Battery diagnostic device and method

Abstract

A battery diagnostic device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a measuring unit configured to measure a pre-set vibration value occurring in the axial direction for each of a plurality of batteries, and a control unit configured to diagnose the state of a plurality of batteries from the vibration value of each of the plurality of batteries based on at least one of a pre-set reference deviation value and a pre-set reference vibration value corresponding to the axial direction for the plurality of batteries.

Description

Technical Field

[0005] , ,

[0006]

[0001] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0096083 filed on July 24, 2023, and all the contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the said application are incorporated into this application.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery diagnostic apparatus and method, and more particularly, to a battery diagnostic apparatus and method for diagnosing the state of a battery based on vibration values generated in the battery.

Background Art

[0003] In recent years, with the rapid growth in the demand for portable electronic products such as notebook computers, video cameras, and mobile phones, and the full-scale development of electric vehicles, energy storage batteries, robots, artificial satellites, etc., research on high-performance batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged has been actively conducted.

[0004] Currently, commercially available batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, lithium batteries, etc. Among them, lithium batteries are attracting attention because they can be freely charged and discharged with almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based batteries, have a very low self-discharge rate, and a high energy density.

[0005] While power drive devices such as electric vehicles, electric motorcycles, and electric bicycles are being commercialized, the demand for large-capacity and high-performance batteries is increasing. To meet such demands, electric vehicles, etc. include a plurality of battery packs. For example, a plurality of battery packs are interconnected with connectors, etc., to satisfy the output required by the electric vehicle.

[0006] However, if vibration or an external impact is applied to a plurality of connected battery packs, there is a risk of a connection failure occurring between the plurality of battery packs. Such a connection failure can loosen the connector fastening and cause a micro short circuit. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The present invention was devised to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a battery diagnostic device and method for diagnosing the state of a battery based on vibration values ​​generated in the battery.

[0008] Other objects and advantages of the present invention can be understood from the following description and more clearly from the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, the objects and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof shown in the claims. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A battery diagnostic device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a measuring unit configured to measure a pre-set vibration value occurring in the axial direction for each of a plurality of batteries, and a control unit configured to diagnose the state of the plurality of batteries from the vibration value of each of the plurality of batteries based on at least one of a pre-set reference deviation value and a pre-set reference vibration value corresponding to the axial direction for the plurality of batteries.

[0010] The aforementioned preset axial direction may be configured to include at least one of the following: the X-axis direction set as the direction of movement of the plurality of batteries; the Y-axis direction set as the left-right direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the plurality of batteries; and the Z-axis direction set as the up-down direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the plurality of batteries.

[0011] The control unit may be configured to calculate the vibration value deviation of a plurality of vibration values ​​measured by the measuring unit for each axial direction, compare each calculated vibration value deviation with the reference deviation value, and diagnose the state of each of the plurality of batteries according to the result of the comparison.

[0012] The control unit may be configured to diagnose a battery state where the vibration value deviation is less than or equal to the reference deviation value as a normal state, and to diagnose a battery state where the vibration value deviation exceeds the reference deviation value as a defective state.

[0013] The measurement unit may be configured to measure the first vibration value of each of the multiple batteries generated in the X-axis direction at predetermined measurement cycles.

[0014] The control unit may be configured to calculate the number of times, during a preset critical time, that the maximum value of the first vibration value measured for each measurement cycle is equal to or greater than a preset first reference vibration value corresponding to the X-axis direction, and to calculate the vibration value deviation with respect to the first vibration value when the calculated number reaches a reference number.

[0015] The measuring unit may be configured to measure the second vibration value of each of the plurality of batteries generated in the Y-axis direction.

[0016] The control unit may be configured to diagnose a battery state as normal when the second vibration value is less than or equal to a second reference vibration value that is set in advance to correspond to the Y-axis direction, and to diagnose a battery state as defective when the second vibration value exceeds the second reference vibration value.

[0017] The measuring unit may be configured to measure the third vibration value of each of the plurality of batteries generated in the Z-axis direction.

[0018] The control unit may be configured to diagnose a battery state as normal when the third vibration value is less than or equal to a third reference vibration value that is set in advance to correspond to the Z-axis direction, and to diagnose a battery state as defective when the third vibration value exceeds the third reference vibration value.

[0019] The control unit may be configured to diagnose the state of each of the plurality of batteries as normal or defective, and to electrically isolate the battery diagnosed as defective from the battery diagnosed as normal.

[0020] A battery pack according to another aspect of the present invention includes a battery diagnostic device according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0021] An automobile according to still another aspect of the present invention includes a battery diagnostic device according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0022] A battery diagnostic method according to still another aspect of the present invention includes a vibration value measurement step of measuring vibration values generated in a preset axial direction for each of a plurality of batteries, and a battery state diagnosis step of diagnosing the states of the plurality of batteries from the vibration values of the plurality of batteries based on at least one of a preset standard deviation value for the plurality of batteries and a preset standard vibration value corresponding to the axial direction.

Advantages of the Invention

[0023] According to one aspect of the present invention, the battery diagnostic device can diagnose the state of a battery based on the amount of vibration in the axial direction set based on the moving direction of the plurality of batteries. That is, since the battery diagnostic device can quickly diagnose the states of the plurality of batteries based on the amount of vibration of the plurality of batteries, it is possible to prevent in advance accidents that may occur due to poor fastening between the plurality of batteries or external impacts.

[0024] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the above-described effects, and other effects of the present invention not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

[0025] The drawings attached to this specification serve to make it easier to further understand the technical idea of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention to be described later, and the present invention is not construed as being limited only to the matters described in the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1]It is a diagram schematically showing a battery diagnostic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a diagram schematically showing a plurality of batteries and an axial direction according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a diagram schematically showing an exemplary configuration of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a diagram schematically showing an exemplary configuration of an automobile according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a diagram schematically showing a battery diagnostic method according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0027] In this specification and the claims, the terms and words used are not to be construed as being limited to the general and dictionary meanings, but in accordance with the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms in order to explain the invention in the best way, and are construed in the meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical idea of the present invention.

[0028] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiment of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical idea of the present invention, and there may be various equivalents and modification examples that can replace them at the time of this application.

[0029] Also, in the description of the present invention, when it is determined that a specific description of a related known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0030] Terms including ordinal numbers such as first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one of various components from other components, and the components are not limited by these terms.

[0031] When a part of the specification "includes" a certain component, unless otherwise specified, this does not exclude other components, but rather means that it may include other components.

[0032] Furthermore, when a part of the specification is described as being "connected" to another part, this includes not only "direct connections" but also "indirect connections" mediated by other elements.

[0033]

[0034] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0035] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a battery diagnostic device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Referring to Figure 1, the battery diagnostic device 100 includes a measurement unit 110 and a control unit 120.

[0037] The measuring unit 110 may be configured to measure a preset vibration value that occurs in the axial direction for each of the multiple batteries B.

[0038] Here, "battery" means a single, physically separable, independent cell having a negative terminal and a positive terminal. For example, a lithium-ion battery or a lithium-polymer battery may be considered a battery. Alternatively, "battery" may mean a battery module in which multiple cells are connected in series and / or parallel. Furthermore, "battery" may mean a battery pack in which multiple battery modules are connected in series and / or parallel.

[0039] Furthermore, the pre-set axial directions can be set based on the movement directions of multiple batteries B. Specifically, the pre-set axial directions may include the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions.

[0040] For example, the X-axis direction can be set to the direction of movement of multiple batteries B. The Y-axis direction can be set to the left-right direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of multiple batteries B. The Z-axis direction can be set to the up-down direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of multiple batteries B.

[0041] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing multiple batteries B and their axial directions according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 2, multiple batteries B may be electrically connected. The direction of movement of the multiple batteries B may be set to the X-axis direction. The left-right direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the multiple batteries B may be set to the Y-axis direction. The up-down direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the multiple batteries B may be set to the Z-axis direction.

[0043] If we consider the case where multiple batteries B are installed in a car, the X-axis direction is the direction of the car's movement. For example, the X-axis direction could be the normal direction of the car's movement. The Y-axis direction is the left-right direction perpendicular to the car's direction of movement (X-axis direction). For example, the Y-axis direction could be one of several directions perpendicular to the car's direction of movement (X-axis direction) that is parallel to the ground on which the car is located. Finally, the Z-axis direction is the up-down direction perpendicular to the car's direction of movement (X-axis direction). For example, the Z-axis direction could be one of several directions perpendicular to the car's direction of movement (X-axis direction) that is perpendicular to the ground on which the car is located.

[0044] The control unit 120 may be configured to diagnose the state of the multiple batteries B based on the vibration values ​​of each of the multiple batteries B, based on at least one of a preset reference deviation value and a preset reference vibration value corresponding to the axial direction for the multiple batteries B.

[0045] Specifically, the control unit 120 can diagnose the battery's state as normal or defective.

[0046] For example, the control unit 120 can diagnose the state of multiple batteries B based on a preset reference deviation value. The control unit 120 can calculate the vibration value deviation for each of the multiple vibration values. Specifically, the control unit 120 can calculate the average of the multiple vibration values ​​and calculate the difference between the multiple vibration values ​​and the average to calculate the vibration value deviation for each of the multiple batteries B. The control unit 120 can compare the calculated multiple vibration value deviations with a preset reference deviation value. The control unit 120 may be configured to diagnose a battery whose vibration value deviation is less than or equal to the reference deviation value as being in a normal state, and to diagnose a battery whose vibration value deviation exceeds the reference deviation value as being in a defective state.

[0047] As another example, the control unit 120 may diagnose the state of multiple batteries B based on a preset reference vibration value. The control unit 120 may compare multiple vibration values ​​measured by the measuring unit 110 with a preset reference vibration value. Here, the reference vibration value may be a preset reference value corresponding to the axial direction. The control unit 120 may be configured to diagnose the state of a battery whose vibration value is less than or equal to the reference vibration value as being in a normal state, and to diagnose the state of a battery whose vibration value exceeds the reference vibration value as being in a defective state.

[0048] As another example, the control unit 120 may diagnose the state of multiple batteries B based on a preset reference deviation value and a preset reference vibration value. Let's assume that the state of a battery diagnosed by comparing the reference deviation value and the vibration value deviation is the first battery state, and the state of a battery diagnosed by comparing the reference vibration value and the vibration value is the second battery state. The control unit 120 may be configured to diagnose the battery state as normal if both the first and second battery states are normal. That is, the control unit 120 may be configured to diagnose the battery state as defective if either the first or second battery state is defective.

[0049] A battery diagnostic device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention can diagnose the state of a battery based on the amount of axial vibration set based on the direction of movement of a plurality of batteries B. In other words, since the battery diagnostic device 100 can quickly diagnose the state of a plurality of batteries B based on the amount of vibration of a plurality of batteries B, it can prevent accidents that may occur due to faulty fastening between the plurality of batteries B or external shocks.

[0050] On the other hand, the control unit 120 provided in the battery diagnostic device 100 may selectively include a processor, ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit), other chipsets, logic circuits, registers, communication modems, data processing devices, etc., known in the industry, in order to execute the various control logics performed in the present invention. Furthermore, when the control logic is implemented as software, the control unit 120 may be implemented as a collection of program modules. In this case, the program modules may be recorded in memory and executed by the control unit 120. The memory may be provided inside or outside the control unit 120 and may be connected to the control unit 120 by various well-known means.

[0051] The battery diagnostic device 100 may further include a storage unit 130. The storage unit 130 may store data and programs necessary for each component of the battery diagnostic device 100 to operate and function, or data generated during the process of operation and functioning. The type of storage unit 130 is not particularly limited, as long as it is a known information recording means that is known to be able to record, erase, update, and read data. For example, information recording means may include RAM (Random Access Memory), flash memory, ROM (Read Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), registers, etc. The storage unit 130 may also store program code in which the process that can be executed by the control unit 120 is defined.

[0052] The control unit 120 may be configured to calculate the vibration value deviation of multiple vibration values ​​measured by the measurement unit 110 for each axial direction.

[0053] Specifically, the measurement unit 110 can measure the vibration value of each of the multiple batteries B. The control unit 120 can then calculate the average of the multiple vibration values ​​measured for the multiple batteries B. The control unit 120 can then calculate the vibration value deviation of the multiple vibration values ​​by calculating the difference between each of the multiple vibration values ​​and the average. Preferably, the control unit 120 can calculate the vibration value deviation in the X-axis direction, the vibration value deviation in the Y-axis direction, and the vibration value deviation in the Z-axis direction, respectively.

[0054] For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the measuring unit 110 can measure the vibration values ​​in the X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction of the first battery B1, second battery B2, third battery B3, and fourth battery B4. Here, four vibration values ​​in the X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction can each be measured. The control unit 120 can calculate the vibration value deviation in the X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction for each of the first battery B1, second battery B2, third battery B3, and fourth battery B4.

[0055] The control unit 120 may be configured to compare each calculated vibration value deviation with a reference deviation value.

[0056] Specifically, the standard deviation can be set for the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions, respectively. For example, if we assume that multiple batteries B are installed in a car, vibrations may occur as the multiple batteries B sway in the direction of the car's movement (X-axis direction). However, the frequency of the multiple batteries B swaying is relatively low in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) or up-down direction (Z-axis direction) of the car's movement. Therefore, the standard deviation can be set for each axis direction.

[0057] For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the control unit 120 may compare the vibration value deviation in the X-axis direction of the first battery B1 with a reference deviation value in the X-axis direction, the vibration value deviation in the Y-axis direction with a reference deviation value in the Y-axis direction, and the vibration value deviation in the Z-axis direction with a reference deviation value in the Z-axis direction. Similarly, the control unit 120 may compare the vibration value deviations of the second battery B2, the third battery B3, and the fourth battery B4 with reference deviation values.

[0058] The control unit 120 may be configured to diagnose the status of each of the multiple batteries B according to the comparison results.

[0059] Specifically, the control unit 120 may be configured to diagnose a battery state where the vibration value deviation is below a reference deviation value as a normal state, and to diagnose a battery state where the vibration value deviation exceeds the reference deviation value as a defective state.

[0060] Here, "normal state" means that the connection with other batteries is normal. Conversely, "defective state" means that the connection with other batteries is faulty.

[0061] For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 2, if a connecting member such as a connector between the first battery B1 and the second battery B2 is damaged, the vibration values ​​measured in the first battery B1 and the second battery B2 may be greater than the vibration values ​​measured in the third battery B3 and the fourth battery B4. If the deviation of the vibration values ​​of the first battery B1 and the second battery B2 exceeds the reference deviation value, the control unit 120 may diagnose the state of the first battery B1 and the second battery B2 as defective. Conversely, if the deviation of the vibration values ​​of the third battery B3 and the fourth battery B4 is less than or equal to the reference deviation value, the control unit 120 may diagnose the state of the third battery B3 and the fourth battery B4 as normal.

[0062] A battery diagnostic device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention can diagnose the condition of multiple batteries B by comparing their vibration values ​​(e.g., vibration value deviation).

[0063] The following describes an example of diagnosing the battery status by comparing the first vibration value generated in the X-axis direction with the first reference vibration value.

[0064] The measurement unit 110 may be configured to measure the first vibration value of each of the multiple batteries B generated in the X-axis direction at predetermined measurement cycles.

[0065] For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the measurement unit 110 can measure the first vibration values ​​of the first battery B1 to the fourth battery B4 at predetermined measurement cycles.

[0066] The control unit 120 may be configured to calculate the number of times, during a preset critical time, that the maximum value of the first vibration value measured at each measurement cycle is greater than or equal to a preset first reference vibration value corresponding to the X-axis direction.

[0067] Here, the first normal vibration value is a normal vibration value that has been set in advance with respect to the X-axis direction.

[0068] For example, suppose the critical time is 100 seconds and the measurement cycle is 10 seconds. Here, 10 measurement cycles may occur during the critical time. The control unit 120 can calculate the number of times in each of the 10 measurement cycles that the maximum value of the first vibration value of the first battery B1 to the fourth battery B4 is equal to or greater than the first reference vibration value.

[0069] The control unit 120 may be configured to calculate the vibration value deviation relative to the first vibration value when the calculated number of times reaches a reference number. The control unit 120 can then diagnose a battery state as normal if the vibration value deviation is less than or equal to the reference deviation value. Conversely, the control unit 120 may be configured to diagnose a battery state as defective if the vibration value deviation exceeds the reference deviation value.

[0070] Specifically, if the number of times the maximum value of the first vibration value of multiple batteries B is equal to or greater than the first reference vibration value reaches a reference number, there is a possibility that a problem has occurred in the connection of at least one of the batteries B. In this case, the control unit 120 can calculate the vibration value deviation for the multiple first vibration values ​​and compare the calculated vibration value deviation with the reference deviation value to diagnose whether the battery is in a normal state or a defective state.

[0071] For example, in the embodiment described above, let's assume that the number of times the maximum value of the first vibration value of the first battery B1 to the fourth battery B4 is equal to or greater than the first reference vibration value has reached a reference number of times. The control unit 120 can calculate the vibration value deviation of the first battery B1 to the fourth battery B4 that was last measured. The control unit 120 can then compare the calculated vibration value deviation of the first battery B1 to the fourth battery B4 with the reference deviation value to diagnose the state of each of the first battery B1 to the fourth battery B4.

[0072] Therefore, the battery diagnostic device 100 can first determine the occurrence of a coupling problem by comparing the maximum value of multiple first vibration values ​​with the first reference vibration value. Then, if there is a high probability that a coupling problem has occurred in at least one of the multiple batteries B (when the number of times the maximum value of the first vibration value is equal to or greater than the first reference vibration value reaches a reference number), the battery diagnostic device 100 can secondarily diagnose the condition of each of the multiple batteries B by comparing the vibration value deviations of the multiple batteries B.

[0073] The following describes an example of diagnosing the battery status based on vibration values ​​generated in the Y-axis and Z-axis directions.

[0074] The measurement unit 110 may be configured to measure the second vibration value of each of the multiple batteries B that occur in the Y-axis direction.

[0075] For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the measurement unit 110 can measure the second vibration values ​​of the first battery B1 to the fourth battery B4 at predetermined measurement cycles.

[0076] The control unit 120 may be configured to diagnose a battery state as normal if the second vibration value is less than or equal to a second reference vibration value that is preset to correspond to the Y-axis direction. Conversely, the control unit 120 may be configured to diagnose a battery state as defective if the second vibration value exceeds the second reference vibration value.

[0077] Here, the second normal vibration value is a normal vibration value that has been set in advance with respect to the Y-axis direction.

[0078] For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the control unit 120 may compare the second vibration value of the first battery B1 with the second reference vibration value and diagnose the state of the first battery B1 according to the result of the comparison. The control unit 120 may compare the second vibration value of the second battery B2 with the second reference vibration value and diagnose the state of the second battery B2 according to the result of the comparison. The control unit 120 may compare the second vibration value of the third battery B3 with the second reference vibration value and diagnose the state of the third battery B3 according to the result of the comparison. The control unit 120 may compare the second vibration value of the fourth battery B4 with the second reference vibration value and diagnose the state of the fourth battery B4 according to the result of the comparison.

[0079] The following describes an example of diagnosing the battery status by comparing the third vibration value generated in the Z-axis direction with the third reference vibration value.

[0080] The measuring unit 110 may be configured to measure the third vibration value of each of the multiple batteries B that occur in the Z-axis direction.

[0081] For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the measurement unit 110 can measure the third vibration values ​​of the first battery B1 to the fourth battery B4 at predetermined measurement cycles.

[0082] The control unit 120 may be configured to diagnose a battery state as normal if the third vibration value is less than or equal to a third reference vibration value that is preset to correspond to the Z-axis direction. Conversely, the control unit 120 may be configured to diagnose a battery state as defective if the third vibration value exceeds the third reference vibration value.

[0083] Here, the third normal vibration value is a normal vibration value that is set in advance with respect to the Z-axis direction.

[0084] For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the control unit 120 can compare the third vibration value of the first battery B1 with the third reference vibration value and diagnose the state of the first battery B1 according to the result of the comparison. The control unit 120 can compare the third vibration value of the second battery B2 with the third reference vibration value and diagnose the state of the second battery B2 according to the result of the comparison. The control unit 120 can compare the third vibration value of the third battery B3 with the third reference vibration value and diagnose the state of the third battery B3 according to the result of the comparison. The control unit 120 can compare the third vibration value of the fourth battery B4 with the third reference vibration value and diagnose the state of the fourth battery B4 according to the result of the comparison.

[0085] As mentioned above, generally, multiple batteries B exhibit almost no vibration in the left-right (Y-axis) or up-down (Z-axis) directions relative to the direction of movement (X-axis). Therefore, in order to more accurately diagnose the state of the batteries, it is necessary to independently set a first reference vibration value corresponding to the X-axis, a second reference vibration value corresponding to the Y-axis, and a third reference vibration value corresponding to the Z-axis.

[0086] If the specific characteristics of the movement of multiple batteries B in different axial directions are not taken into consideration, and one reference vibration value (for example, the first reference vibration value corresponding to the X-axis direction) is compared to the vibration values ​​in other axial directions (for example, the Y-axis and Z-axis directions), there is a risk that the battery condition cannot be accurately diagnosed. This is because the vibration values ​​that generally occur (acceptable vibration ranges) differ in each axial direction.

[0087] Therefore, the battery diagnostic device 100 can more accurately diagnose the battery condition using reference vibration values ​​corresponding to each axial direction.

[0088] The control unit 120 may be configured to electrically isolate a battery diagnosed as defective from a battery diagnosed as normal.

[0089] Specifically, a battery may be diagnosed as defective if it is poorly connected to other batteries or if it is loose. The control unit 120 can electrically isolate a battery diagnosed as defective from a battery diagnosed as normal in order to prevent electrical problems such as short circuits from occurring due to the defective battery.

[0090] For example, the control unit 120 can electrically isolate a battery diagnosed as defective from a battery diagnosed as normal by controlling a relay or other device connecting a battery diagnosed as defective to a battery diagnosed as normal to a turned-off state, or by performing a protective action such as blowing a fuse.

[0091] Therefore, the battery diagnostic device 100 can prevent electrical accidents that may occur in a defective battery.

[0092] A battery diagnostic device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention can be applied to a battery management system (BMS). That is, the BMS according to the present invention may include the battery diagnostic device 100 described above. In such a configuration, at least some of the components of the battery diagnostic device 100 can be realized by complementing or adding to the functions of components included in a conventional BMS. For example, the measurement unit 110, the control unit 120, and the storage unit 130 of the battery diagnostic device 100 can be realized as components of the BMS.

[0093] Furthermore, a battery diagnostic device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention may be provided in a battery pack. That is, the battery pack according to the present invention may include the above-described battery diagnostic device 100 and one or more battery cells. The battery pack may further include electrical components (relays, fuses, etc.) and a case, etc.

[0094] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a battery pack 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] The battery pack 1 may include multiple batteries 10. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the first battery 10a, the second battery 10b, the third battery 10c, and the fourth battery 10d may be connected in series. However, the connection relationship of the multiple batteries 10 is not limited to the embodiment shown in Figure 3, and the multiple batteries 10 may be connected in series and / or in parallel.

[0096] The positive terminals of multiple batteries 10 can be connected to the positive terminal P+ of the battery pack 1, and the negative terminals of multiple batteries 10 can be connected to the negative terminal P- of the battery pack 1.

[0097] The measurement unit 110 can measure the vibration values ​​of each of the multiple batteries 10 through the sensing line. Specifically, the measurement unit 110 can measure the first vibration value, second vibration value, and third vibration value of each of the multiple batteries 10.

[0098] For example, the measurement unit 110 can be connected to a first sensing line SL1, a second sensing line SL2, a third sensing line SL3, and a fourth sensing line SL4. The measurement unit 110 can measure the vibration value of the first battery 10a through the first sensing line SL1 and the vibration value of the second battery 10b through the second sensing line SL2. Furthermore, the measurement unit 110 can measure the vibration value of the third battery 10c through the third sensing line SL3 and the vibration value of the fourth battery 10d through the fourth sensing line SL4.

[0099] External devices may be connected to the positive terminal P+ and negative terminal P- of the battery pack 1. For example, the external device may be a charge / discharge device, or it may be a motor of an electric vehicle that receives power from the battery pack 1.

[0100] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of an automobile 800 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] Referring to Figure 4, the battery pack 810 according to an embodiment of the present invention can be installed in an automobile such as an electric vehicle (EV) or a hybrid vehicle (HV). The battery pack 810 can then drive the automobile 800 by supplying power to a motor through an inverter provided in the automobile 800.

[0102] The following explanation assumes that the battery pack 810 contains multiple batteries B.

[0103] Considering the characteristics of the vehicle 800, which moves back and forth, the direction of travel of the vehicle 800 may coincide with the direction of movement of the multiple batteries B. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the direction of travel of the vehicle 800 is parallel to the X-axis direction. The control unit 120 can diagnose the state of each of the multiple batteries B based on the first vibration value of each battery B in the X-axis direction.

[0104] Furthermore, the left-right direction of the vehicle 800 can be a left-right direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the vehicle 800. For example, the left-right direction of the vehicle 800 can be a direction parallel to the ground among the directions perpendicular to the direction of travel of the vehicle 800. Also, the left-right direction of the vehicle 800 can be a left-right direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the multiple batteries B. For example, in the embodiment of Figure 4, the left-right direction of the vehicle 800 is a direction parallel to the Y-axis direction. The control unit 120 can diagnose the state of each of the multiple batteries B based on the second vibration value of each battery B in the Y-axis direction.

[0105] Furthermore, the vertical direction of the vehicle 800 may be perpendicular to the direction of travel of the vehicle 800. For example, the vertical direction of the vehicle 800 may be perpendicular to the ground among the directions perpendicular to the direction of travel of the vehicle 800. Also, the vertical direction of the vehicle 800 may be perpendicular to the direction of movement of the multiple batteries B. For example, in the embodiment of Figure 4, the vertical direction of the vehicle 800 is parallel to the Z-axis direction. The control unit 120 can diagnose the state of each of the multiple batteries B based on the third vibration value in the Z-axis direction of the multiple batteries B.

[0106] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a battery diagnostic method according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0107] Preferably, each step of the battery diagnostic method can be performed by the battery diagnostic device 100. For the sake of clarity, the following will either omit or briefly explain any content that overlaps with what has been described above.

[0108] The vibration value measurement step S100 is a step of measuring the vibration value generated in a preset axial direction for each of the multiple batteries B, and can be performed by the measuring unit 110.

[0109] For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the measuring unit 110 can measure a first vibration value in the X-axis direction, a second vibration value in the Y-axis direction, and a third vibration value in the Z-axis direction for each of the first to fourth batteries.

[0110] The battery status diagnosis step S200 is a step of diagnosing the status of multiple batteries B from the vibration values ​​of each of the multiple batteries B, based on at least one of a preset reference deviation value and a preset reference vibration value corresponding to the axial direction, and can be performed by the control unit 120.

[0111] Specifically, the control unit 120 can diagnose the battery's state as normal or defective.

[0112] For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the control unit 120 can calculate the number of times during a preset critical time when the maximum value of the first vibration value of the first battery B1 to the fourth battery B4, measured at each measurement cycle, is equal to or greater than the first reference vibration value. Here, the first reference vibration value is a reference vibration value set with respect to the X-axis direction. When the calculated number reaches the reference number, the control unit 120 can calculate the vibration value deviation of the first battery B1 to the fourth battery B4 relative to the first vibration value. The control unit 120 can diagnose a battery whose vibration value deviation is less than or equal to the reference deviation value as being in a normal state, and a battery whose vibration value deviation exceeds the reference deviation value as being in a defective state.

[0113] As another example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the control unit 120 may compare the second vibration values ​​of the first battery B1 to the fourth battery B4 with a second reference vibration value, where the second reference vibration value is a reference vibration value set with respect to the Y-axis direction. The control unit 120 may be configured to diagnose a battery condition where the second vibration value is less than or equal to the second reference vibration value as a normal state, and to diagnose a battery condition where the second vibration value exceeds the second reference vibration value as a defective state.

[0114] As yet another example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the control unit 120 may compare the third vibration values ​​of the first battery B1 to the fourth battery B4 with a third reference vibration value. Here, the third reference vibration value is a reference vibration value set with respect to the Z-axis direction. The control unit 120 may be configured to diagnose a battery condition where the third vibration value is less than or equal to the third reference vibration value as a normal state, and to diagnose a battery condition where the third vibration value exceeds the third reference vibration value as a defective state.

[0115] The embodiments of the present invention described above are not limited to apparatus and methods, but can also be implemented through a program that realizes the functions corresponding to the configuration of the embodiments of the present invention, or through a recording medium on which such a program is recorded. Such a program or recording medium can be easily implemented by those skilled in the art based on the description of the embodiments described above.

[0116] As described above, the present invention has been explained with limited embodiments and drawings, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited thereto, and that various modifications and variations are possible within the equivalent scope of the technical idea and claims of the present invention by persons with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains.

[0117] Furthermore, the present invention described above can be substituted, modified, and altered in various ways by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains, without departing from the technical spirit of the invention, and is not limited by the embodiments described above and the accompanying drawings. For diverse modifications, all or part of each embodiment can be selectively combined to form the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 1: Battery pack 10: Multiple batteries 100: Battery diagnostic device 110: Measuring part 120: Control Unit 130: Storage section

Claims

1. A measuring unit configured to measure the vibration value generated in a predetermined axial direction for each of the multiple batteries, A battery diagnostic device comprising: a control unit configured to diagnose the state of the plurality of batteries from the vibration value of each of the plurality of batteries, based on at least one of a preset reference deviation value and a preset reference vibration value corresponding to the axial direction for the plurality of batteries.

2. The aforementioned preset axial direction is The battery diagnostic device according to claim 1, configured to include at least one of the following: the X-axis direction set in the direction of movement of the plurality of batteries; the Y-axis direction set in the left-right direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the plurality of batteries; and the Z-axis direction set in the up-down direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the plurality of batteries.

3. The control unit, The battery diagnostic device according to claim 2, configured to calculate the vibration value deviation of a plurality of vibration values ​​measured by the measuring unit for each axial direction, compare each calculated vibration value deviation with the reference deviation value, and diagnose the state of each of the plurality of batteries according to the result of the comparison.

4. The control unit, The state of the battery in which the vibration value deviation is less than or equal to the reference deviation value is diagnosed as a normal state. The battery diagnostic device according to claim 3, which is configured to diagnose a battery condition in which the vibration value deviation exceeds the reference deviation value as a defective state.

5. The aforementioned measuring unit is The system is configured to measure the first vibration value of each of the multiple batteries generated in the X-axis direction at predetermined measurement cycles. The control unit, The battery diagnostic device according to claim 3, wherein, during a preset critical time, the device calculates the number of times the maximum value of the first vibration value measured for each measurement cycle is equal to or greater than a preset first reference vibration value corresponding to the X-axis direction, and if the calculated number reaches a reference number, it calculates the vibration value deviation with respect to the first vibration value.

6. The aforementioned measuring unit is It is configured to measure the second vibration value of each of the multiple batteries that are generated in the Y-axis direction, The control unit, The battery state is diagnosed as normal when the second vibration value is less than or equal to a second reference vibration value that is set in advance to correspond to the Y-axis direction. The battery diagnostic device according to claim 2, wherein the device is configured to diagnose a battery condition in which the second vibration value exceeds the second reference vibration value as a defective condition.

7. The aforementioned measuring unit is It is configured to measure the third vibration value of each of the multiple batteries generated in the Z-axis direction, The control unit, The battery state is diagnosed as normal when the third vibration value is less than or equal to a third reference vibration value that is set in advance so as to correspond to the Z-axis direction. The battery diagnostic device according to claim 2, configured to diagnose a battery condition in which the third vibration value exceeds the third reference vibration value as a defective state.

8. The control unit, The battery diagnostic device according to claim 1, configured to diagnose the state of each of the plurality of batteries as normal or defective, and to electrically isolate the battery diagnosed as defective from the battery diagnosed as normal.

9. A battery pack including a battery diagnostic device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. An automobile comprising a battery diagnostic device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

11. A vibration value measurement step for each of the multiple batteries, which measures the vibration value generated in a predetermined axial direction, A battery diagnostic method comprising: a battery condition diagnostic step of diagnosing the state of the plurality of batteries from the vibration value of each of the plurality of batteries, based on at least one of a preset reference deviation value and a preset reference vibration value corresponding to the axial direction for the plurality of batteries.

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