Method and system for diagnosing abnormal contact resistance

Abstract

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

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - reference to Related Applications] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2023 - 0144699, filed on October 26, 2023, and all the contents disclosed in the document of the Korean patent application are included as part of this specification.

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for diagnosing abnormal contact resistance and a system for diagnosing abnormal contact resistance.

Background Art

[0003] An exchangeable battery pack charged via a BSS (Battery Swapping System / Station) is detached and attached multiple times between a plurality of BSSs and a plurality of vehicles due to the characteristics of the usage environment. Due to such multiple detachments and attachments with various devices, fatigue may accumulate in the connector of the battery pack, or foreign matter may occur in the connector.

[0004] When the contact resistance of the connector increases due to deformation caused by the accumulation of fatigue in the connector or the biting of foreign matter, the performance of the battery pack may deteriorate during the charging and discharging of the battery pack.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The present invention provides a method for diagnosing abnormal contact resistance and a system for diagnosing abnormal contact resistance that monitor the contact resistance between the battery pack and the BSS and the contact resistance between the battery pack and the vehicle for an exchangeable battery pack, and diagnose the occurrence of abnormalities in the connectors provided in each of the battery pack, the BSS, and the vehicle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A method relating to one feature of the invention is a contact resistance abnormality diagnosis method performed by a processor executing a connector contact abnormality diagnosis program stored in memory, and includes the steps of: when the battery connector of a battery pack is connected to a plurality of system connectors of a plurality of battery swapping systems (BSS) at a plurality of first time points by a first connector assembly, a central server receives a plurality of first contact resistance values ​​for the first connector assembly corresponding to the plurality of first time points from the plurality of BSSs; when the battery connector is connected to a plurality of vehicle connectors of a plurality of vehicles at a plurality of second time points by a second connector assembly, the central server receives a plurality of second contact resistance values ​​for the second connector assembly corresponding to the plurality of second time points from the plurality of vehicles; the central server arranges the plurality of first contact resistance values ​​and the plurality of second contact resistance values ​​in time order of the plurality of first time points and the plurality of second time points and generates a log table; and determines the state of the battery connector, the plurality of system connectors and the plurality of vehicle connectors based on the log table.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0013] A contact resistance abnormality diagnosis system according to other features of the invention includes a memory storing a connector contact abnormality diagnosis program for a replaceable battery pack, a processor that executes the connector contact abnormality diagnosis program to determine the state of the battery connector of the battery pack, a plurality of system connectors of a plurality of battery swapping systems (BSS), and a plurality of vehicle connectors of a plurality of vehicles, and a communication unit that, when the battery connector is coupled to each of the plurality of BSSs with a first connector assembly at a plurality of first time points, receives a plurality of first contact resistance values ​​from the plurality of BSSs for the first connector assembly corresponding to the plurality of first time points, and when the battery connector is coupled to each of the plurality of vehicles with a second connector assembly at a plurality of second time points, receives a plurality of second contact resistance values ​​from the plurality of vehicles for the second connector assembly corresponding to the plurality of second time points, wherein the processor generates a log table by arranging the plurality of first contact resistance values ​​and the plurality of second contact resistance values ​​in time order of the plurality of first time points and the plurality of second time points, and determines the state of the battery connector, the plurality of system connectors and the plurality of vehicle connectors based on the log table.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the risk of difficulty in using the battery pack due to connector contact abnormalities can be prevented.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, before problems occur in the operation of a BSS, a vehicle, etc. to which a replaceable battery pack can be coupled, the connector can be repaired, thereby achieving convenience in management and cost reduction for the BSS, the vehicle, etc.

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

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] It is a block diagram schematically showing a contact abnormality diagnosis system for a replaceable battery pack according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] It is an exemplary diagram showing a detailed configuration of a battery connector. [Figure 3] It is an exemplary diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a system connector or a vehicle connector. [Figure 4] It is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the battery pack and the BSS illustrated in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] It is a block diagram schematically showing a state in which a battery pack according to an embodiment is coupled to the BSS illustrated in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] It is a block diagram showing an embodiment in which one end of the BSS illustrated in FIG. 5 is connected to a system connector. [Figure 7] It is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the battery pack and the vehicle illustrated in FIG. 1. [Figure 8] It is a block diagram schematically showing a state in which a battery pack according to an embodiment is connected to the vehicle illustrated in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] It is a block diagram showing an embodiment in which one end of the vehicle illustrated in FIG. 8 is connected to a vehicle connector. [Figure 10] It is a block diagram schematically showing a detailed configuration of the central server illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4 to 9. [Figure 11] It is an exemplary diagram of a graph shown by a log table according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] This is an illustrative diagram of a graph shown by a log table according to one embodiment. [Figure 13] This is an illustrative diagram of a graph shown by a log table according to one embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a flowchart of a contact resistance abnormality diagnosis method according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings, but identical or similar components will be denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted. The component suffixes “module” and / or “part” used in the following description are added or used interchangeably solely for the sake of ease of writing the specification and do not have any distinguishing meaning or role in themselves. Furthermore, in describing the embodiments disclosed herein, if it is determined that a specific description of the relevant prior art would obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed herein, a detailed description will be omitted. In addition, the attached drawings are provided to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein, and the technical ideas disclosed herein are not limited by the attached drawings, but should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents or substitutes that fall within the concept and technical scope of the present invention.

[0026] Terms including ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," etc., can be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited to those terms. Such terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0027] In this application, terms such as "includes" or "has" indicate the presence of features, figures, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the presence or possibility of the addition of one or more other features or figures, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0028] In one embodiment of the configuration, a configuration that controls other configurations under specific control conditions may have an implementation program installed as a set of instruction words that embody the control algorithm necessary to control the other configurations. The control configuration can process input data and stored data according to the installed program and generate output data. The control configuration may include a non-volatile memory for storing the program and a memory for storing data.

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

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

[0031] The battery pack 10 may include a battery connector 21. The battery pack 10 is a replaceable battery pack and can be attached and detached multiple times between each of the BSS 30_1 to 30_3 or between applications. Here, the application can refer to battery pack-related objects such as motorcycles, go-karts, and automobiles. For the sake of explanation, the application will be assumed to be a vehicle.

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

[0033] For the sake of explanation, when describing the common operation and technical characteristics of multiple BSS30_1~30_3, multiple BSS30_1~30_3 will be collectively referred to as BSS30. In Figure 1, the number of multiple BSS30_1~30_3 is shown as three, but this is for the sake of explanation and the present invention is not limited to this. The contact resistance abnormality diagnosis system 1 may include two or more BSSs. For the sake of explanation, the number of multiple BSSs will be assumed to be three.

[0034] BSS30_1 may include system connector 22_1, BSS30_2 may include system connector 22_2, and BSS30_3 may include system connector 22_3. Each of the multiple BSS30_1 to 30_3 (e.g., 30_1) can charge the battery pack 10 that is coupled to the corresponding system connector (e.g., 22_1) among the multiple system connectors 22_1 to 22_3.

[0035] For the sake of explanation, when describing the common operation and technical characteristics of the multiple system connectors 22_1 to 22_3, the multiple system connectors 22_1 to 22_3 will be collectively referred to as system connector 22. System connector 22 is electrically connected to battery connector 21 by coupling with it. Battery connector 21 may be coupled to one of the multiple system connectors 22_1 to 22_3 (for example, 22_10), and the corresponding BSS (for example, 30_1) from the multiple BSSs 30_1 to 30_3 may be electrically connected to battery pack 10.

[0036] In Figure 1, for the sake of explanation, among the multiple BSSs 30_1 to 30_3, the BSS to which the battery pack 10 is connected is shown as BSS 30_1, and among the multiple vehicles 40_1 and 40_2, the vehicle 40_1 is shown as the application to which the battery pack 10 is connected. However, this is for the sake of explanation only, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0037] For the sake of explanation, when describing the common operation and technical characteristics of multiple vehicles 40_1 and 40_2, they will be collectively referred to as vehicle 40. In Figure 1, the number of multiple vehicles 40_1 and 40_2 is shown as two, but this is for the sake of explanation and the present invention is not limited to this. The contact resistance abnormality diagnosis system 1 can include two or more vehicles. For the sake of explanation, the number of multiple vehicles will be assumed to be two.

[0038] Vehicle 40_1 may include vehicle connector 23_1, and vehicle 40_2 may include vehicle connector 23_2. Each of the multiple vehicles 40_1 and 40_2 (for example, 40_1) can discharge the battery pack 10 that is connected to the corresponding vehicle connector (for example, 23_1) among the multiple vehicle connectors 23_1 and 23_2.

[0039] For the sake of explanation, when describing the common operation and technical characteristics of multiple vehicle connectors 23_1 and 23_2, they will be collectively referred to as vehicle connector 23. Vehicle connector 23 may be coupled and electrically connected to battery connector 21. Battery connector 21 may be coupled to one of the multiple vehicle connectors 23_1 and 23_2 (for example, 23_1), and the corresponding vehicle (for example, 40_1) among the multiple vehicles 40_1 and 40_2 may be electrically connected to battery pack 10.

[0040] The central server 50 can communicate with the BSS 30 and / or the vehicle 40 via the network, and can also communicate with the user terminal 60 via the network. The network may be wired or wireless. For example, the network may be the LTE communication of the vehicle 40, or the Ethernet® (registered trademark) communication of each of the multiple BSS 30_1 to 30_3. The central server 50 can receive charging contact resistance information and discharge contact resistance information from the BSS 30 and / or the vehicle 40. The charging contact resistance information may be the contact resistance of the connector connecting the battery pack 10 and the BSS 30 when the battery pack 10 is being charged, and the discharge contact resistance information may be the contact resistance of the connector connecting the battery pack 10 and the vehicle 40 when the battery pack 10 is being discharged. For example, the central server 50 can receive charging contact resistance information from BSS 30_1 and discharge contact resistance information from vehicle 40_1.

[0041] The battery pack 10 may be connected to each of the multiple BSSs 30_1 to 30_3 at least once, and to each of the multiple vehicles 40_1 and 40_2 at least once. Each of the multiple BSSs 30_1 to 30_3 receives charging contact resistance information from the battery pack 10 in accordance with each connection point, and can transmit the charging contact resistance information to the central server 50 at any point within a predetermined time period from the time of reception. Each of the multiple vehicles 40_1 and 40_2 receives discharge contact resistance information from the battery pack 10 in accordance with each connection point, and can transmit the discharge contact resistance information to the central server 50 at any point within a predetermined time period from the time of reception.

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

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

[0044] In Figure 1, the battery pack 10 is shown to perform charging operations via multiple BSS 30_1 to 30_3 and discharging operations via multiple vehicles 40_1 and 40_2. However, this is for illustrative purposes only, and the present invention is not limited thereto. The following description of multiple BSS 30_1 to 30_3 can be applied to a device equipped with a charging device capable of charging the battery pack 10, and the description of multiple vehicles 40_1 and 40_2 can be applied to a device equipped with a load that receives power from the battery pack 10.

[0045] The battery pack 10 may experience deformation due to fatigue accumulation of the connectors and foreign matter between the connectors due to repeated attachment and detachment to multiple BSS 30_1~30_3 and multiple vehicles 40_1, 40_2. The contact resistance abnormality diagnosis system 1 can determine the state of the battery connector 21, system connector 22, and vehicle connector 23 based on the contact resistance value of the connector combination generated when the battery connector 21 is connected to the system connector 22, and the contact resistance value of the connector combination generated when the battery connector 21 is connected to the vehicle connector 23.

[0046] The central server 50 can transmit diagnostic results indicating the status of the determined battery connector 21, system connector 22, and vehicle connector 23 to the user terminal 60. The user terminal 60 can provide a screen displaying the diagnostic results via the application 61. The user can check the screen displayed on the user terminal 60 and, if there is a faulty connector among the battery connector 21, system connector 22, and vehicle connector 23, can take measures such as fault diagnosis and repair.

[0047] Figure 2 is an illustrative diagram showing the detailed configuration of the battery connector.

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

[0049] Referring to Figure 2, the positive pin 211 may be connected to the positive terminal of the battery pack 10. The negative pin 212 may be connected to the negative terminal of the battery pack 10. The positive pin 211 and the negative pin 212 may be connected to a high-current path in the battery pack 10.

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

[0051] Figure 3 is an illustrative diagram showing the detailed configuration of a system connector or vehicle connector.

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

[0053] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, when the system connector 22 or vehicle connector 23 is connected to the battery connector 21, the positive pin 231 shown in Figure 3 may be electrically connected to the positive pin 211 shown in Figure 2 by contact, and the negative pin 232 shown in Figure 3 may be electrically connected to the negative pin 212 shown in Figure 2 by contact. The positive pin 231 may be connected to both poles of the BSS 30 or to both poles of the vehicle 40. The negative pin 232 may be connected to the negative pole of the BSS 30 or to the negative pole of the vehicle 40. The positive pin 231 and the negative pin 232 may be connected to a high-current path in the BSS 30 or vehicle 40.

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

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

[0056] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the guide pin 234 may be the area that connects to the guide pin 214 of the battery connector 21. The strap 235 may be made of rubber to waterproof the positive pin 231, negative pin 232, signal terminals 233, etc. The fixing holes 236 are a plurality of holes provided in the main body 237, and fixing members may be connected to the fixing holes 236 to fix the system connector 22 and the battery connector 21, or to fix the system connector 22 and the battery connector 21.

[0057] Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the battery pack and BSS shown in Figure 1.

[0058] Referring to Figure 4, the contact resistance abnormality diagnostic system 1 can include a battery pack 10, a BSS 30, and a central server 50. In the following description of the battery pack 10, BSS 30, and central server 50, parts that overlap with the previous description may be omitted.

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

[0060] The battery module 110 can include multiple battery cells 101 to 103. In Figure 4, multiple battery cells 101 to 103 are shown connected in series, with three battery cells 101 to 103; however, this is for illustrative purposes only, and the present invention is not limited thereto. The battery module 110 may be implemented as two or more battery cells connected in series, two or more battery cells connected in parallel, multiple battery cells connected in series, or two or more battery cells connected in parallel.

[0061] The positive electrode node B+ of the battery module 110 may be connected to the positive electrode of the battery cell 101 located furthest to the positive electrode side among the multiple battery cells 101 to 103. The negative electrode node B- of the battery module 110 may be connected to the negative electrode of the battery cell 103 located furthest to the negative electrode side among the multiple battery cells 101 to 103.

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

[0063] The BMS120 may include a Main Control Unit (MCU) 121, a Battery Monitoring Integrated Circuit (BMIC) 122, multiple Analog-Digital Converters (ADCs) 123-125, and a battery memory 126.

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

[0065] The MCU121 can control the operation of the BMIC122. The MCU121 can generate relay control signal RCS and switching control signal SCS and supply them to the corresponding elements among the relay 140 and switching elements 130.

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

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

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

[0069] The BMIC122 may be connected to both ends of each of the multiple battery cells 101 to 103. Based on the signals received from both ends of each of the multiple battery cells 101 to 103, the BMIC122 can derive the cell voltage of each of the multiple battery cells 101 to 103. The BMIC122 can transmit the cell voltage of each of the multiple battery cells 101 to 103 to the MCU121.

[0070] The BMIC122 may include multiple terminals P_1 to P_3. The BMIC122 is connected to multiple ADCs 123 to 125 via the multiple terminals P_1 to P_3. Based on the signals received via the multiple terminals P_1 to P_3, the BMIC122 can receive voltage signals from one end of the switching element 130, the other end of the switching element 130, and the other end of the relay 140. Based on the signals received from the multiple terminals P_1 to P_3, the BMIC122 can derive the voltage across the switching element 130 and the voltage across the relay 140. Based on the voltage across the switching element 130 and the voltage across the relay 140, the BMIC122 can determine whether there is an abnormality in the switching element 130, relay 140, etc., in the control situation. Here, the control situation may include the MCU 121 controlling the switching element 130 to open or close, and / or controlling the relay 140 to open or close.

[0071] The BMIC122 can derive the voltage at one end P21+ of the battery pack 10 based on the signal received from terminal P_3.

[0072] The BMIC122 can transmit the voltage at one end of the switching element 130, the voltage at the other end of the switching element 130, and the P21+ voltage at one end of the battery pack 10 to the MCU121. For the sake of explanation, the P21+ voltage at one end of the battery pack 10 will be referred to as the "pack positive electrode voltage" below.

[0073] The BSS30 may include a charging device 310, an electronic control unit (ECU) 320, a communication unit 330, and a system connector 22. The ends P22+ and P22- of the BSS30 may be electrically connected to the system connector 22. The system connector 22 may be connected to at least one component in the BSS30. The ends P22+ and P22- of the BSS30 may be electrically connected to the charging device 310.

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

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

[0076] The communication unit 330 can communicate with the central server 50 via the network based on signals received from the ECU 320. The communication unit 540 may include configurations that communicate with other components via wired and / or wireless connections.

[0077] The battery connector 21 may be connected to the system connector 22. The following describes how the battery connector 21 is connected to the system connector 22 with reference to Figure 5.

[0078] Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating how a battery pack according to one embodiment is coupled with the BSS shown in Figure 4.

[0079] Referring to Figure 5, the contact resistance abnormality diagnostic system 1 can include a battery pack 10, a BSS 30, and a central server 50. In the following description of the battery pack 10, BSS 30, and central server 50, parts that overlap with the previous description may be omitted.

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

[0081] Hereinafter, the battery connector 21 and the system connector 22 in the state in which they are connected will be referred to as the connector coupler 210. When the battery connector 21 is connected to the system connector 22, the MCU 121 can send and receive signals with the ECU 320 via the connector coupler 210.

[0082] The BSS30 may include a charging device. The ends P21+ and P21- of the battery pack 10 may be connected to the charging device of the BSS30, and the battery may be charged by receiving power from the charging device.

[0083] In the following, when we say that MCU121 sends and receives signals and / or data with ECU320, we mean that MCU121 sends and receives signals and / or data with ECU320 via the connector coupling 210.

[0084] The ECU320 can transmit a signal indicating the voltage at one end P22+ of the BSS30 (hereinafter referred to as "BSS positive voltage") to the MCU121.

[0085] The MCU121 can calculate the contact resistance of the connector assembly 210 based on the pack positive voltage and the BSS positive voltage. The MCU121 can calculate the contact resistance value of the connector assembly 210 as shown in [Equation 1] below.

[0086] [Formula 1]

number

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

[0088] Based on [Equation 1], the MCU121 can calculate multiple first contact resistance values ​​corresponding to multiple first time points in time when the battery connector 21 and the system connector 22 are connected by the connector coupler 210.

[0089] The MCU121 can store the calculated contact resistance value of the connector assembly 210 in the battery memory 126. The MCU121 can also transmit the calculated contact resistance value of the connector assembly 210 to the BSS30.

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

[0091] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an embodiment in which one end of the BSS shown in Figure 5 is connected to a system connector.

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

[0093] Referring to Figure 6, in one embodiment, one end P22+ of the BSS30 may be electrically connected to the system connector 22 via wiring LN1. The MCU121 can receive a signal indicating the voltage of one end P22+ of the BSS30 via the connector coupling 210. Based on the signal indicating the voltage of one end P22+ of the BSS30, the MCU121 can derive the BSS positive voltage.

[0094] The method by which the BMS120 receives a signal indicating the voltage at one end P22+ of the BSS30 from the BSS30, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, is an example and is not limited to the present invention. The BMS120 can receive a signal indicating the voltage at one end P22+ of the BSS30 from the BSS30 by various means.

[0095] Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the battery pack and vehicle shown in Figure 1.

[0096] Referring to Figure 7, the contact resistance abnormality diagnostic system 1 can include a battery pack 10 and a vehicle 40. In the following description of the battery pack 10 and vehicle 40, parts that overlap with the previous description may be omitted.

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

[0098] The MCU410 can control the operation of the VCU420, the motor 430, and the communication unit 440. The MCU410 can send and receive signals with the VCU420. The MCU410 can control the drive of the motor 430. The VCU420 can derive the voltage at one end P23+ of the vehicle 40 based on the signal it receives from one end P23+ of the vehicle 40.

[0099] The communication unit 440 can communicate with the central server 50 via the network based on signals received from the MCU 410. The communication unit 440 may include configurations that communicate with other components via wired and / or wireless connections.

[0100] The battery connector 21 may be connected to the vehicle connector 23. The following describes how the battery connector 21 is connected to the vehicle connector 23 with reference to Figure 8.

[0101] Figure 8 is a block diagram illustrating how a battery pack according to one embodiment is connected to the vehicle shown in Figure 7.

[0102] Referring to Figure 8, the contact resistance abnormality diagnostic system 1 can include a battery pack 10 and a vehicle 40. In the following description of the battery pack 10 and vehicle 40, parts that overlap with the previous description may be omitted.

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

[0104] Hereinafter, the battery connector 21 and the vehicle connector 23 in the state in which they are connected will be referred to as the connector coupler 230. When the battery connector 21 is connected to the vehicle connector 23, the MCU 121 can send and receive signals with the VCU 420 via the connector coupler 230.

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

[0106] In the following, the transmission and reception of signals and / or data between the MCU121 and the VCU420 can be indicated as the transmission and reception of signals and / or data between the MCU121 and the VCU420 via the connector coupling 230.

[0107] The VCU420 can transmit a signal indicating the voltage at one end P23+ of the vehicle 40 (hereinafter referred to as "vehicle positive voltage") to the MCU121.

[0108] The MCU121 can calculate the contact resistance of the connector assembly 230 based on the pack positive voltage and the vehicle positive voltage. The MCU121 can calculate the contact resistance value of the connector assembly 230 as shown in [Equation 2] below.

[0109] [Formula 2]

number

[0110] Here, VP is the pack positive voltage (in V), VP'' is the vehicle positive voltage (in V), and I' is the discharge current of the battery pack 10 (in A). Referring to [Equation 2], the contact resistance (in Ω) of the connector coupling 230 may be the difference between the pack positive voltage and the vehicle positive voltage divided by the discharge current of the battery pack 10. Here, the discharge current of the battery pack 10 may be a value received from the ECU 320 or a value pre-stored in the BMS 120.

[0111] Based on [Equation 2], the MCU121 can calculate multiple second contact resistance values ​​corresponding to multiple second time points in time when the battery connector 21 and the vehicle connector 23 are connected by the connector coupler 230.

[0112] The MCU121 can store the calculated contact resistance value of the connector assembly 230 in the battery memory 126. The MCU121 can also transmit the calculated contact resistance value of the connector assembly 230 to the vehicle 40.

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

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

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

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

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

[0118] Referring to Figure 9, in one embodiment, one end P23+ of the vehicle 40 may be electrically connected to the vehicle connector 23 via wiring LN2. The MCU 121 can receive a signal indicating the voltage at one end P23+ of the vehicle 40 via the connector coupling 230. Based on the signal indicating the voltage at one end P23+ of the vehicle 40, the MCU 121 can derive the vehicle positive voltage.

[0119] The method by which the BMS120 shown in Figures 8 and 9 receives a signal from the vehicle 40 indicating the voltage at one end P23+ of the vehicle 40 is one example, and the present invention is not limited thereto. The BMS120 can receive a signal from the vehicle 40 indicating the voltage at one end P23+ of the vehicle 40 in a variety of ways.

[0120] Figure 10 is a block diagram illustrating the detailed configuration of the central server shown in Figures 1 and 4-9.

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

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

[0123] Memory 520 can store a program (hereinafter referred to as the "connector contact abnormality diagnosis program") that diagnoses connector contact abnormalities for a replaceable battery pack via the contact resistance of the connector. Memory 520 can store multiple charge contact resistance information and multiple discharge contact resistance information. Memory 520 may include at least one type of storage medium from among flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), RAM (Random-Access-Memory), SRAM (Static Random-Access-Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk.

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

[0125] "Processor" refers to a configuration that processes arithmetic operations, logical operations, decision operations, etc., to provide at least one function, and this may be implemented as hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. For example, the processor 530 may be implemented as software such as tasks, classes, subroutines, processes, objects, execution threads, and programs performed in a predetermined area of ​​memory, or as hardware such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) or ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit), or as a combination of the above software and hardware. The processor may be contained in a storage medium readable by a computer, and a portion of it may be distributed among multiple computers.

[0126] The processor 530 can extract the connection time of the connector assemblies 210 from the multiple charge contact resistance information and the connection time of the connector assemblies 230 from the multiple discharge contact resistance information. The processor 530 can sort the extracted connection times of the multiple connector assemblies 210 (hereinafter, "charge connection time") and the connection times of the multiple connector assemblies 230 (hereinafter, "discharge connection time") in chronological order. The processor 530 can generate a log table containing the contact resistance values ​​of the connector assemblies 210 and the contact resistance values ​​of the connector assemblies 230. The log table may contain multiple contact resistance values ​​and identification information corresponding to each of the multiple contact resistance values, matched together. In the following, the identification information may include the identification value of the battery pack 10, the identification value of the BSS 30, the identification value of the vehicle 40, etc.

[0127] The multiple charge contact resistance information received by the communication unit 510 includes information for each of the multiple BSS30_1~30_3 coupled battery packs, and therefore can include contact resistance values ​​calculated from battery packs other than battery pack 10. Similarly, the multiple discharge contact resistance information received by the communication unit 510 includes information for each of the multiple vehicles 40_1 and 40_2 coupled battery packs, and therefore can include contact resistance values ​​calculated from battery packs other than battery pack 10.

[0128] The processor 530 can categorize multiple charge contact resistance information and multiple discharge contact resistance information according to the identification values ​​of multiple battery packs and generate a log table for each battery pack. The processor 530 can perform the operations described later for each log table generated by categorizing the information for each battery pack. For the sake of explanation, "log table" can refer to the log table for battery pack 10.

[0129] The processor 530 can store the log table in memory 520, and can update the log table with real-time received charge or discharge contact resistance information and store it in memory 520.

[0130] The log table may be a table in which the contact resistance values ​​of connector assemblies 210 and 230 are arranged according to the coupling order of each corresponding connector assembly 210 or 230. Since the battery pack 10 alternately charges and discharges, the log table can show one discharge coupling point and one charge coupling point for each battery pack 10, appearing alternately and sequentially.

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

[0132] Of the contact resistance values ​​for multiple time points included in the log table, the contact resistance value of connector assembly 210 can include the contact resistance component of battery connector 21 and the contact resistance component of system connector 22. Of the contact resistance values ​​for multiple time points included in the log table, the contact resistance value of connector assembly 230 can include the contact resistance component of battery connector 21 and the contact resistance component of vehicle connector 23. Considering the contact resistance components included in each contact resistance value, and the fact that the time points corresponding to the contact resistance value of connector assembly 210 and the time points corresponding to the contact resistance value of connector assembly 230 appear alternately, the processor 530 can determine the state of battery connector 21, system connector 22, and vehicle connector 23 based on the generated log table.

[0133] Figures 11, 12, and 13 are illustrative diagrams of the graphs shown by the log table according to one embodiment.

[0134] Referring to Figures 1 and 11-13, T1-T10 can be seen as the point in time when the battery pack 10 is connected to each of the multiple BSS30_1-30_3 and each of the multiple vehicles 40_1, 40_2.

[0135] The explanation assumes that T1 is the time when the battery pack 10 is connected to BSS30_1, T3 is the time when the battery pack 10 is connected to BSS30_2, T5 is the time when the battery pack 10 is connected to BSS30_3, T7 is the time when the battery pack 10 is connected to BSS30_1, and T9 is the time when the battery pack 10 is connected to BSS30_1. Furthermore, the explanation assumes that T2 is the time when the battery pack 10 is connected to vehicle 40_1, T4 is the time when the battery pack 10 is connected to vehicle 40_2, T6 is the time when the battery pack 10 is connected to vehicle 40_2, T8 is the time when the battery pack 10 is connected to vehicle 40_1, and T10 is the time when the battery pack 10 is connected to vehicle 40_2.

[0136] The log table can include multiple contact resistance values ​​for the connector assembly corresponding to time points T1 to T10.

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

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

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

[0140] In the example shown in Figure 11, at time T7, among the multiple contact resistance values ​​included in the log table, there is a contact resistance value that exceeds the upper threshold Rth. The processor 530 can determine that the state of BSS30_1 is abnormal because the first resistance value at time T7 exceeds the upper threshold Rth, the second resistance value at time T8 immediately following the first resistance value is smaller than the first resistance value, and time T7 is when the battery pack 10 is coupled to BSS30_1.

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

[0142] If a predetermined number (for example, three) of the multiple contact resistance values ​​included in the log table consecutively exceed the upper threshold Rth, the processor 530 can determine that the state of the battery connector 21 is abnormal.

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

[0144] Furthermore, if a predetermined number of contact resistance values ​​exceed the first upper limit threshold Rth1 consecutively among multiple contact resistance values, a representative value of the contact resistance value can be determined for each of the multiple BSS30_1~30_3 and multiple vehicles 40_1, 40_2 for the predetermined number of contact resistance values ​​exceeding the first upper limit threshold Rth1 (hereinafter referred to as "target contact resistance values"). Here, the representative value may be at least one of the following, for example, the mean, median, maximum, minimum, slope, etc. If the representative value of the contact resistance value among the multiple BSS30_1~30_3 and multiple vehicles 40_1, 40_2 exceeds a predetermined second upper limit threshold Rth2, the processor 530 can determine that the state of the BSS or the state of the vehicle corresponding to the representative value is an abnormal state.

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

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

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

[0148] In the example shown in Figure 13, we will explain assuming that the first slope of the contact resistance value corresponding to time T5 and the contact resistance value corresponding to time T6 is greater than or equal to the critical slope, the second slope of the contact resistance value corresponding to time T6 and the contact resistance value corresponding to time T7 is greater than or equal to the critical slope, and the third slope of the contact resistance value corresponding to time T7 and the contact resistance value corresponding to time T8 is greater than or equal to the critical slope. At time T8, the processor 530 can determine that the state of the battery connector 21 is abnormal because there are three or more consecutive values ​​where the slopes of two adjacent contact resistance values ​​are greater than or equal to a predetermined critical slope.

[0149] The above description with reference to Figures 11 to 13 is an example of how the processor 530 determines the state of the battery connector 21, the system connector 22, and the vehicle connector 23, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Based on a plurality of contact resistance values ​​contained in the log table, the processor 530 can identify which of the battery connector 21, the system connector 22, and the vehicle connector 23 is in an abnormal state.

[0150] The processor 530 can enhance the diagnosis of the battery connector 21, system connector 22, and vehicle connector 23 using machine learning. For each of the battery connector 21, system connector 22, and vehicle connector 23, data from the user's judgment on whether or not an abnormality is actually occurring is used as training data, and the accuracy of the diagnosis can be improved and / or the diagnosis can be subdivided by providing feedback to the diagnosis.

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

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

[0153] In the following descriptions of the battery pack 10, BSS30, and central server 50, any parts that overlap with the previous descriptions may be omitted.

[0154] Referring to Figure 14, the battery connector 21 can be connected to multiple system connectors (22_1 to 22_3 in Figure 1) and multiple charging coupling points using connector coupling bodies (210 in Figures 5 and 6, and so on) (S110).

[0155] In step S110, when the battery connector 21 is connected to multiple system connectors (22_1 to 22_3 in Figure 1) at multiple charging connection points using the connector coupling body 210, the communication unit 510 can receive multiple charging connection points and multiple first contact resistance values ​​for the connector coupling body 210 corresponding to the multiple charging connection points from multiple BSSs (30_1 to 30_3 in Figure 1) (S120).

[0156] Furthermore, the battery connector 21 can be connected to multiple vehicle connectors (23_1 and 23_2 in Figure 1) at multiple discharge coupling points using a connector coupling body (230 in Figures 8 and 9, and so on) (S210).

[0157] In step S210, when the battery connector 21 is connected to multiple vehicle connectors (23_1, 23_2 in Figure 1) at multiple discharge coupling points using the connector coupling body 230, the communication unit 510 can receive multiple discharge coupling points and multiple second contact resistance values ​​for the connector coupling body 230 corresponding to the multiple discharge coupling points from multiple vehicles (40_1, 40_2 in Figure 1) (S220).

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

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

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

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

[0162] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Various modifications and improvements made by persons with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs also fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for diagnosing abnormal contact resistance, in which a processor executes a connector contact abnormality diagnosis program stored in memory, When the battery connector of a battery pack is coupled to multiple system connectors of multiple battery swapping systems (BSSs) at multiple first time points using first connector assemblies, the central server receives multiple first contact resistance values ​​from the multiple BSSs for the first connector assemblies corresponding to the multiple first time points; When the battery connector is coupled to multiple vehicle connectors of multiple vehicles at multiple second time points using a second connector assembly, the central server receives multiple second contact resistance values ​​from the multiple vehicles to the second connector assembly corresponding to the multiple second time points; The central server sorts the plurality of first contact resistance values ​​and the plurality of second contact resistance values ​​in time order of the plurality of first time points and the plurality of second time points, and generates a log table; and The step includes determining the status of the battery connector and the plurality of system connectors and the plurality of vehicle connectors based on the log table, method.

2. The further step includes transmitting diagnostic results indicating the status of the battery connector, the plurality of system connectors, and the plurality of vehicle connectors to a user terminal. The method according to claim 1.

3. Each of the aforementioned plurality of first contact resistance values ​​is At each of the aforementioned multiple first time points, the battery pack derives a value obtained by dividing the difference between the positive terminal voltage of the battery connector and the positive terminal voltage of the corresponding system connector among the multiple system connectors by the charging current of the battery pack. The method according to claim 1.

4. Each of the aforementioned plurality of second contact resistance values ​​is At each of the aforementioned multiple second time points, the battery pack is a value derived by dividing the difference between the positive terminal voltage of the battery connector and the positive terminal voltage of the corresponding vehicle connector among the multiple vehicle connectors by the discharge current of the battery pack. The method according to claim 1.

5. If, among the plurality of first contact resistance values ​​and the plurality of second contact resistance values, the second resistance value immediately following the first resistance value that exceeds a predetermined upper threshold is smaller than the first resistance value, The further step includes determining that the state of the system connector or vehicle connector corresponding to the first resistance value among the plurality of system connectors and the plurality of vehicle connectors is in an abnormal state. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. If, among the plurality of first contact resistance values ​​and the plurality of second contact resistance values, a predetermined number or more contact resistance values ​​continuously exceed a predetermined upper threshold, The step further includes determining that the state of the battery connector is abnormal. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. If, among the plurality of first contact resistance values ​​and the plurality of second contact resistance values, the slope between two contact resistance values ​​at two adjacent time points is continuously greater than or equal to a predetermined critical slope, The step further includes determining that the state of the battery connector is abnormal. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. Memory containing a program for diagnosing connector contact abnormalities in replaceable battery packs; A processor that executes the connector contact abnormality diagnosis program to determine the status of the battery connector of the battery pack, the multiple system connectors of multiple battery replacement systems (BSS), and the multiple vehicle connectors of multiple vehicles; and The battery connector includes a communication unit that, when coupled with the system connectors of the plurality of BSSs at a plurality of first time points using a first connector assembly, receives a plurality of first contact resistance values ​​from the plurality of BSSs for the first connector assembly corresponding to the plurality of first time points, and when the battery connector is coupled with the vehicle connectors of the plurality of vehicles at a plurality of second time points using a second connector assembly, receives a plurality of second contact resistance values ​​from the plurality of vehicles for the second connector assembly corresponding to the plurality of second time points. The aforementioned processor, The plurality of first contact resistance values ​​and the plurality of second contact resistance values ​​are arranged in time order of the plurality of first time points and the plurality of second time points to generate a log table, and the state of the battery connector, the plurality of system connectors and the plurality of vehicle connectors is determined based on the log table. Contact resistance abnormality diagnostic system.

9. The aforementioned communications unit is The diagnostic results indicating the status of the battery connector, the plurality of system connectors, and the plurality of vehicle connectors are transmitted to the user terminal. The contact resistance abnormality diagnosis system according to claim 8.

10. The aforementioned battery pack is At each of the plurality of first time points, the difference between the positive terminal voltage of the battery connector and the positive terminal voltage of the corresponding system connector among the plurality of system connectors is divided by the charging current of the battery pack to derive the corresponding contact resistance value from among the plurality of first contact resistance values. The contact resistance abnormality diagnosis system according to claim 8.

11. The aforementioned battery pack is At each of the multiple second time points, the difference between the positive terminal voltage of the battery connector and the positive terminal voltage of the corresponding vehicle connector among the multiple vehicle connectors is divided by the discharge current of the battery pack to derive the corresponding contact resistance value from among the multiple second contact resistance values. The contact resistance abnormality diagnosis system according to claim 8.

12. If, among the plurality of first contact resistance values ​​and the plurality of second contact resistance values, the second resistance value immediately following the first resistance value that exceeds a predetermined upper threshold is smaller than the first resistance value, The aforementioned processor, Among the plurality of system connectors and the plurality of vehicle connectors, the state of the system connector or the vehicle connector corresponding to the first resistance value is determined to be abnormal. A contact resistance abnormality diagnosis system according to any one of claims 8 to 11.

13. If, among the plurality of first contact resistance values ​​and the plurality of second contact resistance values, a predetermined number or more contact resistance values ​​continuously exceed a predetermined upper threshold, The aforementioned processor, The state of the aforementioned battery connector is determined to be abnormal. A contact resistance abnormality diagnosis system according to any one of claims 8 to 11.

14. If, among the plurality of first contact resistance values ​​and the plurality of second contact resistance values, the slope between two contact resistance values ​​at two adjacent time points is continuously greater than or equal to a predetermined critical slope, The aforementioned processor, The state of the aforementioned battery connector is determined to be abnormal. A contact resistance abnormality diagnosis system according to any one of claims 8 to 11.

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