSS 30, and the battery pack 10 may be charged by receiving power from the charging device.

[0083] In the following, when MCU 121 transmits and receives signals and / or data to ECU 320, it may indicate that MCU 121 transmits and receives signals and / or data to ECU 320 via connector combination 210.

[0084] The ECU 320 can transmit to the MCU 121 a signal indicating the voltage at one end P22+ of the BSS 30 (hereinafter, "BSS positive voltage").

[0085] Based on the pack positive electrode voltage and the BSS positive electrode voltage, the MCU 121 can calculate the contact resistance of the connector assembly 210. The MCU 121 can calculate the contact resistance value of the connector assembly 210 using the following [Equation 1].

[0086] [Formula 1]

number

[0087] Here, VP is the pack positive electrode voltage (unit: V), VP′ is the BSS positive electrode voltage (unit: V), and I may represent the charging current (unit: A) of the battery pack 10. Referring to Equation 1, the contact resistance (unit: Ω) of the connector assembly 210 may be a value obtained by dividing the difference between the pack positive electrode voltage and the BSS positive electrode voltage by the charging current of the battery pack 10. Here, the charging current of the battery pack 10 may be a value received from the ECU 320 or a value stored in advance in the BMS 120.

[0088] The MCU 121 can calculate a plurality of first contact resistance values ​​corresponding to a plurality of first time points when the battery connector 21 and the system connector 22 are coupled by the connector assembly 210 based on [Equation 1].

[0089] The MCU 121 may store the calculated contact resistance value of the connector assembly 210 in the battery memory 126. The MCU 121 may transmit the calculated contact resistance value of the connector assembly 210 to the BSS 30.

[0090] The communication unit 330 may transmit charging contact resistance information including the contact resistance value of the connector combination 210 received from the MCU 121 to the central server 50. The charging contact resistance information may include the contact resistance value of the connector combination 210, an identification value of the battery pack 10 that transmitted the contact resistance value of the connector combination 210, an identification value of the BSS 30, a mounting time of the connector combination 210, etc.

[0091] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment in which one end of the BSS illustrated in FIG. 5 is connected to a system connector.

[0092] In the following description of the battery pack 10, the BSS 30, and the central server 50, the description of the parts that overlap with the previous description may be omitted.

[0093] 6, in one embodiment, one end P22+ of the BSS 30 may be electrically connected to the system connector 22 via a line LN1. The MCU 121 may receive a signal indicating the voltage at the one end P22+ of the BSS 30 via the connector assembly 210. The MCU 121 may derive the BSS positive pole voltage based on the signal indicating the voltage at the one end P22+ of the BSS 30.

[0094] 5 and 6 are merely examples of the method by which BMS 120 receives a signal indicating the voltage at one end P22+ of BSS 30 from BSS 30, and the present invention is not limited thereto. BMS 120 can receive a signal indicating the voltage at one end P22+ of BSS 30 from BSS 30 by various methods.

[0095] FIG. 7 is a block diagram that schematically illustrates the configuration of the battery pack and the vehicle illustrated in FIG.

[0096] 7, the contact resistance abnormality diagnosis system 1 may include a battery pack 10 and a vehicle 40. In the following description of the battery pack 10 and the vehicle 40, portions that overlap with the previous description may be omitted.

[0097] The vehicle 40 may include an MCU 410, a vehicle control unit (VCU) 420, a motor 430, a communication unit 440, and a vehicle connector 23. Both ends P23+, P23− of the vehicle 40 may be electrically connected to the vehicle connector 23. The vehicle connector 23 may be coupled to at least one component in the vehicle 40.

[0098] The MCU 410 can control the operations of the VCU 420, the motor 430, and the communication unit 440. The MCU 410 can send and receive signals to and from the VCU 420. The MCU 410 can control the driving of the motor 430. The VCU 420 can derive the voltage of one terminal P23+ of the vehicle 40 based on a signal received from one terminal P23+ of the vehicle 40.

[0099] The communication unit 440 can communicate with the central server 50 via a network based on signals received from the MCU 410. The communication unit 440 can include components for communicating with other components via wires and / or wirelessly.

[0100] The battery connector 21 may be coupled to the vehicle connector 23. Hereinafter, the manner in which the battery connector 21 is coupled to the vehicle connector 23 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0101] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a battery pack according to an embodiment connected to the vehicle shown in FIG.

[0102] 8, the contact resistance abnormality diagnosis system 1 may include a battery pack 10 and a vehicle 40. In the following description of the battery pack 10 and the vehicle 40, portions that overlap with the previous description may be omitted.

[0103] When the battery connector 21 is coupled to the vehicle connector 23, the battery connector 21 and the vehicle connector 23 are electrically connected, and one end P21+ of the battery pack 10 may be electrically connected to one end P23+ of the vehicle connector 23, and the other end P21- of the battery pack 10 may be electrically connected to the other end P23- of the vehicle connector 23.

[0104] Hereinafter, the battery connector 21 and the vehicle connector 23 in a coupled state will be referred to as a connector combination 230. When the battery connector 21 is coupled to the vehicle connector 23, the MCU 121 can transmit and receive signals to and from the VCU 420 via the connector combination 230.

[0105] The vehicle 40 may include a load. Both ends P21+ and P21− of the battery pack 10 may be connected to the load of the vehicle 40, and the power supplied by the battery pack 10 may be discharged through the load.

[0106] In the following, when MCU 121 transmits and receives signals and / or data to VCU 420, it may indicate that MCU 121 transmits and receives signals and / or data to VCU 420 via connector combination 230.

[0107] The VCU 420 can transmit to the MCU 121 a signal indicating the voltage at one end P23+ of the vehicle 40 (hereinafter, "vehicle positive electrode voltage").

[0108] Based on the pack positive electrode voltage and the vehicle positive electrode voltage, MCU 121 can calculate the contact resistance of connector assembly 230. MCU 121 can calculate the contact resistance value of connector assembly 230 using the following [Equation 2].

[0109] [Formula 2]

number

[0110] Here, VP is the pack positive electrode voltage (unit: V), VP″ is the vehicle positive electrode voltage (unit: V), and I′ may represent the discharge current (unit: A) of the battery pack 10. Referring to Equation 2, the contact resistance (unit: Ω) of the connector assembly 230 may be a value obtained by dividing the difference between the pack positive electrode voltage and the vehicle positive electrode voltage by the discharge current of the battery pack 10. Here, the discharge current of the battery pack 10 may be a value received from the ECU 320 or a value stored in advance in the BMS 120.

[0111] The MCU 121 can calculate a plurality of second contact resistance values ​​corresponding to a plurality of second time points at which the battery connector 21 and the vehicle connector 23 are coupled by the connector coupling body 230 based on [Equation 2].

[0112] The MCU 121 may store the calculated contact resistance value of the connector assembly 230 in the battery memory 126. The MCU 121 may transmit the calculated contact resistance value of the connector assembly 230 to the vehicle 40.

[0113] The communication unit 440 may transmit the discharge contact resistance information, including the contact resistance value of the connector combination 230, received from the MCU 121 to the central server 50. The discharge contact resistance information may include the contact resistance value of the connector combination 230, an identification value of the battery pack 10 that transmitted the contact resistance value of the connector combination 230, an identification value of the vehicle 40, a connection time of the connector combination 230, etc.

[0114] The vehicle 40 may be coupled with the battery pack 10 multiple times.

[0115] The vehicle 40 can transmit discharge contact resistance information to the central server 50 for each of the multiple couplings of the connector coupling body 230 at any time within a predetermined period from the coupling time.

[0116] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an embodiment in which one end of the vehicle shown in FIG. 8 is connected to a vehicle connector.

[0117] In the following description of the battery pack 10, the vehicle 40, and the central server 50, the description of parts that overlap with the previous description may be omitted.

[0118] 9, in one embodiment, one end P23+ of the vehicle 40 may be electrically connected to the vehicle connector 23 via a line LN2. The MCU 121 may receive a signal indicating the voltage at the one end P23+ of the vehicle 40 via the connector assembly 230. The MCU 121 may derive the vehicle positive electrode voltage based on the signal indicating the voltage at the one end P23+ of the vehicle 40.

[0119] 8 and 9 are merely examples of the method by which the BMS 120 receives from the vehicle 40 the signal indicating the voltage at one end P23+ of the vehicle 40, and the present invention is not limited thereto. The BMS 120 can receive from the vehicle 40 the signal indicating the voltage at one end P23+ of the vehicle 40 by various methods.

[0120] FIG. 10 is a block diagram schematically showing a detailed configuration of the central server shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 to 9. In FIG.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 10, the central server 50 may include a communication unit 510 , a memory 520 , and a processor 530 .

[0122] The communication unit 510 can communicate with the BSS (30 in FIGS. 1 and 4 to 6) and / or the vehicle (40 in FIGS. 1 and 7 to 9) via a network to transmit and receive signals and / or data. The BSS (30 in FIGS. 1 and 4 to 6) may be coupled to the battery pack 10 multiple times. The vehicle (40 in FIGS. 1 and 7 to 9) may be coupled to the battery pack 10 multiple times. The communication unit 510 can receive multiple pieces of charging contact resistance information corresponding to each of the multiple couplings of the connector combination 210 from the BSS (30 in FIGS. 1 and 4 to 6). The communication unit 510 can receive multiple pieces of discharge contact resistance information corresponding to each of the multiple couplings of the connector combination 230 from the vehicle (40 in FIGS. 1 and 7 to 9).

[0123] The memory 520 can store a program (hereinafter referred to as a "connector contact abnormality diagnosis program") for diagnosing connector contact abnormalities in a replaceable battery pack through the contact resistance of the connector. The memory 520 can store a plurality of pieces of charging contact resistance information and a plurality of pieces of discharging contact resistance information. The memory 520 can include at least one type of storage medium from the following: a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card-type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), a random-access memory (RAM), a static random-access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk.

[0124] Processor 530 executes a connector contact abnormality diagnosis program and can diagnose contact abnormalities in connector combination 210 or connector combination 230 based on charging contact resistance information and discharging contact resistance information received from BSS 30 and / or vehicle 40. Processor 530 can also determine which of battery connector 21 and system connector 22 constituting connector combination 210 is in an abnormal state, and can determine which of battery connector 21 and vehicle connector 23 constituting connector combination 230 is in an abnormal state.

[0125] "Processor" refers to a device that processes arithmetic operations, logic operations, decision-making operations, etc. to provide at least one function, and may be implemented as hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. For example, processor 530 may be implemented as software, such as a task, class, subroutine, process, object, execution thread, or program, which runs in a specific area of ​​memory, or as hardware, such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or may be implemented as a combination of the software and hardware. The processor may be included in a computer-readable storage medium, or may be partially distributed across multiple computers.

[0126] The processor 530 may extract the coupling time of the connector combination 210 from each of the plurality of pieces of charging contact resistance information, and may extract the coupling time of the connector combination 230 from each of the plurality of pieces of discharging contact resistance information. The processor 530 may chronologically sort the extracted coupling times of the plurality of connector combinations 210 (hereinafter, "charging coupling times") and the extracted coupling times of the plurality of connector combinations 230 (hereinafter, "discharging coupling times"). The processor 530 may generate a log table including the contact resistance values ​​of the connector combinations 210 and the contact resistance values ​​of the connector combinations 230. The log table may include a plurality of contact resistance values ​​and corresponding identification information. Hereinafter, the identification information may include an identification value of the battery pack 10, an identification value of the BSS 30, an identification value of the vehicle 40, etc.

[0127] The plurality of pieces of charging contact resistance information received by the communication unit 510 includes information on the battery packs to which the plurality of BSSs 30_1 to 30_3 are respectively coupled, and therefore may include contact resistance values ​​calculated from battery packs other than the battery pack 10. Similarly, the plurality of pieces of discharge contact resistance information received by the communication unit 510 includes information on the battery packs to which the plurality of vehicles 40_1 and 40_2 are respectively coupled, and therefore may include contact resistance values ​​calculated from battery packs other than the battery pack 10.

[0128] The processor 530 may classify the plurality of pieces of charging contact resistance information and the plurality of pieces of discharge contact resistance information according to the identification values ​​of the plurality of battery packs and generate a log table for each battery pack. The processor 530 may perform the operations described below on each of the log tables generated for each battery pack after classification. For convenience of description, the term "log table" may refer to a log table for the battery pack 10.

[0129] The processor 530 stores a log table in the memory 520, and the processor 530 can update the log table with charging or discharging contact resistance information received in real time and store the updated log table in the memory 520.

[0130] The log table may be a table in which the contact resistance values ​​of the connector combinations 210 and 230 are sorted according to the coupling order of the corresponding connector combinations 210 and 230. Because the battery pack 10 alternately repeats charging and discharging, the log table may show the discharging coupling time points and the charging coupling time points alternately and sequentially for one battery pack 10.

[0131] For example, assume that the battery pack 10 is coupled to a first BSS (30_3 in FIG. 1) at a first time point, coupled to a first vehicle (40_1 in FIG. 1) at a second time point after the first time point, and coupled to a second BSS (30_1 in FIG. 1) at a third time point after the second time point. In this case, the log table may include contact resistance values ​​listed in the order of the contact resistance value of the connector combination 210 between the battery pack 10 and the first BSS (30_3 in FIG. 1), the contact resistance value of the connector combination 230 between the battery pack 10 and the first vehicle (40_1 in FIG. 1), and the contact resistance value of the connector combination 210 between the battery pack 10 and the second BSS (30_1 in FIG. 1).

[0132] Among the contact resistance values ​​for a plurality of time points included in the log table, the contact resistance value of the connector combination 210 may include a contact resistance component of the battery connector 21 and a contact resistance component of the system connector 22. Among the contact resistance values ​​for a plurality of time points included in the log table, the contact resistance value of the connector combination 230 may include a contact resistance component of the battery connector 21 and a contact resistance component of the vehicle connector 23. Considering the contact resistance components included in each contact resistance value and the fact that time points corresponding to the contact resistance values ​​of the connector combination 210 and time points corresponding to the contact resistance values ​​of the connector combination 230 alternate, the processor 530 can determine the states of the battery connector 21, the system connector 22, and the vehicle connector 23 based on the generated log table.

[0133] 11, 12, and 13 are diagrams illustrating graphs shown in the log table according to an embodiment.

[0134] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 11 to 13, T1 to T10 may represent times when the battery pack 10 is coupled to each of the plurality of BSSs 30_1 to 30_3 and each of the plurality of vehicles 40_1 and 40_2.

[0135] It is assumed that T1 is the time when the battery pack 10 is coupled to BSS 30_1, T3 is the time when the battery pack 10 is coupled to BSS 30_2, T5 is the time when the battery pack 10 is coupled to BSS 30_3, T7 is the time when the battery pack 10 is coupled to BSS 30_1, and T9 is the time when the battery pack 10 is coupled to BSS 30_1. It is also assumed that T2 is the time when the battery pack 10 is coupled to vehicle 40_1, T4 is the time when the battery pack 10 is coupled to vehicle 40_2, T6 is the time when the battery pack 10 is coupled to vehicle 40_2, T8 is the time when the battery pack 10 is coupled to vehicle 40_1, and T10 is the time when the battery pack 10 is coupled to vehicle 40_2.

[0136] The log table may include a plurality of contact resistance values ​​for the connector assembly corresponding to time points T1 to T10.

[0137] The processor 530 can determine the states of the battery connector 21, the system connector 22, and the vehicle connector 23 based on whether any of the multiple contact resistance values ​​included in the log table exceeds a predetermined upper threshold Rth, the number of contact resistance values ​​that consecutively exceed the predetermined upper threshold Rth, the slope of the consecutive contact resistance values, the trend line of the consecutive contact resistance values, etc. For example, the processor 530 can determine the states based on a predetermined number of the most recent contact resistance values ​​among the multiple contact resistance values.

[0138] In one embodiment, the processor 530 can determine the status of the battery connector 21, the system connector 22, and the vehicle connector 23 based on whether a second resistance value immediately following a first resistance value that exceeds a predetermined upper threshold Rth among the multiple contact resistance values ​​included in the log table is smaller than the first resistance value.

[0139] When, among the plurality of contact resistance values ​​included in the log table, a first resistance value exceeding the upper limit threshold Rth and a second resistance value immediately following the first resistance value are smaller than the first resistance value, the processor 530 can determine, based on the identification information corresponding to the first resistance value, to which of the plurality of BSSs 30_1 to 30_3 and the plurality of vehicles 40_1, 40_2 the contact resistance corresponds to the first resistance value. The processor 530 can determine, among the plurality of BSSs 30_1 to 30_3 and the plurality of vehicles 40_1, 40_2, the state of the BSS or the state of the vehicle corresponding to the contact resistance value exceeding the upper limit threshold Rth among the plurality of contact resistance values ​​included in the log table, as an abnormal state.

[0140] 11 , at time T7, among the multiple contact resistance values ​​included in the log table, there is a contact resistance value that exceeds the upper limit threshold Rth. The processor 530 determines that the state of BSS 30_1 is abnormal because the first resistance value at time T7 exceeds the upper limit threshold Rth, the second resistance value at time T8 immediately after the first resistance value is smaller than the first resistance value, and time T7 is the time when the battery pack 10 is coupled to BSS 30_1.

[0141] In one embodiment, the processor 530 determines the states of the battery connector 21, the system connector 22, and the vehicle connector 23 based on whether a predetermined number of contact resistance values ​​consecutively exceed the upper threshold Rth among the contact resistance values ​​included in the log table, where the predetermined number may be two or more.

[0142] If there are a predetermined number (e.g., three) or more contact resistance values ​​that consecutively exceed the upper threshold value Rth among the multiple contact resistance values ​​included in the log table, the processor 530 can determine that the state of the battery connector 21 is an abnormal state.

[0143] 12, at time points T9 and T10, among the multiple contact resistance values ​​included in the log table, three or more contact resistance values ​​consecutively exceed the first upper limit threshold Rth1. Because three or more contact resistance values ​​consecutively exceed the first upper limit threshold Rth1 at time points T9 and T10, the processor 530 can determine that the state of the battery connector 21 is abnormal at time points T9 or T10.

[0144] Furthermore, if a predetermined number or more of the contact resistance values ​​consecutively exceed the first upper limit threshold Rth1 among the plurality of contact resistance values, and the predetermined number or more of the contact resistance values ​​(hereinafter referred to as "target contact resistance values") exceed the first upper limit threshold Rth1, a representative value of the contact resistance values ​​for each of the plurality of BSSs 30_1 to 30_3 and the plurality of vehicles 40_1, 40_2 can be calculated. Here, the representative value may be, for example, at least one of an average value, a median value, a maximum value, a minimum value, a slope, etc. When the representative value of the contact resistance values ​​among the plurality of BSSs 30_1 to 30_3 and the plurality of vehicles 40_1, 40_2 exceeds a predetermined second upper limit threshold Rth2, the processor 530 can determine that the state of the BSS corresponding to the representative value or the state of the corresponding vehicle is in an abnormal state.

[0145] In the example of Figure 12, there are three or more contact resistance values ​​that continuously exceed the first upper limit threshold Rth1 at times T9 and T10, and among the contact resistance values ​​that continuously exceed the first upper limit threshold Rth1 (contact resistance values ​​corresponding to T7 to T10 respectively), the average value (approximately 30 mΩ) of the contact resistance values ​​corresponding to T7 and T9 coupled to BSS30_1 exceeds the second upper limit threshold Rth2, so processor 530 can determine that the state of BSS30_1 is also abnormal.

[0146] In one embodiment, the processor 530 can determine the status of the battery connector 21, the system connector 22, and the vehicle connector 23 based on whether the slope between two contact resistance values ​​at two adjacent points in time among the multiple contact resistance values ​​included in the log table is continuously greater than or equal to a predetermined critical slope.

[0147] If the slope of two contact resistance values ​​at adjacent times among the multiple contact resistance values ​​included in the log table is consecutively greater than or equal to a predetermined critical slope, the processor 530 can determine that the state of the battery connector 21 is abnormal.

[0148] 13, it is assumed that the first slope of the contact resistance value corresponding to time T5 and the contact resistance value corresponding to time T6 is equal to or greater than the critical slope, the second slope of the contact resistance value corresponding to time T6 and the contact resistance value corresponding to time T7 is equal to or greater than the critical slope, and the third slope of the contact resistance value corresponding to time T7 and the contact resistance value corresponding to time T8 is equal to or greater than the critical slope. At time T8, the processor 530 can determine that the state of the battery connector 21 is abnormal because three or more consecutive values ​​have slopes of two adjacent contact resistance values ​​that are equal to or greater than the predetermined critical slope.

[0149] 11 to 13 are examples of the operation of processor 530 to determine the states of battery connector 21, system connector 22, and vehicle connector 23, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Processor 530 can identify which of battery connector 21, system connector 22, and vehicle connector 23 is to be determined to be in an abnormal state based on a plurality of contact resistance values ​​included in the log table.

[0150] The processor 530 can use machine learning to enhance the diagnosis of the battery connector 21, the system connector 22, and the vehicle connector 23. For connectors determined to be in an abnormal state among the states of the battery connector 21, the system connector 22, and the vehicle connector 23, data obtained by the user determining whether an abnormality actually exists can be used as learning data, and feedback on the diagnosis can be used to improve accuracy and / or refine the diagnosis.

[0151] For example, if the processor 530 determines that the state of the target system connector 30_1 among the multiple system connectors (30_1 to 30_3 in FIG. 1) is abnormal and the communication unit 510 transmits the diagnosis result to the user terminal 60, the user can check the state of the target system connector 30_1 and input into the user terminal 60 whether or not an abnormality has actually occurred. The user terminal 60 can transmit the data input by the user via the application 61 to the central server 50. The machine learning model can use the state of the target system connector 30_1 determined by the processor 530 and the data input by the user as learning data and learn how to diagnose the states of the battery connector 21, the system connector 22, and the vehicle connector 23 using a log table.

[0152] FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a contact resistance abnormality diagnosis method according to one embodiment.

[0153] In the following description of the battery pack 10, the BSS 30, and the central server 50, the description of parts that overlap with the previous description may be omitted.

[0154] Referring to FIG. 14, the battery connector 21 can be coupled to a plurality of system connectors (22_1 to 22_3 in FIG. 1) at a plurality of charging coupling points by a connector coupling body (210 in FIGS. 5 and 6, the same applies below) (S110).

[0155] When the battery connector 21 is coupled to a plurality of system connectors (22_1 to 22_3 in FIG. 1) at a plurality of charging coupling points through the connector combination 210 in step S110, the communication unit 510 can receive a plurality of charging coupling points and a plurality of first contact resistance values ​​for the connector combination 210 corresponding to the plurality of charging coupling points from a plurality of BSSs (30_1 to 30_3 in FIG. 1) (S120).

[0156] Also, the battery connector 21 can be coupled to a plurality of vehicle connectors (23_1, 23_2 in FIG. 1) at a plurality of discharge coupling points by a connector coupling body (230 in FIGS. 8 and 9, the same applies below) (S210).

[0157] When the battery connector 21 is coupled to a plurality of vehicle connectors (23_1, 23_2 in FIG. 1) at a plurality of discharge coupling points by the connector coupling body 230 in step S210, the communication unit 510 can receive a plurality of second contact resistance values ​​for the connector coupling body 230 at a plurality of discharge coupling points and corresponding to the plurality of discharge coupling points from a plurality of vehicles (40_1, 40_2 in FIG. 1) (S220).

[0158] The processor 530 may generate a log table by arranging the plurality of first contact resistance values ​​received in step S120 and the plurality of second contact resistance values ​​received in step S220 in chronological order of the corresponding points among the plurality of discharge coupling points and the plurality of charge coupling points (S310).

[0159] The processor 530 stores a log table in the memory 520, and the processor 530 can update the received charge or discharge contact resistance information into the log table and store it in the memory 520.

[0160] The processor 530 can determine the status of the battery connector 21, the system connector 22, and the vehicle connector 23 based on the log table (S320).

[0161] The communication unit 510 can transmit the diagnosis results indicating the states of the determined battery connector 21, system connector 22, and vehicle connector 23 to the user terminal 60 (S330).

[0162] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these examples, and various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains also fall within the scope of the present invention.

Images