Battery monitoring program, recording medium, and battery monitoring system

Abstract

A battery monitoring program (P1) causes a processor (1) to perform: the function of obtaining a failure sign of a secondary battery (2); and the function of testing the battery properties of the secondary battery (2) when a secondary battery (2) failure sign has been obtained. A battery monitoring system (100) for monitoring the secondary battery (2) is equipped with a testing unit (104) for testing the battery properties of the secondary battery (2) when a secondary battery (2) failure sign has been obtained.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is based on Japanese Application No. 2022-180267, filed on November 10, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Technical Field]

[0002] The present disclosure relates to techniques for monitoring batteries. [Background technology]

[0003] Patent Document 1 below discloses a technique for managing multiple batteries arranged in a device exchange station. This technique aims to adjust the replacement priority of multiple batteries. A battery management component according to this technique is configured to receive information indicating at least one battery characteristic associated with the batteries from a server, select at least one battery based on the at least one battery characteristic, and lower the replacement priority of the at least one selected battery based on the received information so that at least one of the selected batteries is removed later than the remaining batteries. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-122253 Summary of the Invention

[0005] A battery includes at least one cell. This cell can be a secondary battery. The performance of a secondary battery deteriorates whether it is used or not. However, the performance of this secondary battery may deteriorate rapidly due to manufacturing variations and the influence of the environment in which it is placed. In contrast, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 is not capable of detecting signs of such deterioration in advance.

[0006] The present disclosure seeks to provide a battery monitoring technique that is effective in preventing secondary batteries from failing.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure is The processor has a function to acquire a secondary battery failure sign and, when the secondary battery failure sign is acquired, only a function of inspecting the battery characteristics of the secondary battery; a function of issuing an instruction to provisionally order a replacement secondary battery to replace the secondary battery only when a failure symptom of the secondary battery is acquired, and a function of issuing an instruction to officially order the replacement secondary battery when it is determined that the secondary battery is unusable based on the battery characteristic inspection result; A battery monitoring program to achieve this. is located.

[0008] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a recording medium on which the battery monitoring program is readably recorded; is located.

[0009] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device comprising: A battery monitoring system for monitoring a secondary battery, If a malfunction symptom of the secondary battery is detected, only An inspection unit that inspects the battery characteristics of the secondary battery and, a provisional ordering unit that issues an instruction to provisionally order a replacement secondary battery to replace the secondary battery only when a failure symptom of the secondary battery is acquired; a formal ordering unit that issues an instruction to officially order the replacement secondary battery when the secondary battery is determined to be unusable based on the battery characteristic inspection result by the inspection unit; and a battery monitoring system comprising: is located.

[0010] According to the above-described aspects, it is possible to prevent the secondary battery from breaking down.

[0011] It should be noted that the symbols in parentheses in the claims indicate the correspondence with the specific means described in the embodiments described below, and do not limit the technical scope of the present disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a battery monitoring system according to a first embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing battery monitoring control by the battery monitoring system of the first embodiment; [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing a plurality of monitoring data acquired by the monitoring data acquisition unit in FIG. 1; [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing the feature values ​​calculated by the monitoring data acquisition unit in FIG. 1; [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a conceptual diagram of the trend component of the partial correlation coefficient in Figure 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing test data acquired from the test data in FIG. 1; [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a battery monitoring system according to a second embodiment; [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a battery monitoring system according to a third embodiment; [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a battery monitoring system according to a fourth embodiment; [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a battery monitoring system according to a fifth embodiment; [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a battery monitoring system according to a sixth embodiment; [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a battery monitoring system according to a seventh embodiment; [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a battery monitoring system according to an eighth embodiment; [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a battery monitoring system according to a ninth embodiment; [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a battery monitoring system including a display program. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The battery monitoring technology according to the above-described embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0014] (Embodiment 1) As shown in FIG. 1, the battery monitoring system 100 of the first embodiment is a system for monitoring a secondary battery 2 that constitutes a battery mounted on a vehicle 10, such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. The secondary battery 2 is an assembled battery formed by combining a plurality of battery cells. The secondary battery 2 forms a so-called "battery pack" together with a BMU (Battery Management Unit), and the BMU includes a monitoring data acquisition unit 101 and a failure sign detection unit 102, which will be described later. The secondary battery 2 (battery pack) may be a replaceable (cartridge type) battery that is removably mounted on the vehicle 10, or may be a fixed battery that is non-removably mounted on the vehicle 10.

[0015] The battery monitoring system 100 includes, as its components, a monitoring data acquisition unit 101, a failure sign detection unit 102, an inspection data acquisition unit 103, an inspection unit 104, a usability determination unit 105, a continued use display unit 106, and a replacement display unit 107. The functions of these components are executed by processors 1 (processors 1A, 1B, 1C) provided in the battery pack on the vehicle 10 side, the charging station 20, and the battery service center 30, respectively.

[0016] The charging station 20 is a facility configured to be at least capable of charging the secondary battery 2 mounted on the vehicle 10. At this charging station 20, the charging operation may be performed on the secondary battery 2 that is still mounted on the vehicle 10, or on the secondary battery 2 that has been removed from the vehicle 10. After charging, the secondary battery 2 may be used again in the vehicle 10, or in another vehicle, or may be reused at a secondary usage destination other than the vehicle 10.

[0017] The battery service center 30 is a facility for receiving faulty secondary batteries 2 and replacing them with new ones. The battery service center 30 may be installed adjacent to the charging station 20, or may be installed at a location away from the charging station 20.

[0018] The functions of each component of the battery monitoring system 100 are realized by a battery monitoring program P1. This battery monitoring program P1 is a program that causes the processor 1 to realize at least the following functions: acquiring monitoring data X of the secondary battery 2; detecting a sign of failure of the secondary battery 2 based on the acquired monitoring data X; inspecting the battery characteristics of the secondary battery 2 when a sign of failure of the secondary battery 2 is acquired; and determining whether the secondary battery 2 is usable based on the battery characteristic inspection result R. This battery monitoring program P1 is preferably readably recorded on a recording medium 50 as needed. Here, "recording" can also be referred to as "storing." Various types of recording medium 50 can be used, such as memory type, disk type, and tape type.

[0019] In the drawings, the recording medium 50 is shown separately from the vehicle 10, the charging station 20, the battery service center 30, and the battery monitoring server 40 (described later). However, the recording medium 50 is included in at least one of these components. The reason for showing the recording medium 50 separately from the above components in the drawings is to avoid a cumbersome or limited display of the storage location of the battery monitoring program P1.

[0020] The term "processor 1" here broadly encompasses the processing devices that perform data calculations and conversions, execute programs, control other devices, etc. Typically, processor 1 is configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls the entire computer, or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) that integrates some of the functions of the CPU.

[0021] In this embodiment, the functions of the monitoring data acquisition unit 101 and the failure sign detection unit 102 are executed by a processor 1A mounted on the BMU in the battery pack. The functions of the inspection data acquisition unit 103, the inspection unit 104, the usability determination unit 105, and the continued use display unit 106 are executed by a processor 1B mounted on a management server (not shown) of the charging station 20. The function of the replacement display unit 107 is executed by a processor 1C mounted on a management server (not shown) of the battery service center 30.

[0022] The allocation of the multiple components (functional elements) of the battery monitoring system 100 to the vehicle 10, the charging station 20, and the battery service center 30 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 1 and can be changed as needed.

[0023] The monitoring data acquisition unit 101 has a function of acquiring monitoring data X of the secondary battery 2. The monitoring data X may be data sensed directly from the secondary battery 2, or may be data obtained after the sensed data has been converted into history information by a control unit or the like. The monitoring data X may include, for example, time-series data such as voltage, charge / discharge current, SOC (State of Charge), battery temperature, ambient temperature around the battery, accumulated charge time, accumulated discharge time, and accumulated current. The monitoring data X of the assembled battery may include, for example, time-series data such as the total voltage of the assembled battery, the maximum and / or minimum voltage of the secondary batteries in the assembled battery, battery temperature, and SOC. The term "voltage" here includes open-circuit voltage and closed-circuit voltage. The monitoring data acquisition unit 101 may be a sensor capable of detecting the monitoring data X to be acquired, such as a voltage sensor, a current sensor, or a temperature sensor, and the SOC is calculated and acquired based on these values.

[0024] The failure sign detection unit 102 has a function of detecting a failure sign of the secondary battery 2 based on the monitoring data X acquired by the monitoring data acquisition unit 101. The test data acquisition unit 103 has a function of acquiring test data Y used to inspect the battery characteristics of the secondary battery 2. The test data Y may be data sensed directly from the secondary battery 2, or data obtained after the sensed data is converted into history information by a control unit or the like. For example, it is preferable to use data included in the results of charging and discharging the secondary battery 2 under specified conditions (e.g., constant current charging and discharging, pulse charging and pulse discharging). A specified charging is performed at the charging station 20, or charge and discharge results acquired under specified conditions while the secondary battery 2 is in operation are extracted and used. Note that a constant current pattern is likely to be acquired during stable driving on a highway, temperature control while parked, power supply to electrical equipment, and stationary use such as V2H (Vehicle to Home) systems. Furthermore, pulse charging and pulse discharging are easily obtained in regeneration during braking and output during starting.

[0025] The inspection unit 104 has a function of inspecting the battery characteristics of the secondary battery 2 on the condition that a failure sign of the secondary battery 2 has been acquired from the vehicle 10 (i.e., the failure sign detection unit 102 has detected a failure sign of the secondary battery 2). The "battery characteristics" referred to here typically include the capacity, internal resistance, charge / discharge efficiency, self-discharge amount, and cycle life of the secondary battery 2. The usability determination unit 105 has a function of determining whether the secondary battery 2 is usable or not based on the battery characteristic inspection result R by the inspection unit 104, and notifying the determination results Ta, Tb to the continued use display unit 106 and the replacement display unit 107.

[0026] The continued use display unit 106 has a function to display the determination result Ta notified by the usability determination unit 105. The determination result Ta is a determination result that the secondary battery 2 can be continued to be used. The replacement display unit 107 has a function to display the determination result Tb notified by the usability determination unit 105. The determination result Tb is a determination result that the secondary battery 2 cannot be continued to be used and must be replaced. At this time, the determination results Ta and Tb are preferably displayed on the screen of each device such as a desktop or notebook personal computer (PC), a tablet terminal, or a mobile terminal.

[0027] Next, the battery monitoring control by the battery monitoring system 100 will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 5. This battery monitoring control is achieved by sequentially executing steps S1 to S8 in Figure 2. Note that one or more steps may be added to these steps as necessary, or multiple steps may be appropriately integrated.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2, step S1 is a step in which the monitoring data acquisition unit 101 (see FIG. 1) acquires the monitoring data X of the secondary battery 2. According to step S1, the monitoring data X of the secondary battery 2 is acquired. Step S2 is a step in which the failure sign detection unit 102 (see FIG. 1) monitors the data correlation of the monitoring data X acquired in step S1. According to step S2, each data correlation of the monitoring data X is monitored. Step S3 is a step in which the failure sign detection unit 102 (see FIG. 1) determines whether or not there is a failure sign of the secondary battery 2 based on the monitoring result of step S2. If it is determined in step S3 that there is a failure sign of the secondary battery 2 (in the case of "Yes" in step S3), proceed to step S4; otherwise (in the case of "No" in step S3), return to step S1.

[0029] Here, a specific example of the processing from step S1 to step S3 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 3, in step S1, a feature quantity of the secondary battery 2 is calculated using multiple types of monitoring data X (six types of monitoring data X1 to X6 in FIG. 3). This feature quantity can be, for example, a correlation coefficient between variables of the monitoring data X. In this embodiment, the correlation coefficient is calculated as a partial correlation coefficient between an explanatory variable and a target variable from components of the inverse covariance matrix of the monitoring data X. The inverse covariance matrix can be calculated by performing sparse regularization using multiple types of monitoring data X as variables. Note that the number of types of monitoring data X is not limited to six.

[0031] In this embodiment, first, sparse regularization is performed using the monitoring data X1 to X6 acquired in the first period A as variables, and a partial correlation coefficient matrix is ​​calculated as an inverse covariance matrix. Then, partial correlation coefficients (see FIG. 4), which are specific components of this partial correlation coefficient matrix, are calculated as feature quantities. As shown in FIG. 4, the partial correlation coefficients, which are feature quantities, change over time.

[0032] Note that the terms "sparse regularization" and "partial correlation coefficient" used here are well-known terms defined in multivariate analysis, which is a method of finding correlations between variables by grouping similar variables from among many variables. For further details of this multivariate analysis, see, for example, "Fault Diagnosis" disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2019-152656 and "Influence Amount Estimation Processing" disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2020-135591.

[0033] Next, in step S2, as shown in FIG. 5, trend components are extracted as systematic fluctuations of the feature quantities by factor decomposition in time series analysis or smoothing processing. Factor decomposition in time series analysis can be performed by a known method. Furthermore, as smoothing processing, a moving average that calculates the average of the most recent feature quantities or Kalman smoothing that extracts past systematic fluctuations based on feature quantities up to the present may be used. Note that the period of the feature quantities used to extract systematic fluctuations is not particularly limited.

[0034] Regarding the period of fluctuations in feature quantities, for example, when monitoring focusing on seasonal changes over a year, fluctuation components with a one-year period can be defined as seasonal fluctuation components, and fluctuation components with periods longer than one year can be defined as long-period trend components.Furthermore, fluctuation components with periods shorter than seasonal fluctuations can be defined as random fluctuations.Furthermore, when monitoring focusing on changes in usage over a week, fluctuation components with a one-week period can be defined as weekly fluctuation components, fluctuation components with periods longer than one week can be defined as long-period trend components, and fluctuation components with periods shorter than one week can be defined as random fluctuations.

[0035] Here, it is known that signs of a failure in the secondary battery 2 appear as long-period trend components in the partial correlation coefficient. Therefore, by extracting the trend components from the partial correlation coefficient as systematic fluctuations, it is possible to reveal the long-period trend components that reflect abnormalities in the secondary battery 2.

[0036] Therefore, in step S3, it is determined whether the systematic variation of the trend component in FIG. 5 has deviated from a predetermined reference range C (i.e., whether a breakdown in correlation is observed). In this embodiment, the reference range C is set in advance at the time of designing the secondary battery 2 based on the fluctuation range of the systematic variation in bench evaluation. If it is determined that the systematic variation has deviated from the reference range C, it is determined in step S3 that "there is a sign of failure." As shown in FIG. 5, at time t1, the trend component, which is the systematic variation, has deviated from the reference range C, and it is determined that there is a sign of failure in the secondary battery 2.

[0037] Further details of the processing from step S1 to step S3 in this embodiment can be clarified, for example, by referring to the battery monitoring system and control mode disclosed in Patent Publication No. 2021-135114.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 2, step S4 is a step in which the test data acquisition unit 103 (see FIG. 1) sets acquisition conditions for the test data Y of the secondary battery 2. According to step S4, the acquisition conditions for the test data Y of the secondary battery 2 are set. Examples of acquisition conditions include the acquisition cycle of the test data Y, the items to be acquired for the test data Y, the number of acquisitions (such as the number of acquired cells), and the transmission cycle of the acquired test data Y to the inspection unit 104. Note that if preset acquisition conditions are used, step S4 can be omitted.

[0039] The acquisition conditions are preferably conditions that enable more detailed inspection data Y to be transmitted to the inspection unit 104 than during normal driving of the vehicle 10. These conditions can be achieved, for example, by shortening the acquisition cycle of the inspection data Y, increasing the number of items and acquisitions of the inspection data Y, or shortening the transmission cycle of the inspection data Y to the inspection unit 104. This allows the inspection unit 104 to inspect the battery characteristics of the secondary battery 2 in detail. For example, if the data included in the inspection data Y is voltage, during normal driving, only the upper and lower voltage limits of the secondary battery 2 are used for control, while voltage fluctuation values ​​for all cells of the secondary battery 2 are acquired, thereby increasing the number of acquired data. Similarly, if the data included in the inspection data Y is temperature, during normal driving, only the upper and lower temperature limits of the secondary battery 2 are used for control, while temperature fluctuation values ​​for all cells of the secondary battery 2 are acquired, thereby increasing the number of acquired data.

[0040] Step S5 is a step in which inspection data Y of the secondary battery 2 is acquired by the inspection data acquisition unit 103 (see FIG. 1). As shown in FIG. 6, step S5 of this embodiment illustrates an example in which the charge / discharge result of the secondary battery 2 is acquired as the inspection data Y. This charge / discharge result is preferably for constant current charging and discharging of the secondary battery 2, and a discharge period is formed by leaving a rest period after the charging period. Note that this charge / discharge result is merely an example, and is not limited to this charge / discharge result. For example, it may be a charge / discharge result obtained by a charge / discharge pattern in which pulse charging and discharging are repeated while gradually changing the current.

[0041] Step S6 in Fig. 2 is a step in which the inspection unit 104 (see Fig. 1) performs a detailed inspection of the battery characteristics of the secondary battery 2 based on the inspection data Y acquired in step S5. Step S6 performs a detailed inspection of the battery characteristics of the secondary battery 2. When the charge / discharge results of the secondary battery 2 are acquired as the inspection data Y, battery characteristics such as the capacity, internal resistance, charge / discharge efficiency, self-discharge amount, and cycle life of the secondary battery 2 are inspected based on the acquired charge / discharge results.

[0042] In this embodiment, since the inspection unit 104 is provided in the charging station 20 (see FIG. 1) to execute step S6, it is possible to manipulate the charge / discharge pattern of the inspection data Y, which has the effect of enabling more accurate detailed inspection. Also, it is effective in efficiently performing correction and update work of the inspection logic for detailed inspection at the charging station 20.

[0043] Step S7 is a step following step S6 in which the usability determination unit 105 (see FIG. 1) determines whether the secondary battery 2 is usable. In this step S7, a threshold is set for the results of the detailed inspection in step S6, and the usability of the secondary battery 2 is determined based on this threshold. At this time, the threshold may be set in advance, or may be updated by a system administrator during use. In step S7, it is determined whether the secondary battery 2 is in a state in which it can be used continuously, or in a state in which it cannot be used continuously and needs to be replaced.

[0044] Step S8 is a step in which the determination result of step S7 is displayed by the continued use display unit 106 and the replacement display unit 107 (see FIG. 1 ). According to step S8, the determination result Ta, indicating that the secondary battery 2 is in a state where it can be continuously used, is displayed on the continued use display unit 106. In this embodiment, since the continued use display unit 106 is provided in the charging station 20, if the battery pack including the secondary battery 2 is replaceable, the determination result Ta of the rented battery pack can be confirmed at the charging station 20. Furthermore, according to step S8, the determination result Tb, indicating that the secondary battery 2 cannot be continuously used and needs to be replaced, is displayed on the replacement display unit 107. According to this embodiment, since the replacement display unit 107 is provided in the battery service center 30, the battery service center 30 can quickly proceed to preparations for the replacement of the secondary battery 2 after confirming the determination result Tb, thereby shortening the waiting time for the replacement of the secondary battery 2. As a result, the efficiency of maintenance work for the secondary battery 2 can be improved.

[0045] According to the first embodiment, the following effects are achieved.

[0046] In the first embodiment, when a failure symptom of the secondary battery 2 is acquired, a process is executed to inspect the battery characteristics of the secondary battery 2. This makes it possible to prevent the secondary battery 2 from failing. For example, when a sudden performance degradation that is likely to lead to failure of the secondary battery 2 is predicted, a detailed inspection of the secondary battery that is predicted to fail can be performed to prevent the secondary battery 2 from failing while in use.

[0047] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the battery characteristics of the secondary battery 2 are inspected only when a failure symptom is acquired for the secondary battery 2. This makes it possible to omit unnecessary inspections such as inspections that are performed periodically, thereby improving the operating efficiency of the secondary battery 2.

[0048] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the usability of the secondary battery 2 is determined based on the test result R of the battery characteristics of the secondary battery 2. Therefore, the accuracy of determining whether the secondary battery 2 is usable can be improved.

[0049] In the first embodiment, when the failure sign detection unit 102 (step S3) determines that there is a failure sign in the secondary battery 2, notification information may be displayed on a display unit (not shown) on the vehicle 10 side. Examples of the "notification information" here include a failure sign notification indicating that there is a failure sign in the secondary battery 2, and a return promotion notification urging the return of the secondary battery 2. This will encourage the occupant who has confirmed the notification information to take action such as moving the vehicle 10 to the charging station 20, etc. As a result, the risk of failure occurring in the secondary battery 2 while the vehicle 10 is traveling can be reduced.

[0050] Hereinafter, other embodiments related to the above-described embodiment 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. In the other embodiments, the same elements as those in the above-described embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the same elements will be omitted.

[0051] (Embodiment 2) As shown in FIG. 7 , the battery monitoring system 200 of the second embodiment differs from the battery monitoring system 100 of the first embodiment in that a failure sign detection unit 102 is provided in the charging station 20 instead of in the battery pack of the vehicle 10. In this battery monitoring system 200, the monitoring data X acquired by the monitoring data acquisition unit 101 may be temporarily stored by a data storage function provided in the battery pack of the vehicle 10 and then output to the charging station 20 when the vehicle 10 or the battery pack arrives at the charging station 20, or may be continuously output to the charging station 20 by a data transmission / reception function between the vehicle 10 and the charging station 20. The functions of each component of the battery monitoring system 200 are realized by a battery monitoring program P2. This battery monitoring program P2 is a program that causes the processor 1 (processors 1A, 1B, 1C) to realize the same functions as the battery monitoring program P1 of the first embodiment. This battery monitoring program P2 is preferably readably recorded on a recording medium 50 as needed.

[0052] The other configurations and controls are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0053] According to the second embodiment, both the process of detecting a sign of failure of the secondary battery 2 based on the monitoring data X and the process of performing a detailed inspection of the battery characteristics of the secondary battery 2 based on the inspection data Y can be performed collectively in the charging station 20. In this case, it is effective to efficiently perform the correction and update work of the detection logic for the sign of failure and the correction and update work of the inspection logic for the detailed inspection in the charging station 20. Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, the function of the sign of failure detection unit 102 is transferred to the charging station 20 side, thereby reducing the calculation load of the BMU in the battery pack.

[0054] In addition, the same effects as those of the first embodiment are achieved.

[0055] (Embodiment 3) As shown in Fig. 8, the battery monitoring system 300 of the third embodiment differs from the battery monitoring system 100 of the first embodiment in that the inspection data acquisition unit 103 and the inspection unit 104 are provided in the battery pack of the vehicle 10 instead of in the charging station 20. The functions of the components of the battery monitoring system 300 are realized by a battery monitoring program P3. This battery monitoring program P3 is a program for causing the processor 1 (processors 1A, 1B, 1C) to realize functions similar to those of the battery monitoring program P1 of the first embodiment. This battery monitoring program P3 is preferably readably recorded on a recording medium 50 as necessary.

[0056] The other configurations and controls are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0057] According to the third embodiment, both the process of detecting a sign of failure in the secondary battery 2 based on the monitoring data X and the process of performing a detailed inspection of the battery characteristics of the secondary battery 2 based on the inspection data Y can be performed collectively in the vehicle 10. In this case, it is effective to efficiently perform the correction and update work of the detection logic for signs of failure and the correction and update work of the inspection logic for the detailed inspection in the vehicle 10. Furthermore, according to the third embodiment, by transferring the functions of the inspection data acquisition unit 103 and the inspection unit 104 to the battery pack on the vehicle 10 side, it is possible to quickly move from detecting a sign of failure in the secondary battery 2 to performing the detailed inspection.

[0058] In addition, the same effects as those of the first embodiment are achieved.

[0059] (Embodiment 4) As shown in FIG. 9 , the battery monitoring system 400 of the fourth embodiment differs from the battery monitoring system 100 of the first embodiment in that the failure sign detection unit 102 is provided in the battery monitoring server 40 instead of in the battery pack of the vehicle 10. The battery monitoring server 40 is a facility for providing monitoring services for the secondary battery 2. In this battery monitoring system 400, when the failure sign detection unit 102 of the battery monitoring server 40 detects a failure sign, the charging station 20 is notified of this. Thereafter, when the vehicle 10 or the battery pack arrives at the charging station 20, the inspection data acquisition unit 103 of the charging station 20 acquires inspection data Y. The function of the failure sign detection unit 102 is executed by a processor 1D installed in the battery monitoring server 40. The battery monitoring server 40 may be provided together with either the charging station 20 or the battery service center 30, or may be installed in a location remote from the charging station 20 or the battery service center 30. The functions of each component of the battery monitoring system 400 are realized by a battery monitoring program P4. This battery monitoring program P4 is a program for causing the processors 1 (processors 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D) provided in the battery pack on the vehicle 10 side, the charging station 20, the battery service center 30, and the battery monitoring server 40 to realize functions similar to those of the battery monitoring program P1 of the first embodiment. This battery monitoring program P4 is preferably readably recorded on a recording medium 50 as needed.

[0060] The other configurations and controls are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0061] According to the fourth embodiment, the process of detecting a sign of failure of the secondary battery 2 based on the monitoring data X can be performed by the battery monitoring server 40. In this case, it is effective to efficiently perform the correction and update work of the detection logic for the sign of failure by the battery monitoring server 40.

[0062] In addition, the same effects as those of the first embodiment are achieved.

[0063] (Embodiment 5) 10 , the battery monitoring system 500 of the fifth embodiment differs from the battery monitoring system 400 of the fourth embodiment in that the inspection data acquisition unit 103 is provided in the battery pack of the vehicle 10 instead of in the charging station 20, and the inspection unit 104 is provided in the battery monitoring server 40 instead of in the charging station 20. The functions of the components of the battery monitoring system 500 are realized by a battery monitoring program P5. This battery monitoring program P5 is a program for causing the processor 1 (processors 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D) to realize functions similar to those of the battery monitoring program P4 of the fourth embodiment. This battery monitoring program P5 is preferably readably recorded on a recording medium 50 as necessary.

[0064] The other configurations and controls are the same as those in the fourth embodiment.

[0065] According to the fifth embodiment, both the process of detecting a sign of failure of the secondary battery 2 based on the monitoring data X and the process of performing a detailed inspection of the battery characteristics of the secondary battery 2 based on the inspection data Y can be performed collectively by the battery monitoring server 40. In this case, it is effective to efficiently perform the correction and update work of the detection logic for signs of failure and the correction and update work of the inspection logic for the detailed inspection by the battery monitoring server 40.

[0066] In addition, the same effects as those of the fourth embodiment are achieved.

[0067] As a modification particularly related to the battery monitoring system 500 of the fifth embodiment, a battery monitoring system in which the usability determination unit 105 is provided in the battery monitoring server 40 can be adopted.

[0068] (Embodiment 6) 11, the battery monitoring system 600 of the sixth embodiment differs from the battery monitoring system 500 of the fifth embodiment in that the inspection data acquisition unit 103 is provided in the charging station 20 instead of in the battery pack of the vehicle 10. The functions of the components of the battery monitoring system 600 are realized by a battery monitoring program P6. This battery monitoring program P6 is a program for causing the processor 1 (processors 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D) to realize functions similar to those of the battery monitoring program P5 of the fifth embodiment. This battery monitoring program P6 is preferably readably recorded on a recording medium 50 as needed.

[0069] The other configurations and controls are the same as those in the fifth embodiment.

[0070] According to the sixth embodiment, the process of acquiring the test data Y can be performed at the charging station 20. In this case, the intended charge / discharge pattern can be acquired at the charging station 20, which is effective in improving the test accuracy. In addition, it is effective in efficiently performing the correction and update of the acquisition conditions for the test data Y at the charging station 20.

[0071] In addition, the same effects as those of the fifth embodiment are achieved.

[0072] (Embodiment 7) As shown in FIG. 12 , the battery monitoring system 700 of the seventh embodiment differs from the battery monitoring system 600 of the sixth embodiment in that the inspection unit 104 is provided in the charging station 20 instead of the battery monitoring server 40, and a provisional order unit 108 and a formal order unit 109 are newly provided in the battery service center 30. The functions of the components of the battery monitoring system 700 are realized by a battery monitoring program P7. This battery monitoring program P7 causes the processor 1 (processors 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D) to realize, in addition to the same functions as the battery monitoring program P6 of the sixth embodiment, the following functions: a function to instruct the processor 1 (processors 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D) to provisionally order a replacement secondary battery to replace the secondary battery 2 when a failure symptom of the secondary battery 2 is detected, and a function to instruct the processor 1 to formally order a replacement secondary battery when the secondary battery 2 is determined to be unusable based on the battery characteristic inspection result R. This battery monitoring program P7 is preferably readably recorded on a recording medium 50 as needed.

[0073] The provisional order unit 108 has a function of instructing the provisional order of a replacement secondary battery to replace the secondary battery 2 when the failure sign detection unit 102 acquires a failure sign of the secondary battery 2. As a result, the replacement secondary battery is provisionally ordered. The formal order unit 109 has a function of instructing the formal order of a replacement secondary battery when the usability determination unit 105 determines that the secondary battery 2 is unusable based on the battery characteristic inspection result R by the inspection unit 104, that is, on the condition that the determination result Tb is received. As a result, the replacement secondary battery that has already been provisionally ordered is formally ordered. The formal order unit 109 is also configured to have a function of causing the replacement display unit 107 to display the determination result Tb by the usability determination unit 105.

[0074] The other configurations and controls are the same as those in the sixth embodiment.

[0075] According to the seventh embodiment, a provisional order for the secondary battery 2 is placed based on the battery characteristic inspection result R by the inspection unit 104, and then the provisional order for the secondary battery 2 is changed to a formal order when the determination result Tb is received by the formal order unit 109. This allows the battery service center 30 to quickly move on to preparations for the replacement of the secondary battery 2, and also shortens the waiting time for delivery of the secondary battery 2. As a result, the efficiency of maintenance work for the secondary battery 2 can be improved.

[0076] In addition, the same effects as those of the sixth embodiment are achieved.

[0077] (Embodiment 8) As shown in FIG. 13 , the battery monitoring system 800 of the eighth embodiment differs from the battery monitoring system 100 of the first embodiment in that the failure sign detection unit 102 and the test data acquisition unit 103 are provided in the battery pack of the vehicle 10 instead of in the charging station 20, and a command output unit 110 is newly provided in the battery pack of the vehicle 10. The functions of the components of the battery monitoring system 800 are realized by a battery monitoring program P8. This battery monitoring program P8 is a program for causing the processor 1 (processors 1A, 1B, 1C) to realize, in addition to the same functions as the battery monitoring program P1 of the first embodiment, the following functions: to output a usage restriction command Sa to the battery control unit 3 when a failure sign of the secondary battery 2 is detected, and to output a usage restriction release command Sb to the battery control unit 3 when the secondary battery 2 is normal based on the battery characteristic test result R. This battery monitoring program P8 is preferably readably recorded on a recording medium 50 as needed.

[0078] The command output unit 110 has two functions: to output a usage restriction command Sa to the battery control unit 3 when the failure sign detection unit 102 detects a failure sign in the secondary battery 2; and to output a usage restriction release command Sb to the battery control unit 3 when the secondary battery 2 is normal based on the battery characteristic inspection result R by the inspection unit 104. Upon receiving the usage restriction command Sa from the command output unit 110, the battery control unit 3 performs control of the secondary battery 2 with usage restrictions imposed on it in comparison with normal control. On the other hand, upon receiving the usage restriction release command Sb from the command output unit 110, the battery control unit 3 performs normal control with usage restrictions on the secondary battery 2 removed. The "usage restriction" here includes modes such as restricting input / output power, narrowing upper and lower voltage ranges, improving battery temperature control performance, and controlling the battery to prevent deterioration. The battery control unit 3 may also function as a battery control unit originally provided in the secondary battery 2, or may be a unit dedicated to the command output unit 110.

[0079] The other configurations and controls are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0080] According to the eighth embodiment, if there is a sign of failure in the secondary battery 2, by imposing a usage restriction on the secondary battery 2, it is possible to reduce the risk of the secondary battery 2 failing while the vehicle 10 is running. Furthermore, if a subsequent detailed inspection confirms that the secondary battery 2 is actually normal, it is possible to restore the performance of the vehicle 10 while it is running by removing the usage restriction imposed on the secondary battery 2. Therefore, it is possible to provide highly convenient control in preparation for a failure in the secondary battery 2 while the vehicle 10 is running.

[0081] In addition, the same effects as those of the first embodiment are achieved.

[0082] (Embodiment 9) As shown in FIG. 14 , the battery monitoring system 900 of the ninth embodiment differs from the battery monitoring system 100 of the first embodiment in that a return notification unit 111 is newly provided in the battery pack on the vehicle 10 side. The functions of each component of the battery monitoring system 900 are realized by a battery monitoring program P9. This battery monitoring program P9 is a program for causing the processor 1 (processors 1A, 1B, 1C) to realize, in addition to the same functions as the battery monitoring program P1 of the first embodiment, the following functions: a function to send a notification prompting the return of the secondary battery 2 when a failure symptom of the secondary battery 2 is acquired, and a function to cancel the return notification when the secondary battery 2 is normal based on the battery characteristic inspection result R. This battery monitoring program P9 is preferably readably recorded on the recording medium 50 as necessary.

[0083] The return notification unit 111 has both a function of issuing a notification urging the return of the secondary battery 2 when the failure sign detection unit 102 acquires a failure sign of the secondary battery 2, and a function of withdrawing the return notification when the secondary battery 2 is normal based on the battery characteristic inspection result R by the inspection unit 104. If the battery pack including the secondary battery 2 is replaceable, the return notification unit 111 is preferably provided in the battery pack itself. If the replaceable battery pack is mounted on the vehicle, it is desirable to display a signal from the return notification unit 111 on the vehicle 10. This allows the user to check the return notification and its withdrawal on the battery pack, whether the battery pack is removed from the vehicle 10 or mounted on the vehicle 10. If the battery pack is fixed, the return notification unit 111 can be provided in at least one of the vehicle 10 and the battery pack.

[0084] The other configurations and controls are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0085] According to the ninth embodiment, the user can recognize that there are signs of a malfunction in the secondary battery 2 by checking the return prompting notice for the secondary battery 2 in the return notifying unit 111, and can prepare to return the secondary battery 2. Furthermore, the user can then recognize that the detailed inspection of the secondary battery 2 has shown that the secondary battery 2 is actually normal by checking the withdrawal of the return prompting notice in the return notifying unit 111. This allows the user to be promptly notified of information regarding the malfunction of the secondary battery 2.

[0086] In addition, the same effects as those of the first embodiment are achieved.

[0087] Although the present disclosure has been described based on the above-described embodiments, it is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to these forms and structures. The present disclosure also encompasses various modifications and modifications within the scope of equivalents. In addition, various combinations and forms, as well as other combinations and forms including only one element, more than one element, or less than one element, are also within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. For example, the following forms can be implemented by applying the above-described forms.

[0088] In the above embodiment, the case where the usability of the secondary battery 2 is determined based on the test result R of the battery characteristics of the secondary battery 2 and the determination results Ta and Tb are displayed has been exemplified, but instead, only the test result R of the battery characteristics may be displayed without determining the usability of the secondary battery 2, or the test result R of the battery characteristics may be displayed together with the determination results Ta and Tb. The program used when the usability of the secondary battery 2 is not determined is sufficient if it causes the processor 1 to realize at least the function of acquiring monitoring data X of the secondary battery 2 and the function of inspecting the battery characteristics of the secondary battery 2 based on the inspection data Y when a symptom of a failure of the secondary battery 2 is obtained based on the acquired monitoring data X.

[0089] <Display program> The battery monitoring program described in this embodiment includes at least a part of a display program P10 (see FIG. 15), which is described as a technical concept below. Alternatively, this display program P10 may not be included in the battery monitoring program and may be separate. This display program P10 is recorded in a non-transitory storage medium of at least one of the charging station 20 and the battery service center 30. The display program P10 displays information to the user on at least one of the continued use display unit 106 of the charging station 20 and the replacement display unit 107 of the battery service center 30.

[0090] Furthermore, this display program P10 may be downloaded from a cloud server or the like to a user's owned device 60, such as a desktop or notebook personal computer (PC), a tablet terminal, or a mobile terminal. The display program P10 may then display information to the user on the screen of the owned device 60. In such a case, for example, the display unit 61 shown in FIG. 15 corresponds to the screen of the owned device 60. The display program P10 may be stored on a cloud server.

[0091] [Technical thought 1] A display program (P10) for causing the processor (1) to realize a function of displaying on the display unit (61) signs of failure of the secondary battery (2) and test results (R) of the battery characteristics of the secondary battery that has been predicted to have a failure. [Technical thought 2] A display program according to technical idea 1, which causes a processor to realize a function of displaying on the display unit at least one of a provisional order for a replacement secondary battery to replace the secondary battery that is predicted to fail, and a formal order for the replacement secondary battery to replace the secondary battery that has been determined to be unusable. [Technical thought 3] A display program according to technical idea 2, which causes a processor to realize a function of displaying on the display unit at least one of the usage restriction of the secondary battery that is predicted to fail and the lifting of the usage restriction of the secondary battery that is determined to be normal. [Technical thought 4] A display program as described in technical idea 3, which causes a processor to realize the function of displaying on the display unit at least one of a notification urging the return of the secondary battery that is predicted to malfunction and a withdrawal of the notification urging the return of the secondary battery that is determined to be normal.

Claims

1. A battery monitoring program (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, P7, P8, P9) for enabling a processor (1) to implement the following functions: acquiring signs of failure of a secondary battery (2); inspecting the battery characteristics of the secondary battery only when signs of failure of the secondary battery are acquired; instructing a provisional order for a replacement secondary battery to replace the secondary battery only when signs of failure of the secondary battery are acquired; and instructing a formal order for the replacement secondary battery when it is determined that the secondary battery is unusable based on the battery characteristics inspection results (R).

2. A battery monitoring program as described in claim 1, which causes a processor (1) to realize the following functions: a function of outputting a usage restriction command (Sa) to a battery control unit (3) when a sign of failure of the secondary battery is acquired; and a function of outputting a usage restriction release command (Sb) to the battery control unit when the secondary battery is normal based on the battery characteristic inspection result (R).

3. A battery monitoring program as described in claim 1, for enabling a processor (1) to realize the functions of issuing a notification to encourage the return of the secondary battery when signs of failure of the secondary battery are obtained, and of withdrawing the notification to encourage the return of the secondary battery when the secondary battery is found to be normal based on the battery characteristic inspection results (R).

4. A recording medium (50) on which the battery monitoring program according to any one of claims 1 to 3 is readably recorded.

5. A battery monitoring system for monitoring a secondary battery (2), a failure sign detection unit (102) for acquiring a failure sign of the secondary battery; an inspection unit (104) that inspects battery characteristics of the secondary battery only when the failure sign detection unit acquires a failure sign of the secondary battery; a provisional ordering unit (108) that issues an instruction to provisionally order a replacement secondary battery to replace the secondary battery only when a failure symptom of the secondary battery is acquired; a formal ordering unit (109) that instructs formal ordering of the replacement secondary battery when it is determined that the secondary battery is unusable based on the battery characteristic inspection result (R) by the inspection unit; A battery monitoring system (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900) comprising:

6. 6. The battery monitoring system of claim 5, further comprising a command output unit (110) that outputs a usage restriction command (Sa) to a battery control unit (3) when a sign of failure of the secondary battery is acquired, and outputs a usage restriction release command (Sb) to the battery control unit when the secondary battery is normal based on the inspection results (R) of the battery characteristics by the inspection unit.

7. The battery monitoring system of claim 5 further comprises a return notification unit (111) that issues a return promotion notification for the secondary battery when a sign of failure of the secondary battery is detected, and withdraws the return promotion notification if the secondary battery is normal based on the inspection results (R) of the battery characteristics by the inspection unit.

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