Foreign object detection device and its operating method

Abstract

According to embodiments disclosed herein, the foreign object detection device may include: an intake unit that draws in external air at a target location; a sensor that detects foreign objects contained in the air drawn in from the intake unit; and a controller that adjusts the flow rate of the air drawn in from the intake unit and determines the degree of foreign objects at the target location based on the foreign objects detected by the sensor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0095446 filed on July 21, 2023, and all the contents disclosed in the document of the Korean Patent Application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The embodiments disclosed in this document relate to a foreign object detection device and an operating method thereof.

Background Art

[0003] If unintended foreign objects are included during the process of manufacturing a specific product, there is a risk of defects in the produced product. In particular, in precision products such as battery cells, the inflow of foreign objects during the manufacturing process can be a cause of fatal defects.

[0004] Therefore, during the manufacturing process of a product, it is essential to monitor the air flow in the space where the manufacturing process is carried out using a fine dust sensor or the like and to determine the state of the air.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, general fine dust sensors and devices for foreign object detection have a problem in that they only monitor the general air flow in the space where the manufacturing process is carried out. Also, general devices have a problem in that the measurable locations are limited due to the restrictive form of their inlets. Therefore, there is a problem in that it is impossible to intensively monitor specific locations during the manufacturing process.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to embodiments disclosed herein, the foreign object detection device may include: an intake unit for drawing in external air at a target location; a sensor for detecting foreign objects contained in the air drawn in from the intake unit; a flow meter for measuring the flow rate of the air drawn in from the intake unit; a pump for generating the flow rate; and a controller for adjusting the duty cycle of the pump based on the flow rate measured by the flow meter and determining the degree of foreign objects at the target location based on the foreign objects detected by the sensor.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the controller can set a target flow rate and adjust the duty cycle of the pump based on a comparison between the flow rate measured by the flow meter and the target flow rate.

[0008] According to the embodiment, the controller can decrease the duty cycle by a preset value if the flow rate measured by the flow meter exceeds a preset percentage range of the target flow rate, and increase the duty cycle by a preset value if the flow rate measured by the flow meter is less than a preset percentage range of the target flow rate.

[0009] According to the embodiment, the controller can determine whether there is any abnormality in the filter for removing foreign matter and the pump based on the duty cycle of the pump and the flow rate measured by the flow meter.

[0010] According to the embodiment, the controller can determine that the pump is malfunctioning if the flow rate is measured by the flow meter when the duty cycle of the pump is 0%, or if the flow rate measured by the flow meter does not change when the duty cycle is changing.

[0011] According to the embodiment, if the flow rate measured by the flow meter is lower than the target flow rate when the duty cycle of the pump is 100%, the filter can be determined to be abnormal.

[0012] According to the embodiment, the angle and length of the suction portion are adjustable.

[0013] According to embodiments disclosed herein, the operation method of the foreign object detection device may include the steps of: drawing in external air at a target location; detecting foreign objects contained in the drawn-in air; measuring the flow rate of the drawn-in air; adjusting the duty cycle of a pump for generating the flow rate based on the measured flow rate; and determining the degree of foreign objects at the target location based on the detected foreign objects.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the step of adjusting the duty cycle of the pump may include the steps of setting a target flow rate, comparing the measured flow rate with the target flow rate, and adjusting the duty cycle of the pump based on the result of comparing the measured flow rate with the target flow rate.

[0015] According to the embodiment, the step of determining whether there is a problem with the filter for removing foreign matter and the pump, based on the duty cycle of the pump and the measured flow rate, may further be included. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] The foreign object detection device and its operating method according to the embodiments disclosed herein have a changeable length and angle of the suction section, and can determine the degree of foreign object presence at a desired target location.

[0017] Furthermore, the foreign object detection device and its operating method according to the embodiments disclosed in this document can determine the extent of the foreign object, as well as whether there is a defect in the configuration of the foreign object detection device and / or whether it needs to be replaced.

[0018] In addition, various other effects can be obtained directly or indirectly from this document. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0019] [Figure 1] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of a foreign object detection device according to an embodiment disclosed in this document. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a foreign object detection device according to an embodiment disclosed in this document. [Figure 3] It is a flowchart for explaining the operation method of a foreign object detection device according to an embodiment disclosed in this document. [Figure 4] It is a flowchart for explaining a method for adjusting the flow rate of inhaled air by a foreign object detection device according to an embodiment disclosed in this document. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart showing the specific operation process of a foreign object detection device according to an embodiment disclosed in this document. [Figure 6] It is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a computing system for performing the operation method of a battery management device according to an embodiment disclosed in this document.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0021] In this text, the singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the aforementioned items unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this text, each of the phrases such as “A or B,” “At least one of A and B,” “At least one of A or B,” “A, B, or C,” “At least one of A, B, and C,” and “At least one of A, B, or C” may include any one of the items listed with the phrase in question, or any possible combination thereof. Terms such as “first,” “second,” “first,” and “second” are used merely to distinguish one component from other such components and do not limit the component in any other respect (e.g., weight or order). When a component (e.g., the first) is referred to as “coupled” or “connected” with or without the terms “functionally” or “communically” to another component (e.g., the second), it means that the first component may be connected to the other component directly (e.g., by wire), wirelessly, or via the third component.

[0022] Each component of the components described herein (e.g., a module or a program) may include one or more individuals. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the component may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, multiple components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as those performed by the component of the multiple components before the integration. According to various embodiments, operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be performed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be performed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0023] As used herein, the terms "module" or "... unit" can include units implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and can be used interchangeably with terms such as, for example, logic, logic blocks, components, or circuits. A module can be a component configured integrally, or can be the minimum unit or a part of the component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module can be implemented in the form of an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit).

[0024] Various embodiments of this document can be implemented in software (e.g., a program or an application) including one or more instruction words stored in a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a memory). For example, a processor of a device can call at least one of the stored one or more instruction words from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the device to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction word. The one or more instruction words can include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium can be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, "non-transitory" means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave), and this term does not distinguish between the case where data is stored semi-permanently in the storage medium and the case where it is stored temporarily.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a foreign object detection device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0026] Referring to Figure 1, the foreign object detection device 100 may include a suction section 110, a sensor 120, a controller 130, a flow meter 140, and a pump 150. The foreign object detection device 100 may further include a filter 160.

[0027] The foreign object detection device 100 can be used to determine the amount of foreign matter present in the space where the manufacturing process takes place, in the manufacturing process of equipment where defects may occur due to the inflow of foreign matter. For example, the foreign object detection device 100 can be used in the space where battery cells are manufactured. As one example, the foreign object detection device 100 can detect foreign matter that may be generated in the winding equipment in the roll-to-roll process for manufacturing cylindrical cells.

[0028] The intake unit 110 can draw in outside air at a target location. The target location can be a region within the space where the equipment manufacturing process takes place. For example, if the foreign object detection device 100 is used to determine the degree of foreign matter in the battery cell manufacturing process, the target location can be an area near the process equipment, an area where a worker's hands or face are located, or an area where the battery cells are located. In particular, the target location can be a place in the manufacturing process where the possibility of foreign matter entering the product is relatively high.

[0029] The intake unit 110 can draw in external air at the target location into the foreign object detection device 100. If foreign objects are present in the air near the target location, they can be drawn into the foreign object detection device 100 along with the air.

[0030] According to the embodiment, the suction portion 110 is adjustable in angle and length. That is, the suction portion 110 can have a flexible form. The user of the foreign object detection device 100 can change the angle and length of the suction portion 110 according to the position of the target location where the foreign object to be detected is to be detected. Using the flexible form of the suction portion 110, the foreign object detection device 100 can detect foreign objects even in locations where detection is generally impossible with devices that have a fixed inlet. For example, the foreign object detection device 100 can insert the suction portion 110 into the gaps of process equipment and detect foreign objects inside the process equipment.

[0031] According to the embodiment, the suction section 110 can have various forms depending on the size, structure, and purpose of the object to be detected. In general foreign object detection devices, a fixed-form inlet is used, and even if the inlet can be replaced, its form is limited. However, as will be described later, the foreign object detection device 100 can adjust the flow rate of the inhaled air, and the form and size of the suction section 110 can be configured relatively freely.

[0032] The sensor 120 can detect foreign matter contained in the air inhaled from the intake section 110. For example, the sensor 120 can detect whether or not foreign matter is present in the inhaled air, and if so, the amount (e.g., the number of foreign matter particles) and concentration of the foreign matter. As an example, the sensor 120 can be an OPC (Optical Particle Counter) that can count the number of foreign matter particles.

[0033] According to the embodiment, the sensor 120 can have a function to warn of abnormalities on its own. The sensor 120 can transmit foreign object detection information and abnormality information to the controller 130.

[0034] The controller 130 can adjust the flow rate of air drawn in from the intake port 110. The controller 130 can adjust the flow rate of air drawn in from the intake port 110 by adjusting the duty cycle of the pump 150 based on the flow rate measured by the flow meter 140. In addition, the controller 130 may further adjust the flow rate of air drawn in from the intake port 110 by adjusting the degree to which the intake port 110 is open, the angle it makes with the target location, etc.

[0035] In particular, when the suction section 110 has a flexible shape, when the foreign object detection device 100 monitors the amount of foreign matter in the space, the length and angle (bend) of the suction section 110 will change due to a change in the target location, causing fluctuations in the flow rate. In this case, in order for the foreign object detection device 100 to determine the amount of foreign matter under the same conditions, it is necessary to compensate for the change in flow rate due to the fluctuations in the length and angle of the suction section 110. Therefore, the controller 130 can continuously adjust the flow rate of air drawn in from the suction section 110.

[0036] The controller 130 can determine the degree of foreign matter at a target location based on the foreign matter detected by the sensor 120. For example, the controller 130 can determine the degree of foreign matter based on the number and concentration of foreign matter detected by the sensor 120. Furthermore, the controller 130 can determine whether the manufacturing process is appropriate based on the degree of foreign matter at the target location. For example, if the degree of foreign matter at the target location exceeds a preset level, the controller 130 can determine that the manufacturing process is inappropriate or that ventilation and / or cleaning are necessary.

[0037] Since the foreign object detection device 100 detects foreign objects using the sensor 120 and determines the extent of foreign objects at the target location based on the detected foreign objects, the foreign object detection device 100 needs to operate under the same flow rate conditions in order to improve the detection reliability of the sensor 120 and the judgment accuracy of the controller 130. For this reason, the foreign object detection device 100 can adjust the flow rate of air drawn in from the intake section 110 to maintain the same flow rate conditions.

[0038] The flow meter 140 can measure the flow rate of air drawn in from the intake section 110. For example, the foreign object detection device 100 can detect that air drawn in from the intake section 110 flows through a single pipe, and the flow meter 140 can measure the flow rate of the air flowing through that pipe. The flow meter 140 can transmit the flow rate measurement result to the controller 130.

[0039] The pump 150 can generate the flow rate of air drawn in from the suction port 110. Here, the generation of air flow rate by the pump 150 means that air flows from the suction port 110 into the foreign object detection device 100 due to the pumping action of the pump 150.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the controller 130 can adjust the duty cycle of the pump 150 based on the flow rate measured by the flow meter 140. Here, the controller 130 adjusting the duty cycle of the pump 150 may include adjusting the pumping period of the pump 150. For example, the controller 130 can increase the duty cycle of the pump 150 if the flow rate measured by the flow meter 140 does not meet a reference flow rate. As another example, the controller 130 can increase the duty cycle of the pump 150 to compensate for the decreasing flow rate if the flow rate measured by the flow meter 140 is continuously decreasing.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the controller 130 can set a target flow rate. Setting the target flow rate by the controller 130 may include receiving information regarding the target flow rate from the user of the foreign object detection device 100. The target flow rate can be set based on the internal volume of the foreign object detection device 100, the cross-sectional area of ​​the suction section 110, the rated flow rate of the sensor 120, and so on. As an example, the controller 130 can set the target flow rate to the rated flow rate of the sensor 120. In this case, the reliability of foreign object detection by the sensor 120 can be increased.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the controller 130 can adjust the duty cycle of the pump 150 based on a comparison between the flow rate measured by the flow meter 140 and the target flow rate. For example, the controller 130 can adjust the duty cycle of the pump based on the relative magnitudes of the flow rate from the flow meter 140 and the target flow rate. As another example, the controller 130 can adjust the duty cycle of the pump 150 in proportion to the difference between the flow rate from the flow meter 140 and the target flow rate.

[0043] The controller 130 can maintain the duty cycle of the pump 150 if the flow rate measured by the flow meter 140 is within a preset percentage range of the target flow rate. The preset percentage range can be set, for example, based on an error range that can be considered within the range of error with respect to the target flow rate, taking into account the measurement error of the flow meter 140. As another example, the preset percentage range can be set based on the minimum limit of the change in flow rate due to adjustment of the duty cycle of the pump 150. For example, if the change in flow rate when the duty cycle of the pump 150 is adjusted to the smallest unit is x%, the preset percentage range can be set based on x% (for example, (100-x)% to (100+x)%). The preset percentage range can be set, for example, to 95% to 105%.

[0044] According to the embodiment, if the flow rate measured by the flow meter 140 exceeds a preset percentage range of the target flow rate, the controller 130 can reduce the duty cycle of the pump 150 by a preset value. Conversely, if the flow rate measured by the flow meter 140 is less than a preset percentage range of the target flow rate, the controller 130 can increase the duty cycle of the pump 150 by a preset value.

[0045] The preset value can be determined experimentally and statistically, and the value may change depending on the configuration of the foreign object detection device 100. For example, the preset value can be set to 5%.

[0046] According to the embodiment, the controller 130 can determine whether there is any abnormality in the filter 160 and the pump 150 based on the duty cycle of the pump 150 and the flow rate measured by the flow meter 140. The filter 160 can remove foreign matter contained in the air drawn in from the suction port 110. For example, the filter 160 can be an adsorption filter, in which case the foreign matter can be adsorbed onto the filter 160 and removed. However, the type of filter 160 is not limited thereto.

[0047] According to the embodiment, the controller 130 can determine that the pump 150 is malfunctioning if the flow rate is measured by the flow meter 140 while the duty cycle of the pump 150 is 0%. When the duty cycle of the pump 150 is 0%, the pump 150 should not be pumping and no air should be drawn in through the suction port 110. Therefore, the controller 130 can determine that the pump 150 is malfunctioning if the flow rate is measured by the flow meter 140 while the duty cycle of the pump 150 is 0%.

[0048] According to the embodiment, the controller 130 can determine that the pump 150 is malfunctioning if the flow rate measured by the flow meter 140 does not change while the duty cycle of the pump 150 is changing. When the duty cycle of the pump 150 changes, the flow rate drawn in by the suction section 110 should change due to changes in the pumping cycle, etc. Therefore, the controller 130 can determine that the pump 150 is malfunctioning if the flow rate measured by the flow meter 140 does not change despite the duty cycle of the pump 150 changing.

[0049] According to the embodiment, if the flow rate measured by the flow meter 140 is lower than the target flow rate when the duty cycle of the pump 150 is 100%, the filter 160 can be determined to be abnormal. When the duty cycle of the pump 150 is 100%, it means that the flow rate of air drawn in from the suction port 110 is at its maximum. If the flow rate of the flow meter 140 is lower than the target flow rate despite the maximum flow rate of air being drawn in, it can be determined that the airflow is being obstructed by foreign matter adsorption onto the filter 160. From this, the controller 130 can determine that the filter 160 is abnormal when the flow rate of the flow meter 140 is lower than the target flow rate when the duty cycle of the pump 150 is 100%. In this case, the controller 130 can determine that the filter 160 needs to be replaced.

[0050] The foreign object detection device 100 can provide judgment information to the user if it determines that the process is not proceeding properly, such as when the amount of foreign matter at the target location exceeds a standard level, or if it determines that there is a malfunction in at least one of the sensor 120, pump 150, and filter 160. For example, the foreign object detection device 100 can provide judgment information to the user via a display unit (not shown) or a notification unit (not shown).

[0051] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a foreign object detection device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0052] Referring to Figure 2, the foreign object detection device 100 can detect foreign objects by drawing in air through the suction section 110, remove the foreign objects, and discharge the air through the discharge section 170.

[0053] The suction section 110 can be configured to protrude from, for example, a part of the foreign object detection device 100. The suction section 110 can draw in air from outside the foreign object detection device 100 at the target location.

[0054] Air drawn in from the intake section 110 can be moved through piping inside the foreign object detection device 100. For example, the piping inside the foreign object detection device 100 can connect the intake section 110 and the discharge section 170, and a sensor 120, a pump 150, a flow meter 140, and a filter 160 can be arranged in the piping. The arrangement order of the sensor 120, pump 150, and flow meter 140 shown in Figure 2 is illustrative and not limited thereto.

[0055] The sensor 120 can detect foreign matter contained in the air flowing through the piping. For example, the sensor 120 can detect the number and concentration of foreign matter.

[0056] The pump 150 can generate the flow rate of air flowing in from the suction section 110, for example, by a pumping motion.

[0057] The flow meter 140 can measure the flow rate of air drawn in from the intake section 110.

[0058] The filter 160 can remove foreign matter contained in the inhaled air. For example, the filter 160 can be an adsorption filter, in which case the foreign matter can be adsorbed onto the filter 160 and removed.

[0059] The air from which foreign matter has been removed by the filter 160 can be discharged to the outside of the foreign matter detection device 100 via the discharge section 170.

[0060] The controller 130 can receive signals and / or information from the sensor 120 and the flow meter 140. For example, the controller 130 can receive foreign object detection information and abnormality information from the sensor 120, and can receive measured flow rate information from the flow meter 140. The controller 130 can also set target information and adjust the duty cycle of the pump 150 based on the target information and the measured flow rate information.

[0061] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation method of a foreign object detection device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0062] Referring to Figure 3, the operation method of the foreign object detection device may include the steps of: drawing in outside air at the target location (S100); detecting foreign objects contained in the drawn-in air (S200); measuring the flow rate of the drawn-in air (S300); adjusting the duty cycle of the pump based on the measured flow rate (S400); and determining the degree of foreign objects at the target location based on the detected foreign objects (S500).

[0063] In step S100, the intake section 110 can draw in external air at a target location. The target location can be a region of the space where the equipment manufacturing process takes place. In some embodiments, the intake section 110 is adjustable in angle and length, allowing a variety of locations to be selected as the target location.

[0064] In step S200, the sensor 120 can detect foreign matter contained in the inhaled air.

[0065] In step S300, the flow meter 140 can measure the flow rate of the inhaled air.

[0066] In step S400, the controller 130 can adjust the duty cycle of the pump 150 based on the measured flow rate.

[0067] In step S500, the controller 130 can determine the extent of the foreign object at the target location based on the detected foreign object. The controller 130 can then provide the user with the result of the determination of the extent of the foreign object.

[0068] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating how a foreign object detection device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document adjusts the flow rate of the inhaled air.

[0069] Referring to Figure 4, the steps by which the foreign object detection device adjusts the flow rate of the inhaled air may include setting a target flow rate (S410), comparing the flow rate measured by the flow meter with the target flow rate (S420), and adjusting the duty cycle of the pump based on the result of comparing the flow rate measured by the flow meter with the target flow rate (S430).

[0070] In step S410, the controller 130 can set the target flow rate. The target flow rate can be set based on the internal volume of the foreign object detection device 100, the cross-sectional area of ​​the suction section 110, the rated flow rate of the sensor 120, and so on.

[0071] In step S420, the controller 130 can compare the flow rate measured by the flow meter 140 with the target flow rate.

[0072] In step S430, the controller 130 can adjust the duty cycle of the pump 150 based on the comparison between the flow rate measured by the flow meter 140 and the target flow rate. This allows the controller 130 to maintain constant flow conditions while the foreign object detection device 100 is operating.

[0073] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the specific operation process of a foreign object detection device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0074] Referring to Figure 5, the foreign object detection device 100 can adjust the flow rate of the inhaled air and determine if there is an abnormality in the filter 160 and the pump 150.

[0075] In step S610, the controller 130 can set the target flow rate. Setting the target flow rate by the controller 130 may include receiving information regarding the target flow rate from the user of the foreign object detection device 100.

[0076] In step S620, the controller 130 can check the flow rate of the flow meter 140. The controller 130 can receive the flow rate information measured from the flow meter 140.

[0077] In step S630, the controller 130 can check whether the target flow rate matches the current flow rate. The current flow rate may refer to the flow rate confirmed by the flow meter 140. The controller 130 can determine that the target flow rate matches the current flow rate if the current flow rate is within a preset percentage range of the target flow rate. If the current flow rate is within a preset percentage range of the target flow rate (S630-Yes), the operation can be terminated. If the current flow rate is not within a preset percentage range of the target flow rate (S630-No), the operation can proceed to step S640.

[0078] In step S640, the controller 130 can determine whether the current flow rate exceeds a preset percentage range of the target flow rate. If the current flow rate exceeds a preset percentage range of the target flow rate (S640-Yes), the process can proceed to step S650. If the current flow rate does not exceed a preset percentage range of the target flow rate (S640-No), the process can proceed to step S700.

[0079] In step S650, the controller 130 can reduce the duty cycle of the pump 150. More specifically, the controller 130 can reduce the duty cycle of the pump 150 by a preset value.

[0080] In step S660, the controller 130 can check if the duty cycle of the pump 150 is 0%. If the duty cycle of the pump 150 is 0% (S660-Yes), the controller can proceed to step S680. If the duty cycle of the pump 150 is not 0% (S660-No), the controller can proceed to step S670.

[0081] In step S670, the controller 130 can determine if a flow rate change has occurred. The controller 130 receives flow rate information measured by the flow meter 140 and can determine if a flow rate change has occurred. If a flow rate change has occurred (S670-Yes), the controller can return to step S620. If no flow rate change has occurred (S670-No), the controller can proceed to step S690.

[0082] In step S680, the controller 130 can determine whether flow has occurred. If flow has occurred (S680-Yes), it can proceed to step S690. If no flow has occurred (S680-No), it can return to step S620.

[0083] In step S690, the controller 130 can determine that the pump 150 is malfunctioning.

[0084] In step S700, the controller 130 can determine whether the current flow rate is less than a preset percentage of the target flow rate. If the current flow rate is less than a preset percentage of the target flow rate (S700-Yes), the process can proceed to step S710. If the current flow rate is greater than or equal to a preset percentage of the target flow rate (S700-No), the operation can be terminated.

[0085] In step S710, the controller 130 can increase the duty cycle of the pump 150. More specifically, the controller 130 can increase the duty cycle of the pump 150 by a preset value.

[0086] In step S720, the controller 130 can check if the duty cycle of the pump 150 is 100%. If the duty cycle of the pump 150 is 100% (S720-Yes), the process can proceed to step S730. If the duty cycle of the pump 150 is not 100% (S720-No), the process can proceed to step S670.

[0087] In step S730, the controller 130 can determine whether the current flow rate is less than a preset percentage range of the target flow rate. If the current flow rate is less than a preset percentage range of the target flow rate (S730-Yes), the process can proceed to step S740. If the current flow rate is greater than or equal to a preset percentage range of the target flow rate (S730-No), the operation can be terminated.

[0088] In step S740, the controller 130 can determine that the filter 160 is abnormal.

[0089] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a computing system for performing the operation method of a battery management device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0090] Referring to Figure 6, the computing system 1000 according to one embodiment disclosed in this document may include an MCU 1010, a memory 1020, an input / output I / F 1030, and a communication I / F 1040.

[0091] The MCU1010 is a processor that executes various programs stored in memory 1020 (for example, a battery cell SOC and OCV collection program, a battery cell parameter calculation program, an SOC-OCV aggregation generation program, a battery cell diagnostic program, etc.), processes various information including the battery cell's SOC, OCV, and parameters using these programs, and performs the functions of a controller included in the battery management device shown in Figure 2 above.

[0092] Memory 1020 can store various programs, such as a battery cell SOC and OCV collection program, a battery cell parameter calculation program, an SOC-OCV aggregation generation program, and a battery cell diagnostic program. Memory 1020 can also store various information, including the battery cell's SOC, OCV, and parameters.

[0093] Multiple such memories 1020 may be provided as needed. The memory 1020 may be volatile or non-volatile. As a volatile memory, RAM, DRAM, SRAM, etc., can be used for memory 1020. As a non-volatile memory, ROM, PROM, EAROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory (registered trademark), etc., can be used for memory 1020. The examples of memory 1020 listed above are merely illustrative and the invention is not limited to these examples.

[0094] The input / output interface 1030 can provide an interface that connects the MCU 1010 with input devices (not shown) such as keyboards, mice, and touch panels, and output devices (not shown) such as displays, enabling data transmission and reception.

[0095] The communication interface 1040 is configured to send and receive various data with a server and can be any device capable of supporting wired or wireless communication. For example, a battery management device can send and receive various information, including the SOC, OCV, and parameters of battery cells, from a separately provided external server via the communication interface 1040.

[0096] Thus, the computer program according to one embodiment disclosed in this document may be recorded in memory 1020 and processed by MCU 1010 to be realized as a module that performs, for example, the functions shown in Figure 2.

[0097] Even if it has been stated above that all components constituting the embodiments disclosed herein are combined into one or operate in combination, the embodiments disclosed herein are not necessarily limited to such embodiments. That is, within the scope of the purposes of the embodiments disclosed herein, all components may be selectively combined into one or more combinations to operate.

[0098] Furthermore, terms such as "includes," "constitutes," or "possesses," as described above, mean that the component in question may be inherent, unless otherwise stated. Therefore, they should be interpreted as potentially including other components, rather than excluding them. All terms, including technical and scientific terms, have the same meaning as those generally understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments disclosed herein belong, unless otherwise defined. Commonly used terms, such as those defined in dictionaries, should be interpreted in accordance with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this document.

[0099] The above description is merely illustrative of the technical concept disclosed herein, and a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments disclosed herein belong will be able to make various modifications and variations without departing from the essential characteristics of the embodiments disclosed herein. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes only, not to limit the technical concept of the embodiments disclosed herein, and the scope of the technical concept disclosed herein is not limited by such embodiments. The scope of protection of the technical concept disclosed herein should be interpreted in accordance with the attached claims, and all technical concepts within an equivalent scope should be interpreted as being included in the scope of rights of this document.

Claims

1. An intake unit that draws in outside air at the target location, A sensor for detecting foreign matter contained in the air drawn in from the aforementioned intake section, A flow meter for measuring the flow rate of air drawn in from the aforementioned intake section, A pump for generating the aforementioned flow rate, A foreign object detection device comprising: a controller that adjusts the duty cycle of the pump based on the flow rate measured by the flow meter, and determines the degree of foreign object at the target location based on the foreign object detected by the sensor.

2. The aforementioned controller, Set the target flow rate, The foreign object detection device according to claim 1, wherein the duty cycle of the pump is adjusted based on the result of comparing the flow rate measured by the flow meter with the target flow rate.

3. The aforementioned controller, If the flow rate measured by the flow meter exceeds a preset percentage range of the target flow rate, the duty cycle is reduced by a preset value. The foreign object detection device according to claim 2, wherein if the flow rate measured by the flow meter is less than a preset percentage range of the target flow rate, the duty cycle is increased by the preset value.

4. The aforementioned controller, A foreign matter detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which determines whether there is a malfunction in the filter for removing the foreign matter and the pump based on the duty cycle of the pump and the flow rate measured by the flow meter.

5. The aforementioned controller, The foreign object detection device according to claim 4, wherein the pump is deemed abnormal if the flow rate is measured by the flow meter when the duty cycle of the pump is 0%, or if the flow rate measured by the flow meter does not change when the duty cycle is changing.

6. The foreign object detection device according to claim 4, wherein, when the duty cycle of the pump is 100%, the filter is deemed abnormal if the flow rate measured by the flow meter is lower than the target flow rate.

7. The foreign object detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the angle and length of the suction portion are adjustable.

8. The steps include drawing in outside air at the target location, A step to detect foreign matter contained in the inhaled air, A step of measuring the flow rate of the inhaled air, A step of adjusting the duty cycle of the pump for generating the flow rate based on the measured flow rate, A method for operating a foreign object detection device, comprising the step of determining the extent of a foreign object at a target location based on the detected foreign object.

9. The step of adjusting the duty cycle of the pump is: The steps include setting the target flow rate and A step of comparing the measured flow rate with the target flow rate, A method for operating a foreign object detection device according to claim 8, comprising the step of adjusting the duty cycle of the pump based on the result of comparing the measured flow rate with the target flow rate.

10. A method for operating a foreign object detection device according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising the step of determining whether there is a malfunction in the filter for removing the foreign object and the pump based on the duty cycle of the pump and the measured flow rate.

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