JP4427503B2 - Electric vehicle battery inspection system and electric vehicle battery inspection method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an inspection device for an electric vehicle battery used as a power source for driving an electric vehicle, an inspection system for an electric vehicle battery, and an inspection method for an electric vehicle battery. A device for inspecting the voltage across each battery cell in a battery assembly in which a large number of battery cells are connected in series, and a device for inspecting the voltage across the battery assembly, and a cooling system for cooling the battery assembly Apparatus for inspecting cooling bag for water leaks, an inspection system in which these inspection apparatuses are organically coupled in an assembly line of an electric vehicle battery, and an inspection of the electric vehicle battery using the inspection principle of the inspection apparatus It is related with the inspection method for doing.

  In general, a battery assembly configured by connecting a large number of battery cells in series is used as a power source for driving an electric vehicle. For example, when using a 12V battery, it is necessary to connect nine or more battery cells in series and load the electric vehicle in order to obtain a desired power. Is suspended from a vehicle body frame member under the floor in a state of being housed in a battery box (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In this way, since a large number of battery cells are connected in series, if any one of the connected battery cells has poor characteristics (for example, a low current capacity, a low voltage value, etc.), the electric vehicle The performance and life as a battery for use will be limited by the battery cell with poor characteristics. That is, the current capacity and voltage value during discharging are important parameters for determining the performance of the electric vehicle battery.

  In addition, since the battery for an electric vehicle has a large number of battery cells housed in the battery box, the temperature of the battery assembly is likely to rise above the effective use temperature during use, which reduces the performance of the battery. And the problem that the cycle life of the battery is reduced is pointed out. Furthermore, when the battery temperature is considerably high at the time of charging, there is a problem that the charging efficiency is lowered.

  Therefore, in the case of configuring an electric vehicle battery, it is essential to incorporate a cooling system for efficiently cooling the battery assembly.

JP-A-52-35023

  By the way, as a method of measuring the voltage value of the battery for electric vehicles, conventionally, a commercially available tester is exclusively used. In this case, there are the following problems.

  (1) As a method of confirming the measurement result, it is necessary to carefully look at small letters and numbers on the digital display.

  (2) Since the inspection range (OK / NG) depends on the memory of the operator, a measurement error may occur.

  (3) Since the tester's stick is directly applied to the battery during measurement, it is easy for an operator to touch the high voltage, which is dangerous.

  (4) It is necessary to write down the measurement result in a memo prepared separately as numeric data by the operator and to record the data.

  (5) In mass production, the number of inspections increases, so automation is necessary, but commercially available testers cannot handle it.

  (6) The battery assembly has a weight of 550 kg, and it is more efficient to automatically perform the OK / NG automatic distribution by taking the interlock with the conveyor, but a commercially available tester cannot handle it.

  As described above, in the inspection of the voltage value for the conventional battery, there is a problem that there are various problems for mass production.

  On the other hand, as a cooling system, for example, when a plurality of battery cells are used as one cooling unit, a cooling unit is arranged for each cooling unit, and a conduit for circulating cooling water through these cooling bags is provided. Is considered. In this case, it is essential to detect water leakage in the cooling bag before shipment from the factory and replace it with a regular cooling bag having no water leakage if there is water leakage.

  Therefore, a water leak inspection of the cooling bag is necessary. In this inspection, it is conceivable to use a commercially available digital meter (air leak tester). However, this commercially available digital meter has the following problems.

  (1) As a method of confirming the measurement result, it is necessary to carefully look at small letters and numbers on the digital display.

  (2) Since the inspection range (OK / NG) depends on the memory of the operator, a measurement error may occur.

  (3) In measurement, if the internal volume of the inspection object (workpiece) is likely to change due to temperature, etc. with a commercially available air leak tester, the error is too large to make an accurate judgment, and the reference value must be set again according to the workpiece. There is annoyance that must be.

  (4) It is necessary to write down the measurement result in a memo prepared separately as numeric data by the operator and to record the data.

  (5) In mass production, the number of inspections increases, so automation is necessary, but commercially available digital meters cannot handle it.

  (6) The battery assembly has a weight of 550 kg, and it is more efficient to automatically perform the OK / NG automatic distribution by taking the interlock with the conveyor, but a commercially available tester cannot handle it.

  Thus, in the inspection of the cooling system, there is a problem that there are various problems for mass production, as in the inspection of the voltage value.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and is an electric vehicle battery inspection apparatus, an electric vehicle battery inspection system, and an electric vehicle battery inspection method that can be applied to mass production assembly of electric vehicle batteries. The purpose is to provide.

  An inspection apparatus for an electric vehicle battery according to the present invention is the battery inspection apparatus for an electric vehicle that inspects a cooling system of a battery assembly in which a large number of battery cells are connected in series in a battery box. The system has a cooling bag for each cooling unit when a plurality of battery cells are used as one cooling unit, and has a conduit for circulating cooling water through these cooling bags. Air supply means for supplying air through the conduit instead of cooling water and stopping the supply of the air when the air pressure in the cooling bag reaches a predetermined pressure; and air pressure in the cooling bag. An air pressure detecting means for detecting, an A / D converter for digitally converting the detected air pressure and outputting it as air pressure data, and a point from when the air supply by the air supplying means is stopped. Air pressure after passage of time and having a control signal output means for outputting a pressure determination means for determining whether it is within a predetermined range, a control signal corresponding to the result of the discrimination at the pressure determination unit.

  First, air is supplied into the cooling bag through the air supply means. With the supply of air into the cooling bag, the air pressure in the cooling bag increases. This air pressure is detected through the air pressure detecting means. Then, when the air pressure in the cooling bag reaches a predetermined pressure, the air supply means stops supplying air into the cooling bag.

  The air pressure detected by the air pressure detection means is supplied to the subsequent A / D converter and the pressure discrimination means.

  The A / D converter digitally converts the supplied air pressure (analog value) and outputs it as air pressure data. The air pressure data is supplied to, for example, a computer connected to the inspection apparatus through a bus line, and used for history management of the battery assembly.

  On the other hand, the pressure discriminating unit discriminates whether or not the supplied air pressure, in particular, the air pressure after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when the air supply by the air supplying unit is stopped. The determination result is supplied to the control signal output means at the subsequent stage. The control signal output means creates and outputs a control signal corresponding to the supplied discrimination result.

  As the control signal, for example, when there are two types of contents of the determination result, normal / defective, a control signal having two types of attributes can be considered. Specifically, for example, when the battery assembly is applied to an assembly system that transports the battery assembly to a subsequent assembly line by a conveyor, the control signal that removes the battery assembly that has been certified as defective from the transport path, and is certified as normal. A control signal indicating that the battery assembly is put into the subsequent processing line can be considered.

  The removed battery assembly is determined to have water leakage in the cooling bag, replaced with a regular cooling bag having no water leakage, and again applied to the inspection apparatus according to the present invention.

  As described above, in the battery inspection apparatus for electric vehicles according to the present invention, the cooling system can be inspected for each battery assembly, and the inspection result can be output as digital data. In addition, it is possible to determine whether the battery assembly is normal or defective, and it is possible to easily control the insertion / exclusion of the battery assembly in the subsequent processing line.

  This leads to realization of full automation of the cooling system inspection for the battery assembly, and can sufficiently cope with mass production of the battery for electric vehicles.

  And in the said structure, you may make it comprise the said air supply means so that air may be supplied to a cooling bag in the stage in which the pressure of the air before supply became a predetermined pressure. In this case, air can be stably supplied to the cooling bag, and a highly reliable test result can be obtained.

  Next, an electric vehicle battery inspection system according to the present invention is an electric vehicle battery inspection system for inspecting a battery assembly in which a large number of battery cells are connected in series in a battery box. Cell voltage detecting means for detecting a cell voltage between the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the battery cell, an A / D converter for digitally converting the detected cell voltage and outputting it as cell voltage data, and the detected cell voltage A cell voltage determining means for determining whether or not it is within a predetermined range; a cell voltage inspection device comprising a control signal output means for outputting a control signal according to the determination result of the cell voltage determining means; and the cell voltage inspection A switch for switching control of whether the battery cell is inserted into or removed from the assembly line based on the attribute of the control signal from the control signal output means in the apparatus. A transport control device and a device for inspecting a cooling system of the battery assembly, and when the cooling system uses the plurality of battery cells as one cooling unit, a cooling bag is arranged for each cooling unit. The cooling bag has a conduit for circulating cooling water, air is supplied to the cooling bag instead of the cooling water through the conduit, and the air pressure in the cooling bag is a predetermined pressure. An air supply means for stopping the supply of air at the time point, an air pressure detection means for detecting the air pressure in the cooling bag, and digitally converting the detected air pressure and outputting it as air pressure data A / D converter, pressure determination means for determining whether the air pressure after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when the supply of air by the air supply means is stopped, and removal in the case of failure determination Output instruction signal , And having a cooling system inspection apparatus having a control signal output means for outputting a conveyance instruction signal upon successful determination.

  First, before assembling the battery assembly, the cell voltage inspection device inspects the voltage value for each battery cell that is a component of the battery assembly. This inspection is performed by connecting terminals to the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the battery cell, respectively. Then, the voltage between the two terminals connected to the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the battery cell is supplied as a detection voltage (cell voltage) to the A / D converter and the cell voltage discrimination means in the subsequent stage. The A / D converter digitally converts the supplied detection voltage (analog voltage: cell voltage) and outputs it as cell voltage data. The cell voltage data is supplied to, for example, a computer connected to the inspection apparatus through a bus line, and used for history management of each battery cell, history management of the battery assembly, and the like.

  On the other hand, the cell voltage determining means determines whether or not the supplied detection voltage (cell voltage) is within a predetermined range. The determination result is supplied to the control signal output means at the subsequent stage. The control signal output means creates and outputs a control signal corresponding to the supplied discrimination result.

  The control signal from the control signal output means is supplied to the cell transport control device. The cell transfer control device performs switching control of charging / discharging of the battery cell to / from the assembly line based on the attribute of the supplied control signal. That is, the control signal output means indicates a first control signal for removing the battery cell certified as defective from the conveyance path, and a second indicating that the battery cell certified as normal is put into the assembly line as it is. The control signal is output. When there is an input of the first control signal, the cell transfer control device removes the battery cell recognized as defective from the transfer path, and when there is an input of the second control signal, the cell transfer control device The certified battery cell is put into the assembly line as it is.

  Thus, in the electric vehicle battery inspection system according to the present invention, the voltage value can be detected in units of battery cells, and the detected voltage (cell voltage) can be output as digital data. Data processing can be facilitated, and whether the battery cell is normal / defective can be determined, and the insertion / exclusion of the battery cell to / from the assembly line can be easily controlled.

  This leads to realization of full automation of voltage inspection for the battery cell, and can sufficiently cope with mass production of the battery for electric vehicles.

  Further, according to the present invention, air is supplied into the cooling bag in the cooling system of the battery assembly through the air supply means of the cooling system inspection device. With the supply of air into the cooling bag, the air pressure in the cooling bag increases. This air pressure is detected through the air pressure detecting means. Then, when the air pressure in the cooling bag reaches a predetermined pressure, the air supply means stops supplying air into the cooling bag. The air pressure detected by the air pressure detection means is supplied to the subsequent A / D converter and the pressure discrimination means.

  The A / D converter digitally converts the supplied air pressure (analog value) and outputs it as air pressure data. The air pressure data is supplied to, for example, a computer connected to the inspection apparatus through a bus line, and used for history management of the battery assembly.

  On the other hand, the pressure discriminating unit discriminates whether or not the supplied air pressure, in particular, the air pressure after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when the air supply by the air supplying unit is stopped. The determination result is supplied to the control signal output means at the subsequent stage. The control signal output means outputs a removal instruction signal in the case of defect determination, and outputs a conveyance instruction signal in the case of normal determination.

  In this case, the cooling system can be inspected in units of battery assemblies, and the inspection results can be output as digital data, which facilitates data processing by the computer, and normal / defective in units of battery assemblies. Therefore, it is possible to easily control the charging / discharging of the battery assembly to / from the subsequent processing line.

  And in the said structure, you may comprise the said air supply means so that air may be supplied to the cooling bag in the stage in which the pressure of the air before supply became a predetermined pressure. In this case, air can be stably supplied to the cooling bag, and a highly reliable test result can be obtained.

  Further, in the above configuration, the control signal output means in the cell voltage inspection device outputs a removal instruction signal when the cell voltage determining means determines that it is defective, and is determined normal by the cell voltage determining means. And generating and outputting a distribution control signal for grouping the battery cells based on the cell voltage, and the cell transfer control device, based on the input of the distribution control signal from the control signal output means, A battery cell may be input to the assembly line, and input of the battery cell to the assembly line may be excluded based on an input of an exclusion instruction signal from the control signal output unit.

  Thereby, first, when it is determined that the cell voltage determination means is defective, a removal instruction signal is output from the control signal output means. Based on the input of the removal instruction signal, the cell transfer control device removes the battery cell recognized as defective from the transfer path of the assembly line.

  On the other hand, when the cell voltage discriminating means determines normal, a control signal output means outputs a distribution signal. For example, the distribution signal has a signal form corresponding to the number of groups (address) by dividing a predetermined range, which is a determination criterion in the voltage determination unit, into a plurality of groups. Specifically, when a detection voltage (cell voltage) of a certain battery cell enters the second group, a distribution signal in a signal form indicating the second group is generated and output by the control signal output means.

  As a result, the normally certified battery cell is transported as it is toward the assembly line by the cell transport control device, and is put into the second group of the assembly line. This makes it possible to assemble battery assemblies by taking out battery cells in groups on the assembly line. That is, the battery assembly can be configured with battery cells having substantially similar characteristics, and the battery performance and life of the battery for an electric vehicle can be improved.

  In particular, a battery cell having a number of assembly lines corresponding to the number of groups indicated by the distribution control signal and having a determination result by the voltage determination means determined to be normal is output from the control signal among the plurality of assembly lines. By providing cell distribution means that distributes to assembly lines corresponding to the contents of the distribution control signal from the means, assembly operations are performed in parallel in the number of assembly lines corresponding to the number of groups, thereby reducing delivery time. In addition, in each assembly line, a large number of battery cells suitable for each group are connected in series to produce a battery assembly. Battery can be easily manufactured.

  Further, in the above configuration, the battery voltage inspection device further includes two terminals to which a positive electrode and a negative electrode of the battery assembly are respectively connected, and the battery assembly Battery voltage detecting means for detecting a battery voltage between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, an A / D converter for digitally converting the detected battery voltage and outputting it as battery voltage data, and the detected battery voltage being within a predetermined range A battery voltage discriminating means for discriminating whether the battery voltage is present, and a removal instruction signal is output when the discrimination result at the battery voltage discrimination means is a failure discrimination, and a conveyance instruction signal is output when the discrimination result is a normal discrimination You may make it have a control signal output means.

  Thus, after the battery assembly is assembled, the battery voltage inspection apparatus performs a voltage value inspection on the battery assembly. This inspection is performed by connecting terminals to the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the battery assembly. Then, the voltage between the two terminals connected to the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the battery assembly is supplied as a detection voltage (battery voltage) to the A / D converter and voltage determination means in the subsequent stage.

  The A / D converter digitally converts the supplied detection voltage (analog voltage: battery voltage) and outputs it as battery voltage data. The battery voltage data is supplied to, for example, a computer connected to the inspection apparatus through a bus line, and used for history management of the battery assembly.

  On the other hand, the battery voltage determining means determines whether or not the supplied detection voltage (battery voltage) is within a predetermined range. The determination result is supplied to the control signal output means at the subsequent stage. The control signal output means outputs a removal instruction signal when the determination result by the battery voltage determination means is defective, and outputs a conveyance instruction signal when normal.

  In this case, the voltage value can be detected for each battery assembly, and the detected voltage (battery voltage) can be output as digital data, so that data processing by a computer is facilitated, and the battery assembly unit Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the battery assembly is normal or defective, and to easily control the insertion / exclusion of the battery assembly in the subsequent processing line.

  Further, in the above configuration, the battery voltage inspection device includes a plurality of manual connection switches and the battery assembly in the battery voltage detection means when the plurality of manual connection switches are simultaneously turned on. A switching control circuit that electrically connects the positive and negative electrodes of the two and the two terminals may be provided. In this case, unless a plurality of manual connection switches are simultaneously turned ON, the battery voltage inspection apparatus does not perform voltage inspection on the battery assembly, and thus the operator may be exposed to high voltage during operation of the inspection system. This is very advantageous for ensuring safety.

  In the above configuration, the battery assembly is removed based on a removal instruction signal from the control signal output means, and the battery assembly is moved to a subsequent processing line based on a transfer instruction signal from the control signal output means. You may make it have a battery conveyance means to convey.

  Thus, when the removal instruction signal is input from the control signal output means, the battery transfer means removes the defective battery cell from the transfer path, and when the transfer instruction signal is input, the battery transfer means is recognized as normal. The battery cell is put into a subsequent processing line.

  Next, an inspection method for an electric vehicle battery according to the present invention is an inspection method for an electric vehicle battery in which a large number of battery cells are connected in series in a battery box. A cell voltage detecting step for detecting a cell voltage between them, a cell voltage digital converting step for digitally converting the detected cell voltage into cell voltage data, and whether the detected cell voltage is within a predetermined range A cell voltage determining step, a cell switching step for switching on / off of the battery cell to / from the assembly line based on the determination result in the cell voltage determining step, and a cooling system for the battery assembly is inspected And when the cooling system uses the plurality of battery cells as one cooling unit, A cooling bag is disposed for each of the cooling bags, and the cooling bags have conduits for circulating cooling water, and air is supplied to the cooling bags through the conduits instead of the cooling water. When the air pressure reaches a predetermined pressure, the supply of the air is stopped, the air pressure in the cooling bag is detected, the detected air pressure is digitally converted into air pressure data, and the air pressure And a cooling system inspection step for determining whether or not the air pressure after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when the supply is stopped is within a predetermined range.

  As a result, the voltage value can be detected in units of battery cells, and the detected voltage (cell voltage) can be output as digital data, which facilitates data processing in a computer and is normal in units of battery cells. / Defects can be discriminated, and insertion / exclusion of battery cells to / from the assembly line can be easily controlled.

  This leads to realization of full automation of voltage inspection for the battery cell, and can sufficiently cope with mass production of the battery for electric vehicles.

  Further, in the present invention, air is supplied to the cooling bag instead of the cooling water through the conduit, and when the air pressure in the cooling bag becomes a predetermined pressure, the supply of the air is stopped, The air pressure in the cooling bag is detected, the detected air pressure is converted into digital air pressure data, and the air pressure after a predetermined time has elapsed within a predetermined range from when the supply of air is stopped. Determine if it exists.

  In this case, the cooling system can be inspected in units of battery assemblies, and the inspection results can be output as digital data, which facilitates data processing by the computer, and normal / defective in units of battery assemblies. Therefore, it is possible to easily control the charging / discharging of the battery assembly to / from the subsequent processing line.

  And in the said method, you may make it the said cooling system test | inspection step supply air to a cooling bag in the stage where the pressure of the air before supply became a predetermined pressure. In this case, air can be stably supplied to the cooling bag, and a highly reliable test result can be obtained.

  Further, in the method, in the cell switching step, when the determination result in the cell voltage determination step indicates normal, the battery cells are grouped on the basis of the cell voltage and are put into a subsequent assembly line. You may make it have a cell injection | pouring step and a cell exclusion step which excludes injection | pouring of the said battery cell to the said assembly line when the said determination result shows a defect. In this case, the battery assembly can be constituted by battery cells having substantially similar characteristics, and the battery performance and life when the battery is used for an electric vehicle can be improved.

  Further, in the method, the cell insertion step distributes the battery cells determined to be normal to the assembly lines corresponding to the grouped contents among the number of assembly lines corresponding to the grouping. Also good.

  In this case, the assembly work on the number of assembly lines corresponding to the number of groups is performed in parallel, so that the delivery time can be shortened, and in each assembly line, there are battery cells suitable for each group. Since a battery assembly is produced by connecting a large number in series, it is possible to easily produce a battery for an electric vehicle having good battery performance and a long life.

  The method further includes a battery voltage inspection step, wherein the battery voltage inspection step is performed between a positive electrode and a negative electrode of a battery assembly in which a large number of battery cells are connected in series in the battery box. A battery detection step for detecting a battery voltage; a battery voltage digital conversion step for digitally converting the detected battery voltage into battery voltage data; and determining whether the detected battery voltage is within a predetermined range. A battery voltage determining step.

  In this case, the voltage value can be detected for each battery assembly, and the detected voltage (battery voltage) can be output as digital data, so that data processing by a computer is facilitated, and the battery assembly unit Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the battery assembly is normal or defective, and to easily control the insertion / exclusion of the battery assembly in the subsequent processing line.

  Further, in the above method, the battery voltage inspection step includes a plurality of manual connection switches, and the first time when the plurality of manual connection switches are simultaneously turned ON, the battery assembly is connected between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. A protection circuit that can detect the battery voltage may be used.

  In this case, unless a plurality of manual connection switches in the protection circuit are simultaneously turned ON, the battery voltage inspection device does not perform voltage inspection on the battery assembly. There is no danger of touching, which is very advantageous in ensuring safety.

  In the method, the battery assembly is removed when the determination result in the battery voltage determination step is defective, and the battery assembly is transported to a subsequent processing line when the determination result is normal. It may be.

  As described above, according to the battery testing apparatus for an electric vehicle according to the present invention, the voltage value can be detected in units of battery cells, and the detected voltage can be output as digital data. Data processing is facilitated, normality / defectiveness can be discriminated in units of battery cells, and insertion / exclusion of battery cells into the assembly line can be easily controlled.

  This leads to the realization of full automation of the voltage test for the battery cell, and the effect that it can sufficiently cope with the mass production of the battery for electric vehicles is achieved.

  Further, according to the battery inspection apparatus for an electric vehicle according to the present invention, the voltage value can be detected for each battery assembly unit, and the detected voltage can be output as digital data. In addition, it is possible to determine normality / defectiveness for each battery assembly, and it is possible to easily control insertion / exclusion to / from a processing line at the subsequent stage of the battery assembly.

  This leads to the realization of full automation of the voltage inspection for the battery assembly, and the effect that it can sufficiently cope with the mass production of the battery for electric vehicles is achieved.

  Further, according to the battery inspection apparatus for electric vehicles according to the present invention, the cooling system can be inspected for each battery assembly unit, and the inspection result can be output as digital data. In addition, it is possible to determine normality / defectiveness for each battery assembly, and it is possible to easily control insertion / exclusion to / from a processing line at the subsequent stage of the battery assembly.

  This leads to realization of full automation of the cooling system inspection for the battery assembly, and the effect that it can sufficiently cope with the mass production of the battery for electric vehicles is achieved.

  Further, according to the inspection system and the inspection method for an electric vehicle battery according to the present invention, it is possible to inspect the voltage value of each battery cell, the voltage value of each battery assembly, and the cooling system of each battery assembly. Since the detected voltage, air pressure, and the like can be output as digital data, data processing by a computer is facilitated, and normal / defective determination can be made for each battery cell and each battery assembly. The charging / discharging of the battery assembly and the charging / discharging of the battery assembly to / from the assembly line can be easily controlled.

  This leads to the fact that voltage test for battery cells, voltage test for battery assemblies, and inspection of cooling system for battery assemblies can be fully automated, and it is possible to sufficiently cope with mass production of batteries for electric vehicles. Achieved.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of an inspection apparatus for a battery for an electric vehicle according to the present invention applied to a voltage inspection apparatus for a battery cell (hereinafter simply referred to as a cell voltage inspection apparatus) and a voltage measurement apparatus for a battery assembly are applied. FIG. 1 to FIG. 11 show an embodiment (hereinafter simply referred to as a cooling system inspection apparatus) applied to an inspection apparatus for a cooling system of a battery assembly (hereinafter simply referred to as a battery voltage inspection apparatus). While explaining.

  Before describing the cell voltage inspection device, battery voltage inspection device, and cooling system inspection device according to the present embodiment, the configuration of the battery assembly will be briefly described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a battery assembly 10 to which various inspection apparatuses according to the present embodiment are applied includes 24 rectangular parallelepiped battery cells 16 having a positive electrode 12 and a negative electrode 14, and these 24 batteries. The cells 16 are arranged in 2 rows and 12 columns and housed in the battery box 18 to constitute the battery assembly 10.

  At this time, the adjacent battery cells 16 are arranged with the arrangement of the positive electrode 12 and the negative electrode 14 reversed, and the positive electrode 12 and the negative electrode 14 of the adjacent battery cells 16 are further connected to each other via the cable 20 with a terminal. As a whole, all the battery cells 16 are connected in series.

  In addition to the battery cell 16 assembly (referred to as a cell connection body) 22 in the battery box 18, cooling bags 24 are arranged for each row or every two rows of battery cells. . Each cooling bag 24 is supplied and circulated with cooling water through a supply conduit 26 and a discharge conduit 28. In other words, the cooling system 30 of the battery assembly 10 is configured by the large number of cooling bags 24, the supply conduit 26 and the discharge conduit 28.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the cell voltage test apparatus 40 according to the present embodiment includes two terminals φ1 and φ2 to which the positive electrode 12 and the negative electrode 14 of each battery cell 16 are connected, and the voltage between both terminals φ1 and φ2. A voltage detection circuit 42 that detects and outputs an analog detection voltage signal Va, an A / D converter 44 that digitally converts the detection voltage signal Va from the voltage detection circuit 42 and outputs it as voltage data Da, and It has a determination means 46 for determining whether or not the voltage level of the detection voltage signal Va is within the standard range, and a control signal output means 48 for outputting a control signal Sa corresponding to the determination result Ca in the determination means 46. It is configured.

  In particular, in the cell voltage inspection device 40 according to the present embodiment, the meter relay device 50 is used as a combination means of the voltage detection circuit 42 and the discrimination means 46.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the meter relay device 50 includes a first inspection contact φ 1 that is contact-connected to the positive electrode 12 of the battery cell 16 and a second inspection contact that is contact-connected to the negative electrode 14 of the battery cell 16. It has φ2 and is wired so that the voltage between the two test contacts φ1 and φ2 (that is, the discharge voltage Va of the battery cell 16) is supplied to the A / D converter 44 in the subsequent stage through the output line. . The voltage data Da output from the A / D converter 44 is supplied to, for example, a host computer 52 that performs central monitoring control.

  The meter relay device 50 has two fixed contacts φ3 and φ4 attached to the scale plate 56 of the meter 54, and the meter pointer 58 itself is a movable contact. The two fixed contacts φ3 and φ4 are set in accordance with the standard range of the battery cell 16, the first fixed contact φ3 is attached at a position corresponding to the low level scale, and the second fixed contact φ4 is at the high level. It is attached at a position corresponding to the scale.

  When the meter pointer 58 contacts the first or second fixed contact φ3 or φ4, a high level signal is output from the fixed contact φ3 or φ4 with which the meter pointer 58 contacts.

  Hold circuits 60 and 62 constituted by, for example, flip-flop circuits are connected to the subsequent stage of the first and second fixed contacts φ3 and φ4. These hold circuits 60 and 62 hold the states of the corresponding fixed contacts φ3 and φ4 until the reset signal Pr is input. The reset signal Pr is generated at the end of the inspection for one battery cell 16, for example.

  In the meter relay device 50 of FIG. 2, when the meter pointer 58 is at a position lower than the scale where the first fixed contact φ3 is located, a low level signal is output from both the first and second fixed contacts φ3 and φ4. When the meter pointer 58 is between the first fixed contact φ3 and the second fixed contact φ4, a high level signal is output from the first fixed contact φ3 and a low level signal is output from the second fixed contact φ4. The Further, when the meter pointer 58 is at a position higher than the scale on which the second fixed contact φ4 is positioned, a high level signal is output from both the first and second fixed contacts φ3 and φ4.

  On the other hand, the control signal output means 48 (see FIG. 2) includes a decoder 64 that outputs control signals to various display means described later based on the output forms of the two fixed contacts φ3 and φ4 from the meter relay device 50, From the distribution data creation circuit 66 for creating the distribution data Df for grouping based on the level of the detection voltage Va from the meter 54, the output form of the two fixed contacts φ3 and φ4 in the meter 54, and the distribution data creation circuit 66 Communication data creation circuit 68 that creates and outputs communication data (including code data) Dt based on the distribution data.

  The decoder 64 has two input terminals [phi] 5 and [phi] 6 and five output terminals ([phi] 7 to [phi] 11), and is internally connected so as to have an input / output configuration according to the following rules, for example.

  For example, a high level signal is output from the first fixed contact φ3 and a low level signal is output from the second fixed contact φ4 of the meter 54, and a high level signal and a low level signal are output to the first and second input terminals φ5 and φ6. Is supplied from the first output terminal φ7 and the third output terminal φ9, respectively, and a low level signal is output from the other output terminals.

  When high level signals are output from both the first and second fixed contacts φ3 and φ4 and both the first and second input terminals φ5 and φ6 become high level, the second output terminal φ8 and the second High-level signals are output from the four output terminals φ10, and low-level signals are output from the other output terminals.

  When low level signals are output from both the first and second fixed contacts φ3 and φ4 and both the first and second input terminals φ5 and φ6 are at low levels, the second output terminal φ8 and the second The high level signal is output from each of the five output terminals φ11, and the low level signal is output from the other output terminals.

  Among the various output terminals, signals output from the first and second output terminals φ7 and φ8 are supplied to message display means 70 described later and output from third to fifth output terminals φ9 to φ11. The signal is wired so as to be supplied to an alarm output means 72 described later.

  The input / output mode of the decoder 64 is merely an example, and a signal having three or more values may be generated and output according to the levels output from the first and second fixed contacts φ3 and φ4. Alternatively, it may be output as a digital code including contents indicating the states of the first and second fixed contacts φ3 and φ4.

  The distribution data creation circuit 66 has a built-in memory in which the following conversion table is stored. This conversion table is configured by arranging a number of records corresponding to the number of distribution for grouping. In the record, a voltage range belonging to the group is registered. Then, the distribution data creation circuit 66 is used only when a high level signal and a low level signal are output from the first and second fixed contacts φ3 and φ4, that is, when the detection voltage Va is within the standard range. It operates and compares the supplied detection voltage Va with the voltage range registered in the conversion table to determine the group to which the detection voltage Va belongs. This determination result is supplied to the subsequent communication data creation circuit 68 as distribution data (code indicating a distribution group) Df.

  The communication data creation circuit 68 continues to convey the communication data Dt based on the attributes of the signals output from the first and second fixed contacts φ3 and φ4 in the meter 54, for example, a conveyor that conveys the battery cell 16. If the detected voltage Va of the battery cell 16 is within the standard range in the conveyor control data including contents such as whether to stop or remove the battery cell 16, distribution data (distribution data) indicating which group to distribute to Demodulation circuit built in the control device (cell conveyor control device) 74 of the cell conveyor device at the head of the communication data Dt. Sync data for synchronization is added at 76 and output to the modulation circuit 78 at the subsequent stage. The modulation circuit 78 adds an error correction code or the like to the communication data Dt from the communication data creation circuit 68 and transfers the modulated communication data mDt to the cell conveyor control device 74. The processing operation of the cell conveyor control device 74 will be described later.

  In addition to the various means, the cell voltage inspection device 40 outputs a processing status display means 80 for notifying the operator of the current processing status, and the first and second output terminals φ7 and φ8 of the decoder 64. Message display means 70 for displaying a message according to the attribute of the control signal to be output, and alarm output for outputting an alarm according to the attribute of the control signal output from the third to fifth output terminals φ9 to φ11 of the decoder 64 Means 72 are included.

  The processing status display means 80 performs status display indicating power-on based on the input of the interrupt signal Ss generated based on the ON operation of the power switch SW on the console (not shown). As the display form, there are forms such as lamp lighting and a message indicating power-on on the screen of the liquid crystal display device.

  The message display means 70 displays OK when a high level signal is input through the first output terminal φ7 of the decoder 64, and NG when a high level signal is input through the second output terminal φ8. Is displayed. These display forms, like the processing status display means 80, include forms such as lamp lighting and the display on the screen of the liquid crystal display device.

  The alarm output means 72 performs a buzzer output indicating OK when a high level signal is input through the third output terminal φ9 of the decoder 64, and when a high level signal is input through the fourth output terminal φ10. A buzzer output indicating that the high level has been exceeded is performed. When a high level signal is input through the fifth output terminal φ11, a buzzer output indicating that the level is less than the low level is performed.

  Further, the cell voltage inspection device 40 is provided with a power-on control means 82 so that the meter relay device 50 is powered on for the first time by two behaviors. Specifically, the first gate circuit 88 is opened by inserting the key 86 for turning on the power into the key hole 84 installed in the console (not shown) and turning it to the right, for example. The second gate circuit 90 is opened by turning on the power switch SW at (1), and power is supplied to the meter relay device 50 for the first time at this time.

  Next, the processing operation of the cell voltage inspection apparatus 40 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, the key 86 for turning on the power is inserted into the key hole 84 in the console and turned right, for example, to perform the first behavior for turning on the power (step S1). By this first behavior, the first gate circuit 88 is opened.

  Next, the power switch SW on the console is turned on to perform a second behavior for turning on the power (step S2). Due to this second behavior, the second gate circuit 90 opens, and at this stage, the cell voltage test apparatus 40 is powered on. Further, an interrupt signal Ss indicating power-on is generated with the opening operation of the second gate circuit 90. This interrupt signal Ss is supplied to the processing status display means 80 in the subsequent stage, and a display indicating power-on is performed.

  Next, the first and second inspection contacts φ1 and φ2 of the meter 54 are contact-connected to the positive electrode 12 and the negative electrode 14 of the battery cell 16, respectively (step S3).

  At this stage, the meter relay device 50 is activated (step S4), and the discharge voltage of the battery cell 16 is detected. The detection voltage Va is supplied to the A / D converter 44 through the output line, converted into digital voltage data Da, and transferred to the host computer 52 (step S5). The host computer 52 stores the transferred voltage data Da in a buffer logically allocated to a data RAM (not shown). The voltage data Da stored in this buffer is stored in the corresponding record of the history management table related to the battery cell developed in the data RAM through the software in the host computer 52 and various data processing storage areas, and is stored in the battery cell. It is used for history management and various data processing.

  In the meter relay device 50, the meter pointer 58 moves according to the level of the detection voltage Va, and a signal corresponding to the level of the detection voltage Va is output from the first and second fixed contacts φ3 and φ4. . That is, OK / NG of the detection voltage Va is determined (step S6).

  If the detection voltage Va is within the standard range, the meter pointer 58 contacts only the first fixed contact φ3, so that the first and second fixed contacts φ3 and φ4 respectively receive a high level signal and A low level signal is output, whereby a message indicating OK is displayed through the message display means 70 and a buzzer output indicating OK is output through the alarm output means 72.

  If the detection voltage Va is out of a standard range, for example, exceeds a high level, the meter pointer 58 comes into contact with the first and second fixed contacts φ3 and φ4, so the first and second fixed contacts φ3 and A high level signal is output from both φ4, whereby NG is displayed through the message display means 70, and a buzzer output indicating that the high level is exceeded is output through the alarm output means 72.

  If the detection voltage Va is out of a standard range, for example, less than a low level, the meter pointer 58 does not come into contact with any of the fixed contacts φ3 and φ4, so the first and second fixed contacts φ3 and φ4 In both cases, a low level signal is output, whereby a message indicating NG is displayed through the message display means 70 and a buzzer output indicating less than a low level is output through the alarm output means 72.

  Simultaneously with the message display and alarm output, the communication data creation circuit 68 creates communication data Dt corresponding to the attributes of the signals output from the first and second fixed contacts φ3 and φ4. The communication data Dt is output to the cell conveyor control device 74 through the subsequent modulation circuit 78 (step S7).

  At this stage, the inspection of the discharge voltage for one battery cell 16 by the cell voltage inspection device 40 according to the present embodiment is completed.

  Thus, in the cell voltage inspection device 40 according to the present embodiment, the discharge voltage Va can be detected in units of battery cells, and the detected voltage Va can be output as digital data (voltage data Da). Data processing by the host computer 52 is facilitated, normality / defectiveness can be discriminated for each battery cell, and insertion / exclusion of the battery cell 16 into the assembly line can be easily controlled.

  This leads to the realization of full automation of the voltage inspection for the battery cell 16, and can sufficiently cope with the mass production of the battery for electric vehicles.

  Next, the battery voltage test | inspection apparatus 100 which concerns on this Embodiment is demonstrated, referring FIG.

  First, as schematically shown in FIG. 5, in the battery box 18 of the battery assembly 10, as described above, a cell connector 22 in which 24 battery cells 16 are connected in series, and a cooling bag. 24, in addition to the cooling system 30 having the supply conduit 26 and the discharge conduit 28 (both see FIG. 1), the positive terminal φ12 and the negative terminal φ13, the external positive terminal φ14 and the external negative terminal φ15 of the cell connection body 22 The contactor box 102 is selectively connected / disconnected.

  In the contactor box 102, the two relay switches 104 and 106 are excited and driven only when the two external input terminals φ16 and φ17 are at a high level, and the positive terminal φ12 of the cell connector 22 and the external positive electrode are connected. A switching control circuit 108 for electrically connecting the terminal φ14 and electrically connecting the negative terminal φ13 of the cell connector 22 to the external negative terminal φ15 is incorporated. If any one of the external input terminals φ16 or φ17 is at a low level, the relay switches 104 and 106 are not excited and the positive terminal φ12 and the negative terminal φ13 of the cell connector 22 are opened.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the battery voltage inspection apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment has positive and negative electrodes of the battery assembly 10 (more precisely, the external positive terminal φ14 and the external negative terminal φ15 of the contactor box 102). Two terminals φ18 and φ19 connected to each other, a voltage detection circuit 110 that detects a voltage between both terminals φ18 and φ19 and outputs it as an analog detection voltage signal Vb, and a detection voltage signal Vb from the voltage detection circuit 110 A / D converter 112 that digitally converts and outputs voltage data Db, determination means 114 for determining whether or not the voltage level of the detected voltage signal Vb is within a standard range, and determination by the determination means 114 Control signal output means 116 for outputting a control signal Sb corresponding to the result Cb, and two external input terminals of the contactor box 102 To φ16 and φ17 are configured with two manual switches connected respectively (first and second manual switch SW1 and SW2).

  The installation positions of the first and second manual switches SW1 and SW2 on the console are separated from each other to the extent that one operator must operate with both hands. Therefore, when the operator operates the first and second manual switches SW1 and SW2 at the same time, it must be performed with both hands.

  In particular, in the battery voltage inspection apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the meter relay apparatus 118 is used as a combination means of the voltage detection circuit 110 and the determination means 114 as in the cell voltage inspection apparatus 40. As shown in FIG. 6, the meter relay device 118 includes a first inspection contact φ18 connected to the external positive terminal φ14 of the contactor box 102 and a second inspection contact connected to the external negative terminal φ15 of the contactor box 102. And a wiring connection so that the voltage between the two inspection contacts φ18 and φ19 (that is, the discharge voltage Vb of the cell connector 22) is supplied to the A / D converter 112 in the subsequent stage through the output line. Has been. The voltage data Db output from the A / D converter 112 is supplied to the host computer 52 in the same manner as the cell voltage inspection device 40.

  Other configurations, that is, the configuration of the meter 54, the decoder 64, the power-on control means 82, and the like are substantially the same as those of the above-described cell voltage inspection device 40. Only the components that are different from the battery voltage test apparatus 100 will be described. In the battery voltage test apparatus 100, there is no circuit similar to the distribution data creation circuit 66 in the cell voltage test apparatus 40.

  The configurations of the meter 54, the decoder 64, and the power-on control unit 82 are the same as those of the cell voltage inspection device 40 described above, but the configurations of the processing status display unit 80 and the communication data creation circuit 68 are partially different.

  Specifically, the processing status display means 80 displays the power-on based on the input of the interrupt signal Ss from the second gate circuit 90 in the power-on control means 82, as well as the first and second manual operations. When the switches SW1 and SW2 are operated at the same time, a display indicating that the high-pressure test is in progress is performed based on the inputs of the first and second interrupt signals S1 and S2 output from the manual switches SW1 and SW2. Has been.

  On the other hand, the communication data creation circuit 68 is based on the attributes of the signals output from the first and second fixed contacts φ3 and φ4 in the meter 54 because the distribution data creation circuit 66 in the cell voltage test apparatus 40 does not exist. Cell voltage inspection device in that communication data Dt, for example, communication data Dt including the contents of whether to continue or stop the transfer to the conveyor for transferring the battery assembly 10 or to remove the battery assembly, etc. 40 is different from the communication data creation circuit 68 in FIG.

  The communication data creation circuit 68 has sync data for synchronization at the demodulation circuit 122 incorporated in the control device (battery conveyor control device) 120 for the battery conveyor device at the head of the communication data Dt. In addition, it is output to the modulation circuit 78 in the subsequent stage. The modulation circuit 78 adds an error correction code or the like to the communication data Dt from the communication data creation circuit 68 and transfers the modulated communication data mDt to the battery conveyor control device 120.

  Next, the processing operation of the battery voltage inspection apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, the key 86 for turning on the power is inserted into the key hole 84 in the console and turned clockwise, for example, to perform the first behavior for turning on the power (step S101). By this first behavior, the first gate circuit 88 is opened.

  Next, the power switch SW on the console is turned on to perform a second behavior for turning on the power (step S102). Due to this second behavior, the second gate circuit 90 is opened, and at this stage, the meter relay device 118 is powered on. Further, an interrupt signal Ss indicating power-on is generated with the opening operation of the second gate circuit 90. This interrupt signal Ss is supplied to the processing status display means 80 in the subsequent stage, and a display indicating power-on is performed.

  Next, the first and second inspection contacts φ18 and φ19 in the meter 54 are connected to the external positive terminal φ14 and the external negative terminal φ15 of the contactor box 102, respectively (step S103).

  Next, for example, one operator turns on the two manual switches SW1 and SW2 simultaneously with both hands (step S104). As the two manual switches SW1 and SW2 are turned on, the first and second interrupt signals S1 and S2 are generated. The first and second interrupt signals S1 and S2 are supplied to the subsequent processing status display means 80, and a display indicating that the high-pressure test is being performed is performed.

  At this stage, the contactor box 102 is activated (step S105), and the discharge voltage Vb of the cell connector 22 appears between the external positive terminal φ14 and the external negative terminal φ15 of the contactor box 102 through the switching control circuit 108.

  At this stage, the meter relay device 118 is activated (step S106), and the discharge voltage of the cell connector 22, that is, the discharge voltage Vb of the battery assembly 10 is detected. The detection voltage Vb is supplied to the A / D converter 112 through the output line, converted into digital voltage data Db, and transferred to the host computer 52 (step S107). The host computer 52 stores the transferred voltage data Db in a buffer logically allocated to a data RAM (not shown). The voltage data Db stored in the buffer is stored in the corresponding record of the history management table relating to the battery assembly 10 expanded in the data RAM through the software in the host computer 52 and in various data processing storage areas. It is used for history management of the assembly 10 (history regarding discharge voltage, etc.) and various data processing.

  In the meter relay device 118, the meter pointer 58 moves according to the level of the detection voltage Vb, and a signal corresponding to the level of the detection voltage Vb is output from the first and second fixed contacts φ3 and φ4. . That is, OK / NG of the detection voltage Vb is determined (step S108).

  If the detection voltage Vb is within the standard range, the meter pointer 58 comes into contact with only the first fixed contact φ3, so that the first and second fixed contacts φ3 and φ4 respectively receive a high level signal and A low level signal is output, whereby a message indicating OK is displayed through the message display means 70 and a buzzer output indicating OK is output through the alarm output means 72.

  If the detection voltage Vb is out of the standard range, for example, exceeds a high level, the meter pointer 58 comes into contact with the first and second fixed contacts φ3 and φ4, so the first and second fixed contacts φ3 and A high level signal is output from both φ4, whereby NG is displayed through the message display means 70, and a buzzer output indicating that the high level is exceeded is output through the alarm output means 72.

  If the detection voltage Vb is out of the standard range, for example, less than a low level, the meter pointer 58 does not come into contact with any of the fixed contacts φ3 and φ4, so that the first and second fixed contacts φ3 and φ4 In both cases, a low level signal is output, whereby a message indicating NG is displayed through the message display means 70 and a buzzer output indicating less than a low level is output through the alarm output means 72.

  Simultaneously with the message display and alarm output, the communication data creation circuit 68 creates communication data Dt corresponding to the attributes of the signals output from the first and second fixed contacts φ3 and φ4. The communication data Dt is output to the battery conveyor control device 120 through the subsequent modulation circuit 78 (step S109).

  At this stage, the inspection of the discharge voltage for one battery assembly 10 by the battery voltage inspection apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is completed.

  As described above, in the battery voltage inspection apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the discharge voltage Vb can be detected for each battery assembly, and the detected voltage Vb can be output as digital data (voltage data) Db. Therefore, data processing in the host computer 52 is facilitated, normality / defectiveness can be determined for each battery assembly unit, and insertion / exclusion to / from the processing line in the subsequent stage of the battery assembly 10 can be easily controlled. it can.

  This leads to the realization of full automation of the voltage inspection for the battery assembly 10, and can sufficiently cope with the mass production of the battery for electric vehicles.

  Further, in the battery voltage test apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, two manual switches SW1 and SW2 and a switching control circuit 108 are provided, and when the two manual switches SW1 and SW2 are simultaneously turned ON, Since the discharge voltage Vb of the cell connector 22 appears between the external positive terminal φ14 and the external negative terminal φ15 of the contactor box 102, the voltage of the battery assembly 10 is not changed unless the plurality of manual switches SW1 and SW2 are simultaneously turned ON. Since the inspection is not performed, there is no danger of the operator touching the high voltage during the operation of the battery voltage inspection apparatus 100, which is very advantageous in ensuring safety.

  Next, the cooling system inspection apparatus 150 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  The cooling system inspection device 150 supplies compressed air (air) to the plurality of cooling bags 24 in the cooling system 30 accommodated in the battery box 18 instead of the cooling water. Air supply means 152 for supplying air through two conduits and stopping the supply of air when the air pressure in the cooling bag 24 reaches a predetermined pressure, and air pressure detecting means 154 for detecting the air pressure of the cooling system 30. The first A / D converter 156 that digitally converts the detected air pressure (detection signal Vc) and outputs it as air pressure data Dc, and the time when the air supply by the air supply means 152 is stopped. A pressure discriminating means 158 for discriminating whether or not the air pressure of the cooling system 30 after a predetermined time has passed is within a predetermined range, and a control signal Sc corresponding to the discrimination result Cc in the pressure discriminating means 158 First control signal output means 160 that operates, hydrogen gas detection means 162 that detects the amount of hydrogen gas (flow rate integrated value) discharged from each battery cell 16 of the cell connector 22, and the hydrogen gas detection means 162 Second A / D converter 164 for digitally converting the flow rate integrated value (detection signal Vd) from the output and outputting it as flow rate integrated data Dd, and hydrogen gas for determining whether or not the flow rate integrated value is within a predetermined range It comprises a determination means 166 and a second control signal output means 168 for outputting a control signal Sd corresponding to the determination result Cd in the hydrogen gas determination means 166.

  In particular, in the cooling system inspection apparatus 150 according to the present embodiment, the first meter relay device 170 is used as a combination means of the air pressure detection means 154 and the pressure discrimination means 158, and the hydrogen gas detection means 162 and the hydrogen gas discrimination means. As the combination means 166, the second meter relay device 172 is used. Further, in this cooling system inspection apparatus 150, as shown in FIG. 9, a controller 174 for controlling various means and a power-on control means having the same configuration as the power-on control means 82 in the battery voltage inspection apparatus 100 176, a processing status display means 178 for notifying the operator of the processing status of the cooling system inspection device 150, and a reference clock generator (not shown) such as a crystal oscillator based on a count instruction from the controller 174 First and second timers 180 and 182 for counting the reference clock are included.

  These first and second timers 180 and 182 count a preset time based on the reference clock, and further, the first and second timers 180 and 182 are set to a high level from the input time of the count instruction from the controller 174 to the end time of the set time. Window pulses Pw1 and Pw2 to be output.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, the air supply means 152 is introduced through the first electromagnetic valve 184 that selectively takes in the primary air of the factory into the cooling system inspection device 150, and the first electromagnetic valve 184. Pressure setting means (such as a pressure reducing valve) 188 that feedback-controls the air pressure based on the detection value from the actuator 186 so as to be the target value supplied from the controller 174, and the pressure setting means 188 determines a predetermined value. A second electromagnetic valve 190 for selectively guiding the air set to the pressure to the subsequent processing system, and the air guided by the second electromagnetic valve 190 to the outward path or the cooling system 30 The air switching circuit 192 that selectively switches to the first path, the first and second solenoid valves 184 and 190, and the air switching circuit 192 are switched under the control of the controller 174. A switching control circuit 194 to ring control, mounted in the conduit, and is configured to have a pressure sensor 196 for converting the level of the electric signal corresponding to the pressure of the cooling system 30 (e.g. a voltage signal).

  The first meter relay device 170 includes a first input terminal φ18 to which the voltage signal Vc from the pressure sensor 196 is supplied, a second input terminal φ19 to which the zero shift instruction signal Se from the controller 174 is supplied, Having a third input terminal φ20 to which the window pulse Pw1 from the timer 180 is supplied, and the voltage signal Vc supplied to the first input terminal φ18 is connected to the first A / D converter in the subsequent stage through the output line. The wiring is connected so as to be supplied to 156. In particular, the output of the voltage signal Vc to the first A / D converter 156 is performed when the window pulse Pw1 falls. The voltage data Dc output from the first A / D converter 156 is supplied to the host computer 52 in the same manner as the battery voltage inspection apparatus 100.

Further, the first meter relay device 170, a measurement accuracy of ± 0.005 kg / cm ^2, the scale center are the 0 kg / cm ^2, in the non-operation state and the start of the operation of the meter 198 The meter pointer 200 is always positioned at the center of the scale.

Further, the first meter relay device 170 has a second fixed contact φ22 attached to a position at a predetermined angle, for example, a position corresponding to 0.3 kg / cm ² clockwise from the center of the scale. The contact φ21 is attached to a position at a predetermined angle, for example, a position within −0.01 kg / cm ² counterclockwise from the center of the scale.

  In the first meter relay device 170, when the zero shift instruction signal Se is supplied to the second input terminal φ19, the meter 198 forces the meter pointer 200 to be positioned at the center of the scale.

  The first control signal output means 160 (see FIG. 8) is based on the output form of the first fixed contact φ21 in the first meter relay device 170, and the first message display means 202 and the first alarm output means 204. 1 has a first decoder 206 for outputting a control signal. The first decoder 206 has first and second input terminals φ23 and φ24, and first and second output terminals φ25 and φ26, for example, so as to have an input / output configuration according to the following rules. Internally connected.

  First, although the potentials of the first and second output terminals φ25 and φ26 are usually at a low level, for example, a period in which the window pulse Pw1 is supplied from the first timer 180 to the first input terminal φ23. When a high level signal is supplied to the second input terminal φ24 through the first fixed contact φ21, a high level signal is output from the first output terminal φ25.

  On the other hand, when the high level signal is not supplied from the first fixed contact φ21 during the period when the window pulse Pw1 is supplied, the high level signal is output from the second output terminal φ26 at the time of falling of the window pulse Pw1. Is output. The control signals from these output terminals φ25 and φ26 are supplied in parallel to the first message display means 202 and the first alarm output means 204 in the subsequent stage through the first and second output lines L1 and L2, respectively. It has become.

  The first message display means 202 displays OK when a high level signal is supplied through the second output line L2, and displays NG when a high level signal is input through the first output line L1. Display. Similarly, the first alarm output means 204 performs a buzzer output indicating OK when a high level signal is input through the second output line, and when a high level signal is input through the first output line L1. Buzzer output indicating NG.

  On the other hand, the second meter relay device 172 has an input terminal φ27 to which the window pulse Pw2 from the second timer 182 is supplied, and a hydrogen gas discharge conduit 208 is provided and discharged through the discharge conduit 208. The integrated value of the flow rate of hydrogen gas from the cell connector 22 is displayed on the meter pointer 210. The flow rate integrated value is supplied as a flow rate integrated signal Vd to the second A / D converter 164 in the subsequent stage through the output line, and is digitally converted by the second A / D converter 164 to provide the host as the flow rate integrated data Dd. It is supplied to the computer 52. In particular, the output of the flow rate integration signal Vd to the second A / D converter 164 is performed when the window pulse Pw2 supplied to the input terminal φ27 falls.

  In the second meter relay device 172, one fixed contact φ28 is attached at a position corresponding to the standard level of the integrated hydrogen gas flow rate.

  The second control signal output means 168 (see FIG. 8) controls the second message display means 212 and the second alarm output means 214 based on the output form of the fixed contact φ28 of the second meter relay device 172. Is output.

  The second decoder 216 has substantially the same configuration as the first decoder 206, and the potentials of the first and second output terminals φ29 and φ30 are usually set to a low level, for example. In the period when the window pulse Pw2 is supplied from the second timer 182 to the terminal φ31, when a high level signal is supplied to the input terminal φ32 through the fixed contact φ28, a high level signal is output from the first output terminal φ29. On the other hand, if the high level signal is not supplied from the fixed contact φ28 during the period in which the window pulse Pw2 is supplied, the high level signal is output from the second output terminal φ30 at the falling edge of the window pulse Pw2. It has come to be. The control signals from these output terminals φ29 and φ30 are supplied in parallel to the second message display means 212 and the second alarm output means 214 in the subsequent stage through the third and fourth output lines L3 and L4, respectively. It has become.

  In addition, the cooling system inspection device 150 includes communication data (code data) at the subsequent stage of the first and second decoders 206 and 216 based on various control signals from the first and second decoders 206 and 216. A communication data creation circuit 218 that creates and outputs Dt.

  The communication data creation circuit 218 continues to convey the communication data Dt based on the attributes of various control signals sent from the first and second decoders 206 and 216, for example, a conveyor that conveys the battery assembly 10. Communication data Dt including contents such as whether to stop or remove the battery assembly 10 is generated, and the communication data Dt is synchronized with a demodulation circuit 122 built in the battery conveyor control device 120 at the head of the communication data Dt. The sync data is added to the modulation circuit 220 in the subsequent stage after adding the sync data.

  The modulation circuit 220 adds an error correction code or the like to the communication data Dt from the communication data creation circuit 218 and transfers the modulation communication data mDt to the battery conveyor control device 120. The processing operation of the battery conveyor control device 120 will be described later.

  Next, the processing operation of the cooling system inspection apparatus 150 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, a key 86 for turning on the power is inserted into a key hole 84 (see FIG. 9) on the console and turned, for example, clockwise to perform a first behavior for turning on the power (step S201). By this first behavior, the first gate circuit 88 is opened.

  Next, the power switch SW on the console is turned on to perform the second behavior for turning on the power (step S202). Due to this second behavior, the second gate circuit 90 opens, and at this stage, the cooling system inspection device 150 is powered on. Further, an interrupt signal Ss indicating power-on is generated with the opening operation of the second gate circuit 90, and the interrupt signal Ss is supplied to the controller 174.

  Based on the input of the interrupt signal Ss, the controller 174 outputs a signal indicating power-on to the processing status display means 178. The processing status display unit 178 performs a display indicating power-on based on the input of the signal from the controller 174. Further, the controller 174 outputs a target value (a value indicating a desired pressure of the primary air) to the pressure setting unit 188 based on the input of the interrupt signal Ss, and also supplies the primary air to the switching control circuit 194. A control signal indicating the start of supply is output. The switching control circuit 194 outputs a switching control signal for opening the first and second electromagnetic valves 184 and 190 based on the input of the control signal from the controller 174, and simultaneously outputs to the air switching circuit 192. On the other hand, a switching control signal having a content for selecting a route to the outside is output.

  Thereby, the primary air of the factory is supplied to the pressure setting means 188 through the first electromagnetic valve 184, and the pressure setting means 188 sets the pressure to the target value from the controller 174 (step S203). . During the pressure setting period in the pressure setting means, air is discharged outward through the second electromagnetic valve 190 and the air switching circuit 192.

  The pressure setting means 188 returns a response signal indicating completion of setting to the controller 174 when the primary air from the factory is set to a predetermined pressure. If there is a problem such as the primary air not being supplied from the factory, the pressure setting means 188 returns an error signal to the controller 174.

  When a response signal indicating completion of setting is supplied from the pressure setting means 188, the controller 174 outputs a signal indicating OK to the processing status display means 178, and when an error signal is supplied from the pressure setting means 188, A signal indicating NG is output to the processing status display means 178. The processing status display means 178 performs display indicating completion of operation preparation based on an input of a signal indicating OK from the controller 174, and displays indicating air confirmation based on an input of a signal indicating NG from the controller 174.

  Next, when the operation start switch 222 on the console is turned ON (step S204), an interrupt signal Sf is generated, and the interrupt signal Sf is supplied to the controller 174. The controller 174 outputs a signal indicating the start of operation to the processing status display means 178 based on the input of the interrupt signal Sf. The processing status display means 178 displays the start of operation based on the input of a signal indicating the start of operation from the controller 174.

  The controller 174 outputs a control signal indicating air pressurization to the switching control circuit 194 based on the input of the interrupt signal Sf from the operation start switch 222. Based on the input of the control signal from the controller 174, the switching control circuit 194 outputs to the air switching circuit 192 a switching control signal having a content for selecting a path to the cooling system 30. Thereby, air pressurization to the cooling system 30 is started (step S205).

  The controller 174 outputs the count instruction signal Sg2 to the second timer 182 simultaneously with the output of the control signal to the switching control circuit 194. The second timer 182 operates based on the input of the count instruction signal Sg2 from the controller 174, and counts a preset time (step S206).

  At this stage, the first and second meter relay devices 170 and 172 operate (step S207), and the air pressure of the cooling system 30 and the discharge amount of hydrogen gas are detected.

  By supplying air to the cooling system 30, the level of the detection signal Vc output from the pressure sensor 196 increases, and accordingly, the meter pointer 200 rotates from the center of the scale to the right according to the level of the detection signal Vc. . At this time, air pressurization to the cooling system 30 is confirmed by observing the movement of the meter pointer 200 by the operator (step S208).

When the meter pointer 200 indicates 0.3 kg / cm ² , a high level signal is output from the second fixed contact φ 22 and supplied to the controller 174. The controller 174 outputs a control signal indicating a pressurization stop to the switching control circuit 194 based on the input of the high level signal from the second fixed contact φ22. Based on the input of the control signal, the switching control circuit 194 outputs to the air switching circuit 192 a switching control signal whose content is to select an outward path.

As a result, the air supply to the cooling system 30 is stopped, and the air is discharged outward. That is, the air pressurization is stopped (step S209), and at this stage, the air pressure of the cooling system becomes approximately 0.3 kg / cm ² .

  The controller 174 outputs a zero shift instruction signal Se to the first meter relay device 170 based on the input of the high level signal from the second fixed contact φ22, and at the same time to the first timer 180. The count instruction signal Sg1 is output. The first meter relay device 170 forcibly positions the meter pointer 200 at the center of the scale based on the input of the zero shift instruction signal Se (step S210). On the other hand, the first timer 180 operates based on the input of the counting instruction signal Sg1 from the controller 174, and counts a preset time (step S211).

  Then, OK / NG related to the air leakage of the cooling system 30 is determined in the counting period of the predetermined time in the first timer 180, and OK related to the discharge of hydrogen gas in the counting period of the predetermined time in the second timer 182. / NG is discriminated (step S212).

Specifically, when there is an air leak in the cooling system 30, the meter pointer 200 in the first meter relay device 170 rotates to the left from the center of the scale, but the counting time in the first timer 180 If the air leak of 0.01 kg / cm ² or more occurs, the meter pointer 200 rotates to the left side of the first fixed contact φ21, so that the high level from the first fixed contact φ21. A signal is output, a display indicating NG is made through the first message display means 202, and a buzzer output indicating NG is made through the first alarm output means 204.

  On the other hand, when there is no air leakage in the cooling system 30, the meter pointer 200 is located substantially at the center of the scale. In this case, since the high level signal is not output from the first fixed contact φ21 within the counting period of the first timer 180, an OK is displayed through the first message display means 202, and the first alarm is displayed. A buzzer output indicating OK is made through the output means 204.

  On the other hand, when hydrogen gas is discharged from the cell connection body 22, the meter pointer 210 in the second meter relay device 172 rotates to the right, but within the counting time of the second timer 182, When the gas is discharged more than a specified amount, the meter pointer 210 rotates to the right side of the fixed contact φ28, so that a high level signal is output from the fixed contact φ28 and NG is output through the second message display means 212. Is displayed, and a buzzer output indicating NG is made through the second alarm output means 214.

  On the other hand, when the discharge amount of hydrogen gas is within the specified range within the counting time of the second timer 182, the meter pointer 210 is positioned on the left side of the fixed contact φ28. Since the high level signal is not output from the fixed contact φ28 within the counting period of the timer 182, the OK message is displayed through the second message display unit 212 and the buzzer output indicating OK through the second alarm output unit 214. Is made.

  Based on the fall of the window pulse Pw1 from the first timer 180, the voltage signal Vc from the first meter relay device 170 is supplied to the first A / D converter 156 through the output line. , Converted into digital air pressure data Dc and transferred to the host computer 52. Further, based on the falling edge of the window pulse Pw2 from the second timer 182, the flow rate integration signal Vd from the second meter relay device 172 is supplied to the second A / D converter 164 through the output line. The digital flow rate integration data Dd is converted and transferred to the host computer 52 (step S213). The host computer 52 stores the transferred air pressure data Dc and flow rate integration data Dd in a buffer logically allocated to a data RAM (not shown). The pressure data Dc and the flow rate integration data Dd stored in the buffer are stored in the corresponding record of the history management table related to the battery assembly 10 expanded in the data RAM through the software in the host computer 52 and various data processing storage areas. Stored and used for history management of the battery assembly 10 (history management regarding water leakage information and hydrogen gas, etc.) and various data processing.

  Simultaneously with the message display and alarm output, the communication data creation circuit 218 creates communication data Dt according to the attributes of the various control signals output from the first and second decoders 206 and 216. The communication data Dt is output to the battery conveyor control device 120 through the subsequent modulation circuit 220 (step S214).

  At this stage, the inspection of the cooling system 30 for one battery assembly 10 by the cooling system inspection apparatus 150 according to the present embodiment is completed.

  Thus, in the cooling system inspection apparatus 150 according to the present embodiment, the cooling system 30 can be inspected for each battery assembly, and the inspection result is converted into digital data (air pressure data Dc and flow rate integration data). Since the data can be output as Dd), data processing by the host computer 52 is facilitated, normality / defectiveness can be determined for each battery assembly unit, and charging / excluding to the processing line at the subsequent stage of the battery assembly 10 is easy. Can be controlled.

  This leads to the realization of full automation of the cooling system inspection for the battery assembly 10, and can sufficiently cope with the mass production of the battery for electric vehicles.

  In particular, the cooling system inspection apparatus 150 according to the present embodiment is configured to supply air to the cooling system 30 when the pressure of the primary air of the factory reaches the set pressure. Air can be stably supplied to all the cooling bags 24 in 30, and a highly reliable test result can be obtained.

  Next, the cell voltage inspection device 40, the battery voltage inspection device 100, and the cooling system inspection device 150 according to the embodiment, the cell conveyor device 250 that conveys the battery cell 16, and the battery conveyor that conveys the battery assembly 10 An inspection system 254 according to this embodiment in which the apparatus 252 is organically coupled will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 11, in the inspection system 254 according to this embodiment, the cell conveyor apparatus 250 moves the battery cell 16 produced in the previous process (battery cell assembly process) to the cell voltage inspection apparatus 40 side. Conveying cell conveyor 256, NG conveyor 258 for removing battery cell 16 certified as NG, OK conveyor 260 for conveying battery cell 16 certified as OK to the next inspection process, cell Based on the contents of communication data (particularly OK / NG information) from the voltage inspection device 40, the battery cell 16 is configured to have a first distribution mechanism 262 that distributes the battery cell 16 to the NG conveyor 258 and the OK conveyor 260. .

  A plurality of stock facilities 264a to 264n for stocking the battery cells 16 for each group are installed at the subsequent stage of the cell conveyor device 250, and between the cell conveyor device 250 and the stock facilities 264a to 264n. The second distribution mechanism 266 that distributes the battery cells 16 conveyed by the OK conveyor 260 to the corresponding stock facilities 264a to 264n based on the contents (group information) of the communication data from the cell voltage inspection device 40 is installed. ing.

  The drive control of the cell conveyor 256, the NG conveyor 258, and the OK conveyor 260 is performed by the cell conveyor control device 74 based on the communication data from the cell voltage inspection device 40, and the first distribution mechanism. The distribution of the battery cells 16 in 262 and the distribution in group units in the second distribution mechanism 266 are also performed through the cell conveyor control device 74.

  Assembly lines 268a to 268n are installed in the subsequent stages of the stock facilities 264a to 264n, respectively. Each assembly line 268a to 268n has equipment for taking out a predetermined number (24 in this example) of battery cells 16 from the corresponding stock equipment 264a to 264n and assembling them into the battery assembly 10. A battery stock facility 270 for temporarily storing the completed battery assembly 10 is installed at the subsequent stage of each assembly line 268a to 268n, and one battery stock facility 270 is taken out from the battery stock facility 270 at the subsequent stage of the battery stock facility 270. A battery conveyor device 252 for transporting the battery assembly 10 is installed.

  The battery conveyor device 252 includes a battery conveyor 272 for transporting the completed battery assembly 10 to the inspection process, an NG conveyor 274 for removing the battery assembly 10 certified as NG, and OK. Based on the OK conveyor 276 for transporting the certified battery assembly 10 to the next assembling process (the assembling process to the vehicle body) and the contents of communication data (particularly OK / NG information) from the battery voltage inspection device 100. The battery assembly 10 has a distribution mechanism 278 that distributes the battery assembly 10 to the NG conveyor 274 and the OK conveyor 276.

  Drive control of the battery conveyor 272, NG conveyor 274, and OK conveyor 276 is performed by the battery conveyor control device 120, and the battery conveyor control device 120 also distributes the battery assembly 10 in the distribution mechanism 278. Done through.

  Next, the processing operation of the inspection system 254 according to the present embodiment will be described. First, the battery cell 16 produced in the battery cell assembling process which is the preceding process is conveyed to the cell voltage inspection device 40 side by the cell conveyor 256. When the battery cell 16 is transported to the inspection position in the cell voltage inspection device 40, the cell conveyor 256 is temporarily stopped under the control of the cell conveyor control device 74. From this stage, the discharge voltage is inspected by the cell voltage inspection device 40 for the battery cell 16.

  During the inspection by the cell voltage inspection device 40, the discharge voltage value (voltage data Da) of the battery cell 16 to be inspected is transferred to the host computer 52, and the modulated communication data mDt including the OK / NG inspection result is transferred to the cell conveyor. It is transferred to the control device 74.

  When the transfer of the discharge voltage value to the host computer 52 and the transfer of the modulated communication data mDt to the cell conveyor controller 74 are completed, the cell conveyor 256 is driven again by the control by the cell conveyor controller 74. The Thereby, the battery cell 16 that has been inspected is transported to the first distribution mechanism 262 side.

  When the battery cell 16 is transported to the first distribution mechanism 262, it is distributed to the OK conveyor 260 or the NG conveyor 258 by control from the cell conveyor control device 74 (control associated with decoding of the modulated communication data mDt). It is done. The battery cells 16 distributed to the NG conveyor 258 are removed from the inspection system 254 by the conveyance drive by the NG conveyor 258. On the other hand, the battery cells 16 distributed to the OK conveyor 260 are transferred to the second distribution mechanism 266 by the transfer drive by the OK conveyor 260. Stock equipment corresponding to the group number included in the communication data Dt among the stock equipment 264a to 264n by the control from the cell conveyor control device 74 when the battery cell 16 is conveyed to the second distribution mechanism 266. It is conveyed to.

  In each of the assembly lines 268a to 268n, 24 battery cells 16 are taken out from the corresponding stock facilities to produce one battery assembly 10. The produced battery assembly 10 is temporarily stored in the battery stock facility 270.

  Then, the battery assemblies 10 taken out one by one from the battery stock facility 270 are conveyed to the cooling system inspection device 150 side by the battery conveyor 272 in the battery conveyor device 252. When the battery assembly 10 is conveyed to the inspection position in the cooling system inspection device 150, the battery conveyor 272 is temporarily stopped by the control by the battery conveyor control device 120. From this stage, the cooling system 30 is inspected (inspection of water leakage and hydrogen gas amount) by the cooling system inspection device 150 for the battery assembly 10.

  During the inspection by the cooling system inspection device 150, the air pressure data Dc and the hydrogen gas flow rate integration data Dd of the battery assembly 10 to be inspected are transferred to the host computer 52 and modulated communication data including the OK / NG inspection result. mDt is transferred to the battery conveyor control device 120. In this example, the OK / NG information included in the modulated communication data mDt from the cooling system inspection device 150 is not used for control in the subsequent distribution mechanism 278.

  At least when the transfer of at least the air pressure data Dc and the hydrogen gas flow rate integration data Dd to the host computer 52 is completed, the battery conveyor 272 is driven again under the control of the battery conveyor control device 120, and the cooling system 30 The battery assembly 10 that has been inspected is transferred to the next battery voltage inspection device 100 side.

  When the battery assembly 10 is conveyed to the inspection position in the battery voltage inspection device 100, the battery conveyor 272 is temporarily stopped by the control by the battery conveyor control device 120. From this stage, the battery voltage inspection apparatus 100 inspects the discharge voltage for the battery assembly 10.

  During the inspection by the battery voltage inspection device 100, the discharge voltage data Dc of the battery assembly 10 to be inspected is transferred to the host computer 52, and the modulated communication data mDt including the OK / NG inspection result is transferred to the battery conveyor control device 120. Forwarded to

  When the transfer of the discharge voltage data Dc to the host computer 52 and the transfer of the modulated communication data mDt to the battery conveyor control device 120 are completed, the battery conveyor 272 is driven again under the control of the battery conveyor control device 120. Then, the battery assembly 10 that has been subjected to the discharge voltage inspection is transported to the distribution mechanism 278 side.

  When the battery assembly 10 is conveyed to the distribution mechanism 278, the battery assembly 10 is distributed to the OK conveyor 276 or the NG conveyor 274 by control from the battery conveyor control device 120 (control associated with decoding of the modulated communication data mDt). The battery assembly 10 distributed to the NG conveyor 274 is removed from the inspection system 254 by the conveyance drive by the NG conveyor 274 and is put into the correction process. On the other hand, the battery assembly 10 distributed to the OK conveyor 276 is put into a subsequent vehicle body assembling process by the conveyance drive by the OK conveyor 276.

  As described above, in the inspection system 254 according to the present embodiment, the battery cell 16 is automatically removed or assigned to the next inspection step based on the discharge voltage inspection result (OK / NG information) for the battery cell 16. It is possible to promote full automation of the inspection process.

  Moreover, since the battery cells 16 certified as OK are grouped and put into the corresponding stock equipment, the discharge characteristics are made substantially the same through the assembly line provided for each stock equipment. One battery assembly 10 can be manufactured with the battery cell 16, and the battery performance and lifetime when it is set as the battery for electric vehicles can be aimed at.

  In particular, in the inspection system 254, the assembly work on the number of assembly lines corresponding to the number of groups is performed in parallel, so that the delivery time can be shortened, and each assembly line has its own group. Since the battery assembly 10 is manufactured by connecting a large number of battery cells 16 conforming to the above, it is possible to easily manufacture a battery for an electric vehicle having good battery performance and a long life.

  That is, the cell voltage inspection device 40 and the battery voltage inspection device 100 in the inspection system 254 according to the present embodiment can obtain the following effects.

  (1) The inspection range (OK / NG) can be set arbitrarily.

  (2) The inspection result can be automatically determined.

  (3) The inspection result can be notified to the operator by a lamp display and a buzzer.

  (4) The inspection result (OK / NG) can be output as a contact, and an automatic machine or conveyor can be interlocked to automatically distribute OK and NG products.

  (5) The inspection result (data) can be sent to the host computer 52 for data management.

  (6) In the battery voltage inspection apparatus 100, since both hands can be activated at the time of manual inspection, there is no contact with a high voltage.

  (7) It can be used in an assembly factory, and can inform other workers that a high voltage (288V) inspection is in progress at the time of inspection.

  (8) Inspection results (OK / NG) can be set arbitrarily in 0.1V units, ensuring work failures during assembly, for example, when only one piece is reversely connected or forgetting to tighten connection terminals Can be judged.

  (9) Since the contactor box 102 is incorporated in the battery box 18, a contactor operating signal can be output simultaneously.

  Moreover, the cooling system test | inspection apparatus 150 in the test | inspection system 254 which concerns on this Embodiment can acquire the effect shown below.

  (1) The inspection range (OK / NG) can be set arbitrarily.

  (2) The inspection result can be automatically determined.

  (3) The inspection result can be notified to the operator by a lamp display and a buzzer.

  (4) The inspection result (OK / NG) can be output as a contact, and an automatic machine or conveyor can be interlocked to automatically distribute OK and NG products.

  (5) The inspection result (data) can be sent to the host computer 52 for data management.

  (6) Although the internal volume of the inspection target (cooling system 30) is likely to change depending on the temperature or the like, since the water leak determination time can be set arbitrarily, errors due to temperature changes can be absorbed.

  (7) It can be used in an assembly factory, and the primary air of the factory can be stabilized by two-stage decompression by the pressure setting means 188 or the like.

(8) Since the first meter relay device 170 having a measurement accuracy of ± 0.005 kg / cm ² is used, the inspection target (for cooling) whose internal volume is likely to change depending on the temperature or the like and water leakage inspection is difficult. The bag 24) can be handled.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various configurations can be adopted without departing from the gist of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a partially broken configuration of a battery cell, a battery assembly, and a cooling system to be inspected in the cell voltage inspection device, the battery voltage inspection device, and the cooling system inspection device according to the present embodiment. . It is a schematic block diagram which shows the cell voltage test | inspection apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows one specific example of the cell voltage test | inspection apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the processing operation of the cell voltage test | inspection apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the battery voltage test | inspection apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows one specific example of the battery voltage test | inspection apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the processing operation of the battery voltage test | inspection apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the cooling system inspection apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows one specific example of the cooling system inspection apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the processing operation of the cooling system inspection apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a lineblock diagram showing the inspection system concerning this embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Battery assembly 16 ... Battery cell 18 ... Battery box 22 ... Cell connection body 24 ... Cooling bag 26 ... Supply conduit 28 ... Discharge conduit 30 ... Cooling system 40 ... Cell voltage inspection apparatus 42, 110 ... Voltage detection circuit 44, 112 ... A / D converters 46, 114 ... discrimination means 48, 116 ... control signal output means 50, 118 ... meter relay device 52 ... host computer 66 ... distribution data creation circuit 68 ... communication data creation circuit 70 ... message display Means 72 ... Alarm output means 74 ... Cell conveyor control device 80, 178 ... Processing status display means 100 ... Battery voltage inspection device 102 ... Contactor box 108 ... Switching control circuit 120 ... Battery conveyor control device 150 ... Cooling system inspection device 152 ... Air supply means 154 ... Air pressure detection means 156 ... 1 A / D converter 158 ... pressure discrimination means 160 ... first control signal output means 162 ... hydrogen gas detection means 164 ... second A / D converter 166 ... hydrogen gas discrimination means 168 ... second control signal Output means 170 ... first meter relay device 172 ... second meter relay device 174 ... controller 180 ... first timer 182 ... second timer 188 ... pressure setting means 196 ... pressure sensor SW1 ... first manual switch SW2 ... Second manual switch

Claims (14)

In an inspection system for an electric vehicle battery for inspecting a battery assembly in which a large number of battery cells are connected in series in a battery box,
Cell voltage detection means for detecting a cell voltage between a positive electrode and a negative electrode of the battery cell, an A / D converter for digitally converting the detected cell voltage and outputting it as cell voltage data, and the detected cell voltage Cell voltage determining means for determining whether or not is within a predetermined range, and a cell voltage inspection device comprising control signal output means for outputting a control signal according to the determination result in the cell voltage determining means,
A cell transfer control device that switches and controls the insertion / exclusion of the battery cell from the assembly line based on the attribute of the control signal from the control signal output means in the cell voltage inspection device;
A device for inspecting a cooling system of the battery assembly, and when the cooling system uses the plurality of battery cells as one cooling unit, a cooling bag is arranged for each cooling unit, A conduit for circulating cooling water in the bag, air is supplied to the cooling bag through the conduit instead of the cooling water, and when the air pressure in the cooling bag reaches a predetermined pressure, An air supply means for stopping the supply of air; an air pressure detection means for detecting the air pressure in the cooling bag; and an A / D converter for digitally converting the detected air pressure and outputting it as air pressure data. A pressure discriminating unit for discriminating whether or not an air pressure after a predetermined time has elapsed from a time point when the air supply by the air supply unit is stopped, and a removal instruction signal in the case of a fault discrimination In case of normal judgment It possesses a cooling system inspection apparatus having a control signal output means for outputting a conveyance instruction signal,
The control signal output means in the cell voltage inspection device outputs a removal instruction signal when the cell voltage determining means determines that the cell voltage is defective, and the cell voltage determining means determines that the cell voltage is determined normal by the cell voltage determining means. A distribution control signal for grouping the battery cells based on the
The cell transfer control device inputs the battery cell into the assembly line based on an input of a distribution control signal from the control signal output means, and receives the battery based on an input of an exclusion instruction signal from the control signal output means. An inspection system for a battery for an electric vehicle, characterized by excluding introduction of a cell into the assembly line . In the inspection system of the battery for electric vehicles according to claim 1 ,
A battery cell having the number of assembly lines corresponding to the number of groups indicated by the distribution control signal, and the battery cell for which the determination result by the voltage determination unit is recognized as normal from the control signal output unit among the plurality of assembly lines An inspection system for a battery for an electric vehicle, comprising cell distribution means for distributing to an assembly line corresponding to the content of the distribution control signal. In the inspection system of the battery for electric vehicles according to claim 1 or 2 ,
Furthermore, it has a battery voltage inspection device,
The battery voltage inspection device includes:
Battery voltage detection means for detecting a battery voltage between the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the battery assembly, the battery assembly having two terminals to which the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the battery assembly are respectively connected;
An A / D converter for digitally converting the detected battery voltage and outputting it as battery voltage data;
Battery voltage determining means for determining whether or not the detected battery voltage is within a predetermined range;
And a control signal output means for outputting a removal instruction signal when the determination result by the battery voltage determination means is a failure determination and outputting a conveyance instruction signal when the determination result is a normal determination. Automotive battery inspection system. In the inspection system of the battery for electric vehicles according to claim 3 ,
The battery voltage inspection device includes:
Multiple manual connection switches,
A switching control circuit for electrically connecting the positive and negative electrodes of the battery assembly and the two terminals in the battery voltage detection means when the plurality of manual connection switches are simultaneously turned ON; An inspection system for a battery for an electric vehicle. In an inspection system for an electric vehicle battery for inspecting a battery assembly in which a large number of battery cells are connected in series in a battery box,
Cell voltage detection means for detecting a cell voltage between a positive electrode and a negative electrode of the battery cell, an A / D converter for digitally converting the detected cell voltage and outputting it as cell voltage data, and the detected cell voltage Cell voltage determining means for determining whether or not is within a predetermined range, and a cell voltage inspection device comprising control signal output means for outputting a control signal according to the determination result in the cell voltage determining means,
A cell transfer control device that switches and controls the insertion / exclusion of the battery cell from the assembly line based on the attribute of the control signal from the control signal output means in the cell voltage inspection device;
A device for inspecting a cooling system of the battery assembly, and when the cooling system uses the plurality of battery cells as one cooling unit, a cooling bag is arranged for each cooling unit, A conduit for circulating cooling water in the bag, air is supplied to the cooling bag through the conduit instead of the cooling water, and when the air pressure in the cooling bag reaches a predetermined pressure, An air supply means for stopping the supply of air; an air pressure detection means for detecting the air pressure in the cooling bag; and an A / D converter for digitally converting the detected air pressure and outputting it as air pressure data. A pressure discriminating unit for discriminating whether or not an air pressure after a predetermined time has elapsed from a time point when the air supply by the air supply unit is stopped, and a removal instruction signal in the case of a fault discrimination In case of normal judgment And a cooling system inspection apparatus having a control signal output means for outputting a conveyance instruction signal,
Furthermore, it has a battery voltage inspection device,
The battery voltage inspection device includes:
Battery voltage detection means for detecting a battery voltage between the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the battery assembly, the battery assembly having two terminals to which the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the battery assembly are respectively connected;
An A / D converter that digitally converts the detected battery voltage and outputs it as battery voltage data;
Battery voltage determining means for determining whether or not the detected battery voltage is within a predetermined range;
Control signal output means for outputting a removal instruction signal when the determination result by the battery voltage determination means is a failure determination, and outputting a conveyance instruction signal when the determination result is a normal determination;
The battery voltage inspection device includes:
Multiple manual connection switches,
A switching control circuit for electrically connecting the positive and negative electrodes of the battery assembly and the two terminals in the battery voltage detection means when the plurality of manual connection switches are simultaneously turned ON; An inspection system for a battery for an electric vehicle. In the inspection system of the battery for electric vehicles according to claim 1 or 5 ,
An inspection system for an electric vehicle battery, wherein the air supply means supplies air to the cooling bag when the pressure of the air before supply reaches a predetermined pressure. In the inspection system of the battery for electric vehicles of any one of Claims 3-5 ,
Battery transfer means for removing the battery assembly based on a removal instruction signal from the control signal output means and transferring the battery assembly to a subsequent processing line based on a transfer instruction signal from the control signal output means; An inspection system for a battery for an electric vehicle, comprising: In an inspection method of a battery for an electric vehicle in which a large number of battery cells are connected in series in a battery box,
A cell voltage detection step of detecting a cell voltage between the positive electrode and the negative electrode of each battery cell;
A cell voltage digital conversion step for converting the detected cell voltage into cell voltage data by digital conversion;
A cell voltage determination step of determining whether the detected cell voltage is within a predetermined range;
A cell switching step of switching between insertion / exclusion of the battery cell to / from an assembly line based on the determination result in the cell voltage determination step;
A step of inspecting a cooling system of the battery assembly, and when the cooling system uses the plurality of battery cells as one cooling unit, a cooling bag is arranged for each cooling unit, A conduit for circulating cooling water in the bag, air is supplied to the cooling bag through the conduit instead of the cooling water, and when the air pressure in the cooling bag reaches a predetermined pressure, Stop the air supply, detect the air pressure in the cooling bag, digitally convert the detected air pressure into air pressure data, and after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when the air supply was stopped air pressure is closed and the cooling system inspection step of determining whether within a predetermined range,
The cell switching step includes
When the determination result in the cell voltage determination step indicates normal, a cell input step of grouping the battery cells based on the cell voltage and inputting the battery cells into a subsequent assembly line;
The determination if the result indicates a failure, the test method of the electric vehicle battery, which comprises organic and cell elimination step of eliminating the introduction into the assembly line of the battery cells. In the inspection method of the battery for electric vehicles according to claim 8 ,
The cell insertion step includes
An inspection method for a battery for an electric vehicle, wherein the battery cells determined to be normal are distributed to an assembly line corresponding to the grouped content among a number of assembly lines corresponding to the grouping. In the inspection method of the battery for electric vehicles according to claim 8 or 9 ,
Furthermore, it has a battery voltage inspection step,
The battery voltage inspection step includes
A battery detection step of detecting a battery voltage between a positive electrode and a negative electrode of a battery assembly in which a large number of battery cells are connected in series in the battery box;
A battery voltage digital conversion step for digitally converting the detected battery voltage into battery voltage data; and
And a battery voltage determining step of determining whether or not the detected battery voltage is within a predetermined range. In the inspection method of the battery for electric vehicles according to claim 10 ,
The battery voltage inspection step includes
A protection circuit having a plurality of manual connection switches, and capable of detecting the battery voltage between the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the battery assembly only when the plurality of manual connection switches are simultaneously turned ON. An inspection method for a battery for an electric vehicle, characterized by being used. In an inspection method of a battery for an electric vehicle in which a large number of battery cells are connected in series in a battery box,
A cell voltage detection step of detecting a cell voltage between the positive electrode and the negative electrode of each battery cell;
A cell voltage digital conversion step for converting the detected cell voltage into cell voltage data by digital conversion;
A cell voltage determination step of determining whether the detected cell voltage is within a predetermined range;
A cell switching step of switching between insertion / exclusion of the battery cell into the assembly line based on the determination result in the cell voltage determination step;
A step of inspecting a cooling system of the battery assembly, and when the cooling system uses the plurality of battery cells as one cooling unit, a cooling bag is arranged for each cooling unit, A conduit for circulating cooling water in the bag, air is supplied to the cooling bag through the conduit instead of the cooling water, and when the air pressure in the cooling bag reaches a predetermined pressure, Stop the air supply, detect the air pressure in the cooling bag, digitally convert the detected air pressure into air pressure data, and after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when the air supply was stopped A cooling system inspection step for determining whether the air pressure is within a predetermined range,
Furthermore, it has a battery voltage inspection step,
The battery voltage inspection step includes
A battery detection step of detecting a battery voltage between a positive electrode and a negative electrode of a battery assembly in which a large number of battery cells are connected in series in the battery box;
A battery voltage digital conversion step for digitally converting the detected battery voltage into battery voltage data; and
A battery voltage determination step for determining whether or not the detected battery voltage is within a predetermined range;
The battery voltage inspection step includes
A protection circuit having a plurality of manual connection switches, and capable of detecting the battery voltage between the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the battery assembly only when the plurality of manual connection switches are simultaneously turned ON. An inspection method for a battery for an electric vehicle, characterized by being used. In the inspection method of the battery for electric vehicles of Claim 8 or 12 ,
In the cooling system inspection step, the air is supplied to the cooling bag when the pressure of the air before the supply reaches a predetermined pressure. In the inspection method of the battery for electric vehicles given in any 1 paragraph of Claims 10-12 ,
The electric vehicle, wherein the battery assembly is removed when the determination result in the battery voltage determination step is defective, and the battery assembly is transported to a subsequent processing line when the determination result is normal. Battery inspection method.

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