JP2005328620A - Battery managing device for battery vehicle, battery vehicle, battery managing system for battery vehicle, and battery managing method for battery vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To manage necessary data easily and efficiently in case that the user wants to grasp the situation in which a battery is used in the long run so as to determine the battery life of a battery vehicle. <P>SOLUTION: A battery capacity data acquisition means 30 acquires residual capacity data on the residual quantity of the electric variable accumulated in a battery 9. A time clocking means 31 clocks the time when the residual capacity data, are acquired and the unit period P. A minimum value storage means 33 stores the minimum value of the residual capacity data in every unit period P. A minimum value determining means 34 compares the residual capacity data and the residual capacity data stored in the minimum value storage means 33 within the unit period P, based on the time clocking results, each time the residual capacity data are acquired anew, and determines the side of a smaller value a minimum value. A minimum value updating means 35 updates the residual capacity data stored in the minimum value storage means 33 into the residual capacity data being determined to be the minimum value with the minimum value determining means 34. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a battery management device for battery vehicles, a battery vehicle, a battery management system for battery vehicles, and a battery management method for battery vehicles.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a management method for managing battery information of a battery provided in a battery vehicle that is driven by electric power supplied from a battery (see Patent Document 1). In the battery information management method described in Patent Literature 1, the battery vehicle operating state data is continuously collected by a controller provided in the battery vehicle, and the battery life is managed based on the operating state data. The battery information data is calculated every predetermined time. Then, the controller outputs the operation state data and the battery information data to the external storage device in time series in the order of collection, and the external storage device stores these data in the storage medium in time series. In the battery management method described in Patent Document 1, the battery information is managed by displaying it as a graph or data list on another computer based on the data stored in the storage medium or by printing it out. It is.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-120999 (page 4, FIG. 3)

  However, the battery information management method described in Patent Document 1 described above is for acquiring desired data for determining the life when it is desired to grasp the situation where the battery is used for determining the battery life in the long term. Each time, a complicated process for processing a huge amount of data collected in time series is required. In addition, all the information related to the operating state and the battery is stored in time series, which requires a large storage capacity and complicates the data processing in the controller provided in the battery vehicle.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and easily and efficiently manages necessary data when it is desired to grasp a long-term situation in which a battery is used to determine the battery life of a battery vehicle. An object of the present invention is to provide a battery management device for a battery vehicle, a battery vehicle, a battery management system for the battery vehicle, and a battery management method for the battery vehicle, which can reduce the storage capacity and can easily process the data. To do.

Means and effects for solving the problems

A battery management device for a battery vehicle according to the present invention relates to a battery management device for managing a battery while being provided in a battery vehicle driven by electric power supplied from a battery.
And the battery management apparatus of the battery vehicle which concerns on this invention has the following some features, in order to achieve the said objective. That is, the present invention comprises the following features alone or in appropriate combination.

  In order to achieve the above object, a first feature of the battery management device for a battery vehicle according to the present invention is a battery capacity data acquisition means for acquiring remaining capacity data relating to a remaining amount of electricity stored in the battery; Time measuring means for measuring the time when the remaining capacity data is acquired by the battery capacity data acquiring means and a predetermined unit period set in advance, and the remaining capacity data for each unit period measured by the time measuring means A minimum value storage means for storing the minimum value, and each time the remaining capacity data is newly acquired, the newly acquired remaining capacity data and the remaining capacity data stored in the minimum value storage means Based on the measurement result of the time measuring means, a minimum value determination is made such that the smaller one of the unit periods is determined as the minimum value. And minimum value update means for updating the remaining capacity data stored in the minimum value storage means to the remaining capacity data determined as the minimum value by the minimum value determination means.

  According to this configuration, each time the remaining capacity data is acquired, the acquired remaining capacity data is compared with the minimum value data already stored within a predetermined unit period, and only the smaller one of the values is stored. It is stored as minimum value data. For this reason, the minimum value data of the remaining capacity data for each predetermined unit period can be easily obtained with a simple configuration. Generally, a battery becomes an overdischarged state when the stored amount of electricity is less than a predetermined value, and if the overdischarged state occurs frequently, the battery life is shortened. However, according to the present invention, only the minimum value data of the remaining capacity data for each predetermined unit period can be easily obtained with a simple configuration. For this reason, when it is desired to grasp the situation in which the battery is used in order to determine the battery life of the battery vehicle in the long term, necessary data can be managed easily and efficiently. Further, the storage capacity can be reduced and the data processing is easy.

  A second feature of the battery management apparatus for a battery vehicle according to the present invention is that a maximum value storage means for storing a maximum value of the remaining capacity data for each unit period measured by the time measuring means, and the remaining capacity data Each time it is newly acquired, the newly acquired remaining capacity data and the remaining capacity data stored in the maximum value storage means are included in the unit period based on the measurement result of the time measuring means. The maximum value determining means for determining the larger one of the values as the maximum value and the remaining capacity data stored in the maximum value storing means are determined as the maximum value by the maximum value determining means. And a maximum value updating means for updating the remaining capacity data.

  According to this configuration, each time the remaining capacity data is acquired, the acquired remaining capacity data is compared with the maximum value data that is already stored within a predetermined unit period, and only the larger one of them is the maximum value. It will be stored as data. For this reason, the maximum value data of the remaining capacity data for each predetermined unit period can be easily obtained with a simple configuration. As for the remaining capacity data, the minimum value data and the maximum value data for each predetermined unit period can be easily obtained with a simple configuration. Can be managed easily and efficiently.

  According to a third aspect of the battery management device for a battery vehicle of the present invention, the minimum value storage means sets the remaining capacity data first acquired within the unit period by the battery capacity data acquisition means to the minimum in the unit period. And storing the remaining capacity data first acquired within the unit period by the battery capacity data acquiring unit as an initial value of the maximum value in the unit period. It is.

  According to this configuration, since the remaining capacity data acquired first within a predetermined unit period is used as it is as the initial value of the maximum value and the minimum value of the remaining capacity data, data processing can be performed easily and smoothly.

  A fourth feature of the battery management apparatus for a battery vehicle according to the present invention is that the unit period is a period set with one day as one unit.

  According to this configuration, the minimum value data of the remaining capacity data can be easily obtained with a simple configuration on a daily basis. When work status is managed on a daily basis, the battery is often charged on a daily basis. In such a case, the battery is used to determine the battery life. When it is desired to grasp the situation over the long term, necessary data can be managed easily and efficiently.

  According to a fifth aspect of the battery management device for a battery vehicle of the present invention, the terminal device is configured to associate the minimum value data of the remaining capacity data for each unit period stored in the minimum value storage unit with the unit period. It is further provided with a communication means for transmitting.

  According to this configuration, the terminal device provided separately from the management device can grasp the minimum value data of the remaining capacity data for each predetermined unit period. Therefore, data for determining the battery life of each battery vehicle can be managed intensively by collecting data from a plurality of battery vehicles in a remote place. Moreover, the data for judging the lifetime of the battery of each battery vehicle individually can also be managed by collecting data from the battery management device in each battery vehicle as needed.

  According to a sixth feature of the battery management device for a battery vehicle of the present invention, the communication means corresponds to the unit period corresponding to the maximum value data of the remaining capacity data for each unit period stored in the maximum value storage means. In addition, it is further transmitted to the terminal device.

  According to this configuration, in the terminal device provided separately from the management device, it is possible to grasp the maximum value data of the remaining capacity data for each predetermined unit period. Therefore, data for judging the battery usage status of each battery vehicle can be managed intensively by collecting data from a plurality of battery vehicles in a remote place. Moreover, the data for judging the use condition of the battery of each battery vehicle can also be managed individually by collecting data from the battery management device in each battery vehicle as needed.

  According to a first aspect of the battery management system for a battery vehicle for achieving the above object, there is provided the battery management device provided in each of a plurality of battery vehicles, the battery management device having the fifth feature. The present invention relates to a battery management system for a plurality of battery vehicles. The battery management system according to the first aspect of the present invention provides a minimum of the remaining capacity data for each unit period stored in the minimum value storage means from the plurality of battery management devices via the communication means. The terminal device that receives value data in association with the unit period is provided.

  According to this configuration, even when the plurality of battery vehicles are individually operated, the minimum value data of the remaining capacity data for each predetermined unit period of each battery vehicle is collectively collected by the terminal device. I can grasp it. Therefore, the data for judging each battery life of a some battery vehicle can be managed efficiently.

  According to a second aspect of the battery management system for a battery vehicle for achieving the above object, there is provided the battery management device provided in each of a plurality of battery vehicles, the battery management device having the sixth feature thereof. The present invention relates to a battery management system for a plurality of battery vehicles. The battery management system according to the second aspect of the present invention provides a minimum of the remaining capacity data for each unit period stored in the minimum value storage means from the plurality of battery management devices via the communication means. The value data is received in association with the unit period, and the maximum value data of the remaining capacity data for each unit period stored in each maximum value storage unit is received in association with the unit period. A terminal device is provided.

  According to this configuration, even when a plurality of battery vehicles are individually operated, the minimum value data and the maximum value data of the remaining capacity data for each predetermined unit period of each battery vehicle are stored in the terminal device. Can be grasped collectively. Therefore, when it is desired to grasp the situation in which each battery is used in order to determine the lifetime of each battery of a plurality of battery vehicles, it is possible to easily and efficiently manage necessary data.

  In addition, a battery vehicle according to the present invention for achieving the above-described object is characterized by including the above-described battery management device of the present invention.

  According to this structure, there exists an effect similar to the battery management apparatus of this invention mentioned above.

  According to a first aspect of the battery management method for a battery vehicle for achieving the above-mentioned object, a battery vehicle for managing the battery by a battery management device provided in the battery vehicle driven by electric power supplied from the battery is provided. The present invention relates to a battery management method. And the battery management method which concerns on the said 1st invention WHEREIN: The battery capacity data acquisition step which acquires the remaining capacity data regarding the remaining amount of the electric charge stored in the said battery in the said battery management apparatus, The said battery management In the apparatus, a time measuring step of measuring the time when the remaining capacity data is acquired by the battery capacity data acquiring step and a predetermined unit period set in advance, and the time measuring step in the battery management apparatus The minimum value storing step for storing the minimum value of the remaining capacity data for each unit period to be measured, and each time the remaining capacity data is newly acquired by the battery management device, the newly acquired The remaining capacity data and the remaining capacity data stored in the minimum value storing step are Based on the measurement result, a minimum value determination step for determining a smaller one of the unit values as a minimum value within the unit period, and the minimum value storing step in the battery management device. A minimum value updating step of updating the remaining capacity data to the remaining capacity data determined as the minimum value in the minimum value determining step.

According to this configuration, each time the remaining capacity data is acquired, the acquired remaining capacity data is compared with the minimum value data already stored within a predetermined unit period, and only the smaller one of the values is stored. It is stored as minimum value data. For this reason, the minimum value data of the remaining capacity data for each predetermined unit period can be easily obtained with a simple configuration. Generally, a battery becomes an overdischarged state when the stored amount of electricity is less than a predetermined value, and if the overdischarged state occurs frequently, the battery life is shortened. However, according to the present invention, only the minimum value data of the remaining capacity data for each predetermined unit period can be easily obtained with a simple configuration. For this reason, when it is desired to grasp the situation in which the battery is used in order to determine the battery life of the battery vehicle in the long term, necessary data can be managed easily and efficiently. Further, the storage capacity can be reduced and the data processing is easy.
In general, in a battery vehicle, the level of the remaining amount of electricity stored in the battery is often displayed to an operator driving the battery vehicle with a meter or the like. In the present invention, it is only necessary to acquire the data for displaying the level of the remaining amount of electricity of the battery with a meter or the like as it is in the battery capacity data acquisition step, and the data necessary for battery life determination is simply configured. Can be obtained efficiently.

  According to a second aspect of the battery management method for a battery vehicle for achieving the above object, in the battery management method of the first aspect, the unit measured in the time measurement step in the battery management device. A maximum value storing step for storing the maximum value of the remaining capacity data for each period; and each time the remaining capacity data is newly acquired by the battery management device, the newly acquired remaining capacity data and the The maximum value for comparing the remaining capacity data stored in the maximum value storage step with the larger one of the values within the unit period based on the measurement result in the time measurement step. The remaining capacity data stored in the maximum value storage step in the battery management device is determined as the maximum value in the maximum value determination step. Characterized in that it further comprises a maximum value updating step, the updating to the remaining capacity data.

  According to this configuration, each time the remaining capacity data is acquired, the acquired remaining capacity data is compared with the maximum value data already stored within a predetermined unit period, and only the larger one of the values is stored. It is stored as maximum value data. For this reason, the maximum value data of the remaining capacity data for each predetermined unit period can be easily obtained with a simple configuration. As for the remaining capacity data, the minimum value data and the maximum value data for each predetermined unit period can be easily obtained with a simple configuration. Can be managed easily and efficiently.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a side view of a battery forklift 1 (hereinafter also referred to as a forklift 1) that is an example of a battery vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. A forklift 1 shown in FIG. 1 is configured as, for example, a four-wheel vehicle for front wheel drive and rear wheel steering. The forklift 1 is provided with a pair of left and right outer masts 2 and an inner mast 3 that can be moved up and down. A fork 4 is suspended from the inner mast 3 so as to be able to move up and down through a chain (not shown) hung on a sprocket (not shown). The outer mast 2 is connected to the body frame 1a of the forklift 1 via a tilt cylinder 5 so as to be tiltable. The fork 4 moves up and down when the lift cylinder 6 is driven and the inner mast 3 moves up and down.

  As shown in the schematic diagram of the forklift 1 in FIG. 2, the forklift 1 is used to load power of a traveling motor 7 that is an electric motor for traveling that drives driving wheels, and a hydraulic pump that drives the tilt cylinder 5 and the lift cylinder 6. And a cargo handling motor 8 which is an electric motor. The travel motor 7 and the cargo handling motor 8 are similarly driven by electric power supplied from a battery 9 mounted on the forklift 1. That is, the forklift 1 is configured as a battery vehicle driven by electric power supplied from the battery 9. The battery 9 is connected to a battery charger (not shown) and appropriately charged at, for example, the night after the end of a day of work by the forklift 1 or at the time of a work break during lunch break.

  The forklift 1 also includes a traveling cargo handling controller 10, an information terminal 11, a meter 12, and the like. The traveling cargo handling controller 10 controls the driving of the traveling motor 7 and the cargo handling motor 8 and outputs data related to the traveling state and the cargo handling state of the forklift 1 to the meter 12 as needed. Further, the traveling cargo handling controller 10 performs an operation for estimating the remaining amount of electricity stored in the battery 9 based on detection values from various sensors (current sensor, voltage sensor, etc.) that detect the state of the battery 9. Do. Based on the calculation result, remaining capacity data relating to the remaining amount of electricity stored in the battery 9 is output to the meter 12 as needed. The traveling cargo handling controller 10 also outputs the remaining capacity data to the information terminal 11 as needed.

  The meter 12 is configured to include, for example, an LED display, a liquid crystal display, and the like, and displays data related to the traveling cargo handling state and remaining capacity data input from the traveling cargo handling controller 10 in a predetermined format. As a result, the operator who is the driver of the forklift 1 is informed of data relating to the traveling cargo handling state and remaining capacity data as needed. FIG. 3 shows a display example of remaining capacity data in the meter 12. The remaining capacity data is, for example, 10-level level data of 1 to 10 proportional to the remaining amount of electricity (including the level “0” where the remaining amount of electricity is zero, that is, the amount of electricity is not stored) 11 level data of 10 to 10). In FIG. 3, each bar displayed so as to be stacked toward the upper side displays each level of the remaining 10 levels. In this FIG. The state of level “10”, which is a state in which a limited amount of electricity is charged, is illustrated.

  The information terminal 11 is provided in the forklift 1 and constitutes a battery management apparatus according to the present embodiment for managing the battery 9. The information terminal 11 is connected to the traveling cargo handling controller 10, and the remaining capacity data described above is input from the traveling cargo handling controller 10. Based on the input remaining capacity data, as will be described later, the minimum value and the maximum value of the remaining capacity data for each predetermined unit period are stored. The information terminal 11 includes a wireless communication device (mobile station) 13 (the wireless communication device 13 is connected to the main body of the information terminal 11), and the minimum value and maximum value data of the remaining capacity data are stored. The data can be transmitted to the management computer (terminal device) 14 via the wireless communication device 13. In addition, the management computer 14 is configured by, for example, a personal computer and includes a wireless communication device (fixed station) 15 (the wireless communication device 15 is connected to the main body of the management computer 14). The management computer 14 can wirelessly communicate with the information terminal 11 via the wireless communication devices 13 and 15. The wireless communicator 13 may also be connected to the traveling cargo handling controller 10, and in this case, the management computer 14 and the traveling cargo handling controller 10 may be capable of wireless communication.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the information terminal 11 together with the traveling cargo handling controller 10 and the like. The traveling cargo handling controller 10 includes communication interfaces (communication I / F) 24 and 25 and various interfaces (various I / F) 26. The communication I / F 24 is connected to the communication interface (communication I / F) 23 of the meter 12, thereby enabling communication of data such as remaining capacity data between the traveling cargo handling controller 10 and the meter 12. It has become. The communication I / F 25 is connected to the communication interface (communication I / F) 20 of the information terminal 11 so that the traveling cargo handling controller 10 can output the remaining capacity data to the information terminal 11. Yes. Various I / Fs 26 are provided in the battery 9 to control various sensors (current sensors, voltage sensors, etc.) 29 that detect the state (current / voltage, etc.) of the battery 9 and supply current from the battery 9. A control circuit 27 that outputs the drive current of the traveling motor 7 and a control circuit 28 that controls the supply of current from the battery 9 and outputs the drive current of the cargo handling motor 8 are connected. The travel motor 7 and the cargo handling motor 8 are driven by the current supplied from the battery 9 when the control circuit 27 and the control circuit 28 are operated based on a command from the travel cargo handling controller 10. The traveling cargo handling controller 10 calculates remaining capacity data related to the remaining amount of electricity stored in the battery 9 based on signals input from the various sensors 29.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the information terminal 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 16, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 17, and a RAM (Random Access Memory). Memory) 18, real-time clock IC 19, communication interface (communication I / F) 20, 21 and backup battery 22 are provided.

  The communication I / F 20 allows the remaining capacity data output from the traveling cargo handling controller 10 to be input. Then, the remaining capacity data is input to the CPU 16 via the communication I / F 20. The ROM 17 stores various software including a program for executing processing as the battery management apparatus according to the present embodiment, and is read and executed by the CPU 16 as appropriate. The RAM 18 stores various data such as data generated by executing a program for executing processing as a battery management device. Note that a backup battery 22 is connected to the RAM 18 so that power is supplied from the backup battery 22 when the power supply is cut off, so that stored data is not lost.

  The real time clock IC 19 is connected to the CPU 16, measures time, and outputs data related to time to the CPU 16. Note that a backup battery 22 is connected to the real-time clock IC 19 so that power is supplied from the backup battery 22 when power supply is cut off. The communication I / F 21 includes a wireless communication device 13 and transmits data generated by executing a program for processing as a battery management device to the management computer 14 by wireless communication.

  By combining the hardware and software described above, each unit (30 to 38) shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. 5 is built in the information terminal 11, and each step of the battery management method according to the present embodiment is executed. Is done.

  FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram illustrating the configuration of the information terminal 11. As shown in the figure, the information terminal 11 includes a battery capacity data acquisition unit (battery capacity data acquisition unit) 30, a time measurement unit (time measurement unit) 31, a communication unit (communication unit) 32, and a minimum value storage. Section (minimum value storage means) 33, minimum value determination section (minimum value determination means) 34, minimum value update section (minimum value update means) 35, maximum value storage section (maximum value storage means) 36, maximum A value determination unit (maximum value determination unit) 37 and a maximum value update unit (maximum value update unit) 38 are provided.

  The battery capacity data acquisition unit 30 is realized by the communication I / F 20 and the CPU 16, and obtains the above-mentioned remaining capacity data related to the remaining amount of electricity stored in the battery 9 from the traveling cargo handling controller 10 as needed (for example, in the information terminal 11). For every predetermined processing cycle time). That is, in the battery capacity data acquisition unit 30, as described in FIG. 3, the same level data as any one of “0” to “10” level data output from the traveling cargo handling controller 10 to the meter 12 is obtained. It is acquired from time to time as remaining capacity data. In addition, the battery capacity data acquisition step in the battery management method of this embodiment is performed by the operation of the battery capacity data acquisition unit 30.

  The time measuring unit 31 is realized by the real time clock IC 19 and the CPU 16 and measures the time when the remaining capacity data is acquired by the battery capacity data acquiring unit 30 and a predetermined unit period P set in advance. As the predetermined unit period P set in advance, for example, if the work status is managed in units of one day, one day is set as one unit according to the work management form. It is set as a period. Therefore, the time measuring unit 31 always measures time, and when the remaining capacity data is acquired, the time of the acquired timing (for example, a time consisting of “year / month / day / hour / minute / second”). (Data) is grasped (acquired), and unit period data (data consisting of “year / month / day” specifying the unit period P) to which the time data of the obtained timing belongs is grasped (acquired). In addition, the operation | movement of this time measurement part 31 performs the time measurement step in the battery management method of this embodiment.

  The minimum value storage unit 33 is configured by the RAM 18 and stores the minimum value of the remaining capacity data for each unit period P measured by the time measurement unit 31. In the minimum value storage unit 33, first, the remaining capacity data first acquired in the unit period P by the battery capacity data acquiring unit 30 is stored as an initial value of the minimum value of the remaining capacity data in the unit period P. Only one remaining capacity data for one unit period P is stored in association with the unit period P as the minimum value. The minimum value storage step in the battery management method of this embodiment is executed by the operation of the minimum value storage unit 33.

  The minimum value determination unit 34 is realized by the CPU 16 and is stored in the newly acquired remaining capacity data and the minimum value storage unit 33 each time the remaining capacity data is newly acquired by the battery capacity data acquisition unit 30. The remaining capacity data is compared within the unit period P based on the measurement result of the time measuring unit 31, and the smaller one of them is determined as the minimum value. That is, at the stage when the remaining capacity data is newly acquired, the minimum value storage unit 33 has only one remaining capacity data as the minimum value for the unit period P corresponding to the acquired remaining capacity data. Are stored in association with each other. Then, the remaining capacity data stored as the minimum value and the newly acquired remaining capacity data are compared, and the smaller value is determined as the minimum value. As the remaining capacity data, any one of the numerical data “0” to “10” corresponding to the level data corresponds, and the smaller of the numerical data is determined as the minimum value of the remaining capacity data. The minimum value determination step in the battery management method of this embodiment is executed by the operation of the minimum value determination unit 34.

  The minimum value update unit 35 is realized by the CPU 16, and every time the minimum value is determined by the minimum value determination unit 34, the minimum value determination unit 34 converts the remaining capacity data stored in the minimum value storage unit 33. The remaining capacity data determined to be the minimum value is updated. As a result, each time the remaining capacity data is newly acquired, the data stored as the minimum value of the remaining capacity data so far is compared with the newly acquired remaining capacity data, and then a new minimum value data is obtained. Will be updated. The minimum value update step in the battery management method of this embodiment is executed by the operation of the minimum value update unit 35.

  The maximum value storage unit 36 is configured by the RAM 18 and stores the maximum value of the remaining capacity data for each unit period P measured by the time measurement unit 31. In the maximum value storage unit 36, first, the remaining capacity data first acquired in the unit period P by the battery capacity data acquiring unit 30 is stored as an initial value of the maximum value of the remaining capacity data in the unit period P. Only one remaining capacity data for one unit period P is stored in association with the unit period P as the maximum value. The maximum value storage step in the battery management method of this embodiment is executed by the operation of the maximum value storage unit 36.

  The maximum value determination unit 37 is realized by the CPU 16 and is stored in the newly acquired remaining capacity data and the maximum value storage unit 36 each time the remaining capacity data is newly acquired by the battery capacity data acquisition unit 30. The remaining capacity data is compared within the unit period P based on the measurement result of the time measuring unit 31, and the larger one of them is determined as the maximum value. That is, at the stage when the remaining capacity data is newly acquired, the maximum value storage unit 36 has only one remaining capacity data as the maximum value for the unit period P corresponding to the acquired remaining capacity data. Are stored in association with each other. Then, the remaining capacity data stored as the maximum value and the newly acquired remaining capacity data are compared, and the larger value is determined as the maximum value. As described above, as the remaining capacity data, any numerical data from “0” to “10” corresponding to the level data corresponds, so the larger of the numerical data is determined as the maximum value of the remaining capacity data. Is done. Note that the maximum value determination step in the battery management method of the present embodiment is executed by the operation of the maximum value determination unit 37.

  The maximum value update unit 38 is realized by the CPU 16, and the maximum value determination unit 37 stores the remaining capacity data stored in the maximum value storage unit 36 every time the maximum value determination unit 37 determines the maximum value. The remaining capacity data determined to be the maximum value is updated. As a result, each time new remaining capacity data is acquired, the data stored as the maximum value of the remaining capacity data so far is compared with the newly acquired remaining capacity data, and then the new maximum value data. Will be updated. The maximum value update step in the battery management method of the present embodiment is executed by the operation of the maximum value update unit 38.

  The communication unit 32 is realized by the communication I / F 21 configured by the wireless communication device 13 and the CPU 16, and stores the minimum value data of the remaining capacity data for each unit period P stored in the minimum value storage unit 33 in the unit period. The data is transmitted to the management computer 14 in association with P. In addition, the communication unit 32 manages the maximum value data of the remaining capacity data for each unit period P stored in the maximum value storage unit 36 in association with the unit period P together with the transmission of the minimum value data. Send to computer 14. The transmission timing of the minimum value data and the maximum value data of the remaining capacity data for each unit period P can be set in various ways. For example, it may be transmitted according to the operation of the operator who is operating the forklift 1 or the operator of the management computer 14, or it may be transmitted periodically at regular intervals, or various settings may be made. Can do. Note that when the communication unit 32 transmits the minimum value data and the maximum value data, the minimum value storage unit 34 and the maximum value storage unit 36 may delete the storage regarding the minimum value data and the maximum value data.

  Next, processing (processing for executing each step of the battery management method according to the present embodiment) in the battery management device (terminal device 11) according to the present embodiment described above will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. To do.

  First, when the forklift 1 is activated and the operation is started (power-on state), that is, when the power supply from the battery 9 is started, the processing in the information terminal 11 is also started. First, in step 101 (hereinafter also referred to as S101. The same applies to other steps), the determination of whether or not the remaining capacity data (level data) has been acquired is repeated until the remaining capacity data is acquired (S101). , NO). If it is determined that the remaining capacity data has been acquired (S101, YES), data relating to the date to which the time (time) when the remaining capacity data was acquired (that is, the unit period P to which the acquired time belongs) In addition, it is acquired (understood) (S102).

  Then, it is determined whether or not the maximum value data of the remaining capacity data is already stored within the date that is the unit period P corresponding to the newly acquired remaining capacity data (within the acquisition date) (S103). . If the maximum value data has already been stored (S103, YES), it is determined whether the newly acquired remaining capacity data is larger than the already stored maximum value data (S104). If the maximum value data is not stored in step 103 (S103, NO), the newly acquired remaining capacity data is stored as the initial value of the maximum value data (S105).

  If it is determined in step 104 that the newly acquired remaining capacity data is larger than the maximum value data that has already been stored (YES in S104), the storage of the maximum value data is updated and newly acquired. The remaining capacity data is stored as new maximum value data (S105). If it is determined in step 104 that the newly acquired remaining capacity data is not larger than the maximum value data already stored (S104, NO), the maximum value data is not stored and updated.

  The unit corresponding to the newly acquired remaining capacity data is continued both when the maximum value data storage update is not performed (S104, NO) and when the maximum value data storage update is performed (S105). It is determined whether or not the minimum value data of the remaining capacity data is already stored within the date that is the period P (within the acquisition date) (S106). If the minimum value data is already stored (S106, YES), it is determined whether or not the newly acquired remaining capacity data is smaller than the already stored minimum value data (S107). If the minimum value data is not stored in step 106 (S106, NO), the newly acquired remaining capacity data is stored as the initial value of the minimum value data (S108).

  If it is determined in step 107 that the newly acquired remaining capacity data is smaller than the already stored minimum value data (S107, YES), the storage of the minimum value data is updated and newly acquired. The remaining capacity data is stored as new minimum value data (S108). If it is determined in step 107 that the newly acquired remaining capacity data is not smaller than the already stored minimum value data (S107, NO), the storage of the minimum value data is not updated.

  In the case where the storage update of the minimum value data has not been performed (S107, NO) and the storage update of the minimum value data have been performed (S108), the power-on state (that is, the power from the battery 9) It is determined whether or not the state in which the supply is performed continues (S109). If it is determined that the power-on state continues (S109, YES), the processing after step 101 is repeated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the power-on state does not continue (S109, NO), the process shown in FIG. 6 ends.

  In the information terminal 11, the above-described processing is performed, and the minimum value data and the maximum value data of the remaining capacity data for each unit period P stored in the information terminal 11 are managed via the communication unit 32 as described above. 14 is received. FIG. 7 shows an example of the battery capacity transition displayed on the display of the management computer 14 based on the received data. The example of FIG. 7 is a graph showing the remaining capacity transition of a battery used by being attached to a specific forklift in a specific month (XX month) in a specific year. As shown in FIG. 7, the maximum value and the minimum value of the remaining capacity data for each date (unit period P) can be clearly and easily grasped.

  As described above, according to the information terminal 11 that is the battery management device of the present embodiment and the battery management method of the present embodiment, every time the remaining capacity data is acquired, the acquired remaining capacity data is converted into a predetermined unit. Compared with the minimum value data already stored within the period P, only the smaller value is stored as the minimum value data. For this reason, the minimum value data of the remaining capacity data for each unit period P can be easily obtained with a simple configuration. Generally, a battery becomes an overdischarged state when the stored amount of electricity is less than a predetermined value, and if the overdischarged state occurs frequently, the battery life is shortened. However, according to the present invention, only the minimum value data of the remaining capacity data for each unit period P can be easily obtained with a simple configuration. For this reason, when it is desired to grasp the situation in which the battery 9 is used in order to determine the battery life of the battery forklift 1, it is possible to easily and efficiently manage necessary data. In addition, the storage capacity of the RAM 18 can be reduced, and data processing is easy.

  Usually, in a battery forklift, the level of the remaining amount of electricity stored in the battery is often displayed to an operator operating the battery forklift with a meter or the like. In the present invention, it is only necessary to acquire the data for displaying the level of the remaining amount of electricity of the battery with a meter or the like as it is with the battery capacity data acquisition unit 30, and the data necessary for determining the battery life can be simplified. It can be efficiently acquired with the configuration.

  Further, according to the battery management apparatus (information terminal 11) and the battery management method of the present embodiment, every time the remaining capacity data is acquired, the acquired remaining capacity data is already stored within the unit period P. Compared with the maximum value data, only the larger value is stored as the maximum value data. For this reason, data of the maximum value of the remaining capacity data for each unit period P can be easily obtained with a simple configuration. As for the remaining capacity data, the minimum value data and the maximum value data for each unit period P can be easily obtained with a simple configuration. Can be managed easily and efficiently.

  Further, according to the battery management apparatus (information terminal 11) and the battery management method of the present embodiment, the remaining capacity data acquired first in the unit period P is used as the initial values of the maximum value and the minimum value of the remaining capacity data as they are. Therefore, the data can be processed easily and smoothly.

  In addition, according to the battery management apparatus (information terminal 11) and the battery management method of the present embodiment, the unit period P with one day as one unit is set, and the minimum value of the remaining capacity data in units of one day. In addition, the maximum value data can be easily obtained with a simple configuration. When the work status by the battery forklift 1 is managed in units of one day, the battery 9 is often charged in units of one day. In such a case, in order to determine the battery life When it is desired to grasp the situation where the battery 9 is used for a long period of time, necessary data can be managed easily and efficiently.

  Further, the battery management apparatus (information terminal 11) of the present embodiment includes a communication unit 32 for transmitting the minimum value data and the maximum value data of the remaining capacity data to the management computer 14 in association with the unit period P. Yes. Thereby, the management computer 14 provided separately from the information terminal 11 can grasp the minimum value data and the maximum value data of the remaining capacity data for each unit period P. Therefore, by collecting data from a plurality of battery forklifts 1 in a remote place, it is possible to manage data for intensively determining the life and usage status of the batteries 9 of each battery forklift 1. Moreover, the data for judging the lifetime and use condition of the battery 9 of each battery forklift 1 can also be managed individually by collecting data from the information terminal 11 in each battery forklift 1 as needed.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible as long as they are described in the claims. For example, the following invention can be implemented.

(1) In the above embodiment, a long-term trend graph for each unit period P of the minimum value and the maximum value of the remaining capacity data is displayed on the management computer 14 disposed in a remote place so as to be communicable via the communication unit 32. However, the management computer 14 may be mounted on the forklift 1 itself. In this case, the operator who is operating the forklift 1 can check data for determining the battery life.

(2) Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated the case where the period which uses one day as one unit was set as the unit period P, it does not necessarily need to be this way. For example, half a day may be set as one unit period (among and afternoon each having a lunch break as one unit period). In addition, when work is performed continuously by changing work (in the case of a work form such as 3 shifts per day), the unit period may be set in accordance with such a form of shift work.

(3) Moreover, the battery management system of the battery vehicle provided with two or more information terminals (battery management apparatus) 11 with which each of the some forklift 1 is equipped can also be comprised. In this case, the management system includes a plurality of information terminals 11 and a management computer (terminal device) 14. Then, the management computer 14 associates the minimum value data of the remaining capacity data for each unit period P stored in each minimum value storage unit 33 from each of the plurality of information terminals 11 via each communication unit 32 with the unit period P. Receive. Similarly, the management computer 14 receives the maximum value data of the remaining capacity data for each unit period P stored in the maximum value storage unit 36 in association with the unit period P. FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating this management system, including information terminals 11 provided in each of the three forklifts 1 and a management computer 14 capable of wireless communication with the information terminals 11. The configuration is illustrated.

  According to this management system, the minimum value data and the maximum value data of the remaining capacity data for each unit period P of each forklift 1 are stored in the management computer 14 even when the plurality of forklifts 1 are individually operated. Can be grasped at once. Therefore, when it is desired to grasp the situation in which each battery 9 is used for a long term in order to determine the lifetime of each battery 9 of the plurality of forklifts 1, it is possible to manage necessary data easily and efficiently.

(4) Although the above embodiment has been described with the communication unit 32 for enabling wireless communication, the communication unit 32 is not necessarily required. For example, in the information terminal 11, the remaining capacity per unit period P is stored in various removable storage media such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), FD (Flexible Disk), MO (Magneto-Optic), and a memory card. The minimum value and the maximum value of data may be stored and read into the management computer 14 from the removable storage medium.

(5) In the above-described embodiment, the information management terminal 11 that is a battery management device is configured separately from the traveling cargo handling controller. However, the battery management device is configured integrally with the traveling cargo handling controller. Also good.

It is the side view which illustrated the battery forklift as a battery vehicle concerning one embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic diagram of a battery vehicle including the battery management apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is the battery vehicle shown in FIG. 1, together with a management computer capable of wireless communication. The example of a display of the meter with which the battery vehicle shown in FIG. 2 is provided is shown. It is the figure which showed the block diagram of the battery management apparatus shown in FIG. 2 with the traveling cargo handling controller etc. FIG. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram illustrating the configuration of the battery management device illustrated in FIG. 4. It is the flowchart which illustrated the processing flow in the battery management apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the specific example in the case of using the battery management apparatus shown in FIG. 5, and displaying the minimum value and maximum value of remaining capacity data on an external terminal. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a battery management system for a battery vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Forklift 9 Battery 10 Running / handling controller 11 Information terminal (battery management device)
12 Meter 14 Management computer 16 CPU
17 ROM
18 RAM
19 Real Clock Time IC
20 communication interface 30 battery capacity data acquisition unit (battery capacity data acquisition means)
31 Time measuring unit (time measuring means)
33 Minimum value storage unit (minimum value storage means)
34 Minimum value determination unit (minimum value determination means)
35 Minimum value update unit (minimum value update means)
36 Maximum value storage unit (maximum value storage means)
37 Maximum value judging section (maximum value judging means)
38 Maximum value update unit (Maximum value update means)

Claims (11)

A battery management device for a battery vehicle that is provided in a battery vehicle driven by electric power supplied from a battery and that manages the battery,
Battery capacity data acquisition means for acquiring remaining capacity data relating to the remaining amount of electricity stored in the battery;
Time measuring means for measuring the time when the remaining capacity data is acquired by the battery capacity data acquiring means and a predetermined unit period set in advance;
Minimum value storage means for storing a minimum value of the remaining capacity data for each unit period measured by the time measurement means;
Each time the remaining capacity data is newly acquired, the newly acquired remaining capacity data and the remaining capacity data stored in the minimum value storage means are based on the measurement result of the time measuring means. A minimum value determining means for comparing the unit period to determine a smaller one of the values as a minimum value;
Minimum value update means for updating the remaining capacity data stored in the minimum value storage means to the remaining capacity data determined as the minimum value by the minimum value determination means;
A battery management device for a battery vehicle, comprising: Maximum value storage means for storing the maximum value of the remaining capacity data for each unit period measured by the time measurement means;
Each time the remaining capacity data is newly acquired, the newly acquired remaining capacity data and the remaining capacity data stored in the maximum value storage means are based on the measurement result of the time measuring means. A maximum value judging means for judging a larger one of the values as a maximum value in comparison within the unit period;
Maximum value updating means for updating the remaining capacity data stored in the maximum value storing means to the remaining capacity data determined as the maximum value by the maximum value determining means;
The battery management device for a battery vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising: The minimum value storage means stores the remaining capacity data first acquired within the unit period by the battery capacity data acquisition means as an initial value of the minimum value in the unit period,
The said maximum value memory | storage means memorize | stores the said remaining capacity data initially acquired in the said unit period by the said battery capacity data acquisition means as an initial value of the maximum value in the said unit period, The Claim 2 characterized by the above-mentioned. The battery management apparatus of the battery vehicle as described.   4. The battery management device for a battery vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the unit period is a period set with one day as one unit. 5.   It further comprises communication means for transmitting data of the minimum value of the remaining capacity data for each unit period stored in the minimum value storage means to the terminal device in association with the unit period. The battery management apparatus of the battery vehicle of any one of Claim 1 thru | or 4.   6. The communication unit further transmits data of a maximum value of the remaining capacity data for each unit period stored in the maximum value storage unit to the terminal device in association with the unit period. A battery management device for a battery vehicle according to claim 1. A battery management system for a battery vehicle comprising a plurality of battery management devices according to claim 5 provided in each of a plurality of battery vehicles,
The terminal for receiving the minimum value data of the remaining capacity data for each unit period stored in the minimum value storage means from the plurality of battery management devices in association with the unit period via the communication means. The battery management system of the battery vehicle characterized by including the apparatus. A battery management system for a battery vehicle comprising a plurality of battery management devices according to claim 6 provided in each of a plurality of battery vehicles,
The minimum value data of the remaining capacity data for each unit period stored in each minimum value storage unit is received from the plurality of battery management devices in association with the unit period via each communication unit. A battery vehicle comprising: the terminal device that receives data of a maximum value of the remaining capacity data for each unit period stored in each maximum value storage unit in association with the unit period. Battery management system.   A battery vehicle comprising the battery management device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. A battery management method for a battery vehicle, wherein the battery is managed by a battery management device provided in a battery vehicle driven by electric power supplied from a battery,
In the battery management device, a battery capacity data acquisition step of acquiring remaining capacity data related to a remaining amount of electricity stored in the battery;
In the battery management device, a time measuring step of measuring a time when the remaining capacity data is acquired by the battery capacity data acquiring step and a predetermined unit period set in advance,
In the battery management device, a minimum value storing step for storing a minimum value of the remaining capacity data for each unit period measured in the time measuring step;
Each time the remaining capacity data is newly acquired by the battery management device, the newly acquired remaining capacity data and the remaining capacity data stored in the minimum value storing step are measured. Based on the measurement result in the step, a minimum value determination step for determining a smaller one of the values as a minimum value compared within the unit period;
In the battery management device, a minimum value update step of updating the remaining capacity data stored in the minimum value storage step to the remaining capacity data determined as the minimum value in the minimum value determination step;
A battery management method for a battery vehicle, comprising: In the battery management device, a maximum value storing step for storing a maximum value of the remaining capacity data for each unit period measured in the time measuring step;
Each time the remaining capacity data is newly acquired by the battery management device, the newly acquired remaining capacity data and the remaining capacity data stored in the maximum value storing step are measured. Based on the measurement result in the step, a maximum value determination step for determining the larger one of the values as a maximum value compared within the unit period;
In the battery management device, a maximum value update step of updating the remaining capacity data stored in the maximum value storing step to the remaining capacity data determined as the maximum value in the maximum value determining step;
The battery management method for a battery vehicle according to claim 10, further comprising:

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