DE102019129118A1 - Accumulator with an anti-theft device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an accumulator, in particular a traction battery of an electrically operated vehicle, with at least one battery cell (5), the electrical contacts (11) of which are electrically connected for carrying out charging or discharging processes in the accumulator, and with an accumulator control device (1) with which the charging or discharging processes can be controlled as a function of different parameters, in particular driving parameters or battery parameters. According to the invention, the battery cell (5) has an anti-theft device (15) with a discharge module (31) which is electrically connected to the electrical contacts (11, 12) of the battery cell (5). The anti-theft device (15) deactivates the discharge module (31) if the battery cell usage authorization is present. If a battery cell usage authorization is not available, the anti-theft device (15) activates the discharge module (31) so that in a discharge mode the battery cell (5) becomes unusable due to permanent discharge.

Description

The invention relates to an accumulator with an anti-theft device according to the preamble of claim 1, a battery cell for such an accumulator according to claim 10 and a method for theft protection according to claim 11.

The traction battery of an electrically operated vehicle, which operates as an accumulator, can be constructed from a number of battery modules which are arranged in a battery housing. In the battery module, a number of battery cells are combined to form a cell assembly in which the battery cells are stacked one behind the other in a row and are interconnected with one another. The traction battery is assigned a battery management system with a control unit which monitors charging and / or discharging processes of the traction battery as a function of driving parameters and traction battery parameters.

Anti-theft measures are known to prevent unauthorized use of the traction battery. However, these are complex in terms of components and complex in terms of production technology.

From the DE 10 2016 223 506 A1 a high-voltage battery for a motor vehicle with an integrated position transmitter module is known. From the AT 512 117 A1 a vehicle battery is known. From the WO 2019/023 678 A1 a system and a method for theft protection is known. From the US 2016/0145903 A1 is known an anti-theft device for a traction battery in a vehicle.

The object of the invention is to provide an accumulator, in particular a traction battery of an electrically operated vehicle, which is functionally expanded in a simple manner with regard to theft protection.

The object is achieved by the features of claim 1, claim 10 and claim 11. Preferred developments of the invention are disclosed in the subclaims.

It is emphasized that the invention can also be implemented at the module level. In this case, the anti-theft device is also supplied with electrical energy within the battery module. By discharging a single battery cell in the module, the system is placed in an unbalanced state. This reduces the usable energy content of the battery module. If all cells were to be discharged at the same time, the system would still be in a balanced state and could be used in the normal operating area.

According to the characterizing part of claim 1, the battery cell is provided with an anti-theft device. The anti-theft device built into the battery cell can be implemented as an integrated circuit (IC) with a discharge module that is electrically connected to the electrical contacts of the battery cell. If the battery cell usage authorization is present, the discharge module of the anti-theft device is deactivated and therefore has no function. In contrast, the anti-theft device activates the discharge module in the absence of a battery cell usage authorization. In this case, the battery cell is rendered unusable in a discharge mode by permanent discharge, which discourages stealing the battery cell or the accumulator. It should be emphasized that the battery cell is not destroyed, but made reversibly unusable.

In a technical implementation, the anti-theft device can have an evaluation unit. If the battery cell usage authorization is not available, the evaluation unit generates a discharge signal with which the discharge module is activated in order to start the discharge mode. For example, the discharge module can be a resistor connected in parallel to the battery cell.

The evaluation unit of the anti-theft device can be in communication with a test module of the accumulator control device. A battery cell authorization takes place in the test module of the accumulator control device, during which the test module checks whether a battery cell usage authorization is present or not. For example, an individualized battery cell identification code for each battery cell can be stored in the anti-theft device. The test module of the accumulator control device uses the battery cell identification code to check whether there is an authorization or authorization to use the respective battery cell. For example, the battery cell identification code in the test module can be compared with a list of test identification codes stored in the test module. If the battery cell identification code matches one of the test identification codes, the test module generates an individual authorization _{signal B 1} , B ₂ , B ₃ , etc. for each battery cell, which is applied to the signal input of the evaluation unit. When such an authorization signal is present, the evaluation unit recognizes the presence of a battery cell usage authorization.

An essential core of the invention relates to the way in which the evaluation unit in the Theft protection device detects a lack of battery cell usage authorization (i.e. battery cell theft): For this purpose, the evaluation unit of the theft protection device can be assigned a timer module whose counter counts down from a time start value to zero. The evaluation unit can activate a reset mode when the authorization signal is present (that is, authorization signal is present at the signal input of the evaluation unit). In the reset mode, the timer module is reset to its start time value so that the counter counts down again from the start time value to zero. The evaluation unit recognizes the absence of a battery cell usage authorization (that is to say, for example, when using a stolen battery cell) if the counter has reached the count value of zero. In this case, the counter of the timer module has counted down from the start time value to zero without interruption, without the counter being reset to the start time value in a reset mode.

In a further embodiment variant, the evaluation unit can be assigned a state of charge determination module. This records the current state of charge or a correlating parameter (such as voltage) of the battery cell. With the aid of the state of charge determination module, a deep discharge that would damage the battery cell can be prevented during the discharge mode. For this purpose, the current charge state of the battery cell is compared in the evaluation unit with a lower charge state limit value stored in the evaluation unit. As soon as the current state of charge falls below the lower limit value stored in the evaluation unit, the evaluation unit generates a deactivation signal with which the discharge module is activated in order to interrupt the discharge process.

The anti-theft device is built into the battery cell as an autonomous system and connected to the positive and negative contacts within the battery cell. The anti-theft device is thus - depending on the cell technology - supplied by a cell voltage of approx. 1.5V to 4.5V. With regard to energy-saving signal processing, it is preferred if the authorization signal present at the signal input of the evaluation unit (generated by the test module of the accumulator control unit) is only processed as soon as the current charge state of the battery cell reaches an upper charge state limit value stored in the evaluation unit exceeds. In this case, the authorization signal present at the signal input of the evaluation unit remains unprocessed in terms of signaling when the current charge state of the battery cell is lower than the upper charge state limit value stored in the evaluation unit.

With regard to further energy savings, it is preferred if the anti-theft device can work in a power-saving module under certain conditions. The anti-theft device preferably works in power-saving mode if the current state of charge is greater than the lower limit value of the state of charge. In the power-saving mode, essentially all components of the anti-theft device can be deactivated and only the timer module can be counted.

An exemplary embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to the accompanying figures.

• 1 in einem Blockschaltdiagramm grob vereinfacht ein Batteriemanagementsystem mit einem angedeuteten Batteriemodul eines Akkumulators;
• 2 in einem weiteren Blockschaltdiagramm die Programmbausteine der Diebstahlschutz-Einrichtung in der Batteriezelle; und
• 3 ein Fließbild, anhand dem unterschiedliche Betriebsarten der Diebstahlschutz-Einrichtung veranschaulicht sind, nämlich Entlademodus, Stromsparmodus und Reset-Modus.

Show it:

• 1 in a block diagram, roughly simplified, a battery management system with an indicated battery module of an accumulator;
• 2 in a further block diagram, the program modules of the anti-theft device in the battery cell; and
• 3 a flowchart showing the different operating modes of the anti-theft device are illustrated, namely discharge mode, energy-saving mode and reset mode.

In the 1 is roughly simplified a battery management system with an accumulator control unit 1 and a battery module 3 shown that consists of a series of battery cells 5 is constructed. The battery module 3 is, together with other battery modules (not shown), part of an accumulator, its charging processes and discharging processes depending on different parameters, for example driving parameters and / or battery parameters, from the accumulator control unit 1 being controlled.

As from the 1 As can be seen, each of the battery cells 5 one cell housing each 6th on where the cathode 7th and the anode 9 via contact lines 11 , 12th with the cell poles positioned on the top of the cell 13th are connected. On the two contact lines 11 , 12th (i.e. on the positive and negative contact) is an anti-theft device implemented as an IC 15th connected in parallel, which is supplied with electrical energy by the cell voltage. In each of the battery cells 5 is the anti-theft device 15th via communication lines 16 , 17th with a test module 19th of the accumulator control unit 1 in signal connection. In the test module 19th of the accumulator control unit 1 there is a check for battery cell usage authorization. In order to carry out such a battery cell usage authorization, each of the anti-theft protection shown Facilities 15th an individualized battery cell identification code ID ₁ , ID ₂ , ID _{3 is} stored.

The respective battery cell identification code ID ₁ , ID ₂ , ID ₃ can (purely as an example) via the communication line 17th in the test module 19th can be read out. Alternatively, the accumulator control unit 1 the battery cells 5 with the built-in battery cell identification codes ID ₁ , ID ₂ , ID ₃ . In this there is no reading of the battery _{cell identification code ID 1} , ID ₂ , ID ₃ in the test module 19th required.

In the test module 19th the battery cell identification code ID ₁ , ID ₂ , ID _{3 is included} in the test module 19th stored test identification codes ID _P1 , ID _P2 , ID _P3 compared. If the respective identification codes match, the test module generates 19th an individual authorization signal B ₁ , B ₂ , B ₃ , which is transmitted over the communication lines 16 to the anti-theft devices 15th of the battery cells 5 is directed.

Based on 2 are roughly simplified the program modules of the anti-theft device relevant to understanding the invention 15th the battery cell 5 and how they work. As a result, the anti-theft device 15th a timer module 23 as well as a state of charge determination module 25th (can be implemented as a voltage sensor, for example), each in signal connection with an evaluation unit 27 the theft device 15th are. In the 2 is the evaluation unit 27 the anti-theft device 15th via the communication lines already mentioned 16 , 17th in signal connection with the test module 19th of the accumulator control unit 1 . The counter of the timer module 23 counts from a time start value t ₁ down to zero. As soon as at the signal input 29 the evaluation unit 27 one from the test module 19th generated authorization signal B is present, activates the evaluation unit 27 the reset mode. The evaluation unit controls in the reset mode 27 the timer module 23 with a reset signal S _R which causes the counter of the timer module 23 to the time start value t ₁ is reset. The counter therefore counts again from the time start value t ₁ down to zero. The time start value can be several days or several weeks, for example.

In the event that the counter of the timer module 23 has reached the count of zero, the evaluation unit recognizes 27 a lack of battery cell usage authorization (i.e. battery cell theft). In this case the evaluation unit starts 27 a discharge mode. The evaluation unit generates in the discharge mode 27 a discharge signal S _E , with which a discharge module 31 the anti-theft device 15th is controlled. The discharge module 31 has one parallel to the battery cell 5 switched resistance. In the discharge mode takes place via the discharge module 31 a permanent discharge, causing the battery cell 5 becomes unusable.

The state of charge determination module 25th detects, for example, a voltage-based current state of charge SOCist of the battery cell. This is in the evaluation unit 27 with a lower limit of the state of charge stored therein SOC _min compared. As soon as the current state of charge SOCis the lower limit value of the state of charge SOC _min falls below, deactivates the evaluation unit 27 the discharge mode to deep discharge the battery cell 5 to avoid. For this purpose, the evaluation unit generates 27 a deactivation signal S _D ( 2 ) with which the discharge module 31 is deactivated.

With regard to perfect signal processing in the anti-theft device 15th it is preferred if the evaluation unit 27 that at your signal input 29 pending authorization signal B is only processed when there is a sufficiently large amount of energy in the battery cell 5 is available. Against this background, the signal processing of the authorization signal B in the evaluation unit 27 only take place when the current state of charge SOC is of the battery cell 5 is greater than one in the evaluation unit 27 stored upper state of charge limit value SOC _max .

When the authorization signal B is present at the signal input 29 the evaluation unit 27 as well as with an actual state of charge SOCist above the upper limit of the state of charge SOC _max a reset mode is started. The evaluation unit generates in reset mode 27 a reset signal S _R ( 2 ) and thus controls the timer module 23 at. The timer module 23 in this case is set to its start time value t ₁ reset so that its counter is again from the time start value t ₁ counts down to zero.

As soon as the evaluation unit 27 a current state of charge SOCist is recorded, which is greater than the lower limit value of the state of charge SOC _min , a power-saving mode is started in which essentially all electronic components of the anti-theft device 15th deactivated and only the timer module 23 continues to count down continuously. In this way, the energy consumption of the anti-theft device 15th minimized. For example, energy consumption in the one to two-digit micro amp range is to be expected.

List of reference symbols

1

Accumulator control unit

3

Battery module

5

Battery cells

6th

Cell housing

7th

cathode

9

anode

11, 12

Contact lines

13th

Cell Pole

15th

Anti-theft device

16, 17

Communication lines

19th

Test module

23

Timer module

25th

State of charge determination module

27

Evaluation unit

29

Signal input

31

Discharge block

IDx

Battery cell identification codes

IDPX

Verification identification codes

SR

Reset signal

SD

Deactivation signal

SOCist

Actual state of charge

SOCmax

upper state of charge limit value

SOCmin

lower state of charge limit value

Bx

Authorization signals

t1

Time start value

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• DE 102016223506 A1 [0004]
• AT 512117 A1 [0004]
• WO 2019/023678 A1 [0004]
• US 2016/0145903 A1 [0004]

Claims (11)

Accumulator, in particular a traction battery of an electrically operated vehicle, with at least one battery cell (5), the electrical contacts (11) of which are electrically connected for carrying out charging or discharging processes in the accumulator, and with an accumulator control unit (1) with which the charging - or discharge processes are controllable as a function of different parameters, in particular driving parameters or battery parameters, characterized in that the battery cell (5) has an anti-theft device (15) with a discharge module (31) which is connected to the electrical contacts ( 11, 12) of the battery cell (5) is electrically connected, and that the theft protection device (15) deactivates the discharge module (31) when there is a battery cell usage authorization, and that the theft protection device (15) when a battery cell is not available -Use authorization activated the discharge module (31) so that in a discharge mode the batter iecell (5) is unusable due to permanent discharge. Accumulator after Claim 1 , characterized in that the anti-theft device (15) has an evaluation unit (27) which _{generates a discharge signal (S E} ) in the absence of a battery cell usage authorization and thus controls the discharge module (31) in order to activate the discharge mode. Accumulator after Claim 2 , characterized in that the evaluation unit (27) of the anti-theft device (15) is in communication connection (16, 17) with a test module (19) of the accumulator control device (1), and that the test module (19) of the accumulator control unit (1) checks whether there is a battery cell usage authorization, and that the test module (19) of the accumulator control unit (1) sends an individual authorization signal (B ₁ , B ₂ , B ₃ ), which is applied to the signal input (29) of the evaluation unit (27), whereby the evaluation unit (27) recognizes the existence of a battery cell usage authorization. Accumulator after Claim 3 , characterized in that the evaluation unit (27) of the anti-theft device (15) is assigned a timer module (23) whose counter counts down from a time start value (t ₁ ) to zero, and that the evaluation unit (27) when the authorization signal (B ₁ , B ₂ , B ₃ ) is present, a reset mode is activated, in which the timer module (23) is reset to its starting time value (t ₁ ) and its counter is again based on the starting time value (t ₁ ) counts down, and that the evaluation unit (27) detects a non-existence of a battery cell usage authorization as soon as the counter reaches a count of zero. Accumulator after Claim 2 , 3 or 4th , characterized in that the evaluation unit (27) is assigned a state of charge determination module (25) which determines a current state of charge (SOCist) of the battery cell (5), and that the evaluation unit (27) deactivates the discharge mode as soon as the current state of charge ( SOCist) falls below a _{lower limit value (SOC min} ) stored in the evaluation unit (27). Accumulator after Claim 5 , characterized in that the evaluation unit (27) _{only processes the authorization signal (B 1} , B ₂ , B ₃ ) present at its signal input (29) as soon as the current state of charge (SOCist) of the battery cell (5) shows a signal in the evaluation unit ( 27) exceeds the stored upper limit value (SOC _max). Accumulator after Claim 5 or 6th , characterized in that with a current state of charge (SOCist) greater than the lower limit value, the anti-theft device (15) operates in a power-saving mode in which essentially all components of the anti-theft device (15) are deactivated and only the timer module (23) counts continuously. Accumulator after Claim 3 to 7th , characterized in that in the anti-theft device (15) an individualized, cell-side ID code (IDx) is stored for each cell (5), and that the test module (19) of the accumulator control device (1) based on the Cell-side ID codes (IDx) checks whether there is an authorization or authorization to use the battery cell (5) and / or that each battery cell (5) has an individual authorization signal or authorization code (B ₁ , B ₂ , B ₃ ) that is protected by appropriate security measures so that it cannot be intercepted. Accumulator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the anti-theft device (15) is arranged within a cell housing (6) of the battery cell (5) and is inaccessible from the outside. Battery cell for an accumulator according to one of the preceding claims. Method for theft protection of a battery cell in an accumulator according to one of the preceding Claims 1 to 9 .

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