JPH1198701A - Test method and test device for battery device having protective mechanism and test mechanism, for abnormal operation - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a battery device which enables total inspection in a short time, without affecting an incorporated battery. SOLUTION: A battery MB, a connection circuit 7, I/O terminals 1, an abnormality state detecting means 2 which detects abnormal state in the usage of the battery MB and a protecting means 4 which can cut off the circuit 7 are incorporated. Further, a test signal input terminal 5, to which a test signal Ts for an operation test is applied from an external device and a test signal receiving control means 6 which generates a signal 6a for driving the abnormality state detecting means 2, are provided. The abnormality state detecting means 2 can be driven by a signal 6a supplied by the test signal receive control means 6.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a battery device having an abnormal operation protection mechanism and a test mechanism, and a test method and test apparatus therefor. The present invention relates to a battery device having a built-in test mechanism for inspection and a test method thereof.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Heretofore, batteries have been widely used as power sources for mobile information devices such as video devices integrated with cameras and mobile phones. Examples of batteries suitable for such applications include primary batteries such as manganese batteries and alkaline batteries, as well as small secondary batteries that can be reused by charging, such as nickel cadmium batteries and lithium (L) batteries.
i) There is an ion secondary battery.

In particular, a Li-ion secondary battery has a high volume energy density and a high weight energy density, a volume energy density of 300 to 350 Wh / l or more, and a weight energy density of about 100 Wh / l.
kg or more are possible, and are used in a wide range of applications due to their excellent energy efficiency and safety.

In a typical Li-ion secondary battery, LiCoO2 is used for a positive electrode, and a carbon material such as a carbon layer is used for a negative electrode as a material capable of absorbing and desorbing lithium ions (Li +). ing. In the negative electrode,
Lithium ions (Li
+) Acts as an electron donor.

On the other hand, such a Li-ion secondary battery is
If the charging voltage exceeds the maximum voltage, the charge / discharge cycle life may be shortened. Therefore, control of the overcharge voltage is required. Further, control of the over-discharge voltage is required to avoid deterioration due to over-discharge.

[0006] Furthermore, there is a case where a relatively high voltage such as 8 volts or more is required for a camera-integrated video device, for example. In such a case, a device in which cells are connected in series is used. In addition, depending on the application, a demand for voltage and current may necessitate layered connection of a plurality of cells in series and parallel.

[0007] However, when a plurality of Li-ion secondary batteries are connected and used in a layer as described above, there is a problem that charging and discharging within a preferable range becomes more difficult than in the case of using single batteries.

[0008] When connected in series, overcharge or overdischarge is likely to occur, which occurs when the energy capacity of the cells connected in series varies. If there is a variation in energy capacity, first, when charging, when one battery is fully charged, the other battery is not yet fully charged, and if charging is continued as it is, the battery that has been fully charged first Becomes overcharged.

Next, during discharge, if the battery is over-discharged, the electrolyte is decomposed and the internal pressure of the battery rises, or the negative electrode material flows out, resulting in an internal short circuit. Even when the voltage becomes close to the cutoff voltage, the other battery having remaining energy continues to discharge, so that the previously empty battery may be overdischarged, which is not preferable.

In addition, not only Li-ion secondary batteries, but also primary batteries, such as alkaline batteries, which only discharge, if the over-discharge continues, not only the battery life is sharply shortened, but also the temperature and internal pressure may rise. There is. As described above, it is indispensable to take measures against overdischarge when using a primary battery and to take measures against overcharge and overdischarge when using a secondary battery.

Therefore, as a countermeasure for the Li-ion secondary battery itself, PTC (Positive Temperature) whose resistance increases as the temperature inside the battery increases.
A configuration is used in which a gap between the positive electrode lead and the positive electrode lid is electrically disconnected when the temperature inside the battery reaches an abnormal temperature using a Coefficient element. Further, a safety valve is provided so that the valve opens when the pressure inside the battery becomes abnormally high. Further, a material that melts at a high temperature and collapses to stop the battery reaction is used for a separator incorporated in the battery.

On the other hand, a battery pack containing such a battery, that is, a battery device, has a built-in overdischarge prevention circuit. FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a battery device incorporating such a conventional overdischarge prevention circuit.

As shown in FIG.
In a case 100a, a battery MB, a positive terminal 100P connected to a positive electrode of the battery MB by a circuit 107, and a negative terminal 100P connected to a negative electrode of the battery MB by a circuit 107.
M and an abnormal voltage detection circuit 101 (usually an IC) for detecting an abnormal voltage when abnormalities such as overdischarge and overcharge occur.
And an abnormal current detection circuit 10 for detecting an abnormal current.
2 (usually composed of IC) and these abnormal voltage detection circuits 1
A switching circuit 104 (usually constituted by an FET) for shutting off the circuit 107 based on a detection signal from the abnormal current detection circuit 102 or the abnormal current detection circuit 102 is mounted.

As described above, in the battery device 100, a protection mechanism is constituted by the abnormal voltage detection circuit 101, the abnormal current detection circuit 102, and the switching circuit 104. This protection mechanism monitors the terminal voltage of the battery MB, When the battery MB is overdischarged or overcharged, the battery MB
It is constituted so that it may be shut off from.

[0015]

In the conventional battery device 100 as described above, the abnormal voltage detection circuit 101, the abnormal current detection circuit 102, the switching circuit 1
When the battery MB is sealed in the case and the protection mechanism constituted by the battery 04, ultrasonic welding or the like is performed.
As a result, the protection mechanism may be affected, and normal operation may not be performed.

Therefore, an inspection test of the protection mechanism must be performed after the case encapsulation processing. However, since each circuit constituting the protection mechanism is already enclosed in the case 100a, each circuit can be used alone or in a plurality. Only the circuit cannot be independently tested.

For this reason, the case of the inspection sample secured by the sampling inspection is opened and inspected, or a destructive sampling inspection is performed, or an overcharge voltage is applied to the terminal of the battery device without opening the case of the battery device. The overcharge state is forcibly generated, or an overload state is forcibly generated by connecting an external load to the terminal to be in an overdischarge state, and the protection mechanism is normal indirectly from the operation for them. A method of confirming that has been adopted.

However, there is a problem that a 100% test cannot be performed in the sampling inspection. In addition, in the inspection in which the overcharge state is forcibly generated, there is a problem that the impact added to the battery in the inspection process may affect the battery.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, and makes it possible to carry out inspection easily and in a short time without affecting the built-in battery, and it is possible to carry out 100% inspection. It is an object to provide a battery device, a test method thereof, and a test device.

[0020]

A battery based on an electrochemical reaction defined in the present invention means a positive electrode active substance (for example, an oxidant) serving as an electron acceptor on a positive electrode and a negative electrode active substance serving as an electron donor on a negative electrode. An electrochemical reaction is performed using a substance (for example, a reducing agent) to store electric energy and discharge to the outside.

At the time of discharging, the negative electrode active substance is oxidized inside the battery to generate ions, and at the same time emits electrons to an external circuit. The positive electrode active substance receives electrons from the external circuit and is reduced at the same time as consuming ions. Therefore, a current from the positive electrode to the negative electrode via the external circuit is formed.

Accordingly, batteries based on the electrochemical reaction defined in the present invention include primary batteries typified by dry batteries, and secondary batteries such as nickel-cadmium batteries and lead storage batteries, as well as Li-ion secondary batteries. Is included,
These batteries are incorporated in the battery device of the present invention.

In order to solve the above problem, a battery device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a battery that releases at least electric energy based on an electrochemical reaction, and a battery device that is connected to the battery and transmits and receives the electrical energy that the battery transfers. A circuit to guide,
An input / output terminal connected to the circuit for connection to the outside; an abnormal state detecting means connected to the circuit for detecting occurrence of an abnormal state in use of the battery; and a signal supplied by the abnormal state detecting means. A battery device incorporating a protection means capable of shutting off the circuit based on the test signal input terminal to which a test signal for testing the operation of the abnormal state detection means and the protection means is externally connected, Test signal reception control means for receiving the test signal from the test signal input terminal, generating a signal for driving the abnormal state detecting means based on the test signal, and sending the signal to the abnormal state detecting means, The detection means is configured to be drivable by the signal sent from the test signal reception control means.

According to the above configuration, the abnormal state detecting means can be provided only by inputting the test signal to the test signal input terminal.
Drive is performed in the same manner as when an abnormal state is actually detected. As a result, the operation test of at least the abnormal state detecting means and the protection means is executed without the battery being actually put in the abnormal state.

In the battery device according to a second aspect of the present invention, in the configuration according to the first aspect, the test signal received by the test signal reception control means is one type of direct current whose voltage or polarity is a preset value. Signal, and the one type of test signal corresponds to at least one of overcharge or overdischarge test, and the abnormal state detection means has at least an overcharge detection function or an overdischarge detection function. The overcharge detection function includes at least one of an overcharge voltage and an overcharge current, and the overdischarge detection function includes an overdischarge voltage or an overdischarge. At least one of a current detection function, and the detection function is operable in response to the test signal.

According to the above configuration, the test signal can be easily created. Further, a configuration can be adopted in which the abnormal state detection is performed by either voltage detection or current detection.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the battery device according to the first aspect, the test signal received by the test signal reception control means has at least one of a voltage and a polarity different from each other, and has a preset value. And the two types of test signals correspond to either an overcharge test or an overdischarge test, respectively, and the test signal reception control means discriminates the two types of test signals. A classification function, and the abnormal state detection means further includes two types of detection functions of an overcharge detection function and an overdischarge detection function, and the overcharge detection function includes an overcharge voltage or an overcharge current. At least one of the detection functions, and the overdischarge detection function is at least one of an overdischarge voltage and an overdischarge current. And the two types of detection functions is characterized in that it is configured to be operated corresponding to said two types of test signals.

According to the above configuration, two types of tests, overcharge and overdischarge, can be performed only by changing the test signal. In addition, test signals can be easily created.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the battery device according to the first aspect, the test signal received by the test signal reception control means has four types of voltages or polarities set in advance. At least one of the DC signals is different from each other, and the four types of test signals correspond to any of an overcharge voltage test, an overcharge current test, an overdischarge voltage test, and an overdischarge current test. The state detection means has four types of detection functions of an overcharge voltage detection function, an overcharge current detection function, an overdischarge voltage detection function, and an overdischarge current detection function, and the four types of detection functions are It is configured to be operable in response to each of the four types of test signals, and the test signal reception control means separates the four types of test signals from each other. It is characterized by having similar functions.

According to the above configuration, four types of tests of overcharge voltage, overcharge current, overdischarge voltage, and overdischarge current can be performed only by changing the test signal. In addition, the test signal can be easily created.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, at least the battery, the circuit, the abnormal state detection means, the protection means, and the test signal reception control means are contained in an outer case, and the input terminal and The test signal input terminal is disposed on the surface of the outer case, and the test signal input terminal is covered with a detachable covering means or a covering means through which a needle probe can penetrate.

According to the above configuration, the test can be performed using the test signal input terminal without opening the outer case of the battery device. During normal use, since the test signal input terminal is covered, an unexpected disturbance signal can be prevented from entering the test signal input terminal.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an overdischarge test method for a battery device, comprising: a battery; an abnormal state detecting means for detecting an overdischarge state of the battery; Protection means for interrupting connection, a test signal input terminal for receiving an overdischarge test signal, and a test for driving the abnormal state detection means based on an overdischarge test signal input from outside the battery device via the test signal input terminal An overdischarge test method applied to a battery device including signal reception control means, wherein an overdischarge test signal is input to the test signal input terminal in a state where an external load is not connected to the battery, whereby an overdischarge state is generated. The abnormal state detection means is activated in the same manner as when
, And while maintaining the above state, an external load is connected to the battery to start a discharging operation, and it is checked whether or not the battery is discharged.

According to the above configuration, the test is performed without putting the battery in the actual overdischarge state, and thus the overdischarge test without damaging the battery is performed.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an overcharge test method for a battery device, comprising: a battery; abnormal state detecting means for detecting an overcharge state of the battery; Protection means for interrupting connection, a test signal input terminal for receiving an overcharge test signal, and a test for driving the abnormal state detection means based on an overcharge test signal input from outside the battery device via the test signal input terminal An overcharge test method applied to a battery device including signal reception control means, wherein an overcharge test signal is input to the test signal input terminal in a state where a charger is not connected to the battery, whereby an overcharge state is generated. In the same manner as when the abnormality has occurred, the abnormal state detecting means is operated, and the protection means 4 is operated to maintain the state. Then, a charger is connected to the battery to charge the battery. Starts operation, characterized by checking whether the charging to the battery is made.

According to the above configuration, the test is performed without putting the battery in the actual overcharge state, and thus the overcharge test without damaging the battery is performed.

The overcharge and overdischarge test method for a battery device according to claim 8 of the present invention includes a battery, an abnormal state detecting means for detecting an overcharge state and an overdischarge state of the battery, and the abnormal state detecting means. Protection means for cutting off the connection of the battery based on the result of the test, a test signal input terminal receiving an overcharge test signal and an overdischarge test signal, and an overcharge test input from outside the battery device via the test signal input terminal. An overcharge test method applied to a battery device including a test signal reception control unit that drives the abnormal state detection unit based on a signal and an overdischarge test signal, wherein the test is performed in a state where a charger is not connected to the battery. An overcharge test signal is input to a signal input terminal, thereby activating the abnormal state detection means in the same manner as when an overcharge state occurs,
Further, by operating the protection means 4 and maintaining the state, a charger is connected to the battery to start a charging operation, and it is checked whether or not the battery is charged. Or, in the state where no external load is connected to the battery, input an overdischarge test signal to the test signal input terminal, thereby activating the abnormal state detection means as if an overdischarge state occurred, Activating the protection means 4 and maintaining the state, then connecting an external load to the battery to start a discharging operation, and checking whether or not the battery is discharged to perform an overdischarge test. And performing one of the overcharge inspection and the overdischarge inspection before the other.

According to the above configuration, the test is performed without putting the battery in an actual overcharged state or an overdischarged state.
Therefore, an overcharge and overdischarge test without damaging the battery is performed.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a battery device test apparatus, comprising: a battery; an abnormal state detecting means for detecting at least one of an overcharged state and an overdischarged state of the battery; Protection means for interrupting the connection of the battery based on, a test signal input terminal receiving at least one of an overcharge test signal or an overdischarge test signal,
A test applied to a battery device including a test signal reception control unit that drives the abnormal state detection unit based on the overcharge test signal or the overdischarge test signal input from outside the battery device via the test signal input terminal. A signal generating means for generating at least one of the overcharge test signal and the overdischarge test signal, and capable of inputting the signal to the test signal input terminal of the battery device; At least one of a charger having charge detection means or an external load having discharge detection means connectable to the battery, and the overcharge test signal or overdischarge test generated from the signal generation means. After inputting one of the signals to the test signal input terminal, the charge detection means or the discharge detection corresponding to the signal is input. Characterized by comprising a control means for controlling to connect the unit to the battery.

According to the above configuration, the execution of the overcharge test, the overdischarge test, or both of these tests is performed with high efficiency by continuous operation.

[0041]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a first embodiment of a battery device according to the present invention. As shown in the drawing, a battery device (denoted by a symbol SBP) according to the present invention includes a battery (denoted by a symbol MB) that releases electric energy based on an electrochemical reaction, and a battery MB connected to the battery MB. , An input / output terminal 1 connected to the circuit 7 for connection to the outside, and an abnormality connected to the circuit 7 for detecting occurrence of an abnormal state in use of the battery MB. The protection means 4 capable of shutting off the circuit 7 based on the signal 2a supplied from the state detection means 2 and the abnormal state detection means 2 and the input of a test signal Ts for testing the operation of the abnormal state detection means 2 and the protection means 4 A test signal input terminal 5 to be provided and a test for sending a signal 6a for driving the abnormal state detecting means 2 to the abnormal state detecting means 2 based on the signal input from the test signal input terminal 5 And a No. receiving controller 6.

Here, the abnormal state refers to an overcharged state that occurs during charging or an overdischarged state that occurs during discharging. The overcharge state can be detected from the circuit during charging by at least one of the overcharge voltage and the overcharge current.
Similarly, an overdischarge condition can be detected from the circuit during discharge by at least one of an overdischarge voltage and an overdischarge current.

The abnormal state detecting means 2 is capable of detecting the occurrence of an abnormal state such as an overcharged state or an overdischarged state during use of the battery MB through the circuit 7 and the signal 6a sent from the test signal reception control means 6. It is also configured to be drivable.

Next, the operation of the battery device SBP shown in FIG. The operation of the battery device SBP is divided into the following three modes (a), (b), and (c).

(A) Mode in a normal use state In this mode, an external load is connected to the input / output terminal 1 during discharging, and a current from the battery MB flows through the external load. Terminal 5 has a test signal Ts
Is not entered. Moreover, both the discharge voltage and the discharge current are within the range of normal values.

At the time of charging, a charger (not shown) is connected to the input / output terminal 1, a current from the charger flows to the battery MB, and a test signal Ts is input to the test signal input terminal 5. Not done. In addition, both the charging voltage and the charging current are within normal values.

(B) Mode in abnormal use state In this mode, an external load is connected to the input / output terminal 1 during discharging, and the current from the battery MB flows through this external load, while the test signal is input. Terminal 5 has a test signal Ts
Is not entered. Moreover, at least one of the discharge voltage and the discharge current is an abnormal value, that is, an overdischarge voltage or an overdischarge current.

Further, at the time of charging, a charger is connected to the input / output terminal 1, and a current from the charger flows to the battery MB, while no test signal Ts is input to the test signal input terminal 5. Moreover, at least one of the charging voltage and the charging current is an abnormal value, that is, an overcharge voltage or an overcharge current.

(C) Mode in Test State This mode is further composed of two sub-modes. In the overcharge test sub mode, input / output terminal 1
In the state where the charger is not connected, that is, in the state where the input / output terminal 1 is opened, the overcharge test signal Tsoc is input to the test signal input terminal 5, whereby the overcharge state (overcharge voltage or overcharge current) is changed. The abnormal state detection means 2 is operated so as to be in the same state as the occurrence, and the protection means 4 is thereby operated. If both the abnormal state detecting means 2 and the protection means 4 operate normally, the protection means 4 will cut off the circuit 7 here.

Next, a charger is connected to the input / output terminal 1 to start a charging operation, and it is checked whether or not the battery MB is charged. If charging is not performed, it is known that the circuit 7 is shut off, and thus it is confirmed that both the abnormal state detection means 2 and the protection means 4 are normal.

In the overdischarge test submode, first, an overdischarge test signal Tsod is input to the test signal input terminal 5 in a state where no external load is connected to the input / output terminal 1, that is, in a state where the input / output terminal 1 is open. Thereby, the abnormal state detecting means 2 is operated so as to be in the same state as the occurrence of the overdischarge state (overdischarge voltage or overdischarge current), and thereby the protection means 4 is operated. Abnormal state detection means 2
If both the protection means 4 and the protection means 4 operate normally, the protection means 4 will cut off the circuit 7 here.

Next, an external load is connected to the input / output terminal 1 to start a discharging operation, and it is checked whether or not the battery MB is discharged. If the discharge is not performed, it is known that the circuit 7 is shut off, and thus it is confirmed that both the abnormal state detecting means 2 and the protection means 4 are normal.

As described above, when the battery MB is a rechargeable secondary battery, the overcharge test submode and the overdischarge test submode are executed. Also overcharge test
In the sub-mode, it is sufficient that at least one of the overcharge voltage and the overcharge current is inspected. Therefore, only one of the overcharge voltage and the overcharge current may be inspected.

Similarly, in the over-discharge test sub-mode, it is sufficient if at least one of the over-discharge voltage and the over-discharge current is inspected. Therefore, only the over-discharge voltage or the over-discharge current is inspected. You can do it.

Further, when the battery MB is a primary battery capable of discharging only, only the overdischarge test submode is executed. In the overdischarge test sub-mode for the primary battery, any configuration may be used as long as at least one of the overdischarge voltage and the overdischarge current is inspected. Only one of them may be inspected.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a second embodiment of the battery device according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a detailed block diagram of the battery device.

In FIG. 2, a battery device SBP2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention includes a battery MB and a circuit A7 connected to the battery MB for guiding electric energy transferred by the battery MB.
And input / output terminals 1P and 1M connected to the circuit A7 and used for connection to the outside, and a battery M connected to the circuit A7.
An abnormal state detecting means A2 for detecting occurrence of an abnormal state in the use of B, a protection means A4 capable of shutting off the circuit A7 based on a signal supplied from the abnormal state detecting means A2, and an operation of the abnormal state detecting means A2 and the protecting means A4. A test signal input terminal 5 for inputting a test signal Ts for testing and a signal for driving the abnormal state detecting means A2 based on the signal input from the test signal input terminal 5 are sent to the abnormal state detecting means A2. Test signal reception control means A
6 is provided.

The test signals received by the test signal reception control means A6 are four types of DC signals whose values are set in advance and which differ from each other in at least one of voltage and polarity. As for these four types of signals, four types of external connection units T1 to T4 as shown in the figure are connected between the positive terminal 1P and the test signal input terminal 5, or between the test signal input terminal 5 and the negative terminal 1M. It is caused by

Each of the external connection units T1 to T4 contains a DC power supply. The connection of the external connection unit T1 is such that the positive side of the DC power supply is connected to the positive terminal 1P and the negative side is connected to the test signal input terminal 5.

The external connection unit T2 is connected such that the negative side of the DC power supply is connected to the positive terminal 1P and the positive side is connected to the test signal input terminal 5. The external connection unit T3 is connected to the test signal input terminal 5 at the negative side of the DC power supply.
The positive side is connected to the negative terminal 1M, and the external connection unit T4 is connected such that the positive side of the DC power supply is connected to the test signal input terminal 5 and the negative side is connected to the negative terminal 1M.

The four types of test signals correspond to any of an overcharge voltage test, an overcharge current test, an overdischarge voltage test, and an overdischarge current test, respectively. An overcharge voltage detection function, and an overcharge current detection function, and an overdischarge voltage detection function, and an overdischarge current detection function are provided, and the four types of detection functions are provided. It is configured to be operable corresponding to each of the four types of test signals.

Next, an example of a more detailed configuration of each part of the battery device SBP2 will be described with reference to FIG. In the figure,
The circuit A7 includes a VL connecting the positive terminal of the secondary battery MB and the positive terminal 1P, an ML connected to the negative electrode of the secondary battery MB, and a current detecting load Rd having one end connected to the negative electrode of the secondary battery MB.
Is connected to the other terminal of the negative electrode 1M and the negative terminal 1M.
Further, between the current detection load Rd and the negative terminal 1M, there is provided the overcharge protection means 4A corresponding to the protection means A4 (FIG. 2).
And overdischarge protection means 4B.

An overcharge voltage detecting means 2A and an overdischarge voltage detecting means 2C corresponding to a part of the abnormal state detecting means A2 (FIG. 2) are connected between the circuit VL and the circuit ML. Means 2A and overdischarge voltage detecting means 2C
Monitors the voltage between both terminals of the secondary battery MB.

Further, an overcharge current detecting means 2B and an overdischarge current detecting means 2D corresponding to a part of the abnormal state detecting means A2 (FIG. 2) are connected in parallel with the current detecting load Rd. The current detection unit 2B and the overdischarge current detection unit 2D monitor the value of the current flowing through the secondary battery MB by detecting the voltage difference caused by the current flowing through the current detection load Rd.

When the overcharge voltage detection means 2A and the overcharge current detection means 2B detect the overcharge voltage and the overcharge current, respectively, a trigger signal is input to the drive circuit 3A, and the drive circuit 3A
A drives the overcharge protection means 4A based on this. The overcharge protection means 4A is a switching element, and when it is driven, the connection to the negative terminal 1M of the circuit EL is cut off. Thereby, the secondary battery MB is disconnected from the circuit A7.

On the other hand, when the over-discharge voltage detecting means 2C and the over-discharge current detecting means 2D detect the over-discharge voltage and the over-discharge current, respectively, a trigger signal is input to the drive circuit 3B, and the drive circuit 3B detects the over-discharge current and the over-discharge current. The discharge protection means 4B is driven. The overdischarge protection means 4B is a switching element, and when it is driven, the connection to the negative terminal 1M of the circuit EL is cut off. Thereby, the secondary battery MB is disconnected from the circuit A7.

Further, the test signal reception control means A6 includes:
Based on the test signal Ts input from the test signal input terminal 5, the signals are discriminated and separated, and the drive signals As to Ds
Is generated and output.

The drive signal As is sent to the overcharge voltage detection means 2A, and the drive signal Bs is sent to the overcharge current detection means 2B. The drive signal Cs is sent to the overdischarge voltage detection means 2C, and the drive signal Ds is sent to the overdischarge current detection means 2D.

The overcharge voltage detecting means 2A will be described. When the overcharge voltage detecting means 2A receives the drive signal As, the same operation as when the overcharge voltage is detected is performed, and the drive circuit 3A Input the trigger signal to. As a result, the drive circuit 3A and the overcharge protection means 4A operate in the same manner as when the overcharge voltage is detected, thereby disconnecting the secondary battery MB from the circuit A7.

That is, only by providing the drive signal As,
The drive circuit 3A and the overcharge protection means 4A operate in the same manner as when the overcharge voltage is detected. The present invention utilizes this principle,
An object of the present invention is to realize a battery device capable of performing an operation test of a peripheral circuit of the battery MB (in this case, a driving circuit and an overcharge protection unit) without affecting the battery MB.

The same applies to the drive signals Bs to Ds, the overcharge current detection means 2B, the overdischarge voltage detection means 2C, and the overdischarge current detection means 2D, and a description thereof will be omitted.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 3, it is possible to monitor and control all overcharge voltages, overcharge currents, overdischarge voltages, and overdischarge currents.
It is also possible to adopt a configuration that allows only one type of monitoring control and testing. In particular, the built-in battery is a primary battery,
If the battery device is not charged, it is preferable to use only one type of configuration related to overdischarge voltage or overdischarge current.

FIG. 4 is a circuit configuration diagram of the battery device of the second embodiment shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the correspondence of each component will be described.

The overcharge voltage detecting means 2A shown in FIG.
Is a transistor Q41, a Zener diode Z41, a comparator IC41, and a bleeder resistor R4 in FIG.
1, R42.

The drive signal As enters the base of the transistor Q41, and the collector of the transistor Q41 enters the positive terminal of the comparator IC41. The emitter of the transistor Q41 is connected to the negative line ML of the battery MB, and a Zener diode Z41 is connected in parallel between the collector and the emitter of the transistor Q41. Furthermore, the battery MB
The bleeder resistors R41 and R42 are connected in series between the positive electrode line VL and the negative electrode line ML, and the connection point of both resistors enters the opposite terminal side of the comparator IC41. The output of the comparator IC41 enters the gate of a field-effect transistor FET1, which will be described later.

Similarly, the overdischarge voltage detecting means 2 C
P transistor Q42, comparator IC42, Zener diode Z42, bleeder resistors R43, R44
Composed of

The drive signal Cs is supplied to the PNP transistor Q4
2, the collector of the PNP transistor Q42 is connected to the negative line ML of the battery MB, and the emitter of the PNP transistor Q42 enters the opposite terminal of the comparator IC42.

The positive electrode line VL and the negative electrode line M of the battery MB
The bleeder resistors R43 and R44 are connected in series between L, and the connection point of both resistors is connected to the positive terminal side of the comparator IC42. The Zener diode Z42 is connected between the opposite terminal side of the comparator IC42 and the negative line ML. The output of the comparator IC42 enters the gate of a field-effect transistor FET2 described later.

Similarly, the overcharge current detecting means 2B comprises a comparator IC43 and bleeder resistors R45 and R46. The drive signal Bs enters a connection point between the bleeder resistors R45 and R46 connected in series, and the resistor R45 is connected to the positive terminal side of the comparator IC43.

The current detection load Rd is connected to the negative line M
L and the source of the field effect transistor FET2, and the resistor R46 is connected to the FE of the current detection load Rd.
It is connected to the T2 side. Further, the comparator IC 43
The negative terminal ML side of the current detection load Rd is connected to the opposite terminal side, and the output of the comparator IC43 is input to the base of a transistor Q43 described later.

Similarly, the overdischarge current detecting means 2D comprises a comparator IC44 and bleeder resistors R47 and R48. The drive signal Ds enters a connection point between the bleeder resistors R47 and R48 connected in series, and the resistor R47 is connected to the opposite terminal side of the comparator IC44.

The resistor R48 is connected to the FE of the current detection load Rd.
It is connected to the T2 side. Further, the comparator IC 44
Is connected to the negative line ML of the current detection load Rd, and the output of the comparator IC44 is input to the base of a transistor Q44 described later.

Similarly, drive circuit 3A includes transistor Q
43. The output of the comparator IC43 is input to the base of the transistor Q43.
The collector of 43 is the gate of the field effect transistor FET1, and the emitter is the field effect transistor FET1.
1 source.

Similarly, drive circuit 3B includes transistor Q
44. The output of the comparator IC44 enters the base of the transistor Q44,
The collector of 44 is the gate of the field effect transistor FET2, and the emitter is the field effect transistor FET2.
2 sources.

Similarly, the overcharge protection means 4A is formed by the field effect transistor FET1 and the diode Dd1.
The overdischarge protection means 4B is a field effect transistor FE
It is composed of T2 and a diode Dd2.

The drain of the field-effect transistor FET1 is connected to the drain of the field-effect transistor FET2, and the source of the field-effect transistor FET1 is connected to the negative terminal 1M of the battery device SBP2. The positive terminal 1P of the battery device SBP2 is connected to the positive electrode line VL.

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram of the test signal reception control means 6A shown in FIG. In the configuration shown in the figure, the breakdown voltage (breakdown voltage) of the Zener diode Z11 is D11, the breakdown voltage of the Zener diode Z12 is D12, the voltage of the connected external unit T1 is E1, and the voltage of the connected external unit T12 is E1. Assuming that the voltage is E2, D12 <E2 <D11 <E1.

When the voltage E2 is input as a test signal, the Zener diode Z11 turns off, the base potential of the transistor Q13 becomes zero and turns off, and the base potential of the transistor Q14 rises and turns on by the resistor R49. As a result of turning on the diode Z12 and thus turning on the PNP transistor Q12, Bs
The voltage E2 is output to the terminal.

When the voltage E1 is input as a test signal, the zener diode Z11 turns on, the PNP transistor Q11 turns on, and the voltage E1 is output to the As terminal. On the other hand, when the transistor Q13 is turned on due to the potential difference generated in the resistor Rg due to the breakdown current of the Zener diode Z11 and the base-emitter current of the PNP transistor Q11, the base potential of the transistor Q14 is lowered and turned off. The PNP transistor Q12 is also turned off.

As described above, test signals having different voltages can be discriminated, and As or Bs is output as a drive signal. Although the above description is for a test signal of a positive voltage, a test signal of a different negative voltage (−E
3, -E4), the PNP transistor Q16,
Discrimination is similarly performed by the Zener diode Z13, the transistor Q17, the resistor R50, and the PNP transistor Q15, the Zener diode Z14, and the transistor Q18.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a test operation of the battery device SBP2 of the second embodiment shown in FIGS. Hereinafter, the operation of the battery device SBP2 will be described based on the flowchart.

When a test signal is received in step S1, the test signal reception control means 6A checks whether the operation signal is an operation test signal of an overcharge voltage, that is, As (step S2).

If the operation test signal As is an overcharge voltage operation test signal, it is input to the transistor Q41 and
Is turned on, thereby shorting the zener diode Z41 to lower the positive terminal side potential of the comparator IC41, setting the output of the comparator IC41 to zero, lowering the gate potential of the field effect transistor FET1, and turning off the field effect transistor FET1. , Shut off the circuit to the battery MB. That is, the charge protection switch is turned off.

When the charge protection switch is turned off in this way (step S12), charging of the battery MB is immediately attempted, and it is checked whether the charge protection switch is turned off correctly (step S13). If charging is not performed here (step S14), the charge protection switch is correctly turned off, a signal indicating a normal result is issued as normal operation, and the test ends (step S11).

On the other hand, when charging is performed in step S14, the charge protection switch is not turned off, so that a signal is issued as a circuit failure, and the test ends (step S10).

On the other hand, if it is not the operation test signal As of the overcharge voltage in step S3, it is confirmed whether or not it is the operation test signal Bs of the overcharge current (step S4). (Step S
5), send to the connection point of bleeder resistors R45 and R46,
The output of the comparator IC43 is set to be positive by raising the positive terminal side potential of the comparator IC43, and this output is input to the base of the transistor Q43 to turn on the transistor Q43 to lower the collector potential, thereby reducing the gate potential of the field effect transistor FET1. To turn off the field effect transistor FET1, and cut off the circuit to the battery MB. That is, the charge protection switch is turned off.

When the charge protection switch is turned off in this way (step S12), charging of the battery MB is immediately attempted, and it is checked whether the charge protection switch is turned off correctly (step S13). If charging is not performed here (step S14), the charge protection switch is correctly turned off, a signal indicating a normal result is issued as normal operation, and the test ends (step S11).

On the other hand, when charging is performed in step S14, the charge protection switch is not turned off, so that a signal is issued as a circuit failure, and the test ends (step S10).

Further, in step S5, if it is not the operation test signal of the overcharge current, it is confirmed whether it is the operation test signal Cs of the overdischarge voltage or not (step S6). S7) Transistor Q4 and comparator I by signal Cs
C42 is driven to turn off the field effect transistor FET2, and the circuit to the battery MB is cut off. That is, the discharge protection switch is turned off.

When the discharge protection switch is turned off (step S15), the discharge is performed immediately, and it is checked whether the discharge protection switch is correctly turned off (step S1).
6). If discharge is not performed here (step S17),
The discharge protection switch is correctly turned off, a signal indicating a normal result is issued as a normal operation, and the test ends (step S11).

On the other hand, if the discharge is performed in step S17, it means that the discharge protection switch has not been turned off, so that a signal is issued as a circuit failure, and the test ends (step S10).

Further, if it is not the operation test signal of the overdischarge voltage in step S7, it is confirmed whether or not it is the operation test signal Ds of the overdischarge current (step S8). Step S9),
The process moves to step S15. Step S15 and subsequent steps are substantially the same as described above.

As described above, the test signal reception control means 6
By giving four different test signals to A, the test signal reception control means 6A discriminates the four test signals into four kinds of operation test signals As to Ds and sends them to the abnormal voltage or abnormal current detecting means corresponding to each of them. Since these are driven to check whether or not the protection switch has been cut off, each of the overcharge voltage, overcharge current, overdischarge voltage, and overdischarge current can be individually tested.

In the present invention, in order to realize a correct operation with respect to test signals having different voltages or different polarities, circuit constants with matching are set. Is as follows.

When the battery incorporated in the battery device according to the present invention is a Li-ion secondary battery, it is preferable to use a constant current and constant voltage system for charging. In the constant current / constant voltage method, the battery is charged with a constant current first, and after the terminal voltage of the battery reaches about +4.2 V of the specified voltage, the battery is charged while the charging current is gradually reduced at the constant voltage.

In this charging, it is recommended that the Li-ion secondary battery be charged at a current value of 1 C. Normal L
In the case of an i-ion secondary battery, when the charging current value is 1 C, it takes about 2 hours to complete charging. However, 80 to 90% of the total capacity can be charged in the first hour. Therefore, it is preferable that the settable lower limit of the overcharge current control threshold value incorporated in the battery device according to the present invention is set to about 1C or more.

Also, in the case of a configuration in which charging is performed for a short time within about 20 minutes by controlling a large current of about 10 C in a pulsed manner, a current detection load capable of coping with the pulsed current is provided. That can be dealt with.

It should be noted that there are different types of negative electrode materials in Li-ion secondary batteries. The material required for the negative electrode material is
A material capable of absorbing and desorbing lithium ions (Li +) is used. Examples thereof include a material using a coke-based or graphite-based material for a negative electrode, and a material obtained by adding other additives to these materials. Mn for foil and negative electrode
O2, L using ionic conductive organic solid electrolyte as electrolyte
There is also an i-ion secondary battery. These have slightly different electromotive forces.

The internal impedance of the Li-ion secondary battery is high. Compared with the Ni-Cd battery or the Ni hydrogen battery, it is larger by about one digit. It is about 90 mOhm for a single cell. This is because the operating voltage of the Li-ion secondary battery is as high as about 4 V, so that an aqueous solution cannot be used, and an organic solution (a mixture of an organic solvent such as propylene carbonate or ethylene carbonate and a supporting electrolyte) is used as the electrolyte. ) Is used, and the electric conductivity of this organic solution is N
This is because it is smaller by one to two orders of magnitude than an aqueous solution which is an electrolyte of an i-Cd battery or a Ni hydrogen battery.

Therefore, in setting the circuit constants and the test signal level, it is necessary to take into account the relatively high internal impedance of such a battery.

Therefore, consequently, the circuit constants in the present invention, for example, the bleeder resistance value and the zener potential, need to be set to values that take the above into consideration.

When the battery MB is a primary battery that can only be discharged, only the overdischarge test submode is executed. In the case of the overdischarge test sub-mode for the primary battery, the test signal received by the test signal reception control means is one type of DC signal whose voltage or polarity is a preset value, and this one type The test signal will correspond to at least one of overcharge and overdischarge tests.

Further, the abnormal state detecting means may have at least one of a function of detecting overcharge and a function of detecting overdischarge. Here, the function of detecting overcharge may be at least one of overcharge voltage and overcharge current. The function of detecting overdischarge may be any function that detects at least one of overdischarge voltage and overdischarge current. The detection function is configured to be operable in response to the test signal.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing signal application in a third embodiment of the battery device according to the present invention. In the same figure, the battery device SBP3 of the third embodiment according to the present invention comprises:
A battery MB, a circuit B7 connected to the battery MB for guiding electric energy transferred by the battery MB, and input / output terminals 1P, 1P connected to the circuit B7 and provided for connection to the outside;
M, an abnormal state detecting means B2 connected to the circuit B7 for detecting occurrence of an abnormal state in use of the battery MB, a protection means B4 capable of shutting off the circuit B7 based on a signal supplied from the abnormal state detecting means B2, and an abnormal state A test signal input terminal 5 for inputting a test signal for testing the operation of the detection means B2 and the protection means B4, and the abnormal state detection means B2 is driven based on the signal input from the test signal input terminal 5. Test signal reception control means B6 for sending a signal to the abnormal state detection means B2.

The test signals received by the test signal reception control means B6 from the external units T5 and T6 are two types of DC signals having at least one of a voltage and a polarity different from each other and having a preset value. These two types of test signals correspond to either the overcharge test or the overdischarge test, respectively.

The abnormal state detecting means B2 has two types of detecting functions, that is, an overcharging detecting function and an overdischarging detecting function. Here, the overcharge detection function is a function of detecting at least one of overcharge voltage and overcharge current, and the overdischarge detection function is a function of detecting at least one of overdischarge voltage and overdischarge current. Function.

FIG. 8 is a circuit configuration diagram of the battery device of the third embodiment shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the battery device SBP3 of the third embodiment is generated by connecting two types of external units T5 and T6 having DC power supplies having different polarities between the positive terminal 1P and the test signal input terminal 5. The test is performed based on the test signal to be performed.

Each of the battery devices SBP3 includes an overcharge voltage detection / drive circuit, an overcharge current detection / drive circuit, an overdischarge voltage detection / drive circuit, an overdischarge current detection / drive circuit, and a protection circuit.

The overcharge voltage detecting / driving circuit includes a transistor Q61, a Zener diode Z61, a comparator I
The overcharge current detection / drive circuit includes C61, resistors R61 and R62, and includes a comparator IC63, resistors R65 and R66, a zener diode Z63, and a diode Dd61.

The overdischarge voltage detecting / driving circuit includes a transistor Q62, a Zener diode Z62, a comparator I
The overdischarge current detecting / driving circuit includes C62, resistors R63 and R64, and includes a comparator IC64, resistors R67 and R68, a Zener diode Z64, and a diode Dd62.

The protection circuit comprises a field-effect transistor FE
T1, diode Dd1, field effect transistor FE
T2 and a diode Dd2.

Although the components and the number of components of each circuit are substantially the same as those in the battery device SBP2 of the second embodiment, the battery device SBP3 of the present embodiment is significantly different from the battery device SBP2. When a test signal is input, the overcharge current detection / drive circuit (or overdischarge current detection / drive circuit) first rises and operates, and based on the output of the result, the overcharge voltage detection / drive circuit (or The discharge voltage detection / drive circuit rises and operates, and this overcharge voltage detection / drive circuit (or overdischarge voltage detection / drive circuit)
The configuration is such that the protection circuit is driven based on the output of the result of the driving circuit.

That is, the battery device SBP3 of the present embodiment
By connecting the overcurrent detection and the overvoltage detection in tandem, one test signal, that is, one test operation, enables the overcurrent detection part test and the overvoltage detection part test to be performed at once and continuously. There is a feature in the place.

FIG. 9 is an operation flowchart of the battery device SBP3 of the third embodiment shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the operation will be described based on the flowchart. Step S1
At 00, when a test signal is generated, it is confirmed which of the two types T6 and T5 of this signal is a positive voltage or a negative voltage (step S10).
1).

If the test signal is a positive voltage, the overcharge current protection operation functions (step S102), the output of the comparator IC63 becomes positive, and the transistor Q61
Becomes high potential, and the transistor Q61 is turned on (step S103).

As a result of turning on transistor Q61, Zener diode Z61 is short-circuited and comparator IC6
The positive terminal side potential of 1 drops, the overcharge voltage protection operation functions (step S104), the output of the comparator IC61 drops to zero, and the drive voltage applied to the gate G of the field effect transistor FET1 becomes 0 volt ( As a result, the field-effect transistor FET1 is turned off, and the circuit 68 is cut off (step S106).

In this state, a charger CB is connected between the positive terminal 1P and the negative terminal 1M, and a test for charging the internal battery MB is performed (step S107). If charging is not established here (step S108), not only the overcharge current protection operation but also the overcharge voltage protection operation are functioning normally, and as a result, the circuit 68 is normally shut off, and thus the charging is established. It can be confirmed that the overcharge test has not been performed, a non-defective signal is issued (step S110), and the overcharge test ends.

On the other hand, when charging is established (step S
108), as a result of at least one of the overcharge current protection operation and the overcharge voltage protection operation not functioning normally, the circuit 68
Is not normally shut down, a failure signal is issued (step S109), and the overcharge test ends.

As described above, in the configuration of the present embodiment, since the overcharge current protection operation is started and the overcharge voltage protection operation is started by the resulting output, a single test signal is input. This is advantageous in that not only the overcharge current protection operation but also the overcharge voltage protection operation are tested.

Next, in step S101, if the test signal is a negative voltage, the overdischarge current protection operation functions (step S111), the transistor Q62 turns on (step S112), and the overdischarge voltage protection operation starts. Functioning (step S113), the comparator IC6
2 output drops to zero, field-effect transistor FET
The drive voltage applied to the gate G of the second transistor becomes 0 volt (step S114). As a result, the field-effect transistor FET2 is turned off, and the circuit 68 is cut off (step S115).

In this state, a load Ld is connected between the positive terminal 1P and the negative terminal 1M, and a test for attempting to discharge from the internal battery MB is performed (step S116). If the discharge is not established here (step S117), not only the over-discharge current protection operation but also the over-discharge voltage protection operation are functioning normally. As a result, the circuit 68 is normally shut off, and thus the discharge is established. It can be confirmed that the test has not been performed, a non-defective signal is issued (step S110), and the overdischarge test ends.

On the other hand, when the discharge is established (step S
117) As a result of at least one of the overdischarge current protection operation and the overdischarge voltage protection operation not functioning properly, the circuit 68
Is not normally shut down, a failure signal is issued (step S109), and the overcharge test ends.

As described above, in the configuration of the present embodiment, the overdischarge current protection operation starts, and the resulting output causes the overdischarge voltage protection operation to start, so that one test signal is input. By doing so, there is an advantage that both tests of the overdischarge current protection operation as well as the overdischarge voltage protection operation are executed.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing signal application in a fourth embodiment of the battery device according to the present invention. In the same figure, the battery device SBP4 of the third embodiment according to the present invention comprises:
A battery MB; a circuit C7 connected to the battery MB for guiding electric energy transmitted and received by the battery MB; and input / output terminals 1P, 1P connected to the circuit C7 and provided for connection to the outside.
M, an abnormal state detecting means C2 connected to the circuit C7 for detecting occurrence of an abnormal state in use of the battery MB, a protection means C4 capable of shutting off the circuit C7 based on a signal supplied from the abnormal state detecting means C2, A test signal input terminal 5 for inputting a test signal for testing the operation of the detection means C2 and the protection means C4, and the abnormal state detection means C2 is driven based on the signal input from the test signal input terminal 5. Test signal reception control means C6 for sending a signal to the abnormal state detection means C2.

In order to generate a test signal, the external units T7 to T10 connected between the input / output terminal 1P and the test signal input terminal 5 and between the test signal input terminal 5 and the input / output terminal 1M include resistors It consists only of: Therefore, connected in the battery device of the embodiment,
Unlike the external units with a built-in DC power supply, in the present embodiment, the resistors of these external units act as loads on the battery device.

In this configuration, a test signal is generated by using a current flowing from the built-in battery MB, that is, only by discharging the built-in battery MB. The principle of the present invention can be effectively applied to such a configuration.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a test signal input terminal structure in the embodiment of the battery device according to the present invention. In the outer case 8a of the battery device SBP, the battery MB, the abnormal state detecting means 2 (comprising an IC) for detecting an abnormality when an abnormality such as overdischarge and overcharging occurs, and the abnormal state detecting means 2 Protective means 4 (comprising an FET), which is a switching circuit that shuts off the circuit 7 based on the detection signal, and test signal reception control means 6 (comprising an IC) are mounted.

Further, on the surface of the outer box 8a, a positive terminal 1P connected to the positive electrode of the battery MB via a circuit 7, and a battery MB
A negative terminal 1M connected to the negative electrode of the circuit through a circuit 7 and a test signal input terminal 5 connected to the test signal reception control means 6 are provided.

The positive terminal 1P and the negative terminal 1M are arranged so as to be exposed, while the test signal input terminal 5 is arranged at the bottom of a circular concave formed in the outer case surface. The concave portion is usually covered with a detachable covering means Cp.

Hereinafter, the structure and material of the coating means Cp will be described. As a first example, when the covering means Cp is made of the same material as the outer case 8a, for example, a plastic disk, a screw is used as a member for attaching the covering means Cp to the outer case 8a. . Further, it is preferable to use a screw having a special structure for a screw insertion portion.

As a second example, when the covering means Cp is made of an elastic body such as rubber or an elastomer and has a disk shape, this covering means Cp is attached to the concave portion of the outer box 8a by bonding or the like. When the probe Prb is brought into contact with the test signal input terminal 5, the covering means Cp is penetrated by the needle at the tip of the probe Prb until it comes into contact with the test signal input terminal 5.

With the above configuration, the test can be performed using the test signal input terminal 5 without opening the outer case 8a of the battery device SBP. In addition, the test signal input terminal is provided by the covering means Cp during normal use. 5 is covered, the user does not have any inconvenience in handling the battery device.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a test device for testing the protection means of the battery device according to the present invention. The battery device SBP tested by the test device TSR has, for example, a configuration as shown in FIG.

That is, a battery, an input / output terminal for electric energy to and from the battery (positive terminal 1P and negative terminal 1M in FIG. 12), and an abnormality for detecting at least one of an overcharged state and an overdischarged state of the battery. State detection means, protection means for disconnecting the battery based on the result of the abnormal state detection means, and a test signal input terminal for receiving at least one of an overcharge test signal and an overdischarge test signal (reference numeral 5 in FIG. 12). The present invention is applied to a battery device SBP including a test signal reception control unit that drives an abnormal state detection unit based on an overcharge test signal or an overdischarge test signal input from outside the battery device via the test signal input terminal.

The test device TSR has a test signal output terminal 77 that can be connected to the test signal input terminal 5 of the battery device SBP.
And at least one of an overcharge test signal and an overdischarge test signal can be generated, and this signal can be input to the test signal input terminal 5 via the test signal output terminal 77.
A signal generating circuit 78 functioning as a signal generating means, input / output terminals 75 and 76 that can be respectively connected to the positive terminal 1P and the negative terminal 1M of the battery device SBP, and a two-pole switch 82 connected to the input / output terminal 75. , A control device 80.

Further, the charger 8 connected to one output terminal 82a and the input / output terminal 76 of the two-pole switch 82
5 is provided. Here, the charger 85 and the bipolar switch 82
A resistor R84 is inserted between the first output terminal 82a and the charging detection circuit 84 in parallel with the resistor R84.

Further, a resistor R82 is connected between the other output terminal 82b and the input / output terminal 76 of the bipolar switch 82 as an external load. A discharge detection circuit 83 is connected in parallel with the resistor R82.

In the overcharge test, the charge detection circuit 84 confirms that the protection means in the battery device SBP has cut off the circuit when no charge current flows, that is, when no charge current is detected. The battery device SBP is accepted, and the acceptance signal 84a is displayed on the display / report device 86 as a monitor device.

On the other hand, when the charging current flows, that is, when the charging current is detected, the battery device SBP
The battery device SBP is rejected, and the failure signal 84b is confirmed.
Is displayed on a display / report device 86 which is a monitor device.

In the overdischarge test, the discharge detection circuit 83 confirms that the protection means in the battery device SBP has cut off the circuit when no discharge current flows, that is, when no discharge current is detected. Therefore, the battery device SBP is determined to pass, and the pass signal 83a is displayed on the display / reporting device 86 as a monitor device.

On the other hand, when the discharge current flows, that is, when the discharge current is detected, the battery device SBP
It is confirmed that the protection means in the inside does not interrupt the circuit, so that the battery device SBP is rejected and the failure signal 83b
Is displayed on a display / report device 86 which is a monitor device.

Prior to execution of either the overcharge test or the overdischarge test, the control device 80 changes the control signal 80b for switching the changeover switch 82 to the neutral position with the changeover switch 82.
Send to As a result, neither the charger 85 nor the external load R82 is connected to the battery device SBP.

Thereafter, control device 80 generates either an overcharge test signal or an overdischarge test signal in response to execution of either the overcharge test or the overdischarge test and inputs the signal to test signal input terminal 5. Signal generation circuit 7
8 to the control signal 80a.

Thus, when the test signal is transmitted,
After a predetermined time lag, the control device 80 sends a control signal 80b to the changeover switch 82 so as to switch the changeover switch 82 to the output side 82a or 82b in response to execution of either the overcharge test or the overdischarge test. in this way,
The control device 80 performs time-series control of the test signal generation timing and the switching timing of the switch 82.

In the above-described configuration, the configuration is applicable to both the overcharge test and the overdischarge test. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. Alternatively, a configuration using only an external load provided with a discharge detection unit is also possible.

Next, an overcharge test method, an overdischarge test method, an overcharge and an overdischarge test method of the battery device using the test device TSR will be described in order.

[0157] The overcharge test method executed by the test apparatus TSR is as follows. First, when the charger is not connected to the input / output terminals 1P and 1M, that is, when the input / output terminals 1P and 1M are open, the test signal input terminal 5, the overcharge test signal Tsoc is input.

Thus, the abnormal state detecting means 2 (see FIG. 1) in the battery device SBP operates in the same manner as detecting the overcharge state (overcharge voltage or overcharge current), and the protection means 4
(See FIG. 1). If both the abnormal state detection means 2 and the protection means 4 operate normally, the protection means 4 interrupts the circuit 7 (see FIG. 1). On the other hand, if at least one of the abnormal state detecting means 2 and the protection means 4 does not operate normally, the circuit 7 is not interrupted.

Next, while maintaining the above state, the charger 85 is connected to the input / output terminals 1P and 1M to start the charging operation, and it is checked whether or not the battery MB is charged. Here, if the charging current does not flow through the resistor R84 and the charging detection circuit 84 does not detect the voltage generation, the charging is not performed. This means that the circuit 7 is shut off, and therefore, both the abnormal state detection means 2 and the protection means 4 are operating normally, and it is confirmed that the battery device SBP is a good product.

Conversely, when the charging current flows through the resistor R84 and the charging detection circuit 84 detects the generation of the voltage, the charging is completed. This indicates that the circuit 7 is not interrupted, and thus the abnormal state detecting means 2 and the protecting means 4
At least one of them does not operate normally, and it is confirmed that this battery device SBP is defective.

The overdischarge test method executed by the test apparatus TSR is based on a test signal input terminal with no external load connected to the input / output terminals 1P and 1M, that is, with the input / output terminals 1P and 1M open. 5, an overdischarge test signal Tsod is input.

Thus, the abnormal condition detecting means 2 (see FIG. 1) in the battery device SBP operates in the same manner as detecting the overdischarge state (overdischarge voltage or overdischarge current), and the protection means 4
(See FIG. 1). If both the abnormal state detection means 2 and the protection means 4 operate normally, the protection means 4 interrupts the circuit 7 (see FIG. 1). On the other hand, if at least one of the abnormal state detecting means 2 and the protection means 4 does not operate normally, the circuit 7 is not interrupted.

Next, while maintaining the above state, the external load R82 is connected to the input / output terminals 1P and 1M to start the discharging operation, and it is checked whether or not the battery MB is discharged.
Here, if the discharge current does not flow through the external load R82 and the discharge detection circuit 83 does not detect the voltage generation, no discharge is performed. This means that the circuit 7 is shut off, and therefore, both the abnormal state detection means 2 and the protection means 4 are operating normally, and it is confirmed that the battery device SBP is a good product.

Conversely, a discharge current flows through the external load R82,
Therefore, when the discharge detection circuit 83 detects the generation of the voltage, the discharge is performed. This indicates that the circuit 7 is not interrupted, and that at least one of the abnormal state detecting means 2 and the protection means 4 is not operating normally, and that the battery device SBP is defective. It is confirmed.

Next, in the overcharge and overdischarge test method executed by the test apparatus TSR, both the overcharge test and the overdischarge test are sequentially executed. The overcharge test method and the overdischarge test method are the same as those described above, respectively, and the description is omitted. The order of executing the overcharge test and the overdischarge test is not particularly limited.

As is apparent from the above description, in the battery device test method according to the present invention, in any of the overcharge test, the overdischarge test, and the overcharge / overdischarge test, abnormalities such as overcharge or overdischarge of the battery may occur. No exposure to conditions.
Therefore, the battery device is not damaged or deteriorated by the test as in the conventional method. That is, there is an effect equivalent to that of the nondestructive test.

Moreover, as is clear from the battery device test apparatus according to the present invention, the operation for the test is simple,
In addition, since the time required for the test is extremely short, a 100% test of the battery device can be easily performed at low cost.

When the battery MB is a rechargeable secondary battery, at least one of an overcharge test and an overdischarge test is performed. It is particularly preferred that both be performed.

Further, in the overcharge test, any test method may be used as long as at least one of the overcharge voltage and the overcharge current is inspected. Therefore, the test apparatus may be provided with only one of the overcharge voltage and the overcharge current. May be transmitted.

Similarly, in the overdischarge test, any test method may be used as long as at least one of the overdischarge voltage and the overdischarge current is inspected. Therefore, the test apparatus is connected to either the overdischarge voltage or the overdischarge current. A configuration may be adopted in which a test signal for testing only the test signal is transmitted.

Further, when the battery MB is a primary battery capable of discharging only, only the overdischarge test is executed. In the overdischarge test for the primary battery, any test method may be used as long as at least one of the overdischarge voltage and the overdischarge current is inspected. A configuration for transmitting a test signal for testing only one of the currents may be used.

[0172]

As described in detail above, claim 1 of the present invention
The battery device according to the present invention includes a battery, an input / output terminal and a connection circuit, a detection unit for detecting an abnormal state and a protection unit for shutting off the circuit, further includes a test signal input terminal and a test signal reception control unit, Since the state detection means is configured to be drivable by a signal sent from the test signal reception control means, it is possible to drive the abnormal state detection means only by inputting a test signal to the test signal input terminal,
Therefore, the operation test of the abnormal state detecting means and the protection means can be easily executed without keeping the battery in an abnormal state.

In particular, since the built-in batteries can be brought into the same state as when the abnormal state has occurred without exposing the built-in batteries to the actual abnormal state, the tests of each means can be performed without damaging or deteriorating the built-in batteries. This has the effect of being able to be implemented.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the battery device according to the first aspect, the voltage or polarity of the test signal is set in advance corresponding to at least one of overcharge and overdischarge tests. Value is one type of DC signal, and the abnormal state detecting means corresponds to at least one of the overcharge voltage and the overcharge current tests in the overcharge state, and the overdischarge voltage or the overdischarge in the overdischarge state. Since it is configured to be operable in response to at least one of the current tests, there is an advantage that it is easy to generate a test signal to be supplied.

Further, the detection of an abnormal state can be designed to be performed by either voltage detection or current detection, whereby the configuration can be simplified and the cost is advantageous. Further, the present invention can be applied to a battery device having a built-in primary battery that is effective only for discharging.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the battery device according to the first aspect, the test signal is different from each other in which a voltage or a polarity is preset and corresponds to two kinds of tests of overcharge or overdischarge. The test signal reception control means has a function of discriminating and classifying the two kinds of test signals, and the abnormal state detecting means supports two kinds of tests of overcharging and overdischarging. Operates in response to an overcharge voltage and / or overcharge current test in a charged state and operates in response to an overdischarge voltage and / or overdischarge current test in an overdischarge state Because it is a configuration, two types of tests, overcharge and overdischarge, can be performed only by changing the test signal, and it is easy to create test signals to be supplied. On, it can be realized cost-effective battery apparatus can simplify the configuration.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the battery device according to the first aspect, the voltage or polarity of the test signal corresponds to a test of an overcharge voltage, an overcharge current, an overdischarge voltage, or an overdischarge current. Are four types of DC signals different from each other, and the abnormal state detecting means is configured to be operable in response to the four types of tests. Therefore, only by changing the test signal, the overcharge voltage and the overcharge voltage are changed. Four types of tests of charging current, overdischarge voltage, and overdischarge current can be performed, and furthermore, a test signal to be supplied can be easily created, and the configuration can be simplified and a battery device that is advantageous in cost can be realized.

In the battery device according to claim 5 of the present invention, the battery, the circuit, the abnormal state detecting means, the protecting means, and the test signal receiving control means are contained in an outer case, and the input terminal and the test signal Since the input terminal is disposed on the outer case surface and the test signal input terminal is covered by a detachable covering means or a covering means through which a needle probe can penetrate,
The test can be performed using the test signal input terminal without opening the battery case, and the test signal input terminal is covered during normal use, making it inconvenient for the user to handle the battery device. Nothing.

An overdischarge test method for a battery device according to claim 6 of the present invention has a function of detecting overdischarge as an abnormal state,
The present invention is applied to a battery device having a protection function for interrupting connection of a battery and a test signal reception control unit for driving an abnormal state detection unit based on an overdischarge test signal, in a state where an external load is not connected to a battery in the battery device. By inputting the overdischarge test signal, the same state as when an overdischarge state occurs can be achieved.While maintaining this state, an external load is connected to the battery to check whether the battery is discharged. Therefore, the test can be performed without putting the battery in an actual overdischarge state, and thus the overdischarge test without damaging the battery can be performed. In addition, an efficient overdischarge test can be performed on a battery device having a built-in primary battery in which only discharging is effective.

A method for testing overcharge of a battery device according to claim 7 of the present invention includes a function of detecting overcharge as an abnormal state,
The present invention is applied to a battery device having a protection function for interrupting connection of a battery and a test signal reception control unit for driving an abnormal state detection unit based on an overcharge test signal, in a state where a charger is not connected to a battery in the battery device. By inputting the overcharge test signal, it can be in the same state as the overcharge state has occurred,
While maintaining this state, a charger is connected to the battery to check whether or not the battery is charged. Therefore, the test can be performed without putting the battery in an actual overcharged state. Overcharge test without damaging the device. In addition, it is possible to provide an efficient function of an overdischarge test to a battery device in which a secondary battery is incorporated and a separate protection method such as a fuse is provided for discharge protection.

An overcharge and overdischarge test method for a battery device according to claim 8 of the present invention includes a function of detecting an abnormal state of both an overcharge state and an overdischarge state, a protection function of disconnecting a battery connection, and a function of The present invention is applied to a battery device including a test signal reception control unit that drives an abnormal state detection unit based on a charge test signal and an overdischarge test signal, and performs the same method as in claim 6 during an overdischarge test. Since the method is the same as that of the above-described claim 7, and one of the overcharge test and the overdischarge test is performed before the other, the battery is put into an actual overcharge state or an overdischarge state. Can be tested without
Thus, overcharge and overdischarge tests can be performed without damaging the battery. In addition, overcharge and overdischarge tests can be performed with simplified operations, and the efficiency of the inspection process is improved.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a battery device test apparatus for detecting both abnormal states of an overcharged state and an overdischarged state, a protection function for disconnecting a battery, an overcharge test signal and an overcharged state. A signal generation unit that is applied to a battery device including a test signal reception control unit that drives an abnormal state detection unit based on a discharge test signal, and generates an overcharge test signal or an overdischarge test signal and inputs the signal to the battery device;
Control for connecting the charge detection means or the discharge detection means to the battery after the charger having the charge detection means or the external load having the discharge detection means and the test signal generated by the signal generation means are inputted to the battery device. Because of the means, the overcharge test, the overdischarge test, or both of these tests can be performed with high efficiency by continuous operation.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a first embodiment of a battery device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a second embodiment of the battery device according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a detailed block configuration diagram of the battery device according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a circuit configuration diagram of the battery device according to the second embodiment shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a circuit configuration diagram of the test signal reception control means shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a test operation of the battery device of the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a signal application of a third embodiment of the battery device according to the present invention.

8 is a circuit configuration diagram of the battery device of the third embodiment shown in FIG.

9 is an operation flowchart of the battery device of the third embodiment shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a signal application of a battery device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a test signal input terminal structure in the embodiment of the battery device according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a test apparatus for testing the protection means of the battery device according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a secondary battery device including a conventional protection mechanism.

[Explanation of symbols]

SBP ... battery device according to the present invention, 1 ... input / output terminal,
2 ... Abnormal state detecting means, 2a ... Signal, 4 ... Protecting means, 5 ... Test signal input terminal, 6 ... Test signal reception control means, 6a ... Signal, 7 ... Circuit, Ts ... Test signal

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A battery that emits at least electric energy based on an electrochemical reaction, a circuit that is connected to the battery and guides electric energy that is transmitted and received by the battery, and that is connected to the circuit and provided for connection to the outside. An input / output terminal connected to the circuit, an abnormal state detecting means for detecting occurrence of an abnormal state in use of the battery, and a protection means capable of shutting off the circuit based on a signal supplied by the abnormal state detecting means. A test signal input terminal to which a test signal for testing the operation of the abnormal state detecting means and the protection means is externally connected; and a test signal input terminal receiving the test signal from the test signal input terminal. Test signal reception control means for creating a signal for driving the abnormal state detecting means based on the test signal and sending the signal to the abnormal state detecting means Wherein the abnormality detecting means battery apparatus characterized by being configured to be driven by the signal sent from the test signal reception control means. 2. The test signal received by the test signal reception control means is one kind of DC signal whose voltage or polarity is a preset value, and the one kind of test signal is overcharge or overdischarge. It corresponds to at least one of the tests, furthermore, the abnormal state detection means has at least one kind of detection function of overcharge detection function or overdischarge detection function, the overcharge detection function is The overcharge voltage or the overcharge current is at least one of the detection functions, and the overdischarge detection function is at least one of the overdischarge voltage or the overdischarge current detection function, and the detection function is The battery device according to claim 1, wherein the battery device is configured to be operable in response to the test signal. 3. The test signal received by the test signal reception control means is two types of DC signals having at least one of a voltage and a polarity different from each other and having a preset value, and the two types of test signals are The test signal reception control means has a function of discriminating and classifying the two kinds of test signals, and the abnormal state detection means has an overcharge detection function and an overcharge test. It has two types of overdischarge detection functions, and the overcharge detection function is at least one of overcharge voltage and overcharge current detection functions, and the overdischarge detection function is A detection function of at least one of overdischarge voltage and overdischarge current, and the two types of detection functions correspond to the two types of test signals, respectively. Cell apparatus of claim 1, wherein the operably configured correspondingly. 4. The test signal received by the test signal reception control means is a DC signal having at least one of four types of voltages or polarities of which values are set in advance, and the four types of test signals are different from each other. It corresponds to either an overcharge voltage test or an overcharge current test or an overdischarge voltage test or an overdischarge current test, and the abnormal state detecting means has an overcharge voltage detection function and an overcharge current detection function. It has four types of detection functions of an overdischarge voltage detection function and an overdischarge current detection function, and the four types of detection functions are configured to be operable in response to the four types of test signals, respectively. 2. The battery device according to claim 1, wherein the test signal reception control means has a function of discriminating and classifying the four types of test signals. 5. At least the battery, the circuit, the abnormal state detecting means, the protecting means, and the test signal receiving control means are housed in an outer case, and the input terminal and the test signal input terminal are arranged on the outer case surface. The test signal input terminal is provided with a detachable covering means or a covering means through which a needle probe can penetrate.
The battery device according to any one of the preceding claims. 6. A battery, an abnormal state detecting means for detecting an overdischarge state of the battery, a protection means for disconnecting the battery based on a result of the abnormal state detecting means, and a test for receiving an overdischarge test signal. An overdischarge test applied to a battery device including a signal input terminal and a test signal reception control unit that drives the abnormal state detection unit based on an overdischarge test signal input from outside the battery device via the test signal input terminal. A method, in the state where an external load is not connected to the battery, inputting an overdischarge test signal to the test signal input terminal, thereby activating the abnormal state detection means in the same manner as when an overdischarge state occurs, Further, the protection means 4 is operated, and while maintaining the state, an external load is connected to the battery to start a discharging operation, and whether the battery is discharged. Overdischarge test method of a battery apparatus characterized by examining whether. 7. A battery, an abnormal state detecting means for detecting an overcharged state of the battery, a protection means for disconnecting the battery based on a result of the abnormal state detecting means, and a test for receiving an overcharge test signal. An overcharge test applied to a battery device including a signal input terminal and a test signal reception control unit that drives the abnormal state detection unit based on an overcharge test signal input from outside the battery device via the test signal input terminal. A method, in a state where a charger is not connected to the battery, inputting an overcharge test signal to the test signal input terminal, thereby activating the abnormal state detection means in the same manner as when an overcharge state has occurred, Further, the protection means 4 is operated, while maintaining the state, a charger is connected to the battery to start a charging operation, and whether or not the battery is charged is determined. Overcharge test method of a battery apparatus which is characterized in that 査. 8. A battery, an abnormal state detecting means for detecting an overcharge state and an overdischarge state of the battery, a protection means for disconnecting the battery based on a result of the abnormal state detecting means, and an overcharge test. A test signal input terminal for receiving a signal and an overdischarge test signal; and a test signal for driving the abnormal state detection means based on an overcharge test signal and an overdischarge test signal input from outside the battery device via the test signal input terminal. An overcharge test method applied to a battery device including reception control means, wherein an overcharge test signal is input to the test signal input terminal in a state where a charger is not connected to the battery, whereby an overcharge state is set. Activating the abnormal state detecting means in the same manner as the occurrence, and further activating the protecting means 4, while maintaining the state, and then charging the battery Connect and start the charging operation, perform an overcharge inspection by checking whether or not the battery is charged, or overdischarge to the test signal input terminal with no external load connected to the battery A test signal is input, thereby operating the abnormal state detecting means in the same manner as when an overdischarge state has occurred, and further operating the protection means 4, while maintaining the state, and connecting an external load to the battery. To start a discharging operation, and perform an overdischarge test by confirming whether or not the battery is discharged, and perform one of the overcharge test and the overdischarge test before the other. An overcharge and overdischarge test method for a battery device. 9. A battery, an abnormal state detecting means for detecting at least one of an overcharged state and an overdischarged state of the battery, a protection means for disconnecting the battery based on a result of the abnormal state detecting means, A test signal input terminal for receiving at least one of an overcharge test signal and an overdischarge test signal; and the abnormality based on the overcharge test signal or the overdischarge test signal input from outside the battery device via the test signal input terminal. A test apparatus applied to a battery device including a test signal reception control unit that drives a state detection unit, wherein at least one of the overcharge test signal and the overdischarge test signal is generated, and the signal is transmitted to the battery device. A signal generation means that can be input to the test signal input terminal; and a charge detection means that can be connected to the battery of the battery device. And at least one of an external load provided with a discharge detection means, and the test signal input terminal for receiving either the overcharge test signal or the overdischarge test signal generated from the signal generation means. And a control unit for controlling the connection of the charge detection unit or the discharge detection unit corresponding to the signal to the battery after the input to the battery.