JPH09182308A - Charger and charge/discharge control system for lithium ion battery - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it possible to charge a plurality of kinds of secondary batteries of different charging methods with one charger, by controlling the charging of a plurality of kinds of secondary batteries including lithium ion batteries and nickel based secondary batteries, by a single constant current source. SOLUTION: A constant current source 12 supplies charging power of a constant current in accordance with a set value to secondary batteries 11. A battery kind recognizing part 15 recognizes the kind of the secondary batteries 11 to be objects of charging. A battery temperature detecting part 16 detects the temperature of the secondary batteries 11 to be objects of charging. A battery voltage detecting part 17 detects the voltage of the secondary batteries 11 to be objects of charging. A control part 14 supplies, and controls, charging power of a constant current source 12 to the secondary batteries 11 to be objects of charging on the basis of a signal representing the kind of the secondary batteries recognized the each voltage and temperature signal detected. The control part 14 controls the charging of a plurality of kinds of secondary batteries 11 including lithium ion batteries and nickel based secondary batteries by a single constant current source 12.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a charging device for controlling charging of a plurality of types of secondary batteries including a lithium-ion battery and a nickel-based secondary battery using a single constant current source, and a lithium-ion battery. The present invention relates to a charging / discharging control method for a lithium-ion battery that recognizes the battery characteristics of a built-in battery pack and performs charging control according to the characteristics.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Ni-cd (nickel cadmium) batteries, Ni-MH (nickel hydrogen) batteries, and Li-ion batteries are used in various small electronic devices such as personal computers and word processors that use secondary batteries.
Various secondary batteries such as (lithium ion) batteries are used. At this time, the Ni-cd battery, the Ni-MH battery, and the like can be charged by the same charging method.
The on battery has a different charging method from the above batteries.

That is, in the charging method for a Li-ion battery, generally, charging is started at a constant voltage and a constant current, and when the set voltage of the constant voltage is reached, the charging current gradually decreases and the charging current becomes below a certain value. Stop charging at full height and fully charge.

On the other hand, Ni-cd batteries, Ni-MH batteries, etc. start charging at constant current and detect + ΔV, -ΔV (battery voltage) or + ΔT (battery temperature), or
The full charge is detected by the charging time.

Therefore, in the past, Ni-cd batteries and N
A device that charges an i-MH battery or the like cannot charge a Li-ion battery, and a device that charges a Li-ion battery cannot charge a Ni-cd battery or a Ni-MH battery. There was a problem.

That is, in the past, Ni--cd batteries and Ni--
Li-ion batteries cannot be used in devices that charge MH batteries, and Ni-cd batteries or Ni-MH batteries cannot be used in devices that charge Li-ion batteries. There was a problem.

The Li-ion which has been used conventionally
The battery is provided by a single manufacturer and has a single discharge characteristic with a discharge curve in which the voltage continuously changes according to the discharge amount, so the discharge amount detection, low battery detection, etc. are compared. However, recently, in addition to the characteristic that the voltage continuously changes according to the discharge as described above, the Li- which has a characteristic that the change of the discharge voltage is very gradual.
Ion batteries have come into the market. FIG. 8 shows the difference in discharge characteristics between the Li-ion batteries at this time. In FIG. 8, (a) shows the characteristics of a Li-ion battery in which the voltage continuously changes according to discharge,
(B) is an L having a characteristic that the change of the discharge voltage is very gentle.
The characteristic of an i-ion battery is shown.

As described above, a plurality of types of Li-i having different characteristics are used.
Since the situation in which the on-cell is present has been reached, the conventional methods of detecting the discharge capacity and the low battery cannot always perform correct charge / discharge control.

[0009]

As described above, in the related art, Li-ion batteries cannot be used in devices for charging Ni-cd batteries, Ni-MH batteries, etc., and Li-ion batteries cannot be used.
There is a problem that Ni-cd batteries, Ni-MH batteries, and the like cannot be used in a device that charges an -ion battery.

In addition, since a situation has been reached in which there are a plurality of types of Li-ion batteries having different characteristics, the conventional methods of detecting discharge capacity and low battery cannot always perform correct charge / discharge control. It's coming.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances,
An object of the present invention is to provide a charging device capable of controlling charging of a plurality of types of secondary batteries including a lithium ion battery and a nickel-based secondary battery using a single constant current source.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a charging / discharging control system for a lithium ion battery which recognizes the battery characteristics of a battery pack containing a lithium ion battery and controls charging / charging according to the characteristics.

[0013]

The present invention is a charging device capable of controlling the charging of a plurality of types of rechargeable batteries containing lithium ion batteries and lithium, and means for identifying the type of rechargeable battery to be charged. A constant current source for supplying charging power to the secondary battery, means for detecting the voltage of the secondary battery to be charged, means for detecting the temperature of the secondary battery to be charged, and the identified secondary A means for controlling the supply of the charging power of the constant current source to the secondary battery to be charged based on the signal indicating the type of the secondary battery and each signal of the detected voltage and temperature is provided. It is characterized in that a plurality of types of secondary batteries including a lithium ion battery and a nickel-based secondary battery can be charge-controlled by the current source.

Further, the present invention is a charging device capable of controlling charging of a plurality of types of secondary batteries including a lithium ion battery and a nickel-based secondary battery, and means for identifying the type of secondary battery to be charged. A means for measuring the inter-terminal release voltage of the secondary battery to be charged, a constant current source for supplying the secondary battery with a constant-current charging power according to a set value, and a secondary battery to be charged is predetermined. When it is a secondary battery of a type (for example, a lithium-ion battery), a first charging execution unit that charges the battery and a secondary battery to be charged is a battery other than a predetermined type (for example, a nickel-based secondary battery). And a second charging execution means for charging the battery,
In the charging execution means of, the constant current charging power according to the first set current value is obtained from the constant current source, and the charging power is
The predetermined type of battery is charged by the first charging control means for charging the terminal-to-terminal release voltage to a first specified voltage value, and the terminal-to-terminal release voltage of the predetermined type of battery is charged by the charging control means. When the first specified voltage value is reached, the charging is temporarily stopped and the inter-terminal release voltage is measured, and then the charging is performed again until the second specified voltage value higher than the first specified voltage value is reached. When the terminal-to-terminal release voltage of the battery of the predetermined type reaches the second specified voltage value by the second charging control means to be performed and the charging by the charging control means, the first setting is made by the constant current source. A constant-current charging power according to a second set current value lower than the current value is obtained, and the charging power causes the predetermined type of battery to be charged again until the charging current reaches a specified current value that is considered to be full charge. And a third charge control means for performing the second charge control. In the power execution means, constant-current charging power according to a set current value is obtained from the constant-current source, and the charging power causes the battery to have a difference between the terminal release voltage of the battery and the charging voltage within a set value. Charging control means for charging until the temperature reaches the set temperature, fifth charging control means for charging until the temperature of the battery reaches a set temperature, or sixth charging control for charging the battery for the set time. It is characterized by comprising at least one charging control means.

The present invention is also a charging device capable of controlling charging of a plurality of types of secondary batteries including a lithium ion battery and a nickel-based secondary battery, and a means for identifying the type of the secondary battery to be charged. A means for measuring an inter-terminal release voltage of the secondary battery to be charged, a constant current source for supplying a constant-current charging power to the secondary battery, and a secondary battery to be charged having a predetermined type of secondary When it is a battery (for example, a lithium-ion battery), the constant current source causes the first type battery to
First charging control means for performing charging until the specified voltage value is reached, and charging is performed when the inter-terminal release voltage of the battery of the predetermined type reaches the first specified voltage value by charging by the charging control means. And second charging control means for recharging until the second specified voltage value higher than the first specified voltage value is reached after the inter-terminal release voltage is measured. When the terminal-to-terminal release voltage of the battery of the predetermined type reaches the second specified voltage value during charging, charging is temporarily stopped to measure the terminal-to-terminal release voltage, and the voltage value is the first specified value. When the voltage value is equal to or higher than the voltage value, the first charge execution unit performs charging by the third charge control unit that is considered to be fully charged, and the secondary battery to be charged is a battery other than a predetermined type (for example, a nickel-based battery When the battery is a secondary battery, the first from the constant current source Fourth charging control means for setting a constant-current charging power according to a set current value and performing charging by the charging power until the difference between the terminal release voltage of the battery and the charging voltage is within a set value, or setting Second charging execution means for performing charging by at least one charging control means of fifth charging control means for charging until the temperature is reached or sixth charging control means for charging for a set time. It is characterized by comprising.

Further, the present invention is a charge / discharge control system for a lithium ion battery, which recognizes the battery characteristics of a battery pack containing a lithium ion battery and controls charging / charging according to the characteristics. A communication means for notifying the outside of information indicating the type of the battery pack according to the built-in battery characteristics is provided inside the battery pack, and an external device recognizes the battery characteristics of the battery pack through the communication means and the battery It is characterized by performing charging control according to the characteristics.

Further, the present invention is a charge / discharge control system for a lithium ion battery which recognizes the battery characteristics of a battery pack having a built-in lithium ion battery and performs charge / charge control according to the characteristics. A fixed storage unit that stores information indicating the type of battery pack according to the built-in battery characteristics is provided inside the battery pack, and an external device that charges and discharges the battery pack accesses the fixed storage unit to access the battery pack. It is characterized in that the battery characteristic is recognized and charging control is performed according to the battery characteristic.

Further, the present invention is a charge / discharge control system for a lithium ion battery, which recognizes the battery characteristics of a battery pack containing a lithium ion battery and controls charging / charging according to the characteristics. A mechanism section that indicates the type of battery pack according to the built-in battery characteristics is provided at a specific part of the battery pack housing, and external equipment that charges and discharges the battery pack determines the battery characteristics of the battery pack from the structure of the mechanism section. It is characterized in that it recognizes and performs charging control according to the battery characteristics.

[0019]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 11 is a secondary battery to be charged, and here, in addition to a Ni-cd (nickel cadmium) battery, a Ni-MH (nickel hydrogen) battery, etc., a Li battery having a characteristic different from those batteries is used.
-Ion (lithium ion) batteries and the like are also included in the batteries to be charged.

Reference numeral 12 denotes a variable constant current type constant current source for supplying charging power of a constant current according to the set value to each of the secondary batteries to be charged, and here, the set current value instructed by the control unit 14 is set. Outputs constant-current charging power according to.

Reference numeral 13 is a switch (switch) for turning on / off the charging current from the constant current source 12, and here, the positive (+) side output end of the constant current source 12 and the secondary battery 11 to be charged. It is interposed in a charging current path between the positive electrode terminal and the ON / OFF control under the control of the control unit 14.

Reference numeral 14 denotes a control unit for controlling charge / discharge of the secondary battery 11 to be charged, which controls ON / OFF of the switch 13 and the constant current source 12 according to various state detection signals of the secondary battery 11. The setting current value switching control is performed, and here, the charging process as shown in FIG. 2 is executed.

The control unit 14 also includes a charge counter that counts the number of charges and various control parameters (set current value I [A], specified voltage value V [V], full charge determination current value [I min ] And the like) are provided for the charging process shown in FIG.

Reference numeral 15 denotes a battery type identification unit for identifying the type of the secondary battery 11 to be charged. Here, the secondary battery 11 to be charged is a Ni-cd battery or another secondary battery ( It is a Ni-MH battery, a Li-ion battery, etc.), and the control unit 1 determines the type information of the identified battery.
4

Reference numeral 16 denotes a battery temperature detecting section for detecting the temperature of the secondary battery 11 during charging. Here, the temperature of the secondary battery 11 during charging is detected, and the detected temperature information is sent to the control section 14. Send out.

Reference numeral 17 denotes a battery voltage detection unit for detecting the voltage of the secondary battery 11 to be charged, and here, the control unit 14
Under the control of 1), the inter-terminal release voltage of the secondary battery 11 during charging is detected, and the detected voltage information is sent to the control unit 14.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the charging control processing procedure according to the first embodiment. Here, the operation of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

Here, the secondary battery 11 to be charged is
However, regardless of whether the Li-ion battery, the Ni-cd battery, or the Ni-MH battery is charged, the constant current source 1
2 starts charging with a constant current.

The secondary battery 11 to be charged is Li-io.
When charging a battery other than the n battery,
When ΔV (when the battery voltage passes the peak value and drops by -ΔV) is detected, or when + ΔT (when the battery temperature reaches the set limit value) is detected, or the maximum charging time (charging time) When the time reaches the set limit time) or when the timer charging capacity regulation (maximum charging capacity determined by charging time and charging current) is detected,
Each is charged and fully charged.

When each electrode of the secondary battery 11 to be charged is connected to the charging terminal and the secondary battery 11 is circuit-connected to the charging current path as shown in FIG. The charging process shown in FIG. 2 is executed.

The control unit 14 controls the secondary battery 11 to be charged.
In charging the battery, first, the first current value I is applied to the constant current source 12.
After setting [A] and setting "1" indicating the first charge to the internal charge number counter, whether the secondary battery 11 to be charged is a Li-ion battery or another secondary battery Is determined (steps A1 to A3 in FIG. 2).

Here, the secondary battery 11 to be charged is L
When the battery is an i-ion battery, the switch 13 is switched on, and the secondary battery 11 to be charged is charged with the charging power of the current value I [A] output from the constant current source 12 ( Figure 2 Step A4).

At the time of this charging, the control unit 14 inputs the terminal voltage of the secondary battery 11 measured by the battery voltage detection unit 17 in a constant cycle, and the terminal voltage of the secondary battery 11 becomes the first voltage.
It is judged whether or not the specified voltage V [V] has been reached (step A5 in FIG. 2).

Here, the terminal voltage of the secondary battery 11 is the first
If the specified voltage V [V] of is not reached, the current value I
Continue charging by [A]. Further, when the voltage between the terminals of the secondary battery 11 reaches the first specified voltage V [V], it is confirmed that the value of the charging number counter is within the set number of times (here, two times), and charging is performed. Is temporarily stopped, the release voltage of the secondary battery 11 is measured, the difference voltage (ΔV) between the measured value and the set value (V) is obtained, and this difference voltage (ΔV) is calculated as the previous specified voltage value (V ) Is added (V = ΔV + V), the charge counter is updated (+1), and charging is performed again until the added specified voltage value is reached (steps A6 to A9 in FIG. 2).
, A4, A5).

When the voltage between the terminals of the secondary battery 11 reaches the first specified voltage V [V] during the recharging, it is confirmed that the value of the charging number counter is within the set number of times (here, two times). After checking, the charging is temporarily stopped, the release voltage of the secondary battery 11 is measured, the differential voltage (ΔV) between the measured value and the set value (V) is obtained, and this differential voltage (ΔV) is calculated as It is added to the specified voltage value (V) (V = ΔV + V), the charge counter is updated (+1), and charging is performed again until the added specified voltage value is reached (steps A6 to A9 in FIG. 2).
A4, A5).

Here, the voltage between the terminals of the secondary battery 11 is the first
In the charge count check (step A6 in FIG. 2) when the specified charge voltage V [V] has been reached, when the charge count counter indicates "2" after the predetermined charge count, the specified voltage value V After [V] is returned to the initial value and the charge counter is returned to the initial value “1”, the constant current source 12 is connected to the first value.
Second current value I, which is half the current value I [A] of
[A] is set, and charging with a constant current is restarted again according to this current value (step A10 in FIG. 2).

This second current value (1 / th of the first current value
At the time of charging by 2), when the charging current becomes equal to or less than the full-charge determination current value [I min], the secondary battery 11 is fully charged and the charging of the secondary battery 11 is stopped (steps A11 and A30 in FIG. 2).

The above is the charging process for the Li-ion battery. Next, a charging process of a secondary battery other than the Li-ion battery will be described. When charging the secondary battery 11 to be charged, the control unit 14 first sets the first current value I [A] in the constant current source 12 and indicates the first charge in the internal charge number counter. After setting "1", it is determined whether the secondary battery 11 to be charged is a Li-ion battery or another secondary battery (steps A1 to A3 in FIG. 2).
).

Here, the secondary battery 11 to be charged is L
When it is a secondary battery other than the i-ion battery, the switch 1
3 is switched on, and the secondary battery 11 to be charged is charged with the charging power of the current value I [A] output from the constant current source 12 (step A21 in FIG. 2).

During this charging, when the control unit 14 detects that the voltage of the secondary battery 11 has passed the peak value and dropped by -ΔV according to the detection voltage of the battery voltage detection unit 17 (step in FIG. 2). A23) or the battery temperature detector 16
When it is detected that the temperature of the secondary battery 11 has reached the set limit temperature in accordance with the detection temperature of (Step A22 in FIG. 2), or when it is detected that the charging time has reached the set limit time (Fig. 2 step A24) or when the maximum charging capacity determined by the set charging time and charging current is detected (step A25 in FIG. 2), the charging is terminated and the battery is fully charged (step A30 in FIG. 2).

By such a charging process, the single constant current source 12 is used to control charging of a plurality of types of secondary batteries having different characteristics, such as Li-ion batteries, Ni-cd batteries, and Ni-MH batteries. it can. Therefore, it is possible to charge a plurality of types of secondary batteries having different charging methods (different charging / discharging characteristics) with a single charger. Further, since the constant voltage circuit is unnecessary, the amount of hardware can be reduced.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 21
Is a secondary battery to be charged, and here is a Ni-cd
In addition to batteries, Ni-MH batteries and the like, Li-ion batteries having different characteristics from these batteries are also included in the charging target batteries.

Reference numeral 22 denotes a constant current source of constant constant current type which supplies charging power with a constant current to the secondary battery to be charged. Reference numeral 23 denotes a switch (switch) for turning on / off the charging current from the constant current source 22, and here, the positive (+) side output end of the constant current source 22 and the positive end of the secondary battery 21 to be charged. ON / OFF control is performed under the control of the control unit 24 by being interposed in a charging current path between

Reference numeral 24 denotes a control unit for controlling charge / discharge of the secondary battery 21 to be charged, which controls the switch 23 to be turned on / off in accordance with various state detection signals of the secondary battery 21.
The charging process as shown in is executed.

Further, the control section 24 is provided with a charge number counter for counting the number of times of charging, a register for storing various control parameters (set current value I [A], specified voltage value V [V], etc.). It is subjected to the charging process shown in FIG.

Reference numeral 25 is a battery type identification section for identifying the type of the secondary battery 21 to be charged. Here, the secondary battery 21 to be charged is a Ni-cd battery or another secondary battery ( It is a Ni-MH battery, a Li-ion battery, etc.), and the control unit 2 receives the type information of the identified battery.
4

Reference numeral 26 is a battery temperature detecting section for detecting the temperature of the secondary battery 21 during charging. Here, the temperature of the secondary battery 21 during charging is detected and the detected temperature information is sent to the control section 24. Send out.

Reference numeral 27 is a battery voltage detection unit for detecting the voltage of the secondary battery 21 to be charged, and here the control unit 24.
Under the control of 1., the inter-terminal release voltage of the secondary battery 21 during charging is detected, and the detected voltage information is sent to the control unit 24.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the charge control processing procedure according to the second embodiment. Here, the operation of the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

In the process of the second embodiment, steps B1 to B9 and B21 to B25 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 are the same as those in the first embodiment. , And A21 to A25, which are almost similar to each other, and can be easily understood from the description of the operation of the first embodiment, the description of each process will be omitted here.

The control section 24 checks the number of times of charging when the inter-terminal voltage of the secondary battery 21 reaches the first specified voltage V [V] (step B6 in FIG. 4) by setting a predetermined number of times of charging. When it indicates "2" that the number of times of charging is finished,
After the specified voltage value V [V] is returned to the initial value and the charge counter is returned to the initial value “1”, charging is temporarily stopped,
After a predetermined time has elapsed, the release voltage of the secondary battery 21 is compared with the initial specified voltage value V [V] (steps B11 and B1 in FIG. 4).
2).

Here, if the release voltage of the secondary battery 21 is lower than the initial specified voltage value V [V], the charging with the current value I [A] is performed again (step B4 in FIG. 4, ...). If the release voltage of the secondary battery 21 reaches the initial specified voltage value V [V], the charging is stopped and the battery is fully charged (step B in FIG. 4).
30).

By such a charging process, a single constant current source 12 is used to control charging of a plurality of types of secondary batteries having different characteristics, such as Li-ion batteries, Ni-cd batteries, and Ni-MH batteries. it can. Therefore, it is possible to charge a plurality of types of secondary batteries having different charging methods (different charging / discharging characteristics) with a single charger. Further, since the constant voltage circuit is unnecessary, the amount of hardware can be reduced.

Next, as another embodiment of the present invention, Li
The charge / discharge control of the Li-ion battery for recognizing the battery characteristics of the battery pack including the -ion battery and performing the charging control according to the characteristics will be described.

Here, based on the battery type information obtained from the battery pack containing the Li-ion battery, charging / discharging control according to the characteristics of each battery is performed on the device main body side for charging / discharging the battery pack.

That is, the main body of the device for controlling the charge / discharge of the Li-ion battery is controlled by the charge / discharge control parameters (for example, the voltage value and the current for detecting the low battery) of the Li-ion battery determined in advance from the Li-ion battery. Value, voltage value for detection of remaining capacity, current value, etc.), the optimal charge / discharge control that matches the characteristics of the battery used can be performed quickly and reliably and efficiently, and each Li-ion battery The ability to have can be effectively brought out.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the structure of the main part according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 5, 30 is L
It is a device main body that controls charging and discharging of a battery pack having a built-in i-ion battery as a battery power source. Inside, a charging and discharging control parameter is acquired from the battery pack, and charging and discharging control is performed according to the parameter. CPU
(For example, power control processor) 31 and CPU 31
A charge / discharge control unit 32 for controlling the charge / discharge circuit is provided under the control of 1.

Reference numeral 40 denotes a battery pack which is mounted on the device body 30 and whose charge / discharge is controlled by the device body 30. Inside, a communication function for notifying the outside of information indicating the type of battery according to the built-in battery characteristics. With a microprocessor (μ
p) 41 and a Li-ion battery main body 42 which is a built-in secondary battery are provided.

The CPU 31 on the device body 30 side exchanges information with the microprocessor (μp) 41 in the battery pack 40 mounted on the device body 30 in accordance with a predetermined communication control procedure, and the microprocessor (μp) 41 Get charge / discharge control parameters.

The CPU 31 recognizes, for example, a voltage value, a current value, a voltage value for detecting the remaining capacity, a current value, etc. for detecting the low battery from the contents of the charge / discharge control parameter acquired by the communication, and each of them is recognized. Based on the value, charge / discharge control including low battery detection and remaining capacity detection is performed.

In the third embodiment described above, the device body 30
The CPU 31 on the side acquires the charge / discharge control parameter through communication with the microprocessor (μp) 41 in the battery pack 40 attached to the device body 30, but the charge / discharge control is performed in advance in the battery pack 40, for example. The CPU 31 on the device body 30 side is provided with a ROM storing parameter information.
However, if necessary, the ROM in the battery pack 40 may be read-accessed to read the charge / discharge control parameter of the attached battery pack.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the structure of the main part according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Here, the battery pack 6
In a predetermined specific portion of the outer casing of 0, unevenness mechanism portions 61a to 61d showing the type of the battery pack by a combination of convex and concave pieces are provided.
Corresponding to 61d, detectors 51a to 51d are provided at predetermined parts of the battery pack housing of the device body 50.

The detectors 51a to 51d are microswitches equipped with a pressing actuator, or conductive contact pieces, etc., as long as they can detect the combination of the convex and concave pieces of the concave and convex mechanism portions 61a to 61d as code information. Good.

In the above structure, the battery pack 60 is mounted in the battery pack storage portion of the device body 50,
The concavo-convex mechanism parts 61a to 61d of the battery pack 60 come into contact with the detection parts 51a to 51d of the device body 50 via the convex piece, and the concavo-convex mechanism parts 61a to 6d from the detection parts 51a to 51d.
Code information corresponding to the unevenness of 1d is obtained.

With the code information, the device main body 50
The type of battery pack 60 can be detected, and from that type,
The type of built-in Li-ion battery can be recognized.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main parts according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Here, an electrode cord portion 81, which is a combination of a conducting portion 81a and an insulating portion 81b, having a different pattern for each type of built-in Li-ion battery is provided at a predetermined portion of the outer casing of the battery pack 80. Device body (PC body) 7
No. 0 battery pack storage portion is provided with electrodes 71a to 71d for conductivity check corresponding to the electrode cord portion 81. The CPU of the device body 70 can recognize the type of the built-in Li-ion battery of the attached battery pack 80 from the conduction state of the electrodes for conductivity check 71a to 71d.

The charging / discharging control technique of the Li-ion battery described above is applicable not only to the Li-ion battery but also to various secondary batteries such as Ni-cd battery and Ni-MH battery.

[0068]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention, a charging device capable of controlling the charging of a plurality of types of secondary batteries including a lithium ion battery and a nickel-based secondary battery using a single constant current source. Can be provided. As a result, a plurality of types of secondary batteries having different charging methods (different charging / discharging characteristics) can be charged by one charger, and a constant voltage circuit is not required, so that the amount of hardware can be reduced.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a charging / discharging control system for a lithium ion battery which can recognize the battery characteristics of a battery pack containing a lithium ion battery and perform charging control according to the characteristics. As a result, in a system that uses a battery pack with a built-in lithium-ion battery as a battery power source, optimal charge / discharge control that matches the characteristics of the battery used can be performed quickly and reliably and efficiently, and each Li-ion battery The ability to have can be effectively brought out.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a charge control processing procedure according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a charging control processing procedure according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the difference in discharge characteristics among a plurality of types of Li-ion batteries having different battery characteristics, in a saved manner.

[Explanation of symbols] 11 ... Secondary battery, 12 ... Constant current source (variable constant current type), 1
3 ... Switch (switch), 14 ... Control part, 15 ... Battery type identification part, 16 ... Battery temperature detection part, 17 ... Battery voltage detection part, 21 ... Secondary battery, 22 ... Constant current source (constant constant current type) ), 23 ... Switch (switch), 24 ... Control unit, 25
... Battery type identification unit, 26 ... Battery temperature detection unit, 27 ... Battery voltage detection unit, 30 ... Device body (PC), 31 ... CPU,
32 ... Charge / discharge control unit, 40 ... Battery pack (Li-ion
・ BATT), 41 ... Microprocessor (μp), 4
2 ... Li-ion battery main body, 50 ... Device main body (PC main body), 51a to 51d ... Detection unit, 60 ... Battery pack, 6
1a-61d ... Concavo-convex mechanism part, 70 ... Device main body (PC main body), 71a-71d ... Conductivity check electrode, 80 ... Battery pack, 81 ... Electrode cord part, 81a ... Conducting part, 81
b ... Insulation part.

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A means for identifying the type of a secondary battery to be charged, a constant current source for supplying charging power to the secondary battery, and a means for detecting the voltage of the secondary battery to be charged, Charges the charging power of the constant current source based on the means for detecting the temperature of the secondary battery to be charged, the signal indicating the type of the identified secondary battery, and the detected voltage and temperature signals. And a means for controlling the supply to the target secondary battery,
A charging device characterized in that a single constant current source is used to control charging of a plurality of types of secondary batteries including a lithium ion battery and a nickel-based secondary battery. 2. A means for identifying the type of a secondary battery to be charged, a means for measuring an inter-terminal release voltage of the secondary battery to be charged, and a constant current according to a set value for the secondary battery. When a constant current source for supplying charging power and a secondary battery to be charged are of a predetermined type, the measured voltage obtained by the measuring means is used to charge the battery.
And a second charging execution unit that charges the battery when the secondary battery to be charged is a battery other than a predetermined type, and the first charging execution unit includes: First, a constant-current charging power according to a first set current value is obtained from a constant-current source, and the predetermined charging type battery is charged by the charging power until the inter-terminal release voltage reaches a first specified voltage value. Charging control means and when the inter-terminal release voltage of the battery of the predetermined type reaches the first specified voltage value by the charge control means, the charging is temporarily stopped and the inter-terminal release voltage is measured. After that, the second charging control means for recharging until the second specified voltage value higher than the first specified voltage value, and the inter-terminal release voltage of the battery of the predetermined type by the charging by the charging control means. When the above-mentioned second specified voltage value is reached A constant current charging power according to a second set current value lower than the first set current value is obtained from the constant current source, and the charging power is regarded as full charge in the predetermined type of battery by the charging power. The second charge execution means is provided with a third charge control means for recharging until a specified current value is reached, and the second charge execution means obtains constant-current charge power according to a set current value from the constant-current source, and performs the charge. Fourth charging control means for charging the battery with electric power until the difference between the terminal release voltage of the battery and the charging voltage is within a set value, or until the temperature of the battery reaches the set temperature. A charging device comprising at least one of a fifth charging control means for carrying out the charging, and a sixth charging control means for charging the battery for a set time. 3. A means for identifying the type of a secondary battery to be charged, a means for measuring an inter-terminal release voltage of the secondary battery to be charged, and a constant-current charging power supplied to the secondary battery. A constant current source and a secondary battery to be charged are of a predetermined type, the first charge control means for charging the battery of the predetermined type by the constant current source to a first specified voltage value, And when the inter-terminal release voltage of the battery of the predetermined type reaches the first specified voltage value by the charging by the charge control means, the charging is temporarily stopped and the inter-terminal release voltage is measured, 1
Second charging control means for recharging until it reaches a second specified voltage value higher than the specified voltage value, and the terminal-to-terminal release voltage of the battery of the predetermined type by the charging by the charging control means is the second specified voltage value. When the voltage value is reached, charging is temporarily stopped and the inter-terminal release voltage is measured, and the voltage value is
When the secondary battery to be charged is a battery other than a predetermined type, the first charging execution unit performs charging by the third charging control unit that is considered to be fully charged when the voltage exceeds the specified voltage value , Charging power of a constant current according to a first set current value is obtained from the constant current source, and charging is performed by the charging power until the difference between the terminal release voltage of the battery and the charging voltage is within a set value. A sixth charging control means, a fifth charging control means that performs charging until a set temperature is reached, or a charging control means that performs charging for a set time period, a sixth charging step.
And a second charging execution means having at least one charging control means among the charging execution means. 4. The charging device according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined type of secondary battery is a lithium ion battery. 5. A battery pack having a built-in lithium-ion battery is provided with communication means for notifying the outside of information indicating the type of the battery pack according to the characteristics of the built-in battery, and an external device is connected via the communication means. A charging / discharging control system for a lithium-ion battery characterized by recognizing battery characteristics of the battery pack and performing charging control according to the battery characteristics. 6. An external device for charging / discharging the battery pack, wherein a fixed storage unit storing information indicating the type of the battery pack according to the characteristics of the built-in battery is provided inside the battery pack containing the lithium ion battery. A method for controlling charge and discharge of a lithium-ion battery, characterized in that the fixed storage unit is accessed to recognize the battery characteristics of the battery pack and charge control is performed according to the battery characteristics. 7. A mechanism for indicating the type of a battery pack according to the characteristics of the built-in battery is provided at a specific portion of the housing of the battery pack containing the lithium-ion battery, and the external device for charging and discharging the battery pack is the above-mentioned device. A charge / discharge control method for a lithium-ion battery, which is characterized by recognizing the battery characteristics of a battery pack from the structure of a mechanical unit and performing charge / discharge control according to the battery characteristics.