Inspection system

Abstract

[Problem] To provide an inspection system that can provide clues for identifying a damaged state of a component of a battery pack. [Solution] As a method for inspecting the continuity state of a power line of a battery pack 10, this inspection system 100 controls the ON / OFF states of relays (a main line relay H_SWH, a precharge relay P_SWP, and a main line relay L_SWL) within the battery pack 10 and confirms the continuity state using current values flowing through in that state or the like. The inspection system 100, by executing first processing, second processing, and third processing, can inspect the continuity state of the power line, including relays on the power line within the battery pack, thread-fastened sites in various sections, and welded sites in various sections. The first processing is for executing relay continuity / control confirmation and battery voltage confirmation. The second processing is for executing current application. The third processing is for executing impedance measurement.

Description

Inspection System

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an inspection system.

[0002] As conventional techniques, techniques such as those disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 4 have been disclosed.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-010181 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-162613 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-179539 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-128556

[0004] The inspection system of the present disclosure is, for example, an inspection system that connects an inspection device to a battery pack and inspects the continuity state of a power line within the battery pack, and is equipped with one or more control units that perform a first process to check details related to the continuity state of the power line within the battery pack, a second process to check details related to the current value within the battery pack, and a third process to check details related to the impedance within the battery pack.

[0005] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an inspection system 100 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a connection configuration of the inspection system 100 according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of an inspection process executed by the inspection system 100 according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the content and results of a first process. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the content and results of a second process. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the content and results of a third process.

[0006] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiment is shown as a preferred example of an inspection system, and the embodiment is not limited to this example.

[0007] 1 is a block diagram showing an inspection system 100 according to an embodiment. The inspection system 100 includes a battery pack 10 and a charging station 20 (inspection device). The inspection system 100 is a system that connects the charging station 20 to the battery pack 10 and inspects the continuity of the power lines in the battery pack 10.

[0008] The test performed by the test system 100 is one of many tests performed when the battery pack 10 is charged / discharged in the charging station 20. The test system 100 can test the continuity of the power line, including the relays on the power line of the battery pack 10, the screw fastening points of each part, the welded points of each part, etc.

[0009] The battery pack 10 includes a battery unit 11, a first current sensor A1, a first voltage measurement unit V1, a third voltage measurement unit V3 (a voltage measurement unit of the battery pack), and a main line relay H_SW. Ｈ (relay) and precharge relay P_SW Ｐ (relay) and main line relay L_SW Ｌ (relay) and precharge resistor R Ｐ and a first control unit 12 (control unit, battery pack control unit).

[0010] The battery module 11 is the power source for the battery pack 10 and includes, for example, batteries or modules with N series-connected cells (N is a natural number equal to or greater than 1). The first current sensor A1 is a sensor that measures the current value of the battery pack 10. The first voltage measurement unit V1 is a device that measures the voltage value on the upstream side of the battery pack 10 (the battery module 11 side). The third voltage measurement unit V3 is a device that measures the voltage value on the downstream side of the battery pack 10 (the downstream side of the three relays).

[0011] Main line relay H_SW Ｈ is a relay located on the high side of the power line. Precharge relay P_SW Ｐ is the main line relay H_SW Ｈ This is a relay arranged in parallel with the main line relay L_SW. Ｌ is a relay placed on the low side of the power line. Precharge resistor R Ｐ is the precharge relay P_SW Ｐ is a resistor placed in series with

[0012] The first control unit 12 is a microcomputer (a microcontroller having a CPU, a memory, etc.) that controls the battery pack 10. The first control unit 12 is, for example, a BMU (battery management unit). The first control unit 12 also controls the voltage of each cell of the battery module 11 (Cell 1 voltage V Ｃｅｌｌ１ , Cell 2 voltage V Ｃｅｌｌ２ , ... CellN voltage V ＣｅｌｌＮ Furthermore, the first control unit 12 monitors three relays (main line relay H_SW Ｈ , precharge relay P_SW Ｐ , main line relay L_SW Ｌ ) can be turned on / off.

[0013] The charging station 20 includes a current source 21, a second current sensor A2, a second voltage measurement unit V2, and a discharge switch SW. Ｄ (relay) and variable load R Ｌ and a second control unit 22 (control unit, control unit of the inspection device).

[0014] The current source 21 is a power source for the charging station 20, and is, for example, a charger. The second current sensor A2 is a sensor that measures the current value of the charging station 20. The second voltage measurement unit V2 is a device that measures the voltage value on the upstream side (current source 21 side) of the charging station 20.

[0015] Discharge switch SW Ｄ is a switch for discharging. Variable load R Ｌ is the discharge switch SW Ｄ The second control unit 22 is a device arranged in series with the second control unit 21. The second control unit 22 is a microcomputer (a microcontroller having a CPU, a memory, etc.) that controls the charging station 20. The second control unit 22 also includes one relay (discharge switch SW Ｄ ) can be turned on / off. The first control unit 12 and the second control unit 22 can communicate with each other. The battery pack 10 and the charging station 20 can be connected via a positive terminal, a negative terminal, or the like.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a connection configuration of an inspection system 100 according to an embodiment. The inspection system 100 includes a battery pack 10, a charging station 20, and an information processing device 30. Details of the battery pack 10 and the charging station 20 are as described above. The information processing device 30 is a device such as a personal computer, and includes a third control unit 31 (control unit) and a display unit 32. The third control unit 31 is connected to the first control unit 12 and the second control unit 22 via a wire or wirelessly, and is capable of communicating with the first control unit 12 and the second control unit 22. Note that the third control unit 31 may be connected to only one of the first control unit 12 and the second control unit 22. The display unit 32 is a display device such as a display, and is capable of displaying results of the first process, the second process, and the third process, which will be described later.

[0017] 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the inspection process executed by the inspection system 100 of the embodiment. Step S10: The inspection system 100 executes a first process (details will be described later). Step S20: The inspection system 100 executes a second process (details will be described later). Step S30: The inspection system 100 executes a third process (details will be described later).

[0018] Step S40: The inspection system 100 executes a storage process. The storage process is a process for storing the inspection results of the first process, the second process, and the third process. The inspection results can be stored in the memory of at least one of the first control unit 12, the second control unit 22, and the third control unit 31. The storage process may be executed after the first process is completed, after the second process is completed, or after the third process is completed. Step S50: The inspection system 100 executes a display process. The display process is a process for displaying the inspection results of the first process, the second process, and the third process on the display unit 32.

[0019] The first process, the second process, and the third process may be performed by the first control unit 12 and the second control unit 22 with the third control unit 31 as the control entity (command entity), or may be performed by the first control unit 12 and the second control unit 22 with the first control unit 12 as the control entity, or may be performed by the first control unit 12 and the second control unit 22 with the second control unit 22 as the control entity. The storage process may be performed by any of the first control unit 12, the second control unit 22, and the third control unit 31. The display process is performed by the display unit 32 with the third control unit 31 as the control entity.

[0020] As shown in steps S10 to S30, the inspection system 100 executes a first process, a second process, and a third process. By executing these three processes, the inspection system 100 can inspect the continuity of the power line including the relay on the power line in the battery pack, the screw fastening points of each part, and the welded points of each part. The screw fastening points are the fixing points of the relay on the power line (for example, the main line relay H_SW Ｈ Both ends of the precharge relay P_SW Ｐ Both ends of the main line relay L_SW Ｌ The welding points are at the fixing points between the terminals of the battery module 11 (both ends of the power line, etc.) and both ends of the battery module 11 (potential portion of V1). The welding points are at the connection points between the electrodes of the cells of the battery module 11 on the power line. Note that while the design of the battery pack 10 of this embodiment employs such a connection method, either welding on the power line or fastening by screwing can be employed depending on the specifications of each component. For example, cells with screw holes in the electrode portion can be fastened by screwing instead of by welding. The three processes are described in detail below.

[0021] [First Process] The first process is a process for checking the contents related to the continuity state in the battery pack 10. The first process is a process for checking the continuity and control of the relay and the battery voltage. The first process is a process for checking the continuity and control of the main line relay H_SW on the power line in the battery pack 10. Ｈ , precharge relay P_SW Ｐ , main line relay L_SW Ｌis turned ON / OFF by the first control unit 12, the voltage value of the third voltage measurement unit V3 or the second voltage measurement unit V2 of the charging station 20 is measured by the second control unit 22, and the main line relay H_SW Ｈ , precharge relay P_SW Ｐ , main line relay L_SW Ｌ This is a process to check the continuity of the contacts.

[0022] In the first process, the main line relay H_SW Ｈ , precharge relay P_SW Ｐ , main line relay L_SW Ｌ If an answerback circuit is included in the main line relay H_SW Ｈ , precharge relay P_SW Ｐ , main line relay L_SW Ｌ The process of checking the response of the control signal is performed in response to the ON / OFF of the

[0023] [Second Process] The second process is a process for checking the current value in the battery pack 10. The second process is a process for applying a current. The second process is a process for applying a current to the main line relay H_SW on the power line in the battery pack 10. Ｈ , precharge relay P_SW Ｐ , main line relay L_SW Ｌ is turned on / off by the first control unit 12, and the discharge switch SW on the discharge line of the charging station 20 is turned on / off by the first control unit 12. Ｄ (relay) is turned on by the second control unit 22, and the main line relay H_SW on the power line in the battery pack 10 is turned on. Ｈ , precharge relay P_SW Ｐ , main line relay L_SW Ｌ This is a process to check the continuity of all power lines, including relays, screw fastening points, and welded points, based on the current value that flows in the ON / OFF state.

[0024] In the second process, the impedance R of the entire power line in the battery pack 10 is calculated by pulse charging and discharging. Ｐａｃｋ At the same time, the first control unit 12 measures the sum V of the voltage values ​​of the N cells. ＣｅｌｌＡｌｌ(=V ｃｅｌｌ１ +V ｃｅｌｌ２ +...+V ｃｅｌｌＮ ) and the total voltage value of the battery pack 10 (the voltage value of the first voltage measurement unit V1 + the voltage value of the third voltage measurement unit V3), and the second control unit 22 measures the voltage value of the second voltage measurement unit V2 of the charging station 20. When the impedance on the power line is taken into consideration, the magnitude relationship of each voltage value during discharge is V ＣｅｌｌＡｌｌ >V1>V3>V2, and therefore if the difference between the voltage values ​​is equal to or greater than the threshold value, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred.

[0025] That is, in the second process, the first control unit 12 measures the total voltage value of the sum of the cell voltage values, the voltage value of the first voltage measurement unit V1 of the battery pack 10, and the voltage value of the third voltage measurement unit V3 of the battery pack 10, and the second control unit 22 measures the voltage value of the second voltage measurement unit V2 of the charging station 20, and executes a process in which it is determined that an abnormality has occurred if the difference between the voltage values ​​is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. The predetermined threshold can be set arbitrarily based on the voltage value under normal conditions.

[0026] In addition, the following values ​​(A) and (B) are obtained at this time, and it is determined whether each value is within a predetermined range. Specifically, it is determined whether R1 is within a first predetermined range and whether R2 is within a second predetermined range, and if they are not within the predetermined ranges, it can be determined that there is an abnormality. The first predetermined range and the second predetermined range can be set arbitrarily based on the impedance under normal conditions.

[0027] (A) Impedance R1 of the power line between the battery unit 11 and the measurement point of the first voltage measurement unit V1 = (V ＣｅｌｌＡｌｌ −V1) / IR1 makes it possible to determine abnormalities in the welded or screwed portions between the battery section 11 and the measurement point of the first voltage measurement section V1.

[0028] (B) The impedance R2 of the power line from the first voltage measurement unit V1 to the third voltage measurement unit V3 = (V1 - V3) / IR2 makes it possible to determine abnormalities in some of the relays and screw fastening points between the first voltage measurement unit V1 and the third voltage measurement unit V3.

[0029] That is, in the second process, a process is executed to determine whether the impedance of the power line from the battery module 11 of the battery pack 10 to the first voltage measurement unit V1 is within a first predetermined range, or whether the impedance of the power line from the first voltage measurement unit V1 to the third voltage measurement unit V3 is within a second predetermined range. The first predetermined range and the second predetermined range can be set arbitrarily based on the impedance in a normal state.

[0030] [Third Process] The third process is a process for checking the details related to the impedance in the battery pack 10. The third process is a process for performing impedance measurement. The third process is a process for checking the impedance of the main line relay H_SW on the power line in the battery pack 10. Ｈ , precharge relay P_SW Ｐ , main line relay L_SW Ｌ is turned ON / OFF by the first control unit 12, and the impedance R between the power lines in the battery pack 10 Ｐａｃｋ This is a process for measuring 2.

[0031] In the third process, the measured impedance between the lines R Ｐａｃｋ 2 is within the expected range, and the impedance R of the entire power line Ｐａｃｋ 1 and the impedance between the line R Ｐａｃｋ 2 is equal to or less than a specific threshold value. The expected range and the specific threshold value can be set arbitrarily based on the impedance in a normal state.

[0032] In the first process, the second process, and the third process, the first control unit 12 of the battery pack 10 and the second control unit 22 of the charging station 20 communicate with each other while controlling the relay (main line relay H_SW Ｈ , precharge relay P_SW Ｐ , main line relay L_SW Ｌ By performing ON / OFF control of the various components, it is possible to identify various states.

[0033] 4 shows the content and results of the first process. The first process (checking relay continuity and control and battery voltage) involves multiple patterns of processing. In the illustrated example, five patterns are shown, and subsequent patterns are omitted.

[0034] In the figure, the symbol "◯" indicates "normal, a state in which the relay contact can be controlled to be turned on / off as desired." The symbol "×" indicates "a welding abnormality, a state in which the relay contact cannot be turned off." Furthermore, the symbol "□" indicates "an open abnormality, a state in which the relay contact cannot be turned on." The meaning of the symbols is the same in the following figures.

[0035] [Pattern No. 1] The relay status pattern is "SW Ｈ " is "〇" and "SW Ｌ " is "〇" and "SW Ｐ " is marked "○". The relay status pattern is the status of the relay when the inspection is performed. It is also possible to add items related to the screw tightening points and welding points of each part to the relay status pattern (the same applies below).

[0036] The ON / OFF control from the first control unit 12 is controlled by sequence numbers (SqNo.) "1" to "5". The ON / OFF control from the first control unit 12 is the same in the subsequent patterns and figures. The details of the sequence numbers are as follows: Sequence number "1": "SW Ｈ =OFF", "SW Ｌ =OFF", "SW Ｐ =OFF" Sequence number "2": "SW Ｈ =OFF", "SW Ｌ =ON", "SW Ｐ =OFF" Sequence number "3": "SW Ｈ =ON", "SW Ｌ =OFF", "SW Ｐ =OFF" Sequence number "4": "SW Ｈ =ON", "SW Ｌ =ON", "SW Ｐ =OFF" Sequence number "5": "SW Ｈ =OFF", "SWＬ =ON", "SW Ｐ =ON」

[0037] The voltage values ​​measured by the second voltage measurement unit V2 of the charging station 20 at this time are as follows: Sequence number "1": 0V (zero volts) = Result number 1 Sequence number "2": 0V (zero volts) = Result number 1 Sequence number "3": 0V (zero volts) = Result number 1 Sequence number "4": V ＣｅｌｌＡｌｌ V (V ＣｅｌｌＡｌｌ Bolt) = Result number 2 Sequence number "5": V ＣｅｌｌＡｌｌ V (V ＣｅｌｌＡｌｌ Bolt) = Result No. 2

[0038] The relay conduction results are as follows: Sequence number "1": Ｈ = unknown”, “SW Ｌ = unknown”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "2": "SW Ｈ = unknown”, “SW Ｌ = unknown”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "3": "SW Ｈ = unknown”, “SW Ｌ = unknown”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "4": "SW Ｈ = normal”, “SW Ｌ = normal”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "5": "SW Ｈ = normal”, “SW Ｌ = normal”, “SW Ｐ = normal”

[0039] [Pattern No. 2] The relay status pattern is "SW Ｈ " is "×" and "SW Ｌ " is "〇" and "SW Ｐ " is "〇".

[0040] The voltage values ​​measured by the second voltage measurement unit V2 of the charging station 20 at this time are as follows: Sequence number "1": 0 V (zero volts) = Result number 1 Sequence number "2": V ＣｅｌｌＡｌｌ V (V ＣｅｌｌＡｌｌVolts) = Result No. 2 Sequence No. "3": 0V (Zero Volts) = Result No. 1 Sequence No. "4": V ＣｅｌｌＡｌｌ V (V ＣｅｌｌＡｌｌ Bolt) = Result number 2 Sequence number "5": V ＣｅｌｌＡｌｌ V (V ＣｅｌｌＡｌｌ Bolt) = Result No. 2

[0041] The relay conduction results are as follows: Sequence number "1": Ｈ = unknown”, “SW Ｌ = unknown”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "2": "SW Ｈ = Abnormal”, “SW Ｌ = unknown”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "3": "SW Ｈ = Abnormal”, “SW Ｌ = normal”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "4": "SW Ｈ = Abnormal”, “SW Ｌ = normal”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "5": "SW Ｈ = Abnormal”, “SW Ｌ = normal”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown"

[0042] [Pattern No. 3] The relay status pattern is "SW Ｈ " is "□" and "SW Ｌ " is "〇" and "SW Ｐ " is "〇".

[0043] The voltage values ​​measured by the second voltage measurement unit V2 of the charging station 20 at this time are as follows: Sequence number "1": 0V (zero volts) = Result number 1 Sequence number "2": 0V (zero volts) = Result number 1 Sequence number "3": 0V (zero volts) = Result number 1 Sequence number "4": 0V (zero volts) = Result number 1 Sequence number "5": V ＣｅｌｌＡｌｌ V (V ＣｅｌｌＡｌｌ Bolt) = Result No. 2

[0044] The relay conduction results are as follows: Sequence number "1":Ｈ = unknown”, “SW Ｌ = unknown”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "2": "SW Ｈ = unknown”, “SW Ｌ = unknown”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "3": "SW Ｈ = unknown”, “SW Ｌ = unknown”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "4": "SW Ｈ = Abnormal”, “SW Ｌ = unknown”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "5": "SW Ｈ = Abnormal”, “SW Ｌ = normal”, “SW Ｐ = normal”

[0045] [Pattern No. 4] The relay status pattern is "SW Ｈ " is "〇" and "SW Ｌ " is "×" and "SW Ｐ " is "〇".

[0046] The voltage values ​​measured by the second voltage measurement unit V2 of the charging station 20 at this time are as follows: Sequence number "1": 0 V (zero volts) = Result number 1 Sequence number "2": 0 V (zero volts) = Result number 1 Sequence number "3": V ＣｅｌｌＡｌｌ V (V ＣｅｌｌＡｌｌ Bolt) = Result number 2 Sequence number "4": V ＣｅｌｌＡｌｌ V (V ＣｅｌｌＡｌｌ Bolt) = Result number 2 Sequence number "5": V ＣｅｌｌＡｌｌ V (V ＣｅｌｌＡｌｌ Bolt) = Result No. 2

[0047] The relay conduction results are as follows: Sequence number "1": Ｈ = unknown”, “SW Ｌ = unknown”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "2": "SW Ｈ = unknown”, “SW Ｌ = unknown”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "3": "SW Ｈ= normal”, “SW Ｌ = Abnormal”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "4": "SW Ｈ = normal”, “SW Ｌ = Abnormal”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "5": "SW Ｈ = normal”, “SW Ｌ = Abnormal”, “SW Ｐ = normal”

[0048] [Pattern No. 5] The relay status pattern is "SW Ｈ " is "〇" and "SW Ｌ " is "□" and "SW Ｐ " is "〇".

[0049] The voltage values ​​measured by the second voltage measurement unit V2 of the charging station 20 at this time are as follows: Sequence number "1": 0V (zero volts) = Result number 1 Sequence number "2": 0V (zero volts) = Result number 1 Sequence number "3": 0V (zero volts) = Result number 1 Sequence number "4": 0V (zero volts) = Result number 1 Sequence number "5": 0V (zero volts) = Result number 1

[0050] The relay conduction results are as follows: Sequence number "1": Ｈ = unknown”, “SW Ｌ = unknown”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "2": "SW Ｈ = unknown”, “SW Ｌ = unknown”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "3": "SW Ｈ = unknown”, “SW Ｌ = unknown”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "4": "SW Ｈ = unknown”, “SW Ｌ = unknown”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "5": "SW Ｈ = unknown”, “SW Ｌ = unknown”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown"

[0051] In the first process, the second voltage measurement unit V2 on the charging station 20 side measures the voltage value from the ON / OFF matrix of each relay in the block diagram of FIG. 1 to confirm the continuity of the relay. Also, in the first process, the charging station 20 (a charging / discharging circuit assuming the charging station 20) is connected to the battery pack 10, and three relays (SW Ｈ , S.W. Ｐ , S.W. Ｌ 4, and the first control unit 12 of the battery pack 10 controls the three relays to turn them on or off. The conductive or open state of each relay is determined from the voltage value measured at this time.

[0052] 5 is a diagram showing the content and results of the second process. In the second process (current application), a plurality of patterns of processing are executed. In the illustrated example, five patterns are displayed, and subsequent patterns are not shown.

[0053] [Pattern No. 1] The relay status pattern is "SW Ｈ " is "〇" and "SW Ｌ " is "〇" and "SW Ｐ " is "〇".

[0054] The ON / OFF control from the first control unit 12 is controlled by sequence numbers (Sq No.) "1" to "5". The details of the sequence numbers are the same as those in FIG. 4. The ON / OFF control from the second control unit 22 is controlled by sequence numbers (Sq No.) "1" to "5". The details of the sequence numbers are as follows: sequence numbers "1" to "5": Ｄ =ON".

[0055] The measurement results of the current sensor at this time are as follows: Sequence number "1": No flow = Result number 1 Sequence number "2": No flow = Result number 1 Sequence number "3": No flow = Result number 1 Sequence number "4": R Ｌ Flowing for only 1 minute = Result number 2 Sequence number "5": (R Ｌ +R Ｐ ) minutes = Result number 3

[0056] The relay conduction results are as follows: Sequence number "1": Ｈ = unknown”, “SW Ｌ = unknown”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "2": "SW Ｈ = unknown”, “SW Ｌ = unknown”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "3": "SW Ｈ = unknown”, “SW Ｌ = unknown”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "4": "SW Ｈ = normal”, “SW Ｌ = normal”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "5": "SW Ｈ = normal”, “SW Ｌ = normal”, “SW Ｐ = normal”

[0057] [Pattern No. 2] The relay status pattern is "SW Ｈ " is "×" and "SW Ｌ " is "〇" and "SW Ｐ " is "〇".

[0058] The measurement results of the current sensor at this time are as follows: Sequence number "1": No flow = Result number 1 Sequence number "2": R Ｌ Flows only for 1 minute = Result No. 2 Sequence No. "3": No flow = Result No. 1 Sequence No. "4": R Ｌ Flows for only 1 minute = Result number 2 Sequence number "5": R Ｌ minutes flow = result number 2

[0059] The relay conduction results are as follows: Sequence number "1": Ｈ = unknown”, “SW Ｌ = unknown”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "2": "SW Ｈ = Abnormal”, “SW Ｌ = unknown”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "3": "SW Ｈ = Abnormal”, “SW Ｌ = normal”, “SWＰ = Unknown" Sequence number "4": "SW Ｈ = Abnormal”, “SW Ｌ = normal”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "5": "SW Ｈ = Abnormal”, “SW Ｌ = normal”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown"

[0060] [Pattern No. 3] The relay status pattern is "SW Ｈ " is "□" and "SW Ｌ " is "〇" and "SW Ｐ " is "〇".

[0061] The measurement results of the current sensor at this time are as follows: Sequence number "1": No flow = Result number 1 Sequence number "2": No flow = Result number 1 Sequence number "3": No flow = Result number 1 Sequence number "4": No flow = Result number 1 Sequence number "5": (R Ｌ +R Ｐ ) minutes = Result number 3

[0062] The relay conduction results are as follows: Sequence number "1": Ｈ = unknown”, “SW Ｌ = unknown”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "2": "SW Ｈ = unknown”, “SW Ｌ = unknown”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "3": "SW Ｈ = unknown”, “SW Ｌ = unknown”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "4": "SW Ｈ = Abnormal”, “SW Ｌ = unknown”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "5": "SW Ｈ = Abnormal”, “SW Ｌ = normal”, “SW Ｐ = normal”

[0063] [Pattern No. 4] The relay status pattern is "SW Ｈ " is "〇" and "SWＬ " is "×" and "SW Ｐ " is "〇".

[0064] The results at this time are as follows: Sequence number "1": Not flowing = Result number 1 Sequence number "2": Not flowing = Result number 1 Sequence number "3": R Ｌ Flows for only 1 minute = Result number 2 Sequence number "4": R Ｌ Flowing for only 1 minute = Result number 2 Sequence number "5": (R Ｌ +R Ｐ ) minutes = Result number 3

[0065] The relay conduction results are as follows: Sequence number "1": Ｈ = unknown”, “SW Ｌ = unknown”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "2": "SW Ｈ = unknown”, “SW Ｌ = unknown”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "3": "SW Ｈ = normal”, “SW Ｌ = Abnormal”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "4": "SW Ｈ = normal”, “SW Ｌ = Abnormal”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "5": "SW Ｈ = normal”, “SW Ｌ = Abnormal”, “SW Ｐ = normal”

[0066] [Pattern No. 5] The relay status pattern is "SW Ｈ " is "〇" and "SW Ｌ " is "□" and "SW Ｐ " is "〇".

[0067] The measurement results of the current sensor at this time are as follows: Sequence number "1": No flow = Result number 1 Sequence number "2": No flow = Result number 1 Sequence number "3": No flow = Result number 1 Sequence number "4": No flow = Result number 1 Sequence number "5": No flow = Result number 1

[0068] The relay conduction results are as follows: Sequence number "1": Ｈ = unknown”, “SW Ｌ = unknown”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "2": "SW Ｈ = unknown”, “SW Ｌ = unknown”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "3": "SW Ｈ = unknown”, “SW Ｌ = unknown”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "4": "SW Ｈ = unknown”, “SW Ｌ = unknown”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "5": "SW Ｈ = unknown”, “SW Ｌ = unknown”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown"

[0069] In the second process, the current value flowing through the current sensor (first current sensor A1 or second current sensor A2) is measured in the ON / OFF matrix of each relay in the block diagram of FIG. 1 to confirm the continuity of the relay. A charging station 20 (a charging / discharging circuit assuming the charging station 20) is connected to the battery pack 10, and three relays (SW Ｈ , S.W. Ｐ , S.W. Ｌ 5, and the first control unit 12 of the battery pack 10 and the second control unit 22 of the charging station 20 control the relays to turn on and off to discharge the battery. The conductive / open state of each relay is then determined from the value of the current that flows at this time.

[0070] 6 is a diagram showing the content and results of the third process. In the third process (impedance measurement), a plurality of patterns of processing are executed. In the illustrated example, five patterns are displayed, and subsequent patterns are omitted.

[0071] [Pattern No. 1] The relay status pattern is "SW Ｈ " is "〇" and "SW Ｌ " is "〇" and "SW Ｐ " is "〇".

[0072] The ON / OFF control from the first control unit 12 is controlled by sequence numbers (SqNo.) "1" to "5." Details of the sequence numbers are the same as those in FIG.

[0073] The results of measuring the impedance of the battery pack 10 at this time are as follows. Note that the values ​​are for reference only (same below). Sequence number "1": No conduction (M (mega) Ω or more) = Result number 1 Sequence number "2": No conduction (MΩ or more) = Result number 1 Sequence number "3": No conduction (MΩ or more) = Result number 1 Sequence number "4": Conduction (m (milli) Ω order) = Result number 2 Sequence number "5": Conduction (several Ω order) = Result number 3

[0074] The relay conduction results are as follows: Sequence number "1": Ｈ = unknown”, “SW Ｌ = unknown”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "2": "SW Ｈ = unknown”, “SW Ｌ = unknown”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "3": "SW Ｈ = unknown”, “SW Ｌ = unknown”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "4": "SW Ｈ = normal”, “SW Ｌ = normal”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "5": "SW Ｈ = normal”, “SW Ｌ = normal”, “SW Ｐ = normal”

[0075] [Pattern No. 2] The relay status pattern is "SW Ｈ " is "×" and "SW Ｌ " is "〇" and "SW Ｐ " is "〇".

[0076] The results of measuring the impedance of the battery pack 10 at this time are as follows: Sequence number "1": No continuity (MΩ or more) = Result number 1 Sequence number "2": Continuity (mΩ order) = Result number 2 Sequence number "3": No continuity (MΩ or more) = Result number 1 Sequence number "4": Continuity (mΩ order) = Result number 2 Sequence number "5": Continuity (mΩ order) = Result number 2

[0077] The relay conduction results are as follows: Sequence number "1": Ｈ = unknown”, “SW Ｌ = unknown”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "2": "SW Ｈ = Abnormal”, “SW Ｌ = unknown”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "3": "SW Ｈ = Abnormal”, “SW Ｌ = normal”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "4": "SW Ｈ = Abnormal”, “SW Ｌ = normal”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "5": "SW Ｈ = Abnormal”, “SW Ｌ = normal”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown"

[0078] [Pattern No. 3] The relay status pattern is "SW Ｈ " is "□" and "SW Ｌ " is "〇" and "SW Ｐ " is "〇".

[0079] The results of measuring the impedance of the battery pack 10 at this time are as follows: Sequence number "1": No conduction (MΩ or more) = Result number 1 Sequence number "2": No conduction (MΩ or more) = Result number 1 Sequence number "3": No conduction (MΩ or more) = Result number 1 Sequence number "4": No conduction (MΩ or more) = Result number 1 Sequence number "5": Conduction (mΩ order) = Result number 2

[0080] The relay conduction results are as follows: Sequence number "1": Ｈ = unknown”, “SW Ｌ = unknown”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "2": "SW Ｈ = unknown”, “SW Ｌ = unknown”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "3": "SW Ｈ = unknown”, “SW Ｌ = unknown”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "4": "SW Ｈ = Abnormal”, “SW Ｌ = unknown”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "5": "SW Ｈ = Abnormal”, “SW Ｌ = normal”, “SW Ｐ = normal”

[0081] [Pattern No. 4] The relay status pattern is "SW Ｈ " is "〇" and "SW Ｌ " is "×" and "SW Ｐ " is "〇".

[0082] The results of measuring the impedance of the battery pack 10 at this time are as follows: Sequence number "1": No conduction (MΩ or more) = Result number 1 Sequence number "2": No conduction (MΩ or more) = Result number 1 Sequence number "3": Conduction (mΩ order) = Result number 2 Sequence number "4": Conduction (mΩ order) = Result number 2 Sequence number "5": Conduction (several Ω order) = Result number 3

[0083] The relay conduction results are as follows: Sequence number "1": Ｈ = unknown”, “SW Ｌ = unknown”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "2": "SW Ｈ = unknown”, “SW Ｌ = unknown”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "3": "SW Ｈ = normal”, “SW Ｌ = Abnormal”, “SWＰ = Unknown" Sequence number "4": "SW Ｈ = normal”, “SW Ｌ = Abnormal”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "5": "SW Ｈ = normal”, “SW Ｌ = Abnormal”, “SW Ｐ = normal”

[0084] [Pattern No. 5] The relay status pattern is "SW Ｈ " is "〇" and "SW Ｌ " is "□" and "SW Ｐ " is "〇".

[0085] The results of measuring the impedance of the battery pack 10 at this time are as follows: Sequence number "1": No conduction (MΩ or more) = Result number 1 Sequence number "2": No conduction (MΩ or more) = Result number 1 Sequence number "3": No conduction (MΩ or more) = Result number 1 Sequence number "4": No conduction (MΩ or more) = Result number 1 Sequence number "5": No conduction (MΩ or more) = Result number 1

[0086] The relay conduction results are as follows: Sequence number "1": Ｈ = unknown”, “SW Ｌ = unknown”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "2": "SW Ｈ = unknown”, “SW Ｌ = unknown”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "3": "SW Ｈ = unknown”, “SW Ｌ = unknown”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "4": "SW Ｈ = unknown”, “SW Ｌ = unknown”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown" Sequence number "5": "SW Ｈ = unknown”, “SW Ｌ = unknown”, “SW Ｐ = Unknown"

[0087] In the third process, whether or not there is an abnormality is determined from the value obtained by conducting the power line based on the ON / OFF matrix of each relay in the block diagram of FIG.

[0088] The following conclusions are obtained by the first process, second process, and third process executed by the inspection system 100. Note that this conclusion is common to the first process, second process, and third process. Furthermore, the following conclusions are based solely on the above inspection method and may change depending on the inspection items and inspection conditions. (1) SW Ｈ Only when ON / OFF control is possible, SW Ｌ and SW Ｐ (2) SW Ｈ When ON / OFF control is not possible, Ｌ The conduction state of SW Ｐ The conduction state of the SW cannot be determined. Ｌ ON / OFF control is possible, and SW Ｈ and SW Ｐ Only when either or both of the above can be turned ON / OFF, SW Ｈ and SW Ｐ It is possible to determine the conduction state of the

[0089] At least a portion of the data of the inspection details and inspection results of the first process, second process, and third process can be stored in the storage process and displayed in the display process.

[0090] As described above, this embodiment has the following advantages: (1) According to this embodiment, the first process, the second process, and the third process are performed, so that not only can the continuity state be inspected, but also the continuity state of the power line, including the relays on the power line, the screw fastening points of each part, and the welded points of each part, can be inspected. As a result, it is possible to provide clues for identifying the damage state of the parts of the battery pack 10.

[0091] (2) According to this embodiment, it is possible to determine whether or not components of the battery pack 10 (such as the relay, screwed parts, and welded parts) are faulty by testing the continuity of the power line of the battery pack 10 using the charging station 20, regardless of whether or not there is an answerback circuit for the relay. This makes it possible to identify and replace the faulty part, thereby making the battery pack 10 reusable and enabling the battery pack and cell batteries to be used more effectively.

[0092] (3) According to this embodiment, the first process is a process for checking the continuity of the contacts of the relay, so that the state of the relay can be inspected in detail.

[0093] (4) According to this embodiment, in the first process, if the relay includes an answerback circuit, a process is executed to check the response to the control signal, so that the state of the relay can be inspected in detail.

[0094] (5) According to this embodiment, the second process is a process for checking the continuity of the power line based on the current value, so that the continuity of the power line can be inspected in detail.

[0095] (6) According to this embodiment, in the second process, the impedance of the entire power line in the battery pack is measured. Therefore, the continuity state of the power line can be inspected in detail based on the impedance.

[0096] (7) According to this embodiment, the second process executes a process of determining that an abnormality exists if the difference between each voltage value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. Therefore, it is possible to easily determine whether or not an abnormality exists based on the difference between each voltage value.

[0097] (8) According to this embodiment, the process of determining whether the impedance is within a predetermined range is executed. Therefore, whether an abnormality exists can be easily determined based on the impedance value.

[0098] (9) According to this embodiment, the third process is a process for measuring the impedance between the power lines in the battery pack. Therefore, the continuity state of the power lines can be inspected in detail based on the impedance.

[0099] (10) According to this embodiment, the third process executes a process to determine whether the impedance is within a predetermined range and whether the difference in impedance is equal to or less than a specific threshold value, thereby enabling detailed inspection of the continuity state of the power line based on the impedance.

[0100] (11) Comparison with the above-mentioned patent documents is as follows: The technology of this embodiment is a method for inspecting the continuity of the power line of the battery pack 10 by inspecting the relay (main line relay H_SW) in the battery pack 10. Ｈ , precharge relay P_SW Ｐ , main line relay L_SW Ｌ This technology provides clues for identifying the location of damage by controlling the ON / OFF of the power supply and checking the conduction state based on the value of the current flowing in that state. The technology of this embodiment can also measure the impedance of the entire power line by pulse charging and discharging to check whether there is a problem on the power line.

[0101] On the other hand, the technology of Patent Document 1 tests the continuity state by turning a relay on and off, but does not provide clues for identifying damaged parts. Furthermore, the technology of Patent Document 2 checks the continuity of a relay in its open / closed state and calculates internal impedance, but this is related to the capacity of a storage battery and is a different technology from the technology of this embodiment. Furthermore, the technology of Patent Document 3 also tests continuity using a relay and is a different technology from the technology of this embodiment. Furthermore, the technology of Patent Document 4 controls a relay and notifies the voltage applied to the relay and the current flowing through the relay via communication, but is not a technology for testing damaged parts, and is therefore a different technology from the technology of this embodiment.

[0102] [Modifications] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment and can be implemented in various modifications. (1) The first process has been described using an example of checking the continuity and control of a relay and checking the battery voltage, but is not limited to this. The first process may be any other process as long as it checks the continuity state of a power line in a battery pack.

[0103] (2) The second process has been described using an example of applying a current, but is not limited to this. The second process may be any other process as long as it is a process for checking the current value in the battery pack.

[0104] (3) The third process has been described using an example of impedance measurement, but is not limited to this. The third process may be any other process as long as it is a process for checking the impedance inside the battery pack.

[0105] (4) Although the inspection device has been described using the example of a charging station, other devices may be used. (5) The inspection system may include at least one control unit capable of executing the first process, the second process, and the third process. Each of the first process, the second process, and the third process may be executed by a single control unit alone, or may be executed by multiple control units working together.

[0106] [Example Problem of the Present Disclosure] Although various conventional techniques have been proposed, there is a need for an inspection system that can provide clues for identifying the damage status of battery pack components.

[0107] Therefore, an exemplary object of the present disclosure is to provide an inspection system that can provide clues for identifying the state of damage to battery pack components.

[0108] It should be noted that the present disclosure is merely an example and is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the present disclosure may be a disclosure including at least one of the specific matters set forth in the present disclosure. Furthermore, each specific matter set forth in the present disclosure may be sub-conceptualized by adding an element that limits the specific matter, or may be sub-conceptualized by deleting an element that limits the specific matter.

[0109] [Example Effects of the Present Disclosure] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an inspection system that can provide clues for identifying the state of damage to components of a battery pack.

[0110] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Battery pack 11 Battery section 12 First control section 20 Charging station 21 Current source 22 Second control section 30 Information processing device 31 Third control section 32 Display section A1 First current sensor A2 Second current sensor V1 First voltage measurement section V2 Second voltage measurement section V3 Third voltage measurement section 100 Inspection system

Claims

1. An inspection system that connects an inspection device to a battery pack and inspects the continuity of a power line in the battery pack, comprising one or more control units, the control units performing a first process to check the continuity of the power line in the battery pack, a second process to check the current value in the battery pack, and a third process to check the impedance in the battery pack.

2. An inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the first process is a process of turning on / off a relay on a power line in the battery pack by a control unit of the battery pack, measuring the voltage value of the inspection device by a voltage measurement unit of the battery pack or a control unit of the inspection device, and confirming continuity of the contacts of the relay.

3. An inspection system according to claim 1, wherein, in the first process, if a relay on a power line in the battery pack includes an answerback circuit, a process is executed to confirm a response to a control signal in response to ON / OFF of the relay.

4. An inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the second process is a process of turning on / off a relay on a power line in the battery pack by a control unit of the battery pack, turning on a relay on a discharge line of the inspection device by a control unit of the inspection device, and checking the continuity of all power lines including relays, screw fastening points and welded points based on the current value flowing when the relay on the power line in the battery pack is in the on / off state.

5. The inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the second process executes a process of measuring the impedance of the entire power line in the battery pack by pulse charging and discharging.

6. An inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the second process measures the total voltage value of the sum of the voltage values ​​of each cell, the voltage value of the first voltage measurement unit of the battery pack, and the voltage value of the third voltage measurement unit of the battery pack by the control unit of the battery pack, and measures the voltage value of the second voltage measurement unit of the inspection device by the control unit of the inspection device, and executes a process of determining that there is an abnormality if the difference between the voltage values ​​is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.

7. An inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the second process executes a process to determine whether the impedance of the power line from the battery section of the battery pack to the first voltage measurement section of the battery pack is within a first predetermined range, or whether the impedance of the power line from the first voltage measurement section of the battery pack to the third voltage measurement section of the battery pack is within a second predetermined range.

8. An inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the third process is a process of turning on / off a relay on a power line in the battery pack by a control unit of the battery pack and measuring impedance between the power lines in the battery pack.

9. An inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the third process executes a process for determining whether the measured impedance between the lines is within an expected range, and whether the difference between the impedance of the entire power line and the impedance between the lines is equal to or less than a specific threshold value.

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