JP3335018B2 - Battery monitoring device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a storage battery mounted as a power supply for driving a moving body such as an electric vehicle and a so-called assembled battery comprising an aggregate of a plurality of unit storage batteries. The present invention relates to an apparatus for monitoring and holding various information regarding a battery.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general, lead-acid batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and the like used as power sources for driving motors in mobile bodies such as electric vehicles and motor-driven industrial vehicles are commonly used.
A configuration is adopted in which a plurality of unit batteries are connected in series to obtain a total voltage necessary for exhibiting a predetermined power performance. For example, as a power source for a driving motor for an electric vehicle, a sealed nickel-metal hydride battery having excellent basic characteristics such as energy density, output density, and cycle life has recently attracted attention, and is being developed for practical use. In. When the battery is used as a power source for an electric vehicle, the battery capacity is 50 to 120 Ah and 100 to
A total voltage of about 350V is required. Nickel-metal hydride batteries have an output voltage of 1.2 cells, which is the minimum unit for practical use.
Since the voltage is about V, a large number of cells are connected in series to obtain a required total voltage. FIG. 10 is mounted on an electric vehicle,
FIG. 2 is an internal circuit diagram of a storage battery including an assembly of sealed nickel-metal hydride storage batteries. The battery 1 includes a plurality (for example, 24) of modules 101, 102, 103,. . . ,
And 124 are connected in series (hereinafter referred to as assembled battery 1).
) Cells in series. In this way, the assembled battery of 240 cells as a whole has a total voltage of 28
8V is obtained.

In an electric vehicle powered by such a battery, the voltage of the battery is monitored and the remaining battery capacity is monitored in the same manner as a vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine constantly monitors the remaining fuel. You need to know the amount. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a conventional battery pack 1. In the figure, the battery pack 1 is composed of 24 modules 101 to 124 in a vertical 6
And four in a row, and are housed in a container 131. The voltage between the + and − terminals of each of the modules 101 to 124 is sent to the monitoring device 2 provided near the battery pack 1 via the lead wire 132 (the lead wire 132 is
02 and 124 are shown), and further sent from the monitoring device 2 to an electronic control unit (ECU) 3 which is a center (central control device) of monitoring and control.

[0004]

According to the conventional monitoring device as described above, since all of the modules 101 to 124 are connected to the monitoring device 2 by the leads 132, a total of 48 leads 132 are combined. It is wired so as to crawl on the upper surface of the battery. Therefore, there is a problem that it takes a long time for the wiring operation and the connection reliability is not high. Further, the conventional monitoring device uses only the voltage information as an ECU.
The information is sent to the ECU 3, and various other information on the characteristic of the battery is set in the ECU 3. However, for example, when the battery is replaced with another manufacturer's product, the characteristics of the battery change.
Must be changed. Therefore, there is a problem that it is inconvenient because the ECU 3 must be prepared in accordance with the battery.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and has as its object to provide a monitoring device for a battery pack which can reduce the complexity of wiring. It is another object of the present invention to provide an assembled battery monitoring device that can use the ECU 3 for general purpose even when the type of battery changes.

[0006]

The monitor of the assembled battery according to the present invention SUMMARY OF], in The monitor of the assembled battery formed by connecting a plurality of module batteries in series, each module battery
Is provided integrally with each module battery.
A plurality of voltage measurement units each having information
From the voltage measurement unit via one transmission path
Information about each module battery is entered and each module is
An electronic control unit for monitoring and controlling the battery.
And each of the voltage measurement units is
Connected between both terminals of the battery
A voltage detection circuit for detecting a voltage from said voltage detecting circuit
The electronic control unit converts the output signal of
A signal conversion / transmission circuit for serial transmission and output to the unit
Storing information about the module battery,
Depending on the request from the control unit,
And a storage device that outputs information about the

[0007]

[0008]

Further, the monitoring device for a battery pack according to the present invention comprises:
Superintendent of the battery pack is connected Ru formed a plurality of modules cells in series
In the visual device, each module battery is integrated
Information about each module battery.
Each of which is connected by a serial communication line.
A plurality of voltage measuring units, wherein the plurality of voltage measurement Yoo
Unit connected to one voltage measurement unit in the unit
For each module battery via real transmission line
Monitor and control each module battery
An electronic control unit, and the voltage measurement unit
Are connected between both terminals of the module battery.
Voltage detection circuit to detect the output voltage of the module battery
Path and the output signal from the voltage detection circuit
Signal conversion and transmission circuit that converts the signal to a serial signal and outputs it
And information about the module battery.
Module power supply at the request of the slave control unit.
A storage device for outputting information about the pond.

[0010] In addition, the monitoring device for a battery pack according to the present invention includes:
Superintendent of the battery pack is connected Ru formed a plurality of modules cells in series
In the visual device, each module battery is integrated
Information about each module battery.
Each of which is connected by a serial communication line.
A plurality of voltage measuring units, wherein the plurality of voltage measurement Yoo
Unit connected to one voltage measurement unit in the unit
For each module battery via real transmission line
Monitor and control each module battery
An electronic control unit, and the voltage measurement unit
Are connected between both terminals of the module battery.
Voltage detection circuit to detect the output voltage of the module battery
Path and the output signal from the voltage detection circuit
Signal conversion and transmission circuit that converts the signal to a serial signal and outputs it
And the unique address number of the module battery
Switch, the switch identified by the address number
The electronic control unit stores information related to a module battery.
When specified by the address number from the unit,
A storage device for outputting information about the joule battery.
I do.

[0011]

According to the battery pack monitoring device of the present invention, a voltage measuring unit provided integrally with a corresponding module battery measures the voltage of each module battery of a battery pack formed by connecting a plurality of module batteries in series. voltage detection circuit connected between the terminals is detected, one transmission path of the signal conversion and transmission circuit converts the output of the voltage detection circuit into a digital signal
And serially output to the electronic control unit via .

[0012]

[0013]

Further, the battery pack monitoring device according to the present invention comprises:
The various information of the module battery stored in the storage device inside the voltage measurement unit , which is a battery information unit integrally provided for each module battery , is transmitted through one serial transmission line.
Electronic control unit that monitors and controls each module battery
To the computer .

Further, the monitoring apparatus for a battery pack according to the present invention comprises:
Various information of the module battery specified by the address number set by the switch of the voltage measurement unit , which is a battery information unit integrally provided for each module battery
Report each module battery via one serial transmission line.
It is transmitted to the electronic control unit that monitors and controls .

[0016]

FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram showing an assembled battery monitoring apparatus and the like according to the present invention. All the illustrated devices are mounted on a moving body such as an electric vehicle. Regarding the internal configuration of the battery pack 1, the description of FIG. In addition,
The type of the storage battery to be used may be a lead storage battery or a nickel-cadmium storage battery in addition to the nickel-metal hydride storage battery. In FIG. 1, a battery pack 1 includes modules 101, 102,. . . , And 124 across each of the voltage measuring units 201, 202,. . . , 224 are connected to each other. Each of the voltage measurement units 201 to 224 includes a corresponding module 10
The terminal voltages of 1-124 are input as signals to be measured, and the power supply of the voltage measurement unit itself is also obtained from the terminal voltage of the module. Voltage measurement units 201 and 2
24 are a voltage detection circuit 20, a signal conversion / transmission circuit 21, a ROM 22 as a storage device, and a setting switch 2.
3 is provided. The voltage measurement unit 201 is connected to an electronic control unit (hereinafter, referred to as ECU) 3 via a serial communication line 4a. The voltage measuring unit 201 is connected to the other voltage measuring units 202 to 224 via the serial communication line 4b.

The voltage between both terminals of the module 101 is detected by the voltage detection circuit 20. Then, the output signal of the voltage detection circuit 20 is converted into a digital signal by the signal conversion / transmission circuit 21, and the digital signal is transmitted through the serial transmission line 4a.
It is transmitted to ECU3. The voltage between both terminals of each of the modules 102 to 124 is also detected in the same manner, and once transmitted to the voltage measurement unit 201 via the serial transmission line 4b.
After that, it is transmitted to the ECU 3. For example, voltage measurement is E
Each voltage measurement unit 1 receives a measurement command signal from CU3.
01 to 124 perform this at the same time, and serially transmit a signal to the ECU 3 on the measured voltage data. Note that E
The CU 3 is a central control unit that performs various kinds of monitoring and control such as charge control of the battery pack 1 and life determination.

The signal conversion / transmission circuit 21 is a circuit including a CPU, and is capable of transmitting various data stored in the ROM 22 to the ECU 3. For example, each of the voltage measurement units 201 to 224 is set with the address number of each unit by the setting switch 23, and transmits the address number by adding the address number to the voltage data. Identification becomes easy. That is, it is possible to easily grasp which module has a reduced voltage. Further, various kinds of information are set in the ROM 22.
For example, the types of batteries constituting the battery pack 1 (nickel-hydrogen storage batteries, lead storage batteries, nickel-cadmium storage batteries, etc.)
Is stored. Also stored are a battery manufacturer, lot information, battery capacity, and the like. Furthermore, control information (control voltage value, control temperature value, temperature rise control value, control time, charge efficiency, etc.) necessary for charging the battery and control information necessary for displaying the remaining battery level, such as self-discharge rate and discharge efficiency, are also provided. It is remembered. That is, the voltage measurement units 201 to 224 also have a function as a battery information unit. These various pieces of information are transmitted serially in the same manner as the transmission of the voltage data upon receiving a predetermined signal from the ECU 3.
By storing all information on the battery in the voltage measurement units 201 to 224 in this manner, the ECU
No. 3 eliminates the need to directly hold battery-specific information. This not only reduces the load on the storage capacity of the ECU 3, but also eliminates the need to change the setting items of the ECU 3 even if the type or specification of the battery changes, so that the ECU 3 has versatility. This is a great effect in practical use.

Next, the installation locations of the voltage measurement units 201 to 224 will be described. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the module 101. Module 101 has 10 cells 1
0 and are electrically connected in series.
Is housed in A voltage measurement unit 201 housed in a case is attached to a side surface of the container 11. FIG.
FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the battery pack 1. Twenty-four modules 101 to 124 constituting the assembled battery 1 (reference numerals are partially omitted)
Are arranged in six columns and four columns, and are stored in the container 131. Voltage measuring units 201 to 224 are attached to the side surfaces of the modules 101 to 124, respectively.
The input terminals (not shown) of the voltage measurement units 201 to 224 are connected to the + terminals of the corresponding modules 101 to 124, respectively.
And-are connected to both terminals, and as a signal to be measured,
In addition, it receives each voltage of the modules 101 to 124 as a power supply. Only the voltage measuring unit 201 is directly connected to the ECU 3, and the voltage measuring units 202 to 224 are interconnected only by the serial transmission line 4b. As described above, the line wired on the upper surface of the battery pack 1 and extending between the modules is the serial transmission line 4b.
And the connection line with the ECU 3 is a serial transmission line 4a.
Only the wiring is clear and simple. Therefore,
Wiring work is also speeded up, and erroneous connection hardly occurs.

Hereinafter, the installation locations of the voltage measurement units 201 to 224 will be described more specifically with reference to Examples 1 to 3. 4 to 6 are drawings related to the first embodiment.
First, FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of the module 101 in the present embodiment. The ten cells 10 include side fixing frames 12 and 13 and a fixing bracket 1 for connecting them.
4 (also provided on the rear side of the figure), both ends of which are fixed, forming a solid individual as a whole. In addition,
Although the shape of the cell 10 is omitted in FIG.
The unevenness is formed on the side surface, so that even if they are closely arranged, ventilation is possible between them. Also, the fixing bracket 14
A concave portion into which is fitted is provided on the side surface. In this embodiment, the voltage measurement unit 201 is provided inside the side fixed frame 13. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing only the side fixing frame 13. The side surface fixing frame 13 has a concave portion on the inside, and insulating support pins 131 are provided at four corners. A terminal block 132 is provided on the upper surface. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the voltage measurement unit 201 is attached to the side fixing frame 13. The printed circuit board 201a of the voltage measurement unit 201 is fixed on the insulating support pins 131, and the cover 133 is mounted thereon. The external connection line is connected to the terminal block 132 in FIG.

7 and 8 are diagrams relating to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a part of the cell 10 with a part thereof in section. The cell 10 has an electrode group 10H in a container including a battery case 10B and a lid 10A, and a positive terminal 10C and a negative terminal 10D protrude from the lid 10A. Also, the lid 10A
Is also provided with a safety valve 10E. On the outer surface of the battery case 10B, there are formed a rib 10J for securing a ventilation space and a fixing concave portion 10K in a module configuration. A recess 10F is formed at one end of the lid 10A.
The voltage measuring unit 201 is made into a custom IC and inserted into the recess 10F. FIG. 8 shows a custom IC in the recess 10F.
FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state where a simplified voltage measurement unit 201A is provided. After inserting the voltage measurement unit 201A,
Attach the cover 10G.

FIG. 9 is a view showing a third embodiment, and is a voltage measuring unit 201 formed as a custom IC similar to the second embodiment.
A (FIG. 8) is configured to be inserted into a concave portion 10L provided below the bottom of the battery case 10B.

[0023]

The monitoring device for a battery pack according to the present invention configured as described above has the following effects.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a voltage detecting circuit connected between both terminals of each module battery of the assembled battery, and an output of the voltage detecting circuit is converted into a digital signal and serially transmitted. Since the voltage measurement units including the signal conversion and transmission circuits to be output are provided integrally with the corresponding module batteries, the wiring from the module batteries to the voltage measurement unit is shortened, and the output of the voltage measurement unit is reduced. Is serially transmitted, it is sufficient to connect only the module batteries in order. Therefore, the wiring is simplified, and the wiring operation can be performed quickly and accurately.

[0025]

[0026]

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage device for storing control information of a module battery and a storage device for storing the control information.
Since a voltage measuring unit, which is a battery information unit having a transmission circuit for transmitting various information, for example, battery type information and control information to an external central control device , an electronic control unit , is provided integrally for each module battery. In addition, there is no need to set various types of battery and various information on control in the central controller. Further, the module battery and the battery information unit can be handled integrally. Therefore, if the battery to be handled is changed, the battery information unit is also changed to the one dedicated to the battery, so that the central control device can be commonly used.

[0028] The monitor of the assembled battery of claim 3, the electronic control Yu the switch and its address number set a unique address number of module batteries is an external central control unit
In battery information unit with a transmission circuit for transmitting to knit
One voltage measurement unit integrated for each module battery
, The central controller having received the signal from the battery information unit can reliably specify which module battery the signal is from. Therefore, it becomes easy to specify the module battery in which a failure has occurred.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block circuit diagram showing a battery pack monitoring apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing one module of a battery pack and a voltage measurement unit (battery information unit) provided on a side surface thereof according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a schematic arrangement of a battery pack monitoring apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a battery pack monitoring device according to the first embodiment in which a voltage measurement unit (battery information unit) is provided in a side fixed frame of the module.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a specific example of a side fixing frame shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where a voltage measurement unit (battery information unit) is attached to the side fixing frame shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment in which a concave portion for accommodating a voltage measurement unit (battery information unit) is provided in a lid portion of a cell which is a minimum unit battery constituting a battery pack.

FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state where a voltage measurement unit (battery information unit) is inserted into the recess shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a third embodiment in which a concave portion for accommodating a voltage measurement unit (battery information unit) is provided in a bottom portion of a cell.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an internal circuit configuration of the battery pack.

FIG. 11 is a plan view showing wiring and the like to a conventional battery pack monitoring device.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 1 battery pack 3 ECU (electronic control unit) 10 cell 10A lid 10B battery case 10F, 10L recess 13 side fixed frame 20 voltage detection circuit 21 signal conversion / transmission circuit 22 ROM 23 switch 101-124 module 201-224 voltage measurement unit ( Battery information unit)

Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Hiroharu Takada 1006 Kazuma Kadoma, Kadoma-shi, Osaka Examiner, Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Masahiro Takagi (56) References JP-A-6-295747 (JP, A) JP-A-6 -68912 (JP, A) JP-A-8-140204 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H01M 10/42-10/48 H02J ⁷ /00-7/12

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] In a battery pack monitoring device comprising a plurality of module batteries connected in series , each of the module batteries is provided integrally with the module battery.
Each of which has information about the module battery
Number of voltage measurement units, and each of the voltage measurement units via one transmission path.
Information about each module battery is entered and each module is
An electronic control unit for monitoring and controlling the battery.
And each of the voltage measurement units
The output voltage of the module battery connected between both terminals of the pond
A voltage detection circuit for detecting an output signal, and converting an output signal from the voltage detection circuit into a digital signal.
The signal transmitted serially to the electronic control unit.
Signal conversion / transmission circuit, and information on the module battery.
Depending on the request from the control unit,
The monitor of the assembled battery to have a, a storage device for outputting information about. 2. A monitoring device of the plurality of assembled batteries Ru connected <br/> forming a battery module in series, provided integrally with the respective module batteries, it
Each has information about the module batteries, and
Multiple voltmeters each connected by a serial communication line
Measurement unit and one voltage measurement unit in the plurality of voltage measurement units.
Via a serial transmission line connected to the unit
Information about the module battery is entered for each module
An electronic control unit for monitoring and controlling the battery, wherein each of the voltage measuring units is
The output voltage of the module battery connected between both terminals of the pond
A voltage detection circuit for detecting an output signal, and converting an output signal from the voltage detection circuit into a digital signal.
A signal conversion / transmission circuit for converting and transmitting serially, and information about the module battery are stored and stored in the electronic control unit.
Depending on the request from the control unit,
The monitor of the assembled battery to have a, a storage device for outputting information about. 3. A monitoring device of the plurality of assembled batteries Ru connected <br/> forming a battery module in series, provided integrally with the respective module batteries, it
Each has information about the module batteries, and
Multiple voltmeters each connected by a serial communication line
Measurement unit and one voltage measurement unit in the plurality of voltage measurement units.
Via a serial transmission line connected to the unit
Information about the module battery is entered for each module
An electronic control unit for monitoring and controlling the battery, wherein each of the voltage measuring units is
The output voltage of the module battery connected between both terminals of the pond
A voltage detection circuit for detecting an output signal, and converting an output signal from the voltage detection circuit into a digital signal.
To set the signal conversion / transmission circuit for serial transmission and output and the unique address number of the module battery.
Switch for the module battery specified by the address number.
Information from the electronic control unit.
Module number when specified by the
The monitor of the assembled battery to be closed and a storage device for outputting that information.