Apparatus and method for diagnosing battery

Abstract

The battery diagnosis apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a measurement unit configured to measure a vibration value generated in a preset axial direction with regard to each of multiple batteries; and a control unit configured to diagnose the state of the multiple batteries from the vibration value of each of the multiple batteries on the basis of at least one of a reference deviation value preset with regard to the multiple batteries and a reference vibration value preset so as to correspond to the axial direction.

Description

Battery diagnostic device and method

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0096083, filed on July 24, 2023, the entire contents of which are disclosed in the specification and drawings of the said application are incorporated herein by reference.

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

[0003] Recently, as the demand for portable electronic products such as laptops, video cameras, and mobile phones has rapidly increased, and the development of electric vehicles, energy storage batteries, robots, and satellites has been in full swing, research into high-performance batteries capable of repeated charging and discharging is actively being conducted.

[0004] Currently commercialized batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium batteries. Among these, lithium batteries are receiving attention for their advantages of being able to charge and discharge freely, having a very low self-discharge rate, and having a high energy density, as they have almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based batteries.

[0005] As electric vehicles, electric motorcycles, and electric bicycles become more commercialized, the demand for high-capacity and high-performance batteries is increasing. To meet this demand, electric vehicles are incorporating multiple battery packs. For example, multiple battery packs are interconnected via connectors to meet the output requirements of electric vehicles.

[0006] However, if vibration or external impact is applied to multiple connected battery packs, poor connections between the battery packs may occur. This poor connection can weaken the connector connection and cause micro-short circuits.

[0007] The present invention has been devised to solve the above problems, and its purpose is to provide a battery diagnosis device and method for diagnosing the state of a battery based on a vibration value generated in the battery.

[0008] Other objects and advantages of the present invention can be understood through the following description and will be more clearly understood through the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent that the objects and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims.

[0009] A battery diagnostic device according to one aspect of the present invention may include a measuring unit configured to measure a vibration value generated in a preset axial direction for each of a plurality of batteries; and a control unit configured to diagnose a state of each of the plurality of batteries from a vibration value of each of the plurality of batteries based on at least one of a preset reference deviation value for the plurality of batteries and a preset reference vibration value corresponding to the axial direction.

[0010] The above preset axis direction may be configured to include at least one of an x-axis direction set in a movement direction of the plurality of batteries; a y-axis direction set in a left-right direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the plurality of batteries; and a z-axis direction set in an up-down direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the plurality of batteries.

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

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

[0013] The above measurement unit may be configured to measure the first vibration value of each of the plurality of batteries generated in the x-axis direction at a preset measurement cycle.

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

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

[0016] The control unit may be configured to diagnose a state of a battery in which the second vibration value is lower than or equal to a second reference vibration value preset to correspond to the y-axis direction as a normal state, and to diagnose a state of a battery in which the second vibration value exceeds the second reference vibration value as a defective state.

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

[0018] The control unit may be configured to diagnose a state of a battery in which the third vibration value is lower than or equal to a third reference vibration value preset to correspond to the z-axis direction as a normal state, and to diagnose a state of a battery in which the third vibration value exceeds the third reference vibration value as a defective state.

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

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

[0021] A vehicle according to another aspect of the present invention may include a battery diagnostic device according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0022] A battery diagnosis method according to another aspect of the present invention may include a vibration value measuring step of measuring a vibration value generated in a preset axial direction for each of a plurality of batteries; and a battery status diagnosis step of diagnosing the status of each of the plurality of batteries from the vibration value of each of the plurality of batteries based on at least one of a preset reference deviation value for the plurality of batteries and a preset reference vibration value corresponding to the axial direction.

[0023] According to one aspect of the present invention, a battery diagnostic device has the advantage of being able to diagnose the condition of a battery based on the amount of vibration in the axial direction set based on the direction of movement of a plurality of batteries. That is, since the battery diagnostic device can quickly diagnose the condition of a plurality of batteries based on the amount of vibration of the plurality of batteries, it has the advantage of being able to prevent accidents that may occur due to poor fastening between the plurality of batteries or external impact.

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

[0025] The following drawings attached to this specification serve to further understand the technical idea of ​​the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention described below, and therefore the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to the matters described in such drawings.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a battery diagnostic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a plurality of batteries and axial directions according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a battery diagnosis method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to their usual or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts that conform to the technical spirit of the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the term to explain his or her own invention in the best possible manner.

[0032] Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of filing this application.

[0033] In addition, when describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description is omitted.

[0034] Terms that include ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., are used to distinguish one of the various components from the rest, and are not used to limit the components by such terms.

[0035] Throughout the specification, whenever a part is said to "include" a component, this does not mean that it excludes other components, but rather that it may include other components, unless otherwise stated.

[0036] Additionally, throughout the specification, when a part is said to be "connected" to another part, this includes not only cases where it is "directly connected" but also cases where it is "indirectly connected" with other elements in between.

[0037]

[0038] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0039] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a battery diagnostic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 1, a battery diagnostic device (100) may include a measuring unit (110) and a control unit (120).

[0041] The measuring unit (110) can be configured to measure a vibration value generated in a preset axial direction for each of the plurality of batteries (B).

[0042] Here, a battery refers to a physically separate, independent cell having a negative terminal and a positive terminal. For example, a lithium-ion battery or a lithium polymer battery may be considered a battery. Furthermore, a battery may refer to a battery module comprising multiple cells connected in series and / or parallel. Furthermore, a battery may refer to a battery pack comprising multiple battery modules connected in series and / or parallel.

[0043] In addition, the preset axis direction can be set based on the movement direction of the plurality of batteries (B). Specifically, the preset axis direction can include the x-axis direction, the y-axis direction, and the z-axis direction.

[0044] For example, the x-axis direction can be set as the movement direction of the plurality of batteries (B). The y-axis direction can be set as the left-right direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the plurality of batteries (B). The z-axis direction can be set as the up-down direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the plurality of batteries (B).

[0045] FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing of a plurality of batteries (B) and their axial directions according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, a plurality of batteries (B) may be electrically connected. The movement direction of the plurality of batteries (B) may be set in the x-axis direction. The left-right direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the plurality of batteries (B) may be set in the y-axis direction. The up-down direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the plurality of batteries (B) may be set in the z-axis direction.

[0047] For example, if a plurality of batteries (B) are installed in a car, the x-axis direction is the direction in which the car is moving. For example, the x-axis direction may be the normal direction in which the car is moving. And, the y-axis direction is a left-right direction perpendicular to the direction in which the car is moving (x-axis direction). For example, the y-axis direction may be a direction parallel to the ground on which the car is located among a plurality of directions perpendicular to the direction in which the car is moving (x-axis direction). Finally, the z-axis direction is an up-down direction perpendicular to the direction in which the car is moving (x-axis direction). For example, the z-axis direction may be a direction perpendicular to the ground on which the car is located among a plurality of directions perpendicular to the direction in which the car is moving (x-axis direction).

[0048] The control unit (120) may be configured to diagnose the state of the plurality of batteries (B) from the vibration value of each of the plurality of batteries (B) based on at least one of a preset reference deviation value and a preset reference vibration value corresponding to the axial direction for the plurality of batteries (B).

[0049] Specifically, the control unit (120) can diagnose the status of the battery as normal or defective.

[0050] For example, the control unit (120) can diagnose the status of a plurality of batteries (B) based on a preset reference deviation value. The control unit (120) can calculate a vibration value deviation for each of the plurality of vibration values. Specifically, the control unit (120) can calculate an average of the plurality of vibration values, and calculate a difference between the plurality of vibration values ​​and the average to calculate the vibration value deviation of each of the plurality of batteries (B). The control unit (120) can compare the calculated plurality of vibration value deviations with a preset reference deviation value. The control unit (120) can be configured to diagnose a status of a battery in which a vibration value deviation is less than or equal to the reference deviation value as a normal status, and to diagnose a status of a battery in which a vibration value deviation exceeds the reference deviation value as a defective status.

[0051] As another example, the control unit (120) can diagnose the status of multiple batteries (B) based on a preset reference vibration value. The control unit (120) can compare the multiple vibration values ​​measured by the measurement unit (110) with a preset reference vibration value. Here, the reference vibration value may be a preset reference value that corresponds to the axial direction. The control unit (120) can be configured to diagnose the status of a battery whose vibration value is lower than or equal to the reference vibration value as a normal status, and to diagnose the status of a battery whose vibration value exceeds the reference vibration value as a defective status.

[0052] As another example, the control unit (120) can diagnose the status of multiple batteries (B) based on a preset reference deviation value and a preset reference vibration value. If the status of a battery diagnosed by comparing the reference deviation value and the vibration value deviation is assumed to be a first battery (B1) status, and the status of a battery diagnosed by comparing the reference vibration value and the vibration value is assumed to be a second battery (B2) status. If both the first battery (B1) status and the second battery (B2) status are normal, the control unit (120) can be configured to diagnose the status of the battery as a normal status. That is, if the first battery (B1) status or the second battery (B2) status is a defective status, the control unit (120) can be configured to diagnose the status of the battery as a defective status.

[0053] The battery diagnosis device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention has the advantage of being able to diagnose the state of a battery based on the amount of vibration in the axial direction set based on the movement direction of a plurality of batteries (B). That is, since the battery diagnosis device (100) can quickly diagnose the state of a plurality of batteries (B) based on the amount of vibration of the plurality of batteries (B), it has the advantage of being able to prevent accidents that may occur due to poor fastening between the plurality of batteries (B) or external impact.

[0054]

[0055] Meanwhile, the control unit (120) provided in the battery diagnostic device (100) may optionally include a processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), another chipset, a logic circuit, a register, a communication modem, a data processing device, etc. known in the art to execute various control logics performed in the present invention. In addition, when the control logic is implemented in software, the control unit (120) may be implemented as a set of program modules. In this case, the program modules may be stored in a memory and executed by the control unit (120). The memory may be located inside or outside the control unit (120) and may be connected to the control unit (120) by various well-known means.

[0056] In addition, the battery diagnostic device (100) may further include a storage unit (130). The storage unit (130) may store data or programs required for each component of the battery diagnostic device (100) to perform operations and functions, or data generated in the process of performing operations and functions. The storage unit (130) is not particularly limited in type as long as it is a known information storage means known to be capable of recording, erasing, updating, and reading data. As an example, the information storage means may include RAM, flash memory, ROM, EEPROM, registers, etc. In addition, the storage unit (130) may store program codes defining processes executable by the control unit (120).

[0057]

[0058] The control unit (120) can be configured to calculate the vibration value deviation of the plurality of vibration values ​​measured by the measurement unit (110) in each axial direction.

[0059] Specifically, the measuring unit (110) can measure the vibration value of each of the plurality of batteries (B). Then, the control unit (120) can calculate an average of the plurality of vibration values ​​measured for the plurality of batteries (B). Then, the control unit (120) can calculate the difference between each of the plurality of vibration values ​​and the average, thereby calculating the vibration value deviation of the plurality of vibration values. Preferably, the control unit (120) can calculate the vibration value deviation in the x-axis direction, the vibration value deviation in the y-axis direction, and the vibration value deviation in the z-axis direction, respectively.

[0060] For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the measuring unit (110) can measure the vibration value in the x-axis direction, the vibration value in the y-axis direction, and the vibration value in the z-axis direction of the first battery (B1), the second battery (B2), the third battery (B3), and the fourth battery (B4). Here, the vibration value in the x-axis direction, the vibration value in the y-axis direction, and the vibration value in the z-axis direction can each be measured four times. The control unit (120) can calculate the vibration value deviation in the x-axis direction, the vibration value deviation in the y-axis direction, and the vibration value deviation in the z-axis direction for each of the first battery (B1), the second battery (B2), the third battery (B3), and the fourth battery (B4).

[0061] The control unit (120) can be configured to compare each calculated vibration value deviation with a reference deviation value.

[0062] Specifically, the reference deviation value can be set for each of the x-axis direction, y-axis direction, and z-axis direction. For example, assuming that a plurality of batteries (B) are included in a vehicle, vibration may be generated by shaking the plurality of batteries (B) in the direction of movement of the vehicle (x-axis direction). However, the frequency of shaking of the plurality of batteries (B) in the left-right direction (y-axis direction) or up-down direction (z-axis direction) of the direction of movement of the vehicle is relatively low. Therefore, the reference deviation value can be set for each axis direction.

[0063] For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the control unit (120) can compare the vibration value deviation in the x-axis direction of the first battery (B1) with a reference deviation value in the x-axis direction, compare the vibration value deviation in the y-axis direction with a reference deviation value in the y-axis direction, and compare the vibration value deviation in the z-axis direction with a reference deviation value in the z-axis direction. Similarly, the control unit (120) can compare the vibration value deviations of the second battery (B2), the third battery (B3), and the fourth battery (B4) with a reference deviation value.

[0064] The control unit (120) may be configured to diagnose the status of each of the plurality of batteries (B) based on the comparison results.

[0065] Specifically, the control unit (120) can be configured to diagnose the state of a battery in which the vibration value deviation is less than or equal to a reference deviation value as a normal state, and to diagnose the state of a battery in which the vibration value deviation exceeds the reference deviation value as a defective state.

[0066] Here, a normal state means that the connection with other batteries is normal. Conversely, a faulty state means that the connection with other batteries is poor.

[0067] For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, if a connecting member such as a connector connected to the first battery (B1) and the second battery (B2) is broken, the vibration values ​​measured for the first battery (B1) and the second battery (B2) may be greater than the vibration values ​​measured for the third battery (B3) and the fourth battery (B4). If the deviation of the vibration values ​​of the first battery (B1) and the second battery (B2) exceeds a reference deviation value, the control unit (120) can diagnose the states of the first battery (B1) and the second battery (B2) as defective. Conversely, if the deviation of the vibration values ​​of the third battery (B3) and the fourth battery (B4) is less than or equal to the reference deviation value, the control unit (120) can diagnose the states of the third battery (B3) and the fourth battery (B4) as normal.

[0068] A battery diagnosis device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention has an advantage in that it can diagnose the state of each of a plurality of batteries (B) through relative comparison of vibration values ​​of the plurality of batteries (B) (e.g., vibration value deviation).

[0069]

[0070] Below, an embodiment of diagnosing the state of a battery by comparing a first vibration value occurring in the x-axis direction with a first reference vibration value is described.

[0071] The measuring unit (110) can be configured to measure the first vibration value of each of the plurality of batteries (B) generated in the x-axis direction at preset measurement cycles.

[0072] For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the measuring unit (110) can measure the first vibration value of the first to fourth batteries (B1, B2, B3, B4) at each preset measurement cycle.

[0073] The control unit (120) may be configured to calculate the number of times that the maximum value of the first vibration value measured at each measurement cycle for a preset threshold time is greater than or equal to a preset first reference vibration value corresponding to the x-axis direction.

[0074] Here, the first reference vibration value is a preset reference vibration value in the x-axis direction.

[0075] For example, assume that the critical time is 100 seconds and the measurement cycle is 10 seconds. Here, 10 measurement cycles can occur during the critical time. The control unit (120) can calculate the number of times that the maximum value of the first vibration value of the first to fourth batteries (B1, B2, B3, B4) is greater than or equal to the first reference vibration value in each of the 10 measurement cycles.

[0076] The control unit (120) may be configured to calculate a vibration value deviation with respect to the first vibration value when the calculated number of times reaches a reference number. Furthermore, the control unit (120) may diagnose the state of a battery in which the vibration value deviation is less than or equal to the reference deviation value as normal. Conversely, the control unit (120) may be configured to diagnose the state of a battery in which the vibration value deviation exceeds the reference deviation value as defective.

[0077] Specifically, if the number of times that the maximum value of the first vibration value of the plurality of batteries (B) is greater than or equal to the first reference vibration value reaches a reference number, a problem may have occurred in the connection of at least one battery among the plurality of batteries (B). In this case, the control unit (120) may calculate a vibration value deviation for the plurality of first vibration values ​​and compare the calculated vibration value deviation with a reference deviation value to diagnose the state of the battery as a normal state or a defective state.

[0078] For example, in the above embodiment, it is assumed that the number of times that the maximum value of the first vibration value of the first to fourth batteries (B1, B2, B3, B4) is greater than or equal to the first reference vibration value reaches a reference number. The control unit (120) can calculate the vibration value deviation of the first to fourth batteries (B1, B2, B3, B4) that was measured last. Then, the control unit (120) can compare the calculated vibration value deviation of the first to fourth batteries (B1, B2, B3, B4) with the reference deviation value to diagnose the status of each of the first to fourth batteries (B1, B2, B3, B4).

[0079] Accordingly, the battery diagnosis device (100) can first determine whether a connection problem has occurred by comparing the maximum value of a plurality of first vibration values ​​with the first reference vibration value. In addition, if there is a high possibility that a connection problem will occur in at least one of the plurality of batteries (B) (if the number of times that the maximum value of the first vibration value is greater than or equal to the first reference vibration value reaches a reference number), the battery diagnosis device (100) can secondarily diagnose the status of each of the plurality of batteries (B) by comparing the deviations in the vibration values ​​of the plurality of batteries (B).

[0080]

[0081] Below, an embodiment of diagnosing the condition of a battery based on vibration values ​​occurring in the y-axis direction and the z-axis direction is described.

[0082] The measuring unit (110) can be configured to measure the second vibration value of each of the plurality of batteries (B) generated in the y-axis direction.

[0083] For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the measuring unit (110) can measure the second vibration value of the first to fourth batteries (B1, B2, B3, B4) at each preset measurement cycle.

[0084] The control unit (120) may be configured to diagnose the state of a battery in which the second vibration value is lower than or equal to a second reference vibration value preset to correspond to the y-axis direction as a normal state. Conversely, the control unit (120) may be configured to diagnose the state of a battery in which the second vibration value exceeds the second reference vibration value as a defective state.

[0085] Here, the second reference vibration value is a preset reference vibration value in the y-axis direction.

[0086] For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the control unit (120) can compare the second vibration value of the first battery (B1) with the second reference vibration value, and diagnose the state of the first battery (B1) based on the comparison result. The control unit (120) can compare the second vibration value of the second battery (B2) with the second reference vibration value, and diagnose the state of the second battery (B2) based on the comparison result. The control unit (120) can compare the second vibration value of the third battery (B3) with the second reference vibration value, and diagnose the state of the third battery (B3) based on the comparison result. The control unit (120) can compare the second vibration value of the fourth battery (B4) with the second reference vibration value, and diagnose the state of the fourth battery (B4) based on the comparison result.

[0087] Below, an embodiment of diagnosing the condition of a battery by comparing a third vibration value occurring in the z-axis direction with a third reference vibration value is described.

[0088] The measuring unit (110) can be configured to measure the third vibration value of each of the plurality of batteries (B) generated in the z-axis direction.

[0089] For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the measuring unit (110) can measure the third vibration value of the first to fourth batteries (B1, B2, B3, B4) at each preset measurement cycle.

[0090] The control unit (120) may be configured to diagnose the state of a battery in which the third vibration value is lower than or equal to a third reference vibration value preset to correspond to the z-axis direction as a normal state. Conversely, the control unit (120) may be configured to diagnose the state of a battery in which the third vibration value exceeds the third reference vibration value as a defective state.

[0091] Here, the third reference vibration value is a preset reference vibration value in the z-axis direction.

[0092] For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the control unit (120) can compare the third vibration value of the first battery (B1) with a third reference vibration value, and diagnose the state of the first battery (B1) based on the comparison result. The control unit (120) can compare the third vibration value of the second battery (B2) with a third reference vibration value, and diagnose the state of the second battery (B2) based on the comparison result. The control unit (120) can compare the third vibration value of the third battery (B3) with a third reference vibration value, and diagnose the state of the third battery (B3) based on the comparison result. The control unit (120) can compare the third vibration value of the fourth battery (B4) with a third reference vibration value, and diagnose the state of the fourth battery (B4) based on the comparison result.

[0093] As previously explained, in general, multiple batteries (B) hardly generate vibrations in the left-right direction (y-axis direction) or up-down direction (z-axis direction) of the moving direction (x-axis direction). Therefore, in order to more accurately diagnose the condition of the battery, the first reference vibration value corresponding to the x-axis direction, the second reference vibration value corresponding to the y-axis direction, and the third reference vibration value corresponding to the z-axis direction must be set independently.

[0094] If one reference vibration value (e.g., a first reference vibration value corresponding to the x-axis direction) is compared with vibration values ​​in other axial directions (e.g., the y-axis direction and the z-axis direction) without considering the specificity of movement of multiple batteries (B) along the axial direction, the condition of the battery may not be accurately diagnosed. This is because the vibration values ​​(allowable vibration range) that generally occur in each axial direction are different.

[0095] Therefore, the battery diagnosis device (100) has the advantage of being able to diagnose the state of the battery more accurately by using the reference vibration value corresponding to each axial direction.

[0096]

[0097] The control unit (120) may be configured to electrically isolate a battery diagnosed as defective from a battery diagnosed as normal.

[0098] Specifically, a battery with a poor or weakened connection to another battery may be diagnosed as defective. The control unit (120) may electrically isolate a battery diagnosed as defective from a battery diagnosed as normal, in order to prevent electrical problems such as short circuits from occurring due to the battery diagnosed as defective.

[0099] For example, the control unit (120) can electrically separate the battery diagnosed as defective from the battery diagnosed as normal by controlling a relay or the like that connects the battery diagnosed as defective to a battery diagnosed as normal to turn off, or by performing a protective action such as cutting a fuse.

[0100] Therefore, the battery diagnostic device (100) has the advantage of being able to prevent electrical accidents that may occur from a defective battery.

[0101]

[0102] The battery diagnosis device (100) according to the present invention can be applied to a BMS (Battery Management System). That is, the BMS according to the present invention can include the battery diagnosis device (100) described above. In this configuration, at least some of the components of the battery diagnosis device (100) can be implemented by supplementing or adding to the functions of the components included in a conventional BMS. For example, the measurement unit (110), control unit (120), and storage unit (130) of the battery diagnosis device (100) can be implemented as components of the BMS.

[0103] In addition, the battery diagnostic device (100) according to the present invention may be installed in a battery pack. That is, the battery pack according to the present invention may include the battery diagnostic device (100) described above and one or more battery cells. In addition, the battery pack may further include electrical components (relays, fuses, etc.) and a case, etc.

[0104] FIG. 3 is a drawing schematically illustrating an exemplary configuration of a battery pack (1) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0105] A battery pack (1) may include a plurality of batteries (10). In the embodiment of FIG. 3, a first battery (10a), a second battery (10b), a third battery (10c), and a fourth battery (10d) may be connected in series. However, it should be noted that the connection relationship of the plurality of batteries (10) is not limited to the embodiment of FIG. 3, and the plurality of batteries (10) may be connected in series and / or in parallel.

[0106] The positive terminals of the plurality of batteries (10) can be connected to the positive terminal (P+) of the battery pack (1), and the negative terminals of the plurality of batteries (10) can be connected to the negative terminal (P-) of the battery pack (1).

[0107] The measuring unit (110) can measure the vibration value of each of the plurality of batteries (10) through the sensing line. Specifically, the measuring unit (110) can measure the first vibration value, the second vibration value, and the third vibration value of each of the plurality of batteries (10).

[0108] For example, the measuring unit (110) can be connected to a first sensing line (SL1), a second sensing line (SL2), a third sensing line (SL3), and a fourth sensing line (SL4). The measuring unit (110) can measure the vibration value of the first battery (10a) through the first sensing line (SL1), and can measure the vibration value of the second battery (10b) through the second sensing line (SL2). The measuring unit (110) can measure the vibration value of the third battery (10c) through the third sensing line (SL3), and can measure the vibration value of the fourth battery (10d) through the fourth sensing line (SL4).

[0109] An external device can be connected to the positive terminal (P+) and negative terminal (P-) of the battery pack (1). For example, the external device may be a charging / discharging device, or a motor of an electric vehicle that receives power from the battery pack (1).

[0110]

[0111] FIG. 4 is a drawing schematically illustrating an exemplary configuration of a vehicle (800) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 4, a battery pack (810) according to an embodiment of the present invention may be included in an automobile, such as an electric vehicle (EV) or a hybrid vehicle (HV). Furthermore, the battery pack (810) may power a motor via an inverter provided in the automobile (800), thereby driving the automobile (800).

[0113] Hereinafter, it is described that a battery pack (810) includes multiple batteries (B).

[0114] Considering the characteristics of a vehicle (800) moving back and forth, the direction of movement of the vehicle (800) may coincide with the direction of movement of the plurality of batteries (B). For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 4, the direction of movement of the vehicle (800) is parallel to the x-axis direction. The control unit (120) may diagnose the status of each of the plurality of batteries (B) based on the first vibration value of the plurality of batteries (B) in the x-axis direction.

[0115] In addition, the left-right direction of the vehicle (800) may be a left-right direction perpendicular to the direction in which the vehicle (800) is moving. For example, the left-right direction of the vehicle (800) may be a direction parallel to the ground among directions perpendicular to the direction in which the vehicle (800) is moving. In addition, the left-right direction of the vehicle (800) may be a left-right direction perpendicular to the direction in which the plurality of batteries (B) are moving. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 4, the left-right direction of the vehicle (800) is a direction parallel to the y-axis direction. The control unit (120) may diagnose the status of each of the plurality of batteries (B) based on the second vibration value for the y-axis direction of the plurality of batteries (B).

[0116] In addition, the up-down direction of the vehicle (800) may be a vertical direction perpendicular to the direction in which the vehicle (800) is moving. For example, the up-down direction of the vehicle (800) may be a direction perpendicular to the ground among the directions perpendicular to the direction in which the vehicle (800) is moving. In addition, the up-down direction of the vehicle (800) may be a vertical direction perpendicular to the direction in which the plurality of batteries (B) are moving. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 4, the up-down direction of the vehicle (800) is a direction parallel to the z-axis direction. The control unit (120) may diagnose the status of each of the plurality of batteries (B) based on the third vibration value with respect to the z-axis direction of the plurality of batteries (B).

[0117]

[0118] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a battery diagnosis method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0119] Preferably, each step of the battery diagnosis method can be performed by a battery diagnosis device (100). In the following, for convenience of explanation, any content that overlaps with the previously described content will be omitted or briefly described.

[0120] The vibration value measurement step (S100) is a step of measuring the vibration value generated in a preset axial direction for each of a plurality of batteries (B), and can be performed by the measurement unit (110).

[0121] For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the measuring unit (110) can measure a first vibration value in the x-axis direction, a second vibration value in the y-axis direction, and a third vibration value in the z-axis direction for each of the first to fourth batteries.

[0122] The battery condition diagnosis step (S200) is a step of diagnosing the condition of the plurality of batteries (B) from the vibration value of each of the plurality of batteries (B) based on at least one of a preset standard deviation value and a preset standard vibration value corresponding to the axial direction for the plurality of batteries (B), and can be performed by the control unit (120).

[0123] Specifically, the control unit (120) can diagnose the status of the battery as normal or defective.

[0124] For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the number of times that the maximum value of the first vibration value of the first to fourth batteries (B1, B2, B3, B4) measured according to the measurement cycle during a preset threshold time is greater than or equal to the first reference vibration value can be calculated. Here, the first reference vibration value is a reference vibration value set with respect to the x-axis direction. When the calculated number of times reaches the reference number, the control unit (120) can calculate the vibration value deviation for the first vibration value of the first to fourth batteries (B1, B2, B3, B4). The control unit (120) can diagnose the state of a battery in which the vibration value deviation is less than or equal to the reference deviation value as a normal state, and can diagnose the state of a battery in which the vibration value deviation exceeds the reference deviation value as a defective state.

[0125] As another example, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the control unit (120) can compare the second vibration values ​​of the first to fourth batteries (B1, B2, B3, B4) with a second reference vibration value. Here, the second reference vibration value is a reference vibration value set with respect to the y-axis direction. The control unit (120) can be configured to diagnose the state of a battery in which the second vibration value is lower than or equal to the second reference vibration value as a normal state, and to diagnose the state of a battery in which the second vibration value exceeds the second reference vibration value as a defective state.

[0126] As another example, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the control unit (120) can compare the third vibration values ​​of the first to fourth batteries (B1, B2, B3, B4) with a third reference vibration value. Here, the third reference vibration value is a reference vibration value set with respect to the z-axis direction. The control unit (120) can be configured to diagnose the state of a battery in which the third vibration value is lower than or equal to the third reference vibration value as a normal state, and to diagnose the state of a battery in which the third vibration value exceeds the third reference vibration value as a defective state.

[0127]

[0128] The embodiments of the present invention described above are not implemented only through devices and methods, but may also be implemented through a program that realizes a function corresponding to the configuration of the embodiments of the present invention or a recording medium on which the program is recorded, and such implementation can be easily implemented by an expert in the technical field to which the present invention belongs based on the description of the embodiments described above.

[0129] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the equivalent scope of the patent claims to be described below by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains.

[0130] In addition, the present invention described above is not limited to the above-described embodiments and the attached drawings, and all or part of each embodiment may be selectively combined and configured so that various modifications can be made, as those skilled in the art can make various substitutions, modifications, and changes within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention.

[0131] (Explanation of symbols)

[0132] 1: Battery pack

[0133] 10: Multiple batteries

[0134] 100: Battery Diagnostic Device

[0135] 110: Measurement section

[0136] 120: Control unit

[0137] 130: Storage

Claims

1. A measuring unit configured to measure a vibration value occurring in a preset axial direction for each of a plurality of batteries; and A battery diagnosis device characterized by including a control unit configured to diagnose the state of the plurality of batteries from the vibration value of each of the plurality of batteries based on at least one of a preset reference deviation value for the plurality of batteries and a preset reference vibration value corresponding to the axial direction.

2. In paragraph 1, The above preset axis direction is, A battery diagnostic device characterized in that it is configured to include at least one of: an x-axis direction set in the movement direction of the plurality of batteries; a y-axis direction set in the left-right direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the plurality of batteries; and a z-axis direction set in the up-down direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the plurality of batteries.

3. In paragraph 2, The above control unit, A battery diagnosis device characterized in that it is configured to calculate the vibration value deviation of a plurality of vibration values ​​measured by the above-mentioned measuring unit for each axis direction, compare each calculated vibration value deviation with the above-mentioned reference deviation value, and diagnose the state of each of the plurality of batteries based on the comparison result.

4. In paragraph 3, The above control unit, The state of the battery in which the vibration value deviation is less than or equal to the standard deviation value is diagnosed as normal, A battery diagnosis device characterized in that it is configured to diagnose the state of a battery in which the vibration value deviation exceeds the reference deviation value as a defective state.

5. In paragraph 3, The above measuring part, It is configured to measure the first vibration value of each of the plurality of batteries generated in the x-axis direction at a preset measurement cycle, The above control unit, A battery diagnostic device characterized in that it is configured to calculate the number of times that the maximum value of the first vibration value measured for each measurement cycle during a preset threshold time is greater than or equal to a preset first reference vibration value corresponding to the x-axis direction, and to calculate a vibration value deviation with respect to the first vibration value when the calculated number of times reaches the reference number.

6. In paragraph 2, The above measuring part, configured to measure the second vibration value of each of the plurality of batteries generated in the y-axis direction, The above control unit, The state of the battery is diagnosed as normal when the second vibration value is lower than or equal to the second reference vibration value preset to correspond to the y-axis direction, A battery diagnostic device characterized in that it is configured to diagnose a state of a battery in which the second vibration value exceeds the second reference vibration value as a defective state.

7. In paragraph 2, The above measuring part, configured to measure the third vibration value of each of the plurality of batteries generated in the z-axis direction, The above control unit, The state of the battery is diagnosed as normal when the third vibration value is lower than or equal to the third reference vibration value preset to correspond to the z-axis direction, A battery diagnostic device characterized in that it is configured to diagnose a state of a battery in which the third vibration value exceeds the third reference vibration value as a defective state.

8. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, A battery diagnosis device characterized in that it is configured to diagnose the state of each of the plurality of batteries as a normal state or a defective state, and electrically isolate a battery diagnosed as a defective state from a battery diagnosed as a normal state.

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

10. A vehicle including a battery diagnostic device according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 8.

11. A vibration value measurement step for measuring the vibration value generated in a preset axial direction for each of multiple batteries; and A battery diagnosis method, characterized in that it includes a battery status diagnosis step of diagnosing the status of the plurality of batteries from the vibration value of each of the plurality of batteries based on at least one of a preset reference deviation value for the plurality of batteries and a preset reference vibration value corresponding to the axial direction.

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