JP2008008861A - Battery performance rank diagnostic device, and battery performance rank diagnostic program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a battery performance rank diagnostic device and a battery performance rank diagnostic program, capable of diagnosing the propriety, for a user, of a performance rank of a battery in use. <P>SOLUTION: This battery performance rank diagnostic device of the present invention for diagnosing the propriety of the performance rank of the using battery is provided with a charge state detecting means 20 for detecting a value indicating a charge state of the battery 10, a storage means 40 for storing the value indicating the charge state detected by the charge state detecting means, a determination means 50 for determining the propriety of the performance rank of the battery, based on the value indicating the charge state stored by the storage means, and an output means 70 for outputting a determination result determined by the determination means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a battery performance rank diagnosis apparatus and a battery performance rank diagnosis program for diagnosing whether or not the performance rank of a battery being used is appropriate and notifying a user.

  Conventionally, as a device for judging battery deterioration, a test circuit in which a known load resistance is connected to a battery terminal via a normally open switch, and a load voltage detection circuit for detecting a load voltage corresponding to a voltage drop due to the load resistance And a deterioration determination voltage output circuit that outputs a set deterioration determination voltage and a determination circuit that outputs battery deterioration information based on the load voltage and the deterioration determination voltage are known. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

Further, as a battery deterioration detecting device for detecting a capacity deterioration of the secondary battery, an actual voltage detecting means for detecting an actual voltage of the secondary battery, and an estimated charge / discharge current calculation for calculating an estimated charge / discharge current based on the actual voltage Means, current detection means for detecting an actual charge / discharge current that is at least one of a charge current and a discharge current of the secondary battery, and a current comparison means for comparing the estimated charge / discharge current with the actual charge / discharge current; There is known a battery deterioration detection device having deterioration detection means for detecting deterioration of a secondary battery based on a comparison result obtained by the current comparison means (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 5-31112 JP 2005-37230 A

  However, in the configuration described in Patent Document 1 described above, although the determination regarding the deterioration of the battery is performed, it is not considered until the determination as to whether or not the performance rank of the battery being used is appropriate.

  In addition, in the configuration described in Patent Document 2 described above, the deterioration of the secondary battery is detected, but it is not considered to perform the detection up to whether or not the performance rank of the secondary battery being used is appropriate. .

  By the way, an automobile manufacturer uses a heavy user as a standard for an on-board battery when selling an automobile. For example, you don't have to ride a car every day, but only ride on weekends, and drive with a high frequency of power steering and active stabilizers, and load that causes dark current when parking other security systems and navigation systems It is equipped with a battery that can withstand the maximum load on the assumption of the user.

  However, there are some light users who use cars only for shopping and use only for applications that do not put a heavy load on the battery. The battery is unnecessarily large and heavy, and only reduces fuel efficiency. In addition, some heavy users may use a larger load than the usage load assumed by the manufacturer and require a larger battery.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a battery performance rank diagnosis apparatus and a battery performance rank for diagnosing whether or not the performance rank of the battery being used is appropriate for the user, that is, whether or not the performance rank of the battery is suitable for the user. The purpose is to provide a diagnostic program.

To achieve the above object, a battery performance rank diagnosis apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is a battery performance rank diagnosis apparatus that diagnoses whether or not the performance rank of a battery being used is appropriate,
A charging state detecting unit for detecting a value indicating a charging state of the battery; a storing unit for storing a value indicating the charging state detected by the charging state detecting unit; and the charging state stored by the storing unit. It is characterized by comprising determination means for determining whether or not the battery performance rank is appropriate based on the value, and output means for outputting the determination result determined by the determination means. As a result, it is possible to inform the user whether or not the performance rank of the battery being used is appropriate for his or her usage pattern.

A second invention is the battery performance rank diagnosis apparatus according to the first invention,
The determination means determines whether or not the performance rank of the battery is appropriate based on a difference between a charge amount from the generator and a discharge amount to the load. Accordingly, it is possible to notify the user whether or not the performance rank of the battery is appropriate based on the balance between the power generation amount of the generator and the discharge amount of the battery while the vehicle is traveling.

3rd invention is the battery performance rank diagnostic apparatus which concerns on 1st invention,
The determination means determines whether or not the performance rank of the battery is appropriate based on a change amount of a value indicating the state of charge caused by dark current. Accordingly, it is possible to notify the user whether the battery performance rank is appropriate in consideration of the degree of battery discharge during parking.

4th invention is the battery performance rank diagnostic apparatus which concerns on 1st-3rd invention,
The determination means determines whether the performance rank of the battery should be further increased or decreased when it is determined that the performance rank of the battery is not appropriate. This not only informs that the performance rank of the battery being used is not appropriate, but also suggests to the user whether the performance rank of the battery should be raised or lowered in the future.

5th invention is the battery performance rank diagnostic apparatus which concerns on 1st-4th invention,
When the determination unit determines that the performance rank of the battery is not appropriate, the determination unit further determines whether or not a load applied to the battery is appropriate. This not only informs that the performance rank of the battery being used is not appropriate, but also suggests that the user should investigate whether the load on the vehicle is excessive or whether the generator is faulty. Can be done.

6th invention is the battery performance rank diagnostic apparatus which concerns on 1st-5th invention,
The battery performance rank diagnosis apparatus further includes a storage unit that stores a predetermined battery rank, and the determination unit determines which of the predetermined battery ranks stored in the storage unit the battery should be. It is characterized by being. In this way, specifically, it is possible to suggest to the user what the performance rank of the battery should be.

7th invention is the battery performance rank diagnostic apparatus which concerns on 1st-6th invention,
The charge state detection means detects the state of charge of the battery at a predetermined timing either when the engine of the vehicle is started, during travel, or when the engine is stopped. Accordingly, since it is possible to determine whether or not the performance rank of the battery being used is appropriate at a predetermined timing, it is possible to notify the tendency according to the usage state of the detailed state of charge of the battery.

An eighth invention is the battery performance rank diagnostic apparatus according to the first to seventh inventions,
The battery performance rank diagnosis device further includes a battery deterioration detection device that detects battery deterioration. When battery deterioration is detected by the battery deterioration detection device, determination of battery performance rank diagnosis is performed after outputting a battery deterioration detection result. The result is output. This makes it possible to perform a more reliable determination of the performance rank of the battery before it is replaced or replenished with battery fluid due to deterioration, and when sufficient data is accumulated. The result can be output.

The battery performance rank diagnosis program according to the ninth invention is a battery performance rank diagnosis program for diagnosing whether or not the performance rank of the battery being used is appropriate,
Storage means for storing a value indicating the detected state of charge of the battery;
Means for calculating an average value of values indicating the state of charge of the battery stored in the storage means, and comparing with a threshold value indicating the appropriate state of charge;
When the average value is lower than the threshold value, it is determined from the value indicating the charging state stored in the storage means whether the change in the charging state of the battery is a charging tendency or a discharging tendency. Means for determining whether the performance rank or battery load is excessive;
Means for determining whether the average value is too high when the average value is higher than the threshold, and determining whether the performance rank of the battery is insufficient or appropriate based on the average value;
It is made to function as. Thereby, it is possible to execute a calculation process for diagnosing whether or not the performance rank of the battery being used is appropriate using a computer.

A tenth aspect of the invention is the battery performance rank diagnostic program according to the ninth aspect of the invention,
The determination of whether the change in the state of charge of the battery tends to be charged or discharged is a value indicating the state of charge of the battery detected at a predetermined timing when the engine is started, running or when the engine is stopped. It is characterized in that it is carried out by comparing with the detection value one time before.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it can be diagnosed whether the performance rank of the battery currently used is appropriate for a user's usage form, and can notify a user whether the performance rank of a battery should be changed.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of the battery performance rank diagnosis apparatus according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 1, a current is supplied to a load 90 from the battery 10 and the generator 100, and a current is also supplied from the generator 100 to the battery 10.

  The battery performance rank diagnosis apparatus according to this embodiment includes a charging state detection unit 20 that detects a charging state of the battery 10, a storage unit 40, a determination unit 50, and an output unit 70. A part of the charging state detection unit 20, the storage unit 40, and the determination unit 50 may be included in an ECU (Engine Control Computer) or an Electronic Control Computer (ECU) 80.

  Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. A current is supplied to the load 90 from the battery 10 and the generator 100. When the generator 100 is activated and the load amount of the load 90 is small, current is supplied from the generator 100 to the load 90 and the battery 10 is charged with the surplus. When the load amount of the load 90 is large and the supply current is not in time for the generator 100, or when the generator 100 is not activated, current is supplied from the battery 10. By such an operation, the charge amount of the battery 10 increases or decreases.

  The state of charge detection means 20 detects a value indicating the state of charge of the battery 10 with such an increase / decrease. The value indicating the state of charge may be any value as long as the state of charge of the battery can be appropriately expressed as a calculation target for performing the performance rank diagnosis of the battery. For example, SOC (State of charge) is Preferably used. The SOC is used as one of the amounts indicating the state of charge of the battery. The fully charged state is represented as 100%, while the state where the amount of charge is zero is represented as 0%. The SOC measures the terminal voltage value of the battery 10 using the voltage sensor 22 and the output current value of the battery 10 using the current sensor 21, obtains the internal resistance of the battery 10 from this, and based on these values, The value may be estimated. For example, a data map calculated in advance for the relationship between the internal resistance of the battery and the SOC may be prepared and used to calculate and estimate the SOC from the internal resistance. Further, the charge / discharge current value of the battery may be integrated and the SOC may be estimated from this. Further, if necessary, the temperature sensor 23 may be used to estimate the SOC using the temperature of the battery 10 as a parameter.

  The value indicating the state of charge detected by the state of charge detection means 20 can be expressed by appropriately detecting the state of charge of the battery 10 such as the amount of charge, the magnitude of the current, and the internal resistance in addition to the SOC. Any value can be used.

  The charging state detection means 20 may execute the calculation in the ECU 80 when the estimation calculation is required like the SOC. On the other hand, all of the charge state detection means 20 may be provided outside the ECU 80 if no arithmetic processing is required. A value indicating the state of charge detected by the state of charge detection means 20 is sent to the storage means 40.

  In the storage means 40, a value indicating the state of charge is stored. As the storage means 40, a memory used in a normal computer may be suitably used. Since the value indicating the state of charge is normally obtained over a certain period of time, data for a predetermined period may be accumulated and stored in the storage means 40. The predetermined period may be arbitrarily determined for the convenience of the user, but it is better to have a large number of data parameters to some extent, and it is more reliable to judge with data while using the same battery, You may make it match with the replacement time of a battery. The accumulated data indicating the state of charge is sent to the determination means 50.

  The determination means 50 analyzes the sent data and determines whether or not the battery performance rank is appropriate. The determination result is sent to the output means 70 and output to inform the user of the result. The determination means determines whether or not the performance rank of the battery is appropriate by using a predetermined algorithm, which will be described later, using a value indicating the state of charge, for example, SOC data. The algorithm may be executed by a computer program, or may be realized by a circuit if the algorithm can be realized. Further, an LSI that can be programmed, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), may be used. The details of the algorithm, which will be described in detail later, are configured to make a determination based on the balance between the amount of power generated by the generator while traveling and the amount of discharge of the battery, the discharge current due to dark current during parking, etc. ing. Judgment is made not only to determine whether or not the battery being used is appropriate, but also to determine whether the performance rank of the battery should be raised or lowered, or whether the load on the vehicle is excessive, as necessary. Good. The determination result determined by the determination unit 50 is sent to the output unit 70.

  The output means 70 is for outputting the determination result and notifying the user. The output means 70 may, for example, cause the result display light emitting diode to emit light according to the result, or display it on the display, and if the user can be surely notified of the determination result, There is no limitation on the type or format. The output means 70 may be provided at an appropriate position that is easy for the user to see. For example, the output means 70 may be provided at the position of the combination meter in the vehicle or on the display of the navigation system. For example, the output means 70 may be provided with an output switch so that the determination result can be output at any time by the user so that the determination result from the set initial time can be output at any time. Settings may be made and output automatically, or it may be configured to output as a trigger when a display informing battery deterioration is displayed.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a relationship with other devices connected to the battery 10. The battery 10 is connected to the generator 100 and the load 90. The terminal voltage of the battery 10 is measured by the voltage sensor 22, the charging / discharging current of the battery 10 is measured by the current sensor 21, and the measurement result is sent to the ECU 80.

  The battery 10 is supplied with current from the generator 100 and supplies current to the load 90. Since the generator 100 generates power according to the number of revolutions of the engine 101, there are many accelerator operations, and if the number of revolutions of the engine 101 is large, much power can be generated. The generated current is supplied to the load 90 and the battery 10. If the power generation amount of the generator 100 is sufficient, the generator 100 can supply all the current to the load 90. In general, when the vehicle travels at a relatively high speed for a long distance, the amount of power generated by the generator increases, and the current supplied to the battery 10 also increases. Therefore, a user who regularly travels a certain distance is likely to be able to sufficiently supply electric charge to the battery with the power generation amount of the generator 100.

  The generator 100 generates power by the rotation of the engine 101 and generates a voltage of about 14V, for example. The power generation amount of the generator 100 is controlled according to the traveling state of the vehicle by an engine ECU (not shown) that controls the engine 101. For example, the target power generation amount of the generator 100 is adjusted to a value that does not cause the battery 10 to discharge during steady running of the vehicle or idling operation of the engine 101. Further, when the vehicle is decelerated (when the regenerative brake is activated), the target power generation amount of the generator 100 is adjusted to a larger value than during steady running or idle driving. Further, during vehicle acceleration, the target power generation amount of the generator 100 is adjusted so that the integrated current value becomes a predetermined target value. Further, during idle stop (that is, when the engine 101 is stopped), the target power generation amount of the generator 100 becomes zero (that is, power generation is not performed). Note that the present invention does not specify the power generation control of the generator 100 but can be applied to any form of power generation control.

  On the other hand, when the amount of power generation is not sufficient even during traveling, or when a large current that cannot be handled by the generator suddenly flows, current is supplied by the battery 10 regardless of the target power generation amount. For example, even when the generator 10 is operating while traveling, when the power steering or the active stabilizer is activated, a large current is instantaneously required, and the generator 100 cannot compensate for the current supply from the battery 10. Is required. Here, the active stabilizer means an electronically controlled stabilizer that automatically adjusts the effect according to the driving situation.

  Also, the starting current at cranking when the engine is started, the so-called dark current supplied to the security system and navigation system when the vehicle is parked, and the AHC (Active Height Control Suspension) that flows when the engine is stopped The inrush current is supplied from the battery 10 because it is supplied at a timing when the generator 100 is not operating. Here, AHC means an electronically controlled suspension that controls the optimal vehicle harmonics under various conditions while driving and the damping force of the shock absorber, and the inrush current of AHC means that the engine When the vehicle stops, the AHC is activated to return the vehicle height to the original height, and this is the large current that flows at that timing. As described above, if the load mounted on the vehicle is large, or if the vehicle 10 is parked for a long time without sufficient power generation during traveling, the electric charge discharged from the battery 10 increases.

  As described above, even for users of the same vehicle type, the amount of power generated by the generator 100, the size of the loaded load, and the instantaneous discharge current during travel, depending on the usage frequency and application of the vehicle of each individual user. The frequency and size of the battery, the dark current at the time of parking, and the like are related in a complicated manner, and the performance rank required for the battery 10 differs for each user.

  In order to objectively determine the suitability of the performance rank of the battery 10, in this embodiment, the determination is made based on the state of charge of the battery 10, which is necessary for measuring a value indicating the state of charge. A detection means is provided. That is, for example, a current sensor 21 for detecting the output current of the battery 10, a voltage sensor 22 for measuring the output terminal voltage, and a temperature sensor 23 for detecting the temperature are arbitrarily set as required. You may prepare in combination. For example, as described above, the SOC may be obtained from the values detected by these sensors, and the state of charge may be indicated by the SOC.

  The battery 10 is preferably a lead battery using a lead alloy, but may be a lithium ion battery, a fuel cell, an electric double layer capacitor, or the like as long as it has a charging function. The embodiments can be suitably applied to all of them.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a determination algorithm performed by the determination unit 50. In this embodiment, when the engine is started, the state of charge of the battery 10 is detected, and a record is accumulated and analyzed to notify the optimum battery.

  As a procedure, first, the internal resistance of the battery 10 is measured by the current sensor 21 and the voltage sensor 22 when the cranking current is taken out from the battery 10 at the time of cranking at the start, and the SOC is estimated. At the time of cranking, a large current flows from the battery 10 to the starter to start the engine. By detecting the current and voltage at the timing, the change in the charging state of the battery 10 due to the dark current particularly during parking is changed. Becomes clear. The change in SOC at the start of this trip is recorded every time. This data is accumulated and stored in the storage means 40. When the data is accumulated to some extent or at the timing of some trigger such as battery replacement, the determination unit 50 applies the algorithm shown in FIG. 3 to the data such as the SOC stored in the storage unit 40 and outputs the determination result. It outputs to the means 70.

  Next, a specific algorithm performed by the determination unit 50 will be described. First, as a premise, in the present embodiment, the range of the target SOC of the battery 10, that is, the state where the state of charge is appropriate will be described as the case where the SOC is in the range of 80 to 90%. However, this number is a number taken as an example as a general level, and it is needless to say that the number is not limited to this because it may vary slightly depending on the type, method, and manufacturer of the battery.

  In step 100, it is determined whether or not the cranking average SOC is equal to or less than a threshold value. This is a step for first determining whether or not the state of charge of the battery 10 during cranking is within an appropriate range. For example, if the average of the accumulated SOC data is less than 80%, the process proceeds to step 110.

  In step 110, each charge state data is compared with the previous measurement data, and it is determined whether or not the difference average is 0 or more. This is a step to investigate the factor that the state of charge is lower than the threshold value, and how the charge balance of the battery 10 tends to be measured at the same timing during the use cycle of the vehicle. It is a step for judging. Here, since the current taken out at the time of cranking is measured, the charge balance tendency of the battery 10 compared at the time of cranking is determined.

  If the next charge state is higher than the previous charge state on average, it means that the charge balance of the battery 10 is operating properly. The determination result is that the battery rank should be lowered. That is, the charge balance of the battery 10 is functioning normally, but the performance rank of the battery 10 is too high, that is, the rated capacity is too large, so the charge required for the performance rank of the battery 10 is not charged. Because it means. In this case, the SOC of the battery 10 is apparently lowered, and the charge balance itself is appropriately performed. Therefore, if the battery 10 is replaced with one having a lower performance rank and a smaller rated capacity, The weight of the battery 10 is reduced, which contributes to an improvement in fuel consumption, and the frequency of deterioration replacement due to a shortage of battery liquid is reduced, so that the replacement cost can be reduced.

  On the other hand, if the next charged state of the battery 10 tends to be lower than the previous charged state of the battery 10, this means that the charge balance of the battery 10 tends to be discharged. . This means that the power generation by the generator 100 tends to not always catch up with the discharge of the battery 10, so the process moves to step 140 to check whether the load 90 is excessive or not. Or the determination result is to check whether or not the generator 100 has failed. This means that the overall balance of electric charges is not balanced, so it is necessary to investigate the cause and take appropriate measures. Therefore, it is checked whether the size of the load 90 and the operation of the generator 100 are normal.

  Returning to step 100, when the cranking average SOC is not less than or equal to the threshold value, the routine proceeds to step 120, where it is determined whether or not the cranking average SOC is too high. In step 100, since the lower limit of the state of charge is determined, in step 120, the upper limit is determined. If the average SOC during cranking is too high, the routine proceeds to step 150, where there is a tendency to overcharge, so that the determination result that the battery rank should be increased and the performance rank of the battery 10 should be increased is obtained. If the battery 10 continues to be used with the performance rank of the battery 10 being overcharged, the charge continues to be supplied to the battery 10, and the charge that cannot be stored because it is full changes to heat and generates heat. 10 will be deteriorated. Therefore, the determination result is that the battery rank should be increased in order to prevent such an adverse effect and to use a battery having an appropriate performance rank.

  On the other hand, if the average SOC at the time of cranking is not too high in step 120, the performance rank of the battery 10 is appropriate because it is neither too low nor too high. .

  According to the present embodiment, it is possible to determine whether or not the performance rank of the battery 10 is appropriate for the carry-out current from the battery 10 at the time of cranking. In particular, in this embodiment, since the discharge from the battery 10 with dark current continues during parking, and the state of charge of the battery 10 is checked at the engine start timing after a predetermined period of time, the influence of the dark current during parking is particularly taken into consideration. Therefore, it is possible to determine the appropriateness of the performance rank of the battery 10.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an algorithm for monitoring the state of charge of the traveling battery 10 and determining whether or not the battery 10 being used is appropriate based on the data. The procedure up to the determination in the present embodiment is as follows.

  First, the charge / discharge amount of the traveling battery 10 is monitored, and the transition of the SOC is recorded. Since the generator 100 is generating electric power during traveling, the battery 10 may be charged or discharged. The state of charge of the battery 10 is determined by the balance of charge and discharge. The charging / discharging amount of the battery 10 during traveling may be obtained by monitoring the charging current integration amount and the discharging current integration amount detected by the current sensor 21, and calculating the charging / discharging amount.

  Next, the SOC measured in this way is calculated for each trip, accumulated and stored in the storage means 40, and based on the data, the determination means 50 makes a determination as follows.

  In step 200, it is determined whether the average discharge depth is equal to or less than a threshold value. Here, the depth of discharge generally refers to the ratio of the amount of discharged electricity to the rated capacity, and is usually expressed in%. Since the depth of discharge is an index representing the depth of discharge, it is preferably measured during operation of a large current load such as a power steering or active stabilizer, and data is acquired. And the average of these data is taken and average discharge depth is calculated | required. In general, an appropriate value of the depth of discharge falls within about 20 to 40%, but the appropriate value may vary depending on the type and type of the battery 10, the manufacturer, and the like. In the present embodiment, for example, the threshold of the average discharge depth is set to 40%, and it is determined whether or not it is 40% or less. If the depth of discharge is too large, the performance of the battery 10 will be insufficient and cannot be handled, and the life of the battery 10 will be shortened. Therefore, before measuring the state of charge of the battery 10, the battery 10 will be ranked in the performance rank. Judgment is made as to whether the usage is appropriate. Therefore, when the average discharge depth is equal to or greater than the threshold value, that is, equal to or greater than 40%, the process proceeds to step 280, which is a determination result that the battery rank should be increased.

  On the other hand, when the average discharge depth is less than or equal to the threshold value, that is, 40% or less, it is determined that there is no problem in the relationship between the average discharge depth and the performance rank of the battery 10, and the process proceeds to step 210.

  In step 210, it is determined whether or not the average SOC during travel is equal to or less than a threshold value. This is to determine whether or not the state of charge of the battery 10 during traveling of the vehicle is low. For example, it is determined whether or not the average SOC is 80% or less.

  In step 220, the balance while traveling is determined, and it is determined whether or not the difference between the average charge amount and the average discharge amount is greater than zero. The average charge amount and average discharge amount of the battery 10 during traveling may be obtained from values obtained by monitoring the charge current integration amount and the discharge current integration amount detected by the current sensor 21. That is, for example, the current to be charged and the current to be discharged are monitored and plotted continuously or periodically, the area is obtained by integrating both graphs, the balance of the charge amount is obtained from the difference, and based on this, the SOC is calculated. May be calculated. If the average charge amount is higher than the average discharge amount in the running balance, the process proceeds to step 240 to lower the battery rank. This is because the average SOC during running is below the threshold value even though the charge amount exceeds the discharge amount and the charge balance of the battery 10 is functioning normally. However, this means that the amount of charge does not catch up with the rated capacity of the battery 10, that is, the performance rank of the battery 10 being used is too large, and the determination result is that the performance rank of the battery should be lowered.

  Returning to step 220, when the average charge amount is smaller than the average discharge amount, the process proceeds to step 250, and the determination result indicates that the load should be inspected and reviewed. This means that charging by the generator 100 itself is insufficient, and thus the load on the generator 100 is too large. Therefore, it is determined that the load including the failure of the generator 100 should be checked and reviewed.

  Returning to step 210, if the average SOC during traveling is equal to or greater than the threshold value, for example, equal to or greater than 80%, the process proceeds to step 230. In step 230, it is determined whether the average SOC during traveling is too high. In step 210, there is no problem with the lower limit of the SOC, so this step is intended to determine the upper limit. If the average SOC during traveling is too high, the routine proceeds to step 260 where it is determined that the battery rank should be increased. This means that the average SOC during traveling is too high, and therefore it tends to be overcharged. If the rated capacity of the battery 10 is not increased further, the charge of the battery 10 becomes full and the electric charge to be generated is charged. This is because there is no room for accumulation. By raising the performance rank of the battery 10, heat generation due to overcharging can be prevented, and the life of the battery 10 can be extended.

  Returning to step 230, if the running SOC is not too high, it is determined in step 210 that the charge amount is within the lower limit of the appropriate range, and it is determined in this step that it is also within the upper limit. Therefore, the process proceeds to step 270, and the performance rank of the battery 10 is determined to be appropriate.

  According to the present embodiment, it is possible to determine whether or not the performance rank of the battery 10 being used is appropriate based on the balance of charge and discharge during running.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an algorithm for determining whether or not the performance rank of the battery in use is appropriate for the inrush current of AHC. That is, at the timing when the engine is stopped and the ignition is turned off, the charging state of the battery 10 is detected using an inrush current such as AHC as a trigger to determine whether or not the performance rank of the battery 10 is appropriate. Even when the ignition is turned off, the inrush current flows and a large current is released from the battery 10 when returning the height of the AHC operating while the vehicle is running, so this discharge current is detected. By doing so, the SOC can be estimated. From this data accumulation, it is possible to determine whether or not the performance rank of the battery 10 being used is appropriate.

  In step 300, it is determined whether the average SOC at the end of the trip is equal to or less than a threshold value. That is, for example, it is determined whether or not the average SOC is 80% or less.

  In step 310, it is determined whether or not the average of the difference between the SOC at the end of the previous run and the SOC at the end of the next run is greater than zero. By this step, the balance of charge of the battery 10 at the end of the trip is determined. If the average SOC at the end of the next run is larger than the average SOC at the end of the previous run, it means that the charge balance itself is going well. Since the battery 10 is too large to be caught by the charging by the generator 100 and the SOC is apparently lowered, the process proceeds to step 330, and it is determined that the battery rank should be lowered. If such replacement is performed, the frequency of the battery 10 having to be replaced can be reduced due to the low SOC, and by using an appropriate battery, an appropriate charge balance can be maintained and the life can be extended. Can be achieved.

  Returning to step 310, comparing the SOC at the end of the previous trip and the SOC at the end of the next trip, if the average of the SOC at the end of the previous trip is higher, the overall system tends to discharge, Since the current supply to the load has not caught up with the capacity of the generator 100, the process proceeds to step 340, and a determination is made to check and review the load size, including the failure of the generator 100.

  Returning to step 300, when the trip end average SOC is equal to or greater than the threshold, that is, for example, 80% or more, the routine proceeds to step 320, where it is determined whether or not the trip end average SOC is too high. In step 300, since it is found that the average SOC at the end of trip satisfies the lower limit of the appropriate range, it is determined in step 320 whether or not the upper limit appropriate range is satisfied.

  In step 320, when the trip end average SOC is too high, the routine proceeds to step 350, where it is determined that the battery rank should be increased because of an overcharge tendency. This means that the amount of power generated by the running generator 100 is large and means that the rated capacity of the battery 10 currently in use is too small. The battery 10 can be recharged, and heat generation deterioration due to overcharging can be prevented, thereby extending the life of the battery 10.

  On the other hand, when the trip end average SOC is not too high at step 320, the routine proceeds to step 360, where it is determined that the change is appropriate and the battery 10 need not be changed. This is because the upper limit threshold value of the SOC of the battery 10, for example, 90% or less is also satisfied, so that it can be said that the battery 10 is in an appropriate range.

  As described above, since the appropriate determination of the performance rank of the used battery 10 is performed based on the value indicating the state of charge of the battery 10 at the end of the trip, the timing at which the vehicle has finished traveling and the final charge balance due to traveling has come out. Thus, it is possible to determine whether the battery performance rank is appropriate, and to clearly determine whether the battery performance rank is appropriate in the relative relationship with the generator 100.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the algorithm related to the detection of a value indicating a charging state based on a cranking current at the time of engine start of the vehicle and a detection of a value indicating a charging state while the vehicle is running. It is a figure which shows the calculation algorithm performed by the determination means 50 in the case of performing a detection and combining the both and determining the suitability of the performance rank of the battery 10 used. By combining both and making a comprehensive determination, it is possible to improve the accuracy and determine whether the performance rank of the used battery 10 is appropriate.

  As a procedure, first, using the current sensor 21 or the like, the estimated SOC value based on the cranking current at the start of the engine, the average depth of discharge during traveling of the vehicle, and the estimated SOC value are measured and stored in the storage means 40 as data. And accumulate. When a certain amount of data is collected, the determination unit 50 performs determination using the algorithm shown in FIG. In the algorithm, the same reference numerals are used for the steps having the same contents as those of the algorithm described so far, and the correspondence is clarified. In this embodiment, the target discharge depth, that is, the range of the appropriate discharge depth is calculated as 20 to 40%, and the target average SOC, that is, the range of the appropriate average SOC is calculated as 80 to 90%. Since it differs depending on the type and form of the battery 10 and the manufacturer, it can be changed and set as appropriate.

  In step 100, it is determined whether or not the average SOC at the time of cranking is not more than a threshold value, that is, not more than 80%. When the average SOC at the time of cranking is less than or equal to the threshold value, the process proceeds to step 400.

  In step 400, it is determined whether the average trip interval is equal to or greater than a threshold value. Here, the trip interval refers to an interval from driving the vehicle to the next driving, that is, a period in which the vehicle is parked. This threshold value is normally set freely by each automobile manufacturer for each vehicle type or vehicle, or by the battery manufacturer for each battery type or product as a design standard, but here, it is considered as one month as an example.

  In step 400, when the average trip interval is equal to or larger than the threshold value, the process proceeds to step 410, and it is determined that the battery rank should be increased. This means that the user does not ride in the vehicle for a long time. Therefore, changing the battery 10 to a long-term stand type conforms to the user's usage mode, reduces the battery life, and extends the life. Because it can be planned.

  On the other hand, in step 400, when the average trip interval is equal to or smaller than the threshold value, the process proceeds to step 240, and it is determined that the battery rank should be lowered. This is because the driving frequency of the vehicle itself is secured and the average SOC at the time of cranking is low regardless of the chance of power generation by the generator 100, so the rated capacity of the battery 10 is too large, It means a state where charging is not catching up with discharging. Therefore, by lowering the battery rank, it is possible to reduce the frequency of battery replacement due to insufficient charge charge, reduce the vehicle weight, and improve fuel efficiency.

  Returning to step 100, when the average SOC at the time of cranking is equal to or greater than the threshold value, that is, equal to or greater than 80%, the process proceeds to step 200 to determine whether or not the depth of discharge during traveling is equal to or less than the threshold value. When the average depth of discharge during traveling is not less than the threshold value, that is, not less than 40%, the routine proceeds to step 280, where it is determined that the battery rank should be increased. The fact that the average depth of discharge during traveling is equal to or greater than the threshold means that the current required for traveling of the vehicle exceeds the performance level of the battery 10, so that by increasing the performance rank of the battery 10, The battery 10 can be used in combination with the rated capacity so that current supply within the limit is sufficient, and the battery 10 can be used in an appropriate form to extend the life of the battery 10. On the other hand, in step 200, when the average depth of discharge during traveling is not more than the threshold, that is, not more than 40%, the process proceeds to step 210.

  In step 210, it is determined whether or not the average SOC during traveling is equal to or less than a threshold value, that is, equal to or less than 80%. The purpose is to first determine the average SOC state during travel. If the average SOC during traveling is equal to or less than the threshold value, the routine proceeds to step 220.

  In step 220, the balance of charge during traveling is determined. It is determined whether or not a value obtained by subtracting the average discharge amount from the average charge amount is 0 or more. As described in Step 220 of FIG. 4, the average charge amount and the average discharge amount are integrated based on a graph representing both current values during traveling to obtain an integrated current value, and calculated based on this. You can do it. When the average charge amount is larger than the average discharge amount, the routine proceeds to step 240, where it is determined that the battery rank should be lowered. This is because the charge balance itself is properly performed because the amount of charge is greater than the amount of discharge, but the actual SOC is lowered, so the rated capacity of the battery 10 is too large, Apparently, it means that the SOC is only lowered. Therefore, if the battery 10 is changed to an appropriate performance rank and made smaller, the tendency of insufficient charging is eliminated, the battery replacement interval due to the low SOC is lengthened, the weight of the battery 10 is also reduced, and the fuel efficiency is improved. Can be achieved.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step 220 that the average charge amount is smaller than the average discharge amount, the process proceeds to step 250, where it is determined that the load should be checked and reviewed. This means that the charge balance itself is not sound because the discharge amount is larger than the charge amount. It can be dealt with by checking and reviewing whether the loaded load is too large, including the failure of the generator 100, and making it an appropriate usage form.

  Returning to step 210, when the traveling SOC is not less than the threshold value, that is, 80% or more, the routine proceeds to step 230, where it is determined whether or not the average SOC during traveling is too high. Since it is confirmed in step 210 that the SOC of the running battery 10 is within the proper range, it is next determined whether or not the upper limit is within the proper range.

If it is determined in step 230 that the average SOC during traveling is too high, the process proceeds to step 260, where it is determined that the performance rank of the battery 10 should be increased. Since the battery 10 tends to be overcharged, by changing to a battery having a performance rank capable of charging and accumulating surplus charge, heat generation can be prevented and the life can be extended.
On the other hand, when it is determined in step 230 that the average SOC during traveling is not too high, that is, the upper limit is within the appropriate range, the process proceeds to step 270 and it is determined that the battery 10 is appropriate.

  As described above, by using the SOC and the depth of discharge during the engine start and the vehicle running as the determination materials as in the present embodiment, it is possible to determine whether the performance rank of the battery 10 used is appropriate with a more comprehensive accuracy. Judgment can be made.

  Note that the determination result made by the determination means 50 can be configured in various levels. For example, it may be determined only whether it is appropriate, or it may be determined whether the performance rank of the battery 10 should be raised or lowered. Further, it may be determined whether or not the magnitude of the load is appropriate. For example, in FIG. 3, if it is configured in two bundles of step 160 and steps 130 to 150, it is determined whether or not the battery 10 is appropriate. That is, the determination result determined in step 160 is appropriate, and the determination result determined in steps 130 to 150 is final determination that it is inappropriate. In this case, the algorithm may be simplified and the steps 100 and 120 may be configured. Similarly, for example, step 130, step 150, and step 160 are distinguished as the determination result, and when the battery 10 is not appropriate or not appropriate, the determination result is output until the performance rank of the battery 10 should be increased or decreased. May be. Similarly, the steps 130 to 160 are output properly, and whether or not the performance rank of the battery 10 is appropriate, and when it is not appropriate, whether the performance rank of the battery 10 should be raised or lowered and the load is checked. You may make it output as a determination result until it should review. Also in FIG. 4, step 260 and step 280 are the determination results having the same contents. Therefore, they can be considered together as in FIG. 3. The same applies to FIGS. 5 and 6.

  In addition, for example, in combination with the comprehensive concept as shown in FIG. 6, the SOC measurement timing is simply divided and the algorithms of FIGS. 3 to 5 are executed independently, and the timing is partially determined in parallel. The determination result may be output. Since both a comprehensive judgment and a partial judgment are made, the user can know whether or not the performance rank of the battery 10 being used is appropriate. Further, for example, it may be further developed from the algorithm of FIGS. 3 to 6 to add a determination step for determining the suitability of the performance rank of the battery 10 in more detail. More accurate determination is possible.

  The determination means 50 may be configured to be executed by a computer program as described above, or may be configured by an electric circuit. Moreover, you may comprise by FPGA. The determination unit 50 may be configured in the ECU 80 or may be configured separately from the ECU 80. Further, the algorithm execution means such as a computer program may be recorded on a recording medium and configured to be exchanged and carried freely.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the output unit 70. This is a means for notifying the user of the determination result of the determination means 50. For example, the determination result may be notified on a combination meter. FIG. 7A shows display means for outputting only whether or not the performance rank of the used battery 10 is appropriate. Appropriate indication lamps are composed of, for example, LEDs (light emitting diodes). If they are appropriate, a lamp marked with a circle in the figure simulating the left battery is lit. You may make it the lamp | ramp which attached | subjected x to the figure which simulated the battery light. FIG. 7B displays whether or not the performance rank of the battery 10 being used is appropriate, and if not, whether the battery 10 should be raised or lowered, and whether or not the load should be checked is too high. It is an example of the display means at the time of comprising. In the figure simulating the second battery from the right, a display with a circle means that it is appropriate, and a figure simulating the rightmost battery with a right-up arrow is the performance rank of the battery 10 Is the display of the determination result that the battery 10 should be raised, and the second display from the left, which is a diagram simulating the battery, with the arrow pointing downward to the right is the indication that the performance rank of the battery 10 should be lowered. The display with a downward arrow attached to the left resistance symbol indicates that the load should be checked. Similarly to FIG. 7A, the display corresponding to the determination result may be lit with an LED. These may be displayed on a display, and any type or form may be used as long as they can be output and displayed so as to clearly inform the user of the determination result. Based on these display results, the user can change the performance rank of the battery 10, and can use a battery with an appropriate performance rank suitable for the intended use and form of the user.

  FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram illustrating a modification of the battery performance rank diagnosis apparatus according to the first embodiment. 8 is different from the functional block diagram shown in FIG. 1 in that the battery deterioration detecting means 30, the output control means 32 for controlling the output, and the output means 71 are further provided with means for displaying the detection result of the battery deterioration. ing. The other components are the same as those described with reference to FIG. 1, and thus the same reference numerals are assigned and description thereof is omitted.

  The battery deterioration detection device is a device that detects deterioration of the battery 10 itself. When the battery has been purchased for a specified period of time, the battery capacity decreases, the voltage drops, and the electrodes corrode and become poorly conductive due to deterioration. It becomes impossible. This is not a problem of the performance rank of the battery described so far in the present embodiment, but a problem of lifetime, which is another dimension. Therefore, it is necessary to deal with the battery deterioration differently from the battery performance rank diagnosis apparatus described so far. As a countermeasure, the battery deterioration may be detected by, for example, a battery deterioration detection apparatus. This embodiment shows an example in which a battery deterioration device is provided in addition to the battery performance rank diagnosis device.

  When the battery 10 deteriorates and reaches the end of its life, it is necessary to take measures such as battery replacement or replenishment of battery fluid. Such battery deterioration can be detected by the battery deterioration detection device, and the detection target is the same as the data detected by the battery performance rank diagnosis device, such as the terminal voltage and discharge current of the battery 10. Therefore, the battery deterioration detection device can jointly use necessary ones of the current sensor 21, the voltage sensor 22, and the temperature sensor 23 of the battery performance rank diagnosis device. Can be installed in parallel. Further, the battery deterioration may be calculated by various methods using detected values such as voltage, current or temperature. The battery deterioration detection means 30 applied to the present embodiment may be of any type or form as long as it can appropriately detect battery deterioration. In addition, the calculation part of the battery deterioration detection means 30 may be provided inside the ECU 80 or may be provided independently outside the ECU. When battery deterioration is detected by the battery deterioration detecting means, the detection result is sent to the output control means 31.

  The output control means 31 receives the detection signal from the battery deterioration detection means 30 and the determination result signal from the determination means 50 of the battery performance rank diagnosis device, and controls the output at both output means 71. The output control means 31 may be provided inside the ECU 80, or may be provided independently between the ECU 80 and the output means 71. When an output signal is sent to the output control unit 31 from either the battery deterioration detection unit 30 or the determination unit 50, the sent signal may be output as it is, but the output signal is sent simultaneously from both sides. When it is received, the detection result of the battery deterioration detection device may be output first, and then the determination result of the battery diagnostic device may be output. In addition, the timing for outputting the determination result of the battery performance rank diagnosis device can be configured such that a predetermined period can be set or output by a switch at a user's desired timing, but even when configured in this way, the battery It is preferable that the determination result of the battery performance rank diagnosis apparatus is output after the output of the deterioration detection. The reason for not outputting both at the same time is to prevent bothersomeness of displaying two pieces of information at the same time. The battery deterioration detection result is output first, and then the determination result of the battery diagnostic device is output. In many cases, after battery deterioration is detected, the battery is replaced or the battery liquid is replenished. When these measures are taken, the condition of the battery 10 changes. Therefore, before the condition of the battery 10 changes, the determination calculation based on the data accumulated in the storage means 40 once about the suitability of the performance rank of the battery 10 This is because it is preferable to output the determination result.

  The output means 71 may add a display of deterioration to the combination meter as described in FIG. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, a display simulating a figure in which the battery liquid level of the battery is insufficient, the liquid level is lowered, and the voltage is reduced is displayed with a red LED near the display indicating the determination result of the battery performance rank The battery deterioration may be displayed. As described above, the battery deterioration detection may be turned on first, and then the battery performance rank diagnosis result may be turned on. Moreover, the display may use another display display etc., and the kind and form are not ask | required.

  According to the present embodiment, battery deterioration can be detected and notified to the user, and the information can be provided to the user at a timing suitable for outputting the determination result of the battery performance rank diagnosis.

  FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of the battery performance rank diagnosis apparatus according to the second embodiment.

  The only difference from the battery performance rank diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment is that the configuration of the determination unit 51 and the storage units 60 and 61 are further provided. The same reference numerals are assigned to simplify the description.

  The overall configuration and operation will be briefly described as follows.

  The generator 100 and the battery 10 are connected to supply current to the load 90, and current is also supplied from the generator 100 to the battery 10. The battery 10 is provided with a current sensor 21, a voltage sensor 22, and a temperature sensor 23, and is sent to the charging state detection means 20. In addition, it is sufficient that only necessary sensors are provided, and not all sensors are necessarily provided. The charge state detection means 20 detects a value indicating the charge state, for example, SOC, and sends it to the storage means 40. In the storage means 40, data of values indicating the state of charge is accumulated and stored. The data stored and stored in the storage means 40 is sent to the determination means 51, and it is determined whether or not the performance rank of the battery 10 being used is appropriate. The performance rank of the battery 10 being used is stored in the storage means 60. The determination means 51 determines not only whether or not the battery 10 is appropriate but also to what extent the battery rank should be raised or lowered if it is not appropriate. Then, based on the determination result, an appropriate battery rank is selected from the storage unit 61 that stores the battery rank in advance. The determination result of the appropriate battery rank selected by the determination unit 51 is sent to the output unit 70 and output.

  Next, the determination unit 51 and the storage units 60 and 61 which are different from the first embodiment will be described in detail. The determination means 51 not only proposes the suitability of the battery 10 as described in the first embodiment and the suggestion of raising / lowering the rank and reviewing the load, but also proposes which battery rank is better. For this reason, a storage unit 60 that stores the performance rank of the currently used battery 10 and a storage unit 61 that stores the performance rank of the battery as a predetermined option are provided inside or outside the determination unit 51. The determination means 51 raises or lowers the battery rank when it is determined that the currently used battery 10 stored in the storage means 60 is not suitable with the currently used battery 10 as a reference point. Propose to determine whether it should be. Accordingly, the determination is performed by adding the determination concept of the degree to the algorithm described with reference to FIGS.

  Note that the algorithm of the determination unit 51 may be executed by various execution units such as a computer program, an electric circuit, an FPGA, or an information recording medium, as described in the first embodiment.

  On the other hand, the storage unit 60 stores the currently used battery 10 and takes into account the degree to which the performance rank of the battery 10 should be increased or decreased as determined by the determination unit 51. Therefore, for example, if the currently used battery rank is 100 and it is determined that the battery rank should be increased by one step, 105 stored in the storage means 61 is selected. Then, this result may be output. In this case, it has been described that the final determination is made by selecting and outputting from a predetermined battery rank stored in advance in the storage means 61. However, it is simply determined that the current battery rank is 100 and the battery rank should be increased by one level. If the battery rank is made, the battery rank stored in the storage means 60 may be increased by 5 and output as a determination result. Conversely, the current battery 10 among the predetermined battery ranks stored in advance in the storage means 61 is stored, and based on the result determined by the determination means 51, the battery rank is shifted as a determination result. You may make it output. As described above, the storage unit may include both the storage unit 60 that stores the current battery rank and the storage unit 61 that stores the predetermined battery rank in advance, or one of them, You may comprise so that the other function may also be performed. In addition, the battery rank is displayed in increments of 5 for 50 or more, and is displayed in increments of 2 for less than 50. Therefore, if it is increased by one level, the performance rank of the battery 10 should be increased by 5 for 50 or more. Means less than 50 means increase by 2.

  Note that the storage means 60 and 61 may use storage means used in a normal computer such as a memory.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an algorithm applied to the cranking take-out current at the time of engine start, which is applied to the determination unit 51. FIG. 11 is different from FIG. 3 in the first embodiment in that a flow for determining the degree of lowering the battery rank after step 130 and a flow for determining the degree of raising the battery rank after step 150 are added. Since the other elements are the same, the same reference numerals are assigned and description thereof is omitted. In addition, the SOC range of the appropriate battery will be described as 80 to 90% in the same manner as described in FIG.

  In FIG. 11, when a determination result that the battery rank should be lowered is obtained in step 130, the process proceeds to step 131, and it is determined whether or not the average SOC at the time of cranking is equal to or less than the threshold value A. For example, if the threshold value in step 100 is 80%, the threshold value A is set lower than that, for example, 70%. If the cranking average SOC is 70% or less, the process proceeds to step 132. If it is 70% or more, it is estimated that the degree of deviation from the appropriate battery rank is not so large, and the battery rank should be lowered by one level. Is determined.

  In step 132, it is determined whether or not the average SOC during cranking is equal to or less than a threshold value B. The threshold value B is lower than the threshold value A, and is set to 60%, for example. If the SOC is lower than the threshold value B, it means that the SOC is considerably low, so that the determination result is that the battery rank should be lowered by three stages. On the other hand, when the average SOC at the time of cranking is higher than the threshold value B, since the SOC is between the threshold values A and B and is an intermediate value, it is determined that the battery rank should be lowered by two intermediate levels. Made.

  As described above, when it is determined in step 130 that the cranking average SOC is equal to or lower than the threshold value and it is determined in step 130 that the battery rank should be lowered, the threshold value is set in more detail and the comparison is performed. It can be estimated how much the battery rank should be lowered. Here, the numerical value of the threshold value can be changed to an appropriate value, and if the average SOC value and the degree of battery rank are not in a linear relationship, various corrections can be performed to accurately estimate the appropriate battery rank. It can be changed as follows. In this embodiment, the change range of the battery rank is set to three levels, but the change range can be arbitrarily changed to a desired level.

  Next, the case where it is determined in step 150 that the battery rank should be increased will be described.

  In step 151, it is determined whether or not the cranking average SOC is greater than or equal to a threshold value C. The threshold value C may be set as 93%, for example, higher than 90%. When the cranking average SOC is equal to or less than the threshold value C, since the overcharge tendency is small, it is determined that the battery rank is increased by one level. On the other hand, if the cranking average SOC is equal to or greater than the threshold value C, the routine proceeds to step 152.

  In step 152, it is determined whether or not the cranking average SOC is greater than or equal to a threshold value D. The threshold D may be set higher than the threshold C, for example, 96%. If the average SOC at the time of cranking is higher than the threshold value D, it means that the average SOC at the time of cranking is considerably high. Therefore, it is determined that the battery rank should also be increased by three levels. On the other hand, if the average SOC at the time of cranking is lower than the threshold value D, it means that the SOC is in the middle between the threshold value C and the threshold value D. Therefore, it is determined that the battery rank should be raised by two stages in the middle. The

  As described above, the degree of increase in the battery rank can be proposed and output by setting the upper threshold value in more detail than the determination made in step 120. Note that the threshold value may be set to an optimum value as a result of trial and error, and various correction changes may be made if the change range of the SOC value does not correspond linearly to the extent to which the battery rank should be increased. To set an optimum threshold value or function expression. The change range of the battery rank may be arbitrarily set as in the case of the algorithm for determining the range for lowering the battery rank.

  FIG. 12 is an example of an algorithm executed by the determination unit 51 when determining an appropriate battery rank based on the average depth of discharge and the average SOC during travel of the vehicle. Steps similar to those described in FIG. 4 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. Similarly to the description in FIG. 4, the description will be made assuming that the average discharge depth of the appropriate battery is 20 to 40% and the SOC is 80 to 90%.

  In steps 241 and 242, when it is determined that the battery rank should be lowered, the degree to be lowered is determined. The algorithm is the same as the contents in step 131 and step 132 in the case of lowering the battery rank in FIG. An algorithm in which the data object has only changed from the average SOC during cranking to the average SOC during traveling, and threshold E and threshold F are set, and the average SOC during traveling is compared to estimate the appropriate battery rank. Since the content itself is the same, the description thereof is omitted.

  In step 261 and step 262, the degree of increase when it is determined that the battery rank should be increased is determined, but the threshold G and threshold H are set and compared with the average SOC during traveling. The contents themselves are the same as those in steps 151 and 152 in FIG.

  In step 281, it is determined whether the average discharge depth is equal to or greater than a threshold value I. The threshold value I is set higher than 40% of the threshold value in step 200, for example, 50%. When the average depth of discharge is less than or equal to the threshold value I, the battery rank should be increased, but the degree is not large, and it is determined that only a slight increase is necessary, and it is determined that the battery rank should be increased by one step. On the other hand, if the average discharge depth is higher than the threshold value I, the process proceeds to step 282.

  In step 282, it is determined whether or not the average discharge depth is greater than or equal to a threshold value J. The threshold value J is higher than the threshold value I, and is set to 60%, for example. If the average depth of discharge is higher than the threshold value J, it means that the average depth of discharge is considerably high. Therefore, it is desirable to increase the battery rank corresponding to this, and it is determined that the level should be increased by three levels. On the other hand, when the average discharge depth is lower than the threshold value J, the average discharge depth is in an intermediate range between the threshold value I and the threshold value J, so it is determined that the battery rank should be increased by two stages. The threshold value may be appropriately changed to a desirable value, and it is desirable to use a value having a higher correlation with the battery rank. Therefore, if there is an appropriate correction formula, these may be used. Further, in the present embodiment, the change range of the appropriate battery rank is described as three stages, but this may be arbitrarily set as described with reference to FIG.

  In addition, when the battery rank which should be raised does not correspond between determination of step 261 and 262, and step 281 and 282, which may be prioritized may be decided beforehand, and average SOC during driving | running | working An arithmetic expression that can be comprehensively determined in consideration of both the average discharge depth may be used.

  The battery performance rank diagnosis apparatus according to the present embodiment can propose the use of the optimum battery rank corresponding to the user's travel mode based on the average SOC and the average depth of discharge during travel.

  In addition, the proposal of the optimal battery rank when targeting the inrush current of AHC when the engine is stopped corresponding to FIG. 5 of the first embodiment, and the carry-out current and the average discharge depth during traveling corresponding to FIG. The optimum battery rank can be proposed in the same way as described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12 in the case of making a comprehensive determination on the average SOC. That is, in FIG. 5, a proposal is made to reduce the battery rank by comparing the threshold value set in detail after step 330 with the average SOC at the end of trip, and the threshold value set in detail after step 350 and the average at the end of trip. A degree to which the battery rank is raised by comparison with the SOC can be proposed.

  In FIG. 6, after step 410, an algorithm for determining how much the battery rank should be increased is necessary. This is because the threshold is set based on the average trip interval, or the average trip interval and the cranking are determined. You may set so that the proposal of the grade which should raise a battery rank can be performed from the relationship with the average SOC at the time. Other algorithms after step 240, after step 260, and after step 280 can be described based on the same idea as described in FIG.

  FIG. 13 shows an example of a specific configuration of the output means 71. The determination result may be output on the combination meter. The difference from FIG. 7B of the first embodiment is that an indicator 73 for outputting the optimum rank of the battery 10 is added. The display unit 73 receives the determination result of the determination unit 51 and displays the performance rank of the optimum battery with a number. The indicator 73 may be an ordinary numerical display indicator. For example, when it is determined that the battery rank should be raised and the optimum battery rank is 105, as shown in FIG. 13, an LED indicator 72 for displaying that the battery 10 should be raised, and a numeric indicator 73 Can be lit and displayed at the same time, the user can easily know the situation.

  Since the battery performance rank diagnosis apparatus according to the second embodiment can propose not only the suitability of the battery 10 being used but also the optimum battery rank, the user can change the battery by changing to the optimum battery. Longer service life, reduced fuel consumption, etc. can be achieved more effectively and accurately.

  Also in the second embodiment, a battery deterioration detection device can be provided, and when the deterioration of the battery 10 is detected, an optimum battery can be displayed after displaying this. As a result, when the battery 10 has reached the end of its life and data of values indicating a sufficient charge state have been prepared, and before the battery 10 is replaced, the optimum battery rank is output and notified to the user. Can notify the optimum battery rank, and the user's usability of the apparatus can be further enhanced.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and substitutions can be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Can be added. For example, in a hybrid car, there is a mode in which a motor is used as a generator by regenerative braking in addition to a generator based on the rotation of an engine described so far, and a combination of both is used. Is suitably applicable. Also, the battery used is not a lead battery, but a battery of another type such as a nickel metal hydride battery may be used. However, since the battery is a rechargeable battery, the present invention is also suitable in this case. Applicable.

1 is a functional block diagram of a battery performance rank diagnosis apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is the figure which showed the relationship with the other apparatus connected with the battery. It is a figure which shows the algorithm which determines the suitability of the performance rank of a battery from SOC calculated | required from the electric current at the time of cranking. It is a figure which shows the algorithm which determines the suitability of the performance rank of a battery from SOC during driving | running | working. It is a figure which shows the algorithm which determines the suitability of the performance rank of a battery from SOC calculated | required from the inrush current of AHC. It is a figure which shows the algorithm in the case of determining the suitability of the performance rank of a battery from SOC based on cranking current, and SOC during vehicle travel. 5 is a diagram showing an example of output means 70. FIG. FIG. 7A shows display means for outputting only the suitability of the performance rank of the battery 10 used. FIG. 7B is an example of a display unit configured to display a suggestion of what to do when the battery 10 being used is not appropriate. It is a functional block diagram which shows the modification of the battery performance rank diagnostic apparatus which concerns on Example 1. FIG. It is an output means for displaying both a battery deterioration detection result and a battery performance rank determination result. 6 is a functional block diagram of a battery performance rank diagnosis apparatus according to Embodiment 2. FIG. It is the figure which showed an example of the algorithm applied to a cranking taking-out electric current. It is an example of the algorithm which determines a suitable battery rank based on the average depth of discharge and average SOC during vehicle travel. An example of a specific configuration of the output means 71 is shown.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Battery 20 Charge state detection means 21 Current sensor 22 Voltage sensor 23 Temperature sensor 30 Battery deterioration detection means 31 Output control means 40, 60, 61 Storage means 50, 51 Determination means 70, 71 Output means 72, 73 Indicator 80 ECU
90 Load 100 Generator 101 Engine

Claims (10)

A battery performance rank diagnostic device for diagnosing whether or not the performance rank of a battery being used is appropriate,
A charging state detecting unit for detecting a value indicating a charging state of the battery; a storing unit for storing a value indicating the charging state detected by the charging state detecting unit; and the charging state stored by the storing unit. A battery performance rank diagnosis apparatus comprising: determination means for determining whether or not the performance rank of the battery is appropriate based on a value; and output means for outputting a determination result determined by the determination means.   2. The battery performance rank according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not the performance rank of the battery is appropriate based on a difference between a charge amount from a generator and a discharge amount to a load. Diagnostic device.   2. The battery performance rank according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not a performance rank of the battery is appropriate based on a change amount of a value indicating the state of charge caused by dark current. Diagnostic device.   The said determination means determines whether the performance rank of the said battery should be further raised or lowered when it determines with the performance rank of the said battery not being appropriate. Battery performance rank diagnostic device.   5. The battery performance rank diagnosis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the determination unit determines that the performance rank of the battery is not appropriate, the determination unit further determines whether or not a load applied to the battery is appropriate. .   The battery performance rank diagnosis apparatus further includes a storage unit that stores a predetermined battery rank, and the determination unit determines which of the predetermined battery ranks stored in the storage unit the battery should be. 6. The battery performance rank diagnosis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the battery performance rank diagnosis apparatus is one.   The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the charging state detection means detects the charging state of the battery at a predetermined timing when the engine of the vehicle is started, during traveling, or when the engine is stopped. Performance rank diagnostic device.   The battery performance rank diagnosis device further includes a battery deterioration detection device that detects battery deterioration. When battery deterioration is detected by the battery deterioration detection device, determination of battery performance rank diagnosis is performed after outputting a battery deterioration detection result. 8. The battery performance rank diagnosis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a result is output. A battery performance rank diagnosis program for diagnosing whether or not a performance rank of a battery being used is appropriate,
Storage means for storing a value indicating the detected state of charge of the battery;
Means for calculating an average value of values indicating the state of charge of the battery stored in the storage means, and comparing with a threshold value indicating the appropriate state of charge;
When the average value is lower than the threshold value, it is determined from the value indicating the charging state stored in the storage means whether the change in the charging state of the battery is a charging tendency or a discharging tendency. Means for determining whether the performance rank or battery load is excessive;
Means for determining whether the average value is too high when the average value is higher than the threshold, and determining whether the performance rank of the battery is insufficient or appropriate based on the average value;
Battery performance rank diagnostic program to function as. The determination of whether the change in the state of charge of the battery tends to be charged or discharged is a value indicating the state of charge of the battery detected at a predetermined timing when the engine is started, running or when the engine is stopped. The battery performance rank diagnosis program according to claim 9, wherein the battery performance rank diagnosis program is performed by comparing with a detection value one time before.

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