JP4753913B2 - Battery system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a battery system composed of a plurality of batteries, and more particularly to a battery system capable of comprehensively controlling the entire system by monitoring the current and voltage of each battery.

  In recent years, with the spread of hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, uninterruptible power supplies, etc., the application fields of large-capacity high-voltage battery systems are expanding, and the specifications vary in both voltage and capacity. Therefore, a battery system having a required specification is provided by connecting a plurality of batteries in series and in parallel.

  However, when designing and developing individual battery systems that connect multiple batteries in series and in parallel, existing resources such as electrical / electronic circuits and software cannot be used effectively, There is a problem that causes a long period of time and a decrease in competitiveness.

  As means for solving this problem, as shown in FIG. 15, a current sensor (91), a temperature sensor (92), and a control unit (95) are connected to a battery block (10) in which a plurality of batteries B are connected in series. A battery system has been proposed in which a single module (9) is configured by connecting a plurality of modules (9), a plurality of modules (9) are connected in series and parallel, and these modules (9) are collectively controlled by a controller (99). (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

In the battery system, the controller (99) has a control function and a communication function, and the control unit (95) of each module (9) includes a current measurement function using the current sensor (91) and a temperature sensor (92 ), A voltage measurement function for measuring the voltage of each battery B, and a communication function. The controller (99) and the control unit (95) of each module (9) communicate with each other. By doing so, the voltage, current and temperature of each battery are monitored, and overcharge and overdischarge are prevented or the remaining capacity is predicted based on the results.
JP 2003-209932 A

However, in the conventional battery system shown in FIG. 15, since it is necessary to provide current sensors (91) for all the modules (9), the system configuration becomes complicated due to the increase in the number of current sensors (91). There is also a problem that the cost increases.
The plurality of modules (9) in series with each other does not require a current sensor (91), and only needs to have one common current sensor (91). When two current sensors are deployed, it is necessary to specify in advance by the computer program, memory, etc. which current sensor is monitoring the battery current contained in each module. There is a problem that the cost required for assembly increases.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a battery system in which the number of current sensors can be reduced and each current sensor can be easily associated with each module.

In the battery system according to the present invention, a plurality of series lines are connected in parallel to each other, at least one battery block is interposed in each series line, and each battery block is composed of at least one battery.
Here, a single current sensor is interposed in each of the plurality of series lines, and a plurality of modules are configured by connecting a control unit to each of the battery blocks, and the control units of the plurality of modules are It is connected to a controller that controls the entire system.
The control unit of each module has a voltage monitoring unit that monitors the voltage of each battery constituting the corresponding battery block, and a communication unit that communicates with the controller, and is specified by the voltage monitoring unit of each control unit. The module in which voltage fluctuation occurs when a current is passed through one of the serial lines is detected, and the controller defines the correspondence between each current sensor and each module based on the detection result.

  Specifically, the controller records in the memory the identification information of the current sensor that has detected the current fluctuation and the identification information of the module in which the voltage fluctuation has occurred in association with each other. Define the correspondence.

In the battery system of the present invention, since only a single current sensor is interposed in each series line, in order to clarify the correspondence between each current sensor and each module, the current is sequentially applied to a plurality of series lines. The voltage monitoring unit of each control unit detects which module caused the voltage fluctuation, and based on the detection result, associates the module in which the voltage fluctuation has occurred with the current sensor of the series line that is energized. . As a result, the correspondence between each current sensor and each module becomes clear.
Therefore, the controller controls the overall system by monitoring the current and voltage of each battery based on the relationship between each current sensor and each module that has been clarified.

In a specific configuration, each of the plurality of series lines includes an open / close switch in series with the current sensor, and a load is connected in parallel with the plurality of series lines, and the specific series line Current is passed through a closed loop including the one series line and the load.
The load is a resistor that can be connected / disconnected in parallel with the plurality of series lines, or a driving target to be driven by supplying power from each battery block.

  According to the specific configuration, for example, when the battery system of the present invention is assembled in the factory or when the battery block is replaced, any one series is connected in a state where a resistor is connected in parallel with the plurality of series lines. By closing the switch of the line and opening all the switches of the other series line, a current flows through the one series line, and the current sensor of the one series line and the module in which the voltage fluctuation occurred correspond to each other. It becomes clear that there is a relationship. Then, by carrying out this process for all series lines, the correspondence relationship for all current sensors and modules becomes clear. Thereafter, the resistor is disconnected from the plurality of series lines.

  Alternatively, in a state where the battery system of the present invention is incorporated in an end product such as an electric vehicle, a driving target such as a motor is connected in parallel with the plurality of series lines. In this state, the switch of any one series line is closed, while all the other series line switches are opened, so that a current flows through the one series line, and the current sensor of the one series line It is clear that there is a correspondence between the module and the module in which the voltage variation occurs. Then, by executing this process for all series lines, the correspondence between all current sensors and modules becomes clear.

  In a more specific configuration, a current monitoring module is interposed in each of the plurality of series lines, and the current monitoring module includes the current sensor, the control unit having the current monitoring unit and the communication unit, The opening / closing of the switch is controlled by the control unit, and the controller makes the correspondence between the current monitoring module and the voltage monitoring module clear by communicating with the current monitoring module and the voltage monitoring module of each series line.

  Alternatively, a current sensor and a switch of each series line are connected to the controller, and the controller controls opening and closing of the switch of each series line and communicates with the current monitoring module and the voltage monitoring module of each series line. Thus, the correspondence between the current sensor and the voltage monitoring module is clarified.

  Alternatively, the current sensors and switches of the plurality of series lines are connected to a current monitoring module, and the current monitoring module includes a current monitoring unit using each current sensor and a switch opening / closing for controlling opening / closing of each switch. And a communication unit. The controller communicates with the current monitoring module and the voltage monitoring module of each series line to clarify the correspondence between the current sensor and the voltage monitoring module.

  According to the battery system of the present invention, since a single current sensor may be provided for each series line, the number of current sensors can be reduced as compared with the conventional battery system in which a current sensor is provided for each module. I can do it. In addition, the correspondence between each current sensor and each module can be clarified by simply passing a current through each serial line, and the processing is extremely simple.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. In each of the following embodiments, the temperature sensor for monitoring the temperature of each battery and the temperature monitoring unit using the temperature sensor have the same configuration as the conventional one, and thus illustration and description thereof are omitted.

[Basic Embodiment]
FIG. 1 shows a basic embodiment of a battery system according to the present invention, in which first and second series lines (50) and (60) are connected in parallel to each other, and the first series line (50 ) Includes two voltage monitoring modules (1) and (3) and a current monitoring module (5), and the second series line (60) includes two voltage monitoring modules (2) and (4) and a current. A monitoring module (6) is interposed.

These four voltage monitoring modules (1), (2), (3), and (4) include a battery block (10) in which a plurality of batteries B are connected in series, and a control unit ( 11) (21) (31) (41), and each control unit (11) (21) (31) (41) has a voltage monitoring unit and a communication unit for monitoring the voltage of each battery B. is doing.
The two current monitoring modules (5) and (6) have current sensors (51) and (61) and control units (52) and (62) connected to the current sensors (51) and (61), respectively. The control units (52) and (62) have a current monitoring unit and a communication unit using the current sensor (51).

  And the control units (11) (21) (31) (41) (52) (4) of the four voltage monitoring modules (1) (2) (3) (4) and the two current monitoring modules (5) (6) 62) is connected to a controller (7) for overall control of the entire system.

Here, in order to associate the four voltage monitoring modules (1), (2), (3), and (4) with the two current monitoring modules (5) and (6), the first and second series lines (50) ( A current is sequentially supplied to the battery block 60) using the battery block 10 as a power source.
First, when a current is supplied only to the first series line (50), voltage fluctuation (voltage drop) occurs in each battery B included in the voltage monitoring modules (1) and (3) of the first series line (50). At this time, the current monitoring module (5) of the first series line (50) detects that a current has flowed through the first series line (50), and the voltage monitoring modules (1) and (3) detect voltage fluctuations. To do. On the other hand, the current monitoring module (6) of the second series line (60) does not detect current, and the voltage monitoring modules (2) and (4) of the second series line (60) change the voltage fluctuations of the respective batteries B. Will not be detected.

  In this state, the controller (7) communicates with the current monitoring module (5) of the first series line (50) and the control units (52) (11) (31) of the voltage monitoring modules (1) and (3), respectively. Therefore, the current flowing through the battery B included in the voltage monitoring module (1) (3) of the first series line (50) is the current sensor (51) included in the current monitoring module (5) of the first series line (50). Recognize that is being monitored by.

  Next, when current is passed only through the second series line (60), each battery B included in the voltage monitoring module (2) (4) of the second series line (60) has a voltage fluctuation (voltage drop). Arise. At this time, the current monitoring module (6) of the second series line (60) detects that a current has flown through the second series line (60), and the voltage monitoring modules (2) and (4) detect voltage fluctuations. To do. On the other hand, the current monitoring module (5) of the first series line (50) does not detect current, and the voltage monitoring modules (1) and (3) of the first series line (50) change the voltage fluctuations of the respective batteries B. Will not be detected.

  In this state, the controller (7) communicates with the current monitoring module (6) of the second series line (60) and the control units (62) (21) (41) of the voltage monitoring modules (2) and (4), respectively. Therefore, the current flowing through the battery B included in the voltage monitoring module (2) (4) of the second series line (60) is the current sensor (61) included in the current monitoring module (6) of the second series line (60). Recognize that is being monitored by.

  In this way, the controller (7) identifies the current monitoring module that has detected the current and the voltage monitoring module that has detected the voltage fluctuation by communicating with all the modules (1) to (6), and the voltage The correspondence between the monitoring module and the current monitoring module will be clarified.

[First embodiment]
In this embodiment, the identification address is distributed to each module at the time of factory assembly of the battery system according to the present invention, and the electrical connection and communication connection between the modules are performed. The correspondence between the monitoring module and the voltage monitoring module is clarified.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the current monitoring modules (5) and (6) of the first series line (50) and the second series line (60) are respectively connected to the current sensors (51) and (61). In addition, open / close switches (53) and (63) are connected in series, and a resistor (8) is connected in parallel to the current monitoring module (5).
Other configurations are the same as those of the basic embodiment.

Here, the resistor (8) is connected with both the switches (53) and (63) opened when the battery system is assembled, and is removed after the battery system is assembled.
First, the controller (7) transmits a command to close the switch (53) of the first series line (50) to the current monitoring module (5). Accordingly, when the switch (53) is closed, a current flows only through the resistor (8) to the first series line (50), and a voltage fluctuation occurs in the battery B included in the voltage monitoring modules (1) and (3).

  In this state, the voltage monitoring module (1) (3) of the first series line (50) detects voltage fluctuation, the current monitoring module (5) detects current, and the controller (7) is the basic embodiment. In the same manner, communication is performed with all modules, and the correspondence between the voltage monitoring modules (1) and (3) of the first series line (50) and the current monitoring module (5) is recognized.

Next, the controller (7) transmits a command to open the switch (53) of the first series line (50) and close the switch (63) of the second series line (60) to the current monitoring module (5). As a result, current flows only through the resistor (8) to the second series line (60), and voltage fluctuation occurs in the battery B included in the voltage monitoring modules (2) and (4).
In this state, the voltage monitoring module (2) (4) of the second series line (60) detects voltage fluctuation, the current monitoring module (6) detects current, and the controller (7) is the basic embodiment. In the same manner, communication is performed with all modules, and the correspondence between the voltage monitoring modules (2) and (4) of the second series line (60) and the current monitoring module (6) is recognized.

FIG. 3 shows the operation algorithm of the first embodiment. Here, CM means a current monitoring module, and VM means a voltage monitoring module.
First, in step S1, all the current monitoring modules turn off (open) the switch according to a command from the controller, and in step S2, a counter i is initialized to zero. Next, in step S3, all current monitoring modules start monitoring current fluctuations according to a command from the controller. In step S4, all voltage monitoring modules start monitoring voltage fluctuations according to a command from the controller.

  Subsequently, in step S5, the i-th current monitoring module turns on (closes) the switch according to a command from the controller, and in step S6, it is determined whether or not there is a current fluctuation in a certain current monitoring module. If YES is determined in step S7, the current monitoring module having the current fluctuation transmits its own number (identification address) to the controller in step S7.

  Thereafter, in step S8, it is determined whether or not there is a voltage fluctuation in a certain voltage monitoring module. If YES is determined in step S9, the voltage module having the voltage fluctuation transmits its number (identification address) to the controller in step S9.

  Thereafter, in step S10, the controller recognizes that the current monitoring module having the current fluctuation and the voltage monitoring module having the voltage fluctuation exist on the same series line. Thereby, the correspondence relationship between the current monitoring module and the voltage monitoring module becomes clear.

  Specifically, when a current is passed through the first series line (50) shown in FIG. 1, the current monitoring module (5) detects a current fluctuation in step S7 of FIG. 3, so that the identification address “A001” is detected. Is sent to the controller. In step S9, since the voltage monitoring module (1) and the voltage monitoring module (3) detect voltage fluctuations, the respective identification addresses “V001” and “V003” are transmitted to the controller. In step S10, the identification addresses sent from the current monitoring module and the voltage monitoring module are recorded in the memory of the controller as a table in which the identification addresses arranged in the horizontal direction are associated with each other as shown in FIG. . Thereby, the correspondence between the current monitoring module and the voltage monitoring module can be defined. The same applies when a current is passed through the second series line (60).

Then, in step S11 of FIG. 3, all current monitoring modules end monitoring current fluctuations according to a command from the controller, and in step S12, all voltage monitoring modules end monitoring voltage fluctuations according to a command from the controller.
Subsequently, in step S13, it is determined whether or not the switches are turned on for all the current monitoring modules. If no, the process proceeds to step S14, and the i-th current monitoring module turns off the switches according to a command from the controller. In step S15, i is incremented, and then the process returns to step S3.

  Thereafter, when it is determined as YES in step S13, the process proceeds to step S16, and all the current monitoring modules are turned ON by a command from the controller, and the procedure is terminated.

  According to the above embodiment, the correspondence relationship between the four voltage monitoring modules (1) to (4) and the two current monitoring modules (5) and (6) can be defined at the time of factory assembly, and based on the result. The controller (7) performs overall control of the system.

  In the overall control, an identification address for identifying a module and a current value are output as a pair from the current monitoring module, and similarly, an identification address for identifying the module and a voltage value are also paired from the voltage monitoring module. Is output. At this time, the controller can know the current value and voltage value for each battery by referring to the correspondence relationship between the current monitoring module and the voltage monitoring module recorded in the memory as shown in FIG.

[Second Embodiment]
In this embodiment, a battery system according to the present invention is incorporated in an end product such as an electric vehicle, and a load such as a motor (81) is parallel to the first series line (50) and the second series line (60). When the module is connected, an identification address is distributed to each module, and when the electrical connection and communication connection between the modules are made, the correspondence between the current monitoring module and the voltage monitoring module The relationship is clarified.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the current monitoring modules (5) and (6) of the first series line (50) and the second series line (60) are respectively connected to the current sensors (51) and (61). In addition, open / close switches (53) and (63) are connected in series, and a motor (81) is connected in parallel to the current monitoring module (5).
Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

The procedure for clarifying the correspondence between the current monitoring module and the current monitoring module is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the operation algorithm is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG.
According to the present embodiment, the relationship between the four voltage monitoring modules (1) to (4) and the two current monitoring modules (5) and (6) in the state of the product incorporating the battery system according to the present invention. Based on the result, the controller (7) performs overall control of the system.

[Third embodiment]
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, in a battery system as a final product, a switch module (82) is connected in parallel to the first series line (50) and the second series line (60), and a certain voltage monitoring is performed. The correspondence relationship between the current monitoring module and the voltage monitoring module is clarified without using a load such as a motor when the module is replaced.

The switch module (82) is connected to the switch (83) and the open / close switch (83) and resistor (84) connected in parallel to the first series line (50) and the second series line (60). And a control unit (85).
The control unit (85) has a switch opening / closing part that opens and closes the switch (83) and a communication part that communicates with the controller (7).
Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  FIG. 6 shows an operation algorithm of the third embodiment. Here, CM means a current monitoring module, VM means a voltage monitoring module, and SM means a switch module.

  First, in step S21, all current monitoring modules turn off (open) the switch according to a command from the controller, and in step S22, the switch module turns on (closed) a switch according to the command from the controller. In step S23, the counter i is initialized to zero. Next, in step S24, all current monitoring modules start monitoring current fluctuations in response to a command from the controller. In step S25, all voltage monitoring modules start monitoring voltage fluctuations in response to a command from the controller.

  Subsequently, in step S26, the i-th current monitoring module turns on the switch according to a command from the controller, and in step S27, it is determined whether or not there is a current fluctuation in a certain current monitoring module. If YES is determined in step S28, the current monitoring module having the current fluctuation transmits its own number (identification address) to the controller in step S28.

  Thereafter, in step S29, it is determined whether or not there is a voltage fluctuation in a certain voltage monitoring module. If it is determined YES, in step S30, the voltage module having the voltage fluctuation transmits its own number (identification address) to the controller.

  Thereafter, in step S31, the controller recognizes that the current monitoring module having the current fluctuation and the voltage monitoring module having the voltage fluctuation exist on the same series line. Thereby, the correspondence relationship between the current monitoring module and the voltage monitoring module becomes clear.

In step S32, all current monitoring modules end monitoring current fluctuations according to a command from the controller, and in step S33, all voltage monitoring modules end monitoring voltage fluctuations according to a command from the controller.
Subsequently, in step S34, it is determined whether or not the switches are turned on for all the current monitoring modules. If no, the process proceeds to step S35, and the i-th current monitoring module turns off the switch according to a command from the controller. In step S36, i is incremented, and the process returns to step S24.

  Thereafter, when it is determined as YES in step S34, the process proceeds to step S37. After the switch module switch is turned OFF by the controller command, in step S38, all current monitoring modules are turned ON by the controller command. And finish the procedure.

  According to the above embodiment, the battery system alone can define the correspondence between the four voltage monitoring modules (1) to (4) and the two current monitoring modules (5) and (6). The controller (7) performs overall control of the system.

[Fourth embodiment]
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the voltage monitoring module (1) (3) exists on the first series line (50), and the voltage monitoring module (2) (4) on the second series line (60). However, the current sensor (51) and the switch (53) on the first series line (50) are directly connected to the controller (7). The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the current sensor (61) and the switch (63) on the second series line (60) are directly connected to the controller (7).

In the present embodiment, the first series line (50) and the second series line (with the switch (53) of the first series line (50) and the switch (63) of the second series line (60) open. A resistor (8) is connected in parallel to 60).
In this state, when the controller (7) closes only the switch (53) of the first series line (50), the current sensor (51) of the first series line (50) detects the current change, and the voltage monitoring module. (1) and (3) detect the voltage change of the battery B, respectively. As a result, the controller (7) recognizes the correspondence between the current sensor (51) and the voltage monitoring modules (1) and (3).

  Thereafter, when the controller (7) closes only the switch (63) of the second series line (60), the current sensor (61) of the second series line (60) detects the current change, and the voltage monitoring module (2 (4) detects the voltage change of the battery B, respectively. As a result, the controller (7) recognizes the correspondence between the current sensor (61) and the voltage monitoring modules (2) and (4).

FIG. 8 shows an operation algorithm of the fourth embodiment.
First, in step S41, the controller turns off all the switches, and in step S42, the counter i is initialized to zero. Next, in step S43, the controller starts monitoring current fluctuation. In step S44, all voltage monitoring modules start monitoring voltage fluctuation in response to a command from the controller.

  Subsequently, in step S45, the controller turns on the i-th switch, and in step S46, it is determined whether or not there is a current fluctuation in a certain current sensor. If YES is determined in this step, the number (identification address) of the current sensor having the current fluctuation is stored in step S47.

  Thereafter, in step S48, it is determined whether or not there is a voltage fluctuation in a certain voltage monitoring module. If YES is determined in step S49, the voltage module having the voltage fluctuation transmits its own number (identification address) to the controller in step S49.

  Thereafter, in step S50, the controller recognizes that the current sensor having the current fluctuation and the voltage monitoring module having the voltage fluctuation exist on the same series line. This makes the correspondence between the current sensor and the voltage monitoring module clear.

In step S51, the controller ends monitoring of current fluctuations. In step S52, all voltage monitoring modules end monitoring voltage fluctuations according to a command from the controller.
Subsequently, in step S53, it is determined whether or not all switches are turned on. If no, the process proceeds to step S54 where the controller turns off the i-th switch, and i is decremented in step S55. Then, the process returns to step S43.

  Thereafter, when it is determined as YES in step S53, the process proceeds to step S56, and the controller turns on all the switches and ends the procedure.

According to the above embodiment, the correspondence relationship between the four voltage monitoring modules (1) to (4) and the two current sensors (51) and (61) can be defined at the time of factory assembly. The controller (7) performs overall control of the system.
In the second embodiment and the third embodiment, as in the present embodiment, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the controller (7) includes a current monitoring unit and a switch opening / closing unit.

[Fifth Embodiment]
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the current sensor (51) and the switch (53) of the first series line (50), the current sensor (61) and the switch (63) of the second series line (60), However, it has the structure connected to the electric current monitoring module (86), and is the same as that of the said 4th Embodiment in another point.

The current monitoring module (86) includes a current monitoring unit using current sensors (51) and (61), a switch opening / closing unit that opens and closes the switches (53) and (63), and a communication unit that communicates with the controller (7). Have.
The current monitoring module (86) knows the number of current sensors and the number of switches (the same number as the number of current sensors) that it monitors, but which current sensor and which switch are on the same series line. You do not have to recognize what to do.

  In this embodiment, the controller (7) first instructs the current monitoring module (86) to open both switches (53) and (63). Next, the controller (7) instructs the current monitoring module (86) to close any of the switches (53) and (63). In response to this, the current monitoring module (86) first closes the switch (53) of the first series line (50). As a result, the current sensor (51) of the first series line (50) detects the current fluctuation, and the voltage monitoring modules (1) and (3) detect the voltage fluctuation. As a result, the correspondence between the current sensor (51) and the voltage monitoring modules (1) and (3) becomes clear.

  Next, the current monitoring module (86) opens the switch (53) of the first series line (50) and closes the switch (63) of the second series line (60). As a result, the current sensor (61) of the second series line (60) detects the current fluctuation, and the voltage monitoring modules (2) and (4) detect the voltage fluctuation. As a result, the correspondence between the current sensor (61) and the voltage monitoring modules (2) and (4) becomes clear.

FIG. 10 shows an operation algorithm of the fifth embodiment.
First, in step S61, the current monitoring module turns off the switch according to a command from the controller, and in step S62, the counter i is initialized to zero. Next, in step S63, the current monitoring module starts monitoring current fluctuation in response to a command from the controller. In step S64, all voltage monitoring modules start monitoring voltage fluctuation in response to a command from the controller.

  Subsequently, in step S65, the current monitoring module turns on the i-th switch according to a command from the controller, and in step S66, it is determined whether or not there is a current fluctuation in a certain current sensor. If it is determined YES, in step S67, the number (identification address) of the current sensor having the current fluctuation is transmitted to the controller.

  Thereafter, in step S68, it is determined whether or not there is a voltage fluctuation in a certain voltage monitoring module. If it is determined YES, in step S69, the voltage module having the voltage fluctuation transmits its own number (identification address) to the controller.

  Thereafter, in step S70, the controller recognizes that the current sensor having the current fluctuation and the voltage monitoring module having the voltage fluctuation exist on the same series line. This makes the correspondence between the current sensor and the voltage monitoring module clear.

In step S71, the current monitoring module ends monitoring of current fluctuations according to a command from the controller. In step S72, all voltage monitoring modules end monitoring of voltage fluctuations according to a command from the controller.
In step S73, the controller inquires of the current monitoring module whether all the switches are turned on.

Next, in step S74, it is determined whether or not all the switches are turned on. If no, the process proceeds to step S75, and the current monitoring module turns off the i-th switch in response to a command from the controller. Then, after i is incremented, the process returns to step S63.
Thereafter, when it is determined as YES in step S74, the process proceeds to step S77, and the current monitoring module turns on all the switches according to a command from the controller and ends the procedure.

According to the above embodiment, when the battery system is assembled, the correspondence relationship between the four voltage monitoring modules (1) to (4) and the two current sensors (51) and (61) can be defined, and based on the result. The controller (7) performs overall control of the system.
In the second embodiment and the third embodiment, as in the present embodiment, it is possible to employ a configuration in which one current monitoring module monitors all current sensors and opens and closes all switches. is there.

[Sixth Embodiment]
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, one voltage monitoring module (12) on the first series line (50) includes a current sensor (51) and a switch (53), and a second series line ( 60) One voltage monitoring module (22) is characterized in that it includes a current sensor (61) and a switch (63).

One voltage monitoring module (12) on the first series line (50) includes a control unit (13). The control unit (13) includes a current monitoring unit including a current sensor (51) and a switch (53). It has a switch opening / closing part that opens and closes, and a voltage monitoring part. One voltage monitoring module (22) on the second series line (60) includes a control unit (23). The control unit (23) includes a current monitoring unit by a current sensor (61) and a switch (63 ) And a voltage monitoring unit.
Each of these voltage monitoring modules (12) and (22) recognizes that it has one current sensor and one switch.

FIG. 12 shows the operation algorithm of the sixth embodiment.
First, in step S81, the controller inquires whether all the voltage monitoring modules have current sensors. Next, in step S82, the voltage monitoring module having the current sensor turns OFF the switch according to a command from the controller.

  Thereafter, in step S83, the voltage monitoring module having a current sensor starts monitoring current fluctuation according to a command from the controller, and in step S84, all voltage monitoring modules start monitoring voltage fluctuation according to the command from the controller. In step S85, the voltage monitoring module having the lowest number among the voltage monitoring modules having the current sensor is turned on by a command from the controller.

  Subsequently, in step S86, it is determined whether or not there is a current fluctuation in a certain voltage monitoring module. If it is determined YES, in step S87, the voltage monitoring module having the voltage fluctuation transmits its own number (identification address) to the controller.

Thereafter, in step S88, the controller recognizes that the current sensor included in the voltage monitoring module whose switch is turned on and the voltage monitoring module having the voltage fluctuation exist on the same series line. This makes the correspondence between the current sensor and the voltage monitoring module clear.
In step S89, the voltage monitoring module having the current sensor according to the command from the controller ends the voltage fluctuation monitoring.

Subsequently, in step S90, all voltage monitoring modules end the monitoring of voltage fluctuations according to a command from the controller.
In step S91, it is determined whether or not the voltage monitoring module having all the current sensors is turned on. If no, the process proceeds to step S92, and the voltage monitoring module having the current sensor according to a command from the controller. Returns to step S83 after turning off the switch.

  Thereafter, when it is determined as YES in step S91, the process proceeds to step S93, and the voltage monitoring module having the current sensor is turned ON by a command from the controller, and the procedure is ended.

According to the above embodiment, it is possible to define the correspondence between the voltage monitoring modules (12) and (22) having current sensors and the voltage monitoring modules (3) and (4) not having current sensors when the battery system is assembled. The controller (7) controls the system based on the result.
In the second embodiment and the third embodiment, a configuration in which one voltage monitoring module on one series line includes a current monitoring unit and a switch unit can be adopted as in the present embodiment.

As described above, according to the battery system of the present invention, it is only necessary to provide a single current sensor for each of the series lines (50) and (60). Thus, the correspondence between the voltage monitoring module and the current monitoring module (or current sensor) can be clarified by communication.
Further, in clarifying this correspondence, the modules are electrically connected to each other, the communication is normally connected, and all series lines are configured by the same number of voltage monitoring modules. I can confirm that.

[Seventh embodiment]
In the above-described embodiment, the overall control is performed by using the current value, the voltage value, and the identification address sent from the current monitoring module and the voltage monitoring module. It is also possible to notify.
For example, in the first embodiment described above, a display unit is added to each control unit (52) (62) (11) (21) (31) (41) as shown in FIG. Then, the controller (7) refers to the identification address associated with the memory and monitors the current value and the voltage value of each module, and when these values indicate abnormal values, The identification address of the module having the abnormality is associated with the display command for displaying the abnormality on the display unit, and transmitted to all modules.

In response to this, the display unit of each module compares the received identification address with its own address, and when both the addresses match, displays that indicate that an abnormality has occurred in the module. As a result, the user can recognize the module in which the abnormality has occurred, and can perform maintenance such as replacement or repair of the module informed of the occurrence of the abnormality in a timely manner.
As the display unit, various display means can be employed. For example, the display unit is configured from a liquid crystal display panel to display “abnormal” characters, or the display unit is configured from LEDs. A method of turning on the LED can be employed. In any of the above-described embodiments, the same notification can be performed by adding a display unit.

  Each part configuration of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the technical scope described in the claims. For example, in the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to a battery system including two series lines (50) and (60). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the same applies to a battery system including three or more series lines. Can be implemented. Further, it is sufficient that at least one battery block exists on one series line, and further, one battery block is not limited to a configuration including a plurality of batteries, and may be configured from at least one battery.

It is a block diagram which shows the basic form of the battery system which concerns on this invention. 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of a battery system according to the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement algorithm in 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows 2nd Embodiment of the battery system which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows 3rd Embodiment of the battery system which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement algorithm in 3rd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows 4th Embodiment of the battery system which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement algorithm in 4th Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows 5th Embodiment of the battery system which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement algorithm in 5th Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows 6th Embodiment of the battery system which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement algorithm in 6th Embodiment. It is a chart which illustrates the identification address of a plurality of modules recorded on memory of a controller. It is a block diagram which shows 7th Embodiment of the battery system which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram showing the structure of the conventional battery system.

Explanation of symbols

(50) First series line
(60) Second series line
(10) Battery block
(1) Voltage monitoring module
(11) Control unit
(2) Voltage monitoring module
(21) Control unit
(3) Voltage monitoring module
(31) Control unit
(4) Voltage monitoring module
(41) Control unit
(5) Current monitoring module
(51) Current sensor
(52) Control unit
(6) Current monitoring module
(61) Current sensor
(62) Control unit
(7) Controller
(8) Resistance
(81) Motor

Claims (7)

In a battery system in which a plurality of series lines are connected in parallel to each other, at least one battery block is interposed in each series line, and each battery block is composed of at least one battery.
Each of the plurality of series lines includes a single current sensor, and each of the battery blocks is connected to a control unit to form a plurality of modules. The control units of the plurality of modules are used for the entire system. The control unit of each module is connected to a controller that performs overall control, and includes a voltage monitoring unit that monitors the voltage of each battery constituting the corresponding battery block, and a communication unit that communicates with the controller, The voltage monitoring unit of each control unit detects a module in which voltage fluctuation occurs when a current is passed through one specific series line. Based on the detection result, the controller detects whether each current sensor and each module A battery system that defines a correspondence relationship.   Each of the plurality of series lines includes an open / close switch in series with the current sensor, and a load is connected in parallel with the plurality of series lines to close a switch of a specific series line. The battery system according to claim 1, wherein a current is passed through a closed loop including the one series line and the load.   The battery system according to claim 2, wherein the load is a resistor that can be connected / disconnected in parallel with the plurality of series lines, or a driving target to be driven by supplying power from each battery block.   A current monitoring module is interposed in each of the plurality of series lines, and the current monitoring module includes the current sensor, and a control unit having the current monitoring unit and a communication unit. The switching is controlled, and the controller defines the correspondence between the current monitoring module and the voltage monitoring module by communicating with the current monitoring module and the voltage monitoring module of each series line. Battery system.   A current sensor and a switch for each series line are connected to the controller, and the controller controls the opening and closing of the switch for each series line and communicates with the current monitoring module and the voltage monitoring module for each series line. The battery system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein a correspondence relationship between the current sensor and the voltage monitoring module is defined.   The current sensors and switches of the plurality of series lines are connected to a current monitoring module, and the current monitoring module includes a current monitoring unit using each current sensor, and a switch opening and closing unit that controls opening and closing of each switch. 4. The communication unit, wherein the controller defines a correspondence relationship between the current sensor and the voltage monitoring module by communicating with the current monitoring module and the voltage monitoring module of each series line. The battery system described in.   The controller defines the correspondence between each current sensor and each module by associating and recording in the memory the identification information of the current sensor that has detected the current fluctuation and the identification information of the module in which the voltage fluctuation has occurred. The battery system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

Images