WO2014103003A1 - Assembled battery system - Google Patents

Abstract

An assembled battery system (50) is provided with: a battery module (10), which is housed in a shielded housing, and which has a wireless communication section (2) that wirelessly transmits battery information of a battery cell (1); an assembled battery managing apparatus (20), which is housed in the housing with the battery module, and which acquires the battery information by changing communication mode corresponding to wireless propagation environment between the battery module (10) and the assembled battery managing apparatus; and the shielded housing (41) having the battery module (10) and the assembled battery managing apparatus (20) housed therein. The assembled battery managing apparatus (50) is provided with an open/close detecting section (22) that detects cases where the housing is open, and cases where the housing is closed, and in the cases where the housing is open, the assembled battery managing apparatus performs wireless communication with the battery module (10) in first communication mode, and in the cases where the housing is closed, the assembled battery managing apparatus performs wireless communication with the battery module (10) in second communication mode.

Description

Assembled battery system

The present invention relates to a technique for performing monitoring control and maintenance management of an assembled battery system composed of a plurality of battery cells wirelessly.

In recent years, assembled battery systems configured to obtain a required high voltage by connecting battery cells with relatively small electromotive forces in series have been used in various fields. The capacity, charge state and deterioration state of the battery cells constituting the assembled battery system vary during use. The variation may cause the battery cell voltage to be overcharged during charging or overdischarged during discharge, thereby degrading the performance of the battery cell itself and significantly limiting the overall performance of the assembled battery system. To do. Therefore, in the assembled battery system, it is necessary to monitor battery information regarding the capacity, charge state, deterioration state, and the like of each battery cell.

When acquiring battery information of a battery cell by wire, it is necessary to equip the battery cell with an interface for wired communication and to arrange a communication line. Therefore, the cost of the assembled battery system increases. In addition, the maintenance man-hours such as reconnecting the communication line increase when the battery cell is replaced or maintained.

Patent Document 1 shown below discloses a technique for wirelessly acquiring battery information of battery cells in an assembled battery system configured by connecting a plurality of battery cells in series. Patent Document 1 describes that a radio signal is prevented from leaking outside the shield case by housing the assembled battery system in the shield case.

JP 2010-142083 A

Patent Document 1 describes collecting battery information of battery cells by wireless communication in a state where the assembled battery system is housed in a shield case. However, when an abnormality (failure, deterioration) occurs in the battery cell of the assembled battery system, the battery cell in which the abnormality has occurred is replaced while the battery information of the battery cell is acquired with the shield case opened. become. At this time, since the shield case is in an open state, the propagation environment of the radio signal is caused by interference from external radio waves, or new standing waves are generated by electromagnetic waves reflected from maintenance personnel or walls performing maintenance. May cause drastic changes.

In addition, if the battery pack system is operated by closing the shield case without grasping the variation between the battery cell to be replaced and the battery cell not to be replaced, immediately after starting the operation, There is a possibility of falling into a state where the performance is deteriorated or significantly limiting the performance of the assembled battery system.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an assembled battery system that can acquire battery information of battery cells both in a state where a shield case (housing) is opened and in a closed state.

In order to solve the above-described problem, an assembled battery system according to the present invention is housed in a shielded casing, and includes a battery module having a wireless communication unit that wirelessly transmits battery information of battery cells;
An assembled battery management device that is housed in the housing together with the battery module, and acquires the battery information by changing a communication mode corresponding to a wireless propagation environment between the battery module;
It is characterized by providing.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an assembled battery system capable of acquiring battery information of battery cells both in a state where the shield case (housing) is opened and in a closed state.

It is a figure which shows the function example of the assembled battery system in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a shape of an assembled battery system, (a) represents the external appearance perspective view of the state which opened the housing | casing, (b) represents the external appearance perspective view of the state which closed the housing | casing, (c) is a figure. An external perspective view when the assembled battery systems are connected in parallel is shown, and (d) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in (c). It is a figure which shows the example of a communication mode change process flow when the housing | casing opening / closing part of a housing | casing is opened, (a) represents a flowchart and (b) represents the kind of communication mode. It is a figure which shows the example of a communication sequence of an operation mode, (a) represents a normal sequence example, (b) represents a resending sequence example, (c) represents a frequency channel setting example. It is a figure which shows the example of a communication sequence of a maintenance mode, (a) represents a normal sequence example, (b) represents a resending sequence example, (c) represents a frequency channel setting example. It is a figure which shows the example of a change process flow of a communication mode when the housing | casing opening / closing part of a housing | casing is closed. It is a figure which shows the function example of the assembled battery system in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of an antenna shape in 2nd Embodiment, (a) represents the external appearance perspective view of an assembled battery system, (b) represents another antenna shape of a battery module. It is a figure which shows the example of a process of the communication mode when a housing | casing is closed in 2nd Embodiment, (a) represents a flowchart, (b) represents the kind of communication mode, and the example of a channel setting. It is a figure which shows the function example of the maintenance system of the battery cell in 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the perspective view of the maintenance system in 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a replacement process flow of the battery module in 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of a battery module ID list. It is a figure which shows the example of a communication sequence in 3rd Embodiment.

Next, a mode for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “embodiment”) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate.

<First Embodiment>
First, a function example of the assembled battery system 50 in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
The assembled battery system 50 includes one or more battery modules 10 including battery cells (BC) 1 and the assembled battery management device 20. The assembled battery system 50 is assumed to be housed in a shielded casing 41 as shown in FIG. When the battery module 10 is replaced, the housing opening / closing part 40 is opened as shown in FIG. Further, when the battery module 10 is used (operated), as shown in FIG. 2B, the casing opening / closing unit 40 is closed.

As shown in FIG. 1, the assembled battery management device 20 includes a control unit (CTRL) 21, an open / close detection unit (O / C detector) 22, a storage unit (Memory) 23, a communication unit (COMM) 24, and an antenna 25. . The electric power for driving the assembled battery management device 20 is obtained from the battery cell 1, obtained by stepping down the potential difference when the battery modules 10 are connected in series, obtained via the external communication interface terminal 32, or obtained from a commercial power source. be able to.
The control unit (CTRL) 21 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown) and a main memory or a microcomputer, and controls the operation of each unit in the assembled battery management device 20 and also controls the flow of information between the units. Have
The open / close detection unit (O / C detector) 22 has a function of detecting the open / closed state of the housing open / close unit 40 of the housing 41 and transmitting the detection result to the control unit 21.

The storage unit (Memory) 23 stores battery information collected by the control unit 21, monitoring control instruction information for instructing measurement of the battery cell 1, a communication mode, an open / close state of the housing 41, and the like. The battery information is information relating to, for example, the cell voltage and temperature, the internal resistance value, the remaining charge amount, the charge / discharge status, the ID (identification information), the presence / absence of a defect, and the degree of deterioration of the battery cell 1.
The communication unit (COMM) 24 has a function of transmitting monitoring control instruction information to the battery module 10 and receiving battery information corresponding to the monitoring control instruction information from the battery module 10.
The antenna 25 transmits and receives a signal for performing wireless communication with the antenna 5 of the battery module 10.

Note that wireless communication here refers to communication in which communication lines are not connected to each other, and is communication that emits electromagnetic waves or communication that uses near-field coupling such as magnetic field coupling or electric field coupling. May be. Various configurations of the antennas 5 and 25 are conceivable. For example, the antennas 5 and 25 may be rod-shaped, coil-shaped, plate-shaped, or printed circuit board conductor patterns. Further, instead of wireless communication, communication using light such as LED (Light Emitting Diode) infrared light may be used.

The detection means of the opening / closing detection unit 22 can be classified into means for detecting that the casing opening / closing part 40 is opened and means for detecting that the casing opening / closing part 40 is unlocked.

For example, a magnetic sensor using a permanent magnet, an infrared sensor, an acceleration sensor, or the like is used as a means for detecting that the housing opening / closing unit 40 is opened. When the magnetic sensor is installed in the casing 41 and the casing opening / closing section 40, it is measured that the distance between the casing opening / closing section 40 and the casing 41 increases or the angle changes. Thus, it can be detected that the casing opening / closing part 40 is opened. In addition, when the infrared sensor is used, it can be detected that the housing opening / closing section 40 is opened by measuring a change in the distance between the housing opening / closing section 40 and the housing 41 or a change in angle. Even when an acceleration sensor is used, the opening / closing of the casing opening / closing unit 40 can be detected by measuring the difference in acceleration detected by the casing 41 and the casing opening / closing unit 40. In addition, as a detecting means, it may be detected that the received signal strength of the radio signal is changed by opening the casing opening / closing unit 40. Further, the other detection means may transmit notification information for notifying the opening / closing state of the casing opening / closing unit 40 from an external system by image monitoring or the like.

Also, as means for detecting that the lock has been released, for example, receiving vibrations for unlocking the casing opening / closing unit 40 or receiving a communication signal for unlocking by the remote control is used. Alternatively, the opening / closing detection unit 22 may be turned on using the detection of unlocking as a trigger to detect the open / closed state of the housing opening / closing unit 40.

The assembled battery management device 20 collects battery information from each battery module 10 and monitors and controls each battery module 10 so as to perform a desired function as the assembled battery system 50. For example, the assembled battery management device 20 collects battery information such as the cell voltage and temperature of each battery cell 1 and monitors whether the battery cell 1 is being used at an appropriate voltage or temperature. For example, the variation in the residual charge amount (cell voltage) is controlled to be small. The monitoring control by the assembled battery management device 20 is executed at a predetermined cycle (including a fixed cycle), is executed when a predetermined condition is met, or is provided from a request from an external system or from an external system. Information is executed as a trigger.

In the assembled battery system 50, the battery modules 10 are connected in series as shown in FIG. In addition, the connection relationship of the battery module 10 may be parallel or series-parallel other than series. In FIG. 1, the battery module 10 is described as having one battery cell 1, but two or more battery cells 1 are connected in series, parallel, or series-parallel. It does not matter. Then, the electrode having the highest potential and the electrode having the lowest potential are taken out from the electrode terminal 31. Between the electrode terminals 31, the voltage is high or a large current flows. Therefore, when the battery module 10 is replaced, the assembled battery management device 20 switches the switch 30 when the state of the assembled battery system 50 satisfies a predetermined condition so that a high voltage or a large current is not erroneously output. Turn on (connected). In FIG. 1, description of control lines connecting the assembled battery management device 20 and the switch 30 is omitted.

Here, the predetermined condition is, for example, a case where the cell voltage difference of the battery cell 1 falls within a predetermined range with respect to another assembled battery system 50 (not shown) that connects the electrode terminals 31 to each other. . By doing in this way, the electric current which flows into the assembled battery system 50 with a low voltage from the assembled battery system 50 with a high voltage can be made small, and it can prevent that an excessive charging current and discharge current flow into the battery cell 1. FIG.

Further, the assembled battery management device 20 includes an external communication interface terminal 32, and may transfer battery information to an external system (not shown) or receive a monitoring control request or monitoring control information from the external system. Good.

As shown in FIG. 1, the battery module 10 includes a battery cell (BC) 1, a battery information acquisition unit (BIA) 2, a storage unit (Memory) 3, a communication unit (COMM) (wireless communication unit) 4, and an antenna 5. Prepare. Note that each of the units 2 to 4 of the battery module 10 operates using the battery cell 1 as a power source.
The battery cell (BC) 1 is a secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery, for example.
The battery information acquisition unit (BIA) 2 includes a microcomputer, and has a function of measuring battery voltage, temperature, and the like of the battery cell 1 based on the monitoring control instruction information and acquiring battery information.
The storage unit (Memory) 3 stores battery information acquired by the battery information acquisition unit (BIA) 2, monitoring control instruction information, a communication mode, and the like.
The communication unit (COMM) 4 has a function of transmitting the acquired battery information to the assembled battery management device 20 and receiving monitoring control instruction information from the assembled battery management device 20.
The antenna 5 transmits and receives a signal for performing wireless communication with the antenna 25 of the assembled battery management device 2.

Next, an example of the shape of the assembled battery system 50 will be described with reference to FIG. 2 (see FIG. 1 as appropriate). 2A is an external perspective view of the housing 41 with the housing opening / closing portion 40 opened, and FIG. 2B is an external perspective view of the housing 41 with the housing opening / closing portion 40 closed. (C) is an external perspective view when the assembled battery system 50 is connected in parallel, and (d) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of (c). FIG. 2 shows an example in which eight battery modules 10 are housed in the housing 41 and the assembled battery management device 20 is installed in the upper part inside the housing 41.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the battery module 10 and the assembled battery management device 20 are stored and taken out with the casing opening / closing part 40 opened. The casing 41 is formed of a conductor such as metal. Moreover, the housing | casing 41 may be formed with the grid | lattice-like conductor sufficiently smaller than a wavelength. As shown in FIG. 2B, in the state where the casing opening / closing part 40 is closed, the radio signal does not leak to the outside and the radio signal interference of an external system (not shown) is not received. Good communication quality is realized.

The electrode terminal 31 is disposed outside the housing 41 as shown in FIG. If the gap between the housing 41 and the electrode is made sufficiently smaller than the wavelength used for wireless communication, a wireless signal leaks to the outside in the state where the housing opening / closing section 40 is closed, or an external system (not shown) No longer receive radio signal interference.

The assembled battery system 50 housed in the housing 41 may be operated by two or more units as shown in FIG. Note that the number of battery modules 10 stored in the housing 41 is not limited to eight, and may be smaller or larger than eight depending on the application to be applied.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2 (d), the assembled battery system 50 is formed by connecting the battery modules 10 in series, and includes an electrode terminal 31 on the highest potential electrode and the lowest potential electrode. The assembled battery management device 20 of the assembled battery system 50 controls the on / off of the switch 30 installed at the highest potential electrode position and the lowest potential electrode position inside the housing 41.

Further, the casing 41 may be provided with a display unit (not shown) such as an LED for notifying the failure of the assembled battery system 50. In this way, the display unit is turned off or turned on at the time of failure, and the assembled battery system 50 including the failed battery module 10 can be easily found during maintenance. Moreover, you may provide display parts (not shown), such as LED which notifies the failure of the battery module 10. FIG. By doing so, the display unit is turned off at the time of failure, so that the failed battery module 10 can be easily found from among the many battery modules 10 during maintenance.

Next, an example of a communication mode change processing flow when the casing opening / closing part 40 of the casing 41 is opened will be described with reference to FIG. 3 (see FIGS. 1 and 2 as appropriate). Here, FIG. 3A represents a flowchart, and FIG. 3B represents the type of communication mode.

The case opening / closing unit 40 is opened for replacement, addition, or reduction of the battery module 10 when maintaining the assembled battery system 50. In maintenance work, confirmation of the external appearance of the battery module 10 and the assembled battery management device 20, acquisition of information related to the battery cell 1 other than the battery information acquired during operation, and a state in which the assembled battery system 50 is in a desired environment The battery information is acquired and the operation is confirmed. For example, a predetermined load is connected to the assembled battery system 50 to check whether the discharge current is within a predetermined range, or a predetermined voltage source is connected to check whether the charging current is within the predetermined range. Or

In step S301 of FIG. 3A, when the casing opening / closing unit 40 changes from a closed state during operation to an opened state during maintenance, the opening / closing detection unit 22 indicates that the casing opening / closing unit 40 has been opened. The notification information indicating that the casing opening / closing unit 40 is “open (open state)” is transmitted to the control unit 21. However, the battery module 10 does not directly detect that the casing opening / closing unit 40 is “open”, but is notified from the assembled battery management device 20.
In step S <b> 302, the control unit 21 receives the “open” notification information, turns off (cuts) the switch 30, and disconnects the connection between the electrode terminal 31 and the battery module 10. Thus, maintenance work can be appropriately performed without worrying about connection with an external system (not shown) connected to the electrode terminal 31.

In step S303, the control unit 21 performs a process of shifting the communication mode between the assembled battery management device 20 and the battery module 10 from the operation mode to the maintenance mode using the normal sequence of the operation mode. Specifically, since the battery module 10 does not directly detect that the housing opening / closing unit 40 is “open”, the control unit 21 switches the communication mode from the operation mode to the battery module 10 using the operation mode. Transfer instruction information for shifting to the maintenance mode is transmitted. Here, the operation mode (second communication mode) is a communication mode used during an operation in which the casing opening / closing unit 40 is “closed”. The maintenance mode (first communication mode) is a communication mode used during maintenance when the casing opening / closing unit 40 is “open”.

For example, as shown in FIG. 3B, the operation mode uses only the preset first frequency channel in the normal sequence. In the retransmission sequence in the operation mode, the second frequency channel is used in addition to the first frequency channel. In the maintenance mode, in the normal sequence, wireless communication is performed while sequentially changing predetermined frequency channels. In the maintenance mode retransmission sequence, the same data is transmitted a plurality of times in the communication period T at a frequency higher than that of the normal sequence. Details of the operation mode and the maintenance mode will be described later.

In step S304, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the process of step S303 is successful. Here, success is a case where the control unit 21 receives response information from the battery module 10 within a predetermined period. If it is determined that the process has succeeded (Yes in step S304), the process proceeds to step S308. If it is determined that the process has not been successful for a predetermined period (No in step S304), the process proceeds to step S305. Note that the battery module 10 shifts to the operation mode retransmission sequence if the wireless communication remains interrupted for a predetermined period in the normal sequence of the operation mode.

In step S305, the control unit 21 executes the operation mode retransmission sequence and continues the process of shifting the communication mode between the assembled battery management apparatus 20 and the battery module 10 from the operation mode to the maintenance mode.

In step S306, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the process of step S305 is successful. If it is determined that the process has succeeded (Yes in step S306), the process proceeds to step S308. If it is determined that the process has not been successful for a predetermined period (No in step S306), the process proceeds to step S307. Note that the battery module 10 shifts to the maintenance mode retransmission sequence if the wireless communication remains interrupted for a predetermined period in the operation mode retransmission sequence.

In step S307, the control unit 21 executes a maintenance mode retransmission sequence, and executes a process of shifting the communication mode between the assembled battery management apparatus 20 and the battery module 10 from the operation mode to the maintenance mode.
In step S308, since the battery module 10 has already shifted to the maintenance mode, the control unit 21 performs wireless communication in the maintenance mode and collects battery information from the battery module 10.

Here, the reason why the operation mode and the maintenance mode are set as shown in FIG. 3B will be described.
In the propagation environment of the operation mode, since the casing opening / closing part 40 is “closed”, the fluctuation of the standing wave due to the signal interference from the outside and the fluctuation of the reflection condition of the electromagnetic wave is small. That is, when the casing opening / closing unit 40 is in the “closed” state, the standing wave generated inside the casing 41 is fixed, and thus the influence on the frequency channel is fixed. Therefore, in the operation mode, even if wireless communication is performed with the frequency channel fixed, the probability that wireless communication will fail is low.
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3B, in the normal sequence of the operation mode, wireless communication is performed using only the first frequency channel set in advance. Further, in the operation mode retransmission sequence, the first frequency channel and the second frequency channel are used.

On the other hand, the propagation environment in the maintenance mode is that the case opening / closing unit 40 is in the “open” state, and therefore, it receives interference from external radio waves or is reflected by electromagnetic waves reflected by a maintenance person who performs maintenance or a wall. It is less stable than the propagation environment of the operation mode by generating a new standing wave.
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3B, in the normal sequence of the maintenance mode, wireless communication is performed while changing a predetermined frequency channel in order. In the retransmission sequence in the maintenance mode, the same data is transmitted a plurality of times during the communication period T at a frequency higher than that in the normal sequence.

In addition to the frequency channel, it is preferable that various parameters such as a data rate, a communication period, a modulation method, a multiple connection method, and whether or not to return an Ack are different between the operation mode and the maintenance mode.
For example, in the operation mode, the communication cycle T is shortened at a high data rate, redundancy and Ack reply are omitted, the amount of battery information to be collected is increased, and the function of the assembled battery system 50 is maximized. To do.
In contrast, in the maintenance mode, the communication cycle T is lengthened at a data rate relatively lower than that in the operation mode, redundancy is provided, an Ack reply is executed, and the amount of battery information to be collected is minimized. Thus, the success rate of communication is increased and maintenance work is performed efficiently.

In the operation mode, since there is no interference from the outside, carrier sense is not performed before transmission, communication is performed in a time-sharing manner at a preset timing, and the battery cell 1 is measured with respect to a plurality of battery modules 10. The effective communication speed is increased by broadcasting the instructed supervisory control instruction information. In particular, since the charge / discharge state changes from moment to moment during operation, it is preferable that the measurement times of the cell voltages, temperatures, and the like of each battery cell 1 are made substantially the same by broadcast communication of the monitoring control instruction information. The reason is that it is easy to grasp the variation (individual difference) of the battery cells 1 by acquiring the cell voltage and temperature under the same charge / discharge state.

On the other hand, in the maintenance mode, in order to avoid interference from the outside, carrier sense is performed before transmission, and communication at an arbitrary timing is performed in order to flexibly avoid external system signals. Communication is performed so as to maintain high communication quality by individually communicating with each battery module 10 by polling. That is, since it is possible not to change the charge / discharge state suddenly during maintenance, the cell voltage, temperature, etc. of each battery cell 1 may be measured by unicast communication such as polling.

In addition, the failure determination period until it is determined that the communication unit 4 of the battery module 10 is failed may be varied depending on the communication mode. For example, the failure determination period in the operation mode is set shorter than the failure determination period in the maintenance mode. This is because the probability of communication failure is lower in the operation mode (the case where the casing opening / closing unit 40 is “closed”). Further, during operation, the failure may be notified to the external system through the external communication interface terminal 32 before the influence on the other assembled battery systems 50 connected to each other expands.

Next, the relationship between the difference in the detection means of the open / close detection unit 22 used in step S301 in FIG. 3 and the degree of determination as “success” in step S304 will be described.
There are two types of detection means for the opening / closing detection unit 22: when detecting that the casing opening / closing unit 40 is unlocked, and when detecting “open” of the casing opening / closing unit 40.

When the opening / closing detection unit 22 detects that the casing opening / closing unit 40 has been unlocked, the battery pack management device 20 detects the battery module 10 before the casing opening / closing unit 40 opens and the propagation environment changes. The transition instruction information from the operation mode to the maintenance mode can be output. Therefore, wireless communication in the operation mode is almost successful. Therefore, it is determined as “success” in step S304, and the degree (possibility) that the process proceeds to step S308 is high.

When the open / close detection unit 22 detects “open” of the case opening / closing unit 40, the assembled battery management device 20 operates on the battery module 10 after the case opening / closing unit 40 opens and the propagation environment changes. Transition instruction information from the mode to the maintenance mode is issued. For this reason, there is a possibility that the degree (possibility) of failure in wireless communication may be higher than in the case of unlocking due to external interference or standing wave fluctuation. Therefore, if it is not determined as “success” in step S304, first, a retransmission sequence of the operation mode is executed as in step S305. This is because the battery module 10 does not directly detect “open” of the case opening / closing unit 40, and therefore communication fails under the situation where the case opening / closing unit 40 continues to operate in the “closed” state. This is to distinguish them.
In step S307, by executing the maintenance mode retransmission sequence, it is possible to cope with the influence of external interference and fluctuating standing waves. Therefore, if the communication unit 4 of the battery module 10 is not faulty, it is predetermined. The wireless communication succeeds before the period elapses.

When the battery module 10 can also detect the opening / closing of the housing opening / closing unit 40 (when it includes an opening / closing detection unit), it is necessary to instruct the battery module 10 to switch the communication mode from the assembled battery management device 20. Absent. In this case, the battery module 10 may be shifted similarly to the communication mode of the assembled battery management device 20. The battery module 10 includes, for example, a function of observing the received signal strength, so that when the received signal strength is changed, it can be detected that the housing opening / closing unit 40 is opened.

Next, a communication sequence example in the operation mode will be described with reference to FIG. 4A shows an example of a normal sequence, FIG. 4B shows an example of a retransmission sequence, and FIG. 4C shows an example of frequency channel setting. FIG. 4 illustrates a case where communication is performed between the assembled battery management device 20 and two battery modules 10 (hereinafter referred to as A and B).

FIG. 4A shows a case where the wireless communication in the operation mode is successful. The assembled battery management device 20 broadcasts the monitoring control instruction information to the battery modules A and B using the first frequency channel (indicated as A ch.). The monitoring control instruction information is, for example, information that instructs measurement of the cell voltage, temperature, etc. of the battery cell 1. Each of the battery modules A and B that have received the monitoring control instruction information performs measurement to acquire battery information, and transmits the result to the assembled battery management device 20 using the first frequency channel. If these transmission timings are set in advance, communication between the battery modules A and B will not collide. The assembled battery management device 20 broadcasts the monitoring control instruction information at the communication cycle T, and collects battery information at a predetermined cycle (including a fixed cycle). Depending on the driving situation, the battery control information may be collected by transmitting the monitoring control instruction information to the event driven.

FIG. 4B shows a case where the wireless communication using the normal sequence fails and shifts to the retransmission sequence. Note that the length of the communication cycles T1 and T2 in FIG. The assembled battery management device 20 broadcasts the monitoring control instruction information to all the battery modules A and B using the first frequency channel (indicated as A ch.) In the communication cycle T1. However, the battery module B cannot receive the supervisory control instruction information (in FIG. 4 (b), x mark and broken line display). Therefore, the assembled battery management device 20 cannot receive battery information (response information) from the battery module B, and thus recognizes that wireless communication has failed. Further, the battery module B also recognizes that the wireless communication has failed because the monitoring control instruction information cannot be received from the assembled battery management device 20 during the communication cycle T1.

In the next communication cycle T2, in addition to broadcasting using the first frequency channel (denoted as A ch.), The second frequency channel (for the battery module B that has failed in wireless communication of the first frequency channel) The monitoring control instruction information is individually transmitted using C 表 記 ch. (Refer to FIG. 4C). The communication sequence of this communication cycle T2 is the operation mode retransmission sequence. The battery module B that has received the monitoring control instruction information using the second frequency channel transmits the battery information to the assembled battery management device 20 using the second frequency channel. In this way, the success probability of wireless communication can be increased.

In addition, although the battery module B can receive the broadcast using the first frequency channel, the propagation environment changes before the battery information is returned, and the assembled battery management device 20 cannot receive the battery information of the battery module B. is assumed. This case is the same as the state of the communication cycle T1 in FIG. 4B in that the assembled battery management device 20 cannot receive the battery information of the battery module B. Therefore, the assembled battery management device 20 starts communication using the second frequency channel in addition to the first frequency channel from the next communication cycle T2.

If the battery module B can receive not only the second frequency channel but also the broadcast of the first frequency channel in the communication cycle T2, the battery module B sends the battery information to the assembled battery management device 20 using the first frequency channel. Send it. By doing in this way, the assembled battery management apparatus 20 can recognize that the battery module B can receive the broadcast of the first frequency channel again, and can return the communication mode to the normal sequence.

In the retransmission sequence in the operation mode, when the battery module 10 can receive a part of the radio signal from the assembled battery management device 20 and can maintain the communication cycle T, the second frequency channel is also added to the first frequency channel. To perform the receiving operation. However, when the battery module 10 loses sight of the communication cycle T, the battery module 10 may continue the reception operation on the second frequency channel and wait for the assembled battery management device 20 to transmit on the second frequency channel.

FIG. 4C shows an example of frequency channel setting.
When the monitoring control instruction information is broadcast in the operation mode, the same frequency channel is used for all battery modules 10, and therefore the first frequency channel is a common A ch. However, the frequency channel with the optimum communication quality is different for each battery module 10. Therefore, the first frequency channel is determined by selecting a frequency channel that does not have an insufficient received signal strength for any battery module 10.

In addition, since the second frequency channel is used for each battery module 10, it is determined by selecting a frequency channel that provides optimum communication quality for each battery module 10. For example, when a frequency channel defined in IEEE 802.15.4 is used, the first frequency channel is set to a frequency channel having a center frequency of 2405 MHz (A ch.) Common to all battery modules 10. . The second frequency channel may be set to 2450 MHz (B （ch.) For the battery module A, 2470 MHz (C ch.) For the battery module B, or the like.

Next, a communication sequence example in the maintenance mode will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5A shows a normal sequence example, FIG. 5B shows a retransmission sequence example, and FIG. 5C shows a frequency channel setting example. FIG. 5 shows a case where communication is performed between the assembled battery management device 20 and two battery modules 10 (hereinafter referred to as A and B).

FIG. 5A shows a case where the wireless communication in the maintenance mode is successful. The assembled battery management device 20 broadcasts the monitoring control instruction information to the battery modules A and B using the first frequency channel (denoted as C ch.) In the predetermined order of the frequency channels. Each of the battery modules A and B that have received the monitoring control instruction information performs measurement to acquire battery information, and transmits the battery information to the assembled battery management device 20 using the received frequency channel. If these transmission timings are set in advance, communication between the battery modules A and B will not collide. The assembled battery management device 20 broadcasts the monitoring control instruction information at the communication cycle T, and collects battery information at a predetermined cycle (including a fixed cycle). In the next communication cycle T, the assembled battery management device 20 performs wireless communication using the second frequency channel (denoted E ch.). In this way, the assembled battery management device 20 performs wireless communication while changing the frequency channel for each communication cycle T. Depending on the driving situation, the battery control information may be collected by transmitting the monitoring control instruction information to the event driven.

FIG. 5B shows a case where the wireless communication by the normal sequence fails and shifts to the retransmission sequence. Note that the length of the communication periods T1 and T2 in FIG. The assembled battery management device 20 broadcasts the monitoring control instruction information to all the battery modules A and B using the first frequency channel (denoted as C ch.) In the communication cycle T1. However, the battery module B cannot receive the supervisory control instruction information (in FIG. 5 (b), x mark and broken line display). Therefore, the assembled battery management device 20 cannot receive battery information (response information) from the battery module B, and thus recognizes that wireless communication has failed. Further, the battery module B also recognizes that the wireless communication has failed because the monitoring control instruction information cannot be received from the assembled battery management device 20 during the communication cycle T1.

In the next communication cycle T2, in addition to broadcasting using the third frequency channel (denoted E ch.) Of a preset retransmission sequence (see FIG. 5C), the battery module B The monitoring control instruction information is individually transmitted using the fourth frequency channel (denoted as F ch.) Of the retransmission sequence. The communication sequence of this communication cycle T2 is a maintenance mode retransmission sequence. The battery module B transmits battery information to the assembled battery management device 20 using the frequency channel (denoted as F ch.) That has been successfully received. In this way, the success probability of wireless communication can be increased. Here, the fourth frequency channel F ch. Is the second frequency in the operation mode when the third frequency channel E ch. Is regarded as the first frequency channel in the operation mode, as shown in FIG. It corresponds to a channel.

Since the propagation environment changes from moment to moment when the casing opening / closing section 40 is in the “open” state, the frequency channel with a high probability of failing in wireless communication changes. Therefore, in the retransmission sequence, the success probability of wireless communication can be increased by transmitting the same data a plurality of times within the communication period T while changing the frequency channel. In addition, as a frequency channel selection index, in order to avoid interference of an external wireless communication system, the frequencies of the frequency channels may be used in a sufficiently separated order. For example, in an environment in which a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) system exists outside, frequency channels separated from the wireless LAN signal band of about 20 MHz are set in order. For example, as shown in FIG. 5 (c), frequency channels C ch., D ch., E ch., F ch., G ch., H ch., ... are respectively set to 2405MHz, 2445MHz, 2470MHz, 2430MHz. , 2435MHz, 2475MHz, and so on.

In the retransmission sequence in the maintenance mode, when the battery module 10 can receive a part of the radio signal from the assembled battery management apparatus 20 and can maintain the communication cycle T, the battery module 10 receives the frequency channel in order according to the communication cycle T. Perform the action. However, when the battery module 10 loses sight of the communication cycle T, the battery module 10 continues the reception operation on the predetermined frequency channel and waits for the radio signal of the frequency channel to be transmitted from the assembled battery management device 20.

Next, an example of a communication mode change processing flow when the case opening / closing unit 40 of the case 41 is closed will be described with reference to FIG. 6 (see FIG. 1 as appropriate). The case opening / closing unit 40 is closed after maintenance of the assembled battery system 50, replacement, addition, removal of the battery module 10, and initial assembly of the assembled battery system 50. At that time, there is a possibility that the propagation environment inside the housing 41 has changed due to maintenance, replacement of the battery module 10, or the like. Therefore, it is necessary to update the frequency channel in the operation mode. Further, when the assembled battery system 50 is initially assembled, a frequency channel for the operation mode is newly set. In addition, it is preferable to update the frequency channel in the operation mode even when the probability of failure in wireless communication in the operation mode increases due to deformation of the casing 41 or the like. In addition, when the propagation environment periodically changes with time, it is preferable to update the frequency channel in the operation mode in this cycle. Note that the maintenance mode does not need to be changed in particular because the frequency channel is determined so as to be able to cope with a large variation in the propagation environment.

As shown in FIG. 6, in step S <b> 601, the open / close detection unit 22 detects that the casing opening / closing unit 40 is “closed (closed state)”, and the casing opening / closing unit 40 is “closed”. Notification information indicating this is transmitted to the control unit 21. However, the battery module 10 does not directly detect that the casing opening / closing unit 40 is “closed”, but is notified from the assembled battery management device 20.
In step S602, the control unit 21 transmits instruction information for measuring the received signal strength in the maintenance mode in order to reset the frequency channel of the operation mode in the battery module 10.

In step S603, the control unit 21 transmits a test signal while changing a predetermined frequency channel. Then, the battery module 10 measures the received signal strength of the received test signal. The frequency channels of the test signal are used in a predetermined order.
In step S604, the control unit 21 completes transmission of all test signals.

In step S605, the control unit 21 collects the measurement results of the received signal strength from the battery module 10 using the maintenance mode. And the control part 21 determines the 1st frequency channel and 2nd frequency channel of the battery module 10 based on the measurement result of the received signal strength collected from each battery module 10.
In step S <b> 606, the control unit 21 executes a process of shifting the communication mode between the assembled battery management device 20 and the battery module 10 from the maintenance mode to the operation mode.

In step S607, the control unit 21 collects battery information from each battery module 10 using the operation mode.
In step S608, the control unit 21 turns on (connects) the switch 30 when the above-described predetermined condition is satisfied. Then, the assembled battery system 50 starts.

As described above, the assembled battery system 50 according to the first embodiment acquires the battery information of the battery cell 1 in both the opened state and the closed state of the casing opening / closing unit 40 of the casing 41 that houses the assembled battery system 50. can do.
Moreover, since the battery module 10 suitable for a maintenance site can be selected while acquiring battery information at the time of maintenance or replacement of the battery module 10, man-hours for maintenance and replacement can be reduced.
In addition, since the battery information can be obtained while the battery module 10 is being maintained or replaced, the cell voltage of the replaced battery module 10 is substantially equal to the cell voltage of the other battery modules 10 in the assembled battery system 50. In addition, it can be adjusted during replacement work.
Further, since the battery module 10 can be operated while acquiring battery information during maintenance or replacement, the battery information is confirmed before connecting the assembled battery systems 50 to each other, and the battery module 10 is in a connectable state (as described above). It is possible to prevent the excessive charging current or discharging current from flowing into the battery module 10 by turning on the switch 30 only in the case of the condition).
In addition, since battery information for management and shipment inspection of the battery module 10 stored for maintenance, replacement, and assembly can be acquired wirelessly, storage, management, and shipment inspection of the battery module 10 are facilitated.

In the first embodiment, in the normal sequence of the operation mode, it has been described that the reply of Ack is omitted in order to increase the number of times of collecting battery information. However, when the number of battery modules 10 is large, the communication cycle T becomes long. Therefore, the assembled battery management device 20 may return Ack when the battery information is received so that the retransmission sequence can be quickly performed. When the battery module 10 cannot receive the Ack reply, it can recognize that the communication has failed during the communication period T, and can immediately execute the retransmission sequence from the next communication period T.

Further, the process of FIG. 6 may be executed only when the maintenance person gives an instruction.
Further, in step S605 of FIG. 6, it has been described that the reception signal strength measurement results corresponding to all the test signals are collected together. However, the received signal strength measurement results may be collected every time the test signal is transmitted. In this case, the order of the frequency channels of the test signal used in step S603 may be used first from the one used in the previous operation mode. By doing so, when the change in the propagation environment is small, the first frequency channel and the second frequency channel may be determined by a small number of test signals.
In the operation mode retransmission sequence, the first frequency channel and the second frequency channel are used. However, three or more frequency channels may be used.

Second Embodiment
Compared to the assembled battery system 50 (see FIG. 1) of the first embodiment, the assembled battery system 50a of the second embodiment has an antenna 6 added to the battery module 10a as shown in FIG. The difference is that an antenna 26 is added to 20a. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same structure as FIG. 1, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

The battery module 10 a includes an antenna 5 and an antenna 6. The assembled battery management device 20 a includes an antenna 25 and an antenna 26. The antennas 5, 6, 25, and 26 may have various configurations. For example, the antennas may be rod-shaped, coil-shaped, plate-shaped, or printed circuit board conductor patterns.

In the second embodiment, the antenna 5 (25) and the antenna 16 (26) are used differently depending on the operation mode and the maintenance mode. For example, the antenna 5 (25) is used in the operation mode, and the antenna 6 (26) is used in the maintenance mode. Or the reverse may be sufficient. Further, the battery module 10 may use the antenna 5 in the operation mode, use the antenna 6 in the maintenance mode, and the assembled battery management device 20 may use both the antennas 25 and 26 in the operation mode and the maintenance mode. Conversely, the battery module 10 may use both the antennas 5 and 6 in the operation mode and the maintenance mode, and the assembled battery management apparatus 20 may use the antenna 25 in the operation mode and the antenna 26 in the maintenance mode. The influence of the standing wave depends on the position in the housing 41. For this reason, by installing the antennas 5 and 6 so that the positions thereof are different, it is easy to avoid the situation where the wireless signal cannot be received. The usage of the antennas 5 and 6 is stored in the storage unit 3 of the battery module 10. The usage of the antennas 25 and 26 is stored in the storage unit 23 of the assembled battery management device 20.

Next, an antenna shape example in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 8 (see FIG. 7 as appropriate). 8A shows an external perspective view of the assembled battery system 50, and FIG. 8B shows another antenna shape of the battery module 10a.
As shown in FIG. 8A, eight battery modules 10 a are housed inside the housing 41. Further, the assembled battery management device 20 a is installed on the inner upper side of the housing 41. The assembled battery management device 20 a includes an antenna 25 and an antenna 26. Further, the battery module 10 a includes an antenna 5 and an antenna 6. The positions of the antenna 5 (25) and the antenna 6 (26) are preferably separated by a half wavelength or more so as to easily reduce the influence of standing waves. Further, in order to make the properties of the radio signals radiated from the antenna 5 (25) and the antenna 6 (26) different, the antenna 5 (25) and the antenna 6 (26) may have different shapes. In the case of communication using light, an LED may be used instead of the antennas 5 (25) and 6 (26). In that case, the range which light reaches can be adjusted by changing direction of LED and installing.

The antennas 25 and 26 of the assembled battery management device 20a may be installed on the inner wall of the housing 41 in order to expand the communication range. Further, the antennas 5 and 6 of the battery module 10a may be installed on different side surfaces of the casing of the battery module 10a in order to expand the communication range.

FIG. 8B shows a state in which the antenna 5 and the antenna 6 are provided on the same surface of the battery module 10a. With this configuration, it is possible to form both the antenna 5 and the antenna 6 with a conductor pattern on a single printed circuit board.

Next, an example of processing in the communication mode when the housing 41 is closed in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 9 (see FIGS. 7 and 8 as appropriate). FIG. 9A shows a flowchart, and FIG. 9B shows a communication mode type and channel setting example.
The flowchart in FIG. 9A is different from the flowchart in FIG. 6 in that a combination of a frequency channel and an antenna is used.
As the combinations of frequency channels and antennas, for example, as shown in the lower table of FIG. 9B, the first combination and the second combination are preset for each battery module 10 in the operation mode. .

The communication mode is shown in the upper table of FIG. In the normal sequence of the operation mode, the first combination is used. In the retransmission sequence in the operation mode, the second combination is used in addition to the first combination. In the normal sequence of the maintenance mode, both antennas are used while sequentially changing a predetermined frequency channel. In the retransmission sequence in the maintenance mode, the same data is transmitted a plurality of times during the communication period T at a communication frequency higher than that of the normal sequence using both antennas.

Next, the flowchart shown in FIG. 9A will be described.
In step S <b> 901, the opening / closing detection unit 22 detects that the housing opening / closing unit 40 is in a “closed” state, and notifies the control unit 21 that the housing opening / closing unit 40 is “closed”. Send. However, the battery module 10 does not directly detect that the casing opening / closing unit 40 is “closed”, but is notified from the assembled battery management device 20.
In step S902, the control unit 21 transmits instruction information for measuring the received signal strength in the maintenance mode in order to reset the combination of the frequency channel and the antenna in the operation mode in the battery module 10.

In step S903, the control unit 21 transmits the test signal while changing the combination of the frequency channel and the antenna. Then, the battery module 10 measures the received signal strength of the received test signal. The frequency channels of the test signal are used in a predetermined order.
In step S904, the control unit 21 completes transmission of all test signals.

In step S905, the control unit 21 collects the measurement results of the received signal strength from the battery module 10 using the maintenance mode. Then, based on the measurement result of the received signal strength collected from each battery module 10, the control unit 21 combines the first frequency channel and antenna combination (first combination), the second frequency channel and the antenna of the battery module 10. A combination (second combination) is determined.
In step S <b> 906, the control unit 21 performs a process of shifting the communication mode between the assembled battery management device 20 and the battery module 10 from the maintenance mode to the operation mode.

In step S907, the control unit 21 collects battery information from each battery module 10 using the operation mode.
In step S908, the control unit 21 turns on (connects) the switch 30 when the above-described predetermined condition is satisfied. Then, the assembled battery system 50 starts.

In the operation mode, when monitoring control instruction information is broadcast, a common frequency channel and antennas 5 and 6 (first combination) are used for all battery modules 10. However, since the combination of the optimal frequency channel for each battery module 10 and the antennas 5 and 6 is different, the combination of the frequency channel and the antennas 5 and 6 that does not provide an insufficient received signal strength for any battery module 10 is selected. The On the other hand, the second combination is used for performing wireless communication for each battery module 10. Therefore, the optimal combination of the frequency channel and the antennas 5 and 6 for each battery module 10 is set as the second combination.

It should be noted that only one of the antennas 25 and 26 of the battery pack management apparatus 20 may be used when sufficient received signal strength is given to the battery module 10.
In addition, either one of the antenna 5 and the antenna 6 of the battery module 10 may be used, or the received signal may be added using both. At that time, weighting may be performed according to the received signal strength, or the phase difference of the signals received by the antenna 5 and the antenna 6 may be compensated and added.

As described above, the assembled battery system 50 according to the second embodiment acquires the battery information of the battery cell 1 in both the opened state and the closed state of the casing opening / closing unit 40 of the casing 41 that houses the assembled battery system 50. can do.
Also, by properly using two antennas, the wireless communication quality can be improved and the success rate of communication can be increased as compared with the case of one antenna.

(Third embodiment)
In the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the maintenance system 51 includes an assembled battery system 50, a maintenance terminal 60 operated by a maintenance person, and a replacement battery module 10b. The assembled battery system 50, the maintenance terminal 60, and the replacement battery module 10b will be described with respect to a case in which exchange work is performed to replace the replacement battery module 10b with a failed battery module 10 while performing wireless communication with each other.

First, a function example of the maintenance system 51 in the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
The assembled battery system 50 included in the maintenance system 51 of the third embodiment is the same as the assembled battery system 50 of the first embodiment, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. Further, the replacement battery module 10b is the same as the battery module 10 incorporated in the assembled battery system 50, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

The maintenance terminal 60 includes a control unit (CTRL) 61, an input / output interface (I / F) 62, a storage unit (Memory) 63, a communication unit (COMM) 64, and an antenna 65.
The control unit 61 includes a CPU and a main memory or a microcomputer, and has a function of controlling the communication unit 64, the storage unit 63, and the input / output interface 62, and controlling the flow of information between the units 62 to 64.
The input / output interface 62 is a battery module ID list (battery module ID information) 131 in which battery information of the battery module 10 and ID information (identification information) of the battery module 10 stored in the assembled battery system 50 are described (see FIG. 13). The ID information of the replacement battery module 10b is input / output from / to an external device (not shown).
The storage unit 63 stores battery information of the battery module 10, a battery module ID list 131, and the like.
The communication unit 64 has a function of generating a wireless signal for wireless communication.
The antenna 65 has a function of transmitting and receiving radio signals to and from the assembled battery management device 20 and the replacement battery module 10b.

The input / output interface 62 transmits instruction information to the assembled battery management device 20 in accordance with the replacement work in order to specify the battery module 10 or replacement battery module 10b to be removed by a maintenance person who performs maintenance or replacement of the battery module 10. Or a function for inputting / outputting information when checking the exchange result. For example, an input / output device (not shown) such as a liquid crystal display, a keyboard, operation buttons, and a touch panel display is connected to the input / output interface 62.

Further, information other than the battery information collected during operation may be collected using the maintenance terminal 60. For example, usage history information such as the transition of the remaining charge amount of the battery cell 1, the number of charge / discharge cycles, and time is accumulated in the storage unit 3 of the battery module 10. Then, during maintenance, the maintenance terminal 60 transmits instruction information for instructing collection of usage history information to the assembled battery management device 20, and the usage history information is acquired via the assembled battery management device 20. Since the usage history information can clarify the characteristics and the like of the battery module 10, it is referred to when the battery module 10 is used in the assembled battery system 50.

Further, the maintenance terminal 60 can easily acquire information on the battery cell 1 that is necessary in various scenes such as manufacture, distribution, use, and disposal of the battery module 10. Thereby, the maintenance terminal 60 can be used for inventory management of the battery module 10 or for shipping inspection.

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the maintenance system 51 in the third embodiment. The maintenance terminal 60 is, for example, a terminal having a cross key, operation buttons, a display unit, or a tablet terminal having a touch panel display, like a mobile phone.

FIG. 12 shows an example of a replacement process flow of the battery module 10 in the third embodiment (see FIG. 10 as appropriate).
In step S1201, the maintenance terminal 60 performs wireless communication with the replacement battery module 10b and the assembled battery management device 20, and collects battery information. At this time, wireless communication is performed by polling. In addition, it is preferable that the maintenance terminal 60 performs carrier sense before transmission so as not to prevent wireless communication between the assembled battery management device 20 and the battery module 10.

In step S1202, the maintenance terminal 60 identifies the battery module 10 to be removed based on the battery information collected from the assembled battery management device 20, and updates the battery module ID list 131 stored in the assembled battery management device 20. The update of the battery module ID list 131 is to delete the ID information of the battery module 10 to be removed and add the ID information of the replacement battery module 10b to be attached instead. Thereby, the assembled battery management apparatus 20 recognizes that it is necessary to newly communicate with the replacement battery module 10b and acquire battery information.

In step S1203, the maintenance terminal 60 transmits instruction information with the assembled battery management device 20 as a communication destination to the replacement battery module 10b. Then, the replacement battery module 10b waits for information transmitted from the assembled battery management device 20.

In step S1204, the assembled battery management device 20 transmits instruction information for stopping communication with the assembled battery management device 20 to the battery module 10 to be removed based on the stored battery module ID list 131. .

In step S1205, the assembled battery management device 20 transmits instruction information for starting communication to the replacement battery module 10b. In contrast, when the replacement battery module 10b returns the response information, communication can be performed between the assembled battery management device 20 and the replacement battery module 10b. At this time, the assembled battery management device 20 may acquire the battery information of the replacement battery module 10b as response information.
In this way, with respect to communication, the replacement setting of the battery module 10 to be removed and the replacement battery module 10b is completed. The maintenance terminal 60 may wirelessly communicate with the removed battery module 10 and confirm whether or not the battery module 10 is definitely removed.

In step S1206, the maintenance work is completed, and the opening / closing detection unit 22 detects that the housing opening / closing unit 40 changes from the “open” state to the “closed” state.
In step S1207, the control unit 21 turns on (connects) the switch 30 when the above-described predetermined condition is satisfied. And the assembled battery system 50 starts an operation | movement with an operation mode, as demonstrated in the example of the processing flow of FIG.

FIG. 13 shows an example of the battery module ID list 131.
The battery module ID list 131 stores a battery module name 132, an ID 133, and a flag 134 in association with each other.
The battery module name 132 is the name of the battery module 10.
ID 133 is ID information (identification information) for identifying the battery module.
The flag 134 indicates information indicating whether or not the wireless communication target. For example, since the battery module A is continuously used, the flag 134 column is set to “0”. Since the battery module B is removed, the flag 134 column is set to “1 (removed)”. Since the battery module C is newly installed, the flag 134 column is set to “2 (newly installed)”.

The assembled battery management apparatus 20 stops communication with the battery module B when the flag 134 is “1 (removal)”. And the assembled battery management apparatus 20 deletes the line of the battery module B of the battery module ID list | wrist 131, after confirming that communication was stopped. Further, the assembled battery management device 20 starts communication with the battery module C when the flag 134 is “2 (newly installed)”. Then, after receiving the response from the battery module C, the assembled battery management device 20 updates the flag 134 column of the battery module C in the battery module ID list 131 to “0”.

FIG. 14 shows a communication sequence example in the third embodiment. In the communication sequence example of FIG. 14, the same reference numerals are used for the same processing portions as those in the processing flow shown in FIG. 12. Further, the battery module 10 to be removed is described as the battery module B. Further, the communication periods T1, T2, T3, and T4 are all equal to the communication period T. Further, the replacement battery module 10b is described as a battery module C.

In FIG. 14, the assembled battery management device 20 wirelessly communicates with the battery module A and the battery module B, and collects battery information at the communication cycle T1. The maintenance terminal 60 performs wireless communication with the assembled battery management device 20 and the battery module C (replacement battery module 10b) while the assembled battery management device 20 is not performing wireless communication, and collects battery information. (S1201). Note that either the communication between the maintenance terminal 60 and the assembled battery management device 20 or the communication between the maintenance terminal 60 and the battery module C (replacement battery module 10b) may be performed first.

In the communication cycle T2, the maintenance terminal 60 updates the battery module ID list 131 stored in the assembled battery management device 20 (S1202). And the maintenance terminal 60 transmits the instruction information which makes the assembled battery management apparatus 20 a communication destination with respect to the battery module C (replacement battery module 10b). (S1203). Note that either of the processes of S1202 and S1203 may be performed first.

In the next communication cycle T3, the assembled battery management device 20 transmits instruction information for stopping communication with the assembled battery management device 20 to the battery module B to be removed (S1204). The battery module B to be removed returns response information together with the battery information (S1301).
Then, the assembled battery management device 20 transmits instruction information for starting communication to the battery module C (replacement battery module 10b), and the battery module C returns response information (S1205). Note that the maintenance terminal 60 may wirelessly communicate with the removed battery module B and confirm whether or not the battery module B is definitely removed (S1302).

In the communication cycle T4, the assembled battery management device 2 collects battery information from the battery module A and the battery module C.

As described above, when the configuration of the maintenance system 51 according to the third embodiment is applied, the battery module 10 can be replaced while collecting battery information by wireless communication. That is, the maintenance system 51 can select a replacement battery module 10b that is close to the cell voltage of another battery module 10 in the assembled battery system 50.
Further, since the battery system can acquire the battery information during the replacement work, the maintenance system 51 allows the cell voltage of the replacement battery module 10b to be almost equal to the cell voltage of the other battery modules 10 in the assembled battery system 50. Can be adjusted.
In addition, since the battery information of the battery module 10 removed from the assembled battery system 50 and the battery information of the replacement battery module 10b before being attached can be acquired on the spot, the maintenance system 51 can reduce maintenance and replacement man-hours.
In addition, since the battery module 10 can be operated while acquiring battery information during maintenance or replacement, the maintenance system 51 confirms the battery information before connecting the assembled battery systems 50 and is in a connectable state. Only the switch 30 connected to the electrode terminal 31 can be turned on to prevent an excessive charging current or discharging current from flowing into the battery module 10.
Further, since the maintenance system 51 can acquire battery information for management and shipment inspection of the battery module 10 stored for maintenance, replacement, and assembly by wireless communication, the storage, management, and shipment inspection of the battery module 10 can be performed. It becomes easy.

Note that the communication cycle T of wireless communication may be the same every time or may be a different length every time. Moreover, when the time after the assembled battery management apparatus 20 finishes collecting battery information is long, a plurality of step processes shown in FIGS. At this time, the frequency channel used for wireless communication may be changed in the order of arrangement set in advance in the maintenance mode.

In addition, this invention is not limited to above-described embodiment, Various modifications are included. For example, the above-described embodiment has been described in detail for easy understanding of the present invention, and is not necessarily limited to one having all the configurations described. In addition, a part of the configuration of a certain embodiment can be replaced with the configuration of another embodiment, and the configuration of another embodiment can be added to the configuration of a certain embodiment. In addition, it is possible to add, delete, and replace other configurations for a part of the configuration of each embodiment.
In addition, each configuration and function of the assembled battery management device 20, the control units 21 and 61, the battery information acquisition unit 2, and the like are realized by hardware by designing a part or all of them, for example, with an integrated circuit. Also good. Moreover, each structure, function, etc. of the control parts 21 and 61 and the battery information acquisition part 2 may be implement | achieved by software, when a processor interprets and executes the program which implement | achieves each function. Information such as programs, tables, and files for realizing each function is stored in a memory, a recording device such as a hard disk or SSD (Solid State Drive), or a recording medium such as an IC card, SD card, or DVD (Digital Versatile Disc). be able to.
In addition, the control lines and information lines are those that are considered necessary for the explanation, and not all the control lines and information lines on the product are necessarily shown. In practice, it may be considered that almost all configurations are connected to each other.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Battery cell 2 Battery information acquisition part 3,23,63 Storage part 4,24,64 Communication part (wireless communication part)
5, 6, 25, 26, 65 Antenna 10, 10a Battery module 10b Replacement battery module 20, 20a Battery pack management device 21, 61 Control unit 22 Open / close detection unit 30 Switch 31 Electrode terminal 32 External communication interface terminal 40 Case open / close Unit 41 Case 50, 50a Battery pack system 51 Maintenance system 60 Maintenance terminal 62 Input / output interface 131 Battery module ID list (battery module ID information)

Claims (15)

1. A battery module that is housed in a shielded housing and has a wireless communication unit that wirelessly transmits battery information of battery cells;
   An assembled battery management device that is housed in the housing together with the battery module, and acquires the battery information by changing a communication mode corresponding to a wireless propagation environment between the battery module;
   An assembled battery system comprising:
2. The assembled battery management device includes:
   An open / close detection unit for detecting when the housing is open and when the housing is closed;
   When the casing is open, wireless communication is performed in the first communication mode with the battery module,
   2. The assembled battery system according to claim 1, wherein when the casing is closed, wireless communication is performed with the battery module in a second communication mode.
3. The assembled battery management device includes:
   In the first communication mode, the frequency channel used for each communication cycle is changed,
   The assembled battery system according to claim 2, wherein a frequency channel to be used is fixed in the second communication mode.
4. The assembled battery management device includes:
   A plurality of the battery modules are provided,
   4. The assembled battery system according to claim 3, wherein one of the frequency channels is commonly used for the plurality of battery modules.
5. The said assembled battery management apparatus transmits the instruction information which instruct | indicates switching to the said 1st communication mode and the said 2nd communication mode to the said battery module, The Claim 2 characterized by the above-mentioned. Battery pack system.
6. The battery module includes an opening / closing detection unit that detects opening / closing of the housing,
   The assembled battery management device and the battery module perform switching between the first communication mode and the second communication mode based on a detection result of each open / close detection unit. The assembled battery system according to Item 2.
7. A switch is provided at both ends when the battery module including the battery cell is connected in series, parallel or in series,
   The assembled battery system according to claim 1, wherein the assembled battery management device controls connection or disconnection of the switch.
8. 8. The battery pack management device according to claim 7, wherein the switch is disconnected when the casing is open, and the switch is connected when the casing is closed. The assembled battery system described in 1.
9. The assembled battery system according to claim 7, wherein the assembled battery management device controls the switch based on battery information of the battery module.
10. The assembled battery system according to claim 1, wherein the assembled battery management device receives notification information for notifying an open / closed state of the casing from the outside.
11. 2. The assembled battery system according to claim 1, wherein the assembled battery management device determines an open / closed state of the housing based on a received signal strength of a radio signal transmitted from the battery module.
12. Each of the assembled battery management device and the battery module includes a plurality of antennas,
    The assembled battery system according to claim 2, wherein the antennas different in the first communication mode and the second communication mode are used.
13. The frequency channel used in the second communication mode is determined by transmitting a test signal from the assembled battery management device to the battery module when the casing is changed from an open state to a closed state. The assembled battery system according to claim 2, wherein:
14. The assembled battery management device includes:
    When the case is closed, wireless communication only with the battery module,
    The assembled battery system according to claim 1, wherein when the casing is open, wireless communication is performed with the battery module and a maintenance terminal other than the battery module.
15. The battery module is
    The assembled battery system according to claim 3, wherein the battery information is returned using the received frequency channel.

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