Inspection device and method for inspecting communication state of battery management device by same

Abstract

An inspection device for inspecting a communication state of a battery management device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a base member; a distance-variable part which is disposed on the base member, to which a first battery management device including a first optical communication part is mounted, and which is movable in the direction of a first axis; and an angle-variable part including a first rotation structure which is disposed on the base member, to which a second battery management device including a second optical communication part is mounted, and which is rotatable around a second axis orthogonal to the first axis, and a second rotation structure which is rotatable around a third axis orthogonal to the first axis and the second axis, wherein the first optical communication part and the second optical communication part are arranged to face each other.

Description

Method for checking the communication status of a test device and its battery management device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for inspecting a communication status of an inspection device and a battery management device thereof, and more particularly, to a technique for inspecting the status of an optical communication unit of a battery management device.

[0002] Typically, wireless optical communication is utilized for communication between battery management devices (or battery management systems (BMS)) that manage battery modules. For example, various information can be exchanged between BMSs via infrared optical communication. The optical communication unit of each BMS may include a transmitting diode that transmits infrared light containing communication information and a receiving diode that receives the infrared light. In other words, two BMSs can perform optical communication by arranging the transmitting diode and receiving diode so that they face each other.

[0003] The communication sensitivity of such infrared optical communication may vary depending on the distance and angle between battery management devices. For example, the communication sensitivity of infrared optical communication may vary depending on the distance and angle between battery management devices. In particular, the distance and angle between battery management devices that achieve optimal communication sensitivity may vary depending on factors such as the installation tolerances of each battery management device, the structure of the optical communication unit, and the color of the optical communication unit. Conventionally, battery management devices are installed based on the experience of the worker assembling the battery management device and generally applied design specifications. In this case, the problem of not being able to apply the distance and angle that achieve the accurate communication range or optimal communication sensitivity for each battery management device may arise.

[0004] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a technical problem is to specifically define a communication range of an optical communication unit of a battery management device.

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a technical problem is to identify a communication range having optimal communication sensitivity for battery management devices.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a technical problem is to design a battery pack so that a battery management device has optimal communication sensitivity.

[0007] A test device for testing a communication status of a battery management device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a base member; a distance variation unit disposed on the base member, on which a first battery management device including a first optical communication unit is mounted, and capable of moving in the direction of a first axis; and an angle variation unit disposed on the base member, on which a second battery management device including a second optical communication unit is mounted, and including a first rotational structure capable of rotating about a second axis orthogonal to the first axis and a second rotational structure capable of rotating about a third axis orthogonal to the first and second axes, wherein the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit may be disposed to face each other.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the distance variation unit may include a reference plate; a first fixing member for fixing the first battery management device on the reference plate; and a moving member capable of moving the reference plate in the direction of the first axis.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the distance variation unit may further include a distance measuring member that is arranged along the direction of the first axis and can measure the distance between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit on the first axis.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the angle variation unit may include a second fixing member that fixes the second battery management device on the second rotational structure; a first rotational member that can rotate the first rotational structure around the second axis; and a second rotational member that can rotate the second rotational structure around the third axis.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the angle fluctuation unit may further include a first angle measuring member formed on the first rotational structure and capable of measuring an angle at which the second optical communication unit rotates on a first plane orthogonal to the second axis; and a second angle measuring member formed on the second rotational structure and capable of measuring an angle at which the second optical communication unit rotates on a second plane orthogonal to the third axis.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the first rotating member and the second rotating member may be rotating members capable of rotating by a unit angle.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the movable member may be a movable member capable of moving by a unit length.

[0014] In one embodiment, the inspection device may further include a communication circuit communicatively connected to the first battery management device and the second battery management device; a memory; and a processor. In one embodiment, the processor may be configured to obtain, from the distance variation unit, a first distance between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit on the first axis, obtain, from the angle variation unit, a first angle at which the second optical communication unit is rotated from a first reference line on a first plane, obtain, from the angle variation unit, a second angle at which the second optical communication unit is rotated from a second reference line on a second plane, and obtain, from the first battery management device and the second battery management device, first information regarding communication sensitivity between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the processor may be configured to store in the memory, in association with each other, first information about the first distance, the first angle, the second angle, and the communication sensitivity.

[0016] In one embodiment, the processor may be configured to control the distance change unit so that the distance between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit on the first axis is changed from the first distance to the second distance, and to obtain second information about the communication sensitivity between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit from the first battery management device and the second battery management device.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the processor may be configured to store second information about the second distance, the first angle, the second angle, and the communication sensitivity in association with each other in the memory.

[0018] In one embodiment, the processor may be configured to control the angle change unit so that an angle at which the second optical communication unit rotates from the first reference line on the first plane changes from the first angle to a third angle, control the angle change unit so that an angle at which the second optical communication unit rotates from the second reference line on the second plane changes from the second angle to a fourth angle, and obtain third information about a communication sensitivity between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit from the first battery management device and the second battery management device.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the processor may be configured to store the first distance, the third angle, the fourth angle, and the third information regarding the communication sensitivity in association with each other in the memory.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the processor may be configured to select information about one communication sensitivity having the highest communication sensitivity from among information about a plurality of communication sensitivities stored in the memory, confirm a distance between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit associated with the information about the selected one communication sensitivity, an angle at which the second optical communication unit rotates on the first plane, and an angle at which the second optical communication unit rotates on the second plane, and determine the confirmed distance and angle as optimal communication specifications between the first battery management device and the second battery management device.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication range of the optical communication unit of the battery management device can be specifically defined.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication range having optimal communication sensitivity can be identified for battery management devices.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a battery pack can be designed so that the battery management device has optimal communication sensitivity.

[0024] FIGS. 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an inspection device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIGS. 2A and 2B are drawings illustrating an angle variation unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating a distance variation part of an inspection device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating an angle measuring member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a state in which a first battery management device and a second battery management device are mounted on a test device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining a method for checking communication sensitivity while adjusting the distance between battery management devices according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIGS. 7A and 7B are drawings for explaining a method for checking communication sensitivity while adjusting the angle between battery management devices according to one embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an inspection device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 9 is a processing flowchart of an inspection device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] The terms used in the embodiments have been selected from widely used and common terms, taking into account the functions of the present disclosure. However, these terms may vary depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Furthermore, in certain cases, terms may be arbitrarily selected by the applicant, in which case their meanings will be described in detail in the relevant description. Therefore, the terms used in this disclosure should not be defined simply as names of terms, but rather based on the meanings of the terms and the overall content of the present disclosure.

[0034] When a part of the specification is said to "include" a component, this does not exclude other components, but rather implies the inclusion of other components, unless otherwise specifically stated. Furthermore, terms such as "part" and "module" used in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0035] The expression “at least one of a, b, and c” described throughout the specification may encompass “a alone,” “b alone,” “c alone,” “a and b,” “a and c,” “b and c,” or “all of a, b, and c.”

[0036] Below, embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0037] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0038] In describing the embodiments, descriptions of technical details that are well-known in the technical field to which the present invention pertains and are not directly related to the present invention will be omitted. This is to avoid obscuring the gist of the present invention by omitting unnecessary explanations and to convey it more clearly.

[0039] For the same reason, some components in the attached drawings are exaggerated, omitted, or schematically depicted. Furthermore, the dimensions of each component do not entirely reflect its actual size. Identical or corresponding components in each drawing are assigned the same reference numbers.

[0040] The advantages and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided only to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Like reference numerals designate like elements throughout the specification.

[0041] At this time, it will be understood that each block of the processing flow diagrams and combinations of the flow diagrams can be performed by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be installed in a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing equipment, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing equipment create a means for performing the functions described in the flow diagram block(s). These computer program instructions can also be stored in a computer-available or computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to implement the functions in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer-available or computer-readable memory can also produce a manufactured item that includes an instruction means for performing the functions described in the flow diagram block(s). Since the computer program instructions may be installed on a computer or other programmable data processing device, a series of operational steps may be performed on the computer or other programmable data processing device to create a computer-executable process, and the instructions that cause the computer or other programmable data processing device to perform the steps for performing the functions described in the flowchart block(s) may also provide steps for performing the functions described in the flowchart block(s).

[0042] Additionally, each block may represent a module, segment, or portion of code that contains one or more executable instructions for performing a specific logical function(s). It should also be noted that in some alternative implementation examples, the functions described in the blocks may occur out of order. For example, two blocks depicted in succession may actually be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on their respective functions.

[0043] FIGS. 1A and 1B are drawings illustrating an inspection device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the inspection device (100), and FIG. 1B is a plan view of the inspection device (100) viewed from above.

[0044] A test device (100) according to one embodiment may be a device for testing a communication status of a battery management device (or a battery management system (BMS)). The test device (100) may test a communication range or communication sensitivity between two battery management devices. The battery management devices may include an optical communication unit for communication. The optical communication unit may be, for example, a communication unit that performs infrared communication. The optical communication unit may include a transmitting diode that transmits infrared light and a receiving diode that receives infrared light. The two battery management devices may perform wireless communication via infrared light while the optical communication units face each other. For example, the optical communication unit of a first battery management device may transmit infrared light, and the optical communication unit of a second battery management device may receive the transmitted infrared light. The infrared light may include communication information.

[0045] The battery management device of the present disclosure may be a battery management system (BMS) that manages and controls a battery pack. The battery management device may perform wireless optical communication using infrared light with other battery management devices. An embodiment in which two battery management devices are mounted on an inspection device (100) will be described starting with FIG. 5.

[0046] The communication sensitivity of the infrared optical communication described above may vary depending on the distance between battery management devices and the angle at which the infrared light is irradiated. Due to factors such as the installation tolerance of each battery management device, the structure of the optical communication unit, and the color of the optical communication unit, the distance and angle required for optimal communication sensitivity may vary for each battery management device.

[0047] According to one embodiment, a test device (100) can check the distance and angle for optimal communication sensitivity between two battery management devices. The test device (100) can measure the communication sensitivity between two battery management devices by adjusting the distance between the battery management devices. The test device (100) can measure the communication sensitivity between two battery management devices by adjusting the light irradiation angle between the optical communication units of each battery management device. The light irradiation angle can include an irradiation angle on a first plane (e.g., an xy plane) and an irradiation angle on a second plane (e.g., an xz plane).

[0048] An inspection device (100) according to one embodiment may include a base member (130), an angle variation unit (110), and a distance variation unit (120). The distance variation unit (120) may be disposed on the base member (130). The angle variation unit (110) may be disposed on the base member (130). Two battery management devices may be mounted on each of the angle variation unit (110) and the distance variation unit (120). For example, a first battery management device may be mounted on the distance variation unit (120), and a second battery management device may be mounted on the angle variation unit (110). The first optical communication unit of the first battery management device and the second optical communication unit of the second battery management device may be disposed (mounted) to face each other.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the distance variation unit (120) can move in the direction of the first axis (11). For example, the first axis can be an axis parallel to the x-axis. The direction of the first axis (11) means, for example, the +x-axis direction and the -x-axis direction, and can mean a movement direction on the x-axis. For example, the distance variation unit (120) can translate in the direction of the first axis (11). The distance variation unit (120) can move in the x-axis direction by a user's operation, or can move in the x-axis direction by an electronic operation of a processor of the inspection device (100). The distance variation unit (120) can include a reference plate, a first fixing member that fixes a first battery management device on the reference plate, and a moving member that can move the reference plate in the direction of the first axis. A description of the structure of the distance variation unit (120) will be described later using FIG. 3.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the angle variation unit (110) can rotate on a first plane. The first plane may be a plane orthogonal to the second axis (13). The second axis (13) may be an axis orthogonal to the first axis (e.g., an axis parallel to the x-axis). For example, the first plane may be an xy plane, and the second axis (13) may be an axis parallel to the z-axis. That is, the angle variation unit (110) can rotate on the xy plane with the second axis (13) as the rotation axis.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the angle variation unit (110) can rotate on a second plane. The second plane may be a plane orthogonal to a third axis (15). The third axis (15) may be an axis orthogonal to the first and second axes. For example, the second plane may be an xz plane, and the third axis (15) may be an axis parallel to the y-axis.

[0052] FIGS. 2A and 2B are drawings illustrating an angle variation unit (110) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the angle variation unit (110), and FIG. 2B is a front view of the angle variation unit (110) viewed from the front.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, an angle variation unit (110) according to one embodiment may include a first rotation structure (112) and a second rotation structure (114). The angle variation unit (110) may include a second fixing unit (210) that fixes a second battery management device on the second rotation structure (114), a first rotation member (111) that can rotate the first rotation structure (112) around a second axis (13), and a second rotation member (115) that can rotate the second rotation structure (114) around a third axis (15). The first rotation structure (112) and the second rotation structure (114) are connected to each other, and the second rotation structure (114) is connected so as to be able to rotate independently of the first rotation structure (112). In FIG. 2b, the first rotation structure (112) is connected to the first rotation member (111) and can rotate around the second axis (13), and may refer to a U-shaped structure. The second rotation structure (114) is connected to the second rotation member (115) and can rotate around the third axis (15), and may refer to a ㅁ-shaped structure.

[0054] According to one embodiment, a first rotational structure (112) is rotatable about a second axis (13) that is orthogonal to a first axis (e.g., an axis parallel to the x-axis). The first rotational structure (112) can be coupled to a first rotational member (111). That is, when the first rotational member (111) rotates, the first rotational structure (112) can rotate on a first plane (xy plane) about the second axis (13). When the first rotational structure (112) rotates on the first plane by the first rotational member (111), the second rotational structure (114) can also rotate together with the first rotational structure (112). In addition, by rotating the first rotating structure (112) on the first plane by the first rotating member (111), the irradiation angle on the first plane of the infrared light irradiated from the optical communication unit of the second battery management device (not shown) mounted on the angle variation unit (110) can be adjusted.

[0055] The angle variation unit (110) may further include a first angle measuring member (113) formed on the first rotational structure (112). The first angle measuring member (113) may be a member capable of measuring an angle at which the second optical communication unit of the second battery management device rotates on a first plane (e.g., xy plane) orthogonal to the second axis (13) (e.g., z-axis). For example, the first angle measuring member (113) may be a member having a plurality of grooves formed on the first rotational structure (112). As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the first angle measuring member (113) may have a plurality of grooves formed corresponding to a plurality of predetermined angles, and the first rotational member (111) may be connected to one of the plurality of grooves. According to one embodiment, the first angle measuring member (113) may be a protractor. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the first angle measuring member (113) may be a protractor that can measure the angle at which the second optical communication unit of the second battery management device rotates on the first plane from the reference line (from the zero point position). The first angle measuring member (113) may be a protractor that measures the angle at which the second optical communication unit rotates on the xy plane from the reference line.

[0056] According to one embodiment, a second rotational structure (114) is rotatable about a first axis (e.g., an axis parallel to the x-axis) and a third axis (15) orthogonal to the second axis (13). The second rotational structure (114) may be coupled to a second rotational member (115). That is, when the second rotational member (115) rotates, the second rotational structure (114) may rotate on a second plane (xz plane) about the third axis (15). Since the second rotational structure (114) may rotate independently of the first rotational structure (112), when the second rotational member (115) rotates, the second rotational structure (114) may rotate on the second plane, but the first rotational structure (112) may not rotate. That is, by rotating the second rotating structure (114) on the second plane by the second rotating member (115), the irradiation angle of the infrared tube on the second plane irradiated by the optical communication unit of the second battery management device can be adjusted.

[0057] The angle variation unit (110) may further include a second angle measuring member (117) formed on the second rotational structure (114). The second angle measuring member (117) may be a member capable of measuring an angle at which the second optical communication unit of the second battery management device rotates on a second plane (e.g., xz plane) orthogonal to the third axis (15) (e.g., y-axis). For example, the second angle measuring member (117) may be a member having a plurality of grooves formed on the second rotational structure (114). As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the second angle measuring member (117) may have a plurality of grooves formed corresponding to a plurality of predetermined angles, and the second rotational member (115) may be connected to one of the plurality of grooves. According to one embodiment, the second angle measuring member (117) may be a protractor. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the second angle measuring member (117) may be a protractor (400) that can measure the angle at which the second optical communication unit of the second battery management device rotates on a second plane from a reference line (from a zero point position). For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the second angle measuring member (117) may be a protractor (400) that measures the angle at which the second optical communication unit rotates on an xz plane from a reference line.

[0058] Fig. 3 is a drawing illustrating a distance variation unit (120) of an inspection device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the distance variation unit (120).

[0059] According to one embodiment, a distance variation unit (120) may be placed on a base member (130) of a test device (100). A first battery management device (not shown) including a first optical communication unit may be mounted on the distance variation unit (120). The distance variation unit (120) may move in the direction of a first axis (e.g., x-axis). The direction of the first axis may mean, for example, a +x-axis direction and a -x-axis direction, and may mean a movement direction on the x-axis.

[0060] According to one embodiment, a distance variation unit (120) may include a reference plate (320), a first fixing unit (310), and a moving member (121). A first battery management device may be positioned on the reference plate (320). The first fixing unit (310) may fix the first battery management device placed on the reference plate (320). That is, the first battery management device may be positioned on the reference plate (320) and fixed by the first fixing unit (310). The moving member (121) may move the reference plate (320) in the direction of the first axis. The moving member (121) may be, for example, a moving rail, and may have a plurality of grooves formed therein so as to be moved to and fixed in a plurality of designated positions. The distance variation unit (120) may be moved in the x-axis direction by a user's operation. For example, a user can hold the handle (123) of the distance change unit (120) and move the distance change unit (120) in the x-axis direction. According to another embodiment, the distance change unit (120) can also be moved in the x-axis direction by electronic manipulation of the processor of the inspection device (100).

[0061] The movable member (121) according to one embodiment may be a member capable of moving to a plurality of designated locations, or may be a member capable of moving by a unit length. For example, a plurality of grooves are formed in a plurality of locations on the movable member (121), and a reference plate (320) may be moved and fixed to each groove. For example, the movable member (121) may be a member capable of moving by 1 cm at a time.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the distance variation unit (120) may further include a distance measuring member (not shown) that is arranged along the direction of the first axis and can measure the distance between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit on the first axis. The distance measuring member may be, for example, a ruler. The distance measuring member is arranged in the first axis direction parallel to the moving member (121) and can set the position of the second optical communication unit of the second battery management device (not shown) mounted on the angle variation unit (110) as a zero point. Through the distance measuring member, the distance between the first optical communication unit of the first battery management device and the second optical communication unit of the second battery management device can be measured.

[0063] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a first battery management device (520) and a second battery management device (510) are mounted on a test device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 5, the dotted line indicates a field of view (FoV), which is a range in which infrared light is irradiated, and for convenience of explanation, the FoV of the actual infrared light is exaggerated.

[0064] As described above, the first battery management device (520) may be mounted on the distance variation unit (120) of the inspection device (100), and the second battery management device (510) may be mounted on the angle variation unit (110) of the inspection device (100). The first optical communication unit of the first battery management device (520) and the second optical communication unit of the second battery management device (510) may be positioned (mounted) to face each other. The first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit may perform wireless communication using infrared light. For example, when the first optical communication unit irradiates infrared light containing communication information, the second optical communication unit may receive the irradiated infrared light and obtain communication information. The communication sensitivity between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit may vary depending on the distance and angle therebetween. Accordingly, the inspection device (100) can inspect the communication sensitivity by adjusting the distance between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit, and can inspect the communication sensitivity by adjusting the irradiation angle of the light irradiated from the second optical communication unit.

[0065] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a method for testing communication sensitivity while adjusting the distance between battery management devices (510, 520) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As with FIG. 5, the first battery management device (520) may be mounted on the distance variation unit (120) of the testing device (100), and the second battery management device (510) may be mounted on the angle variation unit (110) of the testing device (100).

[0066] Referring to FIG. 6, the distance variation unit (120) of the inspection device (100) can be controlled to adjust the distance between the first optical communication unit of the first battery management device (520) and the second optical communication unit of the second battery management device (510). Compared to FIG. 5, it can be seen that the distance between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit is reduced by d. The distance variation unit (120) can be moved in the direction of the first axis (11) (e.g., the direction of the x-axis) by a user's operation, or can be moved in the direction of the x-axis by an electronic operation of the processor of the inspection device (100).

[0067] As described above, the inspection device (100) can inspect the communication sensitivity between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit by changing the distance between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit. The inspection device (100) can be communicatively connected to the first battery management device (520) and the second battery management device (510). For example, the inspection device (100) can be communicatively connected to the first battery management device (520) and the second battery management device (510) by wire or wirelessly. The inspection device (100) can obtain information regarding the communication sensitivity between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit from the first battery management device (520) and the second battery management device (510). The information regarding the communication sensitivity can be, for example, information expressed in a numerical value. A higher numerical value indicating the communication sensitivity can mean better communication sensitivity. The inspection device (100) may receive information regarding communication sensitivity from each of the first battery management device (520) and the second battery management device (510), or may receive information regarding communication sensitivity from either the first battery management device (520) or the second battery management device (510). The inspection device (100) may associate and store distance and angle information between the first battery management device (520) and the second battery management device (510) and information regarding communication sensitivity.

[0068] According to another embodiment, an external terminal device may be communicatively connected with the first battery management device (520) and the second battery management device (510). In the above case, when the first battery management device (520) and the second battery management device (510) are mounted on the inspection device (100), the first battery management device (520) and the second battery management device (510) may be communicatively connected with the external terminal device. The external terminal device may be, for example, one of a personal computer, a laptop, a tablet PC, and a smartphone. The external terminal device may obtain information regarding the communication sensitivity between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit.

[0069] FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams for explaining a method for testing communication sensitivity by adjusting the angle between battery management devices (510, 520) according to one embodiment. Similar to FIGS. 5 and 6, the first battery management device (520) may be mounted on the distance variation unit (120) of the testing device (100), and the second battery management device (510) may be mounted on the angle variation unit (110) of the testing device (100).

[0070] Referring to FIG. 7a, by rotating the first rotating structure (112) on a first plane (e.g., xy plane) through the angle variation unit (110) of the inspection device (100), the angle at which the infrared light irradiated from the second optical communication unit of the second battery management device (510) is irradiated on the first plane can be adjusted. Specifically, in the case of FIG. 7a, compared to FIG. 5, it is a drawing showing a state in which the angle variation unit (110) of the inspection device (100) is rotated counterclockwise by an angle α when viewed from above on the first plane (e.g., xy plane). That is, the second optical communication unit of the second battery management device (510) mounted on the angle variation unit (110) can irradiate infrared light to a position rotated counterclockwise by an angle α from the first reference line (710) on the first plane. The first reference line (710) may refer to a straight line parallel to the x-axis, which is the direction in which infrared light is irradiated in FIG. 5. When the first rotational structure (112) rotates around the second axis (13) on the first plane (xy plane), the second rotational structure (114) may also rotate together.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 7b, by rotating the inspection device (100) on a second plane (e.g., xz plane) through the angle variation unit (110), the angle at which the infrared light irradiated from the second optical communication unit of the second battery management device (510) is irradiated on the second plane can be adjusted. Specifically, FIG. 7b is a drawing illustrating a state in which the angle variation unit (110) of the inspection device (100) is rotated counterclockwise by an angle β on the second plane (e.g., xz plane) compared to FIG. 5. That is, the second optical communication unit of the second battery management device (510) mounted on the angle variation unit (110) can irradiate infrared light to a position rotated counterclockwise by an angle β from the second reference line (720) on the second plane. The second reference line (720) may mean a straight line parallel to the z-axis. When the second rotation structure (114) rotates around the third axis (15) on the second plane (xz plane), only the second rotation structure (114) may rotate, and the first rotation structure (112) may not rotate.

[0072] As described above, the inspection device (100) can inspect the communication sensitivity between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit by changing the irradiation angle of the infrared light irradiated from the second optical communication unit. The inspection device (100) can be communicatively connected to the first battery management device (520) and the second battery management device (510). For example, the inspection device (100) can be communicatively connected to the first battery management device (520) and the second battery management device (510) by wire or wirelessly. The inspection device (100) can obtain information regarding the communication sensitivity between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit from the first battery management device (520) and the second battery management device (510). The information regarding the communication sensitivity can be, for example, information expressed in numbers.

[0073] In FIG. 7a, an embodiment in which the first rotation structure (112) rotates on a first plane is illustrated, and in FIG. 7b, an embodiment in which the second rotation structure (114) rotates on a second plane is illustrated. However, it is to be understood that the first rotation structure (112) and the second rotation structure (114) may rotate individually or simultaneously.

[0074] Fig. 8 is a block diagram of a test device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the present disclosure, the test device (100) is a device for testing the communication status of a battery management device, and may be a device designed to measure communication sensitivity by mounting (arranging) two battery management devices facing each other and changing the distance between them and the irradiation angle of infrared light.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the inspection device (100) may include a processor (810), a memory (820), and a communication circuit (830). At least one of the components included in the inspection device (100) may be omitted, or another component may be added to the battery module. Additionally or alternatively, some of the components may be implemented in an integrated manner, or may be implemented as a single or multiple alternatives. At least some of the components within the inspection device (100) may be implemented in an integrated manner, or may be implemented as a single or multiple entities. At least some of the components within the inspection device (100) may be connected to each other via a controller area network (CAN), a bus, a general purpose input / output (GPIO), a serial peripheral interface (SPI), or a mobile industry processor interface (MIPI), and may exchange data and / or signals.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the processor (810) of the inspection device (100) is a configuration capable of performing calculations or data processing related to control and / or communication of each component of the inspection device (100), and may be operatively connected to the components of the inspection device (100). The processor (810) may load commands or data received from other components of the inspection device (100) into the memory (820), process the commands or data stored in the memory (820), and store result data. The memory (820) of the inspection device (100) according to one embodiment may store various data used by at least one component (e.g., the processor (810)). The memory (820) may store instructions for the operation of the processor (810) described above. The program may be stored as software in the memory (820), and may include, for example, an operating system, middleware, or an application.

[0077] The communication circuit (830) of the inspection device (100) according to one embodiment can establish a wired or wireless communication channel with an external device (e.g., a battery management device) and transmit and receive various data with the external device. The communication circuit (830) of the inspection device (100) can include at least one port for connecting to the external device via a wired cable in order to communicate with the external device via a wire. The communication circuit (830) of the inspection device (100) can be configured to be connected to a cellular network (e.g., 3G, LTE, 5G, Wibro, or Wimax) by including a cellular communication module. According to one embodiment, the communication circuit (830) of the inspection device (100) can include a short-range communication module to transmit and receive data with the external device using short-range communication (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), UWB), but is not limited thereto.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the inspection device (100) is communicatively connected to a first battery management device and a second battery management device, and can receive various data from the first battery management device and the second battery management device. The inspection device (100) can obtain information regarding the communication sensitivity between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit from the first battery management device and the second battery management device.

[0079] FIG. 9 is a processing flowchart of an inspection device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0080] Referring to the processing flowchart 900, the processor (810) of the inspection device (100) according to one embodiment can obtain a first distance between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit on the first axis from the distance variation unit (120) in step 910. The distance measurement member of the distance variation unit (120) can measure the distance between the first optical communication unit of the first battery management device and the second optical communication unit of the second battery management device under the control of the processor (810). The processor (810) can obtain the distance measured by the distance measurement member.

[0081] In one embodiment, the processor (810) of the inspection device (100) can obtain, at step 920, from the angle variation unit (110), a first angle at which the second optical communication unit rotates from a first reference line on a first plane. The first angle measurement member (113) of the angle variation unit (110) can measure, under the control of the processor (810), an angle at which the second optical communication unit of the second battery management device rotates around a second axis (13) (e.g., an axis parallel to the z-axis) on a first plane (e.g., an xy plane). The processor (810) can obtain, from the first angle measurement member (113), a first angle at which the second optical communication unit rotates from a first reference line on the first plane.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the processor (810) of the inspection device (100) can obtain, in step 930, a second angle rotated from a second reference line on a second plane from the second optical communication unit through the angle variation unit (110). The second angle measuring member (117) of the angle variation unit (110) can measure, under the control of the processor (810), an angle rotated by the second optical communication unit of the second battery management device around a third axis (15) (e.g., an axis parallel to the y-axis) on a second plane (e.g., an xz plane). The processor (810) can obtain, from the second angle measuring member (117), a second angle rotated by the second optical communication unit on the second plane from the second reference line.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the processor (810) of the inspection device (100) may, in step 940, obtain first information regarding the communication sensitivity between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit from the first battery management device and the second battery management device. The processor (810) may obtain first information regarding the communication sensitivity between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit from the first battery management device and the second battery management device via the communication circuit (830). The processor (810) may obtain first information regarding the communication sensitivity between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit from each of the first battery management device and the second battery management device.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the processor (810) can store first information regarding a first distance, a first angle, and communication sensitivity in a memory (820) by associating them with each other. That is, the processor (810) can create a database by associating the placement conditions (i.e., distance and angle conditions) of the first battery management device and the second battery management device with the communication sensitivity.

[0085] In one embodiment, the processor (810) may control the distance change unit (120) so that the distance between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit on the first axis is changed from the first distance to the second distance. Thereafter, the processor (810) may obtain second information about the communication sensitivity between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit from the first battery management device and the second battery management device. The processor (810) may associate the second distance, the first angle, the second angle, and the second information about the communication sensitivity with each other and store them in the memory (820). That is, the inspection device (100) may measure the communication sensitivity between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit while adjusting the distance between the first battery management device and the second battery management device.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the processor (810) may control the angle change unit (110) so that the angle at which the second optical communication unit rotates from the first reference line on the first plane changes from the first angle to a third angle. The processor (810) may control the angle change unit (110) so that the angle at which the second optical communication unit rotates from the second reference line on the second plane changes from the second angle to a fourth angle. The processor (810) may obtain third information regarding communication sensitivity between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit from the first battery management device and the second battery management device. Thereafter, the processor (810) may associate the first distance, the third angle, the fourth angle, and the third information regarding communication sensitivity with each other and store them in the memory (820). That is, the inspection device (100) can measure the communication sensitivity between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit by adjusting the irradiation angle of infrared light between the first battery management unit and the second battery management unit.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the processor (810) may select information about a single communication sensitivity having the highest communication sensitivity from among information about a plurality of communication sensitivities stored in the memory (820). The processor (810) may check the distance between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit associated with the selected information about the single communication sensitivity, the angle at which the second optical communication unit is rotated on the first plane, and the angle at which the second optical communication unit is rotated on the second plane. The processor (810) may determine the checked distance and angle as the optimal communication specifications between the first battery management device and the second battery management device. That is, the inspection device (100) may measure the communication sensitivity under various arrangement conditions of the battery management devices, and determine the arrangement condition having the highest communication sensitivity as the optimal arrangement condition.

[0088] Meanwhile, the present specification and drawings disclose preferred embodiments of the present invention. Although specific terms have been used, they are used in a general sense only to easily explain the technical contents of the present invention and to assist in understanding the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other modified examples based on the technical concept of the present invention are possible in addition to the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0089] The device or terminal according to the above-described embodiments may include a processor, a memory for storing and executing program data, permanent storage such as a disk drive, a communication port for communicating with an external device, a user interface device such as a touch panel, a key, a button, etc. The methods implemented as software modules or algorithms may be stored on a computer-readable recording medium as computer-readable codes or program commands that can be executed on the processor. Here, the computer-readable recording medium includes a magnetic storage medium (e.g., a read-only memory (ROM), a random-access memory (RAM), a floppy disk, a hard disk, etc.) and an optical reading medium (e.g., a CD-ROM, a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD)). The computer-readable recording medium may be distributed to computer systems connected through a network, so that the computer-readable code can be stored and executed in a distributed manner. The medium is readable by a computer, stored in a memory, and executed by a processor.

[0090] The present embodiment may be represented by functional block configurations and various processing steps. These functional blocks may be implemented by various hardware and / or software configurations that perform specific functions. For example, the embodiment may employ integrated circuit configurations such as memory, processing, logic, look-up tables, etc., which may perform various functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices. Similarly, the present embodiment may be implemented in a programming or scripting language such as C, C++, Java, assembler, Python, etc., including various algorithms implemented as a combination of data structures, processes, routines, or other programming configurations. Functional aspects may be implemented as algorithms that execute on one or more processors. Furthermore, the present embodiment may employ conventional techniques for electronic configuration, signal processing, and / or data processing. Terms such as "mechanism," "element," "means," and "composition" can be used broadly and are not limited to mechanical or physical structures. These terms can also encompass a series of software routines, such as those associated with a processor.

[0091] The above-described embodiments are merely examples, and other embodiments may be implemented within the scope of the claims set forth below.

Claims

1. In a test device that tests the communication status of a battery management device, Absence of base; A first battery management device is mounted on the base member and includes a first optical communication unit, and a distance variable unit that can move in the direction of the first axis; and A second battery management device is mounted on the base member and includes a second optical communication unit, and includes an angle variation unit including a first rotation structure that can rotate around a second axis orthogonal to the first axis and a second rotation structure that can rotate around a third axis orthogonal to the first axis and the second axis. An inspection device in which the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit are positioned facing each other.

2. In paragraph 1, The above distance fluctuation part is, reference board; A first fixing member for fixing the first battery management device on the above reference plate; and An inspection device comprising a moving member capable of moving the reference plate in the direction of the first axis.

3. In paragraph 2, The above distance fluctuation part is, An inspection device further comprising a distance measuring member arranged along the direction of the first axis and capable of measuring the distance between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit on the first axis.

4. In paragraph 2, The above angle variation part is, A second fixing member for fixing the second battery management device on the second rotating structure; A first rotating member capable of rotating the first rotating structure about the second axis; and An inspection device comprising a second rotating member capable of rotating the second rotating structure about the third axis.

5. In paragraph 4, The above angle variation part is, A first angle measuring member formed on the first rotating structure and capable of measuring an angle at which the second optical communication unit is rotated on a first plane orthogonal to the second axis; and An inspection device further comprising a second angle measuring member formed on the second rotating structure and capable of measuring an angle by which the second optical communication unit is rotated on a second plane orthogonal to the third axis.

6. In paragraph 4, An inspection device, wherein the first rotating member and the second rotating member are rotating members capable of rotating by a unit angle.

7. In paragraph 4, An inspection device wherein the above-mentioned movable member is a movable member capable of moving by a unit length.

8. In paragraph 1, A communication circuit communicatively connected to the first battery management device and the second battery management device; memory; Including more processors, The above processor, From the above distance variation section, a first distance between the first optical communication section and the second optical communication section is obtained on the first axis, From the above angle variation part, the second optical communication part obtains a first angle rotated from the first reference line on the first plane, From the above angle variation part, the second optical communication part obtains a second angle rotated from the second reference line on the second plane, An inspection device configured to obtain first information regarding communication sensitivity between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit from the first battery management device and the second battery management device.

9. In paragraph 8, The above processor, An inspection device configured to store in the memory the first information about the first distance, the first angle, the second angle and the communication sensitivity in association with each other.

10. In paragraph 8, The above processor, Controlling the distance variation unit so that the distance between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit on the first axis is changed from the first distance to the second distance, An inspection device configured to obtain second information regarding communication sensitivity between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit from the first battery management device and the second battery management device.

11. In paragraph 10, The above processor, An inspection device configured to store in the memory the second information about the second distance, the first angle, the second angle and the communication sensitivity in association with each other.

12. In paragraph 8, The above processor, The second optical communication unit controls the angle change unit so that the angle at which the second optical communication unit rotates from the first reference line on the first plane changes from the first angle to a third angle, The second optical communication unit controls the angle change unit so that the angle at which the second optical communication unit rotates from the second reference line on the second plane changes from the second angle to a fourth angle, An inspection device configured to obtain third information regarding communication sensitivity between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit from the first battery management device and the second battery management device.

13. In paragraph 12, The above processor, An inspection device configured to store the first distance, the third angle, the fourth angle, and the third information about the communication sensitivity in association with each other in the memory.

14. In paragraph 13, The above processor, Select information about one communication sensitivity with the highest communication sensitivity among the information about multiple communication sensitivities stored in the above memory, Checking the distance between the first optical communication unit and the second optical communication unit associated with the information on the selected one communication sensitivity, the angle at which the second optical communication unit is rotated on the first plane, and the angle at which the second optical communication unit is rotated on the second plane, An inspection device configured to determine the above-mentioned distance and angle as the optimal communication specifications between the first battery management device and the second battery management device.

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