Method for inspecting communication status between inspection device and battery management device

Abstract

An inspection device for inspecting the communication status of a battery management device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a base member, a distance variation unit arranged on the base member and having a first battery management device including a first optical communication unit mounted thereon and movable in the direction of a first axis, and an angle variation unit arranged on the base member and having a second battery management device including a second optical communication unit mounted thereon and including a first rotation structure that can rotate around a second axis perpendicular to the first axis and a second rotation structure that can rotate around a third axis perpendicular to the first axis and the second axis, and the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit can be arranged to face each other.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an inspection device and a method for inspecting the communication status of a battery management device, and more specifically to a technique for inspecting the status of an optical communication unit of a battery management device. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, wireless optical communication is used for communication between battery management devices (or battery management systems (BMS)) that manage battery modules. For example, various information can be exchanged between battery management devices through infrared optical communication. The optical communication unit of each battery management device can include a transmitting diode that transmits infrared light containing communication information and a receiving diode that receives the infrared light. In other words, two battery management devices can perform optical communication when the transmitting diode and receiving diode are arranged facing each other.

[0003] The communication sensitivity of such infrared optical communication may vary depending on the distance and angle between the battery management units. For example, the communication sensitivity of infrared optical communication may vary depending on the distance and angle between the battery management units. In particular, the distance and angle between the battery management units may vary to achieve optimal communication sensitivity depending on factors such as the installation tolerances of each battery management unit, the structure of the optical communication unit, and the color of the optical communication unit. Conventionally, battery management units have been installed based on the experience of an operator assembling the battery management units and commonly applied design specifications. In this case, there may be a problem in that the distance and angle required to achieve the accurate communication range or optimal communication sensitivity for each battery management unit cannot be applied. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a technical problem to be solved is to specifically define the communication range of the optical communication unit of the battery management device.

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a technical problem to be solved is to identify a communication range with optimal communication sensitivity for a battery management device.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a technical problem is to design a battery pack so that a battery management device has optimal communication sensitivity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An inspection device for inspecting the communication status of a battery management device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a base member, a distance variation unit arranged on the base member and having a first battery management device including a first optical communication unit mounted thereon and movable in the direction of a first axis, and an angle variation unit arranged on the base member and having a second battery management device including a second optical communication unit mounted thereon and including a first rotation structure that can rotate around a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and a second rotation structure that can rotate around a third axis perpendicular to the first axis and the second axis, and the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit can be arranged to face each other.

[0008] In one embodiment, the distance variation unit may include a reference plate, a first fixing portion that fixes the first battery management device on the reference plate, and a moving member that can move the reference plate in the direction of the first axis.

[0009] In one embodiment, the distance variation unit may further include a distance measurement member arranged in the direction of the first axis and capable of measuring the distance between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit on the first axis.

[0010] In one embodiment, the angle variation unit may include a second fixing unit that fixes the second battery management unit on the second rotation structure, a first rotation member that can rotate the first rotation structure around the second axis, and a second rotation member that can rotate the second rotation structure around the third axis.

[0011] In one embodiment, the angle variation unit may further include a first angle measurement member formed on the first rotation structure and capable of measuring the angle by which the second optical communication unit has rotated on a first plane perpendicular to the second axis, and a second angle measurement member formed on the second rotation structure and capable of measuring the angle by which the second optical communication unit has rotated on a second plane perpendicular to the third axis.

[0012] According to an embodiment, the first and second rotating members may be rotating members that can rotate in unit angle increments.

[0013] The moving member according to one embodiment may be a moving member that can move in increments of unit length.

[0014] According to an embodiment, the inspection device may further include a communication circuit, a memory, and a processor communicatively connected to the first battery management unit and the second battery management unit. The processor according to an embodiment may be configured to acquire a first distance between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit on the first axis from the distance variation unit, acquire a first angle by which the second optical communication unit has rotated from a first reference line on a first plane from the angle variation unit, acquire a second angle by which the second optical communication unit has rotated from a second reference line on a second plane from the angle variation unit, and acquire first information related to communication sensitivity between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit from the first battery management unit and the second battery management unit.

[0015] In one embodiment, the processor may be configured to store first information regarding the first distance, the first angle, the second angle, and the communication sensitivity in the memory in association with one another.

[0016] In one embodiment, the processor may be configured to control the distance variation unit so that the distance between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit on the first axis is changed from the first distance to a second distance, and to acquire second information regarding the communication sensitivity between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit from the first battery management device and the second battery management device.

[0017] In one embodiment, the processor may be configured to store second information regarding the second distance, the first angle, the second angle, and the communication sensitivity in the memory in association with one another.

[0018] In one embodiment, the processor may be configured to control the angle variation unit so that the angle by which the second optical communication unit is rotated from the first reference line on the first plane is changed from the first angle to a third angle, control the angle variation unit so that the angle by which the second optical communication unit is rotated from the second reference line on the second plane is changed from the second angle to a fourth angle, and acquire third information regarding the communication sensitivity between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit from the first battery management device and the second battery management device.

[0019] In one embodiment, the processor may be configured to store third information regarding the first distance, the third angle, the fourth angle, and the communication sensitivity in the memory in association with one another.

[0020] In one embodiment, the processor may be configured to select information regarding the highest communication sensitivity from the information regarding multiple communication sensitivities stored in the memory, confirm the distance between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit, the angle by which the second optical communication unit has rotated on the first plane, and the angle by which the second optical communication unit has rotated on the second plane associated with the information regarding the selected communication sensitivity, and determine the confirmed distance and angle as the optimal communication specifications between the first battery management unit and the second battery management unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication range of the optical communication unit of the battery management device can be specifically defined.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to confirm the communication range with the optimal communication sensitivity for the battery management device.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery pack can be designed so that the battery management unit has optimal communication sensitivity. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1a] 1 is a diagram illustrating an inspection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 1b] 1 is a diagram illustrating an inspection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2a] 1 is a diagram illustrating an angle variation unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2b] 1 is a diagram illustrating an angle variation unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram illustrating a distance variation unit of an inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram illustrating an angle measurement member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 1 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a first battery management unit and a second battery management unit are attached to an inspection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 10 is a diagram illustrating a method for testing communication sensitivity while adjusting a distance between battery management units according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7a] 10 is a diagram illustrating a method for testing communication sensitivity while adjusting an angle between battery management units according to an embodiment; [Figure 7b]10 is a diagram illustrating a method for testing communication sensitivity while adjusting an angle between battery management units according to an embodiment; [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 10 is a process flowchart of an inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] The terms used in the embodiments are currently commonly used and general terms that have been selected as much as possible while taking into consideration the functions in the present disclosure, but these may change depending on the intentions of engineers in the field, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in certain cases, the applicant may have arbitrarily selected terms, and in such cases, the meanings thereof will be described in detail in the relevant explanation section. Therefore, the terms used in the present disclosure must be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the overall content of the present disclosure, rather than simply by the names of the terms.

[0026] Throughout the specification, when a part "comprises" a certain element, this does not mean that it excludes other elements, but that it may further include other elements, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, terms such as "module" and "unit" used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and this may be realized by hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0027] Throughout the specification, the expression "at least one of a, b, and c" can encompass "a alone," "b alone," "c alone," "a and b," "a and c," "b and c," or "all of a, b, and c."

[0028] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] The present disclosure may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0029] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] In describing the embodiments, technical details that are well known in the technical field to which the present invention pertains and are not directly related to the present invention will be omitted in order to more clearly convey the gist of the present invention without obscuring it.

[0031] For the same reason, in the accompanying drawings, some components are exaggerated, omitted, or illustrated schematically, and the size of each component does not entirely reflect the actual size. In each drawing, the same or corresponding components are given the same reference numerals.

[0032] The advantages and features of the present invention, and methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the following detailed description of the embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and may be embodied in various different forms. The present embodiments are provided solely so that this disclosure will be complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. The present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. The same reference symbols throughout the specification refer to the same elements.

[0033] It will be understood that each block of the process flowchart diagram and the combination of flowchart diagrams can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be loaded onto a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device, such that the instructions, executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device, create means for performing the functions described in one or more of the flowchart blocks. These computer program instructions can also be stored in computer-usable or computer-readable memory that can direct the computer or other programmable data processing device to implement the functions in a particular way, such that the instructions stored in the computer-usable or computer-readable memory can produce an article of manufacture containing instruction means for performing the functions described in one or more flowchart blocks. Computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device, such that a series of operational steps are performed on the computer or other programmable data processing device to create a computer-implemented process, and the instructions that run on the computer or other programmable data processing device can provide steps for performing the functions described in the flowchart block(s).

[0034] Also, each block may represent a module, segment, or portion of code that includes one or more executable instructions for performing one or more specified logical functions. Also, it should be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur in a different order. For example, two blocks shown in succession may actually be performed substantially simultaneously, or the blocks may sometimes be performed in reverse order depending on the corresponding functions.

[0035] 1a and 1b are diagrams illustrating an inspection apparatus 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, with Fig. 1a being a perspective view of the inspection apparatus 100 and Fig. 1b being a plan view of the inspection apparatus 100 as viewed from above.

[0036] The testing device 100 according to one embodiment may be a device for testing the communication status of a battery management device (or a battery management system (BMS)). The testing device 100 may test the communication range and communication sensitivity between two battery management devices. The battery management device may include an optical communication unit for communication. The optical communication unit may be, for example, a communication unit that performs infrared communication. The optical communication unit may include a transmitting diode that transmits infrared light and a receiving diode that receives infrared light. The two battery management devices may perform wireless communication via infrared light with their optical communication units facing each other. For example, infrared light may be transmitted from the optical communication unit of the first battery management device, and the transmitted infrared light may be received by the optical communication unit of the second battery management device. The infrared light may include communication information.

[0037] The battery management device of the present disclosure may be a battery management system (BMS) that manages and controls a battery pack. The battery management device may communicate with other battery management devices wirelessly using infrared light. An embodiment in which two battery management devices are mounted on the testing device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 5.

[0038] The communication sensitivity of the infrared optical communication described above may vary depending on the distance between the battery management units and the angle at which the infrared light is emitted. The distance and angle required for optimal communication sensitivity may vary for each battery management unit depending on factors such as the installation tolerance of each battery management unit, the structure of the optical communication unit, and the color of the optical communication unit.

[0039] An inspection device 100 according to one embodiment can confirm the distance and angle for obtaining optimal communication sensitivity between two battery management units. The inspection device 100 can measure the communication sensitivity between the two battery management units while adjusting the distance between the battery management units. The inspection device 100 can measure the communication sensitivity between the two battery management units while adjusting the light irradiation angle between the optical communication units of each battery management unit. The light irradiation angle can include an irradiation angle on a first plane (e.g., xy plane) and an irradiation angle on a second plane (e.g., xz plane).

[0040] The inspection device 100 according to one embodiment may include a base member 130, an angle variation unit 110, and a distance variation unit 120. The distance variation unit 120 may be disposed on the base member 130. The angle variation unit 110 may be disposed on the base member 130. Two battery management units may be mounted on the angle variation unit 110 and the distance variation unit 120, one each. For example, a first battery management unit may be mounted on the distance variation unit 120, and a second battery management unit may be mounted on the angle variation unit 110. The first optical communication unit of the first battery management unit and the second optical communication unit of the second battery management unit may be disposed (mounted) to face each other.

[0041] The distance variation unit 120 according to an embodiment can move in a first axis direction 11. For example, the first axis may be an axis parallel to the x-axis. The first axis direction 11 may refer to, for example, the +x-axis direction and the -x-axis direction, and may refer to a movement direction on the x-axis. For example, the distance variation unit 120 can translate in the first axis direction 11. The distance variation unit 120 can move in the x-axis direction by user operation or by electronic operation of the processor of the inspection device 100. The distance variation unit 120 can include a reference plate, a first fixing unit that fixes the first battery management device on the reference plate, and a moving member that can move the reference plate in the first axis direction. The structure of the distance variation unit 120 will be described later with reference to FIG. 3.

[0042] The angle variation unit 110 according to one embodiment can rotate on a first plane. The first plane can be a plane perpendicular to the second axis 13. The second axis 13 can be an axis perpendicular to the first axis (e.g., an axis parallel to the x-axis). For example, the first plane can be the xy plane, and the second axis 13 can be an axis parallel to the z-axis. That is, the angle variation unit 110 can rotate on the xy plane with the second axis 13 as the rotation axis.

[0043] The angle variation unit 110 according to one embodiment can rotate on a second plane. The second plane may be a plane perpendicular to the third axis 15. The third axis 15 may be an axis perpendicular to the first axis and the second axis. For example, the second plane may be the xz plane, and the third axis 15 may be an axis parallel to the y axis.

[0044] 2a and 2b are diagrams illustrating an angle variation unit 110 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, with Fig. 2a being a perspective view of the angle variation unit 110 and Fig. 2b being a front view of the angle variation unit 110.

[0045] 2a and 2b, an angle variation unit 110 according to one embodiment may include a first rotation structure 112 and a second rotation structure 114. The angle variation unit 110 may include a second fixing unit 210 that fixes the second battery management unit on the second rotation structure 114, a first rotation member 111 that can rotate the first rotation structure 112 about the second axis 13, and a second rotation member 115 that can rotate the second rotation structure 114 about the third axis 15. The first rotation structure 112 and the second rotation structure 114 are connected to each other, and the second rotation structure 114 is connected to be rotatable independently of the first rotation structure 112. In FIG. 2b, the first rotation structure 112 is connected to the first rotation member 111 and rotatable about the second axis 13, and may represent a U-shaped structure. The second rotation structure 114 is connected to the second rotation member 115 and rotatable about the third axis 15, and may represent a R-shaped structure.

[0046] The first rotation structure 112 according to one embodiment is rotatable about a second axis 13 that is perpendicular to a first axis (e.g., an axis parallel to the x-axis). The first rotation structure 112 can be combined with the first rotation member 111. That is, when the first rotation member 111 rotates, the first rotation structure 112 can rotate on a first plane (xy plane) about the second axis 13. When the first rotation member 111 rotates the first rotation structure 112 on the first plane, the second rotation structure 114 can also rotate together with the first rotation structure 112. Furthermore, by rotating the first rotation structure 112 on the first plane by the first rotation member 111, the irradiation angle on the first plane of infrared light irradiated from an optical communication unit of a second battery management device (not shown) attached to the angle variation unit 110 can be adjusted.

[0047] The angle variation unit 110 may further include a first angle measurement member 113 formed on the first rotation structure 112. The first angle measurement member 113 may be a member capable of measuring the angle by which the second optical communication unit of the second battery management device has rotated on a first plane (e.g., an xy plane) perpendicular to the second axis 13 (e.g., the z-axis). For example, the first angle measurement member 113 may be a member having a plurality of grooves formed on the first rotation structure 112. As shown in FIG. 2A, the first angle measurement member 113 may have a plurality of grooves formed thereon corresponding to a plurality of predetermined angles, and the first rotation member 111 may be connected to one of the plurality of grooves. According to an embodiment, the first angle measurement member 113 may be a protractor. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the first angle measurement member 113 may be a protractor capable of measuring the angle by which the second optical communication unit of the second battery management device has rotated on the first plane from a reference line (from the zero point position). The first angle measuring member 113 may be a protractor that measures the angle at which the second optical communication unit has rotated from a reference line on the xy plane.

[0048] The second rotation structure 114 according to one embodiment is rotatable about a first axis (e.g., an axis parallel to the x-axis) and a third axis 15 perpendicular to the second axis 13. The second rotation structure 114 can be combined with the second rotation member 115. That is, when the second rotation member 115 rotates, the second rotation structure 114 can rotate on a second plane (x-z plane) about the third axis 15. Because the second rotation structure 114 can rotate independently of the first rotation structure 112, when the second rotation member 115 rotates, the second rotation structure 114 may rotate on the second plane, but the first rotation structure 112 may not rotate. That is, by rotating the second rotation structure 114 on the second plane using the second rotation member 115, the irradiation angle on the second plane of infrared light irradiated from the optical communication unit of the second battery management device can be adjusted.

[0049] The angle variation unit 110 may further include a second angle measurement member 117 formed on the second rotation structure 114. The second angle measurement member 117 may be a member capable of measuring the angle by which the second optical communication unit of the second battery management device has rotated on a second plane (e.g., the xz plane) perpendicular to the third axis 15 (e.g., the y-axis). For example, the second angle measurement member 117 may be a member having a plurality of grooves formed on the second rotation structure 114. As shown in FIG. 2A, the second angle measurement member 117 has a plurality of grooves formed thereon corresponding to a plurality of predetermined angles, and the second rotation member 115 may be connected to one of the plurality of grooves. According to one embodiment, the second angle measurement member 117 may be a protractor. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the second angle measurement member 117 may be a protractor 400 capable of measuring the angle by which the second optical communication unit of the second battery management device has rotated on the second plane from a reference line (from the zero point position). For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the second angle measuring member 117 may be a protractor 400 that measures the angle at which the second optical communication unit is rotated from a reference line on the xz plane.

[0050] 3 is a diagram illustrating the distance variation unit 120 of the inspection device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] The distance variation unit 120 according to one embodiment may be disposed on the base member 130 of the inspection device 100. A first battery management device (not shown) including a first optical communication unit may be attached to the distance variation unit 120. The distance variation unit 120 may move in the direction of a first axis (e.g., the x-axis). The direction of the first axis may refer to, for example, the +x-axis direction and the -x-axis direction, and may refer to the direction of movement on the x-axis.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the distance variation unit 120 may include a reference plate 320, a first fixing unit 310, and a moving member 121. The first battery management unit may be positioned on the reference plate 320. The first fixing unit 310 may fix the first battery management unit disposed on the reference plate 320. That is, the first battery management unit may be positioned on the reference plate 320 and fixed to the first fixing unit 310. The moving member 121 may move the reference plate 320 in the direction of a first axis. The moving member 121 may be, for example, a moving rail, and may have multiple grooves formed thereon so that the moving member 121 can move and fix to multiple designated positions. The distance variation unit 120 may be moved in the x-axis direction by user operation. For example, a user may grasp the handle 123 of the distance variation unit 120 and move the distance variation unit 120 in the x-axis direction. According to another embodiment, the distance variation unit 120 may be moved in the x-axis direction by electronic operation of a processor of the inspection apparatus 100.

[0053] The movable member 121 according to one embodiment may be a member that can move to a plurality of specified positions, or may be a member that can move in unit length increments. For example, the movable member 121 may have a plurality of grooves formed at a plurality of positions, and the reference plate 320 may be moved and fixed in each groove. For example, the movable member 121 may be a member that can move in 1 cm increments.

[0054] According to an embodiment, the distance variation unit 120 may further include a distance measurement member (not shown) disposed in the direction of the first axis and capable of measuring the distance between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit on the first axis. The distance measurement member may be, for example, a ruler. The distance measurement member is disposed in the first axial direction parallel to the moving member 121 and may set the position of the second optical communication unit of the second battery management unit (not shown) attached to the angle variation unit 110 as a zero point. The distance measurement member may measure the distance between the first optical communication unit of the first battery management unit and the second optical communication unit of the second battery management unit.

[0055] 5 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a first battery management unit 520 and a second battery management unit 510 are attached to an inspection device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 5, the dotted line illustrates the field of view (FoV), which is the range irradiated with infrared light, and for ease of explanation, the FoV is exaggerated compared to the actual FoV of the infrared light.

[0056] As described above, the first battery management unit 520 may be attached to the distance variation unit 120 of the inspection device 100, and the second battery management unit 510 may be attached to the angle variation unit 110 of the inspection device 100. The first optical communication unit of the first battery management unit 520 and the second optical communication unit of the second battery management unit 510 may be disposed (attached) facing each other. The first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit may wirelessly communicate with each other using infrared light. For example, when the first optical communication unit irradiates infrared light containing communication information, the second optical communication unit may receive the irradiated infrared light and acquire the communication information. The communication sensitivity between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit may vary depending on the distance and angle between them. Therefore, the inspection device 100 may inspect the communication sensitivity while adjusting the distance between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit, and may inspect the communication sensitivity while adjusting the irradiation angle of light irradiated from the second optical communication unit.

[0057] 6 is a diagram illustrating a method for testing communication sensitivity while adjusting the distance between battery management units 510 and 520 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Similar to FIG. 5, the first battery management unit 520 may be attached to the distance changer 120 of the testing device 100, and the second battery management unit 510 may be attached to the angle changer 110 of the testing device 100.

[0058] 6, the distance between the first optical communication unit of the first battery management unit 520 and the second optical communication unit of the second battery management unit 510 can be adjusted by controlling the distance variation unit 120 of the inspection device 100. Compared to FIG. 5, it can be seen that the distance between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit is reduced by approximately d. The distance variation unit 120 can be moved in the direction of the first axis 11 (e.g., the x-axis direction) by user operation, or can be moved in the x-axis direction by electronic operation of the processor of the inspection device 100.

[0059] As described above, the inspection device 100 can inspect the communication sensitivity between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit while changing the distance between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit. The inspection device 100 can be communicatively connected to the first battery management unit 520 and the second battery management unit 510. For example, the inspection device 100 can be communicatively connected to the first battery management unit 520 and the second battery management unit 510 via a wired or wireless connection. The inspection device 100 can acquire information regarding the communication sensitivity between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit from the first battery management unit 520 and the second battery management unit 510. The information regarding the communication sensitivity can be, for example, information expressed as a numerical value. A higher numerical value indicating the communication sensitivity can mean better communication sensitivity. The inspection device 100 may receive information about communication sensitivity from each of the first battery management unit 520 and the second battery management unit 510, or may receive information about communication sensitivity from one of the first battery management unit 520 and the second battery management unit 510. The inspection device 100 may store information about the distance and angle between the first battery management unit 520 and the second battery management unit 510 and information about communication sensitivity in association with each other.

[0060] According to another embodiment, an external terminal device may be communicatively connected to the first battery management unit 520 and the second battery management unit 510. In this case, when the first battery management unit 520 and the second battery management unit 510 are attached to the inspection device 100, the first battery management unit 520 and the second battery management unit 510 may be communicatively connected to the external terminal device. The external terminal device may be, for example, any one of a personal computer, a laptop computer, a tablet PC, and a smartphone. The external terminal device may acquire information regarding the communication sensitivity between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit.

[0061] 7a and 7b are diagrams illustrating a method for testing communication sensitivity while adjusting the angle between battery management units 510 and 520 according to an embodiment. Similar to FIGS. 5 and 6, the first battery management unit 520 may be attached to the distance changer 120 of the testing device 100, and the second battery management unit 510 may be attached to the angle changer 110 of the testing device 100.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 7a, the angle at which the infrared light emitted from the second optical communication unit of the second battery management unit 510 is emitted on the first plane (e.g., the xy plane) can be adjusted by rotating the first rotation structure 112 on the first plane (e.g., the xy plane) using the angle variation unit 110 of the inspection device 100. Specifically, FIG. 7a illustrates a state in which the angle variation unit 110 of the inspection device 100 is rotated counterclockwise by an angle α when viewed from above the first plane (e.g., the xy plane), compared to FIG. 5. That is, the second optical communication unit of the second battery management unit 510 attached to the angle variation unit 110 can emit the infrared light to a position rotated counterclockwise by the angle α from a first reference line 710 on the first plane. The first reference line 710 is the direction in which the infrared light is emitted in FIG. 5 and may refer to a straight line parallel to the x-axis. When the first rotation structure 112 rotates around the second axis 13 on the first plane (xy plane), the second rotation structure 114 can also rotate together.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 7b, the angle at which the infrared light emitted from the second optical communication unit of the second battery management unit 510 is emitted on the second plane (e.g., the xz plane) can be adjusted by rotating the angle variation unit 110 of the inspection device 100 on the second plane (e.g., the xz plane). Specifically, FIG. 7b illustrates a state in which the angle variation unit 110 of the inspection device 100 is rotated counterclockwise by an angle β on the second plane (e.g., the xz plane) compared to FIG. 5. That is, the second optical communication unit of the second battery management unit 510 attached to the angle variation unit 110 can emit infrared light at a position rotated counterclockwise by an angle β from a second reference line 720 on the second plane. The second reference line 720 may refer to a straight line parallel to the z-axis. When the second rotation structure 114 rotates around the third axis 15 on the second plane (xz plane), only the second rotation structure 114 may rotate, and the first rotation structure 112 may not rotate.

[0064] As described above, the inspection device 100 can inspect the communication sensitivity between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit while changing the irradiation angle of the infrared light emitted from the second optical communication unit. The inspection device 100 can be communicatively connected to the first battery management unit 520 and the second battery management unit 510. For example, the inspection device 100 can be communicatively connected to the first battery management unit 520 and the second battery management unit 510 via a wire or wirelessly. The inspection device 100 can acquire information regarding the communication sensitivity between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit from the first battery management unit 520 and the second battery management unit 510. The information regarding the communication sensitivity can be, for example, information expressed as a numerical value.

[0065] Although Figure 7a illustrates an embodiment in which the first rotating structure 112 rotates on a first plane and Figure 7b illustrates an embodiment in which the second rotating structure 114 rotates on a second plane, it will be appreciated that the first rotating structure 112 and the second rotating structure 114 can rotate independently or simultaneously.

[0066] 8 is a block diagram of an inspection device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the present disclosure, the inspection device 100 is a device for inspecting the communication status of a battery management device, and may be a device designed to mount (place) two battery management devices facing each other and measure communication sensitivity while changing the mutual distance and the irradiation angle of infrared light.

[0067] The inspection device 100 according to one embodiment may include a processor 810, a memory 820, and a communication circuit 830. At least one of the components included in the inspection device 100 may be omitted, or other components may be added to the battery module. Additionally or alternatively, some components may be integrated or embodied as one or more separate components. At least some of the components in the inspection device 100 may be integrated or embodied as one or more separate components. At least some of the components in the inspection device 100 may be connected to each other via a controller area network (CAN), a bus, general purpose input / output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), mobile industry processor interface (MIPI), or the like, and may exchange data and / or signals.

[0068] The processor 810 of the inspection apparatus 100 according to an embodiment may be configured to perform calculations and data processing related to control and / or communication with each component of the inspection apparatus 100 and may be operatively connected to the components of the inspection apparatus 100. The processor 810 may load instructions or data received from other components of the inspection apparatus 100 into the memory 820, process the instructions or data stored in the memory 820, and store the resulting data. The memory 820 of the inspection apparatus 100 according to an embodiment may store various data used by at least one component (e.g., the processor 810). The memory 820 may store instructions for the operation of the processor 810 described above. Programs may be stored in the memory 820 as software and may include, for example, an operating system, middleware, or an application.

[0069] The communication circuit 830 of the inspection device 100 according to one embodiment can establish a wired or wireless communication channel with an external device (e.g., a battery management device) and transmit and receive various data to and from the external device. The communication circuit 830 of the inspection device 100 can include at least one port for connecting to an external device via a wired cable for wired communication with the external device. The communication circuit 830 of the inspection device 100 can include a cellular communication module and be configured to connect to a cellular network (e.g., 3G, LTE, 5G, Wibro, or Wimax). According to one embodiment, the communication circuit 830 of the inspection device 100 can include a short-range communication module and transmit and receive data to and from the external device using short-range communication (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), UWB), but is not limited thereto.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the test device 100 is communicatively connected to a first battery management unit and a second battery management unit and can receive various data from the first battery management unit and the second battery management unit. The test device 100 can acquire information about the communication sensitivity between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit from the first battery management unit and the second battery management unit.

[0071] FIG. 9 is a processing flowchart of the inspection apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0072] Referring to the process flowchart 900, in step 910, the processor 810 of the inspection apparatus 100 according to an embodiment may obtain a first distance between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit on the first axis from the distance variation unit 120. The distance measurement member of the distance variation unit 120 may measure the distance between the first optical communication unit of the first battery management unit and the second optical communication unit of the second battery management unit under the control of the processor 810. The processor 810 may obtain the distance measured by the distance measurement member.

[0073] In step 920, the processor 810 of the inspection apparatus 100 according to an embodiment may obtain a first angle by which the second optical communication unit has rotated from a first reference line on a first plane from the angle variation unit 110. The first angle measurement member 113 of the angle variation unit 110 may measure an angle by which the second optical communication unit of the second battery management device has rotated about a second axis 13 (e.g., an axis parallel to the z-axis) on a first plane (e.g., an xy plane) under the control of the processor 810. The processor 810 may obtain the first angle by which the second optical communication unit has rotated from the first reference line on the first plane from the first angle measurement member 113.

[0074] In step 930, the processor 810 of the inspection apparatus 100 according to an embodiment may obtain a second angle by which the second optical communication unit has rotated from the second reference line on the second plane from the angle variation unit 110. The second angle measurement member 117 of the angle variation unit 110 may measure an angle by which the second optical communication unit of the second battery management device has rotated about the third axis 15 (e.g., an axis parallel to the y-axis) on the second plane (e.g., the xz plane) under the control of the processor 810. The processor 810 may obtain the second angle by which the second optical communication unit has rotated from the second reference line on the second plane from the second angle measurement member 117.

[0075] In step 940, the processor 810 of the testing apparatus 100 according to an embodiment may acquire first information regarding the sensitivity of communication between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit from the first battery management unit and the second battery management unit. The processor 810 may acquire the first information regarding the sensitivity of communication between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit from the first battery management unit and the second battery management unit via the communication circuit 830. The processor 810 may acquire the first information regarding the sensitivity of communication between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit from each of the first battery management unit and the second battery management unit.

[0076] The processor 810 according to an embodiment may associate the first information regarding the first distance, the first angle, and the communication sensitivity with each other and store the first information in the memory 820. That is, the processor 810 may associate the placement conditions (i.e., distance and angle conditions) of the first battery management unit and the second battery management unit with the communication sensitivity and create a database.

[0077] According to an embodiment, the processor 810 may control the distance varying unit 120 to change the distance between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit on the first axis from the first distance to a second distance. The processor 810 may then acquire second information regarding the communication sensitivity between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit from the first battery management unit and the second battery management unit. The processor 810 may associate the second distance, the first angle, the second angle, and the second information regarding the communication sensitivity with each other and store them in the memory 820. That is, the testing apparatus 100 may measure the communication sensitivity between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit while adjusting the distance between the first battery management unit and the second battery management unit.

[0078] According to an embodiment, the processor 810 may control the angle variation unit 110 to change the angle at which the second optical communication unit is rotated from the first reference line on the first plane from a first angle to a third angle. The processor 810 may control the angle variation unit 110 to change the angle at which the second optical communication unit is rotated from the second reference line on the second plane from a second angle to a fourth angle. The processor 810 may acquire third information regarding the communication sensitivity between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit from the first battery management unit and the second battery management unit. Thereafter, the processor 810 may store the third information regarding the first distance, the third angle, the fourth angle, and the communication sensitivity in the memory 820 while associating them with one another. That is, the inspection device 100 may measure the communication sensitivity between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit while adjusting the irradiation angle of infrared light between the first battery management unit and the second battery management unit.

[0079] The processor 810 according to one embodiment may select information on the highest communication sensitivity from among multiple pieces of information on communication sensitivity stored in the memory 820. The processor 810 may confirm the distance between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit, the angle by which the second optical communication unit has rotated on the first plane, and the angle by which the second optical communication unit has rotated on the second plane, which are associated with the selected piece of information on communication sensitivity. The processor 810 may determine the confirmed distance and angle as the optimal communication specification between the first battery management unit and the second battery management unit. That is, the inspection device 100 may measure the communication sensitivity under multiple placement conditions of the battery management unit and determine the placement condition with the highest communication sensitivity as the optimal placement condition.

[0080] Meanwhile, the present specification and drawings disclose preferred embodiments of the present invention, and although specific terms are used, these terms are used in general terms to simply explain the technical content of the present invention and to aid in understanding the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains that, in addition to the embodiments disclosed herein, other variations based on the technical concept of the present invention can be implemented.

[0081] The device or terminal according to the above-described embodiments may include a processor, memory for storing and executing program data, permanent storage such as a disk drive, a communication port for communicating with external devices, and user interface devices such as a touch panel, keys, buttons, etc. Methods embodied as software modules or algorithms may be stored on a computer-readable recording medium as computer-readable code or program instructions executable on the processor. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic recording media (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), floppy disks, hard disks, etc.) and optically readable media (e.g., CD-ROMs, DVDs, etc.). The computer-readable recording media may be distributed across computer systems connected to a network, allowing the computer-readable code to be stored and executed in a distributed manner. The medium is computer-readable, can be stored in memory, and can be executed by the processor.

[0082] The present embodiments may be illustrated as functional blocks and various processing steps. These functional blocks may be embodied as various hardware and / or software components that perform specific functions. For example, the embodiments may employ integrated circuitry, such as memory, processing, logic, look-up tables, and the like, that can perform various functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices. Just as components may be implemented in software programming or software elements, the present embodiments include various algorithms embodied in combinations of data structures, processes, routines, or other programming components, and may be embodied in programming or scripting languages ​​such as C, C++, Java, Assembler, Python, and the like. Functional aspects may be embodied as algorithms executed on one or more processors. The present embodiments may also employ conventional techniques for electronic configuration, signal processing, and / or data processing. Terms such as "mechanism," "element," "means," and "component" may be used broadly and are not limited to mechanical or physical components. These terms may include the meaning of a series of software routines in cooperation with a processor or the like.

[0083] The above-described embodiments are by way of example only, and other embodiments may be embodied within the scope of the following claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 100 Inspection equipment 110 Angle change section 111 first rotating member 112 First Rotating Structure 113 First angle measuring member 114 Second Rotating Structure 115 Second rotating member 117 Second angle measuring member 120 Distance fluctuation section 121 Moving parts 123 Handle 130 Base member 210 Second fixed part 310 1st fixed part 320 Reference plate 400 protractor 510 Second Battery Management Device 520 First Battery Management Device 710 First Reference Line 720 Second Reference Line 810 processor 820 memory 830 Communication Circuits

Claims

1. A testing device for testing a communication state of a battery management device, A base member; a distance varying unit disposed on the base member, to which a first battery management device including a first optical communication unit is attached, and which is movable in a direction of a first axis; an angle fluctuation unit that is disposed on the base member, has a second battery management device mounted thereon and includes a second optical communication unit, and includes a first rotation structure that can rotate about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and a second rotation structure that can rotate about a third axis perpendicular to the first axis and the second axis; The inspection device, wherein the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit are arranged to face each other.

2. The distance variation unit A reference plate and a first fixing portion for fixing the first battery management unit on the reference plate; The inspection device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a moving member that can move the reference plate in the direction of the first axis.

3. The distance variation unit The inspection device according to claim 2 , further comprising a distance measuring member arranged in the direction of the first axis and capable of measuring the distance between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit on the first axis.

4. The angle variation unit a second fixing portion for fixing the second battery management unit on the second rotation structure; a first rotating member that can rotate the first rotating structure around the second axis; The inspection device according to claim 2 , further comprising: a second rotating member capable of rotating the second rotating structure about the third axis.

5. The angle variation unit a first angle measurement member formed on the first rotation structure and capable of measuring an angle by which the second optical communication unit has rotated on a first plane perpendicular to the second axis; 5. The inspection device according to claim 4, further comprising: a second angle measurement member formed on the second rotation structure and capable of measuring the angle by which the second optical communication unit has rotated on a second plane perpendicular to the third axis.

6. The inspection device according to claim 4 , wherein the first rotating member and the second rotating member are rotating members that can rotate in unit angle increments.

7. The inspection device according to claim 4 , wherein the movable member is movable in increments of unit length.

8. a communication circuit communicatively connected to the first battery management unit and the second battery management unit; Memory and a processor; and The processor: acquiring a first distance between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit on the first axis from the distance variation unit; a first angle obtained by rotation of the second optical communication unit from a first reference line on a first plane from the angle variation unit; a second angle obtained by the second optical communication unit rotating from a second reference line on a second plane from the angle variation unit; The inspection device according to claim 1 , configured to acquire first information regarding communication sensitivity between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit from the first battery management unit and the second battery management unit.

9. The processor: The inspection device according to claim 8 , configured to store the first information regarding the first distance, the first angle, the second angle, and the communication sensitivity in the memory in association with one another.

10. The processor: controlling the distance varying unit so that the distance between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit on the first axis is changed from the first distance to a second distance; 9. The inspection device according to claim 8, configured to acquire second information regarding communication sensitivity between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit from the first battery management unit and the second battery management unit.

11. The processor: The inspection device according to claim 10 , configured to store second information relating to the second distance, the first angle, the second angle, and the communication sensitivity in the memory in association with one another.

12. The processor: controlling the angle varying unit so that an angle by which the second optical communication unit rotates from the first reference line on the first plane is changed from the first angle to a third angle; controlling the angle varying unit so that an angle by which the second optical communication unit rotates from the second reference line on the second plane is changed from the second angle to a fourth angle; 9. The inspection device according to claim 8, further configured to acquire third information regarding communication sensitivity between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit from the first battery management unit and the second battery management unit.

13. The processor: The inspection device according to claim 12 , configured to store third information relating to the first distance, the third angle, the fourth angle, and the communication sensitivity in the memory in association with one another.

14. The processor: selecting information on one communication sensitivity having the highest communication sensitivity from the plurality of pieces of information on communication sensitivity stored in the memory; confirming a distance between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit, an angle by which the second optical communication unit has rotated on the first plane, and an angle by which the second optical communication unit has rotated on the second plane, which are related to information about the selected one of the communication sensitivity; The inspection device according to claim 13 , configured to determine the confirmed distance and angle as an optimum communication specification between the first battery management unit and the second battery management unit.

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